tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139800152024-03-12T19:54:42.548-04:00Reading Is My Super PowerA Hoosier MusingCrystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.comBlogger560125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-61202947985688097662014-07-11T13:21:00.000-04:002014-07-11T13:28:52.839-04:00This is My Story…And I'm Sticking to It! <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">E</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">very writer can point to a time when he or she remembered wanting to "say" something, so they began the process of writing it down. Some wrote and took it to publication. Some wrote and wrote and just kept it to themselves. I had a journal I kept all through junior high and high school that I burned just before I went off to college. I needed to do that, but sometimes I wish I'd kept it--in a locked box somewhere to come out when I was dead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have been going through old boxes of photos and mementos. I've always been a writer and wrote all sorts of things. I also loved making cards. When my first son was born, I found this Grandmother memoirs book I gave to my mother to fill out. She filled out very few places in it! I was appalled. I had wanted her to share things with us--with my sons. She didn't do it. I know she wrote letters but I have none of those, except for a few she wrote to me in college. She was a reserved and private person and really didn't like writing, I think. She did take photos, and she took a lot of home movies (my brother took those and didn't share them.) So there you have it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've tried filling in some of that book now, just to try and remember the things she said over the years. It is awful to think we lose so many family memories because of stubbornness, pride and frankly, just not wanting to take the time. I have been compiling tons of information, and realized that no one wants to contribute in our family. I've had a couple ask me for my information, but not give me any photos or information in return. It's frustrating to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For whom am I cataloguing all of it? I decided today that I'm doing it for ME. I'm the one who loves it, who thinks it is worth saving and for whom delights in the photos and information. So few when you share the information even say "thank you" for sharing that. (One did and I was delighted to share with him.) I've come across some in our family tree wanting information from my tree and we've done exchanges. I have ONE cousin who sent me pages of information and photos. That was awesome. I've heard of this cousin but have never met him. (He was in my mother's older family of half-siblings.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because I was in the mind of a writer, I saved tons of family photos and memories and stories. But who do I share them with? I'm a writer and have a need to share my writing and stories somewhere! And I have a blog. Should I turn some of it into fiction? That was my desire early on. But at this time of my life, I have more of a need to say something about the times and people who went before me. I don't care for details so much as the story that was shared. Plus, many people forget the details and some remember it differently than I do. My memory is valid. I have a right to my own reflections and stories and memories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My husband (The Irate Overlord) and I had a conversation/debate recently. He asked if you believe something is true even though it is wrong, is it a lie? I argued that yes, it's a lie <i>you believe</i>. He pushed and said, but <i>do you believe it is true?</i> Is that <i>your truth?</i> I would hate to get into a <i>"what is truth?"</i> debate with a fellow Christian because we all remember the "washing my hands of it" moment! We all have moments when we weigh a story/memory in the balance and reject or accept it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I still maintain that it's a lie if there is truth (like, is the world flat or round?) but maybe he's right in that it comes into a gray area. What is your truth? Is your truth built upon a lie? And can you come to truth? Just because you believe it, is it true? I do believe a child can remember something over the years but when he grows up, he will see it more with the eyes of an adult, which can change the view. I've done that with some things, but many I remember correctly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The stories I'm sharing here are based on truth--some fragment of it. I suppose I can weigh in some comments and arguments on facts if you have proper documentation. It's something I want to do--as a writer, memorabilia-keeper, keeper of the family history, history lover and reader. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But this is my story…and I'm sticking to it! </span><br />
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Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-34719676460320831632014-01-25T20:11:00.000-05:002014-01-25T20:11:48.757-05:00Who Is Jesus to You? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How often do you think about this? If you are a Christian, you're probably thinking about Jesus and who He is to you, or maybe who you are to Him. Most of the time we're not really thinking about this, are we? He's our Savior. Holy, fully God, fully Man--right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A mentor (Bev Nottingham) I had during my years as a young mother recently challenged her Facebook friends to try and explain who Jesus is to them. And I had to agree with each one who commented. Yes, yes, yes! That's who He is to me, too! But then, I thought, WHO DO YOU SAY I AM? Remember Him asking this question? He asked this while He still walked on this earth as a man. And that really challenged me--who am I saying He is? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I pulled out an old list to go see who He is in the Bible. It really was something to renew my view of Him through all the names given. Maybe this list will also remind you of who Jesus is. Is He all of these things to you? I admit that my human mind sometimes cannot comprehend or take in all of these things at one time. This year my "word" that I'm focusing on is PEACE, so when I think of Jesus, I think, "Yeah, He is the Prince of Peace" (and you know I'm singing that song in my head, Emmanuel. :) <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Matthew 1:23)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who do you allow Jesus to be to YOU? Ultimately, He's just what so many have commented to my friend, Bev--<i>Savior. He saved me</i>! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Advocate - 1 John 2:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Almighty - Revelation 1:8</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Alpha - Revelation 1:8</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Amen - Revelation 3:14</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Angel of the Lord - Genesis 16:7</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Anointed One - Psalm 2:2</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Apostle - Hebrews 3:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Author and Perfecter of our Faith - Hebrews 12:2</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Beginning - Revelation 21:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Bishop of Souls - 1 Peter 2:25</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Branch - Zechariah 3:8</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Bread of Life - John 6:35,48</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Bridegroom - Matthew 9:15</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Carpenter - Mark 6:3</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Chief Shepherd - 1 Peter 5:4</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Christ - Matthew 1:16</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Comforter - Jeremiah 8:18</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Consolation of Israel - Luke 2:25</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Cornerstone - Ephesians 2:20</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Dayspring - Luke 1:78</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Day Star - 2 Peter 1:19</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Deliverer - Romans 11:26</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Desire of Nations - Haggai 2:7</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Emmanuel - Matthew 1:23</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">End - Revelation 21:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Everlasting Father - Isaiah 9:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Faithful and True Witness - Revelation 3:14</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">First Fruits - 1 Corinthians 15:23</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Foundation - Isaiah 28:16</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Fountain - Zechariah 13:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Friend of Sinners - Matthew 11:19</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Gate for the Sheep - John 10:7</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Gift of God - 2 Corinthians 9:15</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">God - John 1:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Glory of God - Isaiah 60:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Good Shepherd - John 10:11</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Governor - Matthew 2:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Great Shepherd - Hebrews 13:20</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Guide - Psalm 48:14</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Head of the Church - Colossians 1:18</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">High Priest - Hebrews 3:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Holy One of Israel - Isaiah 41:14</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Horn of Salvation - Luke 1:69</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I Am - Exodus 3:14</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Jehovah - Psalm 83:18</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Jesus - Matthew 1:21</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">King of Israel - Matthew 27:42</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">King of Kings - 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Lamb of God - John 1:29</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Last Adam - 1 Corinthians 15:45</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Life - John 11:25</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Light of the World - John 8:12; John 9:5</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Lion of the Tribe of Judah - Revelation 5:5</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Lord of Lords - 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Master - Matthew 23:8</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Messiah - John 1:41</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Mighty God - Isaiah 9:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Morning Star - Revelation 22:16</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Nazarene - Matthew 2:23</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Omega - Revelation 1:8</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Passover Lamb - 1 Corinthians 5:7</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Physician - Matthew 9:12</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Potentate - 1 Timothy 6:15</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Priest - Hebrews 4:15</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Prophet - Acts 3:22</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Propitiation - I John 2:2</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Purifier - Malachi 3:3</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Rabbi - John 1:49</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ransom - 1 Timothy 2:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Redeemer - Isaiah 41:14</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Refiner - Malachi 3:2</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Refuge - Isaiah 25:4</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Resurrection - John 11:25</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Righteousness - Jeremiah 23:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Rock - Deuteronomy 32:4</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Root of David - Revelation 22:16</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Rose of Sharon - Song of Solomon 2:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ruler of God's Creation - Revelation 3:14</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Sacrifice - Ephesians 5:2</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Savior - 2 Samuel 22:47; Luke 1:47</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Second Adam - 1 Corinthians 15:47</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Seed of Abraham - Galatians 3:16</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Seed of David - 2 Timothy 2:8</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Seed of the Woman - Genesis 3:15</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Servant - Isaiah 42:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Shepherd - 1 Peter 2:25</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Shiloh - Genesis 49:10</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Son of David - Matthew 15:22</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Son of God - Luke 1:35</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Son of Man - Matthew 18:11</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Son of Mary - Mark 6:3</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Son of the Most High - Luke 1:32</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Stone - Isaiah 28:16</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Sun of Righteousness - Malachi 4:2</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Teacher - Matthew 26:18</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Truth - John 14:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Way - John 14:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Wonderful Counselor - Isaiah 9:6</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Word - John 1:1</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Vine - John 15:1</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jesus. There's something about that name that means so much to so many. Does He mean anything to you? I hope so. </i></span><br />
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Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-77641848537870842312014-01-05T11:59:00.000-05:002014-01-05T11:59:15.421-05:00God's Thumbprints on My Life Story--and on Yours<div style="font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It appears that gloom and doom are</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> taking over the world. We have much </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">to be sad and angry about, (<i>we think</i>,) but in spite of all that, there is a joy to </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">possess. What I have learned in my </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">over half century of life might help someone else (or at least be a warning to that someone else--a scary warning.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My goal is to have the last laugh in this world because I know that Jesus said, "In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV. I laugh and scoff at strife and hard times.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My story began in Noblesville, Indiana. On that day a blizzard was in progress. My dad was off trying to earn enough to take care of my arrival and my next 20 years by driving a semi-truck loaded with auto parts. My doctor was outside the hospital hunting rabbits, or some such critter, and told the nurse to call him in when it was time (can you imagine? Only if you are old, I suppose.) My mother was busy with her body and first born fighting her from the inside out. She said I was the toughest thing she ever met (I take issue with that,) but always told me I was the most beautiful thing of her entire world. There’s something profound and God-like in that sentiment, if only we would possess it and believe it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Noblesville has changed dramatically since that day, and dear Dr. Dillon has gone to a better place (along with both my parents.) I have changed, as well, but there are some things that are sure and true, no matter what. We all have our stories, like all human beings. Each story (each life) begins with God's thumbprints all over him or her. The Psalmist said,"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14 NIV. He's a hands-on kind of God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you need a real boost in your worth in the world then read this, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (NIV)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had an Aunt Lola who used to say, "Ain't this the life!" not as a question, but a statement. She said this long before, but even during battling cancer and while knowing that she was in the fight of her life. She used up everything God gave to her. Every time I think of her, I think of her smiling face and bald head and I'm thankful that I was able to be a witness--and a participant in this life so I can say with conviction myself--"Ain't this the life!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what you are going through there is a God who cares and is in control. He has already triumphed for you. He puts His thumbprints all over the place, but where those thumbprints show up the most is on you and me--and in our stories. Tell me a good story. I'll tell you mine.</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where are you seeing God's Thumbprint on your life today? What is He doing for you? </span></i></div>
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Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-63823245502121222332013-12-24T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-24T01:00:02.317-05:00Day 12: 12 Pearls of Christmas | A Teenage Pregnancy | Robin Jones Gunn<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.<br />
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<strong>A Teenage Pregnancy</strong>
<strong>by Robin Jones Gunn</strong></h2>
It was early, early morning, that delicate time of day just before sunrise when it seems as if all of creation is still asleep.<br />
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In the cold, gray light she gazed at the infant in her arms. He was less than an hour old and so, so small. Instinct prompted her to draw her newborn close that he might feel the rhythm of her heart. He curled his tiny hand around her finger and she smiled. His eyes closed, and with feathered breath he gave way to the blessed sleep that follows such a long journey.<br />
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In weary awe she studied his face, his ears, his nose. He was here. He had come at last.<br />
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A single tear fell from her eye and rolled across his cheek. She kissed the tear away but could not kiss away the memories that came with the tears; memories of the day she found out she was pregnant. How exhilarated she felt and yet how terrified. She was young, and there was much she didn’t understand.<br />
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Trying to justify her condition to her parents proved more difficult than she’d hoped. But the most excruciating memory was the moment she stood guileless before the man she hoped to one day marry. She had no words to make him understand the awful truth—the child she carried was not his.<br />
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Leaving seemed to be her only option. A gracious aunt took her in and welcomed her with open arms. From the moment she arrived she was showered with motherly words of hope and sisterly touches of love. Week by week, month by month, the child inside her grew.<br />
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Was it a miracle when she returned home, her belly round, her face flushed, and found him there?<br />
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What prompted this man to take her back and make her his bride? Did he now believe what she had tried to explain all along, that none of this was her own doing?<br />
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When the time was right they left their small town together, as husband and wife, with her due date rapidly approaching. The labor began—tightening her abdomen with a force she had never before imagined. Perspiration streamed from her forehead. The contractions multiplied with a frenzied urgency until the need to push overwhelmed her young body, and the baby was born.<br />
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Nothing of the past mattered anymore. He was here. Naked, perfect, quivering in her arms. With a thrill of hope, she believed that her life, her world, would never be the same.<br />
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Now as the first silver streaks of dawn pierced through the cracks in the stable, she tenderly wrapped her sleeping babe in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger.<br />
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<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-gunn" class="aligncenter wp-image-9214" height="317" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-gunn.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=9067" rel="attachment wp-att-9067" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Robin Promo Photo Close Up 2013" class="alignleft wp-image-9067" height="161" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Robin-Promo-Photo-Close-Up-2013-241x384.jpg" width="102" /></a>Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of the much-loved Christy Miller Series and the award-winning Sisterchicks® series, has had more than 4.5 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her frequent speaking engagements have taken her around the globe. Robin and her husband live in Hawaii and have a grown son and daughter. You can learn more at <a href="http://www.robingunn.com/">Robin's website</a>.
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-839519218434984792013-12-23T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-23T01:00:07.119-05:00Day 11: 12 Pearls of Christmas | Do You Hear What I Hear? | Cynthia Ruchti<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below! The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
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<strong>Do You Hear What I Hear?</strong>
<strong>by Cynthia Ruchti</strong></h2>
To shepherds? Really, God? You crafted a birth announcement that was delivered first to shepherds? The story’s become so familiar to us, so easy for us to visualize because of all the Christmas pageants we’ve witnessed over the years—all the fourth-grade boys in plaid robes with a homemade shepherd staff, carrying a cloth lamb from the toy department that plays “Jesus Loves Me” if you pull the ring where an umbilical cord should be.
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Theologians speculate the reason for shepherds as the audience for the holy pronouncement could be as intricate as a genetic retracing of the Baby’s heritage back through history to King David, who started his career as a shepherd.<br />
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Or it could have been simpler than that. Maybe shepherds were the only ones listening that night.<br />
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“Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night,” Luke 2:8, CEB. The biblical story tells us that the shepherds weren’t sleeping but were on guard, watching, when the news about Jesus came to them.<br />
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Distractions were few. Hills, sheep, other shepherds, a low fire, and a wide expanse of sky overhead—a dark sky that held the same stars night after night, until this one.<br />
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I wonder if any of the shepherds brought their families to the fields. I wonder if in the tent was a hardworking woman nearing the end of an exhausting day. She’d barely gotten the evening meal cleaned up when she had to start thinking about what her family and the other shepherds would need for breakfast. Soak the grains. Check the progress on the sheep’s milk cheese. And try to get those kids to settle down.<br />
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“Stop annoying your brother. Caleb! Last warning. Josh, get your fingers out of your sister’s ears. Turn down that video game. You can’t listen to the radio and watch TV at the same time. Turn one of them off. Better yet, both of them! Who’s singing? What’s that sound? Do you hear what I hear?”<br />
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<b><i>What noise do I need to turn off in my life in order to hear the first notes of the angel’s song?</i></b><br />
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Another noisy Christmas party. Another trip to the department store for stocking stuffers. Another round of Christmas CDs. Another Christmas special on TV. Another Facebook post to share—the true meaning of Christmas. A text about the practice time for the Christmas program at church. Another phone call about travel plans. Brain waves clanking into each other, making a cacophony of noise.<br />
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Shutting down one layer at a time. Unplugging. Keeping even "Silent Night" low so I can silence my night and hear the downbeat of “Glory to God in the highest.”<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-ruchti" class="aligncenter wp-image-9212" height="310" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-ruchti.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/CRuchti-145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="120" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/CRuchti-145.jpg" width="150" /></a>Cynthia Ruchti is an author and speaker who tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, devotions, nonfiction, and through speaking events for women and writers. Of seven books on the shelves currently, her latest releases are the novel <em>When the Morning Glory Blooms</em> (Abingdon Press Fiction), the nonfiction <em>Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices</em> (Abingdon Press Christian Living), and several dozen of the devotions in <em>Mornings With Jesus 2014</em> (Guideposts). Spring of 2014 will see the release of another novel—<em>All My Belongings</em>, also from Abingdon Press Fiction. You can connect with her at <a href="http://www.cynthiaruchti.com/">www.cynthiaruchti.com</a> or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CynthiaRuchtiReaderPage">Facebook</a>.
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-56937701701000934432013-12-21T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-21T01:00:02.166-05:00Day 10: 12 Pearls of Christmas | Wrapping Paper and Fancy Bows Not Required | Jodi Murphy<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below! The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wrapping Paper and Fancy Bows Not Required</strong>
<strong>by Jodi Murphy</strong></h2>
For more than a decade I worked in the luxury design field, and every year around Christmas time there were holiday show houses and charity events where the designers would hold nothing back to create the most beautiful displays for the Christmas season—trees with baubles and sparkles, swags of fresh greenery festooned with handmade bows, every room dressed to the nines, dining and breakfast tables set for imaginary entertaining, and hundreds of perfectly wrapped packages that would make Santa’s elves go green with envy.
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The sights, sounds and smells were magical! And though I enjoyed the "eye candy" and appreciated all of the creativity, I often left these events on a "sugar high" of the season’s pufferies and feeling disconnected to the spiritual significance of Christmas.<br />
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As we begin to count down the days toward December 25th, I will do my share of simplified decorating as a way to mark such an important day, and I will be celebrating Christ’s birth with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the gifts God has given to me . . .<br />
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<b>My Parents</b><br />
I was blessed with parents who loved and respected me. I was always important, seen and heard. They gave me the confidence and strength to go out into the world because I knew they were standing right behind me in case I stumbled. They modeled generosity, loyalty and commitment.<br />
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<b>My Sister</b><br />
Tenacious, strong-willed, and determined balanced by a friendly, supportive, “I’m there for you” spirit—that’s my amazing younger sister. She’ll step out on the front line to stand up and defend you or throw on some work clothes and volunteer to help with whatever dirty work needs to be done. No questions asked . . . you need her, she’s there.<br />
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<b>My Husband</b><br />
My husband is so comfortable in his own skin. He doesn’t compare himself to others or secretly long for what they have. He doesn’t get embroiled in other’s gossip or petty arguments. His loving influence has made me happier and more at peace. Every day I wake up to the joyful realization that I am his friend, wife, and life partner.<br />
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<b>My Son</b><br />
My firstborn. My son with Aspergers Syndrome. Raising him is the most extraordinary journey. He has made me more accepting, patient, and understanding. He has helped me find my passion to support and advocate for him and those just like him. He doesn’t filter or concern himself with being anything but who he is. I admire his strength to put himself out into a world he doesn’t fully understand.<br />
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<b>My Daughter</b><br />
She was born with grace and an "old" soul. From a very young age, she had an understanding and compassion for others well beyond her years. And when she was excluded for not following the crowd, she never compromised her values in order to fit in. She personifies all that is good and right in our world.<br />
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So I’m taking a pause from the hustle and bustle of the designers’ holiday season. This Christmas, and every Christmas henceforth, you’ll find me singing praises of “Gloria!” to God for the walking, breathing beautiful gifts of my family.<br />
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<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-murphy" class="aligncenter wp-image-9210" height="355" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-murphy.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=9073" rel="attachment wp-att-9073" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="jodi_murphy-Headshot 1" class="alignleft wp-image-9073" height="148" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jodi_murphy-Headshot-1-252x308.jpg" width="121" /></a>Jodi Murphy has been a freelance marketing specialist for the last 25+ years working for clients in a variety of industries, a journalist in the design/luxury lifestyle industry, and co-founder of <a href="http://www.nestingnewbies.com/">Nesting Newbies</a>, one of the first independent lifestyle digital magazines. But her most important role and her life’s passion is being a mom! She founded <a href="http://geekclubbooks.com/">Geek Club Books</a> to share her son’s life on the spectrum in a positive and entertaining way. Her focus is on building a community of spectrum and neurotypicals who are engaged with and inspired by the Geek Club Books’ message of <a href="http://geekclubbooks.com/our-motto/">self-acceptance</a>—“I’m unique. I’m a geek.” Jodi writes original content on the blog, and, with the help of her talented kids and top-notch creative team, she produces audio stories, e-books, and interactive storybook APPs.</div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-70393660187502409022013-12-20T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-20T01:00:04.949-05:00Day 9: 12 Pearls of Christmas | My Gift for the King | Sheryl Giesbrecht<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below! The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>My Gift to the King</strong>
<strong>by Sheryl Giesbrecht</strong></h2>
It was a week before Christmas; a woman in the rush of her last-minute shopping bought a box of fifty identical greeting cards. Without bothering to read what the card said, she quickly signed and addressed all but one of them. A few days after they had been mailed she came across the one card that hadn’t been sent. She was horrified to read, “This card is just to say, a little gift is on the way!”<br />
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Gift-giving is just one of our many Christmas traditions. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, Jesus, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Truly Jesus is the best gift we would ever want to receive.<br />
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<b>One year a friend gave me a Christmas devotional book that turned my holiday traditions upside down.</b> Anne Graham Lotz shared her custom of asking King Jesus what gift he would like for his birthday. God wants us to give freely out of our love for him as an act of worship. This process of intentionally and sacrificially giving a "love gift to my King" is something I have added to my personal Christmas traditions. I wonder, have you ever thought about giving Jesus a gift? Maybe this year you might ask Him what He would like you to give Him.<br />
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Each year, as the Christmas holidays approach, I ask the King what he would like for his birthday. I remember Anne Graham Lotz’s criteria: “Something I would not do except the King requested it. And it is something I could not do except the King enabled me,” (<i>Christmas Memories</i> by Terri Meeusen pg. 159).<br />
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One year the King began asking me for His gift in September when a local high school contacted me to develop a truant program. I didn’t feel qualified. Lotz’ words rang in my mind: “Something I would not do except the king requested it. And it is something I could not do except the king enabled me.” “God, not me," I argued. I remembered what God brought me out of; I was a rebellious and promiscuous teenager, chain-smoker, alcoholic, drug addict, and drug dealer who cut class all but five days my junior year of high school. At age seventeen, I went to work at a Christian camp and there I was shown the love of God through the experience of working transformed believers. I was shown God’s love could cover a multitude of sins. Now He asked me to share this same love with those who are looking for love in all the wrong places. I committed to doing the King’s bidding.<br />
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<b><i>What gift will you give your King this year? </i></b>Maybe God is asking you to serve in your child’s classroom at school or teach a Sunday school class. Or maybe God is calling you to prayer or to spend more time with Him? Maybe Your King is asking you to give Him control over a situation?<br />
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"Something I would not do except the King requested it. And it is something I could not do except the King enabled me." Ask the King for His gift suggestion. When He impresses on your heart the gift He desires, offer it to Him as your gift of thanks for His indescribable gift, His Son, Jesus.<br />
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“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (I Cor 9:15)
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<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-giesbrecht" class="aligncenter wp-image-9208" height="300" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-giesbrecht.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/SGiesbrecht-143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="150" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/SGiesbrecht-143.jpg" width="115" /></a>"Exchanging hurt for hope" is Sheryl Giesbrecht's focus. She loves to share how God rearranges loss, bitterness, and mistakes, and turns them into something remarkably beautiful. Learn more about Sheryl and her book, <i>Get Back Up</i>, at <a href="http://fromashestobeauty.com/">her website</a>.</div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-10315306721283411882013-12-19T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-19T01:00:03.462-05:00Day 8: 12 Pearls of Christmas | New Beginnings | Sharron Cosby<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>New Beginnings</strong>
<strong>by Sharron Cosby</strong></h2>
Christmas. The mere mention of the word sends thoughts and memories skittering like a box of spilled ornaments. Some roll toward sweet remembrances of times shared with family. Others bounce to the let’s-not-go-there corner of our minds.<br />
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<b>I recall Christmas 2009. The one I wanted to cancel.</b> My only son is an addict, and this was his worst year ever. I had convinced myself it would be his last, assuming he would be in prison or dead by the next Christmas. I told my daughters we would exchange gifts and have our usual holiday dinner, but no tree or decorations. <b>I couldn’t dredge up the emotional energy to plaster contrived cheer around the house.</b><br />
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I’m usually the decorator, gift purchaser, food preparer, and mess cleaner-upper. Executing the necessary holiday tasks takes time and effort. Worrying about my son had left me drained of the required get-up-and-go. I couldn’t do it. Thank goodness for online shopping; at least there would be presents to hand out.<br />
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My pastor’s message four days before Christmas cut straight through my Scrooge-like attitude. His sermon points were: The holidays are too much trouble, count your blessings, and forgive someone.<br />
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Considering Christmas too much trouble reflects a selfish attitude, according to my pastor. What if Jesus had thought that way? My icy heart began to thaw.<br />
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The second point, count your blessings, stopped me dead in my tracks. Count blessings with a broken heart? I considered my husband’s love and my two daughters who have stood by their brother. I smiled as I pictured the faces of my four grandsons and the joy they brought our family. Yes, I had many blessings to number.<br />
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The third was the hardest: forgiveness. Forgive my son for the pain and suffering he had caused? “God, you can’t be serious,” I protested. “We’ve spent thousands of dollars on him, he’s broken our hearts, and he’s in worse shape than ever before.”<br />
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<b><i>“Forgive him,” the Spirit whispered.</i></b><br />
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Tears slid down my face as I chose to forgive my son. No strings attached.<br />
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After church I headed home with a changed attitude. When my husband left for work, I retrieved the ornaments, dragged the Christmas tree from the garage, and set it up, my gift to the family. Decorating our tree with the children’s handmade ornaments is always a joint project, but that day I worked alone. I held the clothespin reindeers, popsicle stick picture frames, and monogramed angels and remembered the good times.<br />
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With tear-filled eyes, I watched as amazement etched the faces of my daughters when they came to our home Christmas morning and saw the decorated tree. “Mom! You put up the tree after all,” they said.<br />
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The biggest surprise of the day came when our daughter’s boyfriend knelt in front of her and asked, “Will you marry me?”<br />
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The discouragement of addiction was replaced with the joy of new beginnings, which is, after all, the message of the Christ Child.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-cosby" class="aligncenter wp-image-9204" height="300" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-cosby.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/SCosby-175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="150" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/SCosby-175.jpg" width="99" /></a>Sharron Cosby has been married to Dan for thirty-nine years, is Mom to three adult children and “Mimi” to five grandchildren. Her family was rocked by her son’s drug addiction for fifteen years until he laid it down on February 18, 2010. She uses her life experiences to offer hope and encouragement to families caught in the chaos of addiction. Sharron is available to speak to groups on addiction related topics. Sharron recently published her first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Praying-Your-Addicted-Loved-ebook/dp/B00EXUE12Q"><em>Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90</em></a>, a ninety day devotional for families in recovery or those wanting to be. Receive weekly encouragement at her blog, <a href="http://www.efamilyrecovery.com/">www.efamilyrecovery.com</a>, and Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/sharroncosby">@sharroncosby</a> or contact her at moc.liamg@ybsocnorrahs.
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-2745897849952642122013-12-18T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-18T01:00:00.326-05:00Day 7: 12 Pearls of Christmas | Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room | Ginger Ciminello<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room</strong>
<strong>by</strong><strong> Ginger Ciminello</strong></h2>
I have high expectations for the Christmas season. Sure the decorations, presents, and general merry-making contribute to those specific expectations, but that’s not what I’m alluding to. I have a huge fear that I will get to the candlelight service on December 24th and realize I haven’t prepared my heart for Emmanuel. While I shouldn’t allow fear to creep in, I do believe those worries are grounded in a pathetic track record.<br />
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<b>I know my heart.</b> No matter how much I say this season of Advent isn’t about parties and presents, I still seem to get swept away by things that don’t really matter. No part of me wants to live consumed by worry and anxiety. I don’t want to finish this season exhausted and dejected.<br />
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Last Christmas our church walked through the prophecy of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, exploring what it means for Jesus to be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.<br />
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<i>“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”</i><br />
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What I’ve come to realize is that this verse isn’t just a list of titles for me to memorize or print on an ornament. This verse contains truth about my Savior and God, truth that should radically shape my day-to-day life.<br />
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<b>Either Jesus is more powerful than my worries, fears, and frustrations . . . or He isn’t. The way I live my day proves what I believe about His power.</b><br />
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I talked through this concept with my husband on our way to finish up some shopping. I was frustrated: frustrated that I spend time in the Word, read my Advent devotional, pray for friends, and still end up so completely frazzled year after year.<br />
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My husband was quick to remind me that God desires <u><b>my heart</b></u> more than anything else and that I can’t tackle each day with the hope of perfection, only the hope of dependence upon our loving Father.<br />
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I'm focusing on 1 Corinthians 13 this Advent, one word per day. Yesterday the focus was love is <i>PATIENT</i>. (How perfect for spending the afternoon at a crowded mall!) I was amazed at my response to the long lines and ordinary scenarios that would have ordinarily left me completely frustrated.<br />
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Living and believing in the Mighty God just by being patient sounds like a really small thing—but can I tell you that I made friends with the cashier at Bed, Bath &amp; Beyond? (A cashier who ordinarily tests my patience.)<br />
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Today the word is KIND. I'm working in a coffee shop and am trying to remember to give smiles readily and open doors for others as I prepare my heart for the coming of the King.<br />
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"<i>Lo this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isaiah 25:9</i><br />
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Following,<br />
Ginger
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<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-ginger" class="aligncenter wp-image-9201" height="373" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-ginger.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=9056" rel="attachment wp-att-9056" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ginger-Ciminello" class="alignleft wp-image-9056" height="159" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Ginger-Ciminello-252x378.jpg" width="106" /></a>Ginger Ciminello may sound like an Italian dessert, but she's actually a speaker, author and blogger from Phoenix, Arizona. She has spent the last decade encouraging young people to live up to their God-given potential and unique design. Her first book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forget-Corsage-Life-Starts-Now/dp/149080255X" target="_blank">Forget the Corsage</a></i>, was just released. When she's not embarrassing herself by telling stories of her years in middle school, she can be found rollerblading, making grilled cheese, and hanging out with her daughter and husband. Learn more at <a href="http://gingerciminello.com/">gingerciminello.com</a>.
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-78750762345491900262013-12-17T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-17T01:00:02.179-05:00Day 6: 12 Pearls of Christmas | Perfectionism | Steven Estes<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Perfectionism</strong>
<strong>by Steven Estes</strong></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(Excerpt from A Better December***) </i></div>
<strong>When my wife was little, her family was Amish.</strong> Barn raisings, buggies, high-stepping horses, shoofly pies—the whole postcard. Later, they left that life and became mainstream farmers. The suspenders and bonnets were gone, but they remained hard-working, no-nonsense, sweep-the-porch folks. As good-natured a family as homemade jam and bread.<br />
<br />
I grew up taking in the city. Mom and I would hop the streetcar into downtown Baltimore. Lights, crowds, noise, action—the busier, the better. Birthdays were a big thing, Christmas, bigger yet. Whoop it up. Break some eggs, make an omelet.<br />
<br />
My wife and I met in college. I first saw Verna from across the cafeteria. Popular as a lemonade stand in summer. Prettier than an evening meadow blinking with fireflies. I was hooked. Proposed on the beach. We walked the aisle, started life together.<br />
<br />
Verna kept everything worthwhile from her childhood and folded the rest into a drawer. Worked circles around any woman you’d know. Line dried the wash, taught the kids, pinched the pennies. Joined me in whatever hoopla I wanted, but—in her mother’s meat-and-potatoes tradition—NEVER got exotic in the kitchen . . .<br />
<br />
<b>. . . until one December.</b><br />
<br />
Wishing to please—wanting some memories for the kids—she found a recipe book. Brimming with color photos. Promises of the perfect Christmas. The kind, no doubt, her husband recalled from urban days of yore.<br />
<br />
Sugar plums in her head, practical impulses stuffed away in an apron pocket, she purchased the ingredients to yuletide bliss. A concoction to bless the family forever.<br />
<br />
The evening has arrived. The fortunate are assembled about the table. There is to be a holiday surprise:<br />
<br />
“Festive Yule Log.”<br />
<br />
Candles aglow, faces upturned. The platter of glory is borne to the table. Mother seated. Nod given.<br />
<br />
Trembling forks sink into the first sampling mouthful. Eyes closed for concentration. The pregnant pause. . . . A searching for words. The furtive glances. The first stifled chortle. Then,<br />
<br />
Oh, the hooting and howling.<br />
The slappings on the table.<br />
The witticisms.<br />
The criticisms.<br />
<br />
Centered on the table, the Yule Log sulks—rolled in a fine gravel posing as crushed nuts. A taste akin to cream cheese blended with toothpaste—perhaps Crest, no, Colgate. As if sautéed in soy sauce, glued into shape by an application of Crisco. The look of a food item suspected of disease, held in quarantine at Customs.<br />
<br />
Verna smiles weakly. Rises. Whisks the mistake into exile. All the while carols from the record player begin straying off-key . . . and Misters Currier & Ives are ushered to the backyard, blindfolded, and shot.<br />
<br />
Solomon foresaw that many designs for Christmas Eve would go awry. Why else would he write:<br />
<br />
“Do not boast about tomorrow,<br />
for you do not know<br />
what a day may bring forth”?<br />
Proverbs 27:1<br />
<br />
Or . . .<br />
<br />
“You can make many plans,<br />
but the Lord’s purpose<br />
will prevail”?<br />
Proverbs 19:21 NLT<br />
<br />
God has bigger plans for you than the perfect dinner. That’s why he lets things go wrong. He’s saving your appetite for the perfect eternity. He notices you smitten with this short life,<br />
<br />
feeling it slip through your fingers,<br />
trying to shake a snow-globe Christmas<br />
out of every December.<br />
<br />
<i><b>The true holiday magic is reserved for heaven. Every delight down here is a mere taste and teaser</b>.</i><br />
<br />
Knowing that, doesn’t it ease the pressure just a bit as you flip through recipes on the 24th—biting your lip . . . pondering a go at that Festive Yule Log?<br />
<br />
<i>(By the way, Verna recovered nicely.)</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-estes" class="aligncenter wp-image-9199" height="285" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-estes.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<h5>
<i style="font-weight: normal;">**This excerpt is reproduced from A Better December Copyright © 2013 by Steven Estes. Used by permission of New Growth Press and may not be downloaded, reproduced, and/or distributed without prior written permission of New Growth Press.</i></h5>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.steveestes.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/SteveEstes_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="180" src="http://www.steveestes.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/SteveEstes_01.jpg" width="120" /></a>Steven Estes is a pastor who has known “better Decembers with my family than either Currier or Ives,” but also understands a gray Christmas. <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Better-December-Steven-Estes/dp/1936768674" target="_blank">A Better December</a></b></i> draws on Estes’ twenty-three years of counseling church members through the holiday season as well his other writings on the topic of human suffering. He teaches a preaching class at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) where he completed his M.Div and Th.M. degrees. Estes is a conference speaker and on the board of the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). Estes is the author of <i>Called to Die</i> (the story of slain missionary Chet Bitterman), and co- author (with friend Joni Eareckson Tada) of <i>When God Weeps</i> and A Step Further. He and his wife, Verna, have eight children. Learn more about Estes and his books at <a href="http://www.steveestes.net/">www.steveestes.net</a>.<br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-15456780713416076162013-12-16T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-16T01:00:03.521-05:00Day 5: 12 Pearls of Christmas | My Gift to Him | Cara Putman<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>My Gift to Him</strong>
<strong>by: Cara Putman</strong></h2>
As Christmas nears, I’m staggering under a year that’s been too full. A fall that’s been too busy. A season of good, but overwhelming days.
<br />
<br />
Does anyone else feel the same?<br />
<br />
There’s nothing bad—life is just full. Too full.<br />
<br />
<b><i>And I feel emptied. So empty.</i></b><br />
<br />
It would be easy to enter this season with a sense of exhaustion, feeling like I just want to get through and on to January.<br />
<br />
Instead, I want to offer my life again. May my gift be my life. My dreams. My talents. My all. May I be available to Him to transform from the inside out. I want my life to be lived for His glory.<br />
<br />
Yet I fail. And on the days that I am most tired and overwhelmed I seem to fail more. It is then that I take comfort in the reality that He is the King born in a manager. A King who gave up heaven in order to save me. You. All of us. He has good plans for my life. Plans that exceed my wildest dreams. Plans fit for the daughter of the Most High.<br />
<br />
He has plans like that for you, too. <b>Plans that may be different from your plans, but plans that are wonderful and good.</b><br />
<br />
So in this season of busyness, a season when it is easy to focus on things, duties, parties, family and friends, will you join me? I’m offering myself as a gift to Him. Will you?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-putman" class="aligncenter wp-image-9197" height="300" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-putman.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/CPutman-182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="150" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/CPutman-182.jpg" width="100" /></a>Cara Putman is the award-winning author of sixteen novels. You can learn more about her and her books at <a href="http://www.caraputman.com/">www.caraputman.com</a>. You can read the first chapters of all her books there including her new novel, <b><i><a href="http://caraputman.com/historical/" target="_blank">Shadowed by Grace</a></i></b>, which releases on January 1st just in time for Christmas gift cards. You can connect with Cara on: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/caraputman">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/cara_putman">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/caraputman">Pinterest</a>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/CaraPutman">Goodreads</a><br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-48444481063238415322013-12-15T16:27:00.001-05:002013-12-15T16:27:10.276-05:00When I Was Just a Kid: Diann Hunt: First Published July 7, 2007 <div align="center">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Back on July 7, 2007, I interviewed and asked Diann to participate in a different kind of blog interview where I asked questions about an author's childhood. At that time I didn't ask for childhood photos like I do now. Diann passed away this year after a long battle with cancer. She was uplifting, encouraging and well-loved by the Christian writing world. It's been a better world with Diann Hunt in it. </i></div>
<br />
<b>July 7, 2007 </b><br />
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">When I Was Just a Kid...Diann Hunt</span></strong><br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mQxW-cDDfCw/RohB3r_gwCI/AAAAAAAAAVs/7vGO2p8E2Kc/s1600-h/DiannPhoto.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082384604445327394" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mQxW-cDDfCw/RohB3r_gwCI/AAAAAAAAAVs/7vGO2p8E2Kc/s320/DiannPhoto.gif" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /> </a><br />
<div align="left">
</div>
<em> Be Sweet!</em><br />
<div align="left">
<br />
When I first met Diann, we were in a college class with a bunch of "kids" learning to write fiction. She was working on romance, and I was working on children's fiction, articles and book reviews. We both had kids the same age, or near the same age as our classmates. It was quite the experience! But we had a great time.</div>
<br />
<div align="left">
Diann has now successfully published her fiction and found her unique voice, publishing with companies such as Thomas Nelson, Barbour, Heartsong and Steeple Hill (Harlequin.)Her fiction is targeted to women of the Baby Boomer generation. She has been happily married forever, loves her family, chocolate, her friends, chocolate, her dog, and well, chocolate. (Good thing Nestle's is building a factory near here,although I hear she is partial to DeBrand's in Ft.Wayne, Indiana.)<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
When I asked her if she would answer some questions about her childhood for this column, she gave me really short and sweet answers. But lately, on her <a href="http://www.girlswriteout.blogspot.com/">blog</a> (the one she writes with authors and close friends: Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter and Kristin Billerbeck) I found out she's been holding out the best stories about her childhood and maybe she had a chocolate overload, or maybe it's because she's been couped up at home lately, but she's been spilling stuff there. So, I dug up some posts that speak about her past.<br />
<br />
<br />
What Diann wrote in response to my prompts:<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
<strong><em>Here's one from when she found out that she has a lung infection recently:</em></strong></div>
<div align="left">
"Turns out the boy in my first grade class was right. I do have cooties."<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mQxW-cDDfCw/RohIwL_gwHI/AAAAAAAAAWU/QSyE76W5d_Y/s1600-h/Diann.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082392172177703026" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mQxW-cDDfCw/RohIwL_gwHI/AAAAAAAAAWU/QSyE76W5d_Y/s200/Diann.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a> <strong><em><br /></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>And then, here's one where she admits her "past:"</em></strong><br />
<a href="http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/2007/06/it-was-bound-to-happen-sometime.html">From Tuesday, June 12, 2007</a><br />
"Some of us have a past.<br />
<br />
For some reason a childhood memory came to me this morning. Something I’m not necessarily proud of, but it’s there just as big as you please.<br />
<br />
<br />
See, I have—um, HAD a huge crush on Kurt Russell. While in the third grade, my “friend” came over for a visit. We talked about whatever it is that third graders talk about and then it happened. She spotted the humongous poster of Kurt Russell’s face on my bedroom wall. She started teasing me about it, which I didn’t, well, appreciate. One thing led to another and suddenly things turned ugly. Did I mention she had a banana in her hand?<br />
<br />
The next thing I know, we’re calling each other names and she takes a hunk of banana and smears it on Kurt’s face. All at once, time stands still. My thoughts turn dark. Very dark.<br />
<br />
In the distance, a dog barks.<br />
<br />
Springing into action, I wail into her so fast she doesn’t know what hit her. What follows is somewhat of a blur.<br />
<br />
Rest assured that I paid dearly. I lost my poster and had to do time. Sometimes being young and in love isn’t pretty. "<br />
<br />
<strong><em>And Diann has spent a lot of time in the principal's office!!!! (the shock of it all):</em></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/">Wednesday, June 06, 2007</a><br />
<br />
"School’s out for the summer! Okay, don’t hit me!<br />
<br />
As you know my husband is an elementary school principal."<br />
<br />
<strong><em>And she came clean about why she likes to write--you knew it--it all goes back to her childhood:</em></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com/">Friday, June 01, 2007</a><br />
"You know, sometimes I wonder where my love for writing began. For me, I think it all started with Colorforms.<br />
<br />
...</div>
<blockquote>
Childhood play is so much more than mere play. It’s a world of make believe. There may be fast cars, aliens or dragon-infested motes to cross, or it may be a world of fairies and princesses where knights-in-shining armor stand ready to free their damsel in distress. Who knew when I was having imaginary tea with my dolls that stories of women and friendships were beginning to take root? </blockquote>
<br />
<div align="left">
<br />
<b><i>One thing I love about writing? </i></b>It allows me to be a kid again. To enjoy the wonder of story, a world created during my “play time.” When my husband comes home at the end of the day I say things like, 'I was in Siesta Key today. Maggie got her hair done in cornrows and then the girls buried all but her head beneath the sand.' My husband gives me that knowing grin, pulls me into a warm embrace and tingles cover me from head to toe. I think it’s because he’s holding me, but my fingers feel for the notebook and pen in my pocket, just in case a story is forming . . . . "</div>
<br />
<strong><em>So, Diann tells a lot in her blog about her past. But here are a few more things that shaped her into the wonderful writer and person she is, complete with humor and chocolate!</em></strong><br />
<div align="left">
<br />
<strong>Childhood Ambition:</strong> To be a wife, mother and to be a secretary (because they're so organized, and I'm totally not.)<br />
<br />
<strong>Fondest Memory (then):</strong> Sunday drives in the country with my family<br />
<br />
<strong>Proudest Moment (now or then):</strong> When our first grandchild was born<br />
<br />
<strong>My First Job:</strong> Secretary in a real estate office<br />
<br />
<strong>Childhood indulgence:</strong> Chocolate (big surprise, huh?) Okay, non-food? Let's see, it would have to be throwing empty cans at bats. Hey, they might come after my chocolate!<br />
<br />
<strong>Favorite Outfit as a child:</strong> A red and white fluffy skirt and white blouse (had to buy it for a square dancing program)<br />
<br />
<strong>Favorite Childhood Movie:</strong> <em>In Search of the Castaways</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Favorite Childhood Book:</strong> <em>Lad, A Dog</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Childhood hero:</strong> My grandma<br />
<br />
<strong>Childhood dream trip (did you go in a RV?? RV we there yet??):</strong> The only trip we took as a family was to Montana when I was a teenager. But no RV. It was a Cadillac and hotels all the way! :-)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mQxW-cDDfCw/RohEWb_gwEI/AAAAAAAAAV8/80TlqC9xKl8/s1600-h/RVthereyet.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082387331749560386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mQxW-cDDfCw/RohEWb_gwEI/AAAAAAAAAV8/80TlqC9xKl8/s200/RVthereyet.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Check out some of <a href="http://www.diannhunt.com/books.html">Diann's books</a>. Her <a href="http://www.diannhunt.com/">web site </a>.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mQxW-cDDfCw/RohD8r_gwDI/AAAAAAAAAV0/RoNRBn_KBW0/s1600-h/hottropics.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082386889367928882" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mQxW-cDDfCw/RohD8r_gwDI/AAAAAAAAAV0/RoNRBn_KBW0/s200/hottropics.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Hot Tropics & Cold Feet: </em></strong>Four women take a trip to Siesta Key for girl fun and come home to changed lives.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong><br /></strong></em>
<em><strong><br /></strong></em>
<em><strong>Be Sweet</strong></em> <br />
<div align="left">
A successful businesswoman heads back home to help the family during maple syrup season and discovers sticky things about her family--and herself--that she never thought possible.<br />
Baby Boomer sisters Charlene and Jani heard it all their lives growing up: "If you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." And, "Be sweet now, hear?"<br />
<br />
It's maple syrup season in Tappery, Michigan, and Char has joined Jani in their hometown to help with the syrup harvest. Turns out after all these years, Char's still trying--unsuccessfully--to be sweet, and Jani's stuck to her own syrupy impulses. As Char's old flame tries to light up her nights and Jani's husband begins to grate on her hot-flashing nerves, the sisters rally, knowing if they can weather midlife together, victory will be sweet!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-If45ABq6OqE/Uq4Yv7P2WhI/AAAAAAAAGWM/H2o_ffPNHDo/s1600/DiannHunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-If45ABq6OqE/Uq4Yv7P2WhI/AAAAAAAAGWM/H2o_ffPNHDo/s1600/DiannHunt.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/fortwayne/obituary.aspx?n=patricia-diann-hunt&pid=168253118&FBNF=ShareObitAt#.Uptn7IWCNjg.facebook" target="_blank">Patricia Diann Walker Hunt stepped into glory November 29, 2013. </a></span></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vskSCSwCRSk/Uq4YwF1AMpI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/FC8VApZuv3I/s1600/Girls+Write+Out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vskSCSwCRSk/Uq4YwF1AMpI/AAAAAAAAGWQ/FC8VApZuv3I/s320/Girls+Write+Out.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Left to Right: Kristin Billerbeck, Hannah Alexander, Colleen Coble, Diann Hunt, Denise Hunter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">What could be better than working at
a Chocolate Spa? Okay, maybe being a guest of one would be pretty cool. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Carly
Westlake spends her days at a spa (okay, so she owns the place), she’s dating a
hunk, and she’s surrounded by chocolate.
She’s living the dream…or is she?
</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The last few years have been tough,
but now Carly Westlake’s life seems picture perfect. Business at her spa is up
thanks to her famous chocolate facials. And Jake Mitchell—her dreamy, teenage
crush—has moved back to Spring Creek, Vermont, with his daughter in tow.
Carly’s nearly floored to learn that Jake has his sights set on winning Carly’s
heart.
But when long buried secrets threaten her business – and her friendship
with her best friend and business-partner, Tom – Carly has to fight like crazy
to keep her plans afloat. Can it be that her dream of marrying Jake Mitchell
isn’t the plan God has for her life? What if God’s plan requires something
totally unexpected…a bittersweet surrender that Carly must make before she can
discover true love?</span> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkXQog_mR0Y/Uq4ared_xqI/AAAAAAAAGWg/p1CHrob2hN8/s1600/COVER_Final_BadHair1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkXQog_mR0Y/Uq4ared_xqI/AAAAAAAAGWg/p1CHrob2hN8/s320/COVER_Final_BadHair1.jpg" width="219" /></a></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Using the great and small “bad hair days” of
life, the authors deliver reminders that the first step toward triumph is joy
in the Lord. Whether single or married, career girl or stay-at-home mom,
today”s Christian woman is faced with daily obstacles. Delight Yourself in the
Lord……Even on Bad Hair Days is a devotional filled with upbeat reminders about
infusing hope and joy in the Lord as the first step toward conquering life”s
problems and chasing down the desires of your heart. Through 100 funny and
thought-provoking devotions, the authors remind women to go back to the basics
with God. And they even share a few private “bad hair confessions” along the
way!</span><!--EndFragment-->
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<span style="font-size: small;">The tide of World War II washed away her happily-ever-after dreams and
left heartbreak in its wake, but Julia Hilton dares to consider another
chance
at love. However, the jilted teacher’s past catches up with her when
battle-scarred Lukas Gable re-enters her life in 1957. Together they attempt to
navigate the shifting sands of their relationship as painful
truths come to
light. Will Julia ultimately discover that, though the tide washed away their
once-upon-a-time love letters in the sand, she and Lukas have a love that will
be forever written upon their
hearts?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
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Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-71913757343934942302013-12-15T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-15T01:00:03.541-05:00Day 4: 12 Pearls of Christmas | The Nativity | Lynn Austin<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/" target="_blank"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a><strong></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong></div>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>The Nativity</strong>
<strong>by Lynn Austin</strong></h2>
The first time I visited Bethlehem more than twenty-five years ago, I expected to feel a sense of the beauty and simplicity of the much-loved Christmas story: a crude stable, the holy family, shepherds, wise men, and the Son of God in the manger. I was sadly disappointed. The traditional site of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem is inside the Church of the Nativity—a truly ancient church built in 565 AD. It has survived enemy invasions, the Crusaders, restorations, renovations, a fire, and an earthquake, but it looks like . . . well, a church. A beautifully decorated and ornamented church, with all the sacred clutter that has accumulated throughout the centuries, but it bore no resemblance to my image of what Jesus’ birthplace was like.<br />
<br />
But wait—the real site was down a set of stairs and inside a natural cave that has been venerated as the place of His birth since 160 AD. But even this simple cave was so gilded and bedecked with artwork and tapestries and lamps and incense burners that I still couldn’t get a sense of what it might have looked like on that first holy night. In the center of the floor was a silver-encrusted star with a hole in the middle. By putting my hand inside, I could touch the place where Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago. <b>I tried it, butI left Bethlehem feeling empty, unable to make the sacred connection I had so longed for.</b><br />
<br />
And isn’t that how so many of our Christmases end up feeling? In spite of all the tinsel and glitter and sparkle, all the money we spend and the stress we endure as we try to create the perfect Hallmark Christmas, we’re often left with the same let-down feeling I had inside that church in Bethlehem. We’ve lost the simple beauty of the story, that precious connection with God that is the true miracle of Bethlehem.<br />
<br />
The year after visiting Bethlehem, I began looking for ways to recapture the simplicity of Christ’s incarnation. Santa Claus has never been invited to our family Christmases, and we’ve always celebrated it as Jesus’ birthday, exchanging presents because God gave us the gift of His Son. But year after year, the clutter and glitz had draped themselves over our celebrations, just like the religious trappings that have collected inside the Church of the Nativity over the centuries. That year, I purchased a nice but inexpensive manger set. I wanted something that wasn’t a toy but that my children could handle and touch. We placed it at their level and at the center of our holiday and began the simple tradition of gathering together as a family to fill the empty stable while my husband read the story from the Bible. Our children divided all the people and sheep and camels among themselves, and when we got to their part in the Bible story, they added their figures to the stable.<br />
<br />
This simple tradition has become so beloved by all of us that we still do it the same way every year, even though our children are now adults. Our two married children couldn’t wait to share the tradition with their spouses, generously dividing their sheep and wise men among the newest members of our family. One year, our daughter was living overseas and couldn’t make it home for the holiday, but we still held our family tradition while she participated via Skype and a web camera.<br />
<br />
And it’s always in those moments, with the simple stable and inexpensive plaster figures and my precious loved ones gathered around me, that I feel the holy wonder of Christmas once again—Emmanuel, God with us!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/" target="_blank"><img alt="12pearls-austin" class="aligncenter wp-image-9194" height="317" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-austin.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/LAustin-183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="150" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/LAustin-183.jpg" width="100" /></a>Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. Her latest novel, <b><i><a href="http://lynnaustin.org/books/" target="_blank">Return To Me</a></i></b>, is the first book in her new series. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago. Visit Lynn at <a href="http://www.lynnaustin.org/">her website</a>.</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c271/" id="rc-f1ea7c271" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-10657080155872991762013-12-14T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-14T01:00:01.571-05:00Day 3: 12 Pearls of Christmas | The Magic of a Christmas Moment | Sarah E. Ladd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class=" wp-image-9184 aligncenter" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>The Magic of a Christmas Moment</strong>
<strong>by: Sarah E. Ladd</strong></h2>
Ah, it’s Christmas! Just the mention of the word makes me think of twinkling trees, steaming wassail, glistening snowflakes, and happy childhood memories.
<br />
<br />
One Christmas Eve, when my sister and I were quite small, my parents were trying to get us to go to sleep. Of course, we were far too excited to think about sleep! We double checked our stockings and strained our ears to see if we could hear reindeer hooves prancing on the roof. I can still remember my mom saying, “Santa can’t come until you are asleep!”<br />
<br />
And then—it happened!<br />
<br />
We looked out of our kitchen window, and what should we see? Through our neighbor’s window, we saw HIM . . . Santa Claus . . . doing the dishes! Santa was only one house away! My sister and I could not believe our eyes. Within a flash, we were in our beds, blankets pulled up to our chins, eyes pressed tight in hopes we would fall asleep so Santa could stop by our house!<br />
<br />
Of course, it took several years for us to realize that “Santa” was our neighbor hosting a Christmas party, but even after all these years I can still remember the excited thrill of that moment. Even to this day the memory brings a smile to my face, and every Christmas, someone always says, “Hey, remember the year we saw Santa doing dishes?”<br />
<br />
As Christmas approaches, it is easy to get caught up on the busyness of the season. Shopping, cooking, traveling—it can be a hectic time of year, with crazy schedules and hurried timelines. But in the bustle of the season, do not forget to keep your eyes open for the magic in the simplest moments, especially if you have young children or grandchildren. Those special memories are gifts that last a lifetime, and just like that Christmas many years ago, it would have been very easy not to take a moment to look out the window. Keep your heart and your eyes open . . . you never know what magic you will find in Christmas moments.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sarahladd.com/">Sarah E. Ladd</a> has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Heiress-Winterwood-Whispers-Moors-ebook/dp/B00A2AG674/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386127261&sr=8-1&keywords=heiress+of+winterwood"><em>The Heiress of Winterwood</em></a> was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Her second novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Headmistress-Rosemere-Whispers-Moors-ebook/dp/B00DNBEDBU/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386127351&sr=1-4"><em>The Headmistress of Rosemere</em></a>, releases December 2013. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever. Learn more at <a href="http://www.sarahladd.com/">her website</a> or follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SarahLaddAuthor">Facebook</a>. Also, be sure to stop by for your chance to win 8 Christian Fiction novels by some of your favorite authors! <b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ogn2wb8" target="_blank">Follow this link</a></b> to enter the Christian Fiction Christmas Giveaway.<br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-57646231536767159532013-12-13T01:00:00.000-05:002013-12-13T01:00:02.823-05:00Day 2: 12 Pearls of Christmas | Christmas Musings | Anita Higman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong></div>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Christmas Musings</strong>
<strong>by: Anita Higman</strong></h2>
I feel great joy in preparing my home for the holiday season. I love to drape boughs of greenery along the staircase, swirl spices into a pot of apple cider that’s simmering on the stove, make crafty floral arrangements, and sing along with all my favorite carols. Then when friends and family come over for brunches and dinners, I put out my finest decoration, my best china, and my sincerest smile. I go all out. These are my guests, and I want the event to be welcoming, satisfying, and festive. <b>I want them to feel like royalty</b>.<br />
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When Christ arrived in Bethlehem, I wish He could have had a more splendid welcoming, a more regal place to sleep than a wooden trough where animals were fed. Even though His birth was without majestic lodgings or kingly adornments, I’m so glad He overlooked our foolish blunders, our lack of hospitality, and chose to live amongst us anyway. Jesus certainly could have chosen a different route and easier way to offer redemption.<br />
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But He didn’t.<br />
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Jesus came in one of the humblest possibly ways. He had a divine approach that left humans surprised and puzzled. And it turned into a road of pain beyond anything we can imagine. When it comes to God’s extravagant sacrifice and love that Christmas represents, He deserves a standing ovation. <b>After all, Christmas holds the true secrets we’ve all been searching for: meaning to our lives on earth, victory over death, and life eternal.</b>Christmas gives us a reason to work, to laugh, to dream, to love. Christmas is a holiday of the heart and earth’s finest celebration.<br />
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<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/AHigman-174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="150" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/AHigman-174.jpg" width="107" /></a>Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. Her latest release, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1426733879/wwwanitahigma-20" target="_blank">Marriage in Middlebury</a></i></b>, is a tale of love, hope, and forgiveness. Anita's been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends. Visit Anita at <a href="http://anitahigman.com/">her website</a>.</div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-6454010995927979142013-12-12T16:31:00.001-05:002013-12-12T16:36:02.769-05:00Day 1: 12 Pearls of Christmas | A Hibiscus “Hug from Heaven” | Margaret McSweeney<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/" target="_blank"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong></div>
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>A Hibiscus "Hug from Heaven"</strong>
<strong>by: Margaret McSweeney</strong></h2>
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="photo-12" class="alignright wp-image-9088" height="216" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-12.jpg" width="288" /></a>The flurry of festivities during Thanksgiving weekend came to an abrupt halt as I began the first week of December 2013 with an empty nest. My husband was back at work. My daughters were back at college. And my brother, Claude, and niece, Mary, were back in Alabama and Tennessee.
Bare branches accentuated the overcast gloom in the Chicago suburbs on what marked the third anniversary of my brother Randy’s passing. Randy had been feeding a stray cat on his deck when the fatal heart attack struck.<br />
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Walking downstairs, I whispered a prayer. “Lord, I am feeling really sad right now. Please help me experience your joy.” As I walked into the family room, my heart smiled. The pruned hibiscus plant balanced a solitary flower that had blossomed overnight! This was truly a hibiscus “hug from heaven.”<br />
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In her book <i>When Grief Is Your Constant Companion,</i> my late mother shared her poignant poem about a hibiscus plant. She wrote this following poem several years after losing my dad to a sudden heart attack while he was in Paris on a business trip.<br />
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TEARDROPS: EVERLASTING JOY<br />
By Carolyn Rhea<br />
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My love, how can it be<br />
That I no longer think of you<br />
Almost every waking moment<br />
And grieve for your loving presence?<br />
<br />
There are small spaces of time<br />
When my life is so absorbed in present living<br />
That you are not in my thoughts at all.<br />
How unthinkable!<br />
How sad that I should forget you even for an hour!<br />
<br />
But I have not forgotten you, my dear.<br />
You are forever a part of me.<br />
You helped God shape my life<br />
Into my present self.<br />
I carry your love in my heart.<br />
I miss you so very much and always will.<br />
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But now I’m caught up in trying to reconstruct<br />
With God’s guidance<br />
A meaningful life for myself.<br />
One in which I can help,<br />
Serve, share, love, grow.<br />
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I remember the hibiscus plant<br />
We bought at the annual show.<br />
It was called Teardrops,<br />
For several perfectly-shaped white teardrops<br />
Spattered the broad expanse<br />
Of its gorgeous pink blooms.<br />
How we loved it!<br />
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Then later, after it had grown much taller,<br />
We saw a different kind of bloom:<br />
Multitudes of small, sturdy, happy pink blossoms<br />
Swaying merrily in the Florida breeze!<br />
Teardrops had been grafted onto a stronger plant!<br />
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We named it Everlasting Joy.<br />
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Teardrops still bloomed at the lower level,<br />
But as the plant grew ever upward and outward,<br />
Everlasting Joy bloomed in profusion!<br />
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Lord Jesus, when teardrops fall,<br />
Help me remember that through faith<br />
I have been grafted in You –<br />
You, the vine;<br />
I, a branch –<br />
Eternally secure in God’s love through Thee!<br />
Blessed with Thy fullness of joy on earth<br />
And the promise of everlasting joy in heaven!<br />
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<em>Thank you, dear Father for sharing your everlasting joy with me today in my solitude. We are not alone in our grief. You are with us.</em>
<em>“Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” </em>John 16:20
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Margaret McSweeney is well-published author (<em>A Mother’s Heart Knows</em>, <em>Go Back and Be Happy</em>, <em>Pearl Girls</em>, <em>Mother of Pearl</em>, <em>Aftermath</em>), host of <a href="http://kitchenchat.info/" target="_blank">Kitchen Chat</a>, and the founder of Pearl Girls™. Through Pearl Girls™, Margaret collaborates with other writers on projects to help fund a safe house for WINGS, an organization that helps women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, and to build wells for schoolchildren in Uganda through Hands of Hope. For the past twelve years she has served on the board of directors and leadership advisory board for WINGS. Margaret lives with her husband and 2 daughters in the Chicago suburbs. Learn more at <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/">Margaret's website</a>.</div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-10887349177732120842013-06-01T00:00:00.000-04:002013-06-01T00:00:00.701-04:00Garden Party<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMl6JL9ix5Y/UakJrxk-k2I/AAAAAAAAF5U/EuBbSloQC3w/s1600/spring+2013+097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMl6JL9ix5Y/UakJrxk-k2I/AAAAAAAAF5U/EuBbSloQC3w/s320/spring+2013+097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coral bells, coreopsis, delphinium, Lily of the Valley</span></td></tr>
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This spring I finally decided to take ownership of my gardening. At my last house I had spent tons of time outside, planting and working on my perennials, my herb garden, veggie garden, various apple trees and planting nut trees, working on the look and joy of my gardens. Then, I was forced to move. I wasn't happy about any of it and went kicking and screaming. This house didn't have anything I really could bond with and even the layout went against my nature.<br />
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Over the last 17 years with so many deaths of those I've loved, plus, the death of my "dream" home and not fitting into this community well, I've floated along, not really caring how anything went. I was angry and grieving quite a lot. Each year I'd put something in the garden (perennials being my favorites) but since this place was mostly shady, I had a hard time finding what I should put out. Nothing worked. Many plants and trees died. I continued to feel everything was ugly.<br />
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But then last year I started to feel some ownership. I discovered some plants that did well here in spite of the harsh, clay soil and lack of sunny areas. Hostas were not only thriving, but huge. Coral bells work. Lily of the Valley was out of control. And hummingbirds showed up and entertained me.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfkoyLA6NyU/UakPbqfFiSI/AAAAAAAAF6E/2OcT_Yw8ZHU/s1600/spring+2013+116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lfkoyLA6NyU/UakPbqfFiSI/AAAAAAAAF6E/2OcT_Yw8ZHU/s320/spring+2013+116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rfNLGGzbCM/UakPgWJX-LI/AAAAAAAAF6M/j5EbeOX-X8U/s1600/spring+2013+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rfNLGGzbCM/UakPgWJX-LI/AAAAAAAAF6M/j5EbeOX-X8U/s320/spring+2013+117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This hosta has leaves larger than my hand.</span></td></tr>
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One of the things I'd done was tear out lemon balm. First I had moved it from the backyard to the front. Then I realized it was about invasive as a weed. I had it growing everywhere--and I hadn't planted it there! So I ripped out tons of it and THREW it over the hillside in the woods. This year I noticed lemon balm--growing profusely along the woods' edge by the yard. Tons of it. And it looked nice. It's fragrant when crushed and grows in neat bunches.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnGH40iyZXU/UakL-boE71I/AAAAAAAAF5g/obTOyJMKqTM/s1600/spring+2013+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnGH40iyZXU/UakL-boE71I/AAAAAAAAF5g/obTOyJMKqTM/s320/spring+2013+113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Lemon Balm I never planted, but just threw over the hill!</span></td></tr>
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I also noticed that the wild plants that grow in our woods were encroaching our nurtured areas and I liked them. Mayapples, sassafras trees, blackberry bushes, wild ginger, and Queen Anne's Lace--I felt like welcoming them. They grew into my heart, as well as in my yard. I didn't plan it, but somehow I felt I needed to include such things into my plans. I did. And it made me happy. <div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1npEIsbLs0/UakOFjKmbII/AAAAAAAAF5s/i0QxiJUOmEQ/s1600/spring+2013+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1npEIsbLs0/UakOFjKmbII/AAAAAAAAF5s/i0QxiJUOmEQ/s320/spring+2013+105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">More Lemon Balm (and a geranium) but this time I planted it here and it's doing well. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EPmRkl7lNhk/UakS2lQFd6I/AAAAAAAAF6k/Yp1zGciST-E/s1600/spring+2013+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EPmRkl7lNhk/UakS2lQFd6I/AAAAAAAAF6k/Yp1zGciST-E/s320/spring+2013+122.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes these Purdue gnomes and my turtle, Henry, take walks in my gardens. You never know where they could show up!</span></td></tr>
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I still had some editing to do, but things are shaping up and I feel peaceful. Even though I am still not included in many places, I feel I've found peace and my own world right here in my home. I used to spend a lot of time looking for another place to live. I'd dream of selling this place and moving somewhere that I could make sense of everything and feel included. But this summer I feel differently about it. I know I'm not still not included in communities around me, but finally I feel a peace with where I am and am content on being here and making my own world by writing and tending those right here. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gq0R10ghMA8/UakP7yuQtFI/AAAAAAAAF6U/eUj7izdLh4w/s1600/spring+2013+127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gq0R10ghMA8/UakP7yuQtFI/AAAAAAAAF6U/eUj7izdLh4w/s320/spring+2013+127.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The view from my front porch isn't perfect, but I like what I see. I feel peaceful about it and don't mind that I'm rarely included elsewhere.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
It's not a bad place to be. I know that God meant for me to be here. He made it abundantly clear I was supposed to be here, even 17 years ago. I can't really see His purpose for me in that, but it did force me to go outside my immediate world and reach out to others all around the country in the writing world. </div>
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I know that being in God's will is a good place to be and maybe my heart is finally catching up with it all, maybe even healing. There are some people gone from my life forever either through their choice or by death, but I'm finally ok with that. I can put roots down right here for the moment and if it changes tomorrow, well, then, I know God has me in the palm of His Hand. Just like my Lemon Balm, thrown out from the garden and tossed on the hillside, I took root and found nourishment and plenty...and it's a pretty place to be. </div>
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Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-45090351434746007172013-05-11T15:30:00.002-04:002013-05-11T15:30:52.349-04:00For the Writers Among Us: Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm re-reading <i><a href="http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/product/writing-fiction-for-dummies/" target="_blank">Writing Fiction for Dummies </a></i>by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy. While I think I have a pretty good handle on fiction when I'm editing and reading the fiction written by others, all bets are off when it comes to my own fiction. I think the title itself speaks to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But even if you are not a <i>dummy,</i> there are gems in this book for you. With five parts, nineteen chapters and 345 pages if you can't figure out your own writing, then you're just not paying attention! Right now I'm working through the questions (again) where I think about what I love to write. You're told to take a sheet of paper (I did, it's called MS Word...) and answer six questions. I'm considering doing this on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/crystallaine/" target="_blank">Pinterest page</a>--make it more visual. This exercise is on page 40 if you have the book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's an example of something said in this book that I have only NOW absorbed: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"Write the kind of book that you're best suited to <i>write</i>." </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">(If I could I would put this in neon letters.)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I always thought I should be writing what I most liked to <i>read</i>. These guys say this isn't necessarily true. It took a load off my shoulders. I've been trying really hard and nothing has worked for me. I've felt depressed about it in the last six months. I've been on writing teams and been rejected. I've struggled with manuscripts and themes, and nothing ever lined up. I've watched many people I've helped to get published seemingly breeze through this thing, while I still sit in the starting blocks. I know what I love to <i>read. </i>Now, to find what I love to write. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Another part that is just penetrating my skull is to "stay out of the editing mode." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You think, "Well, duh, Crystal!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I think, "Eureka!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I have never really given myself permission to <i>write.</i> I have written tons of scenes and given myself permission to do that, but never the entire story. Short stories seem to work fine for me. I have yet to find my "sweet spot" with longer fiction. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then, on page 68 is a table showing the various Creative Paradigms. I always thought that I was a "seat-of-the-pants" writer. I'm pretty sure I'm <b>not</b> when it comes to fiction. For nonfiction I can jet off in a speed boat when it comes time to write. Not so with fiction. It drives me crazy not to know the big picture first. I need an outline. I can change around scenes if I want, but I have to have that road map and a view from above in the plane--not open water and no clue at what is coming around the bend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With this kind of insight at this stage of my life and writing, I am hoping that I finally will find my place in the writing world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I highly recommend this book--even if you think you're far down the fiction road, or have already read it. See yourself with new eyes through the mindset of this book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-79301092597725974132013-05-06T00:00:00.000-04:002013-05-06T00:00:03.542-04:00Book It Mondays: The God Box by Mary Lou Quinlan<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I always have books to read. It's both a blessing and a curse. Right now I have a book called <i><a href="http://www.thegodboxproject.com/" target="_blank">The God Box</a></i> by Mary Lou Quinlan on my desk, which is a New York Times Bestseller. You can see more at <a href="http://www.thegodboxproject.com/">http://www.theGodBoxproject.com</a> . You can even download a sample to read first.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What attracted to me to this book is the nostalgia--and that Mary Lou's mother had left behind these treasures. This happened to me, too. My mother left behind letters, newspaper clippings, verses in her Bible, also saving things I'd made for her that makes me feel as if the conversation is still going on with her. My mom, also, was good at forgiveness and "letting go" of past hurts and was able to allow God to work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My mother had TB when I was just about a year old and had to let someone else take care of me while she got better. Now that I'm a mother, I can understand just how hard that was--especially since she had miscarried so many babies and then finally got me. I wish I had the letters that she wrote to my Grandmother during that time, but I doubt that anyone thought to keep them for me. It would have been a wonderful legacy. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Mom getting me back after she came out of the TB hospital. I had "grown up" and she missed so many things in my childhood. </b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Here is what is said about <i>The God Box</i></b>:</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>When Mary Lou Quinlan started to write The God Box, she hoped to share the remarkable discovery of her mother’s God Boxes filled with wishes and worries. But the more Mary Lou searched the little handwritten notes, the more she realized that, even after death, her mother kept teaching and reaching out. Enjoy this book about growing up as a devoted daughter and her mother’s best friend. See how to create a legacy of love for your own family. Feel the heartache and the uplift of learning to let go.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting time to read this book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Have you read it? Any thoughts to share about it and the idea of leaving behind your prayers in a book or box? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>P.S. Did you notice the new header? This is fun--the two boys are sons of my son's teacher from elementary school. My friend, Mary Lynn, who makes my headers, keeping them fresh, does lovely work with photos. <a href="http://marylynnscreations.blogspot.com/p/page-2-custom-made-headers.html" target="_blank">Check out her website</a> where she shares many of her creations there with readers/friends. Thanks, Mrs. Sarah Southworth! And thank you, always, Mary Lynn. </i></span></div>
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Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-78651750991918418172013-04-24T00:00:00.000-04:002013-04-24T00:00:05.611-04:00Wednesdays Far to Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We all could use a quick resource for the times of our lives. My mother kept a similar list of verses in her Bible and I have one, too. Thought I'd share it here in case someone needs to print it off and stick it in your Bible. We get by with a little help from our friends, but God is there 24/7 for you every day of your life and beyond. </span></div>
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<br />Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-76954949002996601892013-04-22T00:02:00.001-04:002013-04-22T00:04:10.134-04:00Book It Monday: Reflections of a Stranger by Linda Hanna and Deborah J. Dulworth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Linda Hanna and Deborah J. Dulworth, friends with a common interest in writing, decided to plot and write a book together. Now we can read it! It's almost golf season and since it's a little slow in Indiana weather-wise to golf, you can read this book instead where the main character is married to a golf pro. They are working on the next one, too. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u>Reflections of a Stranger</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>by Linda Hanna and Deborah J. Dulworth</b></span></span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Paperback:</b> 284 pages</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Publisher:</b> Harbourlight Books (August 24, 2012)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ISBN-10:</b> 1611161908</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-1611161908</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Cora and her husband, PGA golf pro Steady Eddie Timms, live in a safe gated community, so when Cora witnesses a murder, she's shocked and frightened. But without a body, murder weapon, or evidence of a crime, Cora's sanity is called into question-especially when it comes to light that Cora's not been dealing well with the stress and grief of losing a daughter, and her memory of late hasn't been all it should be. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Determined to prove her sanity, Cora bursts into a flurry of danger and unanswered questions as she sets out to find evidence of foul play. With the help of a bumbling security guard, a loyal best friend, and a neighbor's yappy dog, pieces finally fall into place. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>By all appearance, the mystery is solved...until Cora is kidnapped and implicated in a case of hidden identity and an old embezzlement scheme. It will take more than the national attention garnered from Steady Eddie's status to clear Cora's name, rescue her from the kidnappers, and help find her way back to the peace and sanity found only in God's loving arms.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If you love a good, suspenseful mystery, go get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Stranger-Linda-Hanna/dp/1611161908/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366602159&sr=1-1&keywords=Reflections+of+a+Stranger+by+Linda+Hanna+and+Deborah+J.+Dulworth" target="_blank"><i>Reflections of a Stranger </i>by Linda Hanna and Deborah J. Dulworth.</a></span></div>
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<br />Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-52568952450179469482013-04-17T00:00:00.000-04:002013-04-17T10:26:02.693-04:00Wednesdays Far to Go: Prayer<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You know, I never understood what St. Paul and what Billy Graham meant when they said, "Pray without ceasing." How could anyone do that? Pray, pray, pray--and how do we continue to do that? It wasn't until I was much older that this became more of a state of being. It is how I approach every moment of life and what comes to mind . </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We could literally pray every waking moment because there are so many things in our lives that need God. Isn't that what we need--God? Not just for needs, but for praise and just talking to Him as a friend. As I age, I find a desire to be with the LORD throughout my waking moments. I could understand, at last, why some folks want to enter a monastery in order to devote to prayer. His Holiness Benedict XVI, the Emeritus Pope</span></span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, <span style="font-family: inherit;">vowed that he would devote his waking moments to prayer and I feel a great relief and</span> yes, an admiration that he said he would do this. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I still feel I'm at a stage where I am like the disciples with Jesus in Gethsemane--I'm failing when He has asked me to stay with Him to pray to the Father throughout the night. I get tired, discouraged and I often don't understand what or why something happens. Many times I have fallen to the floor asking God why, and asking Him to please understand my pain and to please just hold me. To understand that which I couldn't sort out and to take my tears and groans and make sense of them. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know what you are going through, but if you ask me to pray, I can present you to our LORD. A very wise woman whom mentored me when I was a young woman discussion leader in a very large Bible study once told me to pray for the women in my charge until they left. She said I needed to let them go if they wished and unless God specifically put that person on my heart, to pray one last time and then put them into God's hands. It's a good place to be and I needed to trust Him with that. After all, God loves that person much more than I ever could. I can't take God's place--I can only pray that God would see that person's heart and need. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, I will be learning about prayer for the rest of my life. People have written whole books about prayer and the spiritual life, and there will always be something new to understand about it. We just need to keep the faith, no matter what comes across our paths and to "consider it joy." </span></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-48630398782275067232013-04-15T00:00:00.000-04:002013-04-17T09:23:09.059-04:00Book It Monday: Mothers and Daughters by Teena M. Stewart<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Mothers and Daughters: Mending Strained Relationships</i> came from author Teena M. Stewart's own relationship with her mother. As she worked through the strained relationship with her mother, she says God led her to certain Bible passages, laid a burden on her heart for other mothers and daughters who had issues to work through and concepts to explain what was going on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She also spoke with other women who talked about their own mother-daughter relationships--both joys and struggles. Are you in the throes of such a relationship? Do you need some help in getting healthy and forgiveness? Do you desire to have a friendship and effective communication? Do you need hope? </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Daughters-Mending-Strained-Relationship/dp/0834128365/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365992540&sr=1-1&keywords=Teena+M.+Stewart" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Mothers and Daughters by Teena M. Stewart</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each chapter has a quote to begin, and ends with questions to work through in order to get a more positive footing. Do you make peace or confront? Do you find out your mother's perspective? What have others done to begin repairing their relationships? If you know someone or you have had issues with your mother, I <b><i>highly recommend</i></b> this book. Not only do I have a long and deep friendship with the author of this book, but I've written columns with her. She and her husband, Jeff, have been in ministry for most of their marriage and now run a coffee house ministry in Hickory, North Carolina, <a href="http://www.javajourney.org/" target="_blank">Java Journey</a>. She is well-written and has the tools to help any woman who wishes to work through these issues. </span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mothers and daughters. In perhaps no other relationship are our hopes so high, and the dysfunction so disappointing. You feel locked into a hurtful relationship that you must deal with, and it's wearing you down. But Jesus knew the brokenness we would face in the world, even in close places such as family relationships, and still He promised the Counselor would come alongside us.</span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In Mothers and Daughters, Teena Stewart will help you name your hurts, face the barriers that stand in the way of a healthy relationship, and forgive even the unforgivable. Learn how to cultivate a friendship, communicate more effectively, and become the change you want to see. There is hope for restoration and renewal.</span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.teenastewart.com/" target="_blank">Teena Stewart</a> is a published author, an accomplished author, and an experienced ministry leader. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her newest book, <i>Mothers and Daughters: Mending a Strained Relationship,</i> is available through Beacon Hill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teena has served in ministry leadership for years. Currently, she and her husband, Jeff, are key visionaries and managers of <a href="http://www.javajourney.org/" target="_blank">Java Journey</a>, an innovative market place ministry in Hickory, North Carolina. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: large;">Java Journey, a coffee house ministry in Hickory, North Carolina </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Teena's published articles have appeared in Leadership, Discipleship Journal, and Ministry Magazine and many other publications. Book credits include <i>Successful Small Groups from Concept to Practice</i> (Beacon Hill,) and co-authoring <i>The World's Easiest Pocket Guide to Money and Marriage</i> with Jeff Stewart and Larry Burkett and contributions to several anthologies, most recently <i>Follow Your Dreams</i> (Thomas Nelson.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more information on Teena Stewart's art and jewelry visit <a href="http://www.serendipitini.com/" target="_blank">Serendipitini</a> or see <a href="http://serendipitini.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">her blog on creativity and reuse</a>. For a complete list of published credits visit <a href="http://www.teenastewart.com/id2.html" target="_blank">Teena's published credits page</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more of her <a href="http://www.teenastewart.com/id104.html" target="_blank">published books</a> see this page. </span><br />
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<br />Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-41121007834295641552013-04-10T00:30:00.000-04:002013-04-10T00:30:00.383-04:00Wednesdays: Far to Go<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was a little girl, I read the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder's <i>Little House on the Prairie </i>books. I loved them. That doesn't mean I wanted to live Laura's life--far from it! I didn't like camping as a little girl and I still don't like it much. Her life was worse than camping in my opinion (ha.) Still, having a house in an area where I can view wildlife and am off the beaten path--as long as that house stays warm and I can come back in for a cuppa hot coffee--well, that gives me the best of both worlds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of Mrs. Wilder's books was called </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">The Long Winter</i><span style="font-size: large;">. While I didn't have to live through a winter as Laura did on the prairie, it did seem to me that winter hung on a might bit longer than it was welcome this year. By Palm Sunday when spring was still illusive and we had a snowstorm, I was thinking, "Hey! Don't I still live in Indiana? We didn't pull a Dorothy and suddenly find ourselves in Nome, Alaska, right??" (And I'm not so sure if I didn't answer myself, because I was getting spring fever in the worst way.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I went to bed seeing this on Palm Sunday eve....</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20143:7-8&version=NIV">Psalm 143:7-8</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Last fall I had planted about 300 tulip bulbs. It was cold when I planted them and I had get my son Bryce to help me out. I did it all in anticipation of seeing a glorious spring display like the one I found in downtown St. Louis last spring. </span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The snowstorm this year pretty much killed that idea. The few daffodils I had did come up, but were frostbitten-looking and I was beginning to feel down and like winter might never end. I was nearly ready to give up. And when you feel like that with no escape in sight, it begins to mess with your whole general outlook. Not good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I became angrier and angrier and felt like complaining. I ached and wanted to just cover my head with blankets. Not only that, but I had the flu twice over the winter, sciatica acted up, and a series of headaches and migraines showed up. As the Bible says, I felt sick clear down into my bones with a heavy heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">...Spring is coming...softly...gently...in her own time, bringing cheer to this girl who was nearly ready to give up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had forgotten my Crystal's Rule #4 to Live By....Never Give Up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When it looks dark and cold and as if life will never change, the change that God planned out so many years ago serves as an encouragement to us. Spring is coming! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll post those tulip photos later as a few are coming up now. And if this spring doesn't show out like my expectations, I can always remember the Spring of 2012 in St. Louis to hold me over until my own Spring Tulip Festival shows up. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Never Give Up! Stay Committed to Jesus. He hasn't forgotten you and gives a promise of Spring. He <i>IS</i> coming back. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him." 2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>What verses do you turn to when your winter seems to go on forever? Share with us.</i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13980015.post-79103511384156024182013-04-08T00:30:00.000-04:002013-04-08T00:30:01.163-04:00Book It Monday: The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman<span style="font-size: large;">For most of my life I have read books. I attended a very small Christian "church" school for my first five years of school and we prayed every day. This is where I first learned about colporters--we prayed for them everyday, too, along with the missionaries and others important in spreading the Word of God and the Gospel--Jesus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I never hear that word today referring to what we called the "book and Bible missionaries," but that was what I wanted to be when I grew up! Nothing could be better in my little first grade mind than being a Bible/book missionary. I read every book I could get my hands on and I loved the Bible, so this is what I asked God to let me be when I grew up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Do you think He answered my childish prayers?</i> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Girl Who Wanted to Share Jesus through Books</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So when I was thinking and praying about what my blog should focus on, of course, I needed to include books. I still read without stopping and my interests go from Christian fiction to Christian romances to speculative fiction to Christian historical fiction to Bible studies and inspirational/spiritual books to biographies and history. I also was a teacher at one point in my life, so I still have interest in learning and the kinds of Christian psychology books that go along with that. And of course, I read from the Bible everyday, seeing how God speaks to me through this precious Word. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">An extremely small part of my Keepers Shelves</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This week I ran across a book that I had apparently missed. It is called <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Birth-Order-Book-Why-You/dp/0800734068/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1365380620&sr=1-1&keywords=the+birth+order+book+by+dr.+kevin+leman" target="_blank"><i>The Birth Order Book</i> by Dr. Kevin Leman.</a></b></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-large;">Paperback:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> 352 pages</span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Publisher:</b> Revell; 2 Rev Upd edition (October 1, 2009)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Language:</b> English</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>ISBN-10:</b> 0800734068</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0.5em 0em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>ISBN-13:</b> 978-0800734060</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">Revised and Updated 2009 version! Have you ever wondered why one of your children loves school and the other one is the class clown, or why your sister is so organized but you can’t find anything? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">Dr. Leman will answer these questions and offer readers a fascinating look at how birth order affects personality, marriage and relationships, parenting style, career, and children. Whether at home or on the job, birth order powerfully influences the way people interact with others.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I haven't had a chance to get very far in it but I am expecting to really like this book and I want to talk about it with--</span><b style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">everyone! </b><span style="font-size: large;"> I think it is already explaining much in how I react to people and how some people treat me. I see how it seems to affect my four sons and their relationships with not only their parents and each other, but also friendships and girlfriends. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I see another use for this book. When writing fiction, not only do you need to figure out the personalities of your characters, but also give them goals, motivations and CONFLICTS. This book explains this in great detail. I can see it being a good book to sit down with when you go to plotting out your story. For that alone, you might want to check this out if you're a writer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you've read this book, I'd love to hear what you think about it. And if you haven't read it, does it sound like something you would like to read? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm hoping that this book will guide me into understanding not only my own childhood, but also give me insight into relationships with my family and boys and those with whom I work. However, as I'm reading along, it has me thinking about what birth order my characters have! (And how to work things out in my real life, too.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>What's your place in the birth order in your family? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mine is complicated, but that's explained in this book, as well. I think I will return to this topic someday soon. Let me know if you get the book, or if you've already read it. </span></span><br />
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Crystal Lainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09284296811544392777noreply@blogger.com0