tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62479062547881263742024-03-13T05:29:46.741-07:00In A Secret PlaceA Journey of Inner TransformationCarolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-53009739557475484512014-05-26T19:06:00.000-07:002016-12-24T08:39:34.668-08:00A "MAGIC NECKLACE"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>623</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3552</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>29</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4362</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>623</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3552</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>29</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4362</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>623</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3552</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>29</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4362</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyLNq6iZSws/U4PvH5mj1UI/AAAAAAAAAEw/znMdZ5jlb8I/s1600/Necklace+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyLNq6iZSws/U4PvH5mj1UI/AAAAAAAAAEw/znMdZ5jlb8I/s1600/Necklace+Photo.jpg" width="199" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">When I
travel, I have a special necklace that I like to take with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a pendant that has seven colored
stones that can be changed to go with whatever I might be wearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Recently
I was staying with an African friend in Kenya. Each day the stone in my
necklace was a different color, matching what I was wearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was very impressed when she
realized that it was the same necklace that I was wearing every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d like to have a necklace like that”
she commented one day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Not
long after that, I was wearing a multi-colored jacket that had a little black
accent in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had chosen to put
in a black stone to wear with it. My friend was puzzled, and asked, “Why did
your necklace pick up the black since there are other colors that are more
prominent?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">I was
confused by her question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Because
I chose a black stone today,” I replied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">After a
few more confusing comments between us, I realized that she thought the stone
in the necklace changed colors on its own depending on what I was wearing—like
glasses that you see advertised that change between regular glasses and
sunglasses when you go in and out of the sunshine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“
Oh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I have to take the pendant
off the necklace, open it up, and change the stone,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I demonstrated for her how it was
done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">We both
had a good laugh at the mistake, and then agreed that it would be great to have
a necklace that would just change colors according to what I was wearing
without any effort on my part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“A
magic necklace,” I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
like that—a necklace that would match whatever I was wearing without any effort
on my part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“No
effort on my part.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought
raced through my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often
I’d like things in my life to change without having to put forth effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that’s not the way life works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">In
fact, God more often than not, requires action on my part to bring about the
change I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Take
for example Naaman, the powerful King of Aram who had just defeated Israel in a
battle back in the time of the Prophet Elisha (II Kings 5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had contracted leprosy and, on the
advice of his wife’s Jewish handmaid, sought healing from the God of Israel
through Elisha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But instead of
just magically healing him, Elisha sent a messager to him telling him to go
wash in the Jordan River seven times, and he would be healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Naaman
was offended and angered by this instruction, and refused to do what he thought
was beneath his dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then
his servants convinced him to follow the prophet’s instructions, which he
eventually did and was healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>God
was requiring his participation in the process of obedience before He would
heal him</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“Just
like my necklace,” I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I
want the color changed, I have to open the locket and put in a different
colored stone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to do the
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have wished that the
color of the stone would just change on it’s own, but it doesn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, God has created the stones and
given them the colors so that I may match them to my clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use what He created, but I’m involved
in the changing process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">And so
it is with change in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God gives us the instructions for how to live, and the power to do it,
but we have to put those instructions into action in order to get the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Think
of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) as the colored stones of a
necklace: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Patience<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kindness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Goodness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Faithfulness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gentleness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Self-control<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">God is
giving them to us, but we have to “put them on” – put them in our lockets and
wear them, so to speak – to make them true of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes effort on our part, but in the process, God
manifests those aspects of His character in us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;">In a
way, when we’ve put those characteristics on, they all are combined into one
stone – a stone in a “magic necklace” that reflects God’s character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we exercise a “fruit” in our
interactions with other people, that character trait shines forth from the
necklace for all to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><i>So,
maybe there is such a thing as a “magic necklace” after all!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-55014588052986948142014-01-06T19:19:00.000-08:002014-01-07T05:57:53.414-08:00MYSTERIES<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>622</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2741</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>60</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4360</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>622</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2741</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>60</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>11</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4360</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We’re in middle of a Polar Vortex—exceptionally cold weather
caused by frigid North Pole air sliding down into North America because of a
weak jet stream (which normally brings more temperate air across the nation
from west to east.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It’s been snowing for the past couple days and is <i>very</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> cold today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The high is only supposed to get </span><i>up</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to –11 degrees Fahrenheit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It could set a record for the lowest </span><i>high temperature</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> in this area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, of course, nighttime and wind chill temperatures are even lower. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Officials are requesting that people stay home if they don’t
absolutely have to go out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schools
are closed, and our evening church service was canceled last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The snow is deep and my husband got stuck yesterday turning
into our driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several
neighbors were out shoveling snow and helped dig him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then spent nearly an hour cleaning
off the driveway so he could get the car into the garage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don’t really enjoy this kind of ‘cold.’ It’s very
penetrating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, for the past
several days, we’ve not seen the sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I pulled back the curtains yesterday and stood looking out the
window, I could feel the cold penetrating through the glass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5PeGFGlZOc/UstwozMnmuI/AAAAAAAAAEc/hJ-EtLxfn6Q/s1600/Sun's+rays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H5PeGFGlZOc/UstwozMnmuI/AAAAAAAAAEc/hJ-EtLxfn6Q/s1600/Sun's+rays.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But today, in spite of the frigid temperature, the sun is
shining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s still low in the sky
because it’s only a couple weeks past the winter solstice, but that has the
advantage of allowing the sun’s rays to come in my window at a more direct
angle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I marvel at the warmth I feel from the rays of the sun, even
though it passes through 93,000,000 miles of ‘cold’ to get here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can that be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know that the sun’s light travels via light waves, and
that the warmth comes from radiation, but it’s still a mystery to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I stood there basking in the warmth of the sun in my
living room, I felt a joy and a sense of awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many ‘mysteries’ in life—so many little joys to
ponder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Those moments reminded me of other mysteries—ones that
science can’t explain—such as the mystery of God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just like the sun’s warmth coming
through the cold to reach me, so God’s love travels through a cold and broken
world and penetrates my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
feel its warmth bringing me joy, even in times of difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how it gets here, but I
know it’s real—just as real as the warmth of the sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another such mystery was recorded in the Bible when Jesus
told Nicodemus (a Jewish leader) about the need to be born again in order the
see the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus, thinking of physical birth, questioned Jesus
as to how this could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jesus went on to explain that the rebirth he was talking
about was a <i>spiritual rebirth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He described it like this: “the wind
blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it
comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hmmm—this is indeed a great mystery, one that no one can
scientifically explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, those
who experience it know the reality of the inner peace it brings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’m so grateful that I don’t need to fully understand what
makes these mysteries work in order to receive their benefits—the warmth of the
sun on a bitterly cold day, the joy of God’s love even when I’m facing hard
things in life, the inner peace that spiritual rebirth brings—all mysteries of
our creator God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Apostle Paul sums up the great mysteries of God this
way:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and
knowledge of God!</i><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><i>How unsearchable
are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” </i>(Romans 11:33)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I continually stand in awe of God—this God of mysteries.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-27426663731429242312014-01-01T18:35:00.000-08:002014-01-01T18:35:24.729-08:00NEW BEGINNINGS
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>408</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1798</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>39</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>7</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2860</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Today is the first day of the
rest of my life—a new beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The idea of new beginnings
permeates our culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
expressions like, “Tomorrow’s a new day” when things aren’t going well, or “I’ve
turned over a new leaf” when speaking of a new direction in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There are new beginnings that
mark off time, such as the beginning of a new year, a new day, or a new season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There are new beginnings that
mark off events, such as our birth into this world—the beginning of our
existence—and all the beginnings that come as a part of growing up. We talk
about ‘new chapters’ in our lives—when we graduate from school, a new job,
marriage, birth of children, or moving to a new location.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There are new beginnings in
our thoughts—things we learn that significantly affect our beliefs and
attitudes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Most new beginnings have a
forward-looking aspect to them—an opportunity—an anticipation of what is to
come—the hope of something better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes a new beginning
brings fear or dread or sorrow—the loss of a job, an accident, a natural
disaster, a difficult illness, or the death of a loved one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes new beginnings ‘fizzle.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t turn out the way we had
hoped or expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
disappointed and seek for something else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The new becomes old and we move on—just as the old year ends and a new
year begins, and the sun sets on a finished day and rises on a new day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No new beginning is permanent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In some respects, we’re all
seeking for a new beginning that brings lasting satisfaction, but through the
hard knocks of life we often despair of ever finding it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hunger for a new beginning we can’t
really identify.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The good news is that there
is a new beginning that <i>does exist</i>
and it is far greater than anything we ever anticipated or expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people, however, miss it—they are
looking for it in the wrong place, may be misinformed so they reject it, or
simply choose not to believe it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Don’t miss out. This year could be a new beginning in a
personal relationship with the God of the universe—the God of the Bible—a new
beginning that doesn’t end. And
each of us can wake up each morning with the thought, “Today is the first day
of the rest of my life—not just life on this earth, but life for the rest of
eternity in the presence of the Living God.” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-89739727272919191422013-12-24T21:00:00.000-08:002013-12-24T21:04:50.604-08:00OBSERVING THE ANTS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>875</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3766</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>83</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>21</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>6130</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtZjjXRC5Jc/Urplh4u5hOI/AAAAAAAAAEM/hkgyRJTIDgY/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtZjjXRC5Jc/Urplh4u5hOI/AAAAAAAAAEM/hkgyRJTIDgY/s200/image.jpeg" width="200" /></a>When my son was a child, we got him a small ant farm for
Christmas one year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If some of you
aren’t familiar with an ant farm, it’s two plates of glass sealed together with
approximately ¾” space between them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That space is filled up with soil and live ants are put in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ants go to work making a new home
for themselves, and because the space is so narrow, many of their tunnels are
right next to the glass so you can watch the ants at work. There’s a screened
opening at the top where food and water can be added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This ant farm provided hours of fascinating observation and
learning the ways of the ants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
we sat and watched them, we’d play the game of ‘pretend,’ and make up stories
about the ants. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I invite you to
join me in a game of ‘pretend.’ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s pretend that you have the power to create a colony of
ants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only are you able to
create them and bring them to life, but also to give them all the
characteristics of ants as we know them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> make the ants and
they belong to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get to
make up all the rules for how they live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You provide soft soil with lots of nutrients for their home. You love
them and they seem very happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, for their own protection, you have set up some expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You create boundaries around the
anthill beyond which the ants are not to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Specifically, they are not to leave the area and feed from
the nearby garbage heap because an anteater often prowls around there looking
for ants, and who knows what might happen!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All is going well until one day the anteater is out
exploring and wants to eat some ants. He sees your ant colony and heads straight for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, knowing the dangers that can
afflict your colony of ants, you have built a special protection around the anthill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The anteater discovers that he is not able to get any of the
ants as long as they stay in the protected environment you have created for
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows that the only way
he can get to your ants is to coax them out of that protected area, so he deceives
them into thinking the garbage heap is better food than what you have provided
for them. Much to your sorrow and dismay, your beloved ants fall for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the ants start eating from the garbage heap, there is
no turning back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their <i>desire </i><span style="font-style: normal;">for the garbage causes them to forget all about
staying in the protected area. In fact, they seem to scurry away and try to
hide from you when they see you coming. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As time goes on, the ants multiply and start making anthills
all over the area around the garbage heap, and the happy anteater is
continually raiding their colonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ants’ lives are continually disrupted by the anteater, and as a result the various colonies
begin to compete for the garbage and fights break out among them. They lose
their ability to work together for the good of the colony because each one is
looking out for itself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This causes you great sadness, however you have a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because you love them so much you
decide to come and save them from this terrible plight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will enter into their world by becoming
one of them to teach them how to live and to free
them from the consequences of their rebellion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are born as an ant in a dysfunctional colony next to the
garbage heap. It’s a great mystery as to how you are able to do this, but
because you have the power to create, you have the power to become one of them.
Your purpose for coming is to restore them and teach them to live according to
your original plan. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But not all the ants will listen and change their ways. The
anteater tries his best to thwart your plans, and finally he thinks he’s
getting the upper hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a
number of ants under his control that actually gang up on you and kill you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But because you are the creator, you get to tell the story.
You, the ant, come back to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This really freaks out the anteater who realizes he is doomed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Those ants who have been restored</span> live in peace,
looking forward to the day when the anteater and the rebellious ants are
completely gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have now become the ants’ hero and every year they
celebrate your birthday.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> .................................<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so ends our game of ‘pretend.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
……………………..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there is a story on which this allegory is based that is
not ‘pretend.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the reason we
celebrate Christmas—the birth of Jesus, God becoming flesh like His creation,
to save us from the consequences of our rebellion against Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In doing this, He removes our guilt and replaces it with
lasting peace, giving us assurance that we will spend eternity with Him, living
in new physical bodies on a new physical earth the way God originally
intended—without sin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and <u>the Word was God</u>.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“And <u>the Word became flesh</u>, and dwelt among us…”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal
life.” </i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 1:1, 1:14a, 3:16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-35592148554266181082013-10-31T19:50:00.000-07:002013-11-01T17:25:17.886-07:00PLEASE REMOVE MASK BEFORE ENTERING<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>396</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2262</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>18</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>2777</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">Today is October 31,
better known in some parts of the world as Halloween<i>.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">According to <i>The
World Book</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> <i>Encyclopedia,</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> the probable source of<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Halloween was an ancient Celtic practice of
celebrating the dead on the evening before November 1, the start of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;">their new
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This pagan custom was
continued even after the Celts became Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Eventually, in the 800’s
A.D. the church established All Saints’ Day on November 1, and the people made
this old pagan custom a part of this Holy Day celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mass said on this day was called <i>Allhallowmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The evening before All Saints’ Day became known as <i>All Hallow
e’en, </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">or <i>Halloween.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xp79ZuA3VLo/UnRFBPFDtqI/AAAAAAAAAD8/VF5CaKPpSrg/s1600/Mask%5B3%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xp79ZuA3VLo/UnRFBPFDtqI/AAAAAAAAAD8/VF5CaKPpSrg/s200/Mask%5B3%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">People celebrate this
festival by dressing up in costumes and wearing masks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children go from door to door asking
for treats, and their friends and neighbors try to guess who they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s great fun if they are disguised so
well that even their good friends can’t recognize them—until they gleefully
pull off their masks to reveal their identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">As we all know, masks
are used in other situations as well—to hide our identity or to make us appear
as someone other than who we really are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For example, robbers wear masks to <i>hide</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> their identity; actors (think “ancient Greek”)
wear masks to <i>change</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> their
identity to the character they are portraying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">As I thought about our
use of masks, I began to picture different kinds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some just cover the area around the eyes. Some cover the
whole face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are held over the
face on a stick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some cover the
whole head with face and hair that make you look like someone else (usually a
famous person).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">But as I pictured these
masks, my mind turned to a different kind of mask—an invisible mask. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">It made me wonder, how
many people in this world wear invisible masks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They masquerade as someone they aren’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re afraid to let others know who
they really are, and in so doing, they give a false outward show—a pretense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Someone mentioned
recently that there should be a sign above our church doors saying:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>PLEASE REMOVE MASK BEFORE
ENTERING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Perhaps more of us wear
invisible masks than we care to admit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or, perhaps we<i> all</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">
wear invisible masks of one sort or another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><i>Do I wear an
invisible mask?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><i>Is God asking me to
remove my mask before entering His presence?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><i>Is He asking me to
take my mask off, not only in His presence, but in the presence of others?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><i>HOW DO I GET THIS
MASK OFF; IT SEEMS STUCK!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><i>“If we say we have no
sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we confess our sins, He is faithful
and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I John 1:8-9<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><i>“Blessed are the pure
in heart, for they shall see God.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Matthew 5:8<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-64916864190369674342013-05-26T15:38:00.000-07:002013-05-26T18:34:11.793-07:00CHEWING THE CUD<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>528</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2694</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>112</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>48</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3697</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s an old saying, “you can take the girl off the farm,
but you can’t take the farm out of the girl.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up on the farm and have always been intrigued by a
strange habit of cows.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xK_fyuNFj9g/UaKNwISnCgI/AAAAAAAAADs/Aq6wzW8AwoM/s1600/BLOG+Cow+photo+5-26-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xK_fyuNFj9g/UaKNwISnCgI/AAAAAAAAADs/Aq6wzW8AwoM/s320/BLOG+Cow+photo+5-26-13.jpg" width="320" /></a>Cows chew their cud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What’s cud?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s a good question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A cow is a special animal called a ruminant—it has four
compartments in its stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
it swallows its food, it goes down into the first and then second “stomach”
where it is mixed and softened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The stomach muscles then cause the food to come back up into the cow’s
mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This food, the second time
around, is called “cud.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cow then slowly chews this cud and swallows it
again where it is further digested, moving on into the third and fourth
compartments of the stomach.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This second chewing is necessary to break down the food and
make it usable to the cow’s body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This process of re-chewing the food is called “chewing the cud.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This may sound a little repulsive to us as humans, but the
cows actually seem to enjoy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
my mind’s eye, I can still see those cows on the farm, resting in the shade of
the occasional tree, chewing their cud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a peaceful sight.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a figure of speech, “chewing the cud” has come to have
meaning for us humans, too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we take time to ponder or meditate on something, we
call it “chewing the cud.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re
analyzing a thought in order to understand it, or to derive a deeper meaning
from it, or to gain insights from it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m continually reminded of how this is a picture of what we
do when we mediate on Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 301.5pt;">
When the cow chews, it is actively
involved in the chewing process of further preparing the cud for
digestion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not just holding
the cud in its mouth thinking, “Oh, I really like the taste of this sweet cud”
and then swallowing it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, it chews and chews and chews until the cud is further prepared
to give out its nutrients. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Likewise, when we read Scripture, just reading it through
doesn’t produce the “nutrients” necessary to bring us into conformity to its
teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to think about
it; analyze it—look for applications of it’s meaning in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we meditate in this way, we’re “chewing the cud.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The “nutrients” of Scripture are so rich and plentiful, but
many people miss out on the depth of their truth because they fail to
"chew the cud.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They bypass
this step of the digestion process because it takes time, or they just aren’t
interested, or perhaps they don’t know how.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because this last reason (that people don’t know how) is so
prevalent, here’s a suggestion:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a verse or passage you would like to meditate on and
write it out on a 3x5 card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep
it handy throughout the day and try to commit it to memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you do this, something amazing happens:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you begin to concentrate on the words,
trying to remember them, finding that after a little time has elapsed, you
don’t remember the exact words, (or perhaps the order of the words) so you
check back to your card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then your
mind starts analyzing the words to create ways of remembering them—a deeper
meaning that relates to your own life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before you realize it, you’re “chewing the cud.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, you could sit down under a shade tree and go
through the process all at one time like a cow, but I’ve found that I rarely
have time to do that!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy “chewing” on Scripture, and enjoy your “cud.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[endif]--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-38847791624986161082013-04-28T13:50:00.000-07:002013-04-28T13:56:34.761-07:00PLAGUE FORMULA<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>570</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3253</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>27</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3994</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Several years ago, I became aware of a “Plague Formula”
recipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I understand,
something similar to this potent formula may have been used during the Middle
Ages in Europe to strengthen one’s immune system and help resist dying from The
Bubonic Plague.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This particular formula, developed by Dr. Richard Schulze,
is as follows:<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
1 large white onion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
2 large bulb garlic<br />
1 large ginger root as long as your
hand</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
6-8 inch horseradish root</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
2 large handfuls habenero peppers
or hottest available</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
1-2 large containers of raw apple
cider vinegar </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
1. Put all vegetables in blender. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
2. Cover vegetables with
vinegar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blend 1-2 minutes until
mashed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
3. Pour mash into glass jars ¾
full. Cover to top of jar with vinegar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apply lid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
4. Leave on counter and shake 3
times a day for 2 weeks or longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
5. Strain though cheese cloth and
store in dark glass bottles in a cool place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
6. Dosage: 1 T. in a glass of water
or juice, several times a day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you probably know, the Plague was caused by bacteria
which spread to humans by bites from the fleas of infected rats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband said that with all those
ingredients just the smell of it is enough to keep anything away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, it isn’t the <i>smell</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> that creates its effectiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It actually works within the body to boost the immune system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to Dr. Schulze, fresh garlic and onions have
anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic properties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other ingredients also have
properties that contribute to its effectiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it has to be ingested into the body for it to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It “comes alongside” the body’s own
bacteria-fighting capabilities to overcome the ill effects of the bacteria. <span id="goog_761790224"></span> <a href="http://curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=549170" target="_blank">(<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Dr. Schulze's Plague Formula</span>)</a><span id="goog_761790225"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend, Andrea, recently shared with me an insight she
had while reading about a plague in the Bible: a plague of a different
nature—the plague of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
expressed it this way, “Sin has a plague-like, and death-producing,
effect.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pondered that thought. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How true this is! When we are constantly exposed to
situations in life that are contrary to what God teaches in the Bible, we begin
to lose our sensitivity to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The continual exposure to the lifestyle of those who don’t honor God
begins to dilute our sense of right and wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can, without awareness of it, be drawn into embracing a
lifestyle that is dishonoring to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such is the condition—not only of our own society, but of the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The infectious ‘bacteria’ of self-gratification,
self-exaltation, and power has replaced the healthy lifestyle of submission and service to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been
infected by the worldview of our society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Self has replaced God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve become captivated by this allure of ‘self-actualization’ and have
been drawn into its web.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so, by virtue of constant exposure, we’ve caught the
disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve become victims of <i>the
plague. </i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need a Plague Formula!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
heart full of desire to know God intimately and accurately</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
soul yielded to the cleansing power of Jesus Christ</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
One mind full of willingness to
follow God’s instructions and commands</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Two eyes searching for wisdom as
for hidden treasure</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Two ears full of attentiveness to
that wisdom</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
One soul willing to yield to the
beauty of serving the Living God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Instructions:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1. Carefully incorporate these
ingredients into your life so as to walk in integrity</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by the power of God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
2. Practice the above ingredients
daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3. Mix them gently with constant
prayer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
4. Resist, through the power of
this formula, the pull of the world to exalt and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gratify the desires of Self.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Complete application of this formula will strengthen the spiritual immune system and enable the user to escape the threat of spiritual death brought on by the Plague of Self.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://classic.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%202:1-12&version=NASB" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">The Bible: Proverbs 2:1-12</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-79383388537898939422013-04-20T11:30:00.000-07:002013-04-20T11:30:36.885-07:00FORECASTS
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>600</o:Words>
<o:Characters>3422</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>28</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>4202</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I heard the weather forecast a couple days ago, I
decided it was time to set out my rain gauge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a forecast of up to 4” of rain, I was curious to see
the exact amount we would receive, knowing that with thunderstorms the rainfall
over an extended area can vary significantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was early in the morning and the sky was overcast, but
the rain had not yet started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“This is good,” I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I haven’t missed anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPT2p5J9udQ/UXLX3k3xHoI/AAAAAAAAADQ/382Ab5NW8yQ/s1600/flood+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zPT2p5J9udQ/UXLX3k3xHoI/AAAAAAAAADQ/382Ab5NW8yQ/s320/flood+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a>It wasn’t long before the rain began—intermittent through
the early part of the day, but by late afternoon and throughout the night, wave
after wave of heavy thunderstorms moved through the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t sleep well, often being
awakened by lightening and thunder—and the sound of pounding rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, I was up early, curious to see just how much rain we
had received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I stepped out
into the backyard, the grassy lawn squished under my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hurried toward my rain gauge, hoping
I wouldn’t get caught by another downpour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I looked at the gauge, I couldn’t see the waterline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to my surprise, the gauge was
almost overflowing—5 inches of rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
quickly dumped it out, reset it, and ran back into the house just as a bolt
of lightening lit the sky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_SQdDiPuzqQ/UXLXeaK-4zI/AAAAAAAAADI/6cJTIKxmOJ8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_SQdDiPuzqQ/UXLXeaK-4zI/AAAAAAAAADI/6cJTIKxmOJ8/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rain continued.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I got my binoculars out to check the water level in my neighbors’
backyards across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
creek behind their houses was completely out of its banks and nearly up to
their foundations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roads were
closed from flooding, and many people had water in their basements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally the rain subsided late morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I checked the rain gage again—a little
over an inch, for a total of over 6 inches of rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The forecasters do their best to let us know what to expect, but they can never be certain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have no control over the final outcome. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>No control</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about that for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weather forecasters base their
predictions on observation, computer programs, and their interpretative
judgment, but they can never be absolutely certain of the outcome. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, there is someone who <i>does</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> have control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The One who created all has control over all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus “rebuked the
wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.” (Luke
8:24)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because he is God in
human flesh—the creator of everything—he has the power to control his
creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we realize he has
this power, we can believe what he says is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like the weatherman, Jesus is also a forecaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has forecast the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, his forecast isn’t based on
observation, or computer programs, or his interpretative judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s based on the fact that he, as God,
is <i>in<b> </b>control of the circumstances in his forecast</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While he was on earth, he ‘forecast’ to his disciples many
things about what to expect in the future, and then challenged them to open
their eyes: “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky
is red.’ And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red
and threatening.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you know how
to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the
times?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew 16:2-3)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One specific “forecast” he gave them had to do with the <i>beginning
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">of the end times: “And you will be hearing
of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened for those things
must take place, but that is not yet the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all these things are merely the
beginning of birth pangs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew
24:6-8)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hmmm…it sounds like our
world today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forecasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
want them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to know what is
going to happen in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
depend on the weatherman to tell us what the weather will be, even though we
know it may not be totally accurate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, as to the future of our lives—and of the
world—fortunately, there is an accurate and reliable source we can turn
to:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s revelation to us in the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t tell us
everything we want to know, but it does tell us everything we <i>need</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> to know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can fully rely on <i>its</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
forecast to prepare for our eternal future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-90657503071830286452013-04-13T17:21:00.000-07:002013-04-14T18:06:10.382-07:00WAITING FOR FRUIT<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>498</o:Words>
<o:Characters>2841</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>23</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>3488</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1539</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a Kansas Apricot tree in my yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not really suited to the cold
climate in the Chicago area, but it's<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>special to me because it’s a seedling from my grandmother’s tree in Kansas. Although it blooms beautifully every year, it has only produced apricots
twice in the twenty-five years I’ve had it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_I5FwVhCYkM/UWn0vMTmTaI/AAAAAAAAAC4/QfbqA_6mdcE/s1600/Tree+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_I5FwVhCYkM/UWn0vMTmTaI/AAAAAAAAAC4/QfbqA_6mdcE/s320/Tree+Photo.jpg" width="239" /></a>The second time it produced, I saved some of the apricot
pits, and from them started some seedlings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I planted one in the front yard where it has grown into a
beautiful tree; but unfortunately, it’s so eager to bloom that it produces its
blossoms with the first warm weather each year, only to meet the same fate as
the mother tree.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year we had an unusually early spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By March, everything had blossomed, and
by early April, both apricot trees were full of little apricots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thrilled, thinking that I might
finally get a crop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, alas, it
was not to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In mid-April we had
three consecutive nights of below freezing temperatures, and all the little
apricots turned black and fell off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this year is different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spring is delayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s mid-April and the trees are still dormant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easter has come and gone without any
flowers in bloom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The forecast is
for more chilly weather for the next fifteen days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps—just perhaps—my apricot tree won’t bloom until the
danger of freezing weather is past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perhaps this year it will produce fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I must always remember that my special Kansas apricot
tree is a <i>victim</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> of its environment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think about this tree a lot since it’s in my line of
vision from my living room picture window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes me think about my own life—whether or not I’m
“bearing fruit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I like this
tree?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I too eager to “make
things happen?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it possible
that in my zeal to produce “fruit” I miss God’s timing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does the “freezing weather” of life
interfere with <i>my plan </i><span style="font-style: normal;">to produce fruit?
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible uses the imagery of bearing fruit
metaphorically—the consequences of an action are frequently described as its
fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the ways Jesus uses
it is to speak of himself as the <i>vine</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and those who believe in him as the </span><i>branches</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Abide in me, and I in you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the branch cannot bear fruit by
itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it
is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The reality is that in order to produce meaningful fruit for
the Kingdom of God, one must be plugged into Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When he is in control and working through us, the timing
will be right and the fruit good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How comforting it is to be a fruiting branch grafted into a
vine through which empowering juices flow, enabling one to produce fruit
according to his will and in his “season.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the one who determines the right timing for the fruit
to be produced; my part is to make sure I am “abiding” in him and have my will
lined up with his will.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Waiting for fruit” then involves being yielded to Jesus,
committed to his will, and waiting for his timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words of the Psalmist state the results so clearly:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
"He is like a tree planted by
streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not
wither.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all that he does, he
prospers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Psalm 1:3)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m still hoping and waiting for fruit from the apricot tree
in my yard, but an even greater desire is that my life would exhibit <i>his </i><span style="font-style: normal;">fruit in </span><i>his</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> timing.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-37557290228579672312012-11-23T20:46:00.000-08:002012-11-24T08:08:56.356-08:00REFLECTIONS ON THANKFULNESS<div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
</div>
<div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
</div>
<div style="font: 14.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
</div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and all the activity of the day—cooking, eating, spending time in fellowship with friends—is over. In the quietness of this “day after” I’ve spent some time reflecting on wha</span>t I’m really thankful for—not just in words, but in true heartfelt emotion.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2NE6QUxW_Y/ULDvvO_m_oI/AAAAAAAAACc/2PP8igS2Qx8/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2NE6QUxW_Y/ULDvvO_m_oI/AAAAAAAAACc/2PP8igS2Qx8/s200/photo-5.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It was less than three weeks ago that my husband and I were in Nairobi, Kenya. One evening, after having dinner with some new friends, we took a taxi back to the guesthouse where we were staying. My sense of direction was totally disoriented and I had no clue where we were in the city. I simply had to trust the taxi driver that he would get us to our destination. </span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It was not a smooth ride—there were lots of potholes and speed bumps. And, from my perspective, the traffic was chaotic. I still had vivid memories of three years ago when we were in Kenya and narrowly missed being in a tragic accident in which there was a fatality—</span>our driver’s quick reaction saved our lives. And during this current trip, we had seen accidents almost every day we were in Nairobi. </div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I realized as we swerved in and out of traffic I had absolutely no control over the situation; my safety was in the hands of the taxi driver. I was, for all practical purposes at that moment, entrusting my life to him. </span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Strangely though, I was totally relaxed and at peace with an assurance that in due time we would arrive at the guesthouse. This surprised me, and I marveled at the thought.</span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How was it that I could entrust my life to a total stranger in the midst of what could be a very dangerous situation. I knew nothing about this man that made him trustworthy, except that he was employed by the taxi company, which I assume would have made sure he could drive safely. How could I trust <i>him</i> like this, and yet experience times when I had trouble trusting God, whom I <i>do</i> know, and whose very character is marked by trustworthiness? It sounds absurd, doesn’t it!</span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I must admit, I am thankful for the taxi driver who got us to our destination safely, but I’m <i>most</i> thankful for my Heavenly Father who is totally trustworthy to carry me through all of life’s dangers and trials and bring me safely to my final destination in His Heavenly Kingdom.</span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is beautifully expressed in a quote from A.W. Tozer: “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures.”</span></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For this I am truly thankful.</span></div>
<br />Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-23287651779386967912012-09-03T19:35:00.000-07:002012-09-03T19:35:27.691-07:00THE DELIGHT OF NEW INSIGHTS<br />
<div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> <div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Have you ever experienced an insight that filled you with delight?</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Recently my husband and I were on a trip through several states in the American Northwest. As we were driving from Casper, Wyoming to Rapid City, South Dakota, we traveled through an area where there was extensive strip-mining for coal. As we checked on the map, we figured we were about fifty miles from the next town called Newcastle.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">My husband immediately thought of the expression “selling coal to Newcastle.” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Having only a vague recollection of its meaning, we looked it up on his iPhone.</span><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">According to Wikipedia, the expression refers to a “foolhardy or pointless action.” It grew out of the fact that at some point in the past, Newcastle upon Tyne in north-eastern England was a huge producer of coal, “and therefore any attempt to sell coal to Newcastle would be doomed to failure” because they had no need of it. </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As we were discussing and thinking about this, my husband suddenly said, “Hey, we’re in coal mining country and the name of the next town is Newcastle!” </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">At that moment, we experienced the delight and joy of a new-found insight. The fact that the town to which we were driving was named Newcastle took on a whole new meaning! </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s amazing the transformation that takes place in the mind when it becomes enlightened! We knew we were on the road to a city named Newcastle, but it meant nothing to us—it was just a name. It wasn’t until we learned and understood the significance of the name and its connection to coal that it took on a new meaning.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As I reflected on this little delight, I thought of other times I’ve experienced the joy of “a light bulb experience.” There were several that soon came to mind, but the one that stood out most was the time I really grasped an understanding of who Jesus is: that he is God himself, taking on human flesh and coming to live among his creation. </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That insight changed my whole perspective and understanding of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Jesus, God had became a part of his creation and did for me what I could not do for myself. That insight changed my life. </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So often in life, we don’t have the curiosity or the willingness to seek the information that leads to the discovery of such insights. If my husband and I hadn’t <i>wanted to know more</i> about the saying “selling coal to Newcastle” and <i>put forth the effort to learn</i> <i>what it meant</i>, we’d have missed both the insight and the delight.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Likewise, it takes effort to grasp the understanding of who Jesus really is. The fact that he is fully God and fully man is a mystery; but God says that if we seek to know him with all our heart, he will reveal himself to us (Luke 11:10, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Proverbs 8:17). </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br />
</div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The beautiful thing about seeking him and finding him is that the more we seek to know him, the more he reveals himself to us; and through this process, we have the continual opportunity to experience the “delight of new insights.”</span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
</span></div></span></div>Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-67643820438616220512012-07-04T20:56:00.002-07:002012-07-05T11:20:50.925-07:00A TALE OF TWO KINGS<div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 16.0px;"></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Today is July 4, the birthday of the United States of America. On this date in 1776, our forefathers put their lives on the line and signed the Declaration of Independence, declaring freedom from British rule.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Those of us who know and understand the history of our country have a deep gratitude for the patriots who risked everything for what they believed was right. Their example still motivates us today. </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">What was it that caused them to declare independence from the British? The king was exploiting the colonists and taxing them in oppressive ways. He ignored the fact that as British citizens, it was their right to be represented in the law-making bodies in Britain. The king didn’t really care about the welfare of the American colonists.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">But what if the king <i>had been concerned</i> about the welfare of his subjects? What if his predisposition had been one of goodwill toward them with a desire to see them prosper? It is quite possible that the American colonies would still be a part of Britain today. </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">However, that’s not a sure thing. Take for example the King of Kings and His subjects, Adam and Eve. Here is a case where the King <i>was</i> benevolent toward His subjects, but they still rebelled. </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He created a beautiful Garden for their home and provided everything they needed. In His goodness, He gave them dominion over all that He had placed in the Garden; they were to rule over it and take care of it. All He required was their obedience.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">But, when tempted, they disobeyed by choosing to follow their own desires. The consequences were severe, resulting in a curse being placed on all creation. We now live in the result of that choice. </span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">But this good King of Kings is still good, and He has a plan. He came to earth and broke the grip of that curse, so that all who follow Him will one day live as He had originally planned — in new bodies, on a new Earth, with Him. That’s Heaven. And, He’s still seeking those who will come to Him and obey Him.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I find an interesting paradox here. We celebrate our independence from a tyrannical king, an independence that has allowed us to exercise what we consider our <i>right</i> to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” But at the same time, we ignore the King of Kings, who in His goodness, mercy, and love offers us that very life, liberty, and happiness for which we seek.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Seems like a mystery, doesn’t it. It is! But it’s real.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So, on this Fourth of July, let us rejoice in celebrating our country’s independence and the many freedoms it has provided us. As you do, also think about the plan of the benevolent King of Kings. If you've never considered His offer, you may be surprised to find it’s the very thing you’ve been seeking.</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Happy Birthday America! (and perhaps even a Happy Birthday to the <i>new you</i>!)</span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 14.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 17.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span>Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-50846810610736022492012-05-09T18:45:00.000-07:002012-05-09T18:45:25.314-07:00TREASURE HUNTING<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>541</o:Words> <o:Characters>3087</o:Characters> <o:Lines>25</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3791</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IddB-Y4vUvY/T6scqsVT_pI/AAAAAAAAAB8/1HIPx4y8j8U/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IddB-Y4vUvY/T6scqsVT_pI/AAAAAAAAAB8/1HIPx4y8j8U/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">For lunch today I had a salad made out of “treasures” from my backyard, most of which I had not planted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite green this time of year is lambsquarter (also called goosefoot or Belgian spinach).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people consider it a weed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, according to Dr. Peter Gail, Director of Goosefoot Acres Center for Wild Vegetable Research and Education, its leaves have more vitamin C than citrus fruit and more vitamin A than carrots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the richest green vegetable source of calcium and is especially rich in protein, B vitamins and phosphorus.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dr. Gail states, “It is sadly amusing to watch serious gardeners deliberately destroy these young wild spinach plants growing voluntarily in their gardens, at no cost or work to them, to make room to plant cultivated spinach seeds which are harder to grow, less tasty and not as nutritious!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Joyfully, the treasures of my backyard aren’t limited to just lambsquarter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the many wild edibles available there, I chose dandelion greens and blossoms, violet leaves and blossoms, volunteer Egyptian onion greens, and volunteer cilantro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Added to that were a few thinnings from the arugula and lettuce plantings, and the tops and bulbs of the freshly pulled radishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drizzled with a homemade oil and vinegar dressing seasoned with basil (dried from last year’s crop), I had a super salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could just “feel” my cells saying “Thank-you.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">But let’s be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea of eating “weeds” is not all that appealing to most people, or even me – unless, of course, I know they’re edible, nutritious, and palatable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they’re treasures. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As I sat and ate my Backyard Salad, I began to think about other “treasures” in life that I might be missing – either because I don’t know about them, or because the thought of them is not appealing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“That’s it,” I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I miss out on treasures because I don’t recognize them as treasures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t recognize them as treasures <i>because they’re not appealing to me!</i><span style="font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My mind suddenly jumped to a lecture I recently attended. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The speaker, Dr. David Levy, is a renowned neurosurgeon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During his speech he talked about the power of forgiveness in the context of his relationship with his father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had issues with his father that stemmed from his childhood and had a lasting effect on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he finally came to the place where he forgave his father and worked to develop a relationship with him, during which time he let his father know he had forgiven him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then Dr. Levy made this profound statement:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“The greatest gift children can give their parents is to forgive them – even when they don’t ask for it.”</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that’s a nugget of pure gold!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hidden treasure! I hadn’t really thought of my forgiving someone as a gift to them, but it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone owes me some money and I “forgive him the debt,” I’m absorbing the cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It costs to forgive because forgiving means that I am releasing the other person from their obligation to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(That’s not always <i>appealing</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> because our natural inclination is to “make them pay” for what they’ve done.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the result can be real freedom in the relationship.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s a treasure I’ve tucked away in my heart to not only apply in my own life, but to pass on to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a hunch that treasures are everywhere, and that we miss them because we aren’t really looking for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I have a hunch that often we fail to recognize the treasure because it seems so counter-intuitive – like the thought of eating highly nutritious weeds. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Treasure hunting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something you can do too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think of it as finding nourishment for the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">And while you’re at it, try some lambsquarter from your own backyard and nourish your physical body as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-90824922095544539142012-04-17T18:28:00.003-07:002012-05-10T20:04:30.926-07:00SPRING CLEANING<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">It's spring! In the name of “spring-cleaning” I've been attacking some shelves in the basement and came across a long-forgotten, unused, Christmas gift—a set of knives.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">I don't remember how many years ago I received those knives, or why they got relegated to the basement. My hunch is that I didn't have a place for them in the kitchen at the time, and as often happens, I needed to get things cleaned up in a hurry so stashed them on a shelf in the basement until I could make a place. As life's distractions occupied my mind, I simply forgot about them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">However, I'm delighted to have found them. I can really use them since my current knives are old and rather dull. I also found several other useful items that I'd forgotten I had. Such finds make spring cleaning a far more enjoyable task—kind of like Christmas in April!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">As I was reveling in my new-found gifts, I began to think about how I could have been using these items all along, making some kitchen tasks easier. But, unfortunately, there they were, sitting on a shelf in my basement, and of no use to me. It was as if I didn't even have them all that time. Yet, they were there, available to me, just waiting to be used.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">I began to think of other things in my life that are available to me, but going unused. In particular, I began focusing on all that God has given us as believers in Jesus–“for by <i>grace</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;"> you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the <i>gift of God</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">Through God's <i>grace</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;"> we've been given <i>the gift of God</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">. That gift, called salvation, was offered to us and we said, “Yes.” At that point, God put in us a “new heart” that opens up a whole new world of promises and gifts available to us through Jesus’ power (Ezekiel 11:19-20).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">It's like there are lots of shelves in this “new heart” where all the gifts are stored. They’re ours—we possess them—but unfortunately, many of them can remain unused, either because we don't know they're there, or because we've forgotten about them. We learn about them through the study of the Bible, and use them through the power of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">But there's a catch in this story: “As we learn about the gifts that are ours, we have to <i>want</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;"> to use them and make them a part of our lives. This, however, is where the glorious secret comes in: God causes us to want to use the gifts, and then empowers us to do so. It's a joint effort between God and each of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">Unfortunately, as in any good story, there’s a villain–an antagonist–trying to interfere and spoil things. And in the story of our lives it's no different. Our own <i>self will </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">can be our biggest enemy (influenced by Satan's deceptions). Rather than use God's gifts to live according to His plan for us (experiencing peace, joy, happiness, significance, purpose, etc. in the midst of life's trials), we are deceived into thinking we can live life according to our own desires and in our own strength. Often we don’t even recognize we’re trying to live in our own power, and as a result, we ignore or are oblivious to God's gifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">What's the solution? A Spring Cleaning of the Heart! Let's rediscover those unused gifts that are setting on the shelves in our “new hearts.” Pick them up, dust them off, and look in the User’s Manual to find out how to use them through His empowering strength!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">As a result, we can all have a Merry April Christmas as we do spring cleaning in our hearts and find the unused treasures of God's gifts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-6781297629390277292012-04-17T18:16:00.000-07:002012-04-17T18:18:00.828-07:00INFINITY<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>367</o:Words> <o:Characters>2092</o:Characters> <o:Lines>17</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2569</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">March 14 was Pi Day. You know − <b>π </b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">− the symbol that represents “the ratio of the <span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">circumference of a circle to its diameter.” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">We all learned in school that <b>π </b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">= 3.14. So, mathematicians, math teachers, math students, and even the rest of us </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">who <span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">are interested, celebrate Pi Day on 3/14. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Makes sense?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">But 3.14 is really only an abbreviation. The real Pi is 3.14159265358979323846264338 3279502884197169399375105820974944592307816406286208998.............. <i>ad infinitum </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;"> <span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">According to Wikipedia, it’s been figured up to five trillion digits and just keeps on going; it never ends! <span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">It is one of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">the most important “constants” in mathematics. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">Let your mind follow those digits as though they were a long train, extending into eternity. The train never ends. You </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">just keep going−forever and ever and ever and ever and ever... Close your eyes and try to imagine it before you </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">finish reading this post. Let your mind follow that train for as long as you can, realizing that it will never end.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">That’s a picture of infinity! <span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">When we really concentrate on something going on forever, without end, we reach a point where we begin to feel panic. Everything we know has a beginning and an end; our finite minds can’t sanely comprehend the infinite unknown.<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">That being the case, how can we even begin to understand God. The digits in Pi have a beginning; it’s just the end that’s infinite. But God has no beginning <i>and</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;"> no end! He calls Himself, “I AM.” He exists outside of time! He is eternal.<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">To stretch our thinking even further, that same God has infinite power, infinite love, infinite goodness, infinite mercy. He is everywhere present; He knows all things; He is in control of all things. He created all things−the vast universe being explored by astronomers down to the “God particle” being searched for by physicists at Fermilab. <span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;"><i>That</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;"> God has a plan; and we, as His creation, are a part of that plan. It’s mind-boggling to realize that He extends to us the promise of infinite life, i.e. eternal life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have <i>eternal life</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">.” (John 3:16)<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">Just think of it! Life without an end! Living forever, and ever, and ever, and ever... A life that keeps on going, just like Pi. <span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13.0pt;">Do you suppose God has hidden examples of the infinite (like Pi) in His creation so we might gain glimpses of what He is like?<span style="mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><!--EndFragment--></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-32892975984013714352012-03-13T19:35:00.000-07:002012-03-13T19:35:50.731-07:00PRIVACY INVADED?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>509</o:Words> <o:Characters>2905</o:Characters> <o:Lines>24</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3567</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">In recent days there’s been a lot of talk about privacy issues concerning the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Google, in particular, has been singled out because of the changes it has made regarding the information it collects about individuals and how that information is used.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We like to think of our private lives as being “private.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel uncomfortable when we realize that our every move is being tracked, even though we may have nothing to hide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow, there’s a sense of being violated when our privacy is invaded. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">My generation grew up with an a respect for the privacy of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To enforce that, laws were made about such things as eavesdropping and wiretapping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">However, the internet has created a new reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With no laws on the books and with our innocent unawareness, the internet has invaded our privacy in ways we can hardly comprehend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel violated when, without our knowledge or permission, information about us is being recorded and made available or sold to other entities in our society who seek to target us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">And, not only that, but there are actual dangers -- those who seek to use our private information against us, such as stealing our identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Feeling violated and helpless, I don’t really like this invasion of privacy, but at least I can take comfort in the fact that no one can know or record my inner thoughts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Or can Someone? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 28.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">“...for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I Chronicles 28:9b)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“For He knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21b)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You know my reproach and my shame and my dishonor.” (Psalm 69:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hebrews 4:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(II Chronicles 16:9) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Most of us live out our lives unaware that even our most private thoughts and actions are known by the One who created us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">In reality, my privacy has always been invaded and recorded by God who knows me intimately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not anonymous with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows me in the truest sense of the word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t hide anything from Him; He is all-knowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">So, if my privacy is already being invaded by God, why am I so concerned about my privacy being invaded by the internet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">It all has to do with the one doing the invading. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Because God<i> is</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> who He <i>is, </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I know I can trust Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His predisposition toward me is one of “goodwill.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He uses the information He knows about me to draw me to Himself in love, with the intent of transforming my heart to be like His.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, being intimately known by God brings comfort when I’m a right relationship with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The internet, on the other hand, is not particularly trustworthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The use of the information gathered about me is used by others to, in a sense, exploit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money and power are the motivating factors behind the invasion of my privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This produces fear and anxiety rather than love and comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">But, because I live in this new reality of the internet age, I have to make a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can hibernate and refuse to use the internet out of mistrust and fear, or I can learn to use it wisely and embrace it for what it has to offer, trusting the One who is trustworthy and all-knowing to protect me from any harm -- for ultimately He, who is all-knowing, has the most power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">No one -- not even Google -- can invade God’s privacy or override His power!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-61541747863420523342012-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:002012-03-05T17:58:13.957-08:00DECEPTION<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Recently, when visiting my son’s family, I was quizzing my two-and-a-half year old grandson about the color of each family member’s hair. After asking about several family members, I asked him, “What color is Grandma’s hair?” he paused for a moment and then said, “Gray!” </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Inwardly, I was somewhat shocked! I don’t really think of myself as having gray hair. When I look in the mirror, I see light brown! OK, to be honest, I see little tinges of gray around the edges and some gray hairs sprinkled throughout, but not enough (in my opinion) to consider myself gray.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Children, however, are usually pretty honest in these things. So, I began to wonder if it’s really true that my hair is turning gray. Do my friends and other people see me as gray? </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After careful examination in front of the mirror, and outside in the sunlight (the sunlight is painfully revealing) I have to confess, “Yes, I’m getting gray.” I guess I’ve just been deceiving myself!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In considering this interaction with my grandson, I’ve realized just how subtle deception can be, and that I’m not immune to it. It has caused me to reflect on how I, as well as all mankind, live in the danger of falling prey to the trap of deception.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Throughout history, men and women of great intellect have lived in deception. Preconceived ideas, based on <i>how we want things to be, </i>can cause us to deceive ourselves into believing something is true just because we want it to be true. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">One example is the commonly held belief into the Late Renaissance that the sun and planets rotated around the earth. The authorities of the Holy Roman Empire firmly embraced this view because it conveniently fit their view of the universe, and it made sense to the church authorities that the Earth should be the center of all things. However, when astronomers like Copernicus and Galileo, and the mathematician, Johannes Kepler began to <i>prove</i> through the use of telescopes and mathematical calculations that the sun was the center of the solar system, and that the planets (including Earth), rotated around it, their discoveries were rejected by the church because the authorities at that time wanted to believe that the Earth was the center of all things. As we know, they were living in self-imposed deception.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Conversely, we can deceive ourselves into believing something <i>isn’t true because we don’t want it to be true. </i> I see this playing out continually in conversations I have with those who don’t want to believe in the God. As long as they don’t believe there is a God, they don’t have to answer to Him. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The great mathematician and master of probability, Blase Pascal, stated well the consequences of belief or unbelief in the God of the Bible through what has become known as <i>Pascal’s Wager:</i></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> If you bet there is a God and you are right, <i>you stand to gain everything</i>. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> If you bet there is a God and you are wrong, <i>you lose nothing</i>. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> That’s one side of the wager: the possibility of infinite gain and no loss.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> If you bet there is no God and you are right, <i>you gain nothing</i>. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> If you bet there is no God and you are wrong, <i>you lose everything</i>. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> That’s the other side of the wager: the possibility of infinite loss and no gain.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">On the one side is the <b>possibility of infinite gain and no loss</b>; on the other, the <b>possibility of infinite loss and no gain</b>. What does one have to lose by believing there is a God? It only makes sense to explore who the Bible says God is, and in so doing have the possibility of infinite gain!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In whatever way we’ve chosen to think about God, there’s one thing we can’t do; we can’t change the truth. One of these scenarios is true. We can decide in our own minds who we think God is, what He is like, or if He exists at all, but that doesn’t mean we’re right. <i>God is who He is</i>; we can’t change that simply by choosing not to believe it.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How easy it is to become trapped in deception! </span></div><div><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br />
</span></div>Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-21911675650511367172012-02-18T17:08:00.000-08:002012-02-18T17:08:30.927-08:00FREEDOMIn honor of February being Black Heritage Month, I've been reading the autobiography of Frederick Douglass. His vivid descriptions of the horrors of slavery laid the vital background for communicating just how precious freedom was to him. <br />
<br />
Not only did he endure the physical and psychological cruelty of his various masters, but he lived the early part of his life knowing that he was a "slave for life," with a sense of hopelessness that his destiny would ever be different. Yet, he pursued freedom with great discipline, learning to read and write and educating himself, with a dream that one day he might be a free man.<br />
<br />
As we know, he eventually did gain freedom and went on to be a great influence in the anti-slavery movement leading up to the civil war and beyond He used his freedom, not just for his own benefit, but for the cause of bringing an end to the institution of slavery in our country.<br />
<br />
His life story has inspired me to think about freedom and to question how we who live in freedom interpret its meaning.<br />
<br />
I've heard people say, "My goal in life is freedom!" My immediate thought is, "Freedom from what?" As I've listened to their comments, I've realized that what they mean is they want freedom from the restraints of other people. They don't want to be captive to other people's schedules, demands, or even perhaps their needs. <br />
<br />
When I was teaching school and speaking to a student about his misconduct, I was surprised by his disrespectful and cocky comment, "This is a free country!" He thought he could do whatever he wanted and no one had the right to make him do anything different. His definition of freedom was that he didn't have to obey the rules! We see this philosophy lived out every day in our society.<br />
<br />
I've also heard people define freedom as "having the liberty to be the master of one's own destiny." In essence they're saying that freedom is being free from God -- free from the guilt that they sense when they acknowledge there is a God -- free to live life for their own self-gratification, be it wealth, fame, love, success, or even philanthropic or humanitarian works done for their own sense of self-worth and significance.<br />
<br />
In essence, all of these people define "freedom" to mean that they can do whatever they want <i>without any accountability or guilt attached to their actions. </i><br />
<br />
I found it interesting that in his journey toward freedom, Mr. Douglass had a different perspective. He not only found freedom from the bondage of slavery, but also spiritual freedom from the bondage of "self." In his book <i>My Bondage and My Freedom, </i>after being told about his need to be reconciled to God, he states, "I cannot say that I had a very distinct notion of what was required of me; but one thing I knew very well -- I was wretched, and had no means of making myself otherwise...I was, for weeks, a poor, broken-hearted mourner, traveling through the darkness and misery of doubts and fears. I finally found that change of heart which comes by 'casting all one's care' upon God, and by having faith in Jesus Christ, as the Redeemer, Friend, and Savior of those who diligently seek Him. After this, I saw the world in the new light. I seemed to live in a new world, surrounded by new objects, and to be animated by new hopes and desires." (chapter 12)<br />
<br />
And so, Fredrick Douglass, in the midst of his yearning for freedom from slavery, encountered the Living God and was granted a far greater freedom -- spiritual freedom. This not only brought him strength in the midst of the great sorrow and trials of slavery, but it shaped his life as a free man as well.Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-10288151352952386152012-02-03T19:27:00.000-08:002012-02-03T19:27:14.302-08:00PERSPECTIVE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>711</o:Words> <o:Characters>4057</o:Characters> <o:Lines>33</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>4982</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">So often when I read the morning paper, I come away feeling the weight of a broken world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today I was greeted by a refreshing article with a different perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune was the story of Sue and Ben Erickson, a young couple whose recently born baby has a rare, aggressive, cancerous brain tumor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even before their son was born, an ultrasound revealed that there was excessive cerebral fluid on his brain so they were preparing themselves for the possibility that their son could have physical or mental disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The article states that they “quickly accepted that God must have a special plan.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">When the true nature of the abnormality was revealed after birth and they realized the chances their son would live were very slim, they were faced with a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could take their baby home, love him, and wait for the inevitable; or they could opt for treatment with chemotherapy, which has had mixed success with infants and might even hasten his death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After considering their options, they chose to pursue treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The article went on to say, “The couple rallied, found support from their families and friends and <i>chose to view the daunting journey ahead as a blessing.” </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(italics mine)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">“Incredible!” I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sue and Ben were able to look beyond their immediate circumstances which seemed like a curse, and see the potential for blessing. This brought to mind an ancient Chinese proverb that provides insight into this very topic.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">THE LOST HORSE<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">as told by Joel Ben Izzy*<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Long ago in a village in northern China, there lived a man who owned a magnificent horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So beautiful was this horse that people came from miles around just to admire it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They told him he was blessed to own such a horse.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">“Perhaps,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But what seems like a blessing may be a curse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">One day, the horse ran off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People came to say how sorry they were for his bad luck.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">“Perhaps,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But what seems like a curse may be a blessing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">A few weeks later, the horse returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was followed by twenty-one wild horses. By the law of the land, they became his property. He was rich with horses.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">His neighbors came to congratulate him on his good fortune.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Truly,” they said, “you have been blessed.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">“Perhaps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what seems like a blessing may be a curse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Shortly after that his son -- his only son -- tried to ride one of the wild horses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was thrown from it and broke his leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man’s neighbors came to say how sorry they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, he had been cursed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">“Perhaps,” he said. “But what seems like a curse may be a blessing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">A week later, the king came through that village, drafting every able-bodied young man for a war against the people of the north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a horrible war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone who went from that village was killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only that man’s son survived because of his broken leg.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">To this day, in that village they say, “What seems like a blessing may be a curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What seems like a curse may be a blessing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">As I thought about this paradox, the words of the Apostle Paul to the Romans came to mind: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” ** <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">“That’s it, “ I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we think of as “good” isn’t necessarily what God considers “good” because He has a higher purpose in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I consider who God is, that He possesses the highest and purest form of goodness that exists, and that His predisposition toward those who love Him is one of love and goodwill, I can trust Him with my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">It is apparent that Sue and Ben Erickson are viewing the definition of “good” from God’s perspective rather than mankind’s perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In believing that God has a plan, they are yielding to His authority and are willing to accept the outcome, no matter how difficult that might be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I’m also reminded of Jesus’ words after he healed the man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus answered, It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents, but it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him.” *** <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">This journey of blessing through which Sue and Ben Erickson and their son are traveling isn’t over yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it’s just beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can all watch their journey unfold through their Facebook page, which according to the newspaper report has already had nearly 150,000 views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This little child’s life, even though it may be cut short, is already having more impact on this world than someone who may have lived to be 100!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">You can access a video of Sue and Ben and their son, Matthew, at<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/babychemo"><span style="color: #000099;">www.chicagotribune.com/babychemo</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">*Taken from Joel ben Izzy’s book <i>The Beggar King and the Secret of </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><i>Happiness, </i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pg. 11-12.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">**Romans 8:28<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">***John 9:1-3</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6247906254788126374.post-43203377300884715612012-01-21T14:32:00.002-08:002012-03-25T13:17:02.187-07:00PURPOSEFUL STRUGGLE<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>594</o:Words> <o:Characters>3391</o:Characters> <o:Lines>28</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>6</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>4164</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>11.1539</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotShowRevisions/> <w:DoNotPrintRevisions/> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">Do you ever feel like you're struggling against circumstances in life that are keeping you from being the person you really want to be—or from doing what you really want to do? If so, you're not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This struggle is common to the human race, but it’s not without purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">The encouraging news is that it’s possible to rise above this constant frustration by viewing your trials and circumstances in a different light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can draw strength and power from them instead of letting them sap your energy and plunge you into despair.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’m sure we’ve all wished at times that we could just live without the struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life would be so much easier and enjoyable if things would just go ‘right.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We think we know what’s best for us and are constantly seeking for a life of ease.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">Perhaps you can identify with one of the caterpillars in the following story.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Butterfly Story<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">One day in a beautiful garden there lived three caterpillars. Each had spun a chrysalis (often called a cocoon) and was nearing the time to emerge from it to become a fully developed butterfly. However, each caterpillar had different thoughts about how to get out of his chrysalis.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">The first one thought that the effort of breaking out of the chrysalis was too great. He struggled to break out, but it just seemed too hard so he decided to not bother. He would just be content to stay snug in the chrysalis for the rest of his life. As a consequence, he soon died.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">The second one also began the struggle to break out of his chrysalis. Just then he saw someone passing by and called out, “Would you please help me?” I'm stuck in this chrysalis and I'm having difficulty getting out. Please break it open so I can crawl out.” The passerby had compassion on the caterpillar and, thinking he was doing a good deed, broke open the chrysalis for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">“O, thank you!” exclaimed the newly emerged butterfly. He crawled out and gently unfolded his new wings, admiring their beauty, letting them dry in the sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">When they were dry, he was motivated by the instinct to fly, but as he spread his wings to do so, he discovered that he couldn't fly. His wings were too weak. Sadly, he stayed perched on a leaf swaying in the breeze. All he could do was crawl around on the plant. What he hadn't realized was that the process of breaking out of the chrysalis was required to strengthen and develop his wings. Because he had thought the struggle was too great and had asked someone else to break open the chrysalis, he missed the opportunity to develop and strengthen his wing muscles. Unfortunately, it was too late; nothing could be done. He would never be able to fly.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">Meanwhile, the third caterpillar had struggled and struggled to break out of his chrysalis. Many times he had to stop and rest, but he didn't give up. Little by little he could sense the chrysalis loosening, so he kept pushing with his folded wings, trying hard to crack open the dark, tight casing in which he had been entombed so long. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then, to his great joy, it happened; the chrysalis casing gave way and the caterpillar crawled out into the warm sunlight. He stretched out his wings to let them dry. He felt a surge of strength as he moved them around, letting the sunlight reach all sides. When his wings were dry and he sensed the urge to fly, his wings worked beautifully; up he soared, flitting from one flower to another to sip some nectar. He had become a fully transformed caterpillar; he had become a butterfly! Indeed, he had become all that the Creator had intended him to be!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ultimately, we want to be like the third butterfly; we want to be completely transformed into all we are created to be. What we fail to realize is that struggling, and overcoming in that struggle, are both a part of the transformation process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Persevering like the third caterpillar is the most difficult, but the most rewarding.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;">The comforting and encouraging news is that God has a purpose in all He puts in our paths on life’s journey, and He provides the strength for us to accomplish it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we realize this, we can learn to embrace end engage in Purposeful Struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 38.9pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div><!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
</div>Carolyn Stonehockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16124641986441204835noreply@blogger.com2