tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2278730498693213352024-03-05T00:21:18.654-08:00My Life- it's as fun as puttin' lipstick on a squirrelA blog about being a Mom who walks with God to the best of her ability. Our family is on the way to being debt free so one day we can GIVE like noone else. We work hard to stay on the path with God. He is patient, He loves us. Amen. Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-41137620184304051572022-11-20T05:21:00.003-08:002022-11-20T05:21:32.594-08:00I'm Rolling with My 2x4<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As I continue to fast from Social Media, I am still finding a need to share the little things I love in life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xPFW8qzomikrX7PX0cAu6R4VCRBg9yj3j6Bs2fbndh0kkGpSIWtHUcUsiVkiQYLRnzHGXLJURBJ-bXGNZOWkAt0CRGxwvwuV3ATa54AZtKsCGpfGdWokzcdZ3S5BP47fHpx8ybvw55q_lbJST-E8cBcnPmfr8BnKTLpLg7RnQOGJvsnVtqLEcb_T/s320/IMG_6319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xPFW8qzomikrX7PX0cAu6R4VCRBg9yj3j6Bs2fbndh0kkGpSIWtHUcUsiVkiQYLRnzHGXLJURBJ-bXGNZOWkAt0CRGxwvwuV3ATa54AZtKsCGpfGdWokzcdZ3S5BP47fHpx8ybvw55q_lbJST-E8cBcnPmfr8BnKTLpLg7RnQOGJvsnVtqLEcb_T/s1600/IMG_6319.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I call this my fancy horse charcuterie board. I have a knack for seeing the unseen and the humor in it all. I simply dug in my husbands scrap lumber for a board. Why? I was tired of cutting apples on my truck bed with the liner grooves and all. It was simply a way to avoid chopping off a finger instead of chopping up an apple. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We have a horse that is on the mend and we visit the barn daily. This sounds effortless and awesome to the un-horse people. But it truly is not as glamorous as it seems. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As difficult as the last month and a half has been worrying about this horse and it's needs, I would not trade it. There have been nights with blowing wind and head lamps, beautiful 75 degree days and all the weather in between. This Fall has thrown us basically all the weather curveballs at once! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The roller coaster ride of weather trickled over in a roller coaster of horse health and diagnosis' that meant antibiotics, anti-inflammatory meds and numerous other special needs! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I will say through it all the horse has been a good horse. I am very thankful for that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Back to that 2x4. It was in the scrap bucket that my husband was using while working on the structures out at the barn. Horse dad's always end up doing horse things...but secretly my Husband loves doing carpentry surrounded by horses. Literally standing over his shoulder with curious faces and wide eyes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">To see the beauty in something thrown away as trash is a quality that I learned from my Dad. There is a use for almost everything if you can see it in your head! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So out of all the boards, wide, long, short, fat, I chose that one. It fits two apples perfect. It stays in the bed of my truck faithfully awaiting it's next visit to the barn. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I may not have a "house" charcuterie board, but it's gonna be okay. A Charcuterie board is just cold cuts on the fancy side, am I right? </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYT6Ei4AIn3tAprUvPZgl88qFd9Z8E8sbl0H5QyQy5yf_UupUYAmi8silnFawSBoLC9xBVEjhsXP5CBtiBMZ3DWHx-lAoXpkR7BAUZyEyyQqb2xhhssKGR5xH5Ie4_uPUZ714f0z6kN5BEDdyhWK4QquY0fTki4oON_FHsXUJCrMd4GbsWKF8VkIy/s1306/c3b44c6e338179ec98a1076cf7bd1485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1044" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYT6Ei4AIn3tAprUvPZgl88qFd9Z8E8sbl0H5QyQy5yf_UupUYAmi8silnFawSBoLC9xBVEjhsXP5CBtiBMZ3DWHx-lAoXpkR7BAUZyEyyQqb2xhhssKGR5xH5Ie4_uPUZ714f0z6kN5BEDdyhWK4QquY0fTki4oON_FHsXUJCrMd4GbsWKF8VkIy/s320/c3b44c6e338179ec98a1076cf7bd1485.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">What I do have is two horses that knicker each time I roll up and they let me hug their warm necks and hide my face under their long manes. I have a girl that rides with me every time to go see her horse as they are soulmates. I have a husband who loves us and our horses and EVERYONE else's horses too. He has never met a horse he did not like.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Keep that fancy board, I'm rolling with my 2x4. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-74711948538448810352022-11-16T04:48:00.001-08:002022-11-16T04:49:40.082-08:00Every Rose has it's thorn<p><span style="font-size: large;">I have to admit, I have a big problem. I see beauty every day. I see God and Nature and all the wonderful things available to me on this earth. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am not grateful. Instead I say the things I wish that I would not. This Bible verse is a shin-kicker for me. I believe Paul wrote this: </span></p><p><br /></p><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; width: 600.862px;"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="listbox" aria-labelledby="dropdown-37325" class="bcv d-container go2538389840" id="dropdown-37325" role="button" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;">Romans 7:15-20</div><div class="dropdown-icon" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px 4px; min-width: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; white-space: nowrap;" tabindex="0"><svg height="6.5" viewbox="0 0 11.5 6.5" width="11.5" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M11.28.22a.75.75 0 0 0-1.06 0L5.75 4.69 1.28.22A.75.75 0 0 0 .22 1.28l5 5a.73.73 0 0 0 .53.22.74.74 0 0 0 .53-.22l5-5a.75.75 0 0 0 0-1.06z"></path></svg></div></div><span class="d-root"></span></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="listbox" aria-labelledby="dropdown-87807" class="translation d-container go2538389840" id="dropdown-87807" role="button" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;">New International Version</div><div class="dropdown-icon" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px 4px; min-width: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; white-space: nowrap;" tabindex="0"><svg height="6.5" viewbox="0 0 11.5 6.5" width="11.5" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M11.28.22a.75.75 0 0 0-1.06 0L5.75 4.69 1.28.22A.75.75 0 0 0 .22 1.28l5 5a.73.73 0 0 0 .53.22.74.74 0 0 0 .53-.22l5-5a.75.75 0 0 0 0-1.06z"></path></svg></div></div><span class="d-root"></span></div><div class="clearfix" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"></div></h1><div class="passage-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7em; margin-top: 50px; min-width: 0px;"><div class="passage-content passage-class-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><div class="version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><div class="std-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Rom-7-15" id="en-NIV-28107"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">15 </span>I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.</span> <span class="text Rom-7-16" id="en-NIV-28108"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">16 </span>And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.</span> <span class="text Rom-7-17" id="en-NIV-28109"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">17 </span>As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.</span> <span class="text Rom-7-18" id="en-NIV-28110"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">18 </span>For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-28110a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28110a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%207:15-20&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28110a" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.</span> <span class="text Rom-7-19" id="en-NIV-28111"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">19 </span>For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.</span> <span class="text Rom-7-20" id="en-NIV-28112"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">20 </span>Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">So, comparison is bad. Social Media , which I am taking a break from, enables me to see other's lives and then I start to make comparisons to my life. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">This morning I woke up very sick, probably flu or just a nasty cold. I cried to my husband about the pain I was feeling. He told me to be grateful for not being homeless, I am out of the cold and I have a warm home. I cried more. That hurt my feelings. Well, no. It actually hurt my ego. My pride. I hate feeling weak and sick, but it's not something to dwell on. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">Temperatures here in North Carolina have been summer all the way to near freezing for the last month. Seriously, some days you need to change clothing twice a day to match the temperature! </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">BUT, the other day it was a balmy 75 degrees. I walked out back and the knockout roses behind my house were still rocking it out. I took this picture: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrmD0ZW7P5Sp6XeCA4IlYXeS8Nv8cvijmCSoujcK9Dfe_kx-VlwUV0TdhJibEczg5iKoRUJUFyIHf-4lbZcUlFW214HCwympGb8W0c4t_7_gWmznx_hNAevCUHDatu0jLZ8a4m0q0qgyTlydoTcQasU_tVlrb5eQtJL1z7uGO6c6hS1bgxhJiozas/s427/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrmD0ZW7P5Sp6XeCA4IlYXeS8Nv8cvijmCSoujcK9Dfe_kx-VlwUV0TdhJibEczg5iKoRUJUFyIHf-4lbZcUlFW214HCwympGb8W0c4t_7_gWmznx_hNAevCUHDatu0jLZ8a4m0q0qgyTlydoTcQasU_tVlrb5eQtJL1z7uGO6c6hS1bgxhJiozas/s320/thumbnail.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>A lone bud at the top of the bush, soaking up the sun. I was so grateful to take a picture of the beauty. I instantly thought, I need to share this on Facebook. However, I am currently taking a BREAK from Facebook and all the new rhythms that Facebook has put into my life. I think that I lost my way and forgot that sharing every little thing is not necessary. <p></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">So instead, I will write this for me, so I can process being grateful. Choosing the positive side not the negative in the situation. It will be a struggle, for years I have hated who I am and the things I have done. Hate from anyone else is easier for me to deal with. But self hate is a tricky place to navigate. If I wrote down half the things that I say to myself it would be hard to read. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">So, I am a rose. But with the rose comes the thorns. I will press on trying to love me. It's a struggle, because of , well those thorns.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">Until next time, </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.6rem; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;">Tracy </p></div></div></div></div>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-43696621397761148562022-03-22T04:32:00.001-07:002022-03-22T04:38:12.237-07:00Fluff , Fold , Deliver... Part II<p>In my last blog, I told you all ...to be continued. </p><p>here's the recap: I wrestled with God in a BK parking lot. I did not win. I was in the midst of doing a bunch of laundry. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvUK26FS9hsNJmy3VoCT9c3aSFNXBBy6O-MfnJfO2xCVAvL2nbkzQP_RuRoUv5TG5aLKas3c6u9VrLthZ8JeVrMctjchigVqtQZTLFeZDy9-BunuDQJQgdmznQvm65l8QNiptnFfzNLP0yWS0iOvojFNV2BbTeOG3rEfVWdL1lTkQxuP6VSdYkq8p/s320/IMG_4091.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvUK26FS9hsNJmy3VoCT9c3aSFNXBBy6O-MfnJfO2xCVAvL2nbkzQP_RuRoUv5TG5aLKas3c6u9VrLthZ8JeVrMctjchigVqtQZTLFeZDy9-BunuDQJQgdmznQvm65l8QNiptnFfzNLP0yWS0iOvojFNV2BbTeOG3rEfVWdL1lTkQxuP6VSdYkq8p/s1600/IMG_4091.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>there, you are caught up. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklo34T1eoppAWojX8j_vBwV7PRLj3ujUu7baT3cCJE01ilGJL-3btYTw0WkSheongbmbR-TuJG-xah_kjyOte92Nsaw_QJVHU7nDUypTXEPb09d89bCgks48jRHf27lshgzqvPYv6v1_8-r-4-9U9EPadB91TC81GSl174TX_rRKAg8oU6unfNyjB/s320/IMG_4089.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklo34T1eoppAWojX8j_vBwV7PRLj3ujUu7baT3cCJE01ilGJL-3btYTw0WkSheongbmbR-TuJG-xah_kjyOte92Nsaw_QJVHU7nDUypTXEPb09d89bCgks48jRHf27lshgzqvPYv6v1_8-r-4-9U9EPadB91TC81GSl174TX_rRKAg8oU6unfNyjB/s1600/IMG_4089.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p>So they gave me two full totes. They had not done laundry since last November. I put much care into folding, fluffing, repairing and spritzing love into these clothes. I wanted them to have some "home" smell on them. I tuck in a FAT sharpie, for good sign making! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsAFo96AgGlC1Vv-leFS8_Er94z7C3fXt3kpqPofc7NKV-jWh3uXpDqTbIbrS0RW7UtQnX_yBbDcCxk0wqvv3hhLiDKtVEa9PIjWBd5tNdHvuaeEeic9rBf4Uc43b0dv6I3m2sQIihRR7utEDTHmXBxdaisaA2fAy0Vop6EHpeIcHv2OzW_8kLKC-/s320/IMG_4099.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsAFo96AgGlC1Vv-leFS8_Er94z7C3fXt3kpqPofc7NKV-jWh3uXpDqTbIbrS0RW7UtQnX_yBbDcCxk0wqvv3hhLiDKtVEa9PIjWBd5tNdHvuaeEeic9rBf4Uc43b0dv6I3m2sQIihRR7utEDTHmXBxdaisaA2fAy0Vop6EHpeIcHv2OzW_8kLKC-/s1600/IMG_4099.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipLuEVXm_AqsXMtRutHhdRQ7VZm1SOc0UagrsjV62bhXsDyF-MHlkMSiborv47LorBqZPfSXAeWR1EcXzgZrvAFk3cqVdH0-TFr_GCJzkARhNXctx1Wot8cuTq3eEDPDTSp8KIpQWgvWSR3oMcHPE4qT7zpIezq8WpEkSrE5cV7bDiqMzuCX9Bh9hE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipLuEVXm_AqsXMtRutHhdRQ7VZm1SOc0UagrsjV62bhXsDyF-MHlkMSiborv47LorBqZPfSXAeWR1EcXzgZrvAFk3cqVdH0-TFr_GCJzkARhNXctx1Wot8cuTq3eEDPDTSp8KIpQWgvWSR3oMcHPE4qT7zpIezq8WpEkSrE5cV7bDiqMzuCX9Bh9hE" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>8 hours later all was clean and it was time to go deliver. We tucked in extras, warm socks and beanies we are not using. I washed my prized Carhartt jacket to offer to him. ( He did not need it, someone had given him one already! ) I don't work for men and women, I serve Jesus. This was me preparing to deliver to Jesus. I purchased one set of silverware for each, one plate, one bowl and one glass. I wrapped them lovingly in cloth napkins that I am always collecting. I include some dishwashing soap, a towel and sponge. "home" things. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTOl6UHtQsvi0fXbw-YyO3V0_SuN_YdIJD6Ip0R86r_Qkz8w1pA6s-TzyiX9KvscRDSjSEvhnGq4-ZCggoJx72ScrSduaCE3MNfBC10fFjprGKoQRXYZgcwFA4W54VwiDjJoA4QGvYK16uhb68-lWH4oyeEOoVMnUSJ2lCxHQATyPo_A-elSkbSAD/s320/IMG_4095.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTOl6UHtQsvi0fXbw-YyO3V0_SuN_YdIJD6Ip0R86r_Qkz8w1pA6s-TzyiX9KvscRDSjSEvhnGq4-ZCggoJx72ScrSduaCE3MNfBC10fFjprGKoQRXYZgcwFA4W54VwiDjJoA4QGvYK16uhb68-lWH4oyeEOoVMnUSJ2lCxHQATyPo_A-elSkbSAD/s1600/IMG_4095.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p>Bryan and I packed up and prepared to run to the hotel. It's the same old same old. Run down, overpriced rooms, mean management, children peeking out closed curtains. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl8gSG_E4R3058D0YX6moEo5qrWlDqJhMDVTFJm__asAe-A6Vt5XImui8IWBZZlXzsrp_yiT30mE0cRX1TGf2DPyYY27688soeP_prhMAIh3XU0iZGm2mgxuouI0Ppc7PAADrFujbAIDYGxE0ureCWmtnNh6bhnP6TdFGoF1-BQDOActepH-4K4lt/s320/IMG_4100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzl8gSG_E4R3058D0YX6moEo5qrWlDqJhMDVTFJm__asAe-A6Vt5XImui8IWBZZlXzsrp_yiT30mE0cRX1TGf2DPyYY27688soeP_prhMAIh3XU0iZGm2mgxuouI0Ppc7PAADrFujbAIDYGxE0ureCWmtnNh6bhnP6TdFGoF1-BQDOActepH-4K4lt/s1600/IMG_4100.jpg" width="240" /></a>These two run down to see us. They are excited. We drop and run. But first I ask one question: is that ALL the socks you have. He says yes. But we held back a pair to wear while you were washing. Bryan says: He looks just like Zac ( our son) . I agree. Later in the week, Cora would meet him and say the exact same thing. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZWgOSiIYMi8gfs4RxGoEXuLv2dc7R6vs8tGG6iSPXlOvOhcyKWoLOkMYhCnu9sUKrKvwCZmMLzp52eaPWfocW0kdBgI6sO98CInTncl9BboB25TTWFlWONHE48o-L_Si_1My0GlB6Szs-DZIHt3cSTc_sjW1340dQazOGj_VUY-MKJ5pqhVphe_0/s320/IMG_4093.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZWgOSiIYMi8gfs4RxGoEXuLv2dc7R6vs8tGG6iSPXlOvOhcyKWoLOkMYhCnu9sUKrKvwCZmMLzp52eaPWfocW0kdBgI6sO98CInTncl9BboB25TTWFlWONHE48o-L_Si_1My0GlB6Szs-DZIHt3cSTc_sjW1340dQazOGj_VUY-MKJ5pqhVphe_0/s1600/IMG_4093.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p>Later that day, I text and ask their sock sizes. I also ask him, if he would mind me getting him a good pair of shoes. I explain New Balance are the only type of shoe that I purchased for clients back in VA. A few days later he requests black ones. One time a man stopped and gave him Jordan's. He was ragged on by passing cars for wearing shoes , expensive nice ones. I tell him , we will keep it low key. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2J05AnY6Y9s6rZzi_SSVjChHGuTZXxMXpt3jTfVw6gRJMRDvHfIFZK2qYI4CmwObJyC8A_naw43BqpvkCSFv4jGnR17kHhl23uQIA2Q8NnDTGlHWvJ3habzgOYi-xDxrpn81TEUIV7civHDKQxhi6_Wb6A_Nxe4ZBQqayUJ_RCbaBK91zIeewTS5_/s320/66929105012__7F0EEFB0-533E-4C1A-9888-D2E7BC7024F5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2J05AnY6Y9s6rZzi_SSVjChHGuTZXxMXpt3jTfVw6gRJMRDvHfIFZK2qYI4CmwObJyC8A_naw43BqpvkCSFv4jGnR17kHhl23uQIA2Q8NnDTGlHWvJ3habzgOYi-xDxrpn81TEUIV7civHDKQxhi6_Wb6A_Nxe4ZBQqayUJ_RCbaBK91zIeewTS5_/s1600/66929105012__7F0EEFB0-533E-4C1A-9888-D2E7BC7024F5.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>My new friend has a solid scar from neck to lower back, from back surgery when he was a teen. He took a fall off a 2nd story balcony. The story stops there. There is a shame in his eyes I recognize in my own some mornings in the mirror. His back hurts all the time. The shoes are a necessity. If you can , please donate : you can try our <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ZQQ9CCQ5JVRO?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">Amazon Wishlist</a> to purchase gift visas for me to use to purchase them. OR you can Paypal me: @TracyNiles or Venmo me direct @Tracy-BartonNiles . Please note I am NOT a non profit. I am a person helping persons. </p><p>I received some of the items from the wish list already! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j0kuGjFgBDPuCOWSHEIWZ_ZhD3CVlInW9iib_dGVPdFKJPI1i89CDECw7X1ikzbYQATrHF10s9PHzJ4T4XxK7y53o2ZtLESJdMnUfHiLeWKIUBksZTBXZQgX7IuUUVnY7gGkQA19WrgpqzGLxn8elvsH6LMDONujYxyyGFWHULCzBPuIwEkNAcQC/s320/IMG_4289.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j0kuGjFgBDPuCOWSHEIWZ_ZhD3CVlInW9iib_dGVPdFKJPI1i89CDECw7X1ikzbYQATrHF10s9PHzJ4T4XxK7y53o2ZtLESJdMnUfHiLeWKIUBksZTBXZQgX7IuUUVnY7gGkQA19WrgpqzGLxn8elvsH6LMDONujYxyyGFWHULCzBPuIwEkNAcQC/s1600/IMG_4289.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH33C767e15kP6rFYjiPm-Ef179zZQFKAakYZ7WZNp0AHfD9xzNfEFNTZerOzTP-5LXyaJsxrn-dBoyzwU7wcW4NzsnisD6dQrhCnQ-7wuE52xHpuhvq1-NESsXozTxQwHkSSQo2gK0N7T9b2ecx2iMKWe8eL28QR5intFj4tPB6iRLFgVFFdoBoT/s320/IMG_4290.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH33C767e15kP6rFYjiPm-Ef179zZQFKAakYZ7WZNp0AHfD9xzNfEFNTZerOzTP-5LXyaJsxrn-dBoyzwU7wcW4NzsnisD6dQrhCnQ-7wuE52xHpuhvq1-NESsXozTxQwHkSSQo2gK0N7T9b2ecx2iMKWe8eL28QR5intFj4tPB6iRLFgVFFdoBoT/s1600/IMG_4290.jpg" width="240" /></a>Thank you! I actually was wrapping my daughter's birthday presents so I decided to wrap their items. Wrapping for Jesus. Not to be confused with "rapping" for Jesus! :) haha! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3h5WZtZuDT6qMIjXGWF91Uyz7M0-5XMaHYRjse6VLuVFhAnWVygJ1qciHL1C1HVnwSMfcvj5CUSgeLbwCgknICpQLlQQIA0D-bia4YBicZjZpcvHo1ve-RuMvnLPiYyp-I0_8iW1HzcueYYd7zrNWrZZd6xqb5tVke7aLSZWbo99PfYx9cr8OLaf/s320/IMG_4292.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3h5WZtZuDT6qMIjXGWF91Uyz7M0-5XMaHYRjse6VLuVFhAnWVygJ1qciHL1C1HVnwSMfcvj5CUSgeLbwCgknICpQLlQQIA0D-bia4YBicZjZpcvHo1ve-RuMvnLPiYyp-I0_8iW1HzcueYYd7zrNWrZZd6xqb5tVke7aLSZWbo99PfYx9cr8OLaf/s1600/IMG_4292.jpg" width="240" /></a> They ran to their room, we waited outside, but could hear paper ripping and joyful shouts. It felt like Christmas. God breaks my heart with these little moments. </p><p>We see his bike is out. We offer him a ride... quietly from the back seat he tells us that the socks are really, really nice. What can we say? It's silent. He see's a sign for a local builder. He says the name quietly. Then tells us that his Dad lives in VA, near a new neighborhood developed by that same builder. His Dad has his own struggles. We nod and listen. He works, but can't help his son. </p><p>We know how this is. I think many people are hand to mouth right now. He thanks us for the ride. We go do our shopping and check on him after. He is doing ok, BUT a Woman with a small boy has set up one corner down. He said that they pulled up next to him, offered him $4 to get off their corner. He is nearly in tears. He saw the children. So do other people. He is not going to make the room tonight. I say a quiet prayer. I can't control this. </p><p>We wish him well and we drive home. </p><p>Later, he texts me, and tells me half an hour after we left, they left the corner and he was able to get enough for the room. I cry again. I cry a lot lately. But just for tonight, they are good. Clean clothing and a room. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIAYn4PwpwmNSLyF4N2jHCNm3HHIfa23uVGBeIRS0Assf4GGAnsUj4sPDEnKVrKNTlHmXDjC7CnYvESl5QH18EM2SE67KSG9VDl_GWiodSUfnadFUan5Rx_jxqPltkaVdYeeEeQeVwlpsa9LJ7k4KhQQJjs8WRTz8Vv97JiH0PwIINg4l9b3GvdFz/s429/240_F_174827840_Xr1QQIM013sn2w6eHpOWuO4me79tJKMh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="429" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIAYn4PwpwmNSLyF4N2jHCNm3HHIfa23uVGBeIRS0Assf4GGAnsUj4sPDEnKVrKNTlHmXDjC7CnYvESl5QH18EM2SE67KSG9VDl_GWiodSUfnadFUan5Rx_jxqPltkaVdYeeEeQeVwlpsa9LJ7k4KhQQJjs8WRTz8Vv97JiH0PwIINg4l9b3GvdFz/s320/240_F_174827840_Xr1QQIM013sn2w6eHpOWuO4me79tJKMh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-76847583561204434252022-03-13T05:37:00.005-07:002022-03-17T04:26:00.907-07:00My Church is a washer and a dryer<p>UPDATED to add an Amazon Wishlist : *please be advised, I am not a non-profit. I am a person helping other persons. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk! </p><p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ZQQ9CCQ5JVRO?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank">Amazon Wish List </a></p><p><br /></p><p>I've been up since 4 doing something that I love. Fluff and fold. Seriously if you don't believe me ask my friends. </p><p>I have lived in our new city for over a year now. I have a confession to make...</p><p>I have been ignoring the homeless. I have been driving by , looking in their eyes. I have made mental notes of their location, their signs, the way they dress and walk back and forth, searching for connection. But I never stop. </p><p>I have been taking stock of what is available in a community that has no Public Transit. I have seen one location downtown that does a type of food handout. That is it. But yet, I see them. My addressless friends popping up everywhere. Some look approachable. Some rant to themselves. All are someone's child. </p><p>I was out enjoying a solo trip to the old Dollar Store and Thrift Store. Searching for something to fill my own brokenness when I saw him. That kid I always see. That kid that reminds me of my own son. I have a whole story in my head about this young man. God is feeling frisky today and tells me on the way home, I will stop and ask what he needs. </p><p>I LINGER at my last stop...I don't want to make the trip home. I have to drive RIGHT past the guy. But I do. I pull in the fast food parking lot. I back in , Bryan would be proud. I watch the young man walk up and down. His eyes are steady, but sad. It's rush hour in my little town. Nothing like good ol' Chesapeake, but this is the hour to work the curb. Not one person gives him a nod or a handout. </p><p>I sit 15 long minutes, I notice him looking at me each time he walks down the line of traffic. Now I know my God. He is hilarious. It's Jesus looking me dead in the eye, saying : " Are you gonna be a big girl and get out of the truck?" Me: " Hey Jesus, challenge accepted" . I put it off for a few more minutes and text the daughter to let her know I was last seen at this intersection in these clothes and what I am doing. She replies: "Go do It" ! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeM4WhrquzLXKJVnMdWb_3DwAJU8tx6v_0wroPPMWNJ4VITihny1dYs5va4Zf6bMXQb8YHiFAtlOA5hZYxrPlnAY1BAMpTiHrWtocqYGhqksA7b4Tf38gjqqy1ibejLq1tMT_z68TsLh1Dq-FYsl6Qg4wCRLrRfqv4drm92YdTMoH9WbG1hghetKQn=s320" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeM4WhrquzLXKJVnMdWb_3DwAJU8tx6v_0wroPPMWNJ4VITihny1dYs5va4Zf6bMXQb8YHiFAtlOA5hZYxrPlnAY1BAMpTiHrWtocqYGhqksA7b4Tf38gjqqy1ibejLq1tMT_z68TsLh1Dq-FYsl6Qg4wCRLrRfqv4drm92YdTMoH9WbG1hghetKQn" width="240" /></a>last seen wearing pic. I also told her to crop out my cleavage if she had to share it. :) </div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Well, now God speaks thru angsty teens. I spend MORE time texting my Husband, no answer, as he is working. well shit...here we go. </p><p>I get out, put my keys in my pocket and walk straight towards him. I declare the entire intersection is watching. He turns around and looks very cautious. I get right in his space and say, Hey, my name is Tracy, what's yours?</p><p> sorry. f the quotation marks. Just let me tell the story :) </p><p>He says slowly and carefully , _________. There I know his damn name now! I have wanted to hear it so long! the flood gates open. I cry. In front of EVERYBODY! I am embarrassed but remember my therapist says: Let that shit out. I tell him I have been here for a year and I am very sorry for not stopping sooner. He says: it's all right. I say No, it's really not. I then do my normal Q&A. </p><p>Where do you stay? inside/ outside? he answers. night to night hotel up the road. </p><p>I say: I am sorry for interrupting you while traffic is busy, should we walk and talk? </p><p>I know this is the prime time for him to get his room money and I am totally harshing his corner. He says no. I ask what do you need? </p><p>He pauses. I say, do you need food, shelter, clothing. What do you need? </p><p>He is bewildered. Then quietly says food. I ask like a hot meal? non perishables what...on and on we go. I offer him the night off by squaring away the room and taking him to the local grocery store. He is reluctant to walk away. But who can say no to me :) </p><p><br /></p><p>We shop. We get what he needs. He has a girlfriend, she is back at the room. He stops as we approach the check out. Can I get one more thing? Yes of course. I say. </p><p>It's for my cat. you have a cat? yes. we get can food and I throw in a catnip mouse. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieQU8aVK3510gD-RqCl411DpzCfswdC1UlTUey85ykmrq-gc3OVNvc_pgMyG3UiZdiH_wLiZS1poRA4yMlL7xuK1UqKoxhnCIys3-6XPK_OhvJ5e2Q_Rm8fAIHssp5UVn5xQ1KajRLPyqnzeY12Khhnoy9XZnClp6_WELUNo-S3jAEv1xt28NHYl7a=s320" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieQU8aVK3510gD-RqCl411DpzCfswdC1UlTUey85ykmrq-gc3OVNvc_pgMyG3UiZdiH_wLiZS1poRA4yMlL7xuK1UqKoxhnCIys3-6XPK_OhvJ5e2Q_Rm8fAIHssp5UVn5xQ1KajRLPyqnzeY12Khhnoy9XZnClp6_WELUNo-S3jAEv1xt28NHYl7a" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I would like to mention that everyone we passed gave him an up and down look and frowned or then realized we were together. I met them square in the eye with a big old smile. They smiled back in embarrassment. I know they know who he is . This is a small town. They passed him, just like me. </p><p><br /></p><p>We check out and hit the road to the hotel. He literally runs up the stairs and comes back down with his cat. I am introduced to his girlfriend and his truly awesome cat. He begins to carry up his food and then comes back down. I give him the balance he needs for the room. He is again cautious about taking it. </p><p>He asks: why did you stop? are you religious? I laugh, I say yes I am. I explain that my God has a huge sense of humor and I tell him about fighting with God in the fast food parking lot. I tell him about my friend Karen who I helped out in VA, she was floored when I told her I would fight with God. She said, you don't need that kind of trouble, he will get you! And she's right. God gets me everytime. </p><p>I then say, that it was very nice to meet all of them, I offer my phone number on a piece of paper and say I can't do what I did today all the time. But please call if you ever need anything. I offer to do their laundry, since we talked about the cost of that etc. He shakes his head. I say. No truly. I love doing laundry. think about it. </p><p>He says he will. </p><p>Later , he texts me from the girlfriends cell: </p><p>this is our number , and I just want to thank you for today. u absolutely made my day I prayed to god that today would be a good day I didn't pray for money I jus prayed for people to be nice an the day to go smooth and I got off early and got a day off thanks to u. U made a difference in my life an I just want u to know how grateful I am. There's still good people in the world thank u. </p><p><br /></p><p>You are right ________, there are good people in the world and you are the good people. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj5CmgRjS4_Clo021gM66llB-glekXcqiVdpWnojjINE5uFHwaI7UTlHjYtt1vBSOAnGsumNNaMcc9TBWxfL-DyJERrSG894AcBO_Tg-4C1rvuSF4Pze1ZaosjIdJLyxE5lVxXZ_ELkIksIOZuGrmc_xRwfizllKYcNIpYKiWJKzFiFzWN-Z18Q_MZ=s207" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="207" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj5CmgRjS4_Clo021gM66llB-glekXcqiVdpWnojjINE5uFHwaI7UTlHjYtt1vBSOAnGsumNNaMcc9TBWxfL-DyJERrSG894AcBO_Tg-4C1rvuSF4Pze1ZaosjIdJLyxE5lVxXZ_ELkIksIOZuGrmc_xRwfizllKYcNIpYKiWJKzFiFzWN-Z18Q_MZ" width="207" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-80778987102311304852018-12-03T05:06:00.001-08:002018-12-03T05:07:21.416-08:00Chasing down a red backpack<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 2, 2018</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are running early for church. We NEVER run early. I should have known right then that God was up to something. We gathered our stuff and loaded up the minivan. We decided to stop at our bank before church to make a deposit in the ATM. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's when I saw him. I was driving towards Great Bridge and he was walking away on the other side. A quick look to the rear view mirror, red back pack. A guy in dirty winter wear , walking in the rain with a red back pack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside my head, I heard the still small voice. Turn around and see what he needs. No, I thought, I need to head to the bank. We got to the bank and Bryan hops out to make the deposit. Here I sit in the driver's seat. Wrestling with God while Cora sits happily unaware in the back seat. God is all over me telling me to double back and find the red back pack. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bryan hops in the car. I tell him, we are doubling back. God wants me to go find the red back pack guy. Bryan says he did not see him. I sigh. I saw him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We turn out and go back down Cedar Rd. I drive 35 in a 45 praying silently that he has gone off into the town homes on the right. Nope. I look up about a mile and he is just passing a church. Guess what? God has a sense of humor. There is a safe spot to pull off and he has just arrived at it. I pull over and hit the hazards and turn to Bryan. I say, get out and ask him what he needs. He laughs and says, I thought God told YOU to do that. :) I delegate again and he asks the guy if he needs anything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The man is shaking, wet, looks exhausted and is the age of my oldest son. These are the ones that tear me up inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bryan hollers over his shoulder, he needs a ride to Chesapeake Square Mall. I almost say, dang we are headed to South Norfolk...totally out of the way. But Bryan beats me to it. The young man does not know where South Norfolk is. I then come up with a genius plan....or God did! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bryan, tell him get in front and we will drive to church. You drop me and Cora off and take him on to Chesapeake Square Mall. We have always chatted about this ...if we pick someone up. One adult stays with Cora in the back and to keep an eye on the situation. One of us is up front with the homeless person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I reach over and put out my hand and introduce myself, he timidly shakes my hand and tells me his name is George. I introduce him to Cora and Bryan. He will not look me in the eye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hit the hazards and tell him where we are going, how long it will take and the plan. I also ask if he is hungry. He smells of alcohol and I know he is shaking and feeling like crap. He declines food. I wait a bit and I ask George, what brings you out here to Great Bridge. He replies: I was detained for drunk and disorderly conduct. I sigh. I say well you are in good company...I have been there before. He looks straight ahead. I am thankful he told me the truth and I now know we are completely safe. Just coming fresh from jail...he has nothing on him. I am sure if he had any weapon of any kind...it was removed from his possession at intake. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then offer him my cup of coffee...I had made an extra for after church. He gets a smile on his face and says YES. He says it is good. For a minute I know I am going to miss having that second cup. Then God slaps me in the back of the head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He smells of sweat, stress, alcohol, dirt, and many other things. I want to turn around and take him home. I want to wash all his clothing and let him take a hot shower. But I don't want to get arrested for kidnapping. I continue to church. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we turn in I notice our sign...it says The Shelter. :) He is probably freaking out thinking I am dropping HIM off at a shelter. I tell him, here we are. I pull to a stop and kindly ask him to hand me our checkbook out of the door next to him. He fumbles and does what I ask. Then I open the door and tell him I hope his day gets better. He says he hopes so too. I pause. I say, May I make you a plate of food to go? We have a whole spread in there and I know you might be hungry later. He says , yes please. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cora and I go inside and I make him a to go plate. I run it back out to the car and he again fumbles to get the car window down. I want to hug him. But again, I don't want to push it. I hand him the container and tell him and Bryan to be careful and goodbye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I go in and teach the children Sunday School. The whole time thinking of George. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bryan arrives a bit later and tells me he dropped him off, prayed with him, he gave him some cash and that George looked like he was going to cry. Then off he went. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finish class and agree that a collection of items for the homeless would be great, and instead of decorating a tree in the classroom with ornaments, we will use gloves, hats, scarves and blankets. The kids like that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We go about our day picking up donations for the homeless and I keep thinking about George. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We sit down at dinner later and I am thinking, he should be here eating with us now. A good hot meal and a shower would have done him good. He mentioned his Mother briefly to Bryan and as a mother myself I think what would it be like to have a boy on the streets. I am pretty sure he has an addiction to alcohol. But he is a human. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am at peace with losing my wrestling match with God. I am glad to have chased down the red backpack. Bryan said when we pulled up he looked like he had been crying. Can you imagine being far from your place and walking on a public street, dirty and wet and crying. He had fresh cuts on his face and his knuckles looked like they had been dragged over bricks. I only caught his eyes once, when I handed him the food. I saw Jesus in those eyes and it broke my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The homeless are just like us. Hurt, broken and wanting love. I can only hope that George felt like a human being when we invited him into our car. He did more for my heart than we were ever able to do for him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God Bless George and you better believe I will be on the watch for that red backpack when I am out and about. </span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-64701763069000965222018-04-22T03:42:00.000-07:002018-04-22T03:42:12.001-07:00Why don't you just shout it from the roof tops????So, I read this great blog called: <a href="https://jugglingthejenkins.com/" target="_blank">Juggling the Jenkins</a>. One day on her facebook page the chick says: Looking for submissions...<a href="https://jugglingthejenkins.com/2017/12/07/attention-recovering-addicts-everywhere-submissions/" target="_blank">Submit your story of recovery </a>and I will put it on my facebook page and then in a small book she is putting together from all the stories she receives. Proceeds from the book will go to... So I did it. I sat down and banged out my heart for about 15 minutes. Did a quick spell check and sent that sucker to her. Here is <a href="https://jugglingthejenkins.com/2018/02/15/tracys-story-recovering-beautifully/" target="_blank">THE STORY! </a><br />
One day I open up my email and there it is. I'm gonna post up your entry tomorrow. Well, the alcoholic in me is all " yerp, that's right! you are gonna be famous". . . bahahahahahaha<br />
The anxiety-ridden side of me is like "yeah dumbo you just told the NATION that you are a drunk! "<br />
Then the alcoholic and the anxiety ridden side get in a fight because it's a recovering alchoholic to be exact and I stand back and let them duke it out all the while laughing at myself...which I do a LOT!<br />
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So it posted. And it got shared. And it got liked. And it got comments. And I am stoked.<br />
I think I have NEVER been anything but transparent about my recovery. That made accountability quite easy. Tell everyone...then everyone can hold you to it. I don't do family secrets. Can't stand 'em.<br />
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So I am basically sharing the post so you can give this gal Tiffany mad props for letting gals like me share my LIFE story all while giving others HOPE!<br />
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Plus SHE wrote a real book. I think you should get it! yerp. Here is the link: <a href="https://jugglingthejenkins.com/tiffanys-book/" target="_blank">High Achiever: The Shocking True Story of One Addict’s Double Life</a>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-26348881307522072002018-02-09T05:59:00.000-08:002018-02-09T05:59:31.047-08:00I Am, I Can, I Ought, I Will- our dive into home educating with Charlotte Mason<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have been home educating Cora for about 3 years now. I tried unschooling, I tried replicating school at home, I tried Heart of Dakota curriculum. ALL bored her to tears. Then I stumbled upon a book called <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/713952.For_the_Children_s_Sake" target="_blank">For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. </a> In this book, which I annihilated with a highlighter, she speaks of a woman named Charlotte Mason. I remember my first year of homeschooling. I wrote that name down on a list to "research" . That list sat for 2 years. Then I did research. I found a woman who thought that nature study was important. Being out doors was important. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My favorite quote (well , one of many) is: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Never be within doors when you can rightly be without--Charlotte Mason</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So off I went in search of everything I could find. I went to a large conference in KY. I purchased books, like the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/107616.Charlotte_Mason_Companion?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Charlotte Mason Companion</a> and listened to pod casts from <a href="http://www.adelectableeducation.com/" target="_blank">A Delectable Education</a> and quite frankly I fell in love. With short lessons and a 1/2 school day I was hooked. Our morning is spent in lessons of Ancient History, Literature, Shakespeare, Math, Grammar, etc. Then our afternoons are filled with occupations and handicrafts such as "chores" and paper folding, painting and Nature Study. Nothing is longer than 30 minutes and Cora loves it. Actually, Cora is thriving. I am not supposed to brag...but the other day she recited a bit of her favorite poem from Robert Frost, completely from memory. I cried. She laughed at me. I cried some more. Here is the poem: <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44260/birches" target="_blank">Birches by Robert Frost</a>. I cry when she shouts out, " I am getting it Mom! " when she does her math. Perhaps I need to invest in some tissues for the schoolroom :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But the biggest challenge has been doing a daily nature study, which requires us to go outside for at least a good bit of the afternoon. Cora is not the problem. I am. I have been very lazy and we started off our first term with , ahem, indoor nature study. We observed the squirrels in our yard, we have tracked the growth of an avocado plant that Bryan has grown. I just did not want to go OUT. I am a bit of a hermit crab...:) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BUT I became bold this second term and with a challenge put out from my Charlotte Mason study group, I looked to see how I could integrate MORE outside time and nature study for the family. I chose to take 1/2 days on Wednesday for Cora and I (and Dad too if the job permits) to go "tromping" in the woods, the shores or the mountains. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our first Wednesday was a flop, she woke with a stomach ache and a head ache...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But our second Wednesday I let her determine the time we would leave, what to bring (binoculars, Swiss army knife, bug spray, snacks and canteens) and where we would go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She chose <a href="http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/page2123.aspx" target="_blank">Northwest River Park. </a> So off we went. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Two hours later, and a back pack less heavy since we ate all our snacks and drank most of our water we exited the woods of NWRP happy and laughing. We had ambled through about 3 miles of trails. We saw deer tracks, duckweed, danced in mud puddles, sat on perilous logs over the river (she did) , climbed ridges and shouted "I'm the queen of the forest" (again Cora) and came down so fast that she nearly took out a small tree or two. I showed her to slow down and LOOK down. Moss. My favorite joy as a child, I would pull it up and play with it like carpet for my tiny figurines. I showed her how springy it is, she lay her head on it and proclaimed "I love it, I need a pillow made from Memory Moss!". We decided that all the cool squirrels must have Memory Moss pillows and beds. Later we found a bigger patch and she laid right down on the trail and put her head upon it. I thought, "I hope no one walks up on us, with her laying prostrate on the ground and me standing over her with a large walking stick!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She could not get enough of it and laughed when she stood up with leaves in her hair. I tried to remove them, but she said, Leave them there. Get it! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We made our way to the Northwest River and the wind must have been blowing about 40 mph. Cora and I went to check out a tree with a large hole chipped out. As she climbed she said I knew there was a reason to climb this tree. There are more holes up here Mom. Sure enough, there were. Someone was building a condo! We admired the river for a while, walked on the dock and decided to turn back to try another route on the map. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Onward we moved to another trail, where we found a large tree cut down. The stump still intact. I told her find out how old that tree is. She sat down to count the rings, 61 years old! She laid across the trunk and played with the saw dust that surrounded it and said how good it felt. I remember many days of playing with sawdust under my Dad's saw horses as he created things out of wood. Sawdust is still one of my favorite smells. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the items we collected and will identify and sketch. All were found on the ground. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We mucked through a path that she swore was a shortcut and emerged right where she said we would. We both had walking sticks but she stuck a sprout of bamboo in the top of hers and proclaimed she was queen of the forest again! Today we are going to use my wood burning tool and put the initials of the park we visited in our walking sticks...a tradition I hope to continue many more Wednesdays. I left the park tired, exhilarated and hungry for more time in nature. She declared it a good day. I wistfully thought of me being 60, with a full crown of grey hair, long and lean from many miles of Wednesdays...with her by my side as adult. Still holding onto our Wednesdays. It would be wonderful if that came to fruition. I truly hope it does. I would love for her to have a place to "go" to remember me when I am gone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But for today, I will thank God for the gift of two golden hours in the woods with my daughter...67 degrees and sunny right in the middle of February. Yes God. Thank you for that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Until next Wednesday...get out there, find some mud and leave your tracks....get it? LEAVE your tracks :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">xoxo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Tracy</span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-43692929495357681882017-12-03T04:28:00.001-08:002017-12-03T04:37:06.557-08:00Jesus wrecked my date night...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes in the our household all the stars fall in line. The dogs are fed. Everyone has been out. The guinea pigs and rabbits are resting. The hermit crabs are well "hermiting". The tortoise is doing his usual thing with his pet rock and the girl...well....she spends the night out! YES! The holy grail of parenting...the sleepover. Then you add this....the company Christmas dinner and BOOM you have a DATE night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I do my makeup, my hair, dress like an adult...Bryan puts on some extra essential oils and changes his shoes (more on that later) and out the door we roll! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last night was THAT night! I even thought ahead to bring our two angel tree kid wish lists so we could do a little retail therapy later after dinner! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHJqt2m6z9NfIUy91MJilxjA_HHEBCt1h3bGLT9PdNLhHiQ21IXXeSKTiD9o8KWbSuqfjBuGtkwo7UxkHTBlPOGTi2_67OUkUc6ZRSLyRI9FNFukkjOQMkfCs4FXG4QFZNXcCMxYAPMU/s1600/14322762_10207433211894703_6641262761730728898_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHJqt2m6z9NfIUy91MJilxjA_HHEBCt1h3bGLT9PdNLhHiQ21IXXeSKTiD9o8KWbSuqfjBuGtkwo7UxkHTBlPOGTi2_67OUkUc6ZRSLyRI9FNFukkjOQMkfCs4FXG4QFZNXcCMxYAPMU/s1600/14322762_10207433211894703_6641262761730728898_n.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So we had a GREAT dinner at the local Japanese Steak House. We saw new babies and old friends. We ate. We laughed. We ate. I met new people. "Peopleing" is hard sometimes for me, as I sometimes experience social anxiety. Back in the old days drinking made that go away...but now I have to adult and do it dry....:) God helps that by holding me strongly on the back and gently pushing me out of my comfort zone :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So you are wondering where Jesus came in like a wrecking ball? Well, just wait, meanwhile try to burn that image out of your mind....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I told you we ate and I totally cleared my plate. I had purposely not eaten all day so I could , ahem, take it all in! I literally was food drunk when I pushed away from the table! At about 8:30 we decided that it was time to pack out and make our way home. Bryan muttered something about Dairy Queen...and I just chuckled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So out the door we went. As we were buckling up a young man with a backpack went walking by. Then he backed up and motioned at the window. I instantly went to reach for my wallet but paused. He asked if we had any spare change, he was looking to purchase a cold weather sleeping bag. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I instantly took him off guard and said, you are not going to believe this, but I have a sleeping bag in my trunk. Would you want to look at it? He said, yes mam. Right here I am going to quit with the quotes. I hate quotation marks and can't seem to handle them...just like my liquor! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I jumped out and Bryan popped the trunk. The bag turned out to be too lightweight. I pressed on and said do you need a new shirt? How about some socks? He was in shock. He mentioned toiletries and tears came to my eyes. I had NO Homeless kits left. I gave them all out on my TN trip and had not reloaded the car yet. Here is where Jesus steps in....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had a roll of TP and asked if he needed this...he said, no mam, I go into places to use the restroom. I dug some more to make sure that I did not have anything. Oh, would you like a liter of water!? Yes, I will take that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then I turned around and asked him his name. Enter Jesus. No I can't remember his name. But I introduced myself. He said he was not a bad person, it was a generational thing. His father had started out this way and now he was on the streets. I looked at his face. He was Zac's age. Zac is my son and 27. He said he was on probation and getting things straight. He said again, I am not a bad person. I stopped him right there and said, Honey, I too have been a "bad person" , we all have been bad. I told him, it's the ones that say they have done no wrong that we need to worry about. He laughed. His smile was glorious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jesus is about to let the wrecking ball drop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I asked him, Can I give you a hug. He opened his arms wide open and gave me the biggest hug. Then he hugged Bryan and he said I feel like we are family....and Bryan said something about we are family...but that was when the wrecking ball hit my chest and the ugly cry was starting to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I tried to gather myself and told him, let me see how much money I have so you can get that bag you need and some other stuff, and my husband said, no, I have it. Bryan had done some work for his parents and they always give him some money. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He handed that boy a $50. His face was perplexed. He said, the sleeping bag costs $49.95. That is exactly what I need! Bryan handed him another bill and said, for tax....take it. He said he really appreciated it. We chatted a bit more and then he said goodbye. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He mentioned that he had a tent set up by the church. I know Ward's Corner pretty well and knew exactly which church he was talking about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sure enough when we eventually pulled out of the lot I saw him, walking with a little pep in his step to that very church. I wish I was better with names. It takes me about 4 times to meet you before I get them. But I do remember his daughters name. He told us he had a 3 year old girl, named Havilah. I told him it was a beautiful name. He said the girls mother had chosen it from the Bible. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZlXRlDsZgpMWfn5OnoHeV6ovFHpHeN9qUynNjQEb_wV91U7swzpVegc1GHFy_DLgnYbBiO3WRGH1a8-ytPd9dd4khUdDNQTqoieR4TLIZHUsRt1dwHaLWsE7Azf258l-avJ73Gnkt_U/s1600/havilah-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZlXRlDsZgpMWfn5OnoHeV6ovFHpHeN9qUynNjQEb_wV91U7swzpVegc1GHFy_DLgnYbBiO3WRGH1a8-ytPd9dd4khUdDNQTqoieR4TLIZHUsRt1dwHaLWsE7Azf258l-avJ73Gnkt_U/s320/havilah-map.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am still wrecked reading this. Normally , when I roll along encountering the homeless, I am alone and hold it together until I pull away. This time, as I sat outside a restaurant that I had just eaten about $30 in food. I could not imagine what ALL that money could have gone to, how many lives it could have changed. There were probably about 40+ people inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I know we all need fun sometimes, and it's nice to celebrate the season with others. But for me, the Lord has broken me to pieces and wrecked my date night by giving me the eyes to see, the heart that breaks for what breaks His heart. I pray for that every night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So yes, Jesus wrecked my date night. In a good way. I got a reality check. A tiny Bible slap that while we have so much, some have so little. It's our job to even the score. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On the way home I looked in the mirror at the Tracy that had just had an ugly cry. Makeup wrecked, eyes puffy, heart hurting. All ideas of shopping late night went out the window. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjestLHs_rVSdDWQRTSKiMxKrVg5s7xBErc3QY6cJoIN3m64BhFOAqcYcHF01KQ_R4NURUCQs0E2xB3dxUAoTWs9dt3DycoqorkkwRuAiPzdB0o_I6ea00FqJzrtAaKUlv321H6Tu0Iuc/s1600/courtney-love-grunge-makeup-made-up1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="640" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjestLHs_rVSdDWQRTSKiMxKrVg5s7xBErc3QY6cJoIN3m64BhFOAqcYcHF01KQ_R4NURUCQs0E2xB3dxUAoTWs9dt3DycoqorkkwRuAiPzdB0o_I6ea00FqJzrtAaKUlv321H6Tu0Iuc/s320/courtney-love-grunge-makeup-made-up1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love me some Courtney Love :) </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Instead we went home to our warm home, let the dogs in and out, locked our doors and laid in bed eating ice cream quietly. Well as quiet as you can with two little dogs watching your every move! I could not help but think of people who were sleeping outside, while I was nestled in my bed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hope Jesus keeps wrecking my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God Bless </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tracy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">PS I said I would talk about Bryan changing shoes to go out. Scroll back up to the top. See that plaid shirt. Yep. plaid. Guess what shoes he wore out and I did NOT notice until we were walking back in our front door last night AFTER the festivities....here is a picture of the shoes! ( #WifeFail ) :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-49804303413229065432017-07-08T04:56:00.001-07:002017-07-08T04:56:36.834-07:00We'll leave the light on for ya....or not. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Church. Open Doors. Lights. Shades. Locks. Words all running thru my mind. Add in Motel 6 and there ya have the title of this blog. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will explain all this hopefully in this quick post. I got hit this morning with the idea of churches being open to all, available and a safe place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then I thought a little harder, as the coffee kicked in and thought. Am I, as a Christian, open to all, available and a safe place? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ouch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Case in point. I have been known to stop for homeless. pets. people. anyone. Give them all I got. The hat off my head. The bible off the seat. You name it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The other day traveling thru Downtown Great Bridge. We saw a man in a white button up shirt and tie walking toward the ATM. As we did our banking , he turned and started back the way he came. When we finished up our drive thru biz...we found him once again walking on this sweltering day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bryan: let's pick him up. He needs help. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me: NO! we can't put him in the back seat with Cora. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cora: huh? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bryan: why not? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Me: He could be a serial killer...or something along that line...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7-TwS7HxnmZO78h4gL2QpvnU2n_YTgMdtjeffrC59ZqfMsJCHwDQJVsKDHf4ZQcZKjv_ZF7BGdYF5Kh3KafAUarBGCiY-_4WBzUe8tOBdjCZm3OE1SqNFmG_k45reeY278e0UCUQsjQ/s1600/StrangerDanger_NeighbourhoodWatch_FINAL_ybg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="571" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7-TwS7HxnmZO78h4gL2QpvnU2n_YTgMdtjeffrC59ZqfMsJCHwDQJVsKDHf4ZQcZKjv_ZF7BGdYF5Kh3KafAUarBGCiY-_4WBzUe8tOBdjCZm3OE1SqNFmG_k45reeY278e0UCUQsjQ/s320/StrangerDanger_NeighbourhoodWatch_FINAL_ybg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't quote me. But the convo did go like that. somewhat. All the while Bryan is braking and driving, braking and driving. In the end he gave in to my NO and kept going. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzd77iVShq4rVhzs9thmrdKrQK-qQEtOgocXfmou7zT0PGZcE8ceN1y0e89RK6H9XIf1pH_blfjWKZ6iUl1WzjuazvAmuwBVGfcnJ-KMj5IgUUNN4UYPl3y7Y5km0bW7auffaKvw6brA/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzd77iVShq4rVhzs9thmrdKrQK-qQEtOgocXfmou7zT0PGZcE8ceN1y0e89RK6H9XIf1pH_blfjWKZ6iUl1WzjuazvAmuwBVGfcnJ-KMj5IgUUNN4UYPl3y7Y5km0bW7auffaKvw6brA/s1600/th.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why did Tracy not let that man in the car. Why will Tracy stop in busy intersections and pray with homeless and give them her last dime, but not let Mr. Whitebread America in the car. Do I not trust a button up shirt , tie wearing guy? I do have a certain aversion to middle age, slightly graying men who dress business like. What the hell is that? I come from a blue collar family. That could be it. I ain't scared of " the man" . that's not it. Perhaps that is the general population that looks me up and down and says harrumph at my tattoos etc. who the hell knows. What I do know is that at that moment. I was not a "church" . We are all walking churches if we have Jesus in our hearts. All people, whether walking in button up shirts and ties OR in full biker regalia OR in rags are children of the God most High. So. Mission failed. So much for the Golden Rule...treat others as you yourself would like to be treated. BAM! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Kg9vAupI37E3w5JC06rc4h6VLT8uXzUcT4loO1H2LnU1uU29VpBYEHt-ZmbLVObmumNaXEm_iGSBQcCj3S7_-S1ue_38OQHhlmFI8_1k7SUnZCG032if6E5CwpIHpwJjJwM3BA2RNX0/s1600/Golden-Rule-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Kg9vAupI37E3w5JC06rc4h6VLT8uXzUcT4loO1H2LnU1uU29VpBYEHt-ZmbLVObmumNaXEm_iGSBQcCj3S7_-S1ue_38OQHhlmFI8_1k7SUnZCG032if6E5CwpIHpwJjJwM3BA2RNX0/s320/Golden-Rule-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My church was closed. I had locked the door. I had drawn the shades and worse off...when the doorbell rang. I ran and hid behind the couch and told the other people in the house to shhhhhhh, they might hear us! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEf82s2F3YDJNUSYFFRagVIi4TZMDpJEPPxlVG-6vc97Gd6vslvPRTWp0TgWUVsTKugYny9HNMCQ66OLseen-J9e4IQuRTOKs35M3OLMZnfk-1MZTbT306XHcGUQBOSEGDckVQB5_JSw/s1600/kittens-hiding-behind-couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1600" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEf82s2F3YDJNUSYFFRagVIi4TZMDpJEPPxlVG-6vc97Gd6vslvPRTWp0TgWUVsTKugYny9HNMCQ66OLseen-J9e4IQuRTOKs35M3OLMZnfk-1MZTbT306XHcGUQBOSEGDckVQB5_JSw/s320/kittens-hiding-behind-couch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What the What? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Being a Christian does not mean you have "Christian" hours. Like on Sunday between the hours of 10am- noonish. You are open 24 / 7 . . . you are a bit like an IHOP. You are serving it hot 24 hours a day. Rain, shine, running late, good hair day, bad hair day, step in dog poop day. You serve God. When you serve God, you serve others. You love others. You help others. You just do. There is no blinking neon sign in your eyes that states. I am a Christian now...hurry up. Closing in 5 minutes. :) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW0p_87HoH_PTefpQKajwVzi3RngdxokDTtpld24IBhboeK8o8ByBDDQwyZqTHWvHFOwDyCnkoi27HO2EsSNNf6tNWmZpfOXPPo_gVj0B_ZAY_hpFaDNVgPxucp4xcd76sQ7EK4rNYBw/s1600/closing-time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="425" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW0p_87HoH_PTefpQKajwVzi3RngdxokDTtpld24IBhboeK8o8ByBDDQwyZqTHWvHFOwDyCnkoi27HO2EsSNNf6tNWmZpfOXPPo_gVj0B_ZAY_hpFaDNVgPxucp4xcd76sQ7EK4rNYBw/s320/closing-time.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your light is always on. I seriously used to laugh at the bracelets that said WWJD? But now, I find my inner Tracy saying...what would Jesus do? Would he lock the doors, pull the shades and keep driving. Would he say, but I have to pee really really bad and I ain't got time for this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NO he would not. He would stop. He would ask: Did you need any help? And then he would listen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't forget to listen today. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bFl3pBDq49pXeNvvoaGiYXvW0JrXe6e_fLFU6JWvDjS8WGUD33hr_ZPRgj7QgKs0tORpFqAE7M_auJOudiYhWW3l_qu1Xyu1TK3JmSTJUUSABMwKIBn_fq32toZdPv7T2wRtHuNV12s/s1600/8-Feather-ear-tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bFl3pBDq49pXeNvvoaGiYXvW0JrXe6e_fLFU6JWvDjS8WGUD33hr_ZPRgj7QgKs0tORpFqAE7M_auJOudiYhWW3l_qu1Xyu1TK3JmSTJUUSABMwKIBn_fq32toZdPv7T2wRtHuNV12s/s320/8-Feather-ear-tattoo.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Remember to leave the light on . . . :) </i></span></div>
Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-83347764848087582482015-10-29T14:19:00.001-07:002015-10-29T14:20:25.607-07:00Excuse me....how do you get to Normal from here? <span style="font-size: large;">It seems that our family has never just been in the normal range. There always seems to be something going haywire. But I have noted over my last 4 1/2 decades of living that neither is anyone's family ....normal that is. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSPmf6-HrQpKDHPEuLuGrmzkUXPkavDhR6zhuhiiZrVIcZ6dgUk37k6a1ErtUFyKP-GwptGtCiKEKIetjoUIIljw4FTON8beoQiDtqXXC-2oG-mpmx9UL1t9TebOliksazFmINJozKGU/s1600/truetalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlSPmf6-HrQpKDHPEuLuGrmzkUXPkavDhR6zhuhiiZrVIcZ6dgUk37k6a1ErtUFyKP-GwptGtCiKEKIetjoUIIljw4FTON8beoQiDtqXXC-2oG-mpmx9UL1t9TebOliksazFmINJozKGU/s320/truetalk.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What is normal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">pinterest? heavens no. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Straight A students with crest white smiles? negative</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mom's with make up just right and clothing from this decade? Never</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is a house that is a home. Hairballs in the corner. Rings around the tub from dirty tired children that played outside all day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is one sock that never gets matched but we don't give up hope and keep it around. Normal is sand in your trunk that you never got around to vacuuming out from two summers ago. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is the ring of the doorbell and the crash of bikes hitting the driveway as friends arrive at the exact moment you sit down to eat....the kids can play in a bit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is an empty guinea pig water bottle and a dryer that cut off hours ago and a sink full of dishes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vqV3jYD7NzRnqbg_bR8AiJ8y3CS9uns98MX90gvDJ54_bz8dw5bZI6g9LQfEmVQMOAV_oykyZjbrrfPoO5EmyySOGeiTT-2osfaWzuerpQwK3wHrMUyylJtBLhtviJSphrP1YJ5FmWo/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vqV3jYD7NzRnqbg_bR8AiJ8y3CS9uns98MX90gvDJ54_bz8dw5bZI6g9LQfEmVQMOAV_oykyZjbrrfPoO5EmyySOGeiTT-2osfaWzuerpQwK3wHrMUyylJtBLhtviJSphrP1YJ5FmWo/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Fly Lady: kiss my butt. I will not be subscribing to your jibberish anymore. you are way too OCD for me. please. clean the toilet EVERY day. maybe when my kids are gone and their kids are not over visiting or I am not out busy spending their inheritance. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is can we meet for coffee? and a quick email of no. busy today with Mom's group. How about tomorrow? nope therapy. and by the way THERAPY IS NORMAL. heck I even do check-ins on fb from my therapists office. It's way more healthier to chat about your problems than to eat them....or stuff them....or worse. take them out on your loved ones. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is caller ID being a GIFT from GOD. thank you Ma Bell for that one! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is embezzling from the grocery fund to buy dog food. ugh. but hey, payday is tomorrow. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAqZg6dQejeHk2oMisftGK5k-QtyJ9vns7QrRXEpdNhEuVwXshNBTuusXbbSm9b3gTFSfOc7mNuBSQ9MhMfLLIibItanNLxGyYdPxc5NV7mpOgAwbulk-L4Dn5VKihzMD94NiqXxSDKM/s1600/truetalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAqZg6dQejeHk2oMisftGK5k-QtyJ9vns7QrRXEpdNhEuVwXshNBTuusXbbSm9b3gTFSfOc7mNuBSQ9MhMfLLIibItanNLxGyYdPxc5NV7mpOgAwbulk-L4Dn5VKihzMD94NiqXxSDKM/s320/truetalk.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is a Mom with two twenty four year old kids. One eight year old and then one 15 year old who is from a hard place and can't live with us right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You see for a while there I got caught up in the why can't we be normal game....I have spent half my life trying with all my being to be NOT NORMAL....and it turns out. we are normal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Normal is loving God. Normal is loving others. Normal is loving me. a lot more than I have been for the past few years. Loving someone from a hard place is overwhelming, exhausting and hard. Being the daughter of an alcoholic I am a bit of a perfectionist....it's time to let loose threads lie where they are. Let the dirt sit on the floor. Cook a microwave meal. Skip the Load of laundry. Sit with God instead. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time to dig into the word. Love Tracy and well. just be normal. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDjQVmP_55112V-KlCUUWG4iPkjHWyCvZfFuM_ltJfHoZuPIqrHzt6IvBgsA5LIcqanZSSVxf5upkiJSQNm5Fr39ewrWYEFu-cUTeCmqBD7DZuv0TnlIoMOdlH45tErE5sdqUmuYpNi0/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDjQVmP_55112V-KlCUUWG4iPkjHWyCvZfFuM_ltJfHoZuPIqrHzt6IvBgsA5LIcqanZSSVxf5upkiJSQNm5Fr39ewrWYEFu-cUTeCmqBD7DZuv0TnlIoMOdlH45tErE5sdqUmuYpNi0/s320/pumpkin.jpg" width="208" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">so you go. you try it. maybe even leave me a comment and tell me what your normal is. I am sure your normal fits you quite well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">have a great one....till next time. </span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-29042854532359008482015-10-23T18:53:00.000-07:002015-10-24T08:24:06.741-07:00to do the IMPOSSIBLE....by making it possible<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">dear daughter, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">yes you. the one who does not want to be my daughter anymore. I get it. I truly do. The neglect and the abuse you were raised in . . . well they make this easy for you. It's easy for you not to trust me and Dad with making decisions for you. It's easy for you to not trust that we love you or care for you or would give our lives for you. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpOgRbZ4gQN9yKWY2mtA6u_m-hKK0KirhprIReM4q-4OxHEuEt9CB8z4CABap_H_ZuIpNiCJX8XurRqesO9IGL0XUwm3Xg7vfkGafJCLHs6haJrdj2O1xNm-mpWDXU-gw9ToOgVdVLrA/s1600/ambriel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZpOgRbZ4gQN9yKWY2mtA6u_m-hKK0KirhprIReM4q-4OxHEuEt9CB8z4CABap_H_ZuIpNiCJX8XurRqesO9IGL0XUwm3Xg7vfkGafJCLHs6haJrdj2O1xNm-mpWDXU-gw9ToOgVdVLrA/s320/ambriel1.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is not easy for you is to understand just how much we do love you. We love you enough to let you go. We hear your voice loud and clear. I have scars to prove that I have heard your rage. But the Father has asked me to write this letter of forgiveness. I am slam sold out to Jesus and when he asks ...I say Yes Lord. So here goes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiky_QBqectiixKxskqCSFUipmJ-WFNKVzR1ZDTG7d9KA3tHRTc20oDOLorKXvJ3WFUTmuKvKVe0M5UaNMZnuvJRONQBOkcddyaUBFicBD0HeNK3WnGqb82Mxgc-0zvxQRYQzDnoezYuA/s1600/ambriel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiky_QBqectiixKxskqCSFUipmJ-WFNKVzR1ZDTG7d9KA3tHRTc20oDOLorKXvJ3WFUTmuKvKVe0M5UaNMZnuvJRONQBOkcddyaUBFicBD0HeNK3WnGqb82Mxgc-0zvxQRYQzDnoezYuA/s320/ambriel3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I forgive you. I forgive you for biting me, slapping me, scratching me, hitting me, saying false statements about me and most of all I forgive you for yelling awful things at your little sister. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRq1hMvsSG9cEzgv373J1Tj9F20qEsQmGsxb0VjXd9JkBO-rdDe8Ie_V9h685V46_wGq46ARero9kwR7CVz35mHQ1ZQQxJTcEbj6WnOHIKP7n3JXBCvJhiUbUk7XpFHm1op8F_XwL8_s/s1600/ambriel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRq1hMvsSG9cEzgv373J1Tj9F20qEsQmGsxb0VjXd9JkBO-rdDe8Ie_V9h685V46_wGq46ARero9kwR7CVz35mHQ1ZQQxJTcEbj6WnOHIKP7n3JXBCvJhiUbUk7XpFHm1op8F_XwL8_s/s320/ambriel.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I forgive you and still love you just as the Father loves you. I will pray for you until the day I die. I know that you are in there. I have seen the real you. However I have also seen many other "faces" of you and those are the ones that I can't live with. So I get it. You want out. A new start. A new family . But our hurts from childhood tend to come back around...just like the seasons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We forgive you. You are our family. We love you. I hope you find a comfortable place to land. A safe place where you can become the you that God has made you. A place to grow and love yourself. A place where you will be loved just as Jesus loves you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Radical acceptance of yourself is what God wants from you. Radical love for you is what God demanded from Dad and myself. So in an extreme act of Radical love, we will let you go. We will step back into the shadows and pray for you with all our might. We know God has you right in his hands. Now it is time to step back and watch the miracle happen. That is what loving like Jesus is all about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I forgive you. We forgive you. We love you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">always. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mom and Dad</span><br />
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Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-30114404647811304512015-08-16T07:18:00.001-07:002015-08-16T07:18:54.969-07:00I'm Not Pregnant. I am just fat. I can't remember the last time I blogged. My heart was ripped open yesterday by one simple question. So perhaps this will be a rant of sorts which is NOT my style but I need to let it out. <br />
I sat down this morning and painted it out but I am still reeling so here goes. <br />
<br />
I am fat. This is self inflicted due to comfort eating and lack of exercise mixed with coming very near my middle age of 45 and grief. <br />
Now just typing that made me absolutely exhausted. <br />
Clothes. too tight. Underwear. forget them fitting. Budget for new clothing. non existent. so I thrift store for skirts. Thighs stick together: wear cut off leggings. Dressing comfortably not for the public . But for me. Just about to feel comfortable with who I am and then a person sidles up to me and asks THE question. when is the due date. <br />
due date? for what? oooooooooooooooooo I get it. just because I am wearing a blouse that does not show every detail of my torso and my skirt is below my ankles I must be with child? Dear me. how do you even answer that mess? I said; I am not pregnant. The great oh shit look covers the persons face. <br />
Now women. come ON. if you have not gotten a baby shower invite. a blessed announcement and you are not my OBGYN do NOT take it upon yourselves to assume . ASSUME that I am pregnant. <br />
<br />
you suck. that is all. thanks for coming back later and saying...sorry if I insulted you. My smile was fake. I was dying inside. In this world where I don't even feel politically correct calling my own damn self fat well. geez. thanks for the apology. my entire world just feel apart and I really accept your insolent apology. whatever. carry on. <br />
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seriously if you are a woman reading this NEVER EVER ask your friend if she is pregnant. I personally will throat punch the next chick that asks me. Consider the public warned. <br />
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Over the last 2 years I have lost my Dad to suicide. Two unborn children to miscarriage and now we are suffering a disruption of adoption of epic proportions. To say I am a woman on edge is well....I am. a big fat mess of emotions. Perhaps being on the front lines of welcoming others to church is not my forte' right now. perhaps stuffing envelopes is more up my alley. Alphabetizing something . For the love of GOD. Is anyone on this train with me. It's lonely sitting here being an audience of one. <br />
<br />
Can I get an Amen for pushing back on the face of mankind for a moment. I am having A moment. I deserve to have A moment. I pray to my God above that this Moment will pass. But damn. It is hanging out like a boy who does not get the message. shoo....get going. Perhaps this moment is like that cat you feed on your front porch. It won't budge. keeps coming back for more. getting fatter and fatter until an uneducated comment pops THE moment and it goes FLYING all over the room like a helium balloon.....eventually deflating and coming to a rest in The Corner. <br />
<br />
I am not dwelling on the past. It just keeps flooding me tsunami style over and over at random times. Grief is like a drive by shooting. Random. Or like the waves that batter you over and over until you get just past them...only to have to return and go back through them to get back to the safety of the beach. Gasping for air and muscles burning. <br />
<br />
Hate , anger it all rolls in and out like the tide. Sadness , fear , love...all a flood of emotions with no rhyme or reason set off by a word, a question or a well. . . by nothing. Nothing at all. simply set off by a moment of silence. <br />
<br />
So as I sit here and grieve. let me. just sit. and please ladies. stop asking stupid questions. thank you. for the sake of all womankind. let's not do each other in. OK? Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-35867852645978450522015-05-02T03:45:00.000-07:002015-05-02T03:45:03.201-07:00Calling OUT ...All God's ChildrenBack in February I was weary and broken hearted after my second miscarriage and the impending disruption of our domestic adoption. I asked my friends to give me their go to verse when on the down and outs....here is one such verse from my dear friend Geri.<br />
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Lord, I thank you for Geri and for the verse she gave to me. Psalm 148:15<br />
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The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. <br />
<br />
The Lord is near, to who? good and perfect Christians?<br />
NO to all who call on Him.<br />
ALL. <br />
Simply speaking HIS name- He is there. <br />
<br />
Crying out in Pain- HE is there. <br />
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Silent gasping sobs- HE is there. <br />
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Joyful laughter- He is there. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k7e3ciOf6Ou6BN8oS91Uu9rT32IC9j5qhyphenhyphentYx03dTJtOG-HAwbn_eGQQCQCZ3jsdFp64MxKKpTFitvn64EAWwRslyoCHuc6ADei55aTMU7qEpUj-zjrOvDhppuwvJPVFM49d_1LKeho/s1600/joyful+laughter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k7e3ciOf6Ou6BN8oS91Uu9rT32IC9j5qhyphenhyphentYx03dTJtOG-HAwbn_eGQQCQCZ3jsdFp64MxKKpTFitvn64EAWwRslyoCHuc6ADei55aTMU7qEpUj-zjrOvDhppuwvJPVFM49d_1LKeho/s1600/joyful+laughter.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A whisper for Help- He is THERE. <br />
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To all who call on him in truth! <br />
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All, Everyone. you, me the guy on the bus, your boss, the homeless guy at the intersection, the lady that you cut off today in traffic, the mean girl at school, the child surviving abuse, me at the bottom of a bottle, my friend with her crack pipe in her shaking hand, my Dad with a gun to his head, the jogger on the side of the road. <br />
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All CAN call on the Lord.<br />
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IN TRUTH. <br />
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All of us are GOD'S children. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPS7-LUoXI3BnNtWNKfR3r3AErL6WhglcOfGeMaKs8AibvDLdC4xZbTLcxYsDZWINgA0JBQvkYho4qRpXNHxYK6lSyMuTu2HaOql-eR8eaR5wprWI2dki2amQbNgO6WKBOKhXSGhKFQlI/s1600/all+god's%2Bpeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPS7-LUoXI3BnNtWNKfR3r3AErL6WhglcOfGeMaKs8AibvDLdC4xZbTLcxYsDZWINgA0JBQvkYho4qRpXNHxYK6lSyMuTu2HaOql-eR8eaR5wprWI2dki2amQbNgO6WKBOKhXSGhKFQlI/s1600/all+god's%2Bpeople.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
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And ALL of us need to start treating everyone else like they are GOD's Children. <br />
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Everyday. <br />
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Not just on Sunday. <br />
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amen. Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-16182983791162956852015-04-24T02:55:00.000-07:002015-04-25T01:39:30.196-07:00I left...but He never left me. <span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Geri . Lord today we lift Geri up to you. I ask that you keep her sweet family safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Geri hearing that small still voice and offering me me a scripture from you Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOnL_8SMlHqYo2NyIEffXfRHl2hhBX2SeXHhOnfHS8zQuH17OADN3-GBjXjUn2riDkyfbbQKpc092as2cU_hvTU2Dxzxe7hbE3biBKwehLFJuoUjEBCEOEEIt39AnCS7QZ9jRzd4DuDQ/s1600/geri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOnL_8SMlHqYo2NyIEffXfRHl2hhBX2SeXHhOnfHS8zQuH17OADN3-GBjXjUn2riDkyfbbQKpc092as2cU_hvTU2Dxzxe7hbE3biBKwehLFJuoUjEBCEOEEIt39AnCS7QZ9jRzd4DuDQ/s1600/geri.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"></span></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #fb5e53; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> OK, so Geri suggested Matthew 28:20</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong><span style="color: black;"></span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong><span style="color: black;">And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age. </span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong><span style="color: black;"></span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Teaching to obey everything. Life's trials do just that either you are listening and learning or you are ignoring God's promises and getting LOST.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">When I entered my "dark period" not as an "artiste" but as a broken hearted Momma, I had forgotten to simply follow the law of the Lord. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">This verse says: Surely I am with you always. That meant even as I hid from God and pushed and kicked like a tantruming child he was there. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">There when I sat on the end of that exam table </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">There when the ultrasound was silent</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">There when our daughter said I hate you, you were never my parents and I am going back to foster care</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGr0dZm3JD2HAgYXtlqT0HJ5gdvvDsVFn8-5gjp83BYVOHW4lUOzXGybQVg2qHKnHxqQ_QWC28n_Z-6TBVLFOcGjEEZx699uUFc8nL0wmZMz4qWHjnmBKwbUI-hDz0x5zQbsI4cTNm3w/s1600/geri2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGr0dZm3JD2HAgYXtlqT0HJ5gdvvDsVFn8-5gjp83BYVOHW4lUOzXGybQVg2qHKnHxqQ_QWC28n_Z-6TBVLFOcGjEEZx699uUFc8nL0wmZMz4qWHjnmBKwbUI-hDz0x5zQbsI4cTNm3w/s1600/geri2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">There when I was crying and hating myself</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-rvq185LKxlV0fUMl_HdNThlHhF6fAFa7CI76WANxQM8HnYKzV9UKfGhzFMNJ7kds0Y9TpzoDm4yEcoOlnBvHzVn2qN7p-eWk_WmyXGF7cyw3wR1VVEB7iVIokBu_XBUwN-UzlYzQmc/s1600/geri4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-rvq185LKxlV0fUMl_HdNThlHhF6fAFa7CI76WANxQM8HnYKzV9UKfGhzFMNJ7kds0Y9TpzoDm4yEcoOlnBvHzVn2qN7p-eWk_WmyXGF7cyw3wR1VVEB7iVIokBu_XBUwN-UzlYzQmc/s1600/geri4.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">There when I hit a brick wall of emotions that fluctuated from rage to hysteria.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">There when the police came to my door and said call your Uncle Raymond, it's an emergency</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">There when I called my Uncle and he said your Daddy shot himself. He's gone</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">He never left me.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">EVER</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">I left God, but He never left me</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnql6n64idSdw0RH5sQ1Rkc63yo7m-3ErURtcqdTZCxBCa6JE1ErQtNe1DaVkOuMQv_GiQkd0v8TlnnFg9QJZvCkIqfQI3SvfZ299iMkNqzfVEro6gX3wKSCtmtVIylP9qL0EEwAy9Bw/s1600/geri5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnql6n64idSdw0RH5sQ1Rkc63yo7m-3ErURtcqdTZCxBCa6JE1ErQtNe1DaVkOuMQv_GiQkd0v8TlnnFg9QJZvCkIqfQI3SvfZ299iMkNqzfVEro6gX3wKSCtmtVIylP9qL0EEwAy9Bw/s1600/geri5.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Not one bottle, person, pill or any other earthly thing will be THERE for you like God. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">amen</span></span></span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-60021794930438522522015-04-22T10:27:00.001-07:002015-04-22T10:27:11.021-07:00Be still or flip-flop . The choice is yours<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Ashley . Lord today we lift Ashley up to you. I ask that you keep her sweet family safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Ashley hearing that small still voice and offering me me a scripture from you Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #fb5e53; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> OK, so Ashley suggested Exodus 14:14</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong><span style="color: black;"></span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong><span style="color: black;">The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still. </span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Still- quiet, silent, stationary, motionless, calm</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7TFU1M_QVOdT6EmAeXbdB4OX4Js_Ivm1fqWiLRrd3Bk4LReFE-7x6i2j8mblLNuiBHRSg7TaRSKICFM6Achyep4TNo71LznPbbo5epv0vlLEuPeB28nHuPRiLM620_9iMOX__gMXttQ/s1600/fish3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7TFU1M_QVOdT6EmAeXbdB4OX4Js_Ivm1fqWiLRrd3Bk4LReFE-7x6i2j8mblLNuiBHRSg7TaRSKICFM6Achyep4TNo71LznPbbo5epv0vlLEuPeB28nHuPRiLM620_9iMOX__gMXttQ/s1600/fish3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">When I struggle the last thing I want to hear is be still.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Yesterday as I was on Lake Hernando fishing. I caught myself telling the bass I had hooked: Be still buddy, let me get this hook out and you can be free. He flipped, he fought me, he spun around wildly.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM7MFZneEXkZpq6hcABFvSVDp9rg3eKhT5G_WCFGssiOdu5tDnbxU8FjR_aqC91lZ5akx2ceyWOHympx9Vh78sbDdqfKS1PKqevQWVTCbf248Vp1KOGki_rpZCi65JPPc76vPy6gF7lY/s1600/fish+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM7MFZneEXkZpq6hcABFvSVDp9rg3eKhT5G_WCFGssiOdu5tDnbxU8FjR_aqC91lZ5akx2ceyWOHympx9Vh78sbDdqfKS1PKqevQWVTCbf248Vp1KOGki_rpZCi65JPPc76vPy6gF7lY/s1600/fish+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Finally I grabbed hold of him and held him firm and unset the hook and gently lowered him in the water free and delivered from the hook that had snared him. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVppnyC40br13jTKdz1iHuxz-EPeV-g4gNQ3nIkIiZmf4fcnJDPJOAqHv4Xx5WA1F40IysFJgsyRGiFIIKCg8qxuKAX8U36crKoJHYBfGI9jU7_TNfEGuRBygnNhDPkXyvP1rFAvBTGE/s1600/fish4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVppnyC40br13jTKdz1iHuxz-EPeV-g4gNQ3nIkIiZmf4fcnJDPJOAqHv4Xx5WA1F40IysFJgsyRGiFIIKCg8qxuKAX8U36crKoJHYBfGI9jU7_TNfEGuRBygnNhDPkXyvP1rFAvBTGE/s1600/fish4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Ain't that just like us? God will do all the work if we just STOP flippin' and floppin'. All He asks in return is for us to be motionless, calm down, be quiet and take a breath. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Be stationary. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Be present. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Just breath. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">In and out. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Some days that is all we can do. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Just breath. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFDH7jif0UauQwTJyW6cPh2HqyyRtD1tQVD9ArbQ1SOh-755pbAM-IRn3HKQkCmYiGYfpo37pJFf6hGqpKuWuwu78LiSTahcPYPUsN6LwLCZmxYYJTtyRGB9ugM-jRyRR2uaW4xqlink/s1600/fish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFDH7jif0UauQwTJyW6cPh2HqyyRtD1tQVD9ArbQ1SOh-755pbAM-IRn3HKQkCmYiGYfpo37pJFf6hGqpKuWuwu78LiSTahcPYPUsN6LwLCZmxYYJTtyRGB9ugM-jRyRR2uaW4xqlink/s1600/fish2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">The Lord will overcome our obstacles by speaking to us in a still small voice. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">If you are spinning out of control it's more difficult to catch. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">If we are moaning and groaning we will miss it. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Pray and talk to the Lord.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Pray for others. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Just pray. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">I know for certain if you just be still he will FREE you and set you back out to continue on your way. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnuPStBh-fOK3kyBH8vKv0uHAwsSjMOtXy2RiT-Y_c9iypP9cNCp_DUeCWZ89rVn9PLhganjlO7SN16sYHxvOKBshim1Nhzi7J92Ye-7TLktGqTdqMpGf7VsxTNyDulYclajoIuNmOCw/s1600/fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnuPStBh-fOK3kyBH8vKv0uHAwsSjMOtXy2RiT-Y_c9iypP9cNCp_DUeCWZ89rVn9PLhganjlO7SN16sYHxvOKBshim1Nhzi7J92Ye-7TLktGqTdqMpGf7VsxTNyDulYclajoIuNmOCw/s1600/fish.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Amen. </span></span></span><br />
<br />Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-90316134626575921872015-04-20T03:53:00.006-07:002015-04-20T03:53:50.158-07:00His Promises...<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Melissa . Lord today we lift Melissa up to you. I ask that you keep her sweet family safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Melissa hearing that small still voice and offering me me a scripture from you Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #fb5e53; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong><span style="color: black;"> OK, so Melissa suggested Isaiah 41:10</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Journal Entry 4/18/15</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqowkp0KZX45fpaSin-buWYG9e67CJbAjTEI_C8WY6ymmjUvJSVfkYF2Whz-aOtTItJ7n9R9K9pyxM5HkwhGDhDjLkyC_7FSVS8lTPvDv3rHaaGctPwuc7T06CvvcmlstCSp39cNLmCDU/s1600/m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqowkp0KZX45fpaSin-buWYG9e67CJbAjTEI_C8WY6ymmjUvJSVfkYF2Whz-aOtTItJ7n9R9K9pyxM5HkwhGDhDjLkyC_7FSVS8lTPvDv3rHaaGctPwuc7T06CvvcmlstCSp39cNLmCDU/s1600/m.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">* Do not fear...when you do not hear the heartbeat in an ultrasound</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">* I am with you ... as you lay on the table wondering why me again Lord? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">* I will strengthen you and help you... when you fall to your knees in grief</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">* I will hold you... when you want to go to sleep and never wake up</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhLBRwidVRP_mJOT3lFPUWjIJ7xd8ZX7jwcHlGrFTRxV-orxnvQ5sZWTN1ys343JFq-9HmibRdhCH2lXrmUIJn5AUEnnAM_VtGUrz4kV7-oUCdjpcsyqve8n-HYcOphZ2h7D-w4z5RWk/s1600/m3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhLBRwidVRP_mJOT3lFPUWjIJ7xd8ZX7jwcHlGrFTRxV-orxnvQ5sZWTN1ys343JFq-9HmibRdhCH2lXrmUIJn5AUEnnAM_VtGUrz4kV7-oUCdjpcsyqve8n-HYcOphZ2h7D-w4z5RWk/s1600/m3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">I did not remember his promises when I had to return from that ultrasound empty handed, no picture of a baby being in my womb.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"> I did not remember his promises when I had to return to that office and sit amongst a dozen happy women with swollen bellies.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"> I could not hear his still small voice as I lay on the examination table listening to the thump, thump, thump of a healthy baby heartbeat in the next exam room and the laughter of the happy parents of that baby. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">I did not remember his promises as I went to the hospital to have a mass removed that had caused not one but two miscarriages. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zmtbJ8mdqIC1FRysaHmm9DzT3rAHqMVh0mo9FdKn2ouBgIsFb_8hHHgj40CCYXmNVoR1GkrxaF64jVvORJOhQgvh75s21rOmRZLGY6X-hcoUs6myC1-MBMetaNIJka_AdwOamg7WY1A/s1600/m1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zmtbJ8mdqIC1FRysaHmm9DzT3rAHqMVh0mo9FdKn2ouBgIsFb_8hHHgj40CCYXmNVoR1GkrxaF64jVvORJOhQgvh75s21rOmRZLGY6X-hcoUs6myC1-MBMetaNIJka_AdwOamg7WY1A/s1600/m1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">But then I woke up in mid march and picked up my Bible, I reached out to others.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">I remembered this promise: I will not leave you nor forsake you. That is God's promise. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">WE forget HIS promises. BUT He NEVER forgets US. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAenkdM-LJORX5Xwk8z9y1j7zNflITSMf6gp0KAGiWpYYJ2yVkrrdu-R50M118Lx3m4vv5T9bzMoabz5xRNQ3cGD7GK_Of1DWRL6VIR4P74Plcn_MqyXnWS-3SE635aqxP3aqQTJUcE4g/s1600/m4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAenkdM-LJORX5Xwk8z9y1j7zNflITSMf6gp0KAGiWpYYJ2yVkrrdu-R50M118Lx3m4vv5T9bzMoabz5xRNQ3cGD7GK_Of1DWRL6VIR4P74Plcn_MqyXnWS-3SE635aqxP3aqQTJUcE4g/s1600/m4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">He was IN that ultrasound room. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">He held me on that exam table. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">He softened my heart to mourn the loss of another child.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">He kept me alive when I did not want to live. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">He holds my babies IN HEAVEN, and I will meet them and spend eternity with them. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black;">Amen</span></span></span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-8277297050073612472015-04-16T03:40:00.001-07:002015-04-16T03:44:28.994-07:00This ain't two steppin' ...it's ONE steppin'. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Natasha . Lord today we lift Natasha up to you. I ask that you keep her sweet family safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Natasha hearing that small still voice and offering me me a scripture from you Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #fb5e53; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><strong> OK, so Natasha suggested Isaiah 43: 18-19</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland... Isaiah 43: 18-19</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJ8YMdEHH82eSEz7KVtWYhaASMsNsMa8BWVT3q8wZVkpQ9J_PnDu8bikBwDCgC7ZfxkfwVmH2_L2bLCU__gsy3Z53o-izMijaukLB5knBQVvukcZVS6e1UZ0HGRqtnmGhXzkuAB3WG9M/s1600/mom+and+me.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJ8YMdEHH82eSEz7KVtWYhaASMsNsMa8BWVT3q8wZVkpQ9J_PnDu8bikBwDCgC7ZfxkfwVmH2_L2bLCU__gsy3Z53o-izMijaukLB5knBQVvukcZVS6e1UZ0HGRqtnmGhXzkuAB3WG9M/s1600/mom+and+me.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken during my darkest times. <br />
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Former- earlier, past<br />
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dwell- hold up, hinder , stop to hold up or stop oneself<br />
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springs up- to grow or develop, to rise up above surrounding objects<br />
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perceive- comprehend, observe, recognize, grasp mentally<br />
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The past can lock us up in our minds and keep us running on a track to nowhere. Things that hurt or confuse us earlier in life many times become a trigger on our daily life. Some are good memories, a scent of Nana's perfume but for some smells, places and times of year can be bad. Growing up with an alcoholic Dad meant unpredictable days or nights. When I was in the process of grieving his death I realized that yet again he had done the unpredictable . I am not however in control of his actions. I am only in control of my REACTIONS. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6z7SYtHiE7nh-2vG46T7gkpMsDEnVM7jqSHdLiYHMqa5_qypBpCluA0ZFx_d19kqqS4y4zOrBLCBD6q3Uh3cQoGyo36TVA0eRctTZ7CKApLmjS_9XRlaXAksPOUgp6_rUjDBZrXjcJIA/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6z7SYtHiE7nh-2vG46T7gkpMsDEnVM7jqSHdLiYHMqa5_qypBpCluA0ZFx_d19kqqS4y4zOrBLCBD6q3Uh3cQoGyo36TVA0eRctTZ7CKApLmjS_9XRlaXAksPOUgp6_rUjDBZrXjcJIA/s1600/blog2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This chair reminded me of how lonely my Dad must have been trapped in his Alcholism</td></tr>
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To dwell on the why's or how's of life's hard situations will only hold up and hinder progress towards self growth and the AWESOME future God has in store for YOU. While we can't Stop BAD things can we ? To dwell is to hold up God's calling on your life. This is not a call to actions to "get over" things or "move on" ! This is a plea to work thru them step by step with God guiding you. It may take days or it may take years! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU2uJsVlGrl1zREBPbEiNQ9N6yoJlOw8Of1NBIwvndZtzMfF3Uj92gXIQgH_omtL_jpsoRKj15JKvpPPcWN-0BVEqaCFqMWVMavrHkVn1zjfVH9p4yw8sFG3UCoRs9caAfMUaOSaA7yA/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU2uJsVlGrl1zREBPbEiNQ9N6yoJlOw8Of1NBIwvndZtzMfF3Uj92gXIQgH_omtL_jpsoRKj15JKvpPPcWN-0BVEqaCFqMWVMavrHkVn1zjfVH9p4yw8sFG3UCoRs9caAfMUaOSaA7yA/s1600/blog.jpg" height="287" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught this fish for my Dad! :) </td></tr>
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The newness of your life will show in personal growth. As you develop yourself in God's will it is life changing. A metamorphosis from the old you to a new you. Rise up, take God's hand. No matter your surroundings he will set you atop of them with a better view. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKRut-a2RHoiob6utmkl25YvmDfk0CfS1HUHG9864AiiiDDQhDV3xGe2R2ac5ixs3x3xMfD-OeohXff-w01gnsYBtMlpaKHhQNCCfF1j2ZPyKzfhdBA5wV8w68lNwXP11QJp4dUEKCYw/s1600/lia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKRut-a2RHoiob6utmkl25YvmDfk0CfS1HUHG9864AiiiDDQhDV3xGe2R2ac5ixs3x3xMfD-OeohXff-w01gnsYBtMlpaKHhQNCCfF1j2ZPyKzfhdBA5wV8w68lNwXP11QJp4dUEKCYw/s1600/lia.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">God put this smile on my face. His grace is sufficient! </td></tr>
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<br />
Three years ago I would never have been able to mentally grasp filing for relief of custody in our current adoption. But God is walking our broken, wounded hearts right through the process. ONE STEP AT A TIME. <br />
<br />
It's not easy to comprehend. But it's not your walk. It's ours. <br />
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amen. Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-56382173376392433482015-04-12T02:26:00.001-07:002015-04-12T02:26:55.950-07:00Rested, Delivered and Saved<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Marti . Lord today we lift Marti up to you. I ask that you keep her safe and that her life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Marti hearing that small still voice and offering me not one but two scriptures from our Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: #fb5e53; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> OK, so Marti suggested Psalm 118:6-8</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>The Lord protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling...</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Now for the Tracy breakdown and with a little help from my good old 1985 Webster's dictionary here we go...</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>simple hearted: unsophisticated in nature, sincere</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>saved: rescued, to help, kept from danger</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>delivered: set free, transfer, hand over</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>rest- refreshment, peace of mind, emotional calm, tranquility</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBENyOa5K8XpV2TtuxddknFeGzuveXM_ddxOeqB5PORpF9Rk6u-NyRFyx-lWVDKR-Ju4xfjVZB_TldjIlw_wGi5QTJL98YdSaxe6574pxAXiUvGAayuoj_B_kHCuqonrOKp467Y2HEwSY/s1600/SAM_2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBENyOa5K8XpV2TtuxddknFeGzuveXM_ddxOeqB5PORpF9Rk6u-NyRFyx-lWVDKR-Ju4xfjVZB_TldjIlw_wGi5QTJL98YdSaxe6574pxAXiUvGAayuoj_B_kHCuqonrOKp467Y2HEwSY/s1600/SAM_2083.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>God has been protecting me my entire life. No only does he protect the simple hearted but in MY case, the simple minded. He really has saved me in many scrapes and tough situations. I have been rescued by him from people who have wished to harm me. He has saved me from the danger I put myself in when drinking. He helped me help myself when I could not grasp sobriety.</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XwVgd1owAGlTMppRwvVxl5vNDoYWoF1YC9DzEOS7B9bHQDxCs2_lOKxRDuROsaoFbMeiM-QU6AHwwpM1JIP0X03WH-qug-ESiCkvGPdn-w3njRnbI0yAWWTuI24s5LwDWYpquOU2I3M/s1600/SAM_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XwVgd1owAGlTMppRwvVxl5vNDoYWoF1YC9DzEOS7B9bHQDxCs2_lOKxRDuROsaoFbMeiM-QU6AHwwpM1JIP0X03WH-qug-ESiCkvGPdn-w3njRnbI0yAWWTuI24s5LwDWYpquOU2I3M/s1600/SAM_2112.JPG" height="320" width="198" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> With the loss of my Dad and the miscarriage of two babies; I had to set free the anger and resentment that I harbored towards God and others for the losses I had experienced.</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUiTuvBaKdYyDUcgveFO9h8jqDsCojdQ-5Uc-eASOv7SfsQU2MdRNnVrTrf09i4rxTcihNr8Zk2T8A3tVq0yCtpQg5uWbC9eR2eTc5-nUWF9M3ozhL7H399lcsE0r9ay14_9Q8gABdGw/s1600/SAM_2081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUiTuvBaKdYyDUcgveFO9h8jqDsCojdQ-5Uc-eASOv7SfsQU2MdRNnVrTrf09i4rxTcihNr8Zk2T8A3tVq0yCtpQg5uWbC9eR2eTc5-nUWF9M3ozhL7H399lcsE0r9ay14_9Q8gABdGw/s1600/SAM_2081.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> I had to transfer and hand over to God the daughter who refuses to accept our family. I then had to pray as everyone said to me: "Just REST" in the Lord. When I was finally able to truly LET IT ALL GO to God I felt genuine refreshment.</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VRQ0HL1STJlWPZaxtlIVGhg11Nw63H3tRZnN6pRuavDDVUItu6nBfO94zYniDUi6pKafqqQO0Gx2VzJl_JoetiAKmjSLlxhccP80VgCGvh6AKmRcaQbVQw88UImOz9ueabCHk3TzSas/s1600/SAM_2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VRQ0HL1STJlWPZaxtlIVGhg11Nw63H3tRZnN6pRuavDDVUItu6nBfO94zYniDUi6pKafqqQO0Gx2VzJl_JoetiAKmjSLlxhccP80VgCGvh6AKmRcaQbVQw88UImOz9ueabCHk3TzSas/s1600/SAM_2088.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> It took time away on retreat by myself and even short DAILY retreats to gain some peace of mind as well as the emotional calm & tranquility that I so badly needed and desired.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTb80Zma9-wNo_EkdkIZkxaOsUaM6uKoLUG1pMcD59JSGl3MBmTIJ23JjbkhIWtRpHF6qSJ7T4Xf3sA7gsAucQW7I1RCgUArPzYtiKR8jcFKpFwcC5P6P9XAdw0-XFhD85apITWM-0z4/s1600/SAM_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTb80Zma9-wNo_EkdkIZkxaOsUaM6uKoLUG1pMcD59JSGl3MBmTIJ23JjbkhIWtRpHF6qSJ7T4Xf3sA7gsAucQW7I1RCgUArPzYtiKR8jcFKpFwcC5P6P9XAdw0-XFhD85apITWM-0z4/s1600/SAM_2068.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> It took time. It came. He delivered. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>amen. </b></span></span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-85391687739524685322015-04-11T03:37:00.002-07:002015-04-11T03:39:16.394-07:00Loss x Four = Growth<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Marti . Lord today we lift Marti up to you. I ask that you keep her safe and that her life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Marti hearing that small still voice and offering me a Word from our Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> OK, so Marti suggested Psalm 42:11</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me ? Put your hope in God, For I will yet praise him, my savior and my God. Psalm 42:11</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: #fb5e53; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Tracy Translation and Breakdown provided with wisdom from my good old Webster's dictionary. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>downcast: sad, discouraged, dejected</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>disturbed- agitated, confused, interrupted, made anxious</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>praise- glorify, commend, approve, to laud the glory of in song</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Savior- a person who saves, Jesus Christ</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>I was sad from the loss of two babies. I was feeling dejected about an adoption that was self imploding. I was discouraged with my inability to "hold" it together f</b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">or that entire time and the months leading up to it. I felt like life had been interrupted.</b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"> My Dad committed suicide yet the world kept turning, dinners had to be cooked and laundry piled up to be washed. I was agitated by my inability to let go, move on or even grieve in a healthy manner. </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Confused by my lack of emotion, many pushed away or stood back in the shadows not knowing what to do for me. Yet God was there waiting for me to push into him. </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">My life was chaos and the unpredictability of our adoptive child left me anxious. The violence and trauma she created was too much. Anxiety trapped me in my own head. the enemy had control. </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">In turn I would open my Bible and skim the words. I would mumble along in church making feeble attempts to praise God when only choked back sobs could escape my vocal chords. In a time meant to commend God for His blessings, I was not even able to lip sync. </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Alas, Jesus is my savior. He knows exactly what I need when I need it. He allowed me to push far back away. But in turn he held me even closer. He surrounded me with friends and family that allowed me to see through the darkness and I was able to visualize hope. </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">For that I am eternally grateful. Thank you Jesus. </b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">amen. </b><br />
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Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-87561243533904736322015-04-09T07:43:00.003-07:002015-04-09T07:44:06.731-07:00Failing and loving it. <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Donna . Lord we lift Donna and her sweet family up to you. I ask that you keep them safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Donna hearing that small still voice and offering me a Word from our Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> OK, so Donna suggested: Psalm 73:25-26</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73: 25-26</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Heaven: place of great beauty & pleasure. the place where God and his Angels are. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">desire: to wish or long for , a request</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">fail: fall short, to be unsuccessful in obtaining a desired end. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">strength: the power to resist, toughness, durability, strong source of support</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">We must remember that importance does not lie with Earthly things- our answer is in Heaven with God and the Angels. Eternity is much longer than this hot minute we are spending on Earth. Daily I tend to rely on myself and get disappointed when I fail and fall short of personal goals or something does not work out to my self satisfaction. What I do not realize is God is in charge. God has a plan and it's NOT MY PLAN. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I often can be heard saying Life is what happens when you make plans. or my favorite: Rejection is God's protection. So I need to remember that there is a positive side to "failing"! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I am often asked, "How can you be so strong in this difficult time in your life? I say I am weak but He is my strength. He instills in me the power to resist self doubt. He supplies me with protection and support to survive these earthly battles. I am not winning. God is winning. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">amen. </span></span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-83328757390995759542015-04-08T06:31:00.001-07:002015-04-08T06:31:54.693-07:00The Three R's...no wait. The FIVE R's <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Mary Alice . Lord we lift Mary Alice and her sweet family up to you. I ask that you keep them safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Mary Alice hearing that small still voice and offering me a Word from our Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span><br style="background-color: #fb5e53; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> OK, so Mary Alice suggested Psalm 31</b></span></span><br />
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<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.55em; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px;">
<span class="text Ps-31-1" id="en-NIV-14333" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Psalm 31<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-14333a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14333a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.71em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+31&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14333a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14333A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14333A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></h3>
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<span class="text Ps-31-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">For the director of music. A psalm of David.</span></h4>
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<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-31-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">1 </span>In you, <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, I have taken refuge;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14333B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14333B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">let me never be put to shame;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">deliver me in your righteousness.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14333C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14333C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-2" id="en-NIV-14334" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Turn your ear to me,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14334D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14334D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">come quickly to my rescue;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14334E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14334E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">be my rock of refuge,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14334F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14334F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">a strong fortress to save me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-3" id="en-NIV-14335" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Since you are my rock and my fortress,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14335G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14335G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for the sake of your name<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14335H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14335H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> lead and guide me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-4" id="en-NIV-14336" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Keep me free from the trap<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14336I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14336I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that is set for me,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for you are my refuge.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14336J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14336J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-5" id="en-NIV-14337" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>Into your hands I commit my spirit;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14337K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14337K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">deliver me, <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, my faithful God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14337L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14337L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-31-6" id="en-NIV-14338" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>I hate those who cling to worthless idols;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14338M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14338M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">as for me, I trust in the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14338N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14338N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-7" id="en-NIV-14339" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>I will be glad and rejoice in your love,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for you saw my affliction<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14339O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14339O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and knew the anguish<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14339P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14339P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of my soul.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-8" id="en-NIV-14340" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>You have not given me into the hands<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14340Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14340Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the enemy</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but have set my feet in a spacious place.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14340R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14340R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-31-9" id="en-NIV-14341" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Be merciful to me, <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, for I am in distress;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14341S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14341S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">my eyes grow weak with sorrow,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14341T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14341T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">my soul and body<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14341U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14341U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with grief.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-10" id="en-NIV-14342" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>My life is consumed by anguish<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14342V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14342V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and my years by groaning;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14342W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14342W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">my strength fails<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14342X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14342X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because of my affliction,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-14342b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14342b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+31&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14342b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14342Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14342Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and my bones grow weak.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14342Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14342Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-11" id="en-NIV-14343" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Because of all my enemies,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14343AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14343AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I am the utter contempt<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14343AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14343AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of my neighbors<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14343AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14343AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and an object of dread to my closest friends—</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">those who see me on the street flee from me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-12" id="en-NIV-14344" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>I am forgotten as though I were dead;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14344AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14344AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I have become like broken pottery.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-13" id="en-NIV-14345" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>For I hear many whispering,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14345AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14345AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">“Terror on every side!”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14345AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14345AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They conspire against me<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14345AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14345AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and plot to take my life.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14345AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14345AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-31-14" id="en-NIV-14346" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>But I trust<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14346AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14346AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in you, <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-14" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I say, “You are my God.”</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-15" id="en-NIV-14347" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>My times<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14347AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14347AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> are in your hands;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">deliver me from the hands of my enemies,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">from those who pursue me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-16" id="en-NIV-14348" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>Let your face shine<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14348AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14348AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> on your servant;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">save me in your unfailing love.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14348AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14348AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-17" id="en-NIV-14349" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>Let me not be put to shame,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14349AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14349AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for I have cried out to you;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but let the wicked be put to shame</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and be silent<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14349AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14349AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in the realm of the dead.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-18" id="en-NIV-14350" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>Let their lying lips<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14350AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14350AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> be silenced,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for with pride and contempt</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">they speak arrogantly<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14350AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14350AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> against the righteous.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-31-19" id="en-NIV-14351" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>How abundant are the good things<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14351AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14351AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">that you have stored up for those who fear you,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">that you bestow in the sight of all,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14351AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14351AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">on those who take refuge<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14351AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14351AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in you.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-20" id="en-NIV-14352" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>In the shelter<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14352AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14352AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of your presence you hide<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14352AU" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14352AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> them</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">from all human intrigues;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14352AV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14352AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you keep them safe in your dwelling</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">from accusing tongues.</span></span></div>
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<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span class="text Ps-31-21" id="en-NIV-14353" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>Praise be to the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14353AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14353AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for he showed me the wonders of his love<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14353AX" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14353AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">when I was in a city under siege.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14353AY" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14353AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-22" id="en-NIV-14354" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>In my alarm<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14354AZ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14354AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> I said,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">“I am cut off<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14354BA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14354BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> from your sight!”</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Yet you heard my cry<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14354BB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14354BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for mercy</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-22" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">when I called to you for help.</span></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span class="text Ps-31-23" id="en-NIV-14355" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>Love the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, all his faithful people!<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14355BC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14355BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> preserves those who are true to him,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14355BD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14355BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but the proud he pays back<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14355BE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14355BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in full.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-31-24" id="en-NIV-14356" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span>Be strong and take heart,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14356BF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14356BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">all you who hope in the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></span></div>
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<h4 style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0.1px; line-height: 24px; margin: 20px 0px 10px;">
refuge: to retreat, shelter, protection from danger</h4>
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rescue: to free or save from danger</div>
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rejoice: to be glad, happy or delighted</div>
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righteousness: the quality or condition of being righteousness or just </div>
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redeem me: to buy back, to set free, ransom or rescue</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6wu503ZSrYSDyKSUxrokAC6kYcvpYVygeicxyLo2M_PArubANzB0wVpQsoov2o2vy4Pjr4JiOnUNVBa_htP1QkKm_fz7lqW8yGXsBWmerxNgnI43fviHQkfMJdsX8woRxjj7Derkj3s/s1600/SAM_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6wu503ZSrYSDyKSUxrokAC6kYcvpYVygeicxyLo2M_PArubANzB0wVpQsoov2o2vy4Pjr4JiOnUNVBa_htP1QkKm_fz7lqW8yGXsBWmerxNgnI43fviHQkfMJdsX8woRxjj7Derkj3s/s1600/SAM_1918.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In my shame and darkest hours the Lord pulled me close. He listened to the whispers of my soul. I have become like broken pottery. He saw this distress. He was my rock and my refuge. So was my bed and my home. I hit out for a month. He saw the afflictions I was enduring and he soothed the anguish of my soul. </div>
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My body was weak, my heart was broken. I yelled out I only trust YOU LORD. Put the wickedness in my life to shame Lord. I thought and felt alone yet all the time the Lord was there for me. He kept his eye on me even when I took my eyes off of HIM. The Lord runs to the faithful but the proud shall be paid back in full. </div>
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Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGL-GOCrvH1jJODiw-0M6K_c5FYlx8IskeOsNNkR6_krEr8hODKzsa3pJ_IJqijAbshSteqwA4Agw_voaqMkEZFNpYmPXExoZsbjNlbs2amGeZNzHe5DNnDMFLUwk23MzYokJ1Zy2sy4/s1600/SAM_1889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGL-GOCrvH1jJODiw-0M6K_c5FYlx8IskeOsNNkR6_krEr8hODKzsa3pJ_IJqijAbshSteqwA4Agw_voaqMkEZFNpYmPXExoZsbjNlbs2amGeZNzHe5DNnDMFLUwk23MzYokJ1Zy2sy4/s1600/SAM_1889.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It took me a month and a half of laying in bed and hiding out to know all I needed was the FIVE R's- Refuge, Rescue, Rejoice, righteousness and redeeming! :) </div>
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amen</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-36913685294918113242015-04-07T08:24:00.002-07:002015-04-07T08:24:57.829-07:00No Leanin' <span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Debbie . Lord we lift Debbie and her sweet family up to you. I ask that you keep them safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Debbie hearing that small still voice and offering me a Word from our Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> OK, so Debbie suggested Proverbs 3:5-6</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.<br />
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understanding: comprehension. knowledge. discernment. judgement<br />
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acknowledge: confess, recognize and answer. express thanks for . to state that one has received a gift or favor.<br />
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path: a track or way worn by footsteps. a line of movement . course taken. a course for manner of conduct or procedure.<br />
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Although I was weary and despondent I never let go that God was working in my life. I needed to continue to comprehend God's grace, love and provision for me in that hard time. This was a time of calling on the knowledge that the Lord is always near and available. Praying for wisdom and the discernment BUT also the ability to discern when to Stop striving and LET GO and LET GOD. My judgement at that time was not top notch. So I sat, cried and rested in the Lord.<br />
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All the while I had to confess to God that I did not think that He was doing me right. I felt slighted with the loss of my Dad, the miscarriage of yet another baby within a one year time period and the disruption of our adoption. But I recognized that God was doing things in His time. ON HIS path. Not the way I wanted to go...clearly in the wrong direction....<br />
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I forced myself to answer Him in prayers of thanks for all the blessings I do have and continue to get each day. I needed to express my thanks for the gifts and favors he releases to me time and time again. I'm forever grateful for the Bible and the guidance it provides.<br />
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I also can recognize that my conduct directly relates to how fast I can get back on track with God. At that time in my life I was barely doing Bible Study. My prayers were selfish and all me me me! It was hard to change that habit that reminded me so much of the "old" Tracy that existed before I dedicated my life to the Lord. I was barely getting out of bed and in a very dark place. I am happy to report that the light is on. Tracy is home. And no. life is NOT perfect. Mostly my life is blessy (blessed and messy)<br />
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so my takeaway from this little blog is more trustin' less leanin' :)<br />
amen.Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-68055783347291921302015-04-05T04:58:00.001-07:002015-04-05T05:00:39.310-07:00Joy and Peace<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Krystle . Lord again we lift Krystle and her sweet family up to you. I ask that you keep them safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Krystle hearing that small still voice and offering me a Word from our Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> OK, so Krystle suggested Psalm Romans 15:13.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Tracy Translation and Breakdown provided with wisdom from my good old Webster's dictionary. </b></span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWaTKe7jKcv2C7lpA2z8-8QpQMY0rWo4YZdNVq1CeBVk9fFcctwzvIO8MBRdvbV5nScxGMonejKOUXryfz-hCEKnHBSIZ0JpHGANqxIeM7DmrGRMs_Nq3Js3IxxM6lh90A88kUZ7KaTg/s1600/SAM_1834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWaTKe7jKcv2C7lpA2z8-8QpQMY0rWo4YZdNVq1CeBVk9fFcctwzvIO8MBRdvbV5nScxGMonejKOUXryfz-hCEKnHBSIZ0JpHGANqxIeM7DmrGRMs_Nq3Js3IxxM6lh90A88kUZ7KaTg/s1600/SAM_1834.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a little throwback to Webster's </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Joy- a very glad feeling. great pleasure. delight to enjoy. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Peace- freedom from disturbance. freedom from disagreement. undisturbed state of mind. serenity. calm and quiet (when I asked Cora to describe peace to me she said calm and quiet ) :) </b></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDsU5HPByuC6L7Lxu9SSEjrM6WQyUuV19l-tWkmvH1Knkecrf3gz86ZGDxwIbig4mhXgyYuI4Bd6S5xFj1kq-dJp07rQGU_YqhAJc9B9dhuWL-Bm3iajNsNpqt2JBsHI9P4MMkExVhRA/s1600/SAM_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDsU5HPByuC6L7Lxu9SSEjrM6WQyUuV19l-tWkmvH1Knkecrf3gz86ZGDxwIbig4mhXgyYuI4Bd6S5xFj1kq-dJp07rQGU_YqhAJc9B9dhuWL-Bm3iajNsNpqt2JBsHI9P4MMkExVhRA/s1600/SAM_1832.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love to take pictures of my feet up. This rarely happens. </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Trust- firm belief or confidence in the honesty , integrity, reliability, justice etc. of another person or thing. FAITH</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Power- to be able. the ability to do . capacity to act. capability of performing or producing.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>Holy Spirit- the third person of the trinity. spirit of God. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>I pray to be filled daily with gladness and pleasure and delight. May today be free from disturbance, disagreement and be a gathering of moments of serenity. May my state of mind be one with the will of the Lord. I pray to have a firm faith in the honesty, integrity, reliability and Justice of our Father. </b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOXH9rzmfoNunQ97zVw1EaqP4GQHHeBl3R7_mopGDpWEmpicCpdN7o27L7maQ1o5Tz_LFnYjpl7bQCh17gQaaBsZzgZymj1Hk2n2pK_372bjMQCHEs1Y379ZzEAkUKj_hgplYL2r3xBA/s1600/SAM_1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOXH9rzmfoNunQ97zVw1EaqP4GQHHeBl3R7_mopGDpWEmpicCpdN7o27L7maQ1o5Tz_LFnYjpl7bQCh17gQaaBsZzgZymj1Hk2n2pK_372bjMQCHEs1Y379ZzEAkUKj_hgplYL2r3xBA/s1600/SAM_1830.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caught a quiet Moment this mornin' between Pop and Cora (note their arms are the same position) </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>May the spirit of God overflow within me, giving me the ability to do all things through Him that strengthens me. May I be able to perform my duties as a daughter, sister, Mother, and friend in a way that mirrors the way of the Lord. May hope abound today and the Angels rejoice as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b>amen. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-86488028258841535042015-04-04T07:58:00.002-07:002015-04-04T07:59:09.343-07:00Cheer up<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. </span><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">So first will you join me and pray for my friend Sandy . Lord again we lift Sandy and her sweet family up to you. I ask that you keep them safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Sandy hearing your small still voice and offering me not one Word but two scriptures from your Book Lord in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.</span></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b> OK, so Sandy suggested Psalm 31:24</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Be Strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
definitions<br />
strong- morally powerful. having strength of character and will. Intellectually powerful. Able to think clearly.<br />
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take heart- to consider seriously. cheer up.to have more courage and confidence. <br />
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hope- desire accompanied by anticipation. trust. reliance. to want very much. to trust and rely.<br />
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So this scripture , when busted down Tracy-style with a little help from Webster's Dictionary states:<br />
<br />
Tracy, have strength of character and will. Tracy be intellectually powerful. Tracy you must be able to think clearly.<br />
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Tracy Translation: CALM DOWN GIRL-GOD'S ALL OVER THIS.<br />
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Tracy, you must have hope in the Lord. Tracy , go out and have that desire accompanied by anticipation of what is to come! Tracy, Just trust there is more than this momentary trouble. Rely on the Lord. Tracy, continue wanting so much more than THIS world has to offer. WE must trust and rely completely on the Lord. Not just what our doctors friends or spouses say.<br />
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The Lord is our Father, our companion and our guide in life. The Bible is the ultimate say as to what we do and how we act. Eternity is ours.<br />
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How will you spend your time on Earth?<br />
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In the Hope Bucket or in the Worry Bucket?<br />
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amen.<br />
I'm choosing HOPE.Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227873049869321335.post-14812582208767678962015-03-31T02:38:00.000-07:002015-03-31T05:05:34.768-07:00Jesus take the wheel...<br />
A while ago I asked my friends on Facebook to give me a go to scripture. I was weary, burdened, my heart hurt and my emotions were so very low. Over 25 friends took time to respond and in no particular order I am meditating on the scriptures that they shared and also praying for them at the same time. <br />
<br />
So first will you join me and pray for my friend Sandy . Lord we lift Sandy and her sweet family up to you. I ask that you keep them safe and that their life be filled with love and laughter. I praise you for Sandy hearing your small still voice and offering me a Word in my time of need. I thank you for her faithfulness and prayers. Amen.<br />
<br />
OK, so Sandy suggested Psalm 16:8<br />
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<strong><em>I have set the Lord always before me because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken.</em></strong> <br />
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When I feel fear, doubt, worry or scared I can set that aside. I can know deep down that the Lord is there. He has been there forever. <br />
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He has never left my side. He will not forsake me. The Lord is present always and forever. <br />
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I need not be shaken. That means I can stop the worry, fear and doubt in it's tracks by remembering this Psalm. He is at my right hand I will NOT be shaken. <br />
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In layman's terms- The Lord is riding shotgun <a href="https://youtu.be/lydBPm2KRaU" target="_blank">but he also has the wheel. </a>Tracy http://www.blogger.com/profile/06887548870128009310noreply@blogger.com0