tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36336873876887835872024-03-18T16:23:42.921-04:00Following My King... writing for those who seek God.quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.comBlogger1872125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-66119416927063911992024-03-18T14:00:00.023-04:002024-03-18T14:00:00.139-04:00God Alone<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp6Wny8XuSbi9S5E2CYUrD9m2fCg56WLLn3Nd-rjFybQtbdR595aeQ-8YWlnMnllSzwRZB3v_nT4jKEaWdxCeXEhHKa_tHlbPMSgni3SIBtf5TFSHlk-PWlzgzPH4WgphqEz8nbKiq4j5vWGgeVDBFNlXeeI5QX65aYU9jxT2tIIC9hpVLqyQYoZg2Fki/s2048/100_0530-EFFECTS.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp6Wny8XuSbi9S5E2CYUrD9m2fCg56WLLn3Nd-rjFybQtbdR595aeQ-8YWlnMnllSzwRZB3v_nT4jKEaWdxCeXEhHKa_tHlbPMSgni3SIBtf5TFSHlk-PWlzgzPH4WgphqEz8nbKiq4j5vWGgeVDBFNlXeeI5QX65aYU9jxT2tIIC9hpVLqyQYoZg2Fki/s320/100_0530-EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.</td></tr></tbody></table><i></i><p></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><i><br /></i></i></p><i> I will both lie down in peace and sleep; </i><i>For You alone, O LORD make me dwell in safety.</i><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words penned by
David.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Having had too many
nights with either minimal or no sleep, I picked up my Bible and
reread this verse. A dear friend shared it with me many years ago.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">What I realized as I
went through another sleepless night was that I was not trusting God
for some things going on around me that may affect me.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This verse tells me
that David would be able to rest in peace and then sleep. He then
tells the LORD that He alone keeps him safe.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">How did God keep
David safe? By being with him during the times Saul was chasing him.
Also, when his son was hunting him down.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Each of us will have
times when we feel that our back is against the wall or that we are
in a circumstance by ourselves. God is with us as we go through those
rough spots.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our pastor has spent
the past 50 days recovering from a stroke, there were days that it
was one step forward followed by two steps backward. Prayer has kept
him and his wife going as he has received intense therapy at a
hospital in a neighboring city. He will be coming home in four days.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Prayer: Father God.
Thank You for being with us during the difficult times in our lives.
Thank You for reminding us that You are always are with us, guiding
us through those times. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">.</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-7813923997381238332024-02-24T09:00:00.001-05:002024-02-24T09:00:00.139-05:00Going on a Break<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Needing to rest. I have been ill and am trying to get over this thing. Also, I have had a major upset that I have to work through. I don't know how long this will take. Please pray for me to get over this illness and through the aftermath of the circumstances of this upset. </p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you!</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-20838435832183026982024-02-14T20:30:00.015-05:002024-02-14T20:30:00.137-05:00Ash Wednesday Music<p><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuy7qwoKOGumt1IE3_His_L5h6si6oinuEMoOYVLG9vj972p-F2Ol3OoVS7wsLkz_XGm2cA5BCZzQwX9T4NSNozkmqXlgYxztTg7KdfuyRlcx8c0UKMl2rAbdAvTLrAFKD7D_j03tXc7jajB5Rdg8LU4ste-AJZt5KkFaOBjlYOkaf3B36rq2ilgkWnSdz" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="3708" data-original-width="3786" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuy7qwoKOGumt1IE3_His_L5h6si6oinuEMoOYVLG9vj972p-F2Ol3OoVS7wsLkz_XGm2cA5BCZzQwX9T4NSNozkmqXlgYxztTg7KdfuyRlcx8c0UKMl2rAbdAvTLrAFKD7D_j03tXc7jajB5Rdg8LU4ste-AJZt5KkFaOBjlYOkaf3B36rq2ilgkWnSdz=w400-h392" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://stockabode,com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Here are the hymns we sang at our Ash Wednesday service this evening. We loved singing these old favorite hymns. I hope you enjoy hearing them. Sing along with them, if you choose.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Are Ye Able Said the Master</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cpScSnB39lM" width="320" youtube-src-id="cpScSnB39lM"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I Survey the Wonderous Cross</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Aq9KISzaAo" width="320" youtube-src-id="2Aq9KISzaAo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beneath the Cross of Jesus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zaYVZEL_aw0" width="320" youtube-src-id="zaYVZEL_aw0"></iframe></div><br /> <div> The Old Rugged Cross</div><div> </div><div> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zyfR7URb8TY" width="334" youtube-src-id="zyfR7URb8TY"></iframe></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /></div>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-56902889901076063792024-02-08T18:30:00.001-05:002024-02-08T18:30:00.145-05:00God Alone<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdnZylx6B62ASIlzze6JQNnpObSVJ8CE1afcoIASZskMx-7_nnbVDPgP5nNwQjKa0oyxXN3AXqoGF9izF-tdo8C2MZWl852R3d0YLFwYTknjzvhTtYJz_i3pHBUwihw3dTUHZ9GIjtJ6c0FW8Ldb_ZqNxB02wdcAD3zfx30AeyirrVb5epc2lIw75jIzCR" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdnZylx6B62ASIlzze6JQNnpObSVJ8CE1afcoIASZskMx-7_nnbVDPgP5nNwQjKa0oyxXN3AXqoGF9izF-tdo8C2MZWl852R3d0YLFwYTknjzvhTtYJz_i3pHBUwihw3dTUHZ9GIjtJ6c0FW8Ldb_ZqNxB02wdcAD3zfx30AeyirrVb5epc2lIw75jIzCR=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SlideServe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>I
will both lie down in peace and sleep;</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>For You alone, O LORD make me dwell in safety.</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Psalm 4:8 (NKJV)</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words penned by
David.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Having had too many
nights with either minimal or no sleep, I picked up my Bible and read
this verse. A dear friend shared it with me many years ago.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">What I realized as I
went through another sleepless night was that I was not trusting God
for some things going on around me that may affect me.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This verse tells me
that David would be able to rest in peace and then sleep. He then
tells the LORD that He alone keeps him safe.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">How did God keep
David safe? By being with him during the times Saul was chasing him.
When his son was hunting him down.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This issue of trust
is connected to faith. I have learned that we must have faith in
order to trust God without reservations. Years ago, the pastor I sat
under said that a lot of people practice “Billy Goat” religion.
They say they believed in God, then the next word they said
was.”But”.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a name="en-NKJV-22753"></a>
A scripture passage I found recently has given me pause. “Behold
the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall
live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:4 (NKJV) I believe I need to learn
to live by faith more than I do.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Prayer,</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Father God. Please
help us, Your children, to trust you more as we live each day for
You. Guide us as we make decisions and as we talk to those we meet in
our daily activities, In Jesus’ Name, I pray. AMEN
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-57759180023247327922024-02-06T00:00:00.001-05:002024-02-06T00:00:00.171-05:00Father God, We Trust You<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0ezX-47lCEX4rZaTO7535g_mG1YZOCk_JAOD4mlyt4-0B6Z0urL5d5gBDZPsUoUK-YeRTK_46aBXOKnHPZhc_bUXoD-kKmyeA7eqGroMNNUGpYM6GNdZlYp-ZQ8Rm8ebb0QYYJ78fncJeRzEQBC2SCkwYsGPMRkRkyq1Dl2Yr2uM8thuMlULkEzgJLo4/s900/image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0ezX-47lCEX4rZaTO7535g_mG1YZOCk_JAOD4mlyt4-0B6Z0urL5d5gBDZPsUoUK-YeRTK_46aBXOKnHPZhc_bUXoD-kKmyeA7eqGroMNNUGpYM6GNdZlYp-ZQ8Rm8ebb0QYYJ78fncJeRzEQBC2SCkwYsGPMRkRkyq1Dl2Yr2uM8thuMlULkEzgJLo4/s320/image.png" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'''<i style="text-align: left;">Trust the Lord
with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Acknowledge Him in all you do and He will direct your paths. </i><span style="text-align: left;">
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)</span></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">On the afternoon of
January 29<sup>th</sup>, 2024, our church office put out a prayer
request for our pastor who was in the ICU. His wife had taken him to
the ER. The entire church received the same message.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I texted his wife
with a prayer that evening. I called my best friend for prayer. I
received a call from a young woman who had heard of the pastor’s
circumstance.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">On Tuesday, January
30, the pastor’s wife texted me to with an update. Pastor had had a
mild stroke.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Since last July, we
are in a new denomination. During our Mustard Seed prayer time, I was
told to add a certain name to our prayer list. It was a name I did
not recognize. I asked who he was. He is going to be our interim
pastor. (In one day’s, time the district had arranged for someone to
come in and carry out Pastor Rick’s duties.) I like the way this
has been handled.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">One of the men in
our local church volunteered to bring us a message this past Sunday.
So, things are going on.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I found myself
telling God that I knew we had to trust Him for the outcome, and we will. I find
myself telling Him that for some of my personal issues and now for
this circumstance facing the church.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I believe God knew
Pastor and his wife, Cheryl would have this circumstance enter their
lives. I also believe that they will trust the Lord, implicitly.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">My best friend once
told me she trusted God implicitly. I am learning that I can, like
her, trust God without reservation. As I have shared with some in a
Facebook group, I believe God chose this word “trust” for me for
this year. I learn something about it each week.
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-68207191274600891042024-02-01T00:00:00.001-05:002024-02-01T00:00:00.248-05:00January Reflections<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCp35bKlOzxtz9JMAFfJlay3eKGWNXmRHdm8J_898hLSKw81afHOl57u1Pl7QjmVC1xeRH2O15XkgyXS3c_TBIZmsvc-ghlTiA7xyXzZ-eMuLXZEysm5uoxwYFG0f24BN7GIWh23GXRu3zy3XpERqhfBCpGZYIIS6C6lLvANOKx_gyr-blk0-Mlar-WoL/s291/thumbnailCAE7JGA4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="291" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCp35bKlOzxtz9JMAFfJlay3eKGWNXmRHdm8J_898hLSKw81afHOl57u1Pl7QjmVC1xeRH2O15XkgyXS3c_TBIZmsvc-ghlTiA7xyXzZ-eMuLXZEysm5uoxwYFG0f24BN7GIWh23GXRu3zy3XpERqhfBCpGZYIIS6C6lLvANOKx_gyr-blk0-Mlar-WoL/s1600/thumbnailCAE7JGA4.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Slow Start</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">January always seems
to be a time where I have ‘settled in’ after a somewhat busy time
in December. Early in the month, we experienced colder temps which
added to my slowness. On Saturday after New Year’s, we awoke to see
three inches of snow flurries on the ground. What we were supposed to
receive was not supposed to stick.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Taking Down
Christmas</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I took down our
new-this-year Christmas tree on Epiphany. This new tree, being bigger
than the older tree, required more attention. I was used to NOT
undecorating the smaller one. However, the new one had to have the
decorations removed. I could get it in the box I had used for the
other one. I just happened to have some boxes I had saved that were
just the right size for what I needed.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Newness In Our
Lives</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our local newspaper
changed the method of delivering our newspaper to us. In the past, it
was delivered by carriers who had motorized routes. As of January 2,
the newspaper company has utilized the United States Postal Service
to deliver the copies to the subscribers. In order to do this
effectively (same day delivery), The company had to alter their print
schedule to Tuesday through Saturday. A friend who is on Facebook
really does not like the new system. A lot of people commented
negatively about the new delivery system.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">At least, now, I
don’t have to go on a “scouting expedition” to find the paper.
Only one day, we did not receive that day’s edition. I called and
asked why. The young woman could not tell me. She could have given me
a credit for that missed paper; however, I wanted the paper. The next
day we received the missed one as well as the one for the correct
day.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Writing Efforts </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">In searching for a
paying market that I may submit to, I found one that appealed to me.
I chose a topic for their Spiritual Growth section. One email letter
told their word count was 1,000 words. The website of the magazine
said the requirements were 800-1250 words. At first, I had a
difficult time reaching either of those word counts.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I asked a question
on a Christian Writers group about how strict a publication could be
about a word count. I remembered the woman who started the writer’s
group I was in telling us when she taught creative writing, she told
her students to “just writ their story” and not worry about the
word count. I included that memory in my question. The moderator told
me that those word count guidelines were firm. And what I had been
told was incorrect. Another member agreed with the moderator. I
believe he knows that she is correct; he publishes books.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I submitted that
manuscript to that market. I received a response in two weeks. They
didn’t believe it would fit their needs. I had a private little
“pity party” and realized they may be correct in their thinking.
I started reading it again and found some typos. I wound up
responding to their notification by thanking them for their time.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A Friend’s
Grief</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I received a phone
call from a friend early one evening. I had just called and talked to
her, asking how her middle son was. He had been in the hospital since
Christmas, just over two weeks. About a half-hour later, she called
me back. Her son had passed away. Her granddaughter had called from
the hospital to let her know. He was a few months younger than our
son. My friend has a younger son who also is in precarious health.
Please pray for my friend; her name is Vicki.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Brrrdy, Brr,
Brr, Brr </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">That is my
expression for January cold weather. I haven’t had to use it lately
until now.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">For about two weeks,
we had windchill temperature readings, at least three different times
of snow, with accumulation. We have rarely seen the sun. When all
this started one of the forecasters said the temperature that night
would be the lowest since December 2022. I have a friend who is
wheelchair bound and works in our church office. On one particular
Friday, she chose to stay home rather than risk something happening
to place her in a perilous situation.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A Time of
Concentrated Prayer</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">On the last Monday
of the month, our congregation received a prayer request via phone call from the church
office. Our pastor was in the ICU at one of our local hospitals. His
wife took him to the ER. I knew it was serious. I texted a prayer to
his wife that night. On Tuesday morning she gave me some details. A
little later, she talked to the neurosurgeon. Our pastor had a mild
stroke. On Sunday, February 11<sup>th</sup> we will have an interim
pastor. We are in a new denomination and did not know how the
presiding elder would deal with this circumstance. I am impressed
that she acted in such a timely manner. One man in our congregation
will fill-in this coming Sunday. </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Please pray for Cross Roads Global Methodist Church and our pastor and wife as God takes us through this circumstance.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-61772167533858461852024-01-30T18:00:00.002-05:002024-01-30T18:00:00.241-05:00We Will Find Rest<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNrPrEVi6S0YId_7XIxfLhAwJ_m_9_ZkbtmdoOxbK9AH_x02OPX6pkUn2SdpW7yJ-ibtQqVOADE4RP9u85kP3T4xD63bvaySj_foVNDEtnXwzUWgbuyHRr7dMBH4tVVhuqjcishogzMq_uzM3PVVbD9vErqJSRMqz4-i93bW1v26tapsQ2-j3FCVZN5QUp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNrPrEVi6S0YId_7XIxfLhAwJ_m_9_ZkbtmdoOxbK9AH_x02OPX6pkUn2SdpW7yJ-ibtQqVOADE4RP9u85kP3T4xD63bvaySj_foVNDEtnXwzUWgbuyHRr7dMBH4tVVhuqjcishogzMq_uzM3PVVbD9vErqJSRMqz4-i93bW1v26tapsQ2-j3FCVZN5QUp=w400-h209" width="400" /></a></div><br />connectusfund.org <p></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Thus
says the Lord:</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Stand
in the ways and see,</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>And
ask for the old paths, where the</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>good
way is,</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>And
walk in </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>it.</i></span></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Then
you will find rest for your souls.</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>But
they said," We will not walk in it." J</i><span style="text-align: left;">eremiah 6:16 (NKJV)</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words of God spoken
through Jeremiah</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jeremiah prophesies
against Judah, calling her to repent or face judgment at the hands of
Babylon.<sup>(1)</sup></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Stand in the ways
and see,</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Could the Lord
through Jeremiah be telling the people of Judah that they need to
look at how they live, to evaluate their lifestyles in the light of
His Word?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> And ask for the old
paths, where the/ good way is,</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Could the Lord be
telling them to look fondly to the values they were taught and see
the goodness of the relationship they previously had with Him?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>And walk in it; </i>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Could the Lord be
telling the people of Judah to revive the practices of of their
relationship with Him?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Then you will
find rest for your souls,</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Does God give them
the hope of finding peace and soul rest? Does God give us hope when
we listen and obey Him?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>But they said, "We
will not walk in it."</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The people of Judea
answered in a negative way. They did <i>NOT</i> want to walk in the
way that the Lord told them they needed to do. Are we sometimes
guilty of the same stubbornness today? Do we keep on doing what we
like rather than what He tells us to do?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Prayer </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Father God: Guide us
in the path You want us to follow. Guide us through the difficult
times we face. Give us Your wisdom as we progress through each day.
In the Name of Jesus. I pray. Amen.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">(1) Jeremiah Study
Bible © 2013 page 972</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-69331459300840031402024-01-23T17:30:00.001-05:002024-01-23T17:30:00.144-05:00The Spirit of The Lord<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i>There shall come
forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,</i></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i>And a Branch shall grow out of
his roots.</i></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i> The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him.</i></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i> The Spirit
of wisdom and understanding.</i></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i> The Spirit of counsel and might, </i></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i>The
Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. </i></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"> Isaiah 11:1-2
(NKJV)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words of Isaiah the
Prophet</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">These words bring
comfort to me.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>The spirit of the
LORD shall rest upon Him</i>.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus later tells
the people of Israel and us that He follows guidance from His Father.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">(<span style="border: none; display: inline-block; padding: 0in;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background: transparent;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%205%3A30&version=NKJV">John
5:3</a>0</span></span><span style="background: transparent;">).</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I can of Myself
do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is
righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will
of the Father who sent Me.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>The Spirit of
wisdom and understanding.</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus received His
wisdom and the ability to understand what the people needed from His
Father. Today, followers of Christ seek wisdom and knowledge from God
through prayer.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>The Spirit of
knowledge and of the fear of the LORD</i>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Because of God
allowing His Spirit to rest on Jesus, we know God and develop great
respect (fear of) for God.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QJAoxpAQMe4" width="320" youtube-src-id="QJAoxpAQMe4"></iframe></div><br /><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-5006435935800838532024-01-23T17:00:00.003-05:002024-01-23T17:00:00.144-05:00 The Love of God<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg87zVuCo1d5yZ-GOA_RaxBP5pZgvIES27rlF7D2udz36ulS65jm8RM7rIWbCOOobzL70VZaBf0DH5moW-eTuiHdnYi6bTHkcCLhEWtKg9o8nTiY3hofUthrP2IkGPBeJl8vGTuzct7AZy2RKNZnJSN-QBEvnDSnexqpDONDLz_kj7j6-PUCf_iJen5jX3_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="582" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg87zVuCo1d5yZ-GOA_RaxBP5pZgvIES27rlF7D2udz36ulS65jm8RM7rIWbCOOobzL70VZaBf0DH5moW-eTuiHdnYi6bTHkcCLhEWtKg9o8nTiY3hofUthrP2IkGPBeJl8vGTuzct7AZy2RKNZnJSN-QBEvnDSnexqpDONDLz_kj7j6-PUCf_iJen5jX3_=w310-h400" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Apostle Paul Teaching- Pinterest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i> For I am persuaded
that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor
powers, not things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth,
nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the
love of God which is in Christ Jesus</i>. Romans 8:28-29 (NKJV)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words of Paul</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Have you ever felt
cut off from Jesus, from the love of God? According to the Apostle
Paul, when we ask Jesus into hearts, we are never away from that
love.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">He tells us that the
love of God comes to us through Jesus our Lord. We can feel that love
at different times in our lives.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>*
When we are ill.</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> *
When we receive upsetting news about our health or the health of a
loved one.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>*
When we hear of a tragedy in our communities.</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>* When we become victims of tragedy.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God’s love
surrounds each of His children as they go through their day. He makes
it easy for us feel that love.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God gives us peace
when we are in the midst of a circumstance the world finds stressful.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">He gives us strength
when we face the most dreaded outcome of those circumstances.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God helps us find
joy in everyday events.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>* Did the sun
shine today?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>* Was the sky
bright?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>* Did your
area get much needed rain?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>* Did you
hear from a friend that you haven’t heard from for a while?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>* Will your
area soon experience warm-up from an extended cold spell?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Each follower of
Christ will have times where the will not feel as close to Jesus as
the once were. We can remedy that feeling by prayer and Bible and
devotional reading.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Please do not
misunderstand me, I have times where I feel not as close to God as I
should be. A friend told at prayer meeting a long time ago about a
sign on a church board. “Do you feel you are not as close to God as
you once were? Guess who moved!” This gives me a lot to think
about.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">It is easy to find
ourselves wrapped up in day-to-day activities and let other things
slide. We must make time daily for our devotions and Bible reading.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k6B_jYtjvME" width="320" youtube-src-id="k6B_jYtjvME"></iframe></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-76642805598656349362024-01-19T00:00:00.024-05:002024-01-19T00:00:00.262-05:00A Closer Look at My Word<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHE2sbHz7zCRLAcEXz9_oenBfM0mQ_gZ3OZgTs4qYeuW0YGEi1Fy6jE-CzWGwoYWkrJ5aP7QfP1sX0Ft0yKvf7pwGnDHOeIUaZHkACKLxdodObE0Q7gImrqv8U2UGEeE_vl1QEZJOkl4oIMUYgu_IPGC_azbrcmt50IOjpGSkt0CP3Y75MJVWBdS61D0G8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="636" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHE2sbHz7zCRLAcEXz9_oenBfM0mQ_gZ3OZgTs4qYeuW0YGEi1Fy6jE-CzWGwoYWkrJ5aP7QfP1sX0Ft0yKvf7pwGnDHOeIUaZHkACKLxdodObE0Q7gImrqv8U2UGEeE_vl1QEZJOkl4oIMUYgu_IPGC_azbrcmt50IOjpGSkt0CP3Y75MJVWBdS61D0G8" width="170" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fineartamerica.com</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I participate in a Facebook group called One Word 2024. This is the exercise we are asked to do for January.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>___________________________________________________________________________________</div><div><br /></div><div><b>1.Where Is My
Word?</b></div>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">My word, TRUST,
appears on my journal cover. I try to write in it every day; so, I see
it every day. It is in a gift of prayer cards that sometimes guide me
when I pray. It appears on some small note pads I received from a friend.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt_njof_YupEW3feg1gYHYjUn_By1Lwd-x9t7PhmU8ILD67ZuMm2iSIbCOz9VRDnKJHmrMeHW416Le9ScObjmrdBci-uNsCEhtV1rDhe3bPCI-vnFcNbhuliflDL1rqnRgG5mlrU2Mkfo2UjYFd3TF9LZTtA8XiUFUDGpZ8sX9QZ8G8SGEAkhrcFPf6tm4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt_njof_YupEW3feg1gYHYjUn_By1Lwd-x9t7PhmU8ILD67ZuMm2iSIbCOz9VRDnKJHmrMeHW416Le9ScObjmrdBci-uNsCEhtV1rDhe3bPCI-vnFcNbhuliflDL1rqnRgG5mlrU2Mkfo2UjYFd3TF9LZTtA8XiUFUDGpZ8sX9QZ8G8SGEAkhrcFPf6tm4=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I read several
devotional books. Oswald Chambers’ <i>My Utmost for His Highest </i>has
several entries dealing with my word. I also have run across my word
in The Upper Room and Our Daily Bread.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">2.<b>What Does My
Word Look Like?</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Picture, if you
will, a small child sitting on his or her father’s lap. The child
has his or her eyes focused on the father’s face as he speaks. The
child is engrossed in hearing what the father says.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">3.<b> Why This Word?</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God chose this word
for me. I had one word “chosen”. Then I found another word that
seemed to speak to me. But, as, I was finishing praying for someone,
I heard “she has to have trust for the outcome.” As I typed the
beginning of this post, I received a phone call from a dear friend
from church. A lady, for whom we have been praying, could be very
close to meeting Jesus in the next week. We are and have been
trusting God in all this.</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-11982078793727340422024-01-18T16:30:00.017-05:002024-01-20T10:50:46.323-05:00Trusting in Jesus<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipiUCEI8xrgeb9TMifVq7iDfWxyS-5L6WOYil10GSz-RmMSfeyr78qg8FR_Ret6ZN3PQOFlgvavXVdTIDBAtvkhxTZyHhm8zZ2bl8xWsQE4E9ag-wsQHK9Deg6dAkL94d6fRnWZyXdBpRBEFthexR_qvxLQMbEEvSv5pDH7-27d1vt2LS9K9wVf4OiH174" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipiUCEI8xrgeb9TMifVq7iDfWxyS-5L6WOYil10GSz-RmMSfeyr78qg8FR_Ret6ZN3PQOFlgvavXVdTIDBAtvkhxTZyHhm8zZ2bl8xWsQE4E9ag-wsQHK9Deg6dAkL94d6fRnWZyXdBpRBEFthexR_qvxLQMbEEvSv5pDH7-27d1vt2LS9K9wVf4OiH174=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Christmas Present.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: courier;">This is a song that ran through my heart and mind after God chose my word for 2024. I have put my thoughts on paper in order to help me understand the message of this song.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">’<b>Tis so sweet
to trust in Jesus,</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes, it is very
sweet to have Jesus in your corner. We can rely on Him.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Just to take Him
at His Word </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we allow Jesus
into our lives, we learn to rely on Him and His word.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Just to rest on
His promise </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We can take what He
tells us into our hearts.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Just to know,
“Thus saith the Lord!</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we know Jesus
said something, we know we can believe it and rely on Him and His
word.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Jesus, Jesus, how
I trust Him!</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">As we get to know
Jesus, we learn that He has our best interests at heart.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>How I’ve proved
Him o’er and o’er</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Each time we
patiently wait for Jesus to act on a prayer request, we prove that He
does care for us.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Oh, for grace to
love Him more!</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we see answers
to our prayers, we realize that we can love Him more than we do.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>I’m so glad I
learned to trust thee,</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes, I am very
thankful that I learned to turn everything over to Him.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Precious
Jesus, Savior, Friend.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">There is no one like
Him. He is my Savior, and my Friend.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>And I know You are with me,</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Whatever I go
through, I know Jesus is right beside me.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>With me to the
end.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">He will be with me
at the time, He escorts me into God’s presence.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Jesus, Jesus, How
I trust Him!</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we learn of
Him, we see that He is worthy of our trust.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>How I’ve proven
Him o’er and o’er.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> When we witness
to someone, we prove that He is real and that He loves them.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Jesus, precious
Jesus!</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> The Lord grows
more precious each day.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Oh, for grace to
trust Him more.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We need to
experience God’s love in order to learn to trust
Him.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Oh, for grace to
trust Him more. </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We learn to trust
Jesus by allowing Him to have full reign over
our lives.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Oh, for grace to
trust Him more.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes, we must learn
to trust Him more.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">------------------</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">“’Tis So Sweet
to Trust in Jesus” by Louise M.R. Stead</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-88313654838377277702024-01-10T13:30:00.004-05:002024-01-10T13:33:03.356-05:00Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanks<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj96mIbxndCfV-Kdg1AzqlspX2_4mzQ8mXG3qFGnfW50EryokT0Qk64ybNa8bFCONaemXnJDlHHZZL59TNoZfSaRR_tyagLECk1YamdEvWGGgKW6Ju-hKLtDl2xd5K6jPfgNdzB0Vm6KAqv8YwvE-NX8fnxhVQBeNQW5ylTGpAcaGDDcc7zOT59Aqev2v0G" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj96mIbxndCfV-Kdg1AzqlspX2_4mzQ8mXG3qFGnfW50EryokT0Qk64ybNa8bFCONaemXnJDlHHZZL59TNoZfSaRR_tyagLECk1YamdEvWGGgKW6Ju-hKLtDl2xd5K6jPfgNdzB0Vm6KAqv8YwvE-NX8fnxhVQBeNQW5ylTGpAcaGDDcc7zOT59Aqev2v0G=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinterest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus for you, </i>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>1
Thessalonians 5;16-18 (NKJV)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words of Paul</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Rejoice always, </b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I received a phone
call last evening. This was not a call one wants to receive. A friend
let me know that her middle son had passed away. We had talked
earlier that afternoon. All I could do was listen to her and pray. I
was truly awake into the early morning hours over this news.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When I opened my
daily planner this morning, there was the above scripture printed out
for today (January 10).</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">How can I rejoice
when my friend mourns her loss? I believe I can be thankful that she
had him almost 53 years. I can be thankful that, when he was a young
adult, he played baseball.
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>pray without
ceasing, </b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Whenever a friend or
a family member of a friend passes away, I find myself very saddened
and prayerful. Even if a friend receives a very serious diagnosis, I
find myself going to God in prayer whenever I think of him or her.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>in everything
give thanks;</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Paul tells the
Thessalonians to give thanks <i>IN EVERYTHING</i>. Sometimes, that is
difficult. In this instance, I give thanks for that son’s receiving
good medical treatment for his condition. I thank Him for his mother
who loved him unconditionally. I thank Him for his adult daughter
who, I believe was there with her dad when he passed on. I thank Him
for a cousin who was flying from Florida to see his cousin,
hopefully, before he passed.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you. </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sometimes, I have
wondered if I am doing what God wants me to in certain aspects of my
Christian walk. This scripture tells me whatever situation that He
gives me knowledge of, I am to rejoice, pray, and give thanks.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-45005738735245225652024-01-05T00:00:00.003-05:002024-01-05T00:00:00.134-05:00Rest In the Lord<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4GNCKsh9Fl3lGRfYIV9De7723-564wg5Du3g3w2iSsjl3CO_pwJ7sw4AVMMPXCyOr8K4Go_teNr8X61X2UwW2L0-BiBhzm2Y0xRSckJx8jCtnqVgSmqEelc_iHQczEcGkOrrqGYCZkA0O5VPOi4JxGOlNUuayu6WIbP59se5yRErvHz6Veh1kxFfbaSl/s160/The%20Good%20Shepherd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="100" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4GNCKsh9Fl3lGRfYIV9De7723-564wg5Du3g3w2iSsjl3CO_pwJ7sw4AVMMPXCyOr8K4Go_teNr8X61X2UwW2L0-BiBhzm2Y0xRSckJx8jCtnqVgSmqEelc_iHQczEcGkOrrqGYCZkA0O5VPOi4JxGOlNUuayu6WIbP59se5yRErvHz6Veh1kxFfbaSl/w250-h400/The%20Good%20Shepherd.jpg" width="250" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div></div><p></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Rest
in the Lord and wait patiently for </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Him.</i></span></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Do
not fret because of him who</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>prospers
in his way,</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Because
of the man who brings wicked</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>schemes
to pass.</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Cease
from anger and forsake wrath,</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Do
not fret—it only causes harm. </i>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i> </i>Psalm
37:7-8 (NKJV)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words of David</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Rest in the Lord</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Relax, do not get
upset, Do not get overly excited.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>wait patiently
for Him.</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> Be patient; waiting
is a learned response. We are not born with the ability to wait.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Do not fret
because of him who prospers in his way,</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We are given
excellent advice here. We are not to worry about things that really
do not concern us. Even if some action affects us, if we are not
directly involved in the issue, we are not to worry about it. If someone we know prospers, we should be happy for them and remember that reverses do happen.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Because of the
man who brings wicked schemes to pass.</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We are not to worry
about those who choose to concoct evil things into our lives. IT is a
fact of life that there are people who choose to do devastating
things to others as Christians, we are to be bigger than that.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Cease from anger
and forsake wrath,</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">David tells us to
stop being angry and to not pursue ‘getting even’ with those who
cause us hurt. We are NOT to act like children on the school
playground.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Do not fret—it
only causes harm. </i>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">As a child, I
seemed to be one that took all things to heart. I worried about
everything to the point of crying. My mother told me innumerable
times that I needed to stop it or I would make myself sick. I seemed
to grow out of it. Until I was middle-aged. I went through some
difficult adult things. Then a Christian friend told me the very same
thing. I took my friend’s words to heart. I am so thankful that I
relearned that lesson.</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-32673896054132200312024-01-02T17:30:00.002-05:002024-01-05T16:41:43.486-05:00December Reflections<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItHeFB4rVWdk2woAASdgWSQSU4scChRmhC1jJGnCLTUcnsGDvLjjlNCrCxr1sFv_tV-fjmLmfvORX-RWYOGQGthaC9FioRUUJAFQIVP47xG7Ow1ROgPCl1UJ8xDRBYubNVvVrWZ4FnfOXHF57jDfaEfSZqO5_HBzNMuZwsEU9vfyTakN5ER5_ym_gEtkC/s291/thumbnailCAE7JGA4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="291" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiItHeFB4rVWdk2woAASdgWSQSU4scChRmhC1jJGnCLTUcnsGDvLjjlNCrCxr1sFv_tV-fjmLmfvORX-RWYOGQGthaC9FioRUUJAFQIVP47xG7Ow1ROgPCl1UJ8xDRBYubNVvVrWZ4FnfOXHF57jDfaEfSZqO5_HBzNMuZwsEU9vfyTakN5ER5_ym_gEtkC/w320-h281/thumbnailCAE7JGA4.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>O Christmas Tree
</b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I received a phone
call two days after I requested the hardware store to reserve one of
their trees for me. It was in. They were very nice and helpful. It
came with lights (battery powered). Jim seemed to like it.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFAqvu-Cjyp9iHKCv2ICY8_St3nCKSbobO-zg1MYldr54gY1EjPvl4apmCgCKdcfkiAvOln7qenKebruuOnHyP_VmZezPRaZppWLKfwjYp5wLjgTe2GojnQapSGhTj3XMNgOPEpQCpTPC_OAuTgCBhmjB1QjKur7rc9XXnHI2QGOaJ2acb0Gx482RJiCqI" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFAqvu-Cjyp9iHKCv2ICY8_St3nCKSbobO-zg1MYldr54gY1EjPvl4apmCgCKdcfkiAvOln7qenKebruuOnHyP_VmZezPRaZppWLKfwjYp5wLjgTe2GojnQapSGhTj3XMNgOPEpQCpTPC_OAuTgCBhmjB1QjKur7rc9XXnHI2QGOaJ2acb0Gx482RJiCqI=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is such a sweet little tree. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Getting Things
Done </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I was able to do
some online ordering for part of my family’s Christmas. I also
ordered a couple of things to help me with an ongoing circumstance in
our home. For us Christmas presents have come to the level of “what
do you need?”.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Feeling Better </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">In some ways, I am
feeling better than I have in a long time. All I can say is: It must
be the Lord.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>WOTY Change </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">For the first time
since I started doing the Word of the Year, I changed my choice from
the one I decided on earlier in the Fall. I will tell you more at the
end of these reflections.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Writing </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I gave my effort to
create a VBS program to our new Children’s Ministries Director. Two
Sundays later, he told me he was going to utilize part of the
material to teach the Sunday school children about Bible heroes. I am
thankful that some children will be learning from my efforts.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Church’s Food
Drive </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">For several years,
our church has had a Food Pantry. The first Sunday of each month, the
congregation brings staple foods to the church and place the items in
a designated place. There are some who choose to make monetary
donations. This year, for Advent, we had an Advent Food Drive. Each
Sunday of Advent, there was a designated item for us to donate. There
was a decorated cabinet placed in the narthex to hold the items. As
of the close of service on the second Sunday of December, the cabinet
was overflowing, and items had to be placed on the floor in front of
it. On the third Sunday, there was one cleared shelf for that week’s
designated food. I took a picture of the cabinet.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">On the last Sunday
of Advent, there was a small blurb in the worship folder that our
food drive was successful. On the Sunday after Christmas, the cabinet
had items on top of it and there were still items stacked around it.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Christmas
Shopping </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">In doing some
Christmas shopping about mid-month, I noticed a book rack at my local
CVS store. I noticed one particular title, <i>Keep Calm and Trust God</i>
by, Jake and Keith Provance. I needed to find some things for gifts.
I also found <i>Stress Less, A Woman’s Devotional Guide to
Tranqui</i>l Living by Donna K Maltese. Three of my friends received
these books for Christmas.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>WOTY 2024 </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">It’s time for me
to unveil my Word of the Year 2024. My word is <b> TRUST</b>. The
selection of this word is special to me. I had chosen one word and
then I had second one came to mind. One day, I had a thought that I
needed to trust God more than I have been. When I saw those books, at
CVS, I had to get one for myself. Whenever I choose a word, I find it
in my reading whether it is a passage from the Bible or a book by a
Christian author. Hmm! This already has held true. The day I found
those books was December 15<sup>th</sup>.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our son ordered me
some journals for Christmas. The cover has Proverbs 3:5 on the front.
“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own
understanding.” He did NOT know about my choosing a word a year or
that I had chosen “trust” for this year. Two of my friends gave
me assortment of scripture related item and each assortment had that
same scripture included. I believe God is trying to tell me
something.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjELxNdZW6mqxQmEhz1Vl9_S8nU1AmuL7IEA0Xk3f4TzIaz_hDTSGdYA8DLA7gzPoUyT42WKKtYc92Y6NM6h4wfp9D5_CZ-KQ36vTjV69GCG8jvoqH_Xcfi0-Tn_c6E4uHA7QjAZ-ubi0nixOToBPl8psw5Tvo5SZMxVHs0zaFXyHX2ADk9vc1jmu3DrKTc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjELxNdZW6mqxQmEhz1Vl9_S8nU1AmuL7IEA0Xk3f4TzIaz_hDTSGdYA8DLA7gzPoUyT42WKKtYc92Y6NM6h4wfp9D5_CZ-KQ36vTjV69GCG8jvoqH_Xcfi0-Tn_c6E4uHA7QjAZ-ubi0nixOToBPl8psw5Tvo5SZMxVHs0zaFXyHX2ADk9vc1jmu3DrKTc=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe this is the scripture <br />that will guide me through 2024.</td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /></span><br /><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Feeling
Energized </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">As of the middle of
December, I feel energized and actually have looked at some websites
for Christian magazines that I can possibly submit articles and
stories to.`It feels good to write that.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Christmas
Weather </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The weather forecast
for Christmas was listed as “spring weather”. Christmas Day the
temperature was to be around 59*. We might not have any snow at all
this winter. When we have had exceptionally warm winters in the past,
there has been a lot of illness. Both hospitals here have put
restrictions on visitors. They do this from December until March as a
way to keep people safe from the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other
respiratory illnesses.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Happy New Year</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I would like to wish
each of you a very healthy and happy New Year.
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-41426706661579632442023-12-25T18:00:00.024-05:002023-12-25T18:00:00.129-05:00Thank you, WOTY 2023<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiippGsLdKixjVOgUOqbInmY5iJCZbSKfzs2fQb8gZLbw3PmrTgNZdylo32AtABVZsNBvlkAQHEklNRR7hHJuX7yPO03ZnOlgTRIUJ61CO3rXC6ywSzZ1PT_md17CcOzDoBhVlfAlYmNRz4nbfNubgazYr4Iuylf6TBWSR1JETji27Wdcv0JzD3zcPRG0B" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiippGsLdKixjVOgUOqbInmY5iJCZbSKfzs2fQb8gZLbw3PmrTgNZdylo32AtABVZsNBvlkAQHEklNRR7hHJuX7yPO03ZnOlgTRIUJ61CO3rXC6ywSzZ1PT_md17CcOzDoBhVlfAlYmNRz4nbfNubgazYr4Iuylf6TBWSR1JETji27Wdcv0JzD3zcPRG0B=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">clipartbest.com </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /><p></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I chose you for my
word this year, not knowing what to expect. You have taught me so
much. Here are just a few lessons I learned.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">* I need to ask
God’s forgiveness throughout each day. Sometimes immediately after
I mess up.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">* I need to let go
of hurts, present and past, in order to grow closer to God.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">* I discovered that
the dysfunction in families could be dealt with by people forgiving
one another.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">* I have come to
believe that friendships might not end if the people involved would
forgive each other.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">* We are to “forgive
one another as God in Christ forgave you”. Ephesians 4:32 (This
scripture always makes me stop and think.)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This has been an
exciting adventure learning about forgiveness. I believe studying
this word and applying those lessons to my life has made me grow
closer to God. These lessons will be with me always.</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-44603690648473166522023-12-24T00:00:00.003-05:002023-12-24T00:00:00.134-05:00Christmas is Here<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3-K6Pgj3zd38IHKuUtgxk6mEaCHHZ99zH-KF90TMFuZTQ3WzYoYk3D1KE9m2Bz6ELKCp8cE6NMEm3QOrjDvNYI972ZZZ2XdfNCu3Qf_oYpPlvd8e1OTLr6Kz3KZLodXAb_52xqXVp6-3ZCf7lL7PQLih2UcPS3rKEaHBqyQrMG6BQGuP4eoBOjbK-cPXQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3-K6Pgj3zd38IHKuUtgxk6mEaCHHZ99zH-KF90TMFuZTQ3WzYoYk3D1KE9m2Bz6ELKCp8cE6NMEm3QOrjDvNYI972ZZZ2XdfNCu3Qf_oYpPlvd8e1OTLr6Kz3KZLodXAb_52xqXVp6-3ZCf7lL7PQLih2UcPS3rKEaHBqyQrMG6BQGuP4eoBOjbK-cPXQ=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our New Tree </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdPMwoOysMYkskBrccmzfeiGb6IhOK765eI-Xg1nWJOu-_E5KhG-P2FUfvtG7osUMemp975KgKd0-YeozC3-rJPJ6IbrG-nfYwDUu5YtPt57EOqGsWGkQCC4GW1o50_b_CNuh9uqzyrNN7apBsAvVWYnleejtddxJy69APcu-5o86PXdkWewcyr_HLfBMx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdPMwoOysMYkskBrccmzfeiGb6IhOK765eI-Xg1nWJOu-_E5KhG-P2FUfvtG7osUMemp975KgKd0-YeozC3-rJPJ6IbrG-nfYwDUu5YtPt57EOqGsWGkQCC4GW1o50_b_CNuh9uqzyrNN7apBsAvVWYnleejtddxJy69APcu-5o86PXdkWewcyr_HLfBMx" width="302" /></a></div>blogspot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shepherds visiting the Christ child.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKGGLFR6BB6btEF14U1Bspv3iE_xzECygjo2XyawHdL_d5oHwifOmA7YAXva1ZHAfjR4s-GtkNT6X5DQDLTPvPGtSM-URPdZ_O5c1CchFRDqIRddOBdrTztgD15Z1b9sV_xTMRcLhoIehVNv62elOUByuu9H_I1WcBZcRFLdM3WWR0TIlod7r3i_uOBbm1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="947" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKGGLFR6BB6btEF14U1Bspv3iE_xzECygjo2XyawHdL_d5oHwifOmA7YAXva1ZHAfjR4s-GtkNT6X5DQDLTPvPGtSM-URPdZ_O5c1CchFRDqIRddOBdrTztgD15Z1b9sV_xTMRcLhoIehVNv62elOUByuu9H_I1WcBZcRFLdM3WWR0TIlod7r3i_uOBbm1" width="320" /></a></div>Bed, Bath, and Beyond</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPA7xQqlmF72y-HsiAxmZsV0WkrZUgdNvo_EZRwmzOMrb5Lzz35sOYD18DP2qYLaXFvGKS7BoTlxexzsXAozjVF6-Pxe6VZBw-Pf3gKT8RSgQ5qZedjRUW8npuhxmVZj7Hhogpcn-ICe-qpRl7kv_aXWOuHJ4rCT6jQiC_U3izujpOEMFmEEYnODlS2dPX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPA7xQqlmF72y-HsiAxmZsV0WkrZUgdNvo_EZRwmzOMrb5Lzz35sOYD18DP2qYLaXFvGKS7BoTlxexzsXAozjVF6-Pxe6VZBw-Pf3gKT8RSgQ5qZedjRUW8npuhxmVZj7Hhogpcn-ICe-qpRl7kv_aXWOuHJ4rCT6jQiC_U3izujpOEMFmEEYnODlS2dPX" width="320" /></a></div>bibleask.org<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas to all.</span></div><br /><br /><p></p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-75811677334549764952023-12-21T00:00:00.001-05:002023-12-21T00:00:00.127-05:00The Gift of Appreciation<p> <b>I know that
nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their
lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good
of all his labor-it is the gift of God.</b> Ecclesiastes
3:12-13 (NKJV)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words of Solomon</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Rejoice</b>- When
God has done something to help us through a difficult time, we must
give thanks for what He has done for us. We must appreciate all He
has done for us.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Do good in their
lives</b> As followers of Jesus, we sometimes sense a need to help
someone who is experiencing a difficult time. Maybe we can only pray
for them, maybe we can call them and talk to them. Maybe we can do
something to make their days brighter.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>gift of God</b>-
Everything God gives us is a gift. Each day, each friend, each
memory, each lesson He
teaches, each skill we have, all these things and many more are gifts
given to us by a God who loves each of us.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">As I finalize the
composing of this post, I realize that this gift is a gift we can and
must give to God for what all He has done for us.</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-22061432760921699742023-12-20T00:00:00.001-05:002023-12-20T00:00:00.133-05:00The Gift of Peace (part 2)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqZe77l9eLCC40InLISrMKTv2KMVE9nZksgECclzGNsSurKcz6CSNPi2pkoVgNNf0DG1iXd_ossMsIPKmUFE7sPa5uqDS689WaWXYp5Q_4nzHbtAKsuwggVUYgXnJpa_IWP3PrR61AkQ8EdhlrpdMMSJraA29MZEb-fuzYp_4IvlTyDssLl7pkXsPh3HWp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqZe77l9eLCC40InLISrMKTv2KMVE9nZksgECclzGNsSurKcz6CSNPi2pkoVgNNf0DG1iXd_ossMsIPKmUFE7sPa5uqDS689WaWXYp5Q_4nzHbtAKsuwggVUYgXnJpa_IWP3PrR61AkQ8EdhlrpdMMSJraA29MZEb-fuzYp_4IvlTyDssLl7pkXsPh3HWp=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https//walmart.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>The
Lord bless you and keep you;</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>The
Lord make His face shine upon you,</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>And
be gracious to you; </i>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>The
Lord lift up His countenance upon you,</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>And
give you peace.</i></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> Numbers
6:24-26 (NKJV)
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words given by God
to Moses. Moses was commissioned by God to speak these words to Aaron
and his sons. This is one of my favorite verses. Let’s look at the
various parts of it.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Lord bless
you and keep you</b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God chooses to bless
us, His children, and to keep us safe because He loves us.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Lord make His
face shine upon you</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When God looks down
on us, His children, He desires to be delighted in what He sees going
on in our lives.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>The Lord lift up
His countenance upon you</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God watches what we
do as we go through our days. Nothing we do or say gets by Him: He
sees all and hears each word we utter.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>And give you
peace.</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God gives each of
us, His children, peace in our hearts. While we pray for peace for
our world; He chooses to grant each of us peace in our hearts.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="227" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UcKZbm22iA8" width="273" youtube-src-id="UcKZbm22iA8"></iframe></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-4764085824076966162023-12-19T00:00:00.001-05:002023-12-19T00:00:00.138-05:00The Gift of Life<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEoQ8TSr2WV8VCzrTP5hZ-gefc0I-70Ltrkcu3Dq_fyJFqtmBhUhS-QVmsvq-HgapYRu1AA48yZRVGn1g2ePnp4sPobQ3TBT14dndS07U3jUyu8V18JG0mte3ovlupF8whfyFxnEU7UVXPjwgT_oN2KTFUt3Eoq_oxE0MgyxxBr9ZwsQxIz8Aqzaw3mPXQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEoQ8TSr2WV8VCzrTP5hZ-gefc0I-70Ltrkcu3Dq_fyJFqtmBhUhS-QVmsvq-HgapYRu1AA48yZRVGn1g2ePnp4sPobQ3TBT14dndS07U3jUyu8V18JG0mte3ovlupF8whfyFxnEU7UVXPjwgT_oN2KTFUt3Eoq_oxE0MgyxxBr9ZwsQxIz8Aqzaw3mPXQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovethispic.com </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>I have come that
they may have life, and they may have it more abundantly. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">John
10:10 b (NKJV)</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">My best friend often
reminds me that each day is a gift and even that life is also a gift.
We often seem to have difficulties in our lives. However, God allows
them to ultimately cause us to learn a lesson we need.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Another gift that
God gives us is our very lives. I am reminded of the saying;</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">“God
gives us each of us our life as a gift.</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">What
we do with do with that life is our gift to Him.”
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We may have had
lofty ideas about what we wanted to do with our lives. God has His
thoughts about what He sees as what He wants from us.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I remember one time
when I was feeling pretty low about how my life was going. Someone
my age in my stepfather’s family was doing some significant things
with her husband, newsworthy items. My mother reminded me that I was
raising a son with certain medical issues and I had nothing to be
ashamed about. I had not thought of myself in that light.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God has brought our
family of three through some very difficult times, all the while
teaching me some very valuable things.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Prayer</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Father God: Thank
you for giving each of us the lives we have. Thank You for giving us
the lessons You have given us in order that we may show Your love to
others. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-58738483956814844722023-12-12T00:00:00.040-05:002023-12-12T00:00:00.144-05:00What “Forgive” has Taught Me<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVi6nLnEtt9NQx1H19iD84rOghg1K-0MQRBi-cxeo-NLq2okFoS8WBIKvnbzpnjUA1Zn8jDsfQ0h_gCKZbmuB4S9L-ZctDApqRMkNsZPwajx9aQ03T8HVm3yrOjQSHv6qDSxgYWoM35Lq5nrsLigdNIPhlcYQFpDpeHKk4tvf_MaTb0O9pOF8oGT4DiK3W" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVi6nLnEtt9NQx1H19iD84rOghg1K-0MQRBi-cxeo-NLq2okFoS8WBIKvnbzpnjUA1Zn8jDsfQ0h_gCKZbmuB4S9L-ZctDApqRMkNsZPwajx9aQ03T8HVm3yrOjQSHv6qDSxgYWoM35Lq5nrsLigdNIPhlcYQFpDpeHKk4tvf_MaTb0O9pOF8oGT4DiK3W" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Last year, I chose,
as my Word of The Year, the word "forgive" (and its allied words). This
choice was very interesting for me.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I discovered a
Facebook group that kept me ‘on target’ with my word. In the
past, I wrote about my word in the fall of the year. By joining this
group, I had to blog about my word every month. This practice helped
me keep my word to the forefront of my heart and mind.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I found myself
asking for God’s forgiveness quite often. I’d mess up and
<i>immediately </i>find myself saying, “Forgive me, Lord”.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I also found I
became more forgiving toward others. I find myself being less
judgmental about things others do that I do not understand.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">God has taught me so
much during this past year. For that I am very thankful.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The concept of
choosing a word to focus on and apply to our lives replaces the
practice of making resolutions which no one seemed able to keep.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I will announce my
word for 2024 in January. My decision about this word was rather
difficult. However, I know it will reach me what God knows I need.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I believe I will
keep the practice of choosing a word a year to focus on as long as I
am able.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-86759660248393910382023-12-08T00:00:00.011-05:002023-12-08T00:00:00.155-05:00 The Gift of Peace<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2wcJ0tcv8piAF2ZVF9mDQ6OMzYO2gEquexm1yiNS2x_xiP5tG855VZi98S6fWeNynftQ_2TuHw-3rmUPfqAPqsnAzMyVF7r48Klm7e-jX40ZOcckrNOEIcTMDF2MUlz7VEaLb9W4w4tDtbE7OUIrZYnpvI2bO8idXmHJIS4OrKrcx2lLEu81WHpoyppfK" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2wcJ0tcv8piAF2ZVF9mDQ6OMzYO2gEquexm1yiNS2x_xiP5tG855VZi98S6fWeNynftQ_2TuHw-3rmUPfqAPqsnAzMyVF7r48Klm7e-jX40ZOcckrNOEIcTMDF2MUlz7VEaLb9W4w4tDtbE7OUIrZYnpvI2bO8idXmHJIS4OrKrcx2lLEu81WHpoyppfK" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joanray268.wordpress.com</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Peace,<i> I leave
with you. My peace I give you; not as the world gives you. Let not
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. </i>
John 14:27 (NJKV)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words of Jesus to
His disciples during the Last Supper.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus tells them and
us some very memorable thoughts here. What constitutes Jesus’
peace?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We can have
confidence and trust of Who He is and know that the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit are active and working and are in complete control. <sup>(1.)</sup></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We learn that Jesus’
peace does not involve any fear, <sup>(2.)</sup></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Only because of
Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, and only because
of them, true peace is possible. <sup>(3.)</sup></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we think of
peace, we envision a lake or a stream and grassy areas. We don’t
think of storms, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Jesus tells us they will
come into our lives (figuratively,) but He will still be there for us.
He will guide us through the hardships and difficulties that come our
way.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">“These things, I
have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you
will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the
world.” John 16:33 (NJKV)
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">______</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">1. David Jeremiah
Study Bible Nov.2013 Worthy Books, div. Of Hatchette Books.
Page1468</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">2. Ibid.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">3. Ibid.</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-5962412258210295732023-12-06T13:00:00.001-05:002023-12-06T13:00:00.138-05:00The Gift of His Name<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoYO_BowVK0sU2ewVhtvtDzu0PyiFMIJrGa5C7Idql7s6dMXBd6lM3gW9lzkjkjiegdfPTTJpcy7kxECMoB5NA9EeCS4d9c6lswGJwbZ0tuBtVB-hAC-zrjFqGoA3Q3KQQBb0XjixhvPgjiJ5V5SIwmjnTwUOowrLn2DOBMUWxfrGxqB6PchK6MrSbxuV5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="342" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoYO_BowVK0sU2ewVhtvtDzu0PyiFMIJrGa5C7Idql7s6dMXBd6lM3gW9lzkjkjiegdfPTTJpcy7kxECMoB5NA9EeCS4d9c6lswGJwbZ0tuBtVB-hAC-zrjFqGoA3Q3KQQBb0XjixhvPgjiJ5V5SIwmjnTwUOowrLn2DOBMUWxfrGxqB6PchK6MrSbxuV5" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">”<i>And she shall
bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall
save His people from their sins.” ...”Behold the virgin shall be
with child and bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel”
which is translated “God with us.”</i></p>
<p align="right" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Matthew 1:21, 23 (NKJV)
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Each of us have
special names given to us by our parents.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our LORD was given a
very special name. His heavenly Father sent an angel to Joseph to
assist him in understanding what had happened with Mary. The angel
told Joseph the child, a son, would be named Jesus because He would
save people from their sins.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Had God not intended
Jesus to bring salvation to the people of the world, I shudder to
think what shape it would be in now.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">In the Old
Testament, the prophet Isaiah tells King Ahaz that, in the future,
there will be born a child whose name will be Immanuel, meaning, “God
with us.”</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When we believe in
Jesus, we find ourselves thankful that God is with us through the
presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">During this season
of Advent, the church makes ready our heats. Our church has an Advent
Candle that chosen people from the congregation light. One of them
reads about the candle that is being lit that week another person
lights the candle of the week. As the season progresses, person
lighting the candle also lights the candles of the previous week or
weeks. On Christmas Eve, all four of the candles around the edge are
lit and the Christ candle in the middle is light, celebrating His
first Advent and pointing toward His second Advent.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">It is truly a joyous
part of our church services during this holy time.</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-13951928541538637292023-12-01T00:00:00.016-05:002023-12-03T16:27:44.169-05:00November Reflections<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Writing Efforts</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9p9ewMeeFg7EqsqOknoO7QCMEpgjAZUiZ673WD9nR-QUi8U_U6DkNm-8syKEgHplSsJvqHUJ-QQIe_3oTS5GSGrBjhhGnO-3__addmU3vNJG3lKS6FiJ3bqpSn1fjt4k1kkRngOAy2t8ezoWLoJVVYIMmTPIWBqfTiWa3t3QW3i7atvEyjITqxuCHQPm/s400/Cornucopias005.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="400" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9p9ewMeeFg7EqsqOknoO7QCMEpgjAZUiZ673WD9nR-QUi8U_U6DkNm-8syKEgHplSsJvqHUJ-QQIe_3oTS5GSGrBjhhGnO-3__addmU3vNJG3lKS6FiJ3bqpSn1fjt4k1kkRngOAy2t8ezoWLoJVVYIMmTPIWBqfTiWa3t3QW3i7atvEyjITqxuCHQPm/s320/Cornucopias005.gif" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I have posted a few
of my blog posts on a forum that I am on. One in particular received
a reply that hs given me some hope</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">that I might be able
to find a market for my writing.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Journaling
Scriptures </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">For my devotional
time. I journal scriptures that help me as I study certain themes
that I see in my reading of my Bible. Lately, my journaling has been
on passages dealing with the Holy Spirit.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Our Anniversary </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We got married 55
years ago this past month (November). We tried to get a new Dogwood
tree to replace the one we have (it’s dying) but the nursery does
not carry them in the winter. Plan B did not pan out either. Instead,
Jim bought me a framed picture to go on a wall in our kitchen. Plus,
we went out to eat the day before. (The weather was to be better than
the actual anniversary day.) Also, he got me a bouquet of roses and a
bag of my favorite chocolates.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL5pmcqQuDV3R30h_-0lxOlFtIr3h_gaN6d7Ty-EkX6xq6rFiPJ5Q5XRlIMypvpyvCtqW36OfLFJFjm5beWf_0b46LcdGkwdFn7JvMdyEQP0-9Jhzum3_8u6Uzd20skNU2sNbSRkiKm9mf43qlANoXShQEEdqt1ce6UaacT3LKGke7jngbHtZYjHsX4Twr" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL5pmcqQuDV3R30h_-0lxOlFtIr3h_gaN6d7Ty-EkX6xq6rFiPJ5Q5XRlIMypvpyvCtqW36OfLFJFjm5beWf_0b46LcdGkwdFn7JvMdyEQP0-9Jhzum3_8u6Uzd20skNU2sNbSRkiKm9mf43qlANoXShQEEdqt1ce6UaacT3LKGke7jngbHtZYjHsX4Twr" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>WOTY 2023 </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">As you know, my word
for the year has been “Forgive” and its allied words. I happened
to find a small book among some things. This book was called, <i>Why
The Nativity?</i> It’s written by David Jeremiah. In the last
chapter, I found two things that, I hope, will stay with me forever. <a href="https://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/2023/11/the-ultimate-forgiveness.html">Read about it here.</a></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sometimes, I
remember something in my past that I did that I shouldn’t have.
Now, I know where it comes from and also that Jesus has <i>truly</i>
forgiven me.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>We Are Getting
New Neighbors</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">There is a house
across the street from us that was abandoned almost 2 ½ years ago.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> There was a crew
working on it all month in May. It has been listed for sale all
summer long. One day we noticed a commercial truck sitting nearby. On
an earlier day, I saw a man measuring the house and the lot. After
that I saw a truck from one of the cable television companies. There
was a ladder leaning up the side of the house. This excites me
because I have prayed for that house and that God find someone to
love it.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>A Blessing </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We had our
ecumenical women’s group meeting. I went to it by myself. One lady
had to go with her husband to a follow-up appointment and a lady from
church had some work on her home that had to be rescheduled. While I
was there, I met two women from my childhood days-grade school.
Although I am of a different race than they, we had a very blessed
time. One of them connected me with a lady I had worked with. All in
all, I felt very blessed.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Holiday Luncheon </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our church women’s
group met for a holiday luncheon at a local restaurant that sits on
the edge of our municipal golf course. The activity was held on one
of the last nice days were to have. Needless say that the golfers and
the other diners were there in droves. Most of the parking spots were
taken. I had to ‘cruise’ the parking area twice. We had a very
nice luncheon.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Community
Thanksgiving Dinner </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Each year, except
2020, my church has hosted a Community Thanksgiving Dinner on the
Tuesday of that week. This year, we served about 600 meals. The
serving lines were steady. I worked at the “take-out” line. I
only worked one hour, however, I have never seen such a steady line
of people. The whole fellowship hall was filled. Some would leave and
more people would take their place.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <b>Winter is Upon
Us </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We had rain on
Sunday after Thanksgiving. Roger tried tp get on the road ahead of
the rain but the weather got worse as he went south. By last Tuesday,
we were “colded in’ with temps in the teens. Northern Indiana and
states across the Great Lakes region received several inches of snow.
We were blessed to receive rain.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>My Christmas
Project </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">A friend from church
calls Bingo at a local nursing home. She has a sister who is a
resident there. She asked our church to provide Bingo prizes because
the activity fund was drastically cut. I felt the need to do
something special for Christmas. Here is the result of my efforts.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVvr2Zwi5uC3brC3dNs9yioTVRJEGH8Af1NE9H3sCBJaS6gRTGsAI_Sm2MxVhout_-W7Qh8uIPHRSb-2rvc6mphxcLbxEOw33lvLSTd12JU1j8rfyLQdt2AJ_dDNk_hrSJ907kfnbs4PyG_D5AuSYNG7h-visKFfQztPqzXzCdmeEHbCFPqDPlMkGBlp3o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1003" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVvr2Zwi5uC3brC3dNs9yioTVRJEGH8Af1NE9H3sCBJaS6gRTGsAI_Sm2MxVhout_-W7Qh8uIPHRSb-2rvc6mphxcLbxEOw33lvLSTd12JU1j8rfyLQdt2AJ_dDNk_hrSJ907kfnbs4PyG_D5AuSYNG7h-visKFfQztPqzXzCdmeEHbCFPqDPlMkGBlp3o" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> I shopped for gift
bags and tried to find stuffed animals; I had to bulk order them. I
needed 30 of them. I also purchased lip balm to add to each gift bag.
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is the key ring Jim bought for me when we were in Seymour back in the summer.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimCylqlYrZ9nEIYPe3plaWXefh44N3NyEi2xyUl_l2PlPi5PIgBzB9cfjSgqtiw5xXxq2DT6qG3Fn_pT9eV-yij5G3uW0LMReFVYrPA86M3VpqDB8sBBpocOZnO3WIEblfjBzADbMwwug7sEYK-7pvMPv0dMuvVfL6pgqhLmfGbDxlCSBCY6RiQP1MQz-9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimCylqlYrZ9nEIYPe3plaWXefh44N3NyEi2xyUl_l2PlPi5PIgBzB9cfjSgqtiw5xXxq2DT6qG3Fn_pT9eV-yij5G3uW0LMReFVYrPA86M3VpqDB8sBBpocOZnO3WIEblfjBzADbMwwug7sEYK-7pvMPv0dMuvVfL6pgqhLmfGbDxlCSBCY6RiQP1MQz-9" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Peace and blessings to you any yours.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9p9ewMeeFg7EqsqOknoO7QCMEpgjAZUiZ673WD9nR-QUi8U_U6DkNm-8syKEgHplSsJvqHUJ-QQIe_3oTS5GSGrBjhhGnO-3__addmU3vNJG3lKS6FiJ3bqpSn1fjt4k1kkRngOAy2t8ezoWLoJVVYIMmTPIWBqfTiWa3t3QW3i7atvEyjITqxuCHQPm/s400/Cornucopias005.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="400" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9p9ewMeeFg7EqsqOknoO7QCMEpgjAZUiZ673WD9nR-QUi8U_U6DkNm-8syKEgHplSsJvqHUJ-QQIe_3oTS5GSGrBjhhGnO-3__addmU3vNJG3lKS6FiJ3bqpSn1fjt4k1kkRngOAy2t8ezoWLoJVVYIMmTPIWBqfTiWa3t3QW3i7atvEyjITqxuCHQPm/w320-h166/Cornucopias005.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-8850816166563321242023-11-21T00:00:00.001-05:002023-11-21T00:00:00.144-05:00Why Did Jesus Give Thanks?<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir3n3WScuCBK7T34WQZ-358A8SZ9pTOQANUfd6kf7fpWEi4cbCfEk-JCEW3ImzL97pVH1oBeyO5d7VmeiepAdio8cAkpsXZhnPORdX01qiUx770ogplpkD4aO9KAbG9H0-KDb2KBxrlZUY0FNIXG6b_nYGGhQPh8TDs1PWphBm1OcLR98TFu7vzYhpPL65" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1137" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir3n3WScuCBK7T34WQZ-358A8SZ9pTOQANUfd6kf7fpWEi4cbCfEk-JCEW3ImzL97pVH1oBeyO5d7VmeiepAdio8cAkpsXZhnPORdX01qiUx770ogplpkD4aO9KAbG9H0-KDb2KBxrlZUY0FNIXG6b_nYGGhQPh8TDs1PWphBm1OcLR98TFu7vzYhpPL65=w378-h400" width="378" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fineartamerica.com </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <i>And as they were
eating, Jesus took bread and broke it, and blessed it (gave thanks) and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my
body.” </i> Matthew 26:27 (NKJV)</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our Lord gave thanks
to His Father at the Last Supper. He set a precedence for His
children to follow. Jesus took the time to give thanks for the bread,
and later the wine. The elements seem to be simple and insignificant
as compared to other items we have in our lives.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Are we guilty of
thinking an item is not significant because it is not important to
us? Or it is too simple by our personal standards?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Could Jesus have
chosen to give thanks because He knew God provided it? Could He have
done this to teach those gathered in the upper room not to think they
were entitled to what they were receiving? Do we feel entitled to
what we have in our lives?
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Prayer: </b>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> Dear Father God:
Please accept our thanks for all we have that we can see around us
and hold in our hands and arms. You have given us these things and
these people out of your grace and abundance. In Jesus’ Name, I
pray. AMEN</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3633687387688783587.post-76698705793118258922023-11-17T00:00:00.005-05:002023-11-17T00:00:00.158-05:00Paul Thanked Jesus<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggukUJp6ry1o25vTYoxAiymTQJgH3CXP3hFpMeeuHbtF05Q2W8R49Ucg8BGF1nBh9_sQX0BQzRDWWAlFcsDc1_Ec_woLIFS7QtD0xQ4mNR9nUo0xu_bRAsKu7q8A_Kse5IUNd9UrPHNqA2ZtGINqbVHFIfxawCcLlNacRPYQLvSXzFIL1knC-lJLO4U9XA/s160/thumbnailCAARYE27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="128" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggukUJp6ry1o25vTYoxAiymTQJgH3CXP3hFpMeeuHbtF05Q2W8R49Ucg8BGF1nBh9_sQX0BQzRDWWAlFcsDc1_Ec_woLIFS7QtD0xQ4mNR9nUo0xu_bRAsKu7q8A_Kse5IUNd9UrPHNqA2ZtGINqbVHFIfxawCcLlNacRPYQLvSXzFIL1knC-lJLO4U9XA/w320-h400/thumbnailCAARYE27.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sallman, Head of Christ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>And
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, </i>
</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>because He counted me faithful,
putting me in the ministry, </i> </p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I Timothy 1:12
(NKJV)</p>
<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Words of Paul</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Paul originally was
an enemy of Christianity. The Lord confronted Paul as he was on the
way to cause havoc in Damascus. Paul does not keep his past life a
secret. He uses the unusual and difficult circumstances he faced to
highlight how much God means to him. (see Philippians 3:1-11).
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Paul counted his
heritage and the “perks” that went with it as rubbish. It did not
matter to him. He had difficult times after he had met the Lord.
Beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, beatings, having to escape from
the crowds were all a part of his resume.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Each of us have
experienced harsh times because we belong to Christ. Some of us may
have had it “thrown in our faces” that we aren’t supposed to
feel a certain way because we are “Christian”. I had a family
member tell me that. Also, I remember hearing a pastor’s wife who
had gone through rather deep depression telling a group of us that
her family told her that she shouldn’t be going through that
because, “After all, you are a pastor’s wife.”
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Paul gives thanks
for all Jesus has given him, both the good and ‘bad’ things,
because the ‘good’ things are rewards and the ‘bad’ things
made him stronger. Jesus does the same for us.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>quietspirithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06086016141181470311noreply@blogger.com2