tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21174155989423344352024-03-05T18:18:54.199-08:00The Glory StoryJesus said, "I AM the door."unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-30776481990924814282016-08-15T21:45:00.001-07:002016-08-22T19:13:05.853-07:00<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">This guy has been and continues to be soooooo <i>instrumental</i> in my life!!! I can't even begin to express! </span><br />
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And yes, I'm proud of my pun. ;)unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-35253967060248028832016-08-06T21:10:00.003-07:002016-08-08T19:01:20.523-07:00a glimpse of glory<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Lord was so kind when He had Nathan in mind for me. I realize this more with each day that passes. I thought I loved him when I dated him, but that love has only grown since I've married him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like any couple, our relationship is enriched by both our differences and our commonalities. We are different. We've had different people and places in our past. We have different perspectives on different things. We have different personalities. We have different gifts. And then we are alike in so many other ways. The deepest bond we share is Jesus Christ. We both love to spend time with people. We both love to travel and to eat. We both are intrigued by language and history. And we both share a profound appreciation for music. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of our favourite words is "juntos" which is the Spanish word for "together." We love to experience life "juntos." It's just more fun and interesting that way! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For all our differences and commonalities, I am moved to worship the God who orchestrated our love story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Speaking of orchestration, in case you didn't already know, my husband is a composer. And a serious one at that. I mean, the guy has a photo of John Williams and him in his wallet. I'm not even in his wallet! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Anyways, Nathan writes and directs some of the most beautiful orchestra pieces on the planet (not that I'm biased or anything!). Hence why I call his director's baton a wand because that's what it truly is. It works real magic in real time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of my favourite things about being married to him is hearing him in the process of a piece of music coming to life. It'll start as a simple melody and transform into an unforgettable theme. It'll capture you and carry you. You'll soar with the score.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Better than that though is when he goes on a heartfelt spiel about how God's glory is WONDERfully shown in music. Just last night he was raving about this very thing. From the depths of his being, he exclaimed, "Angela, our God is so sO SO glorious!!! Isn't it amazing that He has given us music as an evidence of His glory?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After all, music was God's idea since the beginning (Job 38:7) and is one of His heavenly hobbies (Zephaniah 3:17). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This got me to thinking - just as there are endless arrangements of notes and a stunning diversity of genres and a fascinating variety of instruments, so multifaceted and magnificent is God's glory! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And if I'm so impressed with but a little image-bearer (aka my husband) of our big and glorious God, then I can't even begin to imagine the splendour of the Source! And if I'm so overwhelmed by Nathan's gift of music, then I am in total and complete awe of the Giver. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, let me end on this "note," ;) I love my composer mucho, and I love the way he imitates our Creator.</span>unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-24451770583708701522016-08-06T17:58:00.006-07:002016-08-06T18:07:12.575-07:00marriage<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I can't say it any better than C.S. Lewis - "</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One’s mind runs back up the sunbeam to the sun." Nathan is the sunbeam in my life. God is the sun.</span><br />
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unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-73924842689804364222016-08-04T21:20:00.001-07:002016-08-06T15:58:11.985-07:00what it's not and what it is<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following was inspired by a thought-provoking conversation with a couple of fellow Christians over an authentic Mexican meal. We were glorifying God with our tastebuds and our conversation. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Galatians 1:8 issues a sobering warning - "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!" </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Yikes! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">That begs the big question - what isn't the Gospel, and what is the Gospel?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Let's start with what it isn't. People often go to extremes, and both extremes are extremely wrong. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">On one side of the spectrum, you have "the health and wealth" version which promises only earthly prosperity in this life if you seek God. Do we really think that our righteous God can't see right through our ulterior motives? Let it be clear - the Good News is<i> not </i>about your body's physical health or your bank account amount. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">On the other end of the spectrum, you have </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"the doom and gloom" version which preaches all pain and no gain. Do we forget that God's presence is described as being "the fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore"? Let it be clear - the Good News is <i>not</i> ultimately about the bad news of sin and sorrow and Satan. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Both of these lopsided versions are a false Gospel, and the person who preaches either one to anyone is in major trouble. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">So, what is the Gospel we ought to preach? It is CHRIST eternal, incarnate, crucified, resurrected, </span><i style="color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">and </i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">enthroned. </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">It </span><i style="color: #001320; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">is</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> an abundant life, but not the way you might assume. It's your sin-sick soul that is healed and your spiritual bankruptcy that is solved. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">God in all His glory is your ultimate reward.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> It </span><i style="color: #001320; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">is</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> an awful present and future without Jesus, but it doesn't have to be. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">God is not </span><i style="color: #001320; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">just</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> just; He is just as much love! He loves to love! The Good News</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> is the worthy Redeemer seeking you that you might seek and find and enJOY Him for Him forever. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-50002910432899766862016-08-04T21:06:00.000-07:002016-08-05T16:53:42.517-07:00when students remind the teacher<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">We had the pleasure and treasure of reading "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis this past school year. The following occurred in our class discussion.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">Student: "Mrs. J., why does Aslan not just obliterate the witch? I mean, he could just wipe her out. He's the king! But instead he lets her kill him." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">Me: "Very true. But <i>first</i> he wants to take care of Edmund's soul, right? And he wants to melt the terrible winter spell that had been cast over Narnia."</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">(Hmmm, Aslan sounds like another King whose plan was to REDEEM, then reign!) </span><i class="_lew" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "San Francisco", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;" title="smile emoticon"><i aria-hidden="true" class="_4-k1 img sp_fM-mz8spZ1b sx_5371b4" style="background-image: url("/rsrc.php/v2/yx/r/pimRBh7B6ER.png"); background-position: 0px -340px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i><span aria-hidden="true" class="_4mcd" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px;">:)</span></i>unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-51790405307279142962016-08-04T21:01:00.001-07:002016-08-04T21:19:32.423-07:00my moving window<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<i><span style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">Sheep-like clouds in the sky,</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<i><span style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">Cloud-like sheep passing by,</span><span style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span></i></div>
<div style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<i>Blue sky above, blue sea below,</i></div>
<div style="letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;"><i>God's colours everywhere you go.</i></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<i>Soaring birds in the sky, </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<i>Tree branches waving bye, </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<i>Yellow blooms, green rolling hills, </i></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<i>Arching rainbow, His glory thrills!</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
- a silly wee poem I penned on the road whilst in Northern Ireland with my beloved travel companion </div>
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unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-32434540088905411902016-08-04T20:58:00.001-07:002016-08-04T21:18:28.304-07:00WONDERing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"><i>Why is it that a rainbow looks upside down?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"><i>Why does it appear a colourful frown?</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"><i>Well, perhaps it's right side up from God above,</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"><i>A smile - a mile long - from the God of love.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "san francisco" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.24px; line-height: 19.32px;">P.S. Can you even begin to imagine "the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ," (Titus 2:13) the Maker of the mere magic around us?</span>unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-17693374314302332092015-06-13T10:33:00.001-07:002015-06-13T10:33:31.339-07:00Hallelujah!Sadly at times I fall and fail,<br />
Gladly God's mercy and love prevail.unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-65681038025174128862015-03-23T20:00:00.001-07:002015-03-23T20:44:23.433-07:00"The best is yet to come!" <span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The best is yet to come!" Thank you, Frank Sinatra. And it's more than just a fine line from a classic song. It's a reality for the Christian.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am engaged to a wonderful Christian man. His name is Nathan Juarez. He has a head and heart for God. He loves the church. He is handsome and romantic. He is magical on the piano. And he loves Cuban food as much as I do. I love him a lot (and for a lot more reasons than just those), and I am counting down the days till we say "I do" to each other. It will be so great to have a companion to share the joys and burdens of life's journey.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As excited as I am for our wedding day, still, I am even more overwhelmed thinking about the reality that we are on our way to Heaven. This engagement season has really got me to thinking.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If the splendid sparkle on my finger which demands so much attention is just a small glimmer of what is to come, can you imagine?! If a jewel speck from Earth radiates such glorious spectrums of colour, can you even begin to envision the majesty of God, Creator of diamonds? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And if the love I experience from Nathan is just a little picture of the Groom's love to come, can you imagine?! God is love! And the anticipation for the Hawaiian honeymoon can't even rival the anticipation the Christian should feel for eternity where there are pleasures forevermore at His right hand (Psalm 16:11).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm doing an identity study at the moment, and the one that has most struck me is that I am on my way to Heaven - Heaven with the King of Kings and the fellowship of all His blood-bought children. Now that is glorious beyond comprehension. "No eye has seen and no human mind has conceived - the things God has prepared for those who love Him." (1 Corinthians 2:9) With this in mind, truly our long days on Earth filled with sighing and crying, waiting and working, wandering and wondering are but "momentary afflictions preparing for us an eternal weight of GLORY beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:17) You know?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here I am, awaiting the 17th of May (Yay! Come quickly!), but am I expecting Jesus' return with such joy and urgency as well? Am I inviting those around me to the eternal party with the Lord Jesus Christ? Thankfully everybody is invited to that, while I'm limited to a 200 guest count on Earth. :) </span></span><br />
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</span>unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-5897948446807459652014-10-29T12:14:00.002-07:002014-10-29T12:14:28.048-07:00Order, order!God wants our hearts before our hands.unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-29001631940025256962014-10-07T13:47:00.006-07:002014-10-07T13:50:06.897-07:00Welcomed Home<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
God is the faithful Father,<br />
I am the prodigal son.<br />
He loves and waits and provides,<br />
yet I run and run and run.<br /><br />
God is the faithful Father,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I am the wayward child.<br />
He cares and cries and invites,<br />
Yet I abuse His grace and go wild.<br /><br />
God is the faithful Father,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I am the sorry son.<br />
He welcomes me and rejoices.<br />
I realize the wrong that I've done.<br /><br />
God is the faithful Father,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
He sent His only Son,<br />
To mend the relationship,<br />
To forgive me for what I've done.<br /><br />
God is the faithful Father,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I am the thankful guest.<br />
He gives me a fresh start in life,<br />
And shows me His presence is best.<br /><br />
God is the faithful Father,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I am the happy slave.<br />
In obedience I've found freedom.<br />
For good works He me did save.<br /><br />
God is the faithful Father,
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
I am the hopeful heir<br />
To enjoy heaven with Him<br />
To celebrate forever there.<br /><br />
-Inspired by Jesus' story found in Luke 15
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unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-90765343407217809452014-09-29T10:40:00.002-07:002014-09-29T10:40:46.694-07:00Our GodHe is<br />
holy, holy, holy!<br />
And He looks to the<br />
lowly, lowly, lowly.unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-63630335744751887852014-09-05T15:52:00.003-07:002014-09-05T16:20:01.253-07:00on souls and solesIn the morning<br />
when you are choosing shoes,<br />
don't snooze<br />
and overlook the most important shoes of all.<br />
And no, I'm not talking about those new name brands from the mall.<br />
<br />
I'm talking about the ones the One talks about -<br />
the ones that carry peace to every place,<br />
the ones that you wear that don't wear out,<br />
the ones that help you run the race before you -<br />
<i>Gospel shoes.</i><br />
<br />
These shoes don't go out of style,<br />
and they last mile after mile,<br />
and they must not get lost in the pile.<br />
<br />
These shoes don't walk with the tide.<br />
They work worldwide.<br />
They cannot choose to hide.<br />
They talk of the Guide <br />
on the ride of life<br />
through sun and through strife,<br />
down valleys,<br />
up hills,<br />
down alleys,<br />
<br />
... and into offices,<br />
where the ladies have their high heels on<br />
and the men their slick, polished shoes - <br />
(those brand names from the mall)<br />
walking tall,<br />
toes pointed<br />
toward<br />
the ward<br />
for ill souls,<br />
soles worn out,<br />
souls worn out,<br />
secretly.<br />
<br />
You see, <br />
that's why you need to put those Gospel soles<br />
first on your feet,<br />
so that when you meet<br />
those low souls in high heels,<br />
those dirty souls in polished boots,<br />
those important souls in cheap flats,<br />
you can tell them where to look -<br />
<br />
to Him Who came from on High to low -<br />
to Him under Whose feet we live,<br />
Who came under to wash our feet -<br />
<br />
to Him Who walked and talked among us,<br />
Whose sandal straps we were unworthy to untie -<br />
<br />
to Him Whose bare feet were nailed to a tree<br />
on a hill called Calvary,<br />
where He bore our sin and shame -<br />
<br />
to the Name worthy of all fame -<br />
the Lord God -<br />
because He is holy<br />
and He wholly conquered death<br />
so that we might truly live.<br />
<br />
<i>In Him, through Him and to Him be the glory</i><br />
for this Story<br />
though gory, but great,<br />
because our sin-sick souls can be repaired<br />
by His payment.<br />
<br />
This Lord Jesus -<br />
Who crushed Satan's head with His heel!<br />
<br />
So how do you get these new souls...<br />
these new soles?<br />
<br />
And what about a wardrobe change?<br />
It's available to all -<br />
and no, you can't get it at the mall.<br />
<br />
Here's how -<br />
<br />
Christ came,<br />
To give us (so that we might live)<br />
His robe of righteousness -<br />
a radiant robe, a required robe,<br />
a blood-bought robe.<br />
<br />
We receive this robe<br />
in exchange for our rags<br />
full of snags, full of tears and tears -<br />
our rags that we have tried to wash clean<br />
(with our rule-following<br />
and sermon-swallowing<br />
and guilt-wallowing)<br />
to no avail.<br />
<br />
You see there was this veil<br />
(this separation because of our sin) <br />
between the Creator and creature<br />
that the only good God-Man came to tear.<br />
<br />
And now we wear<br />
this bride's veil,<br />
clean, pristine, proper,<br />
bought by His life-blood -<br />
free to us but cost Him everything,<br />
free to us but cost Him everything.<br />
<br />
And the payment He made was complete<br />
Because He rose back on His feet<br />
And ascended back on high to the sky. <br />
<br />
Now do you see<br />
that these costly clothes<br />
and these Gospel shoes<br />
are the most essential items we need?<br />
<br />
<b>He is </b><br />
more vital than Vera Wang<br />
more pricey than Prada<br />
más dulce que Dolce and Gabana<br />
more gorgeous than Gucci<br />
more special than Kate Spades.<br />
<br />
So, my sister, <br />
forget that dress for now<br />
and address your absolute need of His blood-bought covering.<br />
Forget that diamond ring right now<br />
and look at the Kind King, radiant in all His sparkling splendour. <br />
Forget those red nails and pierced ears for now<br />
and see His nail-pierced hands, red with blood.<br />
Forget that accessory's price<br />
and consider the price He paid for your life. <br />
Forget that new handbag for now,<br />
and see His hands beckoning you, "Come!"<br />
Forget the latest designer<br />
and get to know your Designer.<br />
Forget what you think you need,<br />
because what you absolutely need is the Redeemer. <br />
<br />
Realize that you don't just own a bunch of soles,<br />
you are a soul.<br />
You don't just have a body,<br />
you are meant to be part of the body of Christ.<br />
<br />
All of humanity<br />
in all of our depravity<br />
need all of His grace<br />
poured out upon the human race!<br />
<br />
Sisters, we're all really the same<br />
and this life is not a game.<br />
<br />
We need the Name above all names,<br />
the blest One, our rest -<br />
Jesus Christ.<br />
And when we know Him, we will want Him more than anything else.<br />
<br />
"What does it profit a man or woman to gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" - Jesus <br />
<br />unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-13329679359285560472014-09-05T14:59:00.000-07:002014-09-05T16:17:37.358-07:00vida verdaderaDo not be lulled<br />
to be dulled...<br />
<br />
"The Walking Dead" is not just some TV show,<br />
not just some parade down the street,<br />
that will fade as a fad with time.<br />
<br />
No.<br />
<br />
Know that the walking dead is a reality -<br />
a dangerous drama diluting,<br />
a sorry saga secluding<br />
people from <i>true</i> life. <br />
Deceiving the Eve in us, <br />
leaving this generation lost<br />
because lies cost.<br />
<br />
Lies -<br />
<br />
"Pretty Little Liars" we are,<br />
wearing make up to make up<br />
for our empty, ugly souls.<br />
Pretty little liars -<br />
this glamourous, clamourous giggly gig<br />
when really -<br />
<i>Is not a beautiful woman with no discretion a pig</i>?<br />
<br />
But hey, we are caught in a worldly web,<br />
bought by the online web<br />
that teaches girls to reduce their waist-line<br />
by reducing their dignity to a dime. <br />
"Buy this!" and by this date,<br />
you'll have a date.<br />
"Wear this!" and where will you go?<br />
Far! <br />
"Drink this!" "Think this!"<br />
Pink this, purple that.<br />
And what does all this add up to -<br />
a shrinking wallet, a shrinking waist-line - <br />
but all really just a waste of time.<br />
<br />
... So, it's time<br />
to evangelize our souls, not trivialize.<br />
<br />
Scriptures say something about all of this!<br />
So, listen up because <i>truth stays true</i>,<br />
And it's about time we get a clue!<br />
<br />
<b>"She who is self-indulgent is dead even though she lives." </b><br />
<br />
<i>"Indulgent"</i> - let's break it down<br />
before we break down completely.<br />
<br />
<i>In</i> - inward focused.<br />
She says, "Time is mine."<br />
She says, "I am totally fine." <br />
She demands, "Give, give!" like a leech.<br />
She warns, "Don't dare preach."<br />
<br />
<i>Dul(l) - </i><br />
What a bore,<br />
Always wanting more!<br />
What's in store?<br />
What's at the store? <br />
Stuffed but starved,<br />
Can't cope,<br />
So she mopes.<br />
<i>Bleep </i>(a swear word)<br />
<i>Beep </i>(her phone goes)<br />
Welcome distraction!<br />
<i>Click </i>(photo)<br />
<i>Click </i>(upload)<br />
Waiting, celebrating<br />
all the "likes" ups her rating.<br />
Stroking her vanity,<br />
Bordering insanity,<br />
Eventually fed up, wanna give up...<br />
<br />
But wait... it's a...<br />
<br />
<i>Gent </i>-<br />
She craves attention from a gent,<br />
though he is anything but a gentleman.<br />
But still, the thrill!<br />
It's time to manipulate,<br />
so she dresses as bate,<br />
and she stays out late,<br />
Seducing him, reducing her<br />
to a cheap chimp,<br />
an impulsive victim to vanity,<br />
with a fever for fun,<br />
a longing for love turned lust,<br />
but she "must" just follow her heart.<br />
"Believe in yourself" she mumbles,<br />
as she stumbles,<br />
as she crumbles.<br />
<br />
Striving to be alive,<br />
but feeling sad,<br />
feeling bad,<br />
going mad. <br />
<br />
Oh, the epitome of pity -<br />
to party then pity party!<br />
To love yourself and feel lonely.<br />
To trust oneself and find yourself falling short...<br />
even in your high heels. <br />
To laugh out loud and cry inside<br />
To flirt and feel like dirt<br />
To flaunt and be haunted by fear<br />
To be noisy and nosy<br />
To find yourself a fake<br />
Whose flattery was all just fluff -<br />
You're not enough.<br />
No.<br />
Now you know it was all just stuff.<br />
<br />
Now you see that<br />
You by yourself are just a dead end.<br />
You're on a journey... <br />
Sure, maybe seventy years long and seemingly wide,<br />
but in the end a pointless ride,<br />
Swept away by the tide<br />
of the next century.<br />
<br />
We are like a flower that will fall,<br />
unable to stall,<br />
on the way to eternity.<br />
<br />
We are like a mist that appears<br />
then disappears<br />
after a certain amount of years.<br />
<br />
Do you see the "us" in dust?<br />
We are but dust. <br />
And our stuff will rust.<br />
<br />
But we are souls<br />
that will last<br />
past these years,<br />
past these peers. <br />
<br />
<br />
So, logically you have some choices.<br />
Either...<br />
live it up or give it up.<br />
YOLO or sink low.<br />
Cope or mope.<br />
... Or neither!<br />
There is HOPE!<br />
<br />
Yes, our name is Eve<br />
with pride in our stride<br />
but on the eve<br />
of being made new...<br />
<i>Phew! </i><br />
Because...<br />
<br />
There is a Name<br />
Whose fame is forever.<br />
There is a Light<br />
Whose flame always burns.<br />
There is a Love<br />
Whose grace ever flows<br />
There is a Redeemer<br />
That cares, helps, and knows. <br />
<br />
The Winner of sinners,<br />
The Lover who covers our stains<br />
With the flood of His blood<br />
<br />
<b>His Name is Jesus!</b><br />
<br />
The Second Adam<br />
Who gives us a second chance<br />
The Giver of all good gifts<br />
Let us sing and dance!<br />
<br />
He rose up from the dead<br />
That we might die to our-dead-end-selves<br />
and rise with Him to truly live<br />
To gladly give <br />
All in exchange for His new life.<br />
<br />
So, let's renounce our pride,<br />
for the King of kings died.<br />
Let's forsake our fear<br />
for the Prince of princes came near.<br />
Let's quit our lust<br />
for He is a Lover to trust.<br />
Let's kill our greed<br />
for God meets our every need.<br />
Let's forget our nerves<br />
Because His child serves.<br />
<br />
Let's give up our pathetic, puny plot<br />
(that eventually will rot)<br />
to the One Who gave up His throne for a cross.<br />
Let's surrender our small, silly dream<br />
To the everlasting Theme<br />
of His marvelous grace to our human race. <br />
<br />
Though the leech cries, "Give, give!"<br />
The LORD cries louder, "Live, live!"unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-22904547470684409002014-08-07T12:05:00.002-07:002014-08-09T14:32:15.970-07:00the fight of faithWhat do you do when days are dark...<br />
When the nights are far too long?<br />
You <i>hope against hope</i> for His spark<br />
And wait and pray for His song.unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-1340358583698780952014-07-29T17:18:00.002-07:002014-07-29T17:18:23.740-07:00Stupid Self-Reliance<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
"What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?"<span class="p"> [1 Corinthians 4:7]</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="p"><br /></span></div>
<span class="p"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These two questions answer a lot of other questions. All is grace.</span></span>unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-90386317387236921632014-07-29T14:04:00.001-07:002014-09-05T13:34:41.432-07:00Back to the BasicsGod is God. God is eternal. God is Three in One. God is good. God does good. God is holy. God is love. He is the Original. He is glorious. He made and owns and sustains everything in the entire universe. He is beautiful.<br />
<br />
God breathed life into man and woman and called His creation very good. We enjoyed fellowship with the Best Being. We experienced His good gifts of life and love. It was bliss.<br />
<br />
God gave humanity a free will, a choice to love Him by trusting and obeying Him. He desired lovers.<br />
<br />
Adam and Eve chose wrongly. Humanity deliberately disobeyed. We did not have faith in His goodness and turned to our own foolish ways. "God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path."<span class="p"> We failed. It was bad. </span><br />
<br />
Our failure reaped due consequences - death. Our disobedience deserves separation from our perfect Creator. Sometimes we think we are not that bad, but that's because we've forgotten that He is that good! His standard for communion is holiness. He must do what is right because He is just. He cannot and will not tolerate our evil. That's bad news for us. But let's keep in mind, our loss is our fault. <br />
<br />
BUT there is the Gospel! In His great mercy, He entered the world He made to save His people from their sins. Jesus, God Incarnate, came and lived a perfect life and suffered a painful death in our place. He then rose again in victory, offering new life. He is called the Second Adam and through Him we have a second chance at life. That's good news for us! Our relationship is restored! And let's keep in mind, our gain is His grace!<br />
<br />
Let us say with David, "I have no good apart from You, God." And we will be celebrating Him for eternity! unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-16663535682340544782014-07-21T10:14:00.000-07:002016-08-05T16:59:35.527-07:00Life and Light from the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrDDsY8m4h-cIrLbiEjCgf_Y767QhW14JVYlGxuZ80Whf6ulUyjrytfz2og8aP5HyEMhE99gx6fOLSLA5ecwgMsPY-LYsvi1WIoXZXhliaIRYzJpac0fhlugvIJL_RIwKzqxiLqnGNQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-07-21+at+10.16.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrDDsY8m4h-cIrLbiEjCgf_Y767QhW14JVYlGxuZ80Whf6ulUyjrytfz2og8aP5HyEMhE99gx6fOLSLA5ecwgMsPY-LYsvi1WIoXZXhliaIRYzJpac0fhlugvIJL_RIwKzqxiLqnGNQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-07-21+at+10.16.13+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="text Ps-36-9" id="en-ESV-14448" style="font-size: small;">"For with You is the fountain of life;</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="indent-1" style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-36-9">in Your light do we see light." </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Ps-36-9">[Psalm 36:9]</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">You are the God who illumines,</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Who gives perfect light to the blind.</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">You are the full fountain of life,</span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Who delights the heart, soul and mind.</span></i></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="indent-1" style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Ps-36-9"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We receive life and light from the same Source - Jesus. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Ps-36-9"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He made it all. He gives it all.</span>
</span></span></div>
unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-47282907684744423612014-07-17T12:34:00.002-07:002014-07-17T12:58:11.383-07:00Living on Borrowed Breath<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5P_HKhaejnEPmEbUajJE2rD2cBmMIOYT4LGfVUj2_F_19tZYLRGZiB1fjKmSn7F2zDvPIejhE7D8NJZjK2L4yZ_ueAdcfpZpRRp4pyumiDUhbqpdK8Nb2N211Fq2tEDLvCyYH-OQRw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-07-17+at+12.46.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5P_HKhaejnEPmEbUajJE2rD2cBmMIOYT4LGfVUj2_F_19tZYLRGZiB1fjKmSn7F2zDvPIejhE7D8NJZjK2L4yZ_ueAdcfpZpRRp4pyumiDUhbqpdK8Nb2N211Fq2tEDLvCyYH-OQRw/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-07-17+at+12.46.24+PM.png" height="192" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Just the other day, I had a Snapple peach tea. Mmmm! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> There are two reasons why I enjoy this drink. For one, it's tasty, and for two, it contains a fun fact on the cap. This particular cap read "The average person has 23, 000 breaths a day." </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Think of it - we inhale and exhale thousands of times a day. About 23,000 times. Wow! And most of this breathing is involuntary. We don't think about it. It just happens. <i>In and out, in and out, </i>and on and on we go.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">But we should think about it. We should think about where our breath comes from and why we all have it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="text Acts-17-25" id="en-ESV-27535" style="font-size: small;">God's Word tells us the answer to the where and why. "He himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." [Acts 17:24-28]</span><span style="font-size: small;"> "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD (of life)."</span><span class="p" style="font-size: small;"> [Psalm 150:6]</span><span class="text Acts-17-25" id="en-ESV-27535" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Let's remember - we walk and talk and work and play on borrowed breath.</span></div>
<br />unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-4321623783659860732014-07-02T16:07:00.002-07:002014-07-02T16:28:33.699-07:00believing the best about the Best!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Sometimes our doubts shout lies about God. Sometimes our minds find questions about His ways. Sometimes our hearts part from His truth. Sometimes our fears smear spiritual reality. And so, we find ourselves confused, careless and even callous, all because of a big misunderstanding on our part.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
This is why it is always absolutely necessary to decide to believe the best about God. Why?<b> </b>Because<i><b> </b><span style="font-size: large;">He is the best of beings</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">!</span> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">[Jonathan Edwards]</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Think about it. Even during the worst of times, we try to believe the best about certain people. Why? Because we remember the qualities in them that we love. We naturally appreciate and admire generosity, truth and goodness. If we do this with fallen human creatures (who show these qualities imperfectly), how much more should we do this with our holy Creator (Who possesses and proves these qualities perfectly)?<i> </i></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><br /></i>
So, we must fight the night with the light, the dark with the spark of His truth! How? By considering His character! Here's just three to start a countless list of "His best" qualities - </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
He owes no man anything, but gives generously to all. <b><i>He loves to share!</i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?" Romans 11:35<span class="p"></span></span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." James 1:17</span></i> </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="st">He is always right, and He always does the right thing. <b><i>He's always fair!</i></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="st">"</span><span class="st">Should not the <i>Judge</i> of all the earth <i>do what is right</i>?<wbr></wbr>" Genesis 18:25</span></span></i></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"For the word of the LORD is right and true." Psalm 33:4</span></i><span class="st"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="st">He is always good, and He is good to all. <b><i>He loves to care!</i></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"You are good, and what You do is good." Psalm 119:68</span></i></div>
<i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="st"><i>"The LORD is good to all</i>, and His mercy is over all that He has made." Psalm 145:9</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-45489121447089498652014-03-23T20:44:00.005-07:002014-03-23T21:26:57.052-07:00Someone to Sing About<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">I</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">'m reading a book of meditations on the Psalms by Sam Storms, and he has this catchy quote that is helping me find freedom from my sin and joy in my God! He says that to resist the power of temptation, "simply saying 'No! No! No!' won't suffice. We must learn to say 'Oh! Oh! Oh!'" Delight beats duty in the fight for victory!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;"><i>Oh! Oh! Oh! </i>Indeed, the only right response before our oh-so-great-God! </span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">The bad news: We have a problem. A big problem that has made our world so small. A heart problem that has minimized the Magnificent and magnified the man. What is it? We play the fool by exalting ourselves, and instead of shutting up as the Proverbs advise, we allow for arrogance. Sure, we may not boast aloud, and we don't actually pat ourselves on the back or strut around with our chin out. But does not this peacock problem run wild in our minds at times? We indulge in our own ideas, congratulate our clever thoughts, laugh at our own jokes, compliment our accomplishments, even admire our acts of service and sing our own song. And this is wrong because we can't even make our own hearts beat. And though our physical hearts are beating, we are not truly alive. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">"She who is self-indulgent is dead even though she lives." (1 Timothy 5:6) So here we are drugged on self and dead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">The good news: This problem can be fixed. Our big God came to this world to give us a new heart, and by beholding Him we are changed. Only by beholding Him, we are changed. He selflessly laid down His life for our selfishness. He gloriously gave His life for our redemption. His death on the cross reversed the curse of sin and death for us! His resurrection sealed the deal! He is in the business of mending when we are in the habit of rending ourselves to Him. He has shown us His glory in the world, the Word, and the Word become flesh, and tHis glory opens our eyes to the One Who has won all things to Himself. "All is from Him, through Him, and to Him! To Him be the glory!" </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">He is our Source, Saviour, and Sustainer. He is the exalted One! He is alive and to be adored!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">So, enough of this undue worship of creation and creatures! Enough of this silly self-preoccupation! Enough of our dead-end dramas! Enough of our stupid egos and vain thoughts! Enough of this slavery to self! Enough of this small living! Enough of this claustrophobic individuality! </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">Enough of this Reality reducing and self seducing lie that we are self-sufficient and worthy of praise. There is nothing farther from the truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">It's time for a bigger, better, truer, sweeter celebration! It's time to worship the Creator! It's time for freedom and fullness! </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">It's time to share a glory story that never ends! </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">It's time for purpose and pleasure that continue forever! </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">It's time to join hands in song and service with fellow creatures.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;"> It's time to acknowledge the only Original One. It's time to <i>really</i> live! It's time to give! Jesus is the truth that sets us free!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">So how do we move from the dead-end of self to the unending, shared joy of God? How do we decrease? By increasingly beholding Him, and in so doing we find ourselves humbled and happy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The totality of
His truth</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The vitality of
His voice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The authority of
His authorship</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The justice of
His jealously</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The bigness of
His beauty</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The entirety of
His eternity</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The expanse of
His excellence</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The pervasiveness
of His power</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The persistence
of His patience</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The span of His
splendor</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The stretch of
His strength</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The intricacies
of His imagination</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The orbit of His originality </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The thoroughness
of His thoughtfulness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The range of His
radiance</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The weight of His
whispers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The height of His
holiness</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The depth of His
delight</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The breadth of
His breath in us</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The craft of His
creativity with dust</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The width of His
wisdom</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The hugeness of
His humility</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The magnitude of
His miracles</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The wonder of His
ways</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The supremacy of
His sacrifice</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The completeness
of His cry</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The reality of
His resurrection</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The perfection of
His provision</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The mystery of
His mercy </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The greatness of
His grace</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The largeness of
His love</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The sufficiency
of His Scripture</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The constancy of
His care</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The reach of His
reign</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: large;">The fullness of
His freedom</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The song of His salvation!</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">So considering Who He is, let's be wise. Let's quit our silly songs about self and crank the volume of our voice to sing about Him! After all, this is the anthem hitherto and henceforth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: small;">P.S. Yes, I am aware that I got carried away with some "alliterated" praise. And still these words are feeble offerings. He is beyond our ability to capture with the written letter, but we better do our best because He's worthy of WONDERful words. Yet, do we live wonder-filled lives?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-65017514254999154802014-03-01T13:59:00.003-08:002014-03-01T14:02:08.954-08:00rain/reignWe are experiencing our first real rainfall of the year. Hallelujah! Ah, the cloudy, dripping skies are wonderful for so many reasons; aren't they? Girls get to sport their patterned rain boots, children break out their quirky umbrellas, and we all get to puddle jump and pretend we're in the beloved musical, "Singin' in the Rain." We turn off the music to hear the raindrops tap dance on the roof, and we open the blinds to see the raindrops splatter across and streak down the window glass. We go outside to breathe in the fresh air and watch the ground drink up every drop. We laugh at our fellow West Coasters awkwardly handle these contraptions called umbrellas and do our best not to poke somebody's eye out. We frantically try to remember how to operate our windshield wipers and drive at granny-speeds. We even plan a day to enjoy a day at home, complete with cozy socks and vegetable soup.<br />
<br />
What's not to love, right? But you know what we should love most of all? Hosea's ancient but true words - "He comes to us like rain!" So refreshing, so He is! And even when this rain storm passes through our state, He reigns over all still. So we really do have a reason to sing in the rain, sing under His reign!unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-79244898920281619942014-02-25T21:21:00.000-08:002014-02-25T22:01:09.837-08:00the right route <style>
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<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Trust
in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all
your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” </span></h2>
<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
am sure this verse is in our heads, as it is on many a Christian greeting card,
but has it travelled that long distance to our hearts? Has it arrived into our
souls? </span></h2>
<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our
way seems often weary as we tread life on earth – crooked paths, dead ends,
twisting roads, long lulls, steep hills, dry valleys… "That which is crooked
cannot be made straight," we feel along with Solomon. </span></h2>
<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God Himself sympathizes with our plight, for He humbled Himself to walk thirty-plus years
between towns and carpenter shops and homes, and ultimately to a cross, where
His weary feet were nailed in our place – “for the joy set before Him, He
endured." </span></h2>
<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Consider,
the earth which was His footstool was imprinted with His footsteps, and His
feet were imprinted with nails. He walked each step of our road of suffering, and in so doing, He
redeemed our route in every way. He detoured us from our destruction, and He opened up the
blocked way to God. And this path though narrow be, leads to wide joy
everlasting at His feet. </span></h2>
<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Following in His footsteps, let us meet the next step with a heart humble, in place of a mumble, because He
took our place that we might see His face calling us home. We must remember
that we do not roam like wanderers; we’re heading Home in wonder of His reception. We need not crumble at the cracks; we need not stumble over the steep, because “He makes our feet like the
feet of a deer; He causes us to stand on the heights.” And though we trip, we
will not slip, for when we said, "My foot is slipping," the LORD’s
unfailing love supported us. And when we feel limp and lame, we will claim,
“My feet stand on level ground.” And we will not be lost, because "the Lord shall continually guide us." And our feet are energized with purpose now, wherever they go. "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring His good news!" </span></h2>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
more of this unraveling, </span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
back to this traveling – home. </span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
more of this stalling,</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
back to His calling – home.</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
more of this wandering, </span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
back to pondering – home.</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
more of this racing,</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
back to praising – Him.</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
more of this solo riding,</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
back to Him – guiding.</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
more of this fearing,</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
back to revering – Him.</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No
more of this reserving,</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Get
back to Him – deserving,</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of all
praise, glory, and honour,</span></i></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Forever
and ever, amen. </span></i></h2>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course, there are tests and trials along the way.
“He is the way” though! Hear His blessed words, “</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight.” Our destination is sure; our
journey is accompanied; our Companion is resilient. </span></h2>
<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Onward
and upward, in step with His Spirit, my fellow travelers. “He
knows the way we take.”</span></h2>
unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-77977387786525422212014-01-04T14:58:00.001-08:002014-01-04T15:09:23.753-08:00365 / 36:5<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
2014 is here! </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Maybe you toasted to it half-heartedly because 2013 broke your heart. Or perhaps you ushered it in with cheers.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Well, either way, believe it or not, ready or not - it's true. The calendars have changed, and we're well under way. <span class="st">Yet, lest we think 2014 is merely another big block of time to do some big things, we must remember that 2014 is really 365 small DAYS, and days are made of hours and hours are made of minutes. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="st">C.S. Lewis well put, “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever they do, whoever they are.” </span><span class="st">The "there and then" will eventually, inevitably be the "here and now."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="st"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span class="st">So let us bravely meet this minute, use this present well because of His presence. T</span>he past need not be some ghost haunting, nor the future some monster daunting. Surely changes will come, but surely God's unchanging love is here. Certainly tomorrows will have sorrows, but certainly God's joy in the morning and mourning is dependable. Without fail, we will fail, but God has not, does not, will not. </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
However you met midnight on the first of this new year, there is no reason to fear about the future. You can say "Come what may!" because God has come and is coming again! </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
So...</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
let our hearts </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
inflate once more </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
with Gospel hope </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
to more than cope, </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
to triumph </div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
with His help!<br />
<br />
Happy 2014! Cheers to no fears and all faith!<br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-36-5" id="en-NIV-14444">Oh and I find it funny that the same numbers that make up the days in the year make up the very verse we need to heed. Psalm 36:5 - </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-36-5" id="en-NIV-14444">"Your love, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, reaches to the heavens,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-36-5">Your faithfulness to the skies.</span></span>"</div>
<br />
<br />unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2117415598942334435.post-10062885463795381042013-10-09T21:05:00.002-07:002014-03-24T22:34:53.684-07:00abundance availableWe are dry, we die<br />
without You.<br />
/Thirst at its worst,<br />
hunger pangs pierce like fangs<br />
reeling with a feeling of emptiness/<br />
We are weak,<br />
we seek You.<br />
We are dUSt,<br />
we must<br />
need<br />
You. <br />
<br />
<i>You are actually not far<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537"> from each one of us.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Whining more and pining for more</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Leaking and seeking more and more</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Wasting, not tasting more and more</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Taking not making more, more, and more.</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Presuming, consuming...</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">resuming this cycle of puffed up poverty.</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">We swallow more, </span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">only to find ourselves more hollow. </span><span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Void of vita/mins</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Lacking life</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Full on the frivolous</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Empty on essentials</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Stuffed with the superficial</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Starved for sustenance</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Deprived by decision </span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Shrinking, but thinking more will fill! </span><br />
<br />
So we are<br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Bloated with blogs</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Wanting for the Word</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Fat with facts</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Thin on theology</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Addicted to answers</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Neglecting nutrients</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Satisfied with a small snack</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Oblivious to the Omni-One</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Grabbing on the go</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Devoid of digestion</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Consuming copies</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Overlooking the Original</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">Anemic, bulimic spiritually</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">In a chronic condition</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537">With the Cure within reach </span><br />
<i><span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537"><br /></span></i>
<i>You are actually not far<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537"> from each one of us.</span></i><br />
<br />
Enough with this not enough!<br />
Awake O appetite for the living God!<br />
<br />
<i>You are actually not far<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537"> from each one of us.</span></i><br />
<br />
We find You full -<br />
with love better than life,<br />
with grace to end our strife,<br />
with power for every hour, <br />
with joy to replace fear,<br />
drawing near -<br />
we to You, You to us.<br />
<br />
<i>You are actually not far<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537"> from each one of us.</span></i><br />
<br />
Now I see,<br />
the problem was me<br />
all along<br />
there was a story and a song.<br />
<br />
<i>You are actually not far<span class="text Acts-17-27" id="en-ESV-27537"> from each one of us.</span></i><br />
<br />
I was malnourished,<br />
because of slack, not because of lack.<br />
The fact is that<br />
You call all the while - <br />
Your Word spread to be read<br />
before us like a feast<br />
open to the greatest and the least<br />
not to waste, but to <i>taste </i><br />
<i>and see that You are good. </i><br />
<br />
"Come!" You say,<br />
to the banquet of bounty<br />
and be filled,<br />
be filled with the water that Jesus gives,<br />
and thirst no more,<br />
find and mind<br />
what you've been looking for. <br />
<br />
Whether you wither<br />
or well up <br />
depends on the decision<br />
about tHis invitation.<br />
<br />
<i>My soul shall be satisfied </i><br />
<i>as with marrow and fatness,</i><br />
<i>and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.</i><br />
<br />
God of all hope,<br />
You are<br />
God of all grace,<br />
You are<br />
good.<br />
<br />
Jesus, You said that whoever believes in You,<br />
rivers of living water will flow from them.<br />
<br />
So choose, don't refuse Him,<br />
Love, don't abuse Him. <br />
<br />
We empty ourselves,<br />
You fill us...<br />
to overflow for others. <br />
We die to sin<br />
and begin<br />
to really breathe.<br />
We abide, <br />
You grow us<br />
to give.<br />
You grant us<br />
to live. <br />
<br />
<i>In You, we live and move and have our very being. </i>unfadingHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00380414765054131617noreply@blogger.com0