tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10251307707429807162024-02-18T23:49:30.223-05:00Dolly MinkGrateful for the Grace. Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-39862324339268231342018-06-12T19:22:00.002-04:002018-06-12T19:27:14.775-04:00Why I Choose to be Southern Baptist<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These have been tough days for those of us who call ourselves “Southern Baptists.” I won’t go into all the details. I don't think it’s Scriptural to re-hash other peoples’ sins, nor is it beneficial to the kingdom. We all know what’s been going on, and if you don’t, you can look it up. Instead, I want to explain why I want to stay in my denomination. Why I am choosing to remain a Southern Baptist.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here are a few reasons why I’m not going anywhere: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I believe in the doctrine</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a publication called <i>The Baptist Faith and Message</i>. In it, the Baptist doctrine is basically laid out and explained. It makes sense to me. I don’t believe it because a bunch of seemingly godly people wrote it. I believe it because, to me, it logically aligns with Scripture. I believe things like creation, the virgin birth, the holiness and perfection of Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus actually died for my sins and that He was buried in a borrowed tomb, and on the third day after His death the tomb was empty because He was raised from the dead. Yep. I believe it all. And that just happens to be what the Southern Baptists believe. I also believe that God has a plan for the family, and that plan is for the man to be the head of the home. Now, if you had asked me 40 years ago if I would agree with that, my answer would have been resoundingly different. You see, I had a really bad example of what a Christ-centered home was like. But God blessed me with a Baptist husband and my life and my opinions changed over time. I didn't change because he told me to. I know my own mind. I’ve done my homework. Our marriage is one of a true partnership and, as I believe Paul in his exhortation to the church at Philippi said we need to “work out our own salvation,” (Philippians 2:12-13) I think we need to work out what works for our own marriages. That, for me and my husband, does not mean that I check my brain, opinion, or calling at the door. Nor does it mean that I think I am in charge of my home. It simply means that my husband and I value each other as children of God and as His servants. We are partners on this journey and we have been for over 34 years. Only the grace of God can explain it, and we give all the glory to Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I believe in the purpose</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because I believe that the Bible is the true Word of God, without error, I therefore must believe what it says. And, incidentally, I <i>like </i>believing the Bible. Yes, I am inspired by it and I am comforted by it. I am also challenged and corrected and convicted by it- thank God! John 3:16 teaches that God loved the world so much that He sacrificed His only Son (Jesus) so that we would have eternal life with God. Matthew 28:16-20 tells us that we must go everywhere and teach everyone about Jesus. Southern Baptists do that. That is a purpose that will never be abandoned by them. Moreover, the Southern Baptist Church strives to be an example of Christ’s love to the world. They show up at disasters and they serve as Jesus would. I have been personally thanked by a pastor of a different denomination because he heard I was Southern Baptist and, durning the devastation following a hurricane, his church benefited directly from the efforts of my denomination. Without prejudice. That is a purpose I can believe in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I believe in the programs</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Southern Baptists serve abroad and at home. There are programs that benefit inner city youth. Programs that feed hungry children in the Appalachians. Programs that teach English to people who desperately need to learn it in order to get a job or read their Bible. Speaking of that, there are programs that publish Bibles in every language known to man. I can keep going, but you get my point. Southern Baptists are busy about making much of Jesus at every opportunity. I choose to join them in some of these efforts and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities that God has provided to me. I am honored to represent Southern Baptists on many platforms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>And finally, I understand that people are human</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Bible begins with a book called Genesis. Appropriate, don’t you think? It doesn't take long (3 chapters in, actually) for sin to show up. And it (sin) has been with us ever since. Doesn’t it seem logical, then, that sin would show up where God is doing some of His best work? I mean, the Devil really wants us to fail. He wants us to be divided. He wants to step into our minds when we begin to doubt. The Southern Baptist Convention is made up of people who are flawed, weak, and sinful. Granted, they may be (and I hope they are) saved, but they still are vulnerable to sin because they are human. Please understand this: <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I didn't join the Baptist church because of any person; I chose the Baptist church because of the Person of Jesus Christ. My Savior is well-represented by this denomination and I will not abandon Him or it because of some men who are so threatened and intimidated that they choose to discredit a woman just because she is strong and vocal in her stance. What kind of Christian would I be if I left a faith system just because some people failed? Do you abandon a friend when she makes an error in judgment? Or would you walk away from a child who has made a poor choice? Of course not. I will offer grace. I will offer compassion. I will offer forgiveness. But as long as He continues to give me breath I will keep learning and growing and telling people about His love. I will also stand up for those who are too weak to stand on their own, and speak for those who are too afraid to speak for themselves. And I will continue to pray for the leadership of my denomination and for God to be glorified in everything we say and do. </span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-34354604849042350962017-11-17T18:50:00.000-05:002017-11-17T18:50:15.388-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm in one of those seasons where I just want to retreat. Having the genetic makeup of generations of warriors, those seasons do not come frequently. Nor do they come out of a sense of fear; rather, they occur when I become afraid of what I may do. Or what I may say. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So it is with much concern that I sit before my computer right now. I have no idea how any of this will be interpreted and applied. But these are the thoughts of the day and I really need to let them out in no particular order:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really dislike bullies. Whether you are picking on the kid who doesn't look like you or the girl you want to notice you or the one you are jealous of- stop it. Grow up. You are neither better-nor more entitled than-anyone else. Get over yourself. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No one has the right to make you do things that do not glorify God. Speak up for yourself and for others who are too frightened to speak up. You'll be surprised at just how weak the perpetrators are. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be big enough to acknowledge your weaknesses. Admit it when you're wrong. Ask for forgiveness. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Forgive. Move on. Life is surprisingly short and it is too precious to waste on bitterness and the fatigue that comes with holding onto a grudge.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, slow down. Stop the madness of competition and striving for "position." Be the person Christ intends for you to be and be satisfied with that. He's the only One Who matters, anyway. Take a good long look in the mirror and know that you are loved and treasured by the King of Kings. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seek justice, love mercy, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">walk humbly with your Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Micah 6:8</span></div>
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<br />Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-21941272305642221302017-09-30T15:49:00.000-04:002017-09-30T15:49:57.137-04:00Are You a Leader or a Princess?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leading women is most definitely not for the faint of heart. Women have myriad dimensions, some healthy and endearing, and some...not so much. As we lead women in the church, the office, the school, or the community, we must be strong in our decision-making process while being sensitive in our approach. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not an easy line to walk- especially in glass slippers. We need to be willing to be with them in the valley as well as on the mountaintop and we cannot lead well from a lofty tower. Pin your hair up, Rapunzel, it's going to be a bumpy ride! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few characteristics of leadership that may be helpful when building a ministry team or when selecting a leader. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Leaders humble themselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take off the tiara, Your Highness! Ministry to women is messy and hard and frustrating. It's also worth it. Don't think for a minute that the position of Leader is anything other than the person who is willing to inspire a team to do well and the one who gets blamed when it doesn't. If you are going into women's ministry in order to have the inside info or to be the one in power, run back to your castle now! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Daniel 10:12; Micah 6:8)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Leaders cast vision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leaders who seek His will and His vision are rarely satisfied with the status quo. Yes, we can take time to be thankful for where God has brought us, but as we grow in Christ, our vision and our abilities should grow as well. We should look to the future in regard to our team, our service, and our role in His kingdom. We don't peer into a crystal ball, we are on our knees asking for His guidance in seeking His will for His ministry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Jeremiah 29:11)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Leaders <i>lead.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leading is not dictating; neither is it the act of intimidation. And it certainly isn't about "getting our way." Leaders inspire. Leaders create a sense of eagerness within their team that causes others to want to serve and want to grow in their own walk and path toward becoming a leader. Leaders grow leaders. Leaders put aside petty difference and struggles and concentrate on serving the Savior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Effective leading always begins with prayer. I have known women who have led large ministries, yet who have forgotten how to pray. Praying women accomplish His work not because of who they are, but because of Who He is! And once you have His leadership over you, and His plan for serving Him, then be brave, be bold and LEAD.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Matthew 6:33) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Leaders are consistent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No pouting here, Princess. No time for it. No place for it, either. In fact, if you find that your are unable to set aside your temper, emotions, and attitude, </span><strike style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">you may need to</strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> it's time to sit down. No sugar-coating, no maybe. Have the concern for others and the humility to take yourself out for a season. Seek His face and allow Him to speak to you and heal you. There will be other Grand Balls to attend. Right now, this is serious stuff with kingdom results. </span><br />
(<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hebrews 13:8)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5.Leaders embrace change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No stomping of the pedicured feet, my dear: <u>change is inevitable</u>. After all, if it weren't for change, we'd all still be unsaved! Scripture teaches us that we are to support those in authority over us and submit to their leadership. Granted, sometimes we see that the leadership is flawed; that's why we can withdraw ourselves from being under it and we can support and serve elsewhere. Ask Him to help you change (there's that word again) your viewpoint and He will bless your obedience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Romans 13:1-7; Ecclesiastes 3:1)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know some of this seems harsh and, frankly, it should. Leadership is not something we should tiptoe around and use passive/aggressive language toward. Leaders must be able to take constructive criticism and apply it without resentment or offense. (Maybe that should have been #6!) Biggest takeaway: if you're going to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk - and princesses can't handle blisters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-33683617156090101182017-08-18T08:32:00.001-04:002017-08-19T08:35:20.319-04:00<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't rest until I get this stuff said. So here goes. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is it that, if I disagree with someone, I "hate," but if they disagree with me, they are "open-minded?" When did this happen? Why did it happen? When did it become the norm for people to judge others by their own set of standards? And more to the point: what are we going to do next?</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are a nation in turmoil and we have no real voice of reason ringing through the wind. No one to calm us reassure us, and even discipline us when we are out of line. But wait, we do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We ALL need to take a step back and evaluate the way we are treating each other. As a Christian, my example is Jesus. How would He respond? Many are quick to jump to the example of righteous anger (Matthew 21:12) when Jesus cleansed the temple. But wait, there's more! Jesus also called out the men condemning the adulterous woman (John 8:6), warned us about where our true treasures are (Luke 12:34), and scolded Peter when he took up a sword defending Jesus and His captors (John 18:10). Just a few surprising examples of God in flesh making radical decisions that affected the world and the way we are supposed to treat each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are these statues worth discussing? Yes. Are they worth fighting over, I don't think so. Are they worth dying for? Never. Too many people died when we fought each other the first time. As much as I love history, especially American history, I love people more. I want to see the best in each of us- I want us to be at home with each other in our skin and in our community. So here's what I think:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think Jesus is the most important belief/issue/thing/person we should ever be concerned about. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think we should be considerate of our families next, and then everyone else. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> think, if you have a problem with some statues, you should speak up. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think if you don't have a problem with them, you should speak up. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think all forms of extreme, violent hate groups are wrong. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think you should both be mature enough to address the issues calmly. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think violence is not the answer. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think the police need to prevent us from harming each other and from defacing property. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think city/state leaders should consider the issues on an individual basis.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think if the decision is in favor of the people with the problem with the statues, by all means relocate them to the nearest Civil War battlefield or cemetery. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think they are a part of history and we should not demolish them. Instead, add a plaque or an info board that will aid in educating the public about the facts surrounding our nation's greatest mistake. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think considering any kind of action (other than protection) regarding the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and any other battlefields and parks is absolutely ludicrous. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think we need to remember where we are: this is the South. If someone were to erect a Lee statue in Kansas tomorrow, that would be weird. Some of these statues remind us of various campaigns and skirmishes that were fought nearby. You may walk or drive on ground that was once soaked in blood. These people- all of them- had families. They all had souls. They all bled the same. ALL of them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think erasing history is never the answer. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know I have readers who will be on either side of my opinions. I pray that those who know me will reach out if they disagree and our friendships will not be in jeopardy. But I can no longer remain silent, because I am tired of going to bed and becoming totally overwhelmed by the thought of future generations being silenced for fear of offending someone. I don't want to offend anyone, but I have a right to my opinion as much as anyone else. </span></div>
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Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-58151590476211096282017-05-03T12:35:00.000-04:002017-05-03T12:35:12.395-04:00Reunion <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Last week I did something I have wanted to do for years: I reunited with some of my dearest high school friends. Women I have known for over forty years. Women whom, at least some of them, I haven't seen in almost forty years.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was beautiful. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As each friend arrived, the anticipation grew. Smiles, tears, and laughter filled the room like the sweet aroma of summer in Coastal Virginia. For about three hours that Sunday afternoon, the clock may have kept ticking for you, but for us, time stood still. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We caught up on everything from the bitterness of divorce to the blessing of grandchildren. Whispers of the pain of seeing parents age and change along with our own fickle bodies. We were hungry, not as much for the food on the table, but for the details of each others’ lives that we had missed. We were all so close. What had happened? Why did we lose touch with each other? Where <i>had</i> the time gone? We devoured each bite of information with all the compassion and love that comes with forty years of friendship. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We passed around a yearbook, laughing over grainy photos and regrettable hair styles. We mourned the loss of friends and teachers. We reminisced about the fun we had and the choices we made- both bad and good. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There were some who were not there with us- distance having won over sentiment. We longed to see them, but totally understood. There was, however, one person there who I hadn't expected to see. I had almost totally forgotten about her. She was almost - <i>almost </i>a stranger; and when I looked at her photo, I was shaken to the core. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As my friends talked and passed around pictures, their laughter rising and falling like the waves we used to play in, I was in a world all my own. I was meeting myself for the first time in many, many years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I stared at the photo, remembering the very outfit I was wearing. I looked at how tan I was, and how slender and healthy I looked. I was smiling and happy and…confident. I think that’s what got me the most. Seeing myself through my fifty-eight year-old eyes, knowing everything I had lived through up until that time, and still seeing the poised assurance of someone who had indeed, come through her own private hell. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was no trace of the pain of having lost a mother way too early or having had a less-than-stellar example of a father. There was nothing that would have told you that some forty years later she would come to realize that she had actually been neglected and abused, and would finally come to terms with putting that in print. The pain was there, she just didn’t allow it to control her life. Instead, she chose grace. She chose to let God take care of the hurt, the doubt, the confusion, the fear, and the anger. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And she lived. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">She thrived, in fact. Why give negativity the opportunity to rule your life? We are not </span>defined<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> by our past- we are refined by it. Jesus didn’t die so that we would wallow in our pain; He sacrificed Himself so that we could and would overcome. Life is both too short and too long to spend it feeling sorry for yourself. His love. His mercy. His courage. That’s what kept her going then, and that’s what fuels her today. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">As the afternoon drew to a close, there were promises of future meetings. Promises of doing our best to keep each other close and to not lose touch. Promises that I </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">intend to keep- with all of my friends, including myself. I'm so glad we both came to the reunion. </span></div>
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Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-28689195749803596212017-04-04T17:21:00.000-04:002017-04-04T17:21:42.855-04:00I Am Never in Danger of Becoming Boastful<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am never in danger of becoming boastful. Because there are always days like today. It started normally enough, getting ready for a church meeting. I was wearing a blue top and I suddenly remembered that I had a chunky blue necklace that would match really well. I managed to find the necklace and, while putting it on, I looked in the mirror. Checking out my new haircut, I noticed I had a big bunch of bent hair on one side of my head. Now, I am a symmetrical girl, and big bunches of bent hair bother me. I quickly grabbed the can of hair spray and gave it a shot like I was zapping a bug. Down the stairs and off I go!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, the March winds have hung around into April, so my hair blew all over as soon as I stepped out of the door. A quick check in the car mirror to fix my hair again, but this time I got cold chills: I was badly bruised and it looked really scary! After having suffered a TIA a few years ago, I am super-sensitive to unexpected bruising, especially on my neck. My neck. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, wait.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My necklace-- the hair spray acted as a paint thinner! My cute blue chunky necklace was...melting all over my neck!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Already having everything I needed in the car, and not wanting to fight the hot wind (I have mentioned before how I am not a fan of the wind, but it bears repeating), I decided to remove the necklace and "wash" my neck with hand sanitizer and tissue, silently nodding to myself how the Girl Scoults really missed out when I quit because we never would really go camping, only make "</span></span></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">sit-upons" and talk about camping. They could've used my resourcefulness. And I say that not to boast-- oh no-- I say that admitting that I have had to get myself out of situations like this so often, it really is <i>the norm. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I left the necklace off as I drove to the meeting. We both needed to calm down and allow ourselves to...dry off. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I thought about how many other times I have spilled, tripped, broken, sprained, and torn. I thought about the silliness of ego-- we are nothing apart from Christ. I thought about the dear ladies who, just hours ago, asked me, ME, to speak at their church. Me, the one with the blue neck. The one with scars from deep wounds. The one with forgiven sins and brokenness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The one who needs a Savior every day of her life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I called one of my sisters to share a laugh and to revel in humility-- and to adore the only one Who deserves to be boasted upon. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.23999999463558197px; white-space: pre-wrap;">As God continues to bless me and as He allows me the honor of serving Him in so many different ways, I know I will always stay humble and totally emptied of myself. Because I will always be one step away from a blue neck. </span></span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-76875267344157819232017-03-31T14:00:00.000-04:002017-04-04T17:22:56.423-04:00<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dear Christian Millennial Sister (aka, Jesus Girl),</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks so much for taking the time to read this. I know that time is a concern for you and, with no pictures and more than 140 characters, I appreciate the investment you're making. I also respect you enough to know that you have a sense of humor. I mean, I saw your snap with the poodle ears and big tongue-- girl you're hilarious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want to take this opportunity to explain a little about myself (and my generation) to you; after all, there are many "open letters" circulating from "you" to "me," so it's only fair that I am accurately represented. Remember- there are no losers here-- we are all winners. (Again, playing on that sharp wit of yours)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Number One: </b>I am a Boomer (short for Baby Boomer). Our generation is named that because we were born between 1946 and 1964. That era was know as the "Baby Boom," and the world population increased by over 76,000,000 during that span. I know this sounds like a boring statistic, but pretend it's you and read it again. SEVENTY SIX MILLION PEOPLE. There are a lot of us and current health care is good. We're sticking around for a while so you may want to understand us. Plus, you'll be wiping our drool when we're really old, and we want you to get to know us while we're still coherent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Number Two:</b> Mine is the first generation to survive/be part of/be subjected to the temptations of mind-altering drugs, the sexual revolution, modern news media, satellite communications, and modern technology. My generation, unlike our parents', understands many of the dangers and challenges you face on a daily basis. What's more, I'm here to help. I just don't know how to let you know that without making you think of me as a drugged-up, sex-crazed, techno-weirdo. And what you think about me matters. A lot. I want to love you. In fact, I really don't want there to be a label on either of us. Growing up, our parents (and the people on our color tv) drilled into us that we were to "bridge the Generation Gap" and that we were all the same- "Do NOT Discriminate!" Now what do we have? Labels: Boomer, Millennial, Gen X, etc. Please do not mistake our confusion with disorientation. I still remember my address, so you can relax and let go of my elbow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Number Three: </b>In all honesty, we, the Boomers, are a little in awe of you. You have come so far in your walk- much further than many of us when we were your age- and also you wear cute layers of denim and lace. And don't even get us started on the blue hair. You're so stinkin' young <u><i>and</i></u> you prepare a pretty good devo (and by the way, when we hear "devo" we think of the punk band with flowerpots on their heads, so pardon us if we seem confused. Again, you can let go of my elbow). Just- please don't get too far ahead of yourself. Even with all of the Bible tools at your disposal, you still need some Life under your boho stretch belt. I mean, I'm glad you're having the conversations about marriage and babies and clean food. I'm thankful you have a good Foundation- you'll use it when you're riding out the storm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Number Four:</b> I promise never to say "adorbs" if you promise not to call me "cute." When you call a middle-aged or older person "cute," you may think you are being nice. Some of us may like it- or maybe we just can't hear as well as we used to. But it also can be interpreted as belittling and disrespectful. Puppies are cute. My generation survived witnessing multiple assassinations, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, Watergate, Sept 11, and the Gulf Wars. Not to forget, polyester and Alf. We are a lot of things, but we are not "cute." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Number Five:</b> Finally, I would love nothing more than to spend time with you. Honest, quality time discussing anything and everything that is on you heart and in your mind. My friends and I don't have all the answers, but we know Who does, and we are eager to both lead you and learn from you. But we don't want to "butt in." So, if you want to talk, we're here to listen. I'm here to listen. Just let me know. You can IM, text, tweet, or find me over on Insta. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because we're not as boring as you think. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dolly</span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-77569213189969992252017-03-22T17:55:00.000-04:002017-03-22T17:55:31.876-04:00<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The house I grew up in had a huge picture window in the front room. It was a Cape Cod, built in the 50s; why wouldn't you have a picture window in the 50s? Life was great! Communism was defeated, there were great big cars in the driveway, and everyone played in the street. So naturally, Mom would need a big, shiny glass picture window to dress in tie-back sheers. One that would frame the picture of her man coming home at the end of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I used to love to look out of that window at the plum tree, the front gate, our dogs. But didn't take me long to know that there wouldn't always be a dad pulling into the driveway and coming up the walk. And, when he did, it wasn't all that great. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I learned not to look too far past the glass. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even though I loved to play outside, I never minded rainy days. Living near the coast, rain drenched our windows. Strong gusts of wind blew in quickly. When I could see the underside of the silver maple trees, I knew a storm was on its way. Our soft, circular sofa was just the right height for me. On my knees, face close to the window, I watched as the storm moved in. Once the rain began slapping against the glass, I would find a droplet and trace it all the way to the bottom. It may seem like that would be boring- it was anything but! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sometimes the drops would start off strong, only to dissolve completely before they ever got close to the bottom. Others would begin their trip down the glass alone and then join forces with another drop, and maybe another, until they were consuming the water on the glass and flooding themselves toward the end. But some droplets- looking no different from any others, would travel slowly down the pane, dodging, stopping, and navigating until they reached their destination. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These drops originated over 6 miles up and they made it all the way to my front window. Fighting their way to their destination, nothing, <u>I mean nothing,</u> was going to stop them. Deter them, yes; stop them, not a chance. Rarely did a drop ever go straight down. It was normal, even expected, to be detoured. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And there we have the life-lesson. You knew it was coming, didn't you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are all created individually, and specifically, for a purpose. Our lives are fleeting, compared to the eternity that awaits. We may choose to navigate with a partner, we may travel this journey without one. But we can count on life's journey never being straight and predictable. And, once we invite Him into our lives, we can count on our Creator's presence forever and that He will never, ever leave us totally alone. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+13%3A5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">(Hebrews 13:5)</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The rain that ran down my front window dripped off the wooden frame directly into the flowerbed. It wet the shredded newspaper, clean crushed eggshells, and coffee grounds that my mom put behind the most beautiful azaleas I have ever seen. My mom knew that the ground needed to be prepared and it had to be fertile. Our house was near a lake; it would do no good for the rain to hit the hard, thick clay that made up the lake bed. But combined with the organic material that Mama so faithfully supplied, our azaleas had a color I have never seen anywhere else. A cross between purple and fuchsia that celebrated the uniqueness of our Creator. They were thick and healthy and they provided a shelter for our sweet dogs, tiny sparrows, and a fleet of Tonka trucks and Hot Wheels. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I write this, the Sun is coming out after a Sunday that included a dynamic presentation of the Gospel at 8am, hard, cold rain, and even snow (on the last day of Winter)! It's been a full and wonderful day. And I know that, as great as that sermon was, it would do no good if I didn't prepare my heart to receive the message that was presented. Our lessons in this life do no good if we do not receive them into an open heart. And, once received, if we don't share the knowledge that has come our way, what good are they?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So as the Lord sends us a shower of messages, pray that your heart will be the fertile soil necessary for them to flourish and bloom. And prepare to be astounded at the blessings yet to come! </span></div>
Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-50970207493355981762017-01-01T18:20:00.000-05:002017-01-01T18:20:09.764-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but so far for me, 2017 has been a great year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up. Seriously. I know, as a believer, the options are win/win. But still, the Lord saw fit to give me another day on the planet to serve Him and to tell others about Him and His unchanging, unconditional love. So that's a plus in my book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up alongside the man I have loved for almost 33 years. Again, a win!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition, I woke up after a good night's rest under a roof of our own, safe, warm, and loved. Not everyone is able to make that statement. People in our own neighborhoods go to bed hungry, fearful, and lonely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After morning devotions, (a freedom we should never take for granted) I chose what I would wear from many options. A luxury, for sure. I showered, changed, and we left for church. Praise God! We belong to a church comprised of an amazing congregation of people, led by healthy, God-honoring, humble leaders. Again, not everyone is blessed with a strong body of believers and healthy church leadership. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Following church we came home in our own vehicle, prayed together, and left to take lunch to my sweet, 90 year-old mother-in-law. God is so good! We laughed and fellowshipped together, and then, on the way home, my husband and I took a little drive just to detour and have some time together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that I'm home, the dishwasher is loaded, dinner is warming, and I am relaxing. I'm tired, but praise God in heaven that I am; it means I am able to walk on my own- another blessing I NEVER take for granted, after my foot surgeries!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yeah, this new year's off to a great start. Maybe, just maybe, this year we could just stop now with 2017 and go ahead to 2018. Who's gonna stop us? The "Calendar Police?" People, lets just quit while we're ahead. We have <i>no idea</i> what kind of stuff awaits us this year. Seriously. Cash it in and run for the hills!I saw 2016- it wasn't pretty!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obviously we can't do that. We have to march through this year, head held high and shoulder-to-shoulder. But I know this: God is in control and He will continue to be. So let's rest in the knowledge that tomorrow, January 2, holds as much promise and hope as January 1 did. Pray, worship, seek Him, and reach others. For the next 364 days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See you tomorrow! </span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-1044243862559932842016-12-31T18:43:00.001-05:002016-12-31T18:43:27.925-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, here we are: the end of 2016. Folks, I have written about some years being more difficult than others, but I think we are all in agreement that none, at least none in recent memory, can be looked on as more surreal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How do you summarize a year like 2016? A year that held many public and personal changes and challenges- many mountaintops and a few very low valleys. While we publicly watched our country's leaders (and potential leaders) behave like characters in a bad movie, our own local leaders were no better. We watched in horror as babies were torn apart and their tiny body parts were sorted for sale, yet we sat idly when the videographers were criticized for the undercover methods used to get the information. Is it right that we stopped for a moment of silence for the death of a celebrity we never met, but not for innocent children killed in genocide? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Surreal. Ungodly. Appalling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a personal level, 2016 was no less odd. My husband and I were led to leave the only church home we had known in our married life (and for him, his entire life) and seek to worship and fellowship at a new church home. Praise God for deliverance and rescue! And as thankful as we are, it's still hard. And strange at times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was made aware of a series of betrayals and rumors that left me both angry and deeply concerned about the sanity - and the very walk - of people I thought of as friends and Christian brothers and sisters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God held my hand as I walked with Him through some very difficult emotionally and spiritually-challenging moments this year. I have come through them stronger, more refined, wiser, and as focused as a laser beam on Him and Him alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because of these trials and His provision, my faith has never been stronger. I will go into 2017 boldly and with the confident hope that only we as children of God can understand. I am free in Christ and therefore free to look ahead with joyful anticipation of the blessings to come. I KNOW that my Savior goes before me. I KNOW He will fight my battles. And I KNOW that if God is for me, no one can stand against me and succeed. No one. God is still in control and He is still spending every moment loving us and being our God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At first I had visions of limping across the finish line known as 2016. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am running hard into 2017, my friends. Charging ahead toward all God has for me - I don't want to miss a single thing! I am, as I voiced in prayer this morning, praying big prayers because we serve a big God! I am claiming all the goodness He has for me, all the grace, all the mercy, and all the love. Join me as I dance across the finish line and start on the new path ahead. It's filled with promise and abundance for all of us. Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<br />Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-53389174421073533422016-12-24T16:00:00.001-05:002016-12-24T16:00:28.728-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I had time, I'd tell you that it's going to be ok. I'd tell you that the gifts will get wrapped, the cookies will get baked. the burnt ones will fall to the bottom of the dish, and everyone will still be happy. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I had time I'd tell you that the kids will still finally fall asleep, even though you forgot to get the matching Christmas pjs. I'd let you know that the corner of the package that was torn is still going to light up a sweet face tomorrow morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I could I try to make you understand that, as you're rolling dough around in colored sugar, crying because people are dying in Syria, and you can't get to them- He still loves you and honors what you are doing-- because it's for the family He gave you. He know you're tired. He knows you love Him more than your next breath and He loves you more than you are capable of comprehending. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd tell you all of that and more-- but I have to get ready for church and I have wrapping and baking yet to do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So know this: you are loved. Merry Christmas! </span></div>
Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-16737105693409099362016-11-24T16:11:00.000-05:002016-11-24T16:11:04.292-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For years I participated in a church Thanksgiving meal donation. Bags and bags of groceries were collected, sorted, and distributed and many area families benefited and counted on those donations to make ends meet. I loved the privilege of helping to provide the meals and I always, always felt like I was the one who was the most grateful at the end of the pickup night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now I am in a new church home and am serving and blessing in a different way. No less beneficial to the community, no less God-honoring, but different. And this year I felt just a twinge of greed as I assembled two kinds of potatoes, two kinds of stuffing, and gazed on an entire table devoted to breads, pies, and cakes. Our dining room table groaned under plates filled to overflowing and murmurs of "pass the butter" and "did you miss the green beans?" went around the perimeter like the aroma of the turkey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cringed when I went back for seconds. I felt so greedy. "Lord, am I selfish with my blessings? " I asked myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then I looked around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On one end of the table an infant snuggled in the safety of her mother's arms. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Young men made sure everyone was able to navigate the crowded room. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sisters shared a look of satisfaction, knowing everything looked as good as it tasted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And a son made sure his mother knew just how special her cornbread dressing was to him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, we had plenty to eat for Thanksgiving. But we also had plenty of love. Plenty of joy. And plenty of gratitude. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't be afraid to make memories with your family and with those who seem like family. Time spent around the table is fleeting- but the memories last forever. Invest. Unite. Bless. It's worth the effort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Thanksgiving. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-60447579275735841732016-11-14T17:50:00.000-05:002016-11-14T17:50:01.782-05:00Strength in Your Role<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like a good object lesson. I like to observe something and then allow my over-active imagination and my sometimes-silly brain to interpret a message about it. I'm not one who believes there is a lesson in everything, but I do know that sometimes I see things that make me think. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It happened in the bathroom the other day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, the bathroom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toilet paper. Everyone knows about it. Uses it. Needs it. It's one of the items we purchase on a regular basis yet we hope it will not require an announced price check at the register. The first TV ads for toilet paper that I remember were of Mr Whiffle and "Please don't squeeze the Charmin." Those ads were a huge hit and one of the phrases that was added to our household lexicon. There are tons of brands and types. When I was a kid, toilet paper came in all kinds of colors to match your bathroom decor. Remember that? You'd go to someone's house and, if you needed to..."go," there would be the bathroom done in seahorses and lo and behold, their paper would be blue. Growing up my mom's best friend and neighbor had her bathroom all in pink-- complete with pink paper. (And, on the back of the toilet, sat a little plastic doll with a crocheted skirt and under it was, you guessed it, a spare roll of pink toilet paper) For a while it was also scented, but I think that proved to be a bad idea. Now we're all white but with lots of claims of being the softest and the most...comfortable and efficient. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another claim that the manufacturers of toilet paper make is that it's strong. All of them say that their's is the best- the strongest, the most on a roll, the one that works better than all of the others. They've used all kinds of examples in showing us the power of this paper, this tissue, and it's all kind of ridiculous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So recently I had an experience with a roll of tp that left me thinking. You see, it was in a public restroom. The company obviously didn't want to have to change rolls very often so they were using the giant-sized roll; I mean this roll of paper had to be over a foot in diameter. I'm sure, in theory, that was a great idea - fewer employee hours spent changing rolls equals more time doing other important tasks. Except for one flaw: cheap paper. The paper was so thin and weak that it would tear off in tiny bits and wasn't anywhere near effective. Paper was all over the floor and someone was going to have to come in and clean it all up. It simply wasn't strong enough to support moving the roll along. Had the paper been thicker, and the seams between the squares a little closer, the roll would turn efficiently and the problem would be solved. As it was, I needed to help it along and that defeated the purpose of their attempt at saving paper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In contrast, (I know a few of you are cringing by now. Stay with me.) I was pleasantly surprised while on a trip a few weeks ago. A visit to a rest area impressed me by the strong, efficient paper in their toilet. That paper was just the right size and strength for the roll. You didn't get any waste or any little pieces of it tearing randomly from the rest of the paper. Harmony.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By now you're either seeing how I am applying this to life or you are getting very uncomfortable. Either way, at least you're still reading. Here's my point:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you strong enough for your roll (role)? Are you ready for the role that you play in life? In service? Because it isn't playing-- it's work. And because it's going to take some strength for the Big Role. If you are so weak that all people are getting are the bits, then you are not ready to be effective and you need to be made stronger. How do we do that? Just like the paper on the roll, we need more substance. We need, in our case. more of Jesus. We must spend time investing in ourselves by reading God's Word and praying for Him to grow and mature us. We need to study and to be still and listen to Him as He speaks. We need to surround ourselves with godly women who will speak Truth to us on a regular basis. All these things develop who we are spiritually. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to our inward work, we must also grow outwardly. We have to develop healthy friendships and bonds that will strengthen us and provide us with the accountability that we require. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all have roles in this life. We all need to be strong in the Lord and strong for each other. This kingdom work isn't easy and the enemy is just waiting for us to allow him into our lives and into our work. We need to be thick enough that he cannot pierce us. We need to have our arms locked so that when we are needed, we're strong enough to support our role. Get me? I hope you do, because you don't even want me to get started about 1-ply versus 2! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-32839902964019227252016-11-02T11:27:00.000-04:002016-11-02T11:27:39.522-04:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whom do you serve? Simple question, really. Not necessarily one with the simplest of answers. For those of us who have called out the Name of Jesus as Savior, it's a question that carries a lot of weight. I'd better get it right-- not for fear of punishment -- but fear that I may miss glorifying the only One Who deserves my love and devotion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I ask again, "Whom are you serving?" Are you waking up in the morning with a desire to fulfill God's calling on your life? Are you ready to do whatever He asks of you at any given time and in any circumstance? Are you totally and unashamedly His?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or are you someone else's? Family, kids, work, church (yes, I said church) all compete for first place in our lives. Where does Jesus fit in? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No amount of money, no amount of fame, no amount of love, however sincere it may seem, is worth more than a right relationship with God. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to be very honest and very real for the rest of this blog. Get some coffee, some leftover Halloween candy, a tissue-- whatever you need to settle in with. (I like to think of someone holding a puppy or a kitty- that makes me happy) Here we go.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Your husband does not come before your relationship with God. </span></span></span></div>
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Your children do not come before your relationship with God. </div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Your job does not come before your relationship with God.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The altar decorations, the small group snacks, the shoe boxes, the committee position, the church council, the choir, the preschool schedule, the keys to the supply closet, the color of paint in the bathroom and the kind of soap in the dispensers, the kitchen-- yes, the KITCHEN and everything in it -- where they put the ladles, the serving platters, the leftover desserts from the last fellowship do not matter more than your relationship with the living God of the Universe. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing, nothing, NOTHING is worth more than the Savior who thought of you and me when He was being brutalized, humiliated, tortured, and nailed to a cross. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At some point we have wandered astray and we have allowed social agendas, micro-managing leaders, and pathetic power-positions to get in our heads and go to our heads and turn us so far away from the Truth that we are willing to sacrifice not ourselves for His kingdom but His kingdom for our pleasure. We would rather debate the placement of a fake flower arrangement than speak Truth to a lost soul. We pass up opportunities to minister to our community because we may have to actually be <i>in </i>the community. We shy away from the difficult questions and say the words people want to hear instead of what they need to hear. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We allow leaders to have more influence on us than Jesus Christ and His Word. I have said this before in this blog (and face-to-face with many of the people I love): No one will be standing with you when you stand before God. You choose whom you serve and you choose whom you follow. Friends, we not only need to hear what words our leaders (Bible teachers, speakers, pastors) are speaking; we must look at their <i>action</i>s. And if we don't see both align with Scripture, we must reject them. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hide behind those who say they know more than we do about Biblical doctrine because they have done their own "research" and they've talked with famous people who obviously know best. They understand words better than we do, I guess, especially when it makes people happy and doesn't exclude anyone. They treat us as though we're all unable to ask for wisdom, no matter how much James said we are. So we shift like sand in the desert and move to whatever direction the wind is blowing. And all the time God is grieving because we have accepted everything else as gospel. And we have totally ignored Him. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a minute, please. Take several, actually. Get alone and quiet with your God. Tell Him how much you love Him. Thank Him for His Son and for His Word and for the Holy Spirit. Confess your sin of allowing so many others to cut in line ahead of Him. Ask Him for forgiveness and for wisdom and discernment for your life-- ask for the power to see through the enemy's trick of making things sound so right and feel so...inclusive. Commit to reading His Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal its treasures to you. And then answer the question, "Whom do you serve?" </span></span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-28325612766052888232016-09-07T12:46:00.001-04:002016-09-07T12:46:47.041-04:00<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">OK. I tried. I tried to start writing this with a cute story about my childhood home and all of the fruit trees that were in our yard. I was planning to interject a funny story about the barbs of the chestnut tree and the scariness of the wasps hiding under the apples that had fallen. Yes, I tried. But my heart is not light today and my words want to be as straight as an arrow hitting a bullseye: </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">if you are a Christian leader, the people you lead need to see you bear fruit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">When we are saved and we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, He enables us to bear His fruit. We can't do this on our own. Oh, sure, you will encounter people in your life from time to time who are really nice, generous, caring people who happen to be unsaved. But I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about those of us who claim to be children of the King. Those of us who sense that God has us on a path of leadership- of ministry. You are who I am targeting in this blog because I am seeing a decline in the "fruit industry" lately. I am reading, seeing, and hearing leaders behave in a manner that is not in accordance with Scripture and the fruit they are to be bearing. So we are going to have a little "refresher course." Leadership 101.1, if you will. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>1.</b> <b>Love. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Love people more than you love yourself. If you get confused, just love like Jesus. That will pretty much take care of it. I cannot possibly say enough about love because it is the very foundation of our faith. Stop right here if you need to and pray for God to show you how to love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>2. Joy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Remember what you are saved <i>from. </i>And Who did the saving. I don't know about you, but that pretty much makes my heart about to burst. I don't even like the summer heat anymore; quite sure being saved from the fires of Hell is enough to give me joy. If you're not acting joyful, pray for it. He will help you sort it all out and "count it all joy." (James 1:2-8)</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>3. Peace.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">John 14:27 says it best: “</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(254, 37, 0); color: #fe2500;">I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">." Know who said that? Jesus. He's Who we receive our peace from. So the way I see it is that, since we get our peace from Jesus, if we are doing something against His will, we may not have that peace. The Holy Spirit will convict us to change our ways so that we may again live in harmony with our God. Do you have that peace today? If not, stop right now and ask Him to show you where you are failing and to lead you back on track. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>4. Patience.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I have found that impatient leaders are almost always most inpatient with themselves. This attitude then transfers on to the people whom they are leading. If you have given everything over to God each day, and sometimes many times each day, then you need to be patient to allow Him to carry out His plan in His timing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I know you like to lead, but God is the one Who really does the leading. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>5. Kindness.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Well, well, well. Are you squirming yet? Feeling a little tense? Maybe this one struck a nerve. There is room for assertive, effective leadership and the kindness of Christ all in the same day planner, dear leader. If you are setting out to perform a ministry task that has no room for kindness, then it is a task that you should not be doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">One more thing about this: let what you say and how you behave in a crowd be what you say and how you behave in private. You're never alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>6.Goodness.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We, as Christians, think of God as "good." Therefore we are to be like Him in our character and exhibit His goodness. Are you doing that? Are you being <i>good? </i>You may be able to fool some people, but you can't fool our Savior. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In other words, be nice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>7. Faithfulness. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Here, faithfulness means to be trustworthy, steadfast, true. Are you? Are you really? Jesus is. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus is the same, "yesterday, today, and forever." Are the people you lead able to say that you are a faithful child of God, servant, leader, wife, daughter, friend? How about those of you who are employers? Are you faithful to your employees? Can they trust you? Because if they can't, </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal;"><i>you're </i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">the problem, not </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-family: Verdana; line-height: normal;"><i>them. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>8. Gentleness</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I had the opportunity not long ago to be able to hold a fairly new baby. Of course, I had to be gentle with her and be aware of what I was doing so that her head and neck (and arms and legs as well) would be supported. What struck me though, as I was holding her and watching her sleep, was how, even in her seemingly helpless state, she was commanding such attention. No one in the room was more gentle than she, but dear leader, she was most assuredly in charge of her current situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">By the same token, I had been entrusted with this fragile, delicate life and I was all about making sure I handled her with the respect and responsibility she deserved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Leaders- God had given us a great responsibility to lead. Let us never take that lightly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>9. Self-control.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As the Holy Spirit works in and through us and as we draw closer to God by prayer and reading His word, we are to grow in becoming more and more like Him and exhibiting self-control. The verse that comes to mind here is James 1:19. In it, James reminds us that we are to be "quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger." The leader who shoots back the quick response in anger, sarcasm, or hatred needs to take a step back and re-evaluate her role. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We all say things we are sorry for, but if this becomes a habit, then it is a problem and we need to pray for deliverance from its stronghold on our life. And if it is indeed a leader's nature for a season, then by all means that leader should not be in a position of leadership. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So I ask you today, "Where is your fruit?" Take a minute or two to evaluate yourself at each of these points. We're not all going to see each of them every day, but we need to see some of them in our lives, and in the lives of the leaders we follow. And if we are following someone who doesn't exhibit these godly qualities- pray for wisdom and direction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I pray that your ministry and your walk will be in harmony with our good and gracious God and that, as your spiritual roots sink deeper into fertile soil, you begin to bear fruit that will glorify and honor our Lord. </span></div>
Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-63577086368466202102016-07-02T19:43:00.000-04:002016-07-02T19:45:28.572-04:00Independence Day<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Leave, give in, or stay and fight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That's the choice our founding fathers had to make. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Earlier in our country's history, my own ancestors had to make that very hard choice. Stay under the oppressive British class system or leave. Staying and fighting was not a option for the poor, unorganized farmer in England in the 1600s. So they left. They worked, sneaked, and indentured themselves onto crowded, disease-ridden boats and sailed toward a better life. A life of freedom, even if that freedom did have to wait until they had worked off their indenture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">About a hundred years later, some more of my people decided once again they had had enough. They probably could have left- but this time they didn't. This time they marched their shiny, buckled shoes into the nearest tavern and sat down and made a plan. No, I'm not related to any of the main founding fathers, but my people rubbed elbows with them, mostly by polishing the buckles on their shoes (In fact, at least two of them came here to avoid prison for stealing shoes, but that's a whole different blog). These people, these Patriots, were fed up. They had tolerated all they could from a distant, ego-centric, manipulative, micromanaging, megalomaniacal king and they were OVER IT. But they couldn't do it alone. They knew they couldn't just say, "Hey, it's been nice, but it's time we tried this thing on our own." There was no easy way out. Kind of like that relationship that lasts just a few months too long. You know it's going to be a rough exit; a few tears are going to be shed. But you have to do it. You have to end it because it's just not healthy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So they made a plan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now most of you know by now that I love me some history and I cannot even begin to talk real American history without a nod to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But even the Gentleman Farmer would have to admit (and he did) that it took more than just a plan and a few good long rifles. It took seeking the will of God and including Him in every step of the planning. It took relying on what we know to be "self-evident." And it took guts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was not going to be an easy fight. For crying out loud, some people didn't even WANT to fight. They were content. They were itinerent farmers and they really couldn't care less what His Majesty had to say about tea. They just wanted him to continue to buy their tobacco at top dollar. Every last pound. (See what I did there?) These people were happy to just exist. They relied on the land owner to tell them what to plant, when to plant it, and how much of it to plant. They were not involved in the decision-making or the planning process and they were just fine with that, thankyouverymuch. (That would have driven me absolutely bonkers, by the way, and I would have ended up in Ye Olde Gaol or the Gallows I am sure!) But an interesting thing happened to some of these apathetic "sheep." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some of the Loyalist leaders made the mistake of insulting them. See, sometimes leaders get cocky. They surround themselves with people who build them up to the point where they think they are untouchable. In their own mind, they can do no wrong. They are Top Dog and any challenge is seen as treason (In reality they are usually very insecure and untrusting, but again, for a different blog at a different time). So the main Loyalists told the backwood farmers that they would be no match for the world famous British army. Said they were a bunch of disorganized, ignorant hicks (well, they didn't say "hicks," but that's what they meant). In short, they bullied them. Tried to make them think they were not only incapable, but inadequate. It resulted in the Battle of King's Mountain, and it was arguably the turning point of the Revolutionary War. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We whooped their British behinds. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Killed their leader and took some prisoners. Sent the rest packing. Then they marched back home and went back to farming. And then France hurried over and helped us finish things up on the James River. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But the point is this: If the farmers in the mountains had just bought the whole British song and dance about not being equipped for the fight, the battle would not have been won! Only God knows how "equipped" we are because He does the equipping. And a leader who has to resort to trying to weaken his enemy with insults and verbal beat-downs (can't believe I just wrote "beat-downs") must know that his enemy is indeed strong and he must be something of a...well, again, that's another blog for another time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I ask you this, dear Patriot: are you ready for the fight? Because we have an enemy who wants to kill, steal, and destroy us and he seeks to weaken us and bully us and disrupt our unity. Satan, like many evil leaders after him, will try to wear you down until you believe his lies. We will become blinded by his tricks and manipulation and lose sight of all that is right. There is only one Match for this enemy: Jesus. When you rely on His strength and His guidance the enemy cannot win. Jesus won that battle when He left the tomb! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So invite our Savior to be yours. Know Him as your trusted Friend and true Leader. And enjoy your very own Independence Day. </span></div>
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Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-57299053711036609892016-05-21T20:32:00.000-04:002016-05-21T20:32:13.868-04:00The Gift of Leadership<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At a women's leadership conference a few years ago the speaker invited the audience to participate in an exercise. She asked all of us to stand, and then she proceeded to ask how many years we had been in leadership. Those who had been leading for one or two years were invited to sit down. Then she started to work in increments of five, always congratulating and thanking the new batch of "sitters" for their service and dedication. Gradually there were only a few of us left standing. At the end of the exercise she asked all of us to think about our age when we first actually "led" something. The next question was very pointed: At what age were you saved? I was astounded; I began to lead at almost the very age that I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior! Yes, I have taken numerous spiritual gift surveys and yes, I have the gift of administration/leadership. But this was the first time that I had actually come to terms with the fact that I, Dolly, was given not only the gift of eternal life with our Lord, but I was newly aware of the immediacy of my spiritual gift: the gift of administration/leadership. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before Moses came in contact with the burning bush, he only thought he had lived a complicated life. Suddenly (to him) he was placed in a position of authority over the people of Israel and told that he would now lead them out of slavery and into a land rich with freedom and promise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not only did Moses protest, he actually <i>argued</i> with God. He used all the excuses: "I'm not worthy; they won't believe me; I have difficulty speaking..." You know, the usual thoughts that run through our head when we see someone from the Nominating Committee heading our way! "Oh, no, not me. I don't have the experience!" Or, "No, I'll serve, but I'm not a leader." And indeed, some of us aren't leaders. That's not a gift that we all possess. Only God knows if we have it and only He can truly equip us for serving Him in a leadership role. Imagine His joy when we submit to His will and <i>try. </i>Just try. Let's examine some of Moses' protests and how we can overcome our own. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;">But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 24px;">Exodus 3:11</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Of course Moses was uncertain. He had only minimal leadership experience- certainly, in his mind, nothing that had prepared him to lead </span><i style="line-height: 24px;">an entire nation out of slavery! </i><span style="line-height: 24px;">Moses knew there was a HUGE difference between leading a flock of his father-in-law's sheep and leading a people on a journey to a foreign land. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Oh, Moses, no. There's really not that much difference. There's not. You'll see. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">So what does God tell him? "I will be with you." And He was! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">And He is!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">My sisters, He is with you! As a daughter of the King you have the Holy Spirit with you in all times and at all times, the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult. And you have the power of the one true living God and He will never, ever leave you. So what's your next excuse?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?”<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Exodus 3:13</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Now see, here's where you or I would have said something like, "What do you <i>think</i> you should tell them??" God is so patient, isn't He? (And this is only Exodus) So God tells Moses EVERYTHING he should say in a way that must have blown Moses' mind, right? Not only is he told exactly Who God is, but he is told how the Father will equip him in order to achieve the task he has been assigned. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Do you really think God will lead you to a task and then not equip you? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The Father reminds Moses that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses is told that God has been watching him and that He sees how the Eqyptians are treating him. </span><i><span style="line-height: 24px;">Stay with me here: imagine God telling you that He has been watching you and that He sees how your coworkers are treating you. Or how the neighbors treat you. God Himself telling you He cares. </span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Even after God continues to assure Moses that the land is rich and plentiful and that He will provide for his needs in every way, Moses still wants to deny the calling. Are you in denial? </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> never appeared to you’?”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Exodus 4:1</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Okay, maybe now Moses' protests are beginning to hit a little close to home for some of us. Are you sensing a call to lead a group of women who may not know you well? How about the group whose leader just retired after MANY years of faithful service. Or the group that desperately needs new energy. Listen, Sister, if God called you into this role He will give you everything you need and I mean EVERYTHING! Trust Him. Only Him. Ask for His guidance and direction and strength and power. Obey Him when He directs. Look, Moses had to </span><i style="line-height: 24px;">pick up a snake </i><span style="line-height: 24px;">so that God could turn it into a rod. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">(( DO NOT GO PICK UP A SNAKE! IT WAS A JOKE))</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">But do know that constant communication and obedience to the Father is crucial to your success as a leader. Pray hard. And be still and know. Listen to His voice and use the tools He gives us. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">So you know the story. Moses still, STILL argued with God, this time saying that he was not a good speaker. That he had a <i>problem</i> speaking. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">But Moses pleaded with the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Exodus 4:10 </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Lord, please! Send anyone else.” <span style="font-size: x-small;">Exodus 4:13</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Poor Moses. Doesn't your heart just break for him? He really didn't want to do this. He tried so hard to deny God. But now we see that not only does he believe Who God is, but there is a glimmer of hope. It's like he's thinking, "Ok, say I do this. You go with me. You are God. And You provide me with this really cool stick that will show them all Your power...but You know I still can't speak well." </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">In complaining about his speech affliction, Moses offends God. After all, God reminds Moses that He made Moses' mouth! So what does God do? Turn away from him? Visit His wrath upon him? Turn him into a pillar of salt? He does get angry-- He was insulted because Moses was ungrateful.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">But God doesn't give up on him. Instead, God gives him a helper: Moses' brother. So kind. Was this a negotiation with God? Did Moses "wear God down?" Not at all. See, God never told Moses that he wanted him to lead </span><i style="line-height: 24px;">alone. </i><span style="line-height: 24px;">The Maker of heaven and earth most certainly knew that He was going to provide help for the man he was choosing. He was just waiting for Moses to see his own potential. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">In leadership, no matter how big or how small, we all need help. Not only will the help be beneficial to the work of the kingdom, but by asking other women to join us we will gain new, fresh insight, perspective, and energy. And we will be fulfilling the Titus 2 mandate of mentorship. A variety of voices on a team provides checks and balances. Strong Christian women can point out our own errors with love and grace. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>Remember: "Iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17) isn't only for men. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">So where are you in your Moses journey? Are you still arguing with God and denying His calling? Are you doubting that you have "believability?" Or are you praying and seeking and striving to serve the God who called the baby hidden in the weeds to lead His people out of slavery? The God who equipped a man to show Pharaoh who was really in charge! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">I want to encourage you to examine what gifts you were given at the time of your salvation, but first you have to make sure that you do know Jesus as your Savior. Seek out a pastor. Contact a Bible-believing church. But if the Lord is speaking to you and calling you to lead, recognize that as a gift. It is a perfect gift, since it is from God, and it is never to be abused or used for anything less than for His glory. And don't ever be afraid. He is always as close as you allow Him to be. Let Him lead, and you follow right behind Him. </span></span></span></div>
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Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-878090417335774582016-05-17T18:18:00.000-04:002016-05-17T18:29:51.642-04:00Beth Came to Norfolk<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;"><i>The stage lights fade. Bibles are closed. The last notes of "Shout to the Lord" dissolve into the air. It's over.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Beth Moore came to our area three weeks ago</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Three weeks ago I was deeply involved in the final tasks of serving on the core team of women who assisted in the event. Almost a year of prayer, organization, and activities, were culminating in a conference designed to glorify God and lead women to a closer relationship with Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I cannot stress enough how much prayer was a factor in this event. Prayer on the street in front of the venue. Monthly prayer meetings in a beautiful sanctuary surrounded by sisters of all denominations, united by the love we have for Jesus. Prayer in our own homes, prayer at a mid-winter rally, prayer calendars distributed for personal use, and a prayer rally, held just a week before the event, walking a mile up the street and circling the building. This event was bathed in prayer. Fervent prayers. We prayed for Beth and her team. We prayed for the worship team. We prayed for the vendors, the staff, and the surrounding area. We had asked God to send exactly who He wanted to attend, and asked Him to get everyone there safely in a world that is anything but safe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Early Friday morning we arrived with 8500 bookmarks, each one hand-made and hand-signed. Each one prayed over by more than one person. And each one now placed on a seat in the auditorium- and each seat touched with prayer. It all came down to this: the Ted Constant Convocation Center at Old Dominion University was, for one weekend, a House of Prayer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The team was allowed to enter early, and we were all on the floor of the arena as the guests began arriving. One by one the seats filled up, then the sections were full. Then empty seats were difficult to find, as more bus loads of women arrived. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Music swelled and lights went up-- hearts sang love songs to our Lord. Upwards of 7000 women, and a few men, joined in one voice to worship the only one Who is worthy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then we sat. And we listened. And we learned. We laughed, we cried, we were challenged and we were inspired. The word of God was taught with reverence and respect. His servant constantly poured herself out, so that she would be filled with the Spirit. You see, not only does Beth Moore prepare a lesson specifically for the area where she is teaching, she constantly seeks God's will in how to teach it and leaves herself open to His changing it as He sees necessary. She comes to your city to minister to you by His words, not hers. And through Him, she delivers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then she is gone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are all left with a little bit of a vacuum in our joy. A sense of "what now?" But beneath the veil of emptiness burns a fire. A challenge. A sense of urgency that I had started feeling before she even arrived. We have only a set portion of time here on this earth, and we must reach those who do not know this Savior we sang about. This Spirit that lives within us and rises up whenever we call on Him. We must do whatever we can to meet needs, minster to, and ultimately love the very people Jesus loves: everyone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Late Friday evening we learned that Beth wanted to meet our team-- that she was changing how the next lesson would go and that she wanted us to come backstage. Why did she want to meet us? What would she say?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>She wanted to thank us for praying. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She could feel the love that was a result of our seeking God's will for this event. And she returned the Favor by praying with us. And right then it came full-circle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So now we press on. We carry the love and the joy and the hope and the promise to each person God places in our path. We continue to seek Him and serve Him and allow Him to direct our paths. The lights may have faded, but the Light will continue to burn. Because what Jesus finished on the cross was His purpose- but ours has just begun. </span><br />
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Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-62708387920581386422016-04-06T17:07:00.000-04:002016-04-24T23:16:39.783-04:00Facing Sin<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have had this particular blog in my draft queue for at least 6 months. I have written, deleted, rewritten and edited it more that any blog I have posted to date. Why? Because I am concerned that someone will read it and think it is about her. Or him. And, in fact, it is, because it is about all of us. So please, read these words carefully and allow the Scripture to speak to you and the Holy Spirit to convict, encourage, and teach. May God bless you as you read the words I am led to write. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love the sense of community + family that you get in church. I love breaking bread with these people, joining them in their work, and coming alongside in times of need. When we gather with people we know this well, we can trust that they are going to be themselves and that means not only that we can be ourselves, but that they will be who we <i>know</i> them to be. We were present for their collective births, baptisms, and marriages. We have joyfully celebrated with them and we have ministered to them them in their grief. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's almost the same way with our closest friends. You know, the friend you really <i>know</i>. The one you know so well that you recognize something that would be perfect for her house, or you know the necklace she would really like her husband to give her for Christmas. The one who makes the Friends & Family list on your cell. That friend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friends like those are rare and precious and you realize it! You include them and their family in your prayers and you look forward to the next time you see them- knowing that you can discuss politics, faith, money, and shoe styles with ease because- well because you know them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Until the day you get the phone call that rocks you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Until the day you have to remind yourself to breathe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Until the day you have to face your friend's humanity, your friend's sin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We all sin. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+3%3A23&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Romans 3:23</a>) All of us. Those of us who are saved readily admit that fact. But often we admit it the same way we admit that we eat too much, we don't exercise enough, and we should keep better bank records. We mentally hit the "play" button and let the statement come out: "Oh, we're all sinners!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But do we believe the horror of our own capacity for sin? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because it's there. It's real. And it's the ugliest of the ugly. Yet we still remain shocked at how vile it is. We are appalled at how sin can change a person to the point of being practically unrecognizable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We think we <i>know </i>someone, but only God knows our heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have faced sin in my own life. And because I am human, I will again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have confessed those sins to a just and merciful God and He has forgiven me. Jesus' death on the cross freed me from having to pay the price for the sins I have committed. I have repented. I am redeemed. Praise God! Praise God! But let me tell you, even though I know what it is like to sin, and even though I know that my sins are no better or worse that anyone else's, it is still almost too much to bear when I learn that a friend or a brother or sister in Christ has committed and is continuing to be involved in sin. And it is happening more and more. To believers. Prayer warriors. Bible students. And Bible teachers. It's happening to the very ones you would go to - run to - for your own wise counsel. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My God, what is happening in our churches? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then I remember: we're human. And we sin. And it is awful and raw and horrific and destructive and it will just about take you down and paralyze you- but God. God is there to supply your needs and to fill your lungs with air when it has been sucked right out of you. God is there to hold you up and to hold your heart. God is there with His Word that can fill your thoughts so that your human mind doesn't race to dark places. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">God is there to pull your loved one, your friend, you, out of the sin and into His arms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">But there has to be an admission of guilt, a request for forgiveness, and a time of repentance. Without it, it's just another day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have had the sad opportunity to comfort, counsel, and confront the heartbroken and the heart breaker. I have seen sin and what it does to those around it. It cannot be treated like a broken bone that can be set or a cut that can be bandaged. This "illness" is the product of a mastermind who is plotting to attack at the very core of each of us. Consider the area where you are strongest: that area is the goal of the enemy. Right there. He comes to kill and destroy and he will stop only when defeated by the only one Who can win against him: Jesus. (</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10:10&version=HCSB">John 10:10</a>) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But we have to ask for help. And we have to allow Him to to have His way in our lives. Not on our terms, but His. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So what to we do when we come face-to-face with sin? First, sisters, we need to pray. We need to pray for ourselves: that we will remain strong in our own walk. We have to constantly seek Him and His will for our lives so that we are not pulled down into sin as well. We need to pray for our spouse: that he will remain strong and that our communication remains open. We must pray for our pastors, for our church family -- let them keep Christ at the center of everything they say and do. Pray hard, because I am here to tell you that </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And second, a very close second, we need to love. We need to show the love of Christ while at the same time rejecting the sin. We can show Christ's compassion and still maintain our own strong character and godliness by staying true to His word and following Christ's example of forgiveness. We have to be willing to say, "I know what you did and I am here to love you through this." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have seen lives changed and relationships renewed through the power of prayer. God expects us to pray. (</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A17&version=HCSB">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a>) When we do, He listens. He sees us on our knees in our quiet place, in our cars stuck in traffic, or on our back porches pouring our hearts out to the only One Who can hear us. </span><br />
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Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-27441988305161597552016-03-31T17:51:00.000-04:002016-03-31T17:51:53.476-04:00<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For whatever reason, I have always been able to see irony in a situation. Call me jaded or negative if you want, but I don't usually see things as they appear, rather as they <i>seem</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That's why I am laughing at myself right now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like so many women my age, I like to get my nails done. Can't do the fake ones. They don't stick to my nails. Pop right off. But my natural nails on their own split and are very painful, often bleeding. So, I go get them trimmed, filed, and painted every few weeks. Sometimes I like color, but mostly I like the "French manicure" look. Never long-- always pretty short and simple. I do that for two reasons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First, I think there is little more pathetic than a middle-aged woman trying to hold on to her youth by way of her fingernails. Sorry if that causes you to twinge or press the esc button, but let's be honest: having nice nails is NOT going to lose you ten pounds or conceal your roots. The second reason I like simple nails is that I am too rough on my hands. (And by too rough I only mean that I am terrible at wearing gloves.) I like to wash dishes with my real hands, prepare meals with my real hands, and, on occasion, plant a flower with my real hands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So here's the dilemma: I got my real hands very dirty and part of the painted nail peeled off. I have an event this weekend and I wanted to have my hands look nice. But I am in battle with myself over the fact that I want to have my nails re-painted to look like a real pretty fingernail so that no one can actually <i>see</i> the real fingernail that is peeking out from under the broken one. Does anyone else see the irony in that? Read it again slowly if you need to; it does make sense- trust me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here I am, trying to cover up something real with something that only <i>looks </i>real. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What in the world? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The beauty isn't in my fake nail. The beauty isn't even in my real nail. The beauty is in getting my hands dirty by <i>being</i> real. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana", sans-serif;">So, I'll get my nail fixed. But I'll also be ready to get my hands dirty with any opportunity the Lord sends my way. Even if it's as simple as talking about Jesus with my nail tech. It all comes around. </span>Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-37600030199571165902016-03-09T15:54:00.000-05:002016-03-09T15:54:40.456-05:00Hiking on a New Path<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In case you were wondering, I'm still here. I know I've been a little quiet lately. I haven't been very busy, but God has been busy with me. With <i>us. </i>My husband and me. We've been in the valley and we've been on the mountaintop. We've been in the weeds, the pit, and on the right path. We've been all over the place for the past few months. And I wouldn't trade a moment of it. Because, as you see, I said, "We." My husband and me...and God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It began over a year ago, this particular journey with God. Born out of our prayers and petitions every morning. Seeking God's will for our lives and His direction for us in all manner of our life together. You see, we are His first, so why wouldn't we ask Him to show us what He wants for us? Hand-in-hand, sometimes silent, sometimes whispered, often teary-eyed pleas for God to make Himself so obvious to us that there would be no mistake-- that we would know without a shadow of a doubt that we were following Him alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I have mentioned before in this blog, we like to hike. Now by hike, I must be totally honest: we like to walk in the woods. As much as I enjoyed climbing as a child, I do not cherish it now. Mostly because you have to climb back down. We have learned this both the easy and the hard way. Some maps are more honest than others about the difficulty level of the terrain. One man's "Moderate" is another man's "DEATH TRAP!" So this God-journey was the most difficult "hike" either of us has ever been on. We did not choose the terrain nor the difficulty level. God did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we prayed. And we prayed. And we PRAYED. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wasn't ready for the answer that came. It hurt too much. Cut way too deep. I was confused. Scared. Sad. I denied it. But yet I kept on praying, asking for His will to be done. Praising Him for His goodness. Serving Him with gladness and hope. And He kept working on me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Obedience is a funny thing. The thought of it seems so monumental. The enemy tells our brains that it's way too difficult. We are convinced that there will be days and nights of agony and despair and that we will never be the same again, that we stand to lose and lose too much, once we take that leap of faith. Well, sisters, I am here to tell you that the leap of faith is a step on the most sturdy and stable ground that you will ever take. God will never lead us to something that will not be for our good and for His glory! I am telling you that the enemy is filling you with doubt and fear that are lies and that are meant to make you weak and keep you from serving the only One who can provide freedom in the midst of obedience! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One step toward obedience. One step, trusting the One who is leading you. And then let Him do His mighty work in your heart and in your perspective. At once my heart was healed and my spirit was soaring with the notion that I wasn't walking away from anything but that I was running toward something new and beautiful and with a purpose! He had only my best interests at heart as He always has-- and He has plans for me, even still. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11&version=HCSB">Jeremiah 29:11</a> promises me that He wants the best for me and He has shown me that my entire life. I just needed to obey Him first to see it. I just needed to seek Him first, to be rewarded with it.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6:33&version=HCSB">Matthew 6:33</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The blessed Scripture that He left with us teaches us that we are not to be afraid. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+1%3A7&version=HCSB">2 Timothy 1:7</a> reminds us that we are not given a spirit of fear. Don't be fooled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't be fooled into thinking that this has been easy, even after the Lord did His work on my heart. I still hurt. I still cried (and still am). But I have no resentment, doubt, or bitterness in my heart at all! I am free because of the power of Christ and I know that this is a journey that we will not regret taking. Because, no matter the terrain, we will stand on the Rock and proclaim His goodness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you, Jesus, for providing access to the God of all. And thank you for this new path, a hand to hold, and a heart trying to be as much like Yours as it possibly can.</span></div>
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<br />Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-41498567587266732662015-12-30T20:22:00.000-05:002015-12-30T20:22:44.889-05:00Are Your Decorations Still Up?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are your Christmas decorations still up? Ours are. Since we have crossed to the Dark Side and now use artificial trees, the maintenance is low and there is a reduced risk of fired-hazard crispiness. (I've always left them up until New Year's though; it's so festive!) Yes, I still make sure that the candles in the windows are on at dusk and that the tree(s) are lit in the morning and in the evening. I don't want to miss a moment of the cheer. I don't want to take this season for granted! The lights on the mantle are so warm and cozy and the family room tree gives off just enough light so that we don't really even need any lamps. I am going to miss the decorations so much when they're stuffed back in the attic for another eleven months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although I get a HUGE amount of help from my husband, I am the main decorator in our house. And because of that, the decorations have really become an extension of who I am and what I appreciate. The simple Nativity, the primitive trees on the mantle, the sparkly living room ornaments. Santas around the fireplace and glowing candles everywhere. (And I just have to say that one of the BEST INVENTIONS EVER is the battery-powered candle. Period. Drop the mic on that one. Gets the job done and is safe. Applause hands.) The Christmas decorations all seem to reflect the way I live and love. I consider our decorations to be a testimony. I cannot wait to get the lights in the window so that anyone and everyone who drives by our house will know that, in this house, WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. I want everyone who enters our home to see the Nativity in the foyer. I want to light the candles in the windows on cold, dark, rainy days to show them that Christ's love is there and real and available. I want there to be no mistake that the people who live here are only here for a while but our real home is waiting for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, the wreath on my door is fading. The clock is ticking. New Year's Day and its traditional pot of chili will be accompanied by boxes and bins and tissue paper. I will carefully wrap the ornaments and place them in the boxes so that they will be protected and preserved for another year. I'll dust off the mantle and redecorate for the coming season. The windows will be cleaned off and the wreath on the door will be recycled. And then I will ask myself: if someone drives by my house will they know I love Jesus more than anything? Will my home continue to be a testimony to the King of kings? Will my light shine? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I take these decorations down, I must, at the same time, resolve to live more boldly. To love more intentionally. To serve more selflessly. If I just put them away in a box in the attic, what good have they done? What good have I done? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I was writing this today, we had an air-conditioner repairman at our house. (Because it's acting like August in Coastal Virginia and it's a million degrees and 1000% humidity) Through a series of attempts, it became clear that he had made an error. It cost him a trip back to a warehouse and another trip out here in the pouring rain. I couldn't leave the house and I was somewhat inconvenienced. At the end of the visit, do you know that young man couldn't thank me enough for simply being...<i>nice.</i> Just being decent to him. He was so appreciative that I was civil. People, what have we become? Do we want to live so that fellow humans are afraid to make a mistake and be...human? What kind of witness would I have been if I had fussed or been angry? What would he have thought about Christians, about Jesus? How would he have known, you ask, that I am a Christian? The Nativity is right across from the thermostat. Boom. Right there. Trees are all up. Bibles all around the house really. No mistake that someone who at least <i>knows about </i>Jesus lives here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So how would it have looked to him if I had been mean? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this weekend, the wreath will come down. The lights will be packed away. But will our decorations stay up? It's our prayer that they will stay up all year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=let+your+light+shine&qs_version=HCSB" target="_blank">Matthew 5:16</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish all of you and your families a New Year filled with blessings and the joy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. </span><br />
Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-1458977150470360652015-12-14T17:37:00.000-05:002015-12-14T17:37:25.238-05:00<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have made an error in leadership. (Actually I've made many more than one, but I am only focusing on a recent one.) In an attempt to follow the Lord's leading and to be obedient to Him in all things, I tried to do everything He was leading me to do AT ONCE. By doing this I totally over committed myself and the women on the ministry leadership team. I messed up. How do I know it was a mistake? The Lord didn't give me deadlines when I was seeking His will. He never said, NOW. Not one time did I feel the sense that I needed to have it all completed before the end of 2015. But somehow I interpreted it as that and, since September, we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, have completed the following:</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">September: Beth Moore Mini-Retreat (two-day event)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">October: Bunco Night for the CPC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">November: Craft Workshop, Lifeway Women's Forum, Collection and Distribution of Thanksgiving Bags</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">December: Christmas Tea and Ornament Exchange</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday Night Bible Study from late Sept-Nov</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These things in addition to, I don't know...LIFE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may have left out some things..it's a blur. But one thing is for sure: we are tired! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love the women on this team. Each has her own gifts and talents and each has her own story. Together we strive to honor and glorify God in everything we do. They continue to amaze me at their attitude and ideas and I have learned so much from them. They inspire me and challenge me and it is a joy to serve with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But here is where I think I have gone wrong: no one disagreed with me. No one said, "I think it may be too much." Not a peep. (Except shock that I wanted to host a tea) So why is this a leadership fail? Because I do not want everyone at the table to <i>always agree. </i>Not every idea is a good one. I am human-- we all are (I hope). I make mistakes and I need people to tell me when they think I am making one. If I don't have that, if I can't count on someone asking me to develop a thought further or to pray about it together, then where is my accountability? There are two main questions I always ask myself before presenting them to the ministry for discussion:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. How does this glorify God? Because it must if it is to happen. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. What can possibly go wrong with this? Could someone get hurt? What is the risk of it being misinterpreted? Are there any "down sides" to it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If I am satisfied with the answers to these questions, then we may proceed. If not, they don't even make it past me. I will not entertain anything that could possible disgrace God's ministry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm glad my mistake only led to exhaustion. Nothing suffered and no one's walk was damaged. We will rest and regroup and learn from this. We'll learn to balance events and studies. We'll learn to commit to less at a time and space our big things out further. And I will learn to ask my sisters if they have any misgivings and to please speak up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because Jesus. He is the whole reason for serving, and the whole reason for living, and He deserves our very best.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-6" id="en-HCSB-28309" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15:6-8&version=HCSB" target="_blank">Romans 15:5-7</a></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-5" id="en-HCSB-28308" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28308A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28308A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> allow you to live in harmony with one another,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28308B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28308B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> according to the command of Christ Jesus, </span><span class="text Rom-15-6" id="en-HCSB-28309" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28309C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28309C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with a united mind and voice.</span></div>
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Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-9473903341627754032015-12-11T18:59:00.000-05:002015-12-11T18:59:26.404-05:00My Christmas List<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am a list-er. I love to make lists. Been doing it since I was a child. Lists of my toys. Lists of my friends. Lists of my pets. Lists of ideas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are a list-er, like me, I <i>know</i> you are loving life right now. This is our time. We have lists of Things to Do, Things to Buy, people we need to contact on our Christmas Card List. Then there are the sub-lists: the lists of what we need for the "Things to Do" list. The list of the menu to go with the Grocery List. And the biggest list of the season: the Christmas List. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year, I am submitting my Christmas List to all of you who read this blog. I just want you to know what I am thinking about this Christmas. Know, too, that it is in no particular order. Nor is it exhaustive. And for that matter, it isn't addressed to <i>anyone in particular. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's just a list, people. Just a list. Here we go: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Snow. Yes, snow. I would love to see inches and inches of fluffy white snow all over the land. Cold as all get out. Trees laden with the kind of snow Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney were hoping for when they sang about it on the train. (If you have no idea what I am talking about I feel very sorry for you right now.) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH2KGboA35c" target="_blank">Snow</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. All the people to be warm in the aforementioned snow. I always feel selfish when I want snow and then think of people who are cold, who may need medical attention, and so on. So this wish goes with #1. Safe driving, strong electrical wires, and plenty of firewood. And smart use of space heaters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By now you are beginning to see why I make lists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. I would like to see Christmas as I saw it as a child. It would involve shiny garland, spray snow on the windows, and the hard candies that come in a tin and smell spicy and sweet. It would also mean big, over-sized colored lights and the warmest, softest hugs I have ever had. There would be an <u>Ideals</u> magazine on the coffee table and the front door would be wrapped like a present. The stockings would be hung on the banister and Santa would somehow get in the house with the presents even though we had a furnace and a skinny pipe and no fireplace. That could happen then because Christmas was magical and amazing and good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. Time. I would like more time at Christmas. It is so special and beautiful and we only get it for a month or so. Yes, I know, the stuff gets out in the stores early and all. Whatever. I am SO OK with getting sparkly ornaments and colored lights onto store shelves. It beats what's there for the rest of the year! But the festive part, the part of sharing good cheer and kindness and happiness - that part seems to get shorter and shorter. I'd like it to last just a little longer. Like forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. I would like for the mean people to be nice. All of them. The ones who dart around us in the parking lot when we're waiting for the disabled person to cross safely. The ones who want to bomb our buildings because we love Jesus. The people who think that they are the only ones with problems or answers or wisdom. The selfish people. The haughty people. The hypocrites. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The ones who say they love Jesus but sure don't act very much like Him. Every single one of them just needs to be...nice. I wish for that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. No more cancer. Or Alzheimer's. Or child abuse. The stuff that I have to pray about in the daytime because if I pray about it at night I guarantee I will not sleep. But maybe I'm not supposed to sleep. Because prayer changes things. Prayer works. God has heard my prayers offered from a tear-soaked pillow in the middle of the night and He has answered. Glory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. World sanity. I guess that makes me sound as old as I am. But I just think that the world (and by the world I mean our leaders and those in the media and the governments) has collectively lost its mind- lost its ability to think clearly and act according to sound reasoning. Growing up in the 60s, I saw war, drugs, social injustice and then later justice. I saw assassinations. In the 70s I saw the effects of the war on the ones who came home. I saw people seeking selfish pleasure and then finding it in the 80s. The 90s tried to reestablish the "American Way,' but the 00s saw a new kind of war. One that caused what was left of our character to collapse along with the buildings. I'm waiting and wishing to see us become sane again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. I would like to go to a Christmas Day movie. I hear that people do that. I am fascinated. Are these the people who have their lives so together, so well-managed, that they have time on Christmas Day to get dressed and drive to the movies? All the torn pieces of wrapping paper are picked up, the leftovers put away, the dishes are done and they are rested enough that they will be able to sit in a theater and NOT fall asleep? Or maybe that's their way of escaping to a $10 nap time. Either way, the thought of that is so inviting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unless these are the lonely people, in which case it's just sad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">9. No one to be lonely. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10. Normal light bulbs. I mean, we can buy cigarettes that will kill us, but the government won't allow us to have a decent, soft, light bulb? And for crying out loud will you please bring back the strands of lights with the plugs that allowed my Hallmark ornaments to light up and move and play music and be generally obnoxious. With all of this new LED stuff, Mickey's rocket no longer glows, the NASA space capsule is dark, and Superman is only Clark Kent standing in a phone booth. It just doesn't look the same and it sure doesn't sound the same when I turn on the tree on in the morning. My tree is scary quiet. I think it's plotting against me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's my list and my struggle and it deserves a place. Don't judge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">11. Better scouting for the Yankees. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">12. For people to "fess up." Stop lying. Stop deceiving. Stop pretending you're something you're not. Just stop it before you embarrass yourself. You're not fooling the only One Who matters. He knows who you are and what you are and what you are doing and He is not pleased with your dishonesty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">13. To <i>really </i>write. I mean the kind of writing that I love to read. The kind of writing that moves and inspires and makes you want to throw it down and pick up your Bible and race to Jesus. To be a vessel emptied out onto a keyboard and poured straight into a heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and finally</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">14. More Jesus. There. That's it. The best and biggest thing on my list. With "more Jesus' most of these other things would be taken care of and the rest wouldn't really matter anyway. If we fill ourselves with more of Him, there won't me any more room for the bad things. If we try to live closer to Him, He will stay closer to us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: red;">If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. </span> </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15:10&version=HCSB" target="_blank">John 15:10</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So there you have it. My Christmas list. And, in case you are wondering, blogging about my list was ACTUALLY on my list of things to do. I can check that off now. I feel so much better. I'd love to read what's on your list, so comment below and share your heart. And if you want, I'll add you to my most important list of all: my prayer list. </span><br />
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<br />Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025130770742980716.post-58762820389986574202015-11-20T09:19:00.001-05:002015-12-09T12:26:36.691-05:00Beth's Coming to Norfolk!<div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Picture this: a lazy summer afternoon on my back porch. Iced tea, iPad, and the sound of birds and wind chimes. The sweet smell of fresh grass and the buzzing of bees pollinating their little hearts out. Summer at its finest. Suddenly the familiar chirp of a text message coming in cuts through the afternoon air and I reach for the phone. I would have ignored it but I had loved-ones traveling. A friend on the road with her husband and his family, as well as my own sister and her friends attending a women's event. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"It's true, it's in the book AND she just announced it! Beth's coming to Norfolk!" </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(please insert many more exclamation marks than this)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now I'd like to tell you what everyone else was doing on the back porch when I started freaking out, but honestly I went into my own little world- my personal mission field- my zone. There was no one there but me, my phone, and Beth's "Siestas." </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The texts started to fly-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>"What? When? Are you sure? Are tickets on sale now?"</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And thus began the mad flurry of texts, calls, nervous laughter, and the joy that comes when you learn that that your city (when you live in an area that is a metropolis of seven cities, any and every one of them is yours) OUR CITY would be welcoming one of the most gifted Bible teachers of our time. A woman who knows pain, who knows doubt, who knows brokenness and who knows the Lord Who brought her out of all of that and delivered her to share her story and His message with so many others. She brings a word for this time and for this area and unless I get called home, I am not about to miss it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Never underestimate a woman with a smart phone and a good signal. In a matter of minutes tickets were bought and rooms were reserved. (Hey- do not judge- I know we live here but it is still a Beth Weekend!) Since then we have gathered to plan and to pray. The word is getting out and the Word will be shared. In the mean time, I'll pray for Beth, the praise team, and each woman the Lord brings to this important event-- will you be one of them? </span></div>
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Dollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15227000668954983174noreply@blogger.com0