tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20673039114751283772024-03-16T00:17:56.091-07:00Fresh Oil Today!..."I shall be anointed with fresh oil" ..................................................Psalm 92:10
............................................................... "Daily will I look to you Lord for a fresh anointing"Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-27309839224631005712012-09-05T04:19:00.001-07:002012-09-06T20:51:38.133-07:00URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In my <a href="http://freshoiltoday.blogspot.com/2012/06/beach-time-and-goodbyes.html">last post</a> in June, I shared how my hubs and I were on our way to Florida to bid farewell to our dear SIL Bryan as he departed on an 11 month deployment and were looking forward to spending time with our daughter Katie over the summer. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A few days after Bryan left, Katie noticed that her eyesight was blurry and thought maybe she needed to have her eyes checked. We made an appointment for a routine eye examine with an optometrist and thought that she simply needed glasses but upon examination the optometrist was unable to help her vision whatsoever. Her eye sight began to decline rapidly and she was immediately referred to a cornea specialist/ophthalmologist who after weeks of testing was unable to find an answer as to why her eyesight was declining and referred Katie to a neurologist STAT. Brain and spinal MRI's were run and numerous tests were performed, but still no answers.....all the while her eye sight still declining! After several more weeks, she was referred to an excellent neuro-ophthalmologist who ran extensive batteries of tests/scans over several more weeks and to our complete dismay we recently learned that Katie had suffered a stroke in her optic nerves! Her specialist believes that the stroke was caused by the infertility injections of Menopur she has been on for over a year and the recovery of her sight is uncertain. At this time she has peripheral vision only and is unable to read or see details....it is her center vision that was affected. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also, in the midst of all this turmoil she broke her foot and will be in a cast for several months and then rehab. My hubs has taken an early retirement so we can together do all that is possible to help our daughter.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As you can imagine, dear blog friends, we are completely shocked and heart broken that such a thing could happen to our precious daughter and humbly ask for your prayers. The last several months have been very difficult indeed with days and nights filled with questions, uncertainties, turmoil and tears, BUT <i><b>one</b></i> thing I <i><b>know and am fully persuaded</b></i>.....He is an ever present Help in times of trouble and will lead us through this storm!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://outwardlyupward.deviantart.com/art/Sometimes-He-Calms-the-Storm-39485286?offset=10">(via)</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We are standing in faith believing upon the Word of God and <u><b>WE ARE BELIEVING FOR A</b> <b>MIRACLE!</b></u> We serve a miracle working God and believing for full restoration of Katie's optic nerves and recovery of her sight, in the mighty name of <b>JESUS</b>! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Lord has given me several powerful Promises to stand upon that have ministered great strength, peace and hope to our hearts as we wait for the full manifestation of Katie's miracle. When my heart, mind and emotions begin to crater I quickly lay-hold of these anchor scriptures and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep trusting Him moment by moment and day by day for Katie's complete recovery. I share a few of these Promises with you below as a declaration of His faithfulness.....There is <b>NOTHING</b> too difficult for our God!...He watches over His Word to perform it!....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But He was wounded for our transgressions,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">peace and well-being</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">for us was upon Him, and with the stripes that </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">wounded Him, "Katie" is healed and made whole.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Isaiah 53:5 amp (emphasis added)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I will pour robust well being into her (Katie) like a river.....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Isaiah 66:12 MSG (emphasis added)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But blessed are your eyes (Katie) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Matthew 13:16 (emphasis added)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">God is in the midst of her (Katie), she shall not be moved; God shall help her</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">and that right early.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Psalm 46:5</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">For I,saith the Lord</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">will be unto her "Katie"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">be the <u><i><b>glory</b></i></u> in the midst of her.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Zechariah 2:5 (emphasis added)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Glory = the very presence of God, anointing, resurrection power, life, deliverance, healing, restoration, nothing missing, nothing broken, God's immense protective presence...HALLELUJAH! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">We believe the report of the Lord.....by His stripes Katie is healed!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Bless you sweet friends for standing in prayer for Katie and my family, you are such a blessing!.....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u style="background-color: yellow;">The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u style="background-color: yellow;">a righteous man makes tremendous </u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u style="background-color: yellow;">power available (dynamic in it's working)!</u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">James 5:16 amp (emphasis added)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">As time allows, I hope to make some blog visits now and then. I trust you understand that my full attention is devoted to Katie and my family at this time. I'm praying for you and hope that all is well with you and yours ...Bless you!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>HE IS FAITHFUL!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
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Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-50566800793317059672012-06-12T23:19:00.000-07:002012-06-12T23:38:48.058-07:00BEACH TIME AND GOODBYES....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sorry I haven't been blog visiting much lately - things have been crazy busy in my neck of the woods for the last several weeks! Hope all is well with you and you are enjoying your summer!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We're heading to Florida tomorrow for awhile, but it's kinda bitter sweet, y'all. Our dear sil is leaving for a nine month deployment next week so we are looking forward to spending as much time as possible with Bryan before he leaves and then seeing him off....goodbyes are so difficult! Would appreciate your prayers for him as well as our daughter Katie. Being a military spouse is often a difficult road and deployments can be tough.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After Bryan has departed, we are looking forward to alot of beach time...whoo! hooo! My fav place is chilling beneath the Jacksonville Beach pier and taking long walks on the beach....nothing beats ocean breezes and sand between my toes, y'all!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And Katie and I are also looking forward to having some serious retail therapy fun at our fav outlet malls in St. Augustine, FL!...Luv St. Augustine!!! And maybe in Orlando, too! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And then! Whooo! Hooo!.....</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm planning on taking a road trip of my own to Charleston and Savannah while my hubs does some fishing..can't wait!!!!!.....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And last and certainly NOT least.....This Georgia gal's gotta get her fill of the South and alot of Southern cookin' while she can......Lord knows, I can't get cheese grits, fried chicken, down home grown veggies, biscuits and gravy and sweet potato pie and <i>real</i> sweet tea in Arizona....mercy y'all!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So after I've spent just about every waking moment at the beach, shopping, eating and road tripin', I guess I'll have to head back home to Phoenix where it will probably be a blazing 112 degrees and get back on my diet (arg!) and start counting the days until I can head back south again, y'all! :))</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">See ya when I get back!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Sweet Blessings!</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Let all that I am praise the Lord!</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">With my whole heart,</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I will praise His Holy name!</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Let all that I am praise the Lord!</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">May I never forget the <b style="background-color: cyan;">good things</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">He does for me!</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i> He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>He redeems me from death</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>and</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>crowns me with love and tender mercies!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>He fills my life with <b style="background-color: cyan;">good things</b>!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>He renews my youth like the eagles!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Psalm 103:1-5 NLT</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(emphasis added) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Thank you Lord for your extravagant love and faithfulness to us, your beloved children! I will praise you with my whole heart now and through all eternity!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Blessings!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-51207036995059039722012-05-31T21:24:00.002-07:002012-06-01T14:27:47.283-07:00LOST MY BEST BUDDY YESTERDAY....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-i_aKmOCqw/T8e6JlGaaJI/AAAAAAAACYk/RFQT_e8F_Zw/s1600/PeppyMeHeadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M-i_aKmOCqw/T8e6JlGaaJI/AAAAAAAACYk/RFQT_e8F_Zw/s320/PeppyMeHeadshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Me and Peppy</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey ya'll.......</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In full disclosure I must tell you that you'll probably need tissue for this post. I'm bawling my eyeballs out and I know my broken heart will surely overflow through my fingertips and onto the keyboard as I'm typing...just <strike>crying</strike> saying. My heart is very full so the post is gonna be a little long also....So please bare with me, sweet bloggin' friends as I share. I think in the end you will be blessed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yesterday morning as my hubs and I drove to the stable and made the usual stop by Albertsons to buy carrots for my beloved twenty-seven year old horse Peppy, I had no idea it would be my last. Day before yesterday, the barn owner, Joy, called and shared her concerns over Peppy having trouble putting weight on his hind legs. My hubs and I immediately drove to the barn and found him limping but still happy as always, eating, drinking and bright eyed.....even in old age, Peppy is everybody's dream horse. Always a joy, never mean or cranky and a total easy keeper and loved by everyone! Ironically, I have a post in que about how the Lord fulfilled my lifelong dream of owning such a wonderful horse and how by His leading I found Peppy on a sunny Phoenix day twenty years ago....totally a God thing! I'll share that post one day soon. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Continuing.....day before yesterday....I called the vet and explained the symptoms and because of Peppy's age we agreed that he needed further evaluation and she agreed to meet us at the barn yesterday morning. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Before leaving for the barn yesterday, I prayed and asked the Lord to give me strength and courage for the day and I must testify that He did just that......His faithfulness always amazes me. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Upon arriving at the barn yesterday, we found Peppy to be very lethargic, barely moving and not eating or drinking......not even his fav carrots would coax him. I knew in my heart that this was not good. The vet arrived and after thoroughly examining him she felt that possibly there was some sort of neurological problems or possibly a tumor involving his spine. With hot tears flowing and my heart breaking I made the decision that it was time to euthanize Peppy. I spent a few lingering precious last moments with my wonderful buddy, hugging his neck and as my tears fell upon his beautiful black mane I patted his velvet muzzle one last time. My hubs and I cried and group hugged Peppy and bid him farewell as Joy the barn owner wept. It was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do, but God was with me and gave me the courage and strength to do what I had to do. I spent the afternoon on the couch crying and pouring my heart out to the Lord and after awhile of blubbering, sweet memories of my years with Peppy began to flood my heart and mind. I knew that it was Him comforting me and ministering peace in the midst of such a stormy heartbreaking day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqvTOSp35pQ/T8gmVnHuiyI/AAAAAAAACZE/r6EJLeLzN28/s1600/barnjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqvTOSp35pQ/T8gmVnHuiyI/AAAAAAAACZE/r6EJLeLzN28/s400/barnjpg.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of the sweetest memories I have was when we had our own little ranch in Flagstaff and I was living my dream. We had the cutest little ranch house complete with two wood stoves for heat and a wonderful red barn and pasture. What a joy it was to watch from my kitchen window as Peppy and Chief (my hubs horse at the time) horsed around in the pasture....simply heaven to this horse lovin' gal's heart, ya'll! And oh, BTW, when we sold our ranch we gave Chief to some dear friends of ours who were in the Cowboy/Rodeo Ministry and whenever people ask us what ever happened to our beautiful Chief, we always tell them that Chief went into the ministry :)). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My red barn was so special to me. I had the most precious prayer encounters and sweet fellowship with the Lord in that barn...I guess you could say my barn became my prayer closet and He <i>always</i> met me there as I did my daily barn chores amidst the sights and sounds of Peppy and Chief chewing their hay and grain. One day as I was raking the barn floor, I asked the Lord why I love horses the way I do....and I will <i><b>NEVER</b></i> forget His reply....."<b style="font-style: italic;">I understand...I'm coming back riding a white horse"! </b>I nearly did a cartwheel like a child through the breezeway when I heard His reply! Even as I type these words, His words are just as fresh and real as the day He whispered them within my heart! Thank you Jesus!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Peppy and I rode the trails of the beautiful ponderosa covered mountains near our ranch and always enjoyed the vast beauty of God's creation. With only the sound of shuffling hooves, the creaking of my leather saddle and the gentle breezes blowing through the pines we often encountered elk, wild turkey and beautiful song birds.....simply heaven, ya'll! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Peppy and I also shared many wonderful cool early morning rides in the Phoenix desert, too. Peppy had a quick steady cadence to his step and I have the most wonderful memories of singing this chorus over and over as we clip clopped through the beautiful desert and I'll never forget his ears flicking back and forth as I sang....priceless!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>What a mighty God we serve (clip clop)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>What a mighty God we serve (clip clop)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Angels bow before Him, Heaven and earth adore Him,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>What a mighty God we serve (clip clop)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i> He is the King of Kings (clip clop)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>He is the Lord of Lord's (clip clop)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>His name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Ohhhhhhhh, He is the King! (clip clop)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Peppy was so trustworthy...never spooked, never kicked, bucked or bolted. One day as we clip clopped through the desert we walked right up on a big coiled rattle snake. Most horses would have spooked and bolted and thrown their rider. But, not Peppy, he just put it into high gear and we galloped away through the desert until we were a safe distance from danger. I'm certain we looked like a scene out of an old cowboy movie for sure....And I loved every minute of it...Mane and tail flaring in a flat out gallop...yeee hah! I thank God for protecting us and bringing us safely back to the barn that day...yay God!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZED9Geqw-U/T8g2bxrlwbI/AAAAAAAACZQ/JqUhxCjfGsA/s1600/jesus_returning_on_a_white_horse_348x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ZED9Geqw-U/T8g2bxrlwbI/AAAAAAAACZQ/JqUhxCjfGsA/s320/jesus_returning_on_a_white_horse_348x500.jpg" width="222" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You know, I realize when Christians raise the question of whether or not animals go to Heaven it can stir up a very interesting theological debate. And I have no intentions of doing so on my blog. However, I personally believe that there is a very good possibility that they do (great resource "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn)! Seriously now, for certain there is one horse in Heaven and Revelations 19:11-14 tells us that Jesus is returning on His <i>white</i> <i>horse </i>(remember what the Lord spoke to<i> </i>me in my barn?!<i>)</i> <b>and</b> the many white <i>horses</i> for the armies that will follow him! This makes my heart sing, ya'll!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I believe that perhaps, when Peppy took his last breath he galloped into Glory and is now gallantly and freely running through unending unfenced glorious pastures with the herd of Heaven, ya'll! And if so.....I'll see my buddy again one day and we will ride through Glory together and again I will sing as we clip clop on streets of gold.....HE IS THE KING OF KINGS, HE IS THE LORD OF LORDS....HIS NAME IS JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKcM0q0AMqs/T8g6yOpvw5I/AAAAAAAACZc/ttE3g1YTkYc/s1600/Peppy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKcM0q0AMqs/T8g6yOpvw5I/AAAAAAAACZc/ttE3g1YTkYc/s320/Peppy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1993-2012</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Farewell Peppy....Oh, what a wonderful run we had!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'll see you again someday, buddy!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sweet Blessings!</span></div>
<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a><br />
Photo Credits: Tissue box <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37295851/gabby-hayes-cowboy-1950s-vintage">via</a><br />
Jesus on white horse via google images</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-13796903423781531522012-05-26T16:17:00.001-07:002012-05-26T17:26:58.888-07:00BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>Memorial Day</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As we stand here looking</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">at the flags upon these graves</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Know these flags represent</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a few of the true American brave.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They fought for their Country</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as man has through all of time;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Except that these soldiers lying here</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fought for your country and mine</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As we all are gathered here</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to pay them our respect</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's pass this word to others</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's what they would expect.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm sure that they would do it</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">if it were me and you;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To show we did not die in vein</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But for the red, white and blue.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's pass on to our children</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And to those who never knew,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What these soldiers died for</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">it's the least we can do.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's not forget their families</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Great pain they had to bear</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Losing a son, father or husband</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They need to know we still care.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No matter which war was fought</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on the day that they died;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I stand here looking at these flags</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">filled with American pride.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So as the bugler plays out Taps</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">with its sweet and eerie sound,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pray for these soldiers lying here </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in this sacred, hallowed ground.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take home with you a sense of pride</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">you were here Memorial Day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Celebrating the way Americans <i>should</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">on this solemnest of days.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Michelle Keim, 1999</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dear friends, let us NEVER forget that Memorial Day is <i>more</i> than just another three day weekend holiday filled with picnics, camping, hot dogs and apple pie!....O<i>h, so much more</i>! Our freedom is not free....and the cost is immeasurable! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FS78To0uNss/T8FcKuYh60I/AAAAAAAACXs/0cnLVR_m5Vw/s1600/cemetary:soldierwife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FS78To0uNss/T8FcKuYh60I/AAAAAAAACXs/0cnLVR_m5Vw/s1600/cemetary:soldierwife.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God bless the families and loved ones of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">THANK YOU!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And to our wounded warriors and their families...THANK YOU!!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v69PLyIWLVY/T8Ffi4A-GMI/AAAAAAAACX4/64zLuvqA-ag/s1600/woundedwarriorimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v69PLyIWLVY/T8Ffi4A-GMI/AAAAAAAACX4/64zLuvqA-ag/s320/woundedwarriorimage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And God bless and protect the brave service members and their families who are now faithfully serving to insure the freedom of our great land.....THANK YOU!!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCDpO9J_xb4/T8FW1wCP2GI/AAAAAAAACXY/dgbZTZASELs/s1600/soldierw:family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fCDpO9J_xb4/T8FW1wCP2GI/AAAAAAAACXY/dgbZTZASELs/s1600/soldierw:family.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And lastly, sweet bloggin' friends, I humbly ask that you pray for my dear son in law Bryan and my daughter Katie....Bryan deploys in June for nine months and your prayers would be greatly appreciated....Bless you!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gl25HUnKk_U/T8Fh6r1ec4I/AAAAAAAACYE/m3rdXf4QL7g/s1600/katie+&+bryan-+goodcrop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gl25HUnKk_U/T8Fh6r1ec4I/AAAAAAAACYE/m3rdXf4QL7g/s1600/katie+&+bryan-+goodcrop.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GOD BLESS AMERICA, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HOME OF THE BRAVE...LAND OF THE FREE!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKiQ2NFS7rk/T8FkIloRBoI/AAAAAAAACYM/FLiM9AqoenY/s1600/flagwscrip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qKiQ2NFS7rk/T8FkIloRBoI/AAAAAAAACYM/FLiM9AqoenY/s320/flagwscrip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sweet Blessings!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a><br />
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Photo credits: Eagle and soldier w/family {<a href="http://www.freerepublic.com/">via</a>}<br />
Cemetery/soldier {<a href="http://www.stripes.com/news/flags-in-sets-the-stage-for-memorial-day-at-arlington-1.178389">via</a>}<br />
Cemetery/woman {<a href="http://blog.gettyimages.com/tag/war/#">via</a>}<br />
Wounded Warrior {<a href="http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/">via</a>}</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-7566084041276209762012-05-21T23:56:00.000-07:002012-05-22T12:18:22.302-07:00EUREKA!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.familyrights.us/">{source}</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I pray that you had a wonderful weekend and wish you a happy Monday! It's hotter than blue blazes here in Phoenix today...about 110 degrees...and a heat advisory was issued....duh, really!!! Would someone please remind me why we moved back to Phoenix from the beautiful cool N. Arizona mountains! Wait a minute....it was the Lord who led us to move....Forgive me Lord, it's hot and I have sinned.....I'm really trying to be content in whatever <strike>state</strike> city (temperature!) I'm in according to Philipians 4:11....help me Jesus! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Moving on....</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.featurepics.com/online/Gold-Pan-Gold-Nuggets-619486.aspx">{source}</a></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>eu.re.ka</i></b>....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">when one finds or discovers something </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For some reason, I've found myself pondering the word "<b><i>eureka</i></b>" allot lately. It's a word that was often used during the gold rush days and could be heard echoing through mountains and valleys as gold was discovered. "<i><b>EUREKA</b></i>!", gold miners would joyously proclaim as they dug through the mire and caught the glimmer of gold within their reach! Their diligent continual digging and persevering spirit was greatly rewarded as they unearthed the treasure their hearts longed for.....they finally found <i>it, <b>eureka</b></i>!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm reminded of the searching and longing I had within my heart many years ago for the One who would lift my burdens and destroy the yokes of bondage in my life. And oh what a wondrous day it was when I struck Gold and found the Treasure beyond price and want to shout it from the mountain tops.....<i><b>eureka</b></i>! My sins were forgiven, I was filled with His Spirit, He abides in me and I in Him and my name is written in the Lambs book of life! He calls me His own, He gave me His name and I am in right standing with the Father and will spend all eternity with Him! Amazing....<i><b>eureka</b></i>!!!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Apostle Peter tells us in I Peter 1:8 (amp) the following...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">Without having seen Him, you love Him;</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">though you do not even now see Him, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">you believe in Him</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">exult and thrill with inexpressible </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-size: large;">and glorious triumphant, heavenly joy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">As I read this scripture this morning, once again I was reminded of the word "<i><b>eureka</b></i>"! I discovered Him and His precious promises and even though I've never seen Him, I love Him and believe what He says and trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness! Thus I thrill with inexpressible and glorious triumphant, heavenly joy at the wonder of it all!.....<i><b>eureka</b></i>!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Digging into His word and searching out His precious promises is a passion of my heart! My Bible, Strongs Concordance, laptop and study aides are always within reach. I guess I'm kinda like a gold prospector...always digging deeper, always praying and trusting the Holy Spirit to let me catch a glimpse of another precious nugget of truth and rejoicing as He reveals His heart to my heart deeper yet! That's what He loves to do for His precious children ~ share the depths of His heart with us and reveal nuggets of truth along life's journey to build our faith, strengthen our resolve, encourage our heart and reveal deeper depths of His unwavering love and faithfulness toward us! The key is to persistently pursue Him and diligently dig deeper into His Word of Truth! And the rewards of our persistant and diligent pursuit of Him and His Word.....far greater that rubies and pearls, silver and finest gold.....priceless! (Heb 11:6 amp, Prov 8:10-11 amp). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In closing I wanna share a few of my fav "<b>eureka</b>" declarations based upon scripture nuggets that minister to my heart. And, if I were a betting gal, I'd bet your heart will be uplifted and you just might be shouting "<i><b>eureka</b></i>" right along with me just like the gold miners did when they struck gold and laid claim upon it....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Precious Nuggets of Truth...eureka!</b> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>My heavenly Father has given me a spirit of wisdom and revelation of insight into mysteries and secrets in the deep and intimate knowledge of Himself....<b>eureka</b>!!!!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>My spirit has been flooded with understanding so that I can know and comprehend the hope of my calling and the immense riches of this glorious inheritance that has become my own....<b>eureka</b>!!!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>He has given me understanding of the exceeding greatness of His power toward me. And the power that is now residing and working within me is the <u>VERY POWER</u> that God wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand, far above every principality, every power, every ruler of darkness, all dominion and every name or title that can be given....<b>eureka</b>!!! </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>And this same power is not only working in and through me now, but it will continue to work in and through me in the age to come. He has given me His name and I have received His power of attorney to use His name and greater works shall I do....all to the glory of God!!!...<b>Hallelujah and eureka</b>!!!</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Daniel 2:22,23; I Corinthians 1:30, 2:6-16; Math 13:11,16; I John 2:20,27,5:20; Romans 8:17; IPeter1:3-5; Colossians 1:9-18,26-29; Philippians 2:5-13; John 14:13, 14, 17:20-26; Eph 2:6; Hebrews 2:5-14; Luke 10:19; Mark 16:15-20)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sweet friends, let's diligently purpose to dig deeper into the treasury of His Word and go for the gold of His heart! And oh what sweet and precious treasures He will faithfully reveal to us....glory hallelujah, <i><b>eureka</b></i>, ya'll!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRqptgzBEgg/T7rFwnEr8MI/AAAAAAAACV0/zywhFgcMHzM/s1600/Goldcartoonstrikeitrich2_niv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRqptgzBEgg/T7rFwnEr8MI/AAAAAAAACV0/zywhFgcMHzM/s320/Goldcartoonstrikeitrich2_niv.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joyfultoons.com/">{source}</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blessings and eureka!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-60549176209140297332012-05-14T00:07:00.003-07:002012-05-14T00:11:05.160-07:00LIKE HEAVEN TO ME<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some heart thoughts from my journal.....</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMPZZypGoCk/T7CZug8pHDI/AAAAAAAACUk/PY1COffJatI/s1600/CHAIRPERFECTfinalscripvintage-chair1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMPZZypGoCk/T7CZug8pHDI/AAAAAAAACUk/PY1COffJatI/s320/CHAIRPERFECTfinalscripvintage-chair1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LIKE HEAVEN TO ME</span></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Busyness beckons, schedules shout!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pins need pinning, blog posts call out!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But I hear His sweet voice calling unto me....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Daughter, won't you come and sit awhile and share your heart with me?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Busyness beckons, schedules shout!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pins need pinning, blog posts call out!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And <i>again</i> I hear His sweet voice calling unto me....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Daughter, won't you come and sit awhile and share your heart with me?"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love patiently lingers....My Saviour waits for me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> His divine invitation strumming the cords of my weary heart.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love leaning closely listening for my reply.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My surrendered heart now melting...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Oh yes Lord, all else I will deny!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In quietness and stillness </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will sit in your Presence</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">listen to the whispers of your love.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Stillness...Listening...Waiting...Longing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Drawing closer to Him</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love drawing closer to me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Deep calling unto deep</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Doors of my weary heart wide open now</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tears flowing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Heartaches pouring</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Divine exchange</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Questions answered</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Weariness fleeing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Strength poured in</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wisdom imparted</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Healing flowing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Burdens lifted</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Light shining</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Darkness fleeing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hope arising</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blessed assurance</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Faith soaring</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Peace abounding</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Joy astounding</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Time seemingly standing still as the depths of my heart are poured into His and His into mine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Held within the embrace of His loving arms of mercy and amazing grace!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Busyness beckons, schedules shout!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pins need pinning, blog posts call out!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And <i>again</i> I hear His sweet voice calling unto me....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Daughter, won't you come and sit awhile and share your heart with me?"</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Oh yes, Lord...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All else must wait!"</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your Presence is all I need!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your Presence is all I want!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the glory of your Presence I find peace that makes me whole!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the glory of your Presence I find rest for my weary soul!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Oh yes, Lord!"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In quietness and stillness </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will sit in your Presence</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">listen to the whispers of your love.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your Presence is like Heaven to me!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6MvVMwS0_A/T6gOlNTXDFI/AAAAAAAACUI/cCYfyvjWiw8/s1600/JesusandChild-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6MvVMwS0_A/T6gOlNTXDFI/AAAAAAAACUI/cCYfyvjWiw8/s1600/JesusandChild-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He's waiting........</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love and Sweet Blessings!</span><br />
<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-40869234291541904092012-05-07T00:05:00.000-07:002012-05-10T10:24:48.192-07:00The Most Interesting Man in the World!?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8l0Vjbp9ank/T6Wqmvs-Z1I/AAAAAAAACS4/5_wZ_EU_3E8/s1600/DosEquiswtrmrkxtralrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8l0Vjbp9ank/T6Wqmvs-Z1I/AAAAAAAACS4/5_wZ_EU_3E8/s320/DosEquiswtrmrkxtralrg.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Hey Ya'll!<br />
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Ok, so there I was with my family eating Sunday dinner after church at our fav Mexican restaurant and just as I was about to bite into a fajita, my gaze caught a glimpse of the beer commercial "most interesting man in the world" guy standing next to the bar!<br />
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There he was, in all of his life size cardboard glory standing in front of a cheezy Myan backdrop holding a beer and sharing his famous words...."stay thirsty my friends"! And because I'm a complete camera hound and never miss the opportunity to snap a shot of something funny, I waltzed right into the bar and began snapping away. The bar patrons laughed along with me and some probably thought I was nuts, but hey, he's the most interesting man in the world, right!<br />
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Many of the Dos Equis beer commercials crack me up! And some are so stupid you can't help but laugh! So, for your funny reading pleasure here are some of my fav "he's the most interesting man in the world because" quotes......<br />
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When he arrives at the gas pump, prices go down!<br />
He has inside jokes with complete strangers!<br />
He once taught a German shepherd to bark in Spanish!<br />
The police often question him just because they find him interesting!<br />
He bowls overhand!<br />
He taught a horse how to read his email for him!<br />
His snow globe gets 24 inches of fresh powder annually!<br />
If you were to see him walking a chihuahua he would still look masculine!<br />
He's never needed lip balm!<br />
He can see the Northern lights from South America!<br />
Even his parrots advice is insightful!<br />
He lives vicariously through himself!<br />
He can speak French in Russian!<br />
He has counted to infinity twice!<br />
He watched Neil Armstrong land on the moon....from the moon!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2jm41NWni0/T6V9ra5vsEI/AAAAAAAACSc/GP2rKHjoWAE/s1600/Horse+laugh+by+Bill+Gracey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T2jm41NWni0/T6V9ra5vsEI/AAAAAAAACSc/GP2rKHjoWAE/s200/Horse+laugh+by+Bill+Gracey.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9422878@N08/">{source}</a><br />
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And I saved the best for last, ya'll! I just couldn't help myself....I thought "the most interesting guy in the world" needed a transformation and this is what I came up with :))! Kinda looks a little like a TV evangelist , doesn't he......just saying! :)))) <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbHXg7ftty8/T6WtD7EMtLI/AAAAAAAACTI/lVhKdw8jjMc/s1600/DosEquismanbiblecrosswtrmrk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbHXg7ftty8/T6WtD7EMtLI/AAAAAAAACTI/lVhKdw8jjMc/s320/DosEquismanbiblecrosswtrmrk.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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Oh, and for the record Mr. "the most interesting man ever".......There WAS and IS only ONE true most interesting man ever and his name is JESUS!</div>
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He died and conquered death, hell and the grave and rose again!<br />
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He heals the sick, gives sight to the blind and raises the dead!<br />
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Demons flee at the mention of His name!<br />
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Heavenly hosts surround His Throne and proclaim, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was and is to come!<br />
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He's returning on a white horse!<br />
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There is no one like Him in heaven or earth!<br />
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Oh yeah...LET THERE BE NO DOUBT.......</div>
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JESUS IS THE MOST INTERESTING MAN EVER!<br />
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Well ya'll, I hope you enjoyed my fun and got your chuckle for the day. And remember.....<br />
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<i>Stay thirsty my friends!</i></div>
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Blessed, fortunate, happy and prosperous are those</div>
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who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God),</div>
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for they shall be <u>completely satisfied!</u></div>
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Matthew 5:6 amp (emphasis added)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love and Sweet Blessings!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-65979894579823952832012-04-30T03:01:00.000-07:002012-05-02T00:13:21.670-07:00MY SON AND TIM TEBOW!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey Ya'll!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hope you had a glorious Spring weekend! The temps are climbing in AZ now....high 90's (last weekend 104!) and it won't be long before we'll be above triple digits non stop until about October (yikes!). So, hallelujah, I'm enjoying every moment of Spring in the Arizona desert....glorious!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ok ya'll, today I've got my brag on...I unashamedly admit it! So many of ya'll have the most adorable photos/stories of your grands and since I don't have grands YET, I just gotta tell you what my son is doing. But first, though, I must say that I am so blessed to have the most awesome son and daughter, Chris and Katie, and doubly blessed to have a sil, Bryan who's just like a son to us and who serves our country in the U.S. military and dil Laraine who is such a blessing to our family! Chris, Laraine, Katie and Bryan......You make us proud....I am one blessed mama! Yay God!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Caution: You are now entering the brag zone :))! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My son Chris is a voice over artist and has been blessed with a growing career in that field. You've probably heard his voice on many national and regional commercials such as McDonald's, Planet Fitness, Google, Microsoft and many others as well as Travel Channel, Kenneth Copeland Ministries, Franklin Graham/Samaritan's Purse, MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas, and the voice for pop artist Beyonce' tour - just to <strike>brag about</strike> name a few :))! BUT, I just gotta share the one ad that's my fav.....uh, maybe you might recognize it....</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3GyOaaDmUg/T5rnPmasLhI/AAAAAAAACMQ/pJNN3CMKlGY/s1600/chrispix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3GyOaaDmUg/T5rnPmasLhI/AAAAAAAACMQ/pJNN3CMKlGY/s320/chrispix.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SsLfUdqZIA/T5rngR34k2I/AAAAAAAACMY/I9VASOLTD1s/s1600/tim-tebow-jockey-ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SsLfUdqZIA/T5rngR34k2I/AAAAAAAACMY/I9VASOLTD1s/s320/tim-tebow-jockey-ad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Chris & Tim<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yep! My son's voice is the voice you hear with Tim Tebow in the Jockey stay cool commercials currently running! Soooo, with a big smile on my face and in the most proud braggadocios mama's way everrrrrr, I invite you to listen to a sample (click below) of Chris and Tebow in two national Jockey stay cool commercials ! Whoot! Whoot! :)))))</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/58UXNWE7kog?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who'd of thought it! Two Godly guys with entirely different talents, callings and careers, both raised in Jacksonville Florida (ironically) and their "voices" would cross paths now......God did!!!! God thang, ya'll! God thang!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm sure Tim's mama couldn't be any prouder of her boy than I am of mine! God's using our/His guys for His glory....and that's what it's all about to me!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9hehizAML8/T55a2TaR9uI/AAAAAAAACPo/Ry0rRAYxnio/s1600/Chris3yrsme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9hehizAML8/T55a2TaR9uI/AAAAAAAACPo/Ry0rRAYxnio/s320/Chris3yrsme.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Chris at 3 yrs old going to church.<br />
(I cannot believe I was ever that thin!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryan, Katie, Chris and Laraine.....My blessings!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, thanks for listening and letting me brag a <strike>little</strike> lot, :))!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hope you have a wonderful week!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In all your ways acknowledge Him,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and He shall direct your paths.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prov. 3:6</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, I almost forgot....when I do have my grand-babies, IT'S ON, let me tell ya.....I'm gonna plaster my whole blog (almost) with my cuties, just you wait and see!! :)))</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hugs and Sweet Blessings!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-7253366598716671592012-04-13T01:52:00.000-07:002012-04-14T23:52:02.318-07:00SAFELY HOME!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey Ya'll!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I shared with you <a href="http://freshoiltoday.blogspot.com/2012/03/his-precious-jewel.html">several weeks ago</a> that I joined "<a href="http://www.allume.com/blog/">31 Days to Become a Better Writer</a>" writers group and want to share a short story I wrote for today's challenge. Our assignment was to write a story inspired by the picture below. I would love to hear what you think about it.....I pray that it blesses you! So, without further adieu, here's.... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"<b>Safely Home</b>"</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1OHB4GuJtk/T4fR_r6RXAI/AAAAAAAACGM/LD3fXHPEsn4/s1600/sad+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1OHB4GuJtk/T4fR_r6RXAI/AAAAAAAACGM/LD3fXHPEsn4/s320/sad+girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/renneville/3193783644/">Fey IIyas</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She'd waited for this day for thirteen long, grueling, lonely months. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With a bold black marker she had carefully marked off each day on her tattered kitchen calendar until she reached today's date. Today's date, however, was lovingly marked with a pink heart and it was on this beautiful chilly August afternoon she would finally hold her dream next to her heart. With long halting breaths and her heart atwitter, she readied herself for the impending moment that she'd dreamed and longed for with every fiber of her being. She'd driven all night to get here. Weary from her travels, she found a comfortable sofa and anxiously settled in for the wait. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The muffled sounds of nervous excited laughter began to fill the air as others gathered close by. "This is the moment they dreamed and prayed for too", she whispered within her heart. With hands clasped, head bowed and eyes tightly closed, she thanked the Lord for giving her the strength to hold on and for His sweet assurance that her dream was in His safekeeping. Warm tears welled in her beautiful brown eyes as she felt His presence ever so closely. A feeling and knowing she'd experienced continually during those thirteen months. "Thank you Jesus" she whispered as a gentle smile broke upon her glowing tear stained face.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With each passing moment her pulse raced with anxious anticipation. "What will I say?" "How will I act" she pondered. And then, the magical moment she'd dreamt about began to unfold before her very eyes. Rapt attention was drawn toward the large grey double doors beneath an enormous American flag at the far end of the room. Beautiful patriotic melodies filled the air as a band began to play. Joyous squeals erupted from the crowd as the doors ceremoniously swung open and 200 of America's bravest flooded in.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">With widened eyes wet with tears, a pounding heart and a gleeful grin, she gazed from afar into every face in search for her hero....the <i>one </i>who melts her heart.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And then suddenly, in the midst of the crowd, her gaze caught the steel blue eyes of her beloved. It was as if time stood still and all else faded from view. And with a broad smile he bolted through the crowd and fell into the safety of her warm loving embrace and they wept for joy. The Lord had brought her soldier safely home!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love and Sweet Blessings!</span></div>
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<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-16266064032716365552012-04-05T14:31:00.000-07:002012-04-05T14:43:06.239-07:00THE BEAUTIFUL LAMB!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W501HMyri74/T33bzzp9nYI/AAAAAAAACE4/ToRB_CLd_qs/s1600/Jesus-passionmvie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W501HMyri74/T33bzzp9nYI/AAAAAAAACE4/ToRB_CLd_qs/s320/Jesus-passionmvie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unto the Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Beautiful Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Worthy Lamb, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The glorious Man - Slain</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey ya'll!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I pray that you are having a glorious week as we approach Easter Sunday! Spring has certainly sprung here in the Arizona desert. The cactus flowers are bursting forth and wild flowers can be seen dotting the desert landscape and my cactus garden is starting to bloom, too! New life is in the air! Hallelujah!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Several weeks ago I attended the most glorious women's conference and the anointing was so sweet and strong that I'm still abiding in it!! Glory to God! The praise and worship was out of this world....His presence soooo real! With abandoned worship, 2,000+ daughters of the King from all parts of the globe worshipped the King of Kings and His Glory filled the sanctuary! We wept, we sang, lives were changed, we were called up into higher heights and deeper depths in Him.......we were lost in His presence and that's where I want to remain!!.....Consumed with Him!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All of the worship leaders were sooo anointed, but there was one particular worship leader, Julie Meyer from KC IHOP, that truly lead me into such depths of worship that my heart has been irrevocably marked forever. The Spirit filled songs we sang immediately ushered us into His Presence! At one point, as I gazed around the auditorium I began to weep...2,000+ women, in one accord, hands raised, lost in worship, lost in Him....and I sensed we were singing along with heavenly hosts...."Is'nt He worthy, Is'nt He Holy, Isn't He beautiful! I'm truly without human words to describe such a Divine encounter! Heaven came down and visited us, hallelujah!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Several of Julie's songs have been "playing" practically nonstop in my spirit for several weeks now and have ministered to my spirit, soul and body in such wonderful ways. This morning, "Unto the Lamb" was flowing from my heart even before my feet hit the floor as I got out of bed and I want to share it with you. Julie was inspired to write this song from Revelations 5...."Unto the Lamb"....it's the song you hear playing now along with this post. I've also included the words below if you'd like to follow along.....such a powerful song of praise and worship to the One Who is Worthy! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"UNTO THE LAMB"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unto the Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Beautiful Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Worthy Lamb, the Glorious Man - Slain</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the Throne a scroll</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Written on the inside and out and sealed with seven seals</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who is Worthy to take the Scroll and loose its seals?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unto the Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Beautiful Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Worthy Lamb, the Glorious Man - Slain</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And there was no one in Heaven, or on the earth or underneath</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No one was found worthy and I began to weep</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then one of the Elders said to me,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Do not weep, behold,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has prevailed".</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unto the Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Beautiful Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Worthy Lamb, the Glorious Man - Slain</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And I sing, I sing a new song</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For You are worthy to take the scroll</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And I sing, I sing a new song</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For You were slain and redeem us to God</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By Your Blood, By Your Blood, By Your Blood</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unto the Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Beautiful Lamb in the midst of the Throne</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Worthy Lamb, the Glorious Man - Slain</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Isn't He Holy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Isn't He Worthy</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Isn't He Beautiful!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Precious friends, as we approach Easter, let us draw closer to the heart of our King and abandon all else in our life that would distract and dim our gaze upon Him. He's beckoning His Bride to come and abide closer and closer until the wondrous moment of His return and we spend eternity together! Until that glorious day, He has deeper depths of His love and higher heights of His great power that He desires to reveal to His beloved! Oh, isn't He Holy, isn't He Worthy, Isn't He Beautiful! The Lamb who was slain for you and I!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VmgEz2ekth4/S7YHLD1ZgpI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Oq7TrkVazbk/s1600/bleeding_heart-18111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VmgEz2ekth4/S7YHLD1ZgpI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Oq7TrkVazbk/s320/bleeding_heart-18111.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love and Sweet Blessings!</span><br />
<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-7434206345633631722012-03-20T12:49:00.002-07:002012-03-20T12:58:13.312-07:00MORE THAN GREEN BEER AND CORNBEEF!...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Corned beef and cabbage, check. Wear something green, check. Free fries with green ketchup at Burger King, check. Yup, that was the extent of my St. Paddy's celebration last Saturday. Year after year always the same. I guess, however, this year I really pushed the frivolity envelope by having fries with green ketchup! Living on the edge now! Whoo! Hoo!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">St. Patrick's Day this time around really got me thinking. As a child I learned a little about the Irish holiday, but never really gave it much thought until now. For several weeks my neighbor's house has been arrayed with all things shamrock from garden statuary, garlands, front door wreath and green glitter shamrocks dangling in the windows. I mean there's some serious green shamrock bling going on over there. Why?... I wondered as I slowed my vehicle to a crawl to take it all in. Maybe she's from proud Irish decent or perhaps Hobby Lobby had a smokin' sale on shamrocks....just wondering.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over the last several days I've been compelled to do further inquiry on the true origin of St. Patrick's Day. And I must tell you that what I learned really encouraged my heart and blessed my green socks off and I share a small portion here today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was introduced to the story of the life of an <i>ordinary man</i> who did <i>extraordinary exploits</i> for God. The Irish knew nothing of Jesus. But God had a plan!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a 16 year old boy who was seized by marauders and carried off into captivity in Ireland. A land gripped by paganism, idoltry and spiritual darkness. The Irish knew nothing of Jesus.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a 16 year old boy who was twice sold into slavery and sentenced to six years of isolation and loneliness on Ireland's steep slopes tending his master's flocks.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a 16 old slave boy who fervently sought the heart of God in prayer. In his "Confessio" written in his latter years he shared this...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>...I was taken captive...I was like a stone lying in the deep mire; and He that is mighty came and in His mercy lifted me up and raised me aloft...And therefore I ought to cry out aloud and so also render something to the Lord for His great benefits here and in eternity....</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>...every day I had to tend sheep and many times a day I prayed - the love of God and His fear came to me more and more and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was moved so that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers and almost as many in the night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountains...and I felt no harm and there was no slothfulness in me -- as now I see because the spirit within me was fervent.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a slave boy who became a man. A man who's calling and purpose was ignited during sweet and deep communion with the Father as endless days and nights passed on Ireland's steep slopes and deep valleys. His captivity proved to be the place of Divine impartation and preparation for what lay ahead.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a man who walked extraordinarily closely with the One who loved, protected, encouraged and made plain his path. A man who was favored with glorious Divine encounters, interventions, dreams and visions.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a man who knew who He was in Christ Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Demons scattered, bondage's shattered and the spiritual course of Ireland was mightily changed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a man who traveled the roads and forded the rivers of Ireland for 30 years to share the joy of Redemptions story with everyone he met.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a man who by the time of his death had baptized tens of thousands and established hundreds of churches throughout Ireland.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I met a old man, St. Patrick, who at the end of his race looked back in awe and proclaimed....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>....Those who never had knowledge of God but worshipped idols....have now become sons of God.</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYRKxcLiaDQ/T2jYXXJ9-QI/AAAAAAAACEE/yWFQ3_Wjng8/s1600/shamrocktrinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FYRKxcLiaDQ/T2jYXXJ9-QI/AAAAAAAACEE/yWFQ3_Wjng8/s200/shamrocktrinity.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Friends, I will <i><b>never ever</b></i> think of St. Patrick's day the same. The world may have reduced it to green beer, corned beef and glittery green shamrocks. But I see it as a testimony of the love, mercy and grace of our God who performs miraculous deeds through ordinary men like you and I to reach the lost, bound and broken and set the captive free. God has given each of us a special purpose and a unique voice to make a difference for His Kingdom. May our hearts be challenged to seek Him like never before and boldly live out our lives as a true testimony to Him and His goodness! To God be all the Glory!!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love and Sweet Blessings!</span></div>
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</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-79727717228333129902012-03-13T11:57:00.003-07:002012-03-17T11:06:31.116-07:00HIS PRECIOUS JEWEL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hey Ya'll!<br />
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Today I'm joining the gals at <a href="http://WriteitGirl.com/">Write it Girl</a> and sharing a short story I wrote for <a href="http://allume.com/category/31-days-to-become-a-better-writer/">31 Days to Bcome a </a><a href="http://allume.com/category/31-days-to-become-a-better-writer/">Better Writer</a>. Each daily challenge has proven to very informative, tremendously helpful and somewhat challenging and I'm loving it, ya'll! And it's not too late to jump in....We're only on day 6 today!<br />
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Day 3 challenge was to write a story inspired by the picture below. I pray you are blessed and encouraged as you read.....<br />
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His Precious Jewel</div>
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The loud intrusion of the Millerton Women's Detention Facility wake-up bell jared Francheska from her slumber. It was just another lonely, hopeless day in the life of prison inmate #727. Francheska slowly rubbed the sleep from her eyes and raised her weary body from her jail cell cot and wondered what her future held. "Help me Lord, help me" she whispered from deep within. Her sleepy glance fell upon the dog-eared and tear stained Bible that lay at her bedside. A gentle smile broke upon her forlorn face as she recalled precious moments sitting with her Grandma Sissy and listening to her read the scripture and praying with her. Grandma Sissy lovingly referred to Francheska as her precious jewel. "You are a precious jewel to me and to the heart of the Father" Grandma Sissy would tell her. "Never forget, my darling Francheska, you are a precious jewel". Hot tears fell upon her cheeks as her heart flooded with sweet memories of days gone by. They seemed like a lifetime ago now. "Oh how I miss you Grandma" she sighed.</div>
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The Millerton Women's Detention Facility is an ominous multi-story edifice perched high atop the small township of Millerton.. Today was no different than any other wintery day. The gray concrete structure stood sadly shrouded in a cloak of cold dreary mist. It's as if the exterior of the structure echoed the lives and hearts of those held captive within. Captives many of who had fallen prey to drugs, hard living and wrong choices. </div>
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It was a series of wrong places and wrong choices that led Grandma Sissy's "jewel" to this dark place in life. And it was in this darkness that Francheska fully surrendered and committed her heart and life afresh to Jesus and purposed to follow Him all the days of her life. </div>
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Francheska washed her tear stained face, combed her hair and slipped into her prison issued jumpsuit and readied herself for work but lingered a moment longer to peer out the window of her dark dank cell. As she gazed through the rainy drizzle upon the sleepy town below, she reminisced of happier times when Grandma Sissy called her His jewel. "Lord, I don't feel like I'm a jewel in your eyes" she whispered with a deep sigh.</div>
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Just at that moment her eyes fell upon the row houses below that had gone unnoticed before. Today, however, through the gloomy mist they shown with the most beautiful vivid hues of purple, green, gold and orange. They reminded her of a treasure chest of jewels perfectly aligned in a beautiful bracelet. "Oh, how beautiful" she gasped. And in that moment from deep within her heart she heard the sweet whisper of the voice of the Father..."Oh, how beautiful you are to me, Francheska...you are my precious jewel...my precious treasure".</div>
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Warm tears flowed as she stood in a Holy hush and breathed in His Heavenly presence. Joy and sweet release flooded her soul. Release from her past and precious assurance that He was with her in her darkest hour and would never leave or forsake her.</div>
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The sudden jangle of her jail cell door jolted her from her Divine encounter and she promptly responded to the roll call. "Francheska cellmate #727!" the officer shouted. "Francheska cellmate #727, here!" she loudly responded. And as she stepped out of her cell a gentle smile broke upon her face as she whispered within her heart, "Just call me His Precious Jewel!".</div>
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<b>And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts</b></div>
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<b>in that day when I make up my jewels and </b></div>
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<b>I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.</b></div>
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<b>Malachi 3:17</b></div>
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You are His special jewel!<br />
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Love and Sweet Blessings!<br />
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</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-74312080490818680042012-02-27T00:05:00.001-07:002012-02-27T00:07:10.446-07:00BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlUppGNNKjI/T0alWeJQDOI/AAAAAAAACCQ/Geus1rpiETM/s1600/cowgirlscan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlUppGNNKjI/T0alWeJQDOI/AAAAAAAACCQ/Geus1rpiETM/s320/cowgirlscan1.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey Ya'll!!!!!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, ya'll..... I've just been up to my eyeballs with so many things that my blogging just came to a stand still. Seriously, my head has been spinning from the whirlwind I was caught up in for the last half of 2011! I began to wonder if I was ever gonna get my blogging grove back...... no blogging, no FB and no emailing which resulted in feeling so out of the loop it's ridiculous!!!!! HOWEVER, things have begun to settle down (finally!!) and I've really had the urge to climb back in the saddle and get back on the blogging trail and see what you wonderful blogging buddies have been up to. I've thought of you often and I pray that you are doing well and growing closer to the Lord everyday! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">First, I want to share that my sweet mama is still hanging in their but her journey is really tough. My heart remains heavy as I see her grow weaker and more confused. BUT, I know He holds her in the palm of His hand and will call her home in His time. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers for her. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Honestly, ya'll....months ago I reached the point of burnout, both physically and emotionally over my mama's decline. The Lord, as well as her hospice workers, warned me that I was gonna "hit the wall" if I didn't pace myself and get my life back in order. My husband saw it, my kids saw it and the Lord knew it......I was spending practically every daylight hour by mama's side at the nursing home and consequently, being in such a sad daily environment of people dying all around me and watching the heart break of loved ones on their "death watch" began to drag me down and I KNEW I had to make a change. With the Lords help, I began to allot only several hours each day at mamma's side and was blessed to find a wonderful, loving care giver that would visit her when I couldn't (GOD THING, YA'LL!). It came down to either collapsing or TRUSTING GOD! I love my sweet mama with all my heart, but He knew I needed a change and a new perspective, so gradually I "allowed" myself (with His help) to slow down. I chose to embark on a study of how Great and Faithful He is to His children. I purposed to "see" His promises of His Faithfullness through "fresh eyes" and with an expectant heart of renewed faith I looked to Him to refresh and restore my spirit, soul and body. I purposed to replace worry and concern about my mamma's care with the Peace of knowing He would take of care of her <i>and me.</i> I still have my days where I feel guilty about not being with mama practically every waking moment, but I'm learning more and more about <u><i>entering into and remaining</i></u> in His rest and remind myself that He can handle it, there is nothing too difficult for Him! Glory to God!!! Isn't it amazing how He lovingly guides us through lifes ups and downs if we let Him!! What a wonder He is!! Oh, and I was even able to take several wonderful trips to Florida to visit my daughter Katie and you better believe I enjoyed every minute of it!!! Oh yeah...laying on the beach, shopping the outlets and hanging out at Disney World was just what the Great Physician ordered!!! And I hope to get back to FL again soon!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Moving along here.....And I do mean <i><b>moving! </b></i>You might remember that we sold our house (God thing!) and moved into a great rental but had to move (again!!) to another rental because the owner let it foreclose (soo bummmed!). Well, OMG!!!!..my hubs territory suddenly changed to Phoenix and we had to up and MOVE AGAIN.......this makes five moves in five years....are you kidding me!!! I also had to find a new nursing home for mama and He directed me to a wonderful and loving facility near my house that had an immediate opening for her, PTL! I told the Lord that I was beginning to feel like the children of Israel having to pick-up and move continuously. I recall laughing at myself as I <i>once again</i> packed and loaded my kitchen into my jeep and wondered if the Israelite women had the same ponderings running through their mind as I did when they <i>once again</i> loaded their donkeys and moved again in their journey to the Promise Land......"<i>I mean, really Lord, are you serious..... move again, right now?"!!! </i>And His reply<i>....Yes, daughter!" </i>And so, like the children of Israel, we loaded up "and followed the cloud" (U-Haul truck) to Phoenix...:)))!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, we got moved in record time and I'm slowly beginning to nest again, PTL! But in the midst of the move I managed to pull an abdominal muscle (yeeeouchhhh!) and subsequently threw my lower back out, OMG!!! My docs told me it might take months to heal and I was to rest, not lift anything (duh! like I wanted to!) and take muscle relaxers and pain meds until things start to feel better. Over several months my heating pad and ice pack have become my new BFF's, watched The Help (luv that movie) so many times that I can practically quote the entire script verbatim and just about OD'd on HGTV and DIY network. But, however, I've gotten some really great decorating ideas for when I'm back to 100%, ya hoo! I thank the Lord that I'm on the mend now and pray that the word <i>MOVE</i> is nowhere in my future anytime soon. I may not be ready for Zumba just yet, but I'm getting there! PTL!!</span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, I left out one <i><strike>minor</strike></i> <b><i>huge</i></b> detail....I was scheduled to have a hysterectomy in December but put it off for a while.....I'm mean seriously, a hysterectomy on top of everything else....are you kidding me...I don't think so!!! I'll keep you posted!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, that's what's been going on in my corner of the world - another move, taking care of mama, recover from burn out and exhaustion, pulled abdominal muscle and back out of whack and impending hysterectomy, oh my! But, it sure feels good to be back in the bloggin' saddle again and I'm sooo looking forward to riding the bloggin' trail and visiting everyone again....You always bless my heart so....I've really missed ya'll!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whoopi-ty-aya-oh</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bloggin' to and fro</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Back in the saddle again!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whoopi-ty-aya-oh</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where He leads me I will go</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm back in the saddle again! :)))</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!!!</span></u></b><br />
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you;</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He will never leave you or forsake you;</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do not be afraid;</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do not be discouraged.</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Deut. 31:8</span></b></i><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Trails Ya'll!!</span></div></div><br />
<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com16Arizona, USA34.0489281 -111.0937311000000131.212886599999997 -113.97941510000001 36.8849696 -108.20804710000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-78748910805514180432011-06-20T10:05:00.007-07:002011-06-20T10:49:52.630-07:00MONDAY MORNING SMILES : ))<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey Ya'll!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cphlGJ09XQM/Tf9wpli3P9I/AAAAAAAACBI/uPYUqYSFIm8/s1600/Smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cphlGJ09XQM/Tf9wpli3P9I/AAAAAAAACBI/uPYUqYSFIm8/s320/Smile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, I pray that everyone had a wonderful weekend and Dad's day!! We sure did! Hubs and I were down in Phoenix sizzling in the 109 degree heat but we loved every minute it (as long as we were in the AC or pool! : ))). Love Phoenix, but love living in the cool N. AZ mountains more than ever this time of year....whewww weee!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Started this morning already feeling a bit overwhelmed about the week ahead and really needed a pick me up (can anyone relate?!) and stumbled across this funny music video, "Dad Life", from Church on the Move and it certainly delivered the smiles I needed! Please take a few minutes to enjoy and start your morning off with a smile too, ya'll.....guaranteed! Oh, and yo....my favorite part is the man cave/disney movie, lol! : ))</span></div><br />
<object height="349" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/DOKuSQIJlog?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/DOKuSQIJlog?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="349" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A cheerful heart is good medicine....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Proverbs 17:22 NLT</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have a wonderFULL and cheerFULL week, ya'll!!</span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love and Sweet Blessings!</span><br />
<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a><br />
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image credit: FreeBackgrounds.com</div></div></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-45923856188658675182011-06-13T15:24:00.000-07:002011-06-13T15:24:14.329-07:00HEY YA'LL!!! UPDATE!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey ya'll!!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Ok, so my last post was uh....almost three months ago.....I can't believe it!! So much going on here I hardly know where to begin! BUT, before I begin, I want to thank each of you for praying for my <a href="http://freshoiltoday.blogspot.com/2011/03/urgent-prayer-request-for-my-sweet-mama.html">Sweet Mama </a>and my family. You have no idea how much your emails of encouragement and prayer have meant. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Many a day I've felt like I could fall apart, but thru His strength and encouragement and prayers of sweet friends I'm taking it one day at a time......Bless you!!! I may not know what today holds, but I know our todays and tomorrows are in His hands and He always brings us through!!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mama is still with us but it's really been a very rough road. She beat the pneumonia, but her transition (as hospice calls it) has been difficult to say the least. Some days are better than others and my daily vigil by her side has been so heart breaking. However, true to my mama's ways, she remains an example and deep reservoir of encouragement and true faith and trust in the One who holds her in the palm of His hand.....she is such an amazing women of faith and I count it as a true honor to have her as my mom!!! My sister, Diane, stayed for a month and we made such rich and lasting memories as we sat with mama and took many trips down memory lane and reminisced of bygone days.....moments that will forever be etched upon my heart and precious nuggets to treasure. One of my favorite moments was when we crawled into bed with her....I'll never forget that moment....we hugged, giggled and cried....priceless!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goMdLvR5bEg/TfZ6qrr6WgI/AAAAAAAACA8/jgAM2rdpLPs/s1600/MamaMeDiane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goMdLvR5bEg/TfZ6qrr6WgI/AAAAAAAACA8/jgAM2rdpLPs/s320/MamaMeDiane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, in the midst of all this, we were informed that the house we were leasing was in foreclosure and would be sold on the courthouse steps! Our landlord just pocketed our rent and let the house go! You may recall we sold our home last year and <span id="goog_1727434411"></span><a href="http://freshoiltoday.blogspot.com/2010/06/survivorwoman.html">leased this house</a><span id="goog_1727434412"></span> (which I loved!) with the plan of staying here until hubs retires in a few years and move back to Phoenix (he works in N. AZ). But those plans came to a screeching halt when the lease house was purchased by investors with the intention of flipping it and would not entertain continuing our lease....<i>SO BUMMED, YA'LL</i>!!! I'd really nested and settled in that house and I'm a nesting, decorating, wanna be settled kinda gal! Thank God I found a cute, but <s>little</s>, <s>small,</s> tiny, bungalow style house.....uh, I think you get the picture....cute, <i>BUT TINY</i>, bungalow house that was vacant so we leased it and I went into "throw everything overboard" mode and quickly got into my downsize <i>AGAIN</i> pack and move groove. All the while, visiting mama most everyday, endless phone calls with medicare, medicaid, hospice, etc. (the federal red tape is just too much) and rushing to make numerous trips to donate stuff to Goodwill, and Salvation Army and local charities. I even managed to have a mother-load garage sale and sold allot of my lodge/rustic/moose decor and got some cash to decorate my new TINY place....another post on that another time...hint - I switched from moose lodge to beach cottage (weird to think of beach cottage in northern AZ mountains I know...but I'm lovin it, ya'll!). We managed to move without too much fanfare....just allot of sore muscles, short tempers and bruises....news flash - I'm not 25 anymore!! : )) Unpacking stuff and re-settling is just the pits but we're getting there - thank God! I did, however, do the DUMBEST thing, ya'll!........ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbJn7s4OfQY/TfZbYpB3vXI/AAAAAAAACA4/nbe1CgujxF0/s1600/dumbanddumber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bbJn7s4OfQY/TfZbYpB3vXI/AAAAAAAACA4/nbe1CgujxF0/s1600/dumbanddumber.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In an attempt to hurriedly decorate the space above my kitchen cabinets with the cutest stuff from Home Goods and Ross, I climbed onto the counter without a ladder and without my hubs home to help and slipped and fell and clobbered my leg pretty bad.....it was almost one of those "my life flashing before me moments" as I fell! Seriously, I know that His angels kept me from hitting my head on the island....I would have landed on my neck and I can't bear to think of what would of happened! I laugh about it now, but it was no laughing matter at the time....note to self - you're not 25 anymore! So, my decorating stunt put me out of commission for a while spending allot of couch time watching American Pickers and Storage Wars - not sure why I like these show so much except maybe it's comforting to see that there are people out there that amassed more <s>junk</s>, stuff to get rid of than me! LOL! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Side note...For some odd reason I've also found Swamp People to be strangely entertaining....anybody else out there find the alligator huntin', cajun bayou culture interesting? Just curious!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItLlR8HdE9w/TfaB_CZK3nI/AAAAAAAACBA/b3Vp-vqkZZk/s1600/96439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItLlR8HdE9w/TfaB_CZK3nI/AAAAAAAACBA/b3Vp-vqkZZk/s200/96439.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, I still managed to limp over to the nursing home and visit mama as much as possible, unpack, rest (???!) and continue to trust Him and take it one day at a time!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mentioned above that ALLOT has happened in the last ninety days......So much that my head spins somedays. My hubs had a health scare but praise God it turned out ok! I had a severe bronchitis attack and also weird excruciating nerve pain in my jaw that required that I take strong migraine/anti-seizure meds to calm the nerves down so the pain would subside.....the meds made me sick as a dawg and again I was put out of commission but praise God I'm on the mend now! Thank You Jesus!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And lastly, with a sad heart I want to share that Chris and Laraine (my son and DIL) lost yet another pregnancy and she had to have subsequent surgery. Wild horses couldn't have kept me from being there with my kids as they went through this heartache again. So, in the midst of all the other chaos and demands going on in my life, I dropped everything and went to Phoenix to help and be there for them for a few days.....that's what mothers do....love, pray, support and encourage, isn't it. That's the example my Sweet Mama has lived out before me and sowed into my life and I am so grateful.....and that's, with His help, what I want to be for my children! Also, I covet your prayers for Chris and Laraine. We are standing firm upon the promises of God for grand-babies!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, you may recall that my daughter Katie fell ill several months ago and I wasn't able to leave my mama at that point in time and go be with her in Florida. She is doing well and I so appreciate your prayer for her! I still haven't been able to go but my hubs was able to fly out for a visit last month and I hope to get there soon!! I sure miss her and would love to be transported to Florida this very moment and lay on the beach with her......if only!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh, and the icing on the cake......I got a "speeding" ticket last week in my neighborhood.....I was clocked at the break neck speed of 38 in a 35!!!!! OMG 38 in a 35....can't a girl catch a break!!! (Just had to vent a little)!!! : ))</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seriously, no doubt the last 90 days have been peppered with heart ache, tears, frustration, disappointment, fatigue, cratering emotions and stress. But as I type this post and reflect again, I also see 90 days flowered with the beauty of His presence, mercy, strength, grace, power, favor, healing, encouragement, protection and faithfulness! Where would I be without Him!!! Praise Him Forevermore!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, I'm so glad that I unpacked my Mac and got plugged back in today and I look forward to "hearing" about what's going on in your bloggy corner of the world. Your words and ponderings bless me so....I've really missed ya'll!!! Gotta run....gotta a whole lotta unpacking and settling in and nursing home visit to do today!!!<br />
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Thank you again, dear bloggin' friends for your prayers and encouragement! You are such a blessing in my life.....I continually lift you before the Throne of Grace! We serve a Mighty God!!<br />
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Let's always remember.........</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Psalm 46:1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you,</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>He will never leave nor forsake you.</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Do not be discouraged.</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Deut 31:8 NIV</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">HE IS FAITHFUL!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Love,</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-75093191752360764862011-03-15T09:26:00.003-07:002011-03-15T20:57:06.901-07:00URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR MY SWEET MAMA!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Zc8r2ItqUk/TX-ECYVWEMI/AAAAAAAACAU/ihIoblAAJqc/s1600/101_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Zc8r2ItqUk/TX-ECYVWEMI/AAAAAAAACAU/ihIoblAAJqc/s1600/101_0170.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey Ya'll......</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As many of you may recall, my sweet 91 yr old Mama has had a really tough year. Since last April, she has suffered two serious strokes, a terrible fall with major injuries and most recently her heart in a-fib and bouts with pneumonia.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over the last week her health has greatly declined. She is now in congestive heart failure with other complications and very weak. Since last week I've spent almost every waking hour by her side at the nursing home. My sister, Diane, flew in last Friday to be with Mama as well.....we've barely left her side. We are meeting with Mama's doctors this morning to discuss her hospice care. As you can imagine, just typing those words "hospice care" causes my heart to sink and my eyes burn hot with tears.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mama is such a mighty woman of God and a source of encouragement and inspiration to everyone she's met in her 91 years (her 92nd b'day is Friday). Even this past year in her diminishing physical condition she's touched so many lives and been a shining light in her nursing home facility. When her heart began to fail last Wednesday, the outpouring of love and concern from her caregivers and nurses has blessed my sister and I so. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My sister and I have been blessed beyond measure to have such a wonderful Mama and we realize that we are now walking through the last days of her journey here on earth. We are leaning ever so close upon Him and His Grace and Strength as we navigate the "next" for our Sweet Mama and resting in the assurance that Mama's times are in His hands and when she takes her last labored breath, she'll step into her Beloved's arms and rejoice and dance upon streets of gold before His Throne forevermore! Hallelujah!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dear blogging friends, my sister and I would greatly appreciate your prayers for our Sweet Mama. Her body and mind are weary of the struggle to breath and think clearly. We're praying for His Peace to sweetly settle her and comfort her as she walks this last journey. And we humbly ask that you would lift us up as well.......we, too, need His peace, comfort and strength as we travel these last days with our Sweet Mama. Bless you......</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blessed <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">assurance</span>, Jesus is mine!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh what a foretaste of glory Divine!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></div><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-78281333410705094242011-03-14T01:02:00.015-07:002011-03-14T07:36:19.809-07:00TODAY'S QUICK THOUGHT.......WHATEVER!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-12sinshtYww/TXeqD0JoiMI/AAAAAAAACAE/8J_3TZT4lc4/s1600/thinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-12sinshtYww/TXeqD0JoiMI/AAAAAAAACAE/8J_3TZT4lc4/s320/thinking.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Take this to rule: <i><b>WHATEVER </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind </span><b>THAT THING</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> is sin to you, however innocent it may be in itself."</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Susanna Wesley</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(letter to son John Wesley, June 8, 1725)</span></div><br />
<blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Investigate my life, Oh God,</span></span></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">find out everything about me;</span></span></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Cross-examine and test me,</span></span></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">get a clear picture of what I'm about;</span></span></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong -</span></span></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">then guide me on the road to eternal life.</span></span></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;">Psalm 139:23-24 MSG</blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have a blessed week! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a><br />
Image via Google Images</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-66364640773582342772011-03-07T14:00:00.015-07:002011-03-08T07:40:48.542-07:00OUR GOD IS GREATER!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uZV8tJTNFRY/TXUtmf0SGHI/AAAAAAAACAA/-0lx-65ozBQ/s1600/IMG_20110305_230011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uZV8tJTNFRY/TXUtmf0SGHI/AAAAAAAACAA/-0lx-65ozBQ/s320/IMG_20110305_230011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey Ya'll!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I pray that everyone is rejoicing on this beautiful March morning! This is the new day that He's made just for you and I........a new beginning....a fresh new page....perhaps the beginning of a brand new chapter as He writes His-story in your life! It's a new day to rejoice in the goodness and faithfulness of our God! Glory to His Name!!!</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've been MIA from blogging since last month as I recovered from a bad case of the flu and felt called aside by the Spirit to rest and pray and spend time with Him. As many of you know, my daughter Katie fell ill last month and I again want to THANK YOU for your prayers! The prayer power in the blogoshere still amazes me. It's the Body of Christ in action in her purest form, I think. We don't even know each other </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">really</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> accept by our little thumbnail pictures on our profiles and what we post about..... but we share His heart of passion within each of us to stand and encourage and uplift one another.....awesome, isn't it! Katie is doing well and would so appreciate your continued prayers as she has an outpatient procedure later this week. We expect all to go well and a good report in Jesus Mighty Name!!! I plan to visit her in Florida next month!! Yippee!!!!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Up until last Tuesday, I felt that I couldn't leave town because of my 91 year old Sweet Mama's health (she lives in a nursing home near me in Northern AZ, recently had pneumonia and her heart is in Afib) but I'd been soooo praying about attending the Women on the Frontlines conference which was set to begin last Thursday at my church in Phoenix. On Tuesday, I felt peace about leaving town, gathered my outfits for the conference packed my Bible and a fresh new journal and went on line to register. As I clicked on the registration tab, my eyes could not believe the words on my screen....</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">EVENT SOLD</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">OUT</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">! Let me tell you, girls....I had a melt down of epic proportions.....and to put it bluntly.... I was crying and slinging snot for an hour, unpacked my clothes, threw them back into my closet and then like an after shock of an earthquake had another melt down wave of disappoint hit me again and started the blubbering all over again! I called my husband who was out of town on business, interrupted his business meeting (not always wise BUT THIS WAS AN EMERGENCY, ya'll!) and these were my exact words as he answered my call (in between my sniffing, crying and snorting)...."Hey Honey, I'm so sorry to bother you, but (sniff, snort, cry, sob) I have no one else to tell this to (snif, snort, cry, sob)....I just know I'm supposed to be at that conference and I just learned that it's sold out!!!....I just can't believe this....I just can't believe this!!!!...(more crying, snorting and sniffing, sobbing!!).....Why would He wait until Tuesday to give me peace about leaving and the event sell out before I registered????"....(sniff, snort, cry, sob, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">again</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">)!! My Sweetie of 35 years knows when I fall apart to this degree, that I'm really hurting...this is not hormonal or emotional.....this is real!!! He calmly said "God will work this out, honey....God will work this out." We got off the phone and I took a deep breath....my heart of faith said "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">yes He will"</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">....but the voice of reason in my head said "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">but how can He...it's sold out!</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">".</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Without going into detail.....let me just say this...GOD DID WORK IT OUT!!! GLORY HALLELUJAH, YEA GOD!!!!! I WENT TO THE WOMEN ON THE FRONTLINES CONFERENCE!! Whooo! Hooo! He put it in my heart to go and He made a way!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By Tuesday night, I repented for throwing my clothes in the closet (honestly it was more of a tantrum than throwing...just being </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">real : ))).....repacked my outfits and stuff and rejoiced in great anticipation of what He had for me at the conference! He is sooo faithful....I love Him soooo much!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let me just say it this way......the conference was packed with women (and some men also attended) from all over the world with an insatiable hunger for His presence! AND HE VISITED US!!! The prophetic praise and worship was out of this world.....The Presence of the Lord was indescribable.....The movings of the Spirit were so strong that I can't even begin to explain it......The Joy of the Lord invaded our hearts....lives were changed....vision, purpose and destiny imparted with clarity.....we wept, laughed, praised, rejoiced, and were called into the next level in Him.....each of us left, I'm sure, with a new fire in our bones! The depths of His heart called unto our hearts and we responded.... He poured out His love and manifested His Spirit upon us from Thursday morning until the last meeting ended Saturday night. I've attended many, many conferences and retreats over my years of walking with the Lord and this was by far the best ever.....I was meant to be there and He made a way!!! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One of the highlights were the Divine Connections He made for me over the weekend. Seriously, there were women from all over the globe in attendance...I loved worshipping with them!! There was such a freedom and unity of heart in one accord....We experienced His outpouring individually and corporately in such a mighty way....awesome! I always pray that my steps are ordered and my path made plain and I met some of the most wonderful sisters in the Lord </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ever</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. The picture above are my new Canadian sisters who are aglow with His Heart and a passion for ministry.....they inspired and enriched my life. From left to right....Valerie from Ottawa has a passion to sing for her King....she's precious, He's gonna use her in very anointed special ways!; then me...the one who almost didn't get there BUT GOD MADE A WAY! WHOO HOOO!; then Kareen...the Lord connected us the very first meeting...total God thing!! She and her husband pastor in the Ottawa area....such a powerhouse anointed woman of God..luv her....feel like she's my daughter!!!;...Izzy from Victoria...we didn't meet until the last meeting.....she has such a precious smile and her countenance beautifully radiates Him!..... I pray that we'll meet again some day this side of Heaven and share together in the Wonder and Goodness of our God! If not....I know we'll have a blast in Heaven worshipping Him together and reminiscing about our Divine Connection in Phoenix and the wonder of being in His Presence together!!! What an awesome God we serve!!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well, I guess I better close now....That's what's been going on in my corner of His world and I look forward to visiting you and getting caught up on your goings on, my sweet bloggin' friends!! I must get to the nursing home and spend time with my Sweet Mama.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May we always remember....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GOD ALWAYS MAKES A WAY!.....OUR GOD IS GREATER!!!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have an abundantly blessed week, ya'll!! And many thanks for your prayers for Katie!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love,</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-83252554268652336092011-02-14T23:34:00.004-07:002011-02-15T10:55:47.206-07:00UPDATE ON KATIE....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey Ya'll.....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgTGeotlptE/TVm_LuPvHCI/AAAAAAAAB_k/55tx_ljoUOk/s1600/KatieMeThxgv2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mgTGeotlptE/TVm_LuPvHCI/AAAAAAAAB_k/55tx_ljoUOk/s320/KatieMeThxgv2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I want to thank each of you wonderful bloggin' prayer warrior friends for praying for my daughter, <a href="http://freshoiltoday.blogspot.com/2011/02/hey-yall-i-pray-that-each-of-you-had.html">Katie</a>. Your prayers, emails and encouraging words have blessed my heart and greatly ministered to Katie. I stand amazed at how God has blessed me with such wonderful sisters in the Lord through the blog world!! Katie is home from the hospital now but we would appreciate your continued prayer as she recovers....we are believing for complete and total healing.....In Jesus Mighty Name!! I will keep you posted.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03Tg3jqci5E/TVoQsFlCTbI/AAAAAAAAB_o/NqhPwRg2XtY/s1600/sick-dog1-300x271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03Tg3jqci5E/TVoQsFlCTbI/AAAAAAAAB_o/NqhPwRg2XtY/s1600/sick-dog1-300x271.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since my last post about Katie, I've been totally out of commission......sick as a dawg!! </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Had reservations to fly to Katie's tomorrow but had to cancel....SOOO BUMMED!! What started as a simple sore throat a week ago developed into some sort of really bad flu crud/bronchitis thang that's really hit me hard and has been such a drag....even lost my voice....difficult for a yakker like me....but haven't really felt like yaking anyway! I used wisdom this time and went to bed and practically haven't raised my head accept to lay on the couch and then back to bed since last Wednesday, so I apologize for not getting back with so many of you that commented or emailed me about praying for Katie....Haven't even felt well enough to get on the computer or anything much....But please know that I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">appreciate</span> you so much and praying for you as well! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last year I had a similar flu crud that settled in my chest and resulted in pneumonia with bronchial spasms (unable to breathe..VERY, VERY SCARY!) and ended up in the ER twice. This time I chose to NOT keep going full steam ahead like I usually do and went to the doc, taking my meds and using my inhaler, and getting plenty of rest, rest, rest! My fare for the last week has pretty much been gallons of water, </span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRF5piNQqJc/TVoU-XqI5xI/AAAAAAAAB_w/KyJMVqA-Ssk/s1600/DSCN2540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qRF5piNQqJc/TVoU-XqI5xI/AAAAAAAAB_w/KyJMVqA-Ssk/s320/DSCN2540.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">copious amounts of green hot tea with honey and lemon, and vast quantities of chicken soup while I've been holed up under my fav buckin' bronc fleece blanket. And as you can see, it's my Maggie Kittie's fav as well!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybFLYERQemg/TVoZL_901LI/AAAAAAAAB_0/5Od4WjxYGCU/s1600/DSCN2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ybFLYERQemg/TVoZL_901LI/AAAAAAAAB_0/5Od4WjxYGCU/s320/DSCN2535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Uh, don't laugh at my blanket, ya'll.....I've got other cozy, fuuuffeee girly ones, but my cowboy chic one is my very fav.....It's truely is the most buttery fleece blanket ever!! Plus I'm a cowgirl at heart and the retro buckin' bronc print is a throw back to my child hood so maybe that's why I luv it so....Uh, come to think of it, I'm ready to crawl right back under it as soon as I finish this post....(I'm almost done Maggie...I'll be right there)!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope you've had a wonderful Valentines Day, sweet friends. Mine has been kinda yucky and my sweetie's plans for Olive Garden had to be scratched. I hear him in the kitchen now warming up my soup....not very romantic, but that's the best it's gonna get for now!!!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Praying that I get over this soon and back to blog visiting and reading what's been happening in your bloggy corner of the world! You really bless and encourage me, sweet friends! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HAPPY VALENTINES YA'LL!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You are Loved...Oh, how He Loves you and Me!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-AlD0-zILM/TVocxKdoBHI/AAAAAAAAB_4/unSjCCGS27k/s1600/thVal5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-AlD0-zILM/TVocxKdoBHI/AAAAAAAAB_4/unSjCCGS27k/s1600/thVal5.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have an abundantly blessed week!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love, Big Hugs and Sweet Blessings!</span></div><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-22478547108188891382011-02-07T23:21:00.012-07:002011-02-08T11:21:08.987-07:00THE GREAT SHEPHERD'S LOVE......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hey ya'll!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I pray that each of you had a wonderfully blessed weekend! Alot going on here, my heart is full and allot to share so this post is a bit longer than usual. But I pray that you'll stick with me to the end...</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hardly know where to begin, but want to first share that </span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">little did I know (BUT HE DID) that my last Thursday's post </span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://freshoiltoday.blogspot.com/2011/02/stay-focused.html">"STAY FOCUSED"</a> would become the Word of the Lord...a Living Word and anchor from His Heart to mine by Friday afternoon. I shared in Thursday's post that the Lord has been speaking to me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">allot</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> lately about keeping my eyes set and fully focused upon Him and guarding my mind against runaway thoughts of doubt, fear and unbelief and securely placing my hope, faith and trust upon Him and His promises </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LIKE NEVER BEFORE</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On Friday afternoon, as I was walking in the door with an already heavy heart from visiting my Sweet Mama at the nursing home, we received a call from our dear SIL Bryan that our daughter, Katie, had fallen seriously ill and was rushed to the hospital. Of course, as with any parent, receiving news that your child is in crisis or peril sends a jolt to your heart and mind, but as I learned the news about Katie it was as though I could hear the words of my last post...."STAY FULLY FOCUSED UPON HIM"!..."KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS AND GAZE FIXED UPON HIM AND HIS PROMISES"....."IT'S TIME TO BE BELIEVERS WHO REALLY BELIEVE HE WILL DO WHAT HE SAID HE WILL DO AND PLACE OUR COMPLETE FOCUS, TRUST AND THOUGHTS UPON HIM AND ABIDE IN HIS PERFECT PEACE"!........</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">knew</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">immediately</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in my Spirit that this was why He has been speaking so strongly to my heart about keeping my focus upon Him and His Word and reigning in any and all thoughts that were contrary to His Promises. As I sat down at the kitchen table with my husband and began to pray, the strongest sense of PEACE I've ever experienced came up from within me....a Peace that is beyond understanding...Glory to His name!! When my mind was tempted to wander and be carried away with worry, it was as if a Holy Spirit magnet would draw my thoughts quickly back to His Promises and into His Peace!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We were up most of the night praying and on the phone with Bryan getting updates and I finally fell asleep in the early hours before daybreak Saturday. As I was waking up, I began to pray Psalm 23 over Katie....As a parent I wanted so much to hold and comfort her but they live in another state....my heart was aching. I continued to pray Psalm 23 and found my heart personalizing it just for her. It brought this mama's heart such comfort to know that The Great Shepherd was with my child and holding, protecting and ministering to her every need. I then felt led to paraphrase and personalize Psalm 23 over myself, my husband and each of my children and their spouses...the anointing was so strong as I layed upon my bed before daybreak praying His Word in such a personalized way. After awhile, I found myself praying over both mine and my sisters entire family! There seems to be so many of my loved ones walking through deep valley's right now. The anointing was so sweet and strong upon my prayer time....It was as if The Great Shepherd was tenderly holding each of my loved ones against His breast and ministering Peace and Comfort to their heart. I arose from prayer and went to my computer and typed what the Spirit had ministered to me and emailed everyone "A Love Letter from The Great Shepherd". Bryan immediately printed Katie's and took it to the hospital to encourage and comfort her....oh, the wonder of the technology of our times! PTL!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I feel led, dear blog friends, to share what the Lord gave me and pray that it blesses and encourages you as well. One of my family members told me earlier today that their "Love Letter" ministered such comfort and assurance and reminded them that they are never alone....The Great Shepherd is with them every step of the way. Glory to God!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I noted above, I personalized each "Love Letter" by inserting my loved ones name. In the "Love Letter" below I encourage you to insert your name wherever you see the highlighted area. I usually don't permit copying of anything on my site, but feel in my heart that The Great Shepherd wants you to have His love letter too, so please feel free to copy it if you'd like. You are His beloved child and just as a shepherd watches over his sheep, He lovingly watches over every detail of your life and holds you in His tender care........</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TVDhH_FbeVI/AAAAAAAAB-U/_YHm8hMkooc/s1600/shepherd-217x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TVDhH_FbeVI/AAAAAAAAB-U/_YHm8hMkooc/s1600/shepherd-217x300.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The Great Shepherd's Love Letter</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Because I Love </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;"><b>You</b></span><b> So!"</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Psalm 23</i></b></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(adaptation and emphasis added)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I, the Lord, am your Great Shepherd.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I lovingly guard, protect, defend and rescue you.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I make a way where there seems no way and provide for your</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>every need in every way.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Because I love <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">you</span> so!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I make <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">you</span> lie down in green lush pastures beside still quiet waters.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I speak to your storm "peace be still" and My great calm flows over your entire being.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I heal, restore, make brand new and refresh <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">your</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Spirit, Soul (mind, will and emotions) and Body......</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>reaching unto your very core.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>You are forever transformed by my Mighty Hand of </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Mercy and Grace.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Because I love <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">you</span> so!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I guide you along the right paths....</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>My ways and My ways of doing things.....</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>and you follow.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>My heart delights as you stay close and follow me, your</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Great Shepherd.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Even though you journey the darkest valley and seasons where there seems no light on the horizon - I, your Great Shepherd, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>will hold you close to my heart and bear you up upon my everlasting arms and lead you through to complete wholeness and freedom...nothing missing, nothing broken.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Because I love you so!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Therefore, my beloved, you have no reason to fear....</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>for you are with Me and I am with you, my child.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Like a shepherd's crook and staff leading his tender flock,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I your Great Shepherd, guide, protect and defend you and bring you into safe and comfortable places.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Because I love you so!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I prepare a banqueting table laden with my unending provision of great and precious promises in the presence of the one(s) who are against you and I.....</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>For when they touch you, they touch Me....I am your strong defense.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Abide in my Presence and partake of my promises, for in and through Me, all darkness must flee and My Hand you will see!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Because I love you so!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I lovingly pour over your life the blessing of the rich, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>productive, fertile and living</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Oil* of My Spirit</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>and you shall overflow and bear much fruit for my Glory!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Know assuredly, my child, that My Spirit is within and upon you. And my loving kindness, mercy, goodness, unfailing love and faithfulness will overshadow you all the days of your life and you will continually dwell in my sweet Presence forever!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Because I, your Great Shepherd, love you so, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">______!</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Oil=Hebrew "shemen".... richness, fruitful, perfumed, become fat - rich and fertile</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TVGJZHpZmVI/AAAAAAAAB-0/h2KRcqU2Yd4/s1600/shepherd++losttop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TVGJZHpZmVI/AAAAAAAAB-0/h2KRcqU2Yd4/s320/shepherd++losttop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TVDoSSrFKlI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/KHSi9jBJlvA/s1600/15lovely-heart-vector1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TVDoSSrFKlI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/KHSi9jBJlvA/s200/15lovely-heart-vector1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Praying that you have a wonderful week, dear friends, and rest in the assurance that as we fix our focus upon Him, The Great Shepherd, will tenderly guide, provide and protect us all along our way!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also, I humbly ask that you would remember my daughter Katie in your prayers for complete healing, restoration and quick recovery, in Jesus Mighty Name!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Love and Hugs!</span></div><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div><br />
Image credit:<br />
Shepherd Image via: adw.org<br />
Heart image via: dezignus.com </div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-53905606891409248402011-02-03T02:01:00.010-07:002011-02-04T23:20:07.332-07:00STAY FOCUSED!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TUpQnLc6L7I/AAAAAAAAB-E/CqTYio628lI/s1600/12140686664sEA4I1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TUpQnLc6L7I/AAAAAAAAB-E/CqTYio628lI/s320/12140686664sEA4I1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Look to the Lord and His Strength,</div><div style="text-align: center;">seek His face always.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Psalm 105:4</div><br />
<br />
Hey Ya'll!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">The Lord has been speaking to me allot lately about keeping my eyes set and fully focused upon Him and guarding my mind against runaway thoughts of doubt, fear and unbelief and securely placing my hope, faith and trust upon His promises <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">like never before</span>. The days we're living in now and most certainly the days ahead will surely present plenty of opportunity to choose where our focus and trust will be placed. The enemy and our fleshly nature will certainly tempt us to crater and buy into fear, doubt and unbelief and be dictated by the ever changing sway of circumstances and situations which rob us of our peace. But, He's calling us to FOCUS our sights and continually renew our mind upon the BIGNESS of our God and His faithfulness! It's within our continual gaze upon Him and His promises that our faith is increased, strength and courage imparted and our mind and heart are filled with His assuring and constant Peace. And oh, how I need that, don't you?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I was in Walmart last evening, I happened to take a moment to peruse the book section and noticed Jesus Calling by Sarah Young in a new beautiful updated cover and stopped to read todays word. I have my own copy at home, but little did I know that the Holy Spirit would stop me in Walmart and speak to my heart (and I thought I was there for just milk and cat food)! I share this word in hopes that it speaks to your heart as well.......</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I am renewing your mind.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>When your thoughts flow freely,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>they tend to move toward problems,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>circling round and round it attempts </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to gain mastery.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Your energy is drained away from other matters</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>through this negative focus.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Worst of all, you loose focus of Me.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A renewed mind is Presence-focused.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Train your mind to seek Me in every moment, every situation.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sometimes you can find me in your surroundings;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>a lilting birdsong,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>a loved one's smile,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>golden sunlight,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>At other times you must draw inward to find Me.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm always present in your spirit.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Seek My Face,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>speak to Me,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and I will light up your mind.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't know about you, but I've had allot of opportunities lately to let my freely floating anxious thoughts circle round and round and wear me out with all of the wispers of "what if's", "when and why not's"! And as I began to shift my gaze from Him and behold the circumstances, my blood pressure jumped and my head throbbed and my peace drained away! As I mentioned above, He's calling us to fix our focus and trust upon Him like never before. It is a choice we make, moment by moment, hour by hour and day by day. It's time to be believers who REALLY BELIEVE He will do what He said He will do and place our complete focus, trust and thoughts upon Him and abide in His perfect peace!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">HE IS FAITHFUL!!<br />
<br />
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You,</div><div style="text-align: center;">all whose thoughts are fixed on You!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isaiah 26:3 NLT<br />
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My heart says of You, "Seek His Face!"<br />
Your face, Lord, I will seek.<br />
Psalm 27:8 NIV</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Staying focused upon Him!!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div><br />
Image via Pixdaus.com</div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-27793146665125019912011-02-01T11:31:00.007-07:002011-02-01T12:16:45.454-07:00HACKLES UP!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TUhNgMNfO0I/AAAAAAAAB94/RQ5jEU8rU-Y/s1600/iStock_000014622874XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TUhNgMNfO0I/AAAAAAAAB94/RQ5jEU8rU-Y/s320/iStock_000014622874XSmall.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Idiom: "To get one's hackles up"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Meaning: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><i>To be extremely insulted or irritated!</i></span></b></div> <br />
Hey Ya'll!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Yep....I've got my hackles up this morning! I usually try to stay away from the PC raucous but this morning's article on FOX (read entire news story <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/01/michigan-school-district-allows-sikh-students-wear-religious-dagger-school/">here</a>) just sent me into a hackled raised frenzy. And I think I'm safe to say that if allot of you've already read the story, there's a whole lot of hackle raising going on out there! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TUhBADl5kAI/AAAAAAAAB9w/p5byg5Hmv1Y/s1600/kirpan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TUhBADl5kAI/AAAAAAAAB9w/p5byg5Hmv1Y/s320/kirpan.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MyFoxDetroit.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Apparently, the Detroit school system is allowing a student to wear a dagger because within the tenants of the students sikh religion, all baptized males are expected to carry a dagger! A D.A.G.G.E.R. !!! Uh, the last time I checked, a dagger is a short pointed instrument used as a weapon, people!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Heaven forbid we offend the religious rights of the dagger totin' sikh religion baptized male student in Detroit! If I were a Christian parent of a child in the Detroit school system, I'd have one thing to say to them............Your liberal bent in the name of tolerance to protect the rights of the baptized sikh religion student not only endangers the safety of students but you have infringed upon my Holy Spirit baptized student's rights and my child will show up tomorrow carrying his Sword of the Lord...THE WORD OF GOD and will be clad with scripture covered attire and will pray before, during and after school on school grounds and will recite the Pledge of the Allegiance and carry an American flag boldly proclaiming GOD BLESS AMERICA!!............I'm just LOUDLY saying!!! Oh and one last rant.....I suppose that if someone gets stabbed (Heaven forbid!), the liberal media will attribute it to influences from Sarah Palin's rugged Alaskan hunting gun and knife totin' life style! GOD HELP US!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We must pray for our nation, people!!! WE MUST PRAY!!! AND IN LOVE BOLDLY PROCLAIM THE TRUTH!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">IF MY PEOPLE, WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,</div><div style="text-align: center;">SHALL HUMBLE THEMSELVES,</div><div style="text-align: center;">AND PRAY,</div><div style="text-align: center;">AND SEEK MY FACE</div><div style="text-align: center;">AND TURN</div><div style="text-align: center;">FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS,</div><div style="text-align: center;">THEN WILL I HEAR FROM HEAVEN</div><div style="text-align: center;">AND WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN</div><div style="text-align: center;">AND HEAL THEIR LAND.</div><div style="text-align: center;">IIChron. 2:14</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings!</div><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-9081856120015849912011-01-26T00:00:00.002-07:002011-01-27T07:47:03.974-07:00THE BLOND AND THE CAMO!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TUGFU1ULkoI/AAAAAAAAB9s/BcrHmR_NaDI/s1600/camo-wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TUGFU1ULkoI/AAAAAAAAB9s/BcrHmR_NaDI/s320/camo-wood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hey ya'll!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">Disclaimer</span>: If you are a blond or have ever been a blond, have a blond spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, relative, friend or even have a blond cat, dog or parakeet, please be advised that the following post is not intended to offend anyone who is remotely blond but is shared with the intent to give you a chuckle and a smile : )). The blond in this post is my big sister, Diane, whom I hold in very high esteem. She is very intelligent and highly educated with two masters degrees in education and has been in full time pastoral ministry for many years. However, her blondness frequently emerges on the most unlikely occasions and places and she cracks me up when she shares her blond moments with me. Thus, with my big sis' permission, I share with you her most recent blond experience in hopes that it will give you a smile and lift your heart and as my Sweet Mama always says, "Here's your laugh for the day".....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">"The Blond and the Camo"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">A blond (my big sis) was walking through Walmart and noticed a man dressed in camouflage standing in the check out line. The blond (my big sis) who has such a soft patriotic heart and always makes a point to express her gratitude and appreciation to military persons for their service wherever and whenever she encounters them (i.e. restaurants, church, grocery stores, sidewalks, movies, doctors offices, etc. etc. etc. ( I think you get the picture) halted her stride and headed over to the camouflage clad fellow and began to passionately thank him for his sacrifice and service to his country and for putting his life on the line to protect and defend our freedoms throughout the world and then continued on to assure him that she would hold him in her prayers for protection everywhere he goes and for all that he does....this went on for several minutes. As she was in mid passionate sentence...."thank you for all you do", the camo clad bewildered fellow sheepishly smiled at the blond (my big sis) and said..."uh, lady, I'm no soldier, I'm just going huntin'"!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The blond (my big sis) laughed at herself all the way home and later called me to share her blond/camouflage faux pas and we laughed till we cried (and boy did I need it)! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope my big sis' blond moment gave you a laugh and a smile today, my friends. Laughter is gooood for the soul and lifts our heart! And we can never have too many laughs and smiles in our daily journey! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">A merry heart doeth good like a medicine...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Proverbs 17:22</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TT-25Y4u9XI/AAAAAAAAB9c/uo-d3gdbCuM/s1600/DianeSedonaApr10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TT-25Y4u9XI/AAAAAAAAB9c/uo-d3gdbCuM/s320/DianeSedonaApr10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me and the blond (my big sis) Diane</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, and lastly, I just had to throw this in.....I will never think of camo the same again without cracking up! I ran across this photo in google images and just had to share it with you and boy did I have another good laugh! I mean really, who would wear a camo unbrella hat!! LOL!! : ))......Wow am I cracking up typing this, ya'll!! : )))))</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TT_BQngityI/AAAAAAAAB9g/8ftL2IJ9RhY/s1600/camo_umbrella_hat.jpg%253Fw%253D300%2526h%253D300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TT_BQngityI/AAAAAAAAB9g/8ftL2IJ9RhY/s320/camo_umbrella_hat.jpg%253Fw%253D300%2526h%253D300.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love, Laughter and Abundant Blessings! : ))</div><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067303911475128377.post-25421038973385734952011-01-23T15:10:00.001-07:002011-01-23T15:14:48.982-07:00URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TTyjALhlyMI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/JmuWBhGkk6I/s1600/Anne+Marie+Joshua+framed+-+Easter+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GHHug--MiP4/TTyjALhlyMI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/JmuWBhGkk6I/s320/Anne+Marie+Joshua+framed+-+Easter+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anne Marie and son Joshua</div><br />
Hey ya'll......<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm unable to give you the details at this time, but humbly ask that you please pray for my nephew Mark and his wife Anne Marie. As many of you are aware, Anne Marie has been battling the reoccurrence of cancer last year (click <a href="http://freshoiltoday.blogspot.com/2010/06/latest-on-anne-marie.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">here</span></a> for posts re Anne Marie's journey) and the road has been very difficult on them BOTH and they BOTH need prayer covering right now......they are in a very hard place!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our family is believing for miracles and Divine intervention on their behalf and would so appreciate your prayers for Mark and Anne Marie......There is nothing too difficult for our God! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you dear bloggin' friends for your prayers........You're prayer support means more that you'll ever know. I will keep you posted.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"The ernest prayer of a righteous person has great power<br />
and produces wonderful results"</div><div style="text-align: center;">James 5:16 NLT</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">HE IS FAITHFUL!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Love, Prayers and Blessings!</div><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://s608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/?action=view&current=1e25eff4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i608.photobucket.com/albums/tt168/1joydiva/1e25eff4.jpg" /></a></div></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08471225291665810800noreply@blogger.com19