tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88276094780584958882024-02-06T23:35:43.536-05:00Pressing OnMy life in six words: Not there yet, but pressing on.
"but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold for me." Philippians 3:12Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-32474861370037735462017-04-15T17:42:00.001-04:002017-04-15T17:42:47.151-04:00Easter- The New Year
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a notebook of my mother’s writings and one that
caught my attention was on calling Easter New Year’s, rather than January 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>History tells us that New Year’s has not
always been celebrated on January 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>; it depended on what culture
you were a part of, for when it started. We are taught that the calendar that
is accepted internationally is the Gregorian calendar. This calendar was created
by Pope Gregory XIII in the late 1580’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Gregorian calendar is a refinement of the Roman calendar that Julius
Caesar created a few years after the death of Christ. So, who is to say when
the true New Year really occurs?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Christ arose from the tomb, He thereby gave us a way to
have a new beginning through His death, through His blood, through His through
salvation, through grace the forgiveness of our sins. We are promised in I John
1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faith and just and will forgive our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. Easter, when Christ arose, gave mankind a
new beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy New Year! Celebrate for Christ arose!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-34396162252932538792017-02-08T19:36:00.000-05:002017-02-08T19:36:23.557-05:00Lessons from Super Bowl 2017
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of a few lessons from the MBA program that stayed with
me is a lecture that a professor taught on lessons learned from watching the
super bowl. Although not a huge fan of football, I do enjoy watching a few
games, mainly the Rose Bowl and the Super Bowl and since that lecture have
taken away lessons to use in life from each game I have watched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year’s super bowl had no appeal for me, but I felt
obligated to watch some of it so I could converse with our community residents.
While I admit to not watching the entire game, I still had several take-aways
to incorporate as lessons. First, the winner is never truly known until the
final few seconds of the game. In other words, never give up trying to win.
Keep getting up when we are down or behind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should always press on toward the goal as Paul
admonishes us in Philippians 3: 14 to do just this: “Press on toward the goal
to win the prize for which God has called me {us} to complete”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lesson two is never rest on your laurels. The past
is just that; today is what is happening now and requires your attention.
Success entails work, a continuing of getting back out there in the game and
giving it your all. Just because you may be ahead of everyone else, it is not
the time to become lazy, careless, or arrogant about where you are at. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In verse 13, Paul “forgets what is behind and
strains toward what is ahead”. We should not count our losses or lament about
what our failures or regrets. God wants us to look up; as in football, to keep
our eyes on the goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The third lesson is that to win, we need to go deep. It is
not enough to just gain a yard to two at a time; more is oft needed. To go deep
as Christians, it is imperative that we dig in to the word. A little skimming,
or just attending Sunday morning services is not enough to win. Paul admonishes
us in 2 Timothy 2:15a to “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a
worker who does not need to be ashamed”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The goal of the teams competing in the super bowl is to win.
As Christians, our goal should be and do our best so one day we, too, may hear
“well done thy good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21a).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-29059439143888933202013-11-11T09:05:00.002-05:002013-11-11T09:05:27.196-05:00Dissertation Dedication<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="color: windowtext;"> DEDICATION</span></b></h1>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“To
God be the glory”; it is to Him that this endeavor is dedicated as it is all
because of Him that this journey has transpired. All the praise and glory are
His alone.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
dedicate this to my family. First to my husband, Chris, who has been a constant
support, encouragement, sounding board, and a kick in the posterior when
needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never could have undertaken
such a project without him by my side. My mother, Darlene, has been my prayer
warrior and champion; her belief in me has sustained me when the going was
almost unbearable. Another continued source of support has been my
mother-in-law, Marjory. It was my son, David’s teasing about me not stopping
until he could call me “Doctor Mom” that prodded me into going forth on this
journey. My daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law, Keith have been steadfast with
their encouragement. My brothers, Don, Mel, and Bob have provided the brotherly
teasing that helped to keep my spirits lifted. Victoria, my cousin, has been a
lifelong inspiration to me as well as an encouragement. A good friend Mary
helped to start me on this journey with a strong letter of recommendation and
has continued to provide endless support.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To
my grandchildren, Caleb, Zavier, Katerina, Caralena, and Faith, may you go
after your dreams and never stop believing that you can achieve what you set
out to do.</span></div>
Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-78585064231127751312013-02-18T20:35:00.000-05:002013-02-18T20:35:08.877-05:00Back to the Basics<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><i>“Trust in the
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When sports
teams “get in a slump”, they are often directed by their coaches to work on the
fundamentals. Life can get so complicated that we are left to wonder which way
to turn, how to proceed. I had been dealing with such a time when the Lord
pressed upon me to return to the basics. I was struggling with writing even the
beginning of part of my dissertation. In my doctorate classes, I used a technique
to write the many paper for class. God brought before me of returning to this
method. It was a way to “get out of the slump” I was experiencing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
So it is with
our walk with the Lord. Sometimes we can get so bogged down in everything that
we believe we must do to be “good” Christians that we become discouraged and
down. It is then that it is good to return to the basics. The basics are the
foundation guiding us in our relationship with the Father and with others.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 22: 36-40 in easy to understand words the very basics
of what we are to do as Christians. The Pharisees were testing (or so they
thought) Jesus, hoping to trip him up with their questions about what they
perceived as the law, the Ten Commandments, trying to lay a snare for Him. They
wanted to know which was the greatest commandment. Jesus answered with the
foundation of all the law, returning to the basics. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with
all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first
and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as
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<br /></div>
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As complicated
as life is, I am all about the basics. How about you? Do you need to return to
the basics?</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
Digging deeper:
Galatians 5:14; I John 1:9 </div>
<b><i>
</i></b><br />
Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-87070341653217129692012-11-26T19:01:00.002-05:002012-11-26T19:04:01.744-05:00Priorities in the Journey<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We saw his star in the east and have come to
worship him."</i> Matthew 2:2b</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSazmrwqT5jkVnSu1wmXGINMG8gOXOmWs7njCcmgqRPwXkR98LRR_DwK0eromNSzGfGh-IqnGh1dVecUk5_tK_9CdN2vvz1gAo_btNhxp2fw8fvQudgDYyUCr6ILO_UiSh6S0QD1w8u6h/s1600/cmastar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSazmrwqT5jkVnSu1wmXGINMG8gOXOmWs7njCcmgqRPwXkR98LRR_DwK0eromNSzGfGh-IqnGh1dVecUk5_tK_9CdN2vvz1gAo_btNhxp2fw8fvQudgDYyUCr6ILO_UiSh6S0QD1w8u6h/s320/cmastar.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
I enjoy
planning trips. I check out where I am going on an atlas, often using MapQuest
to gauge how long it will take to get to where I want to go. The magi started
out on a journey unsure of their exact destination, but they had heavenly
directions- a star to follow. They understood that this star was no ordinary
star, but one that would lead them to someone special. Their journey begins
with the star and ends directly underneath the star (Matthew 2:9).</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
The magi had
their priorities in the right place- to journey as long as it took to carry
gifts to the new king, to worship Him. They sought the king and worshiped Him,
the highest priority a man should pursue. They also illustrate faith in the
journey. They did not know where they would arrive but had faith that by following
the star they would find the king. The wise men humbled themselves and paid
tribute to the Christ child! these were not token presents; they were extremely precious and rare. These gifts
illustrated the depth of their love and devotion. God received the very best that they
could offer. </div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
Matthew Henry
writes “Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often
use most diligence, and learn to know the most of Christ and his salvation. But
no curious arts, or mere human learning, can direct men unto him. We must learn
of Christ by attending to the word of God, as a light that shineth in a dark
place, and by seeking the teaching of the Holy Spirit”.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
Where do your
priorities lie today? Where do mine? It is never too late to journey in the
right direction, to get your priorities right. Confess to the Father (1 John 1:9), spend time in the word,
and worship the King. The greatest gift you can give to Jesus is your life. The
greatest journey you can ever take is the one following Him. Why not go on the
journey? We are assured that “If you seek Him, He will be found by you” (I
Chronicles 28:9). There is no better Christmas gift than that of salvation.</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
Digging deeper:
Jeremiah 30:9; Psalm 48:14; Psalm 8:3-4; Numbers 24:17: Isaiah 60:3</div>
Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-81049801483296658772012-07-06T11:49:00.003-04:002012-07-06T20:31:18.382-04:00Doing My Job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5M7iPlA1Woyl2mx4G7o4p6MFLfIAM80nCpidux3DFo5EcRkuxYihBYMf5qajP9yzf15S3PDLlRb1sXlPEGn-N8-ZiuObKH-jvR84PdSOsn3W7gIrUxdqwUHQsBzRXNZ9TGoJFpyobUgC/s1600/iphone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>"I tell
you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."
Luke 19:40 (NIV)</b></i></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
I was headed to
the grocery store with my daughter, when she received a text from her husband.
As she was driving, she asked me to respond to it. Problem was, her phone was
an iPhone and very different from mine and I did not know how to use it. My
daughter started laughing and said if one of the kids were here, they could do
it. So very true! My not-quite-three year old granddaughter can get around that
phone like it is nothing. I was chagrined to have this really brought to light,
yet it was my fault. See, my husband had an iPhone and I could have easily
learned to use it, but I just did not want to. Hubris stopped me from being a
help. In not learning something that would have only taken a few minutes, I was
unable to do “my job” and help my daughter.<br />
<br />
Luke 19: 37-40
tells of Jesus was approaching Jerusalem and a crowd of disciples were praising
God for the miracles they had witnessed. The so-called righteous Pharisees were
objecting to their praises and had asked Jesus to rebuke them. The Pharisees
wanted to silence the praises of Christ. Jesus, in answer, told the Pharisees
that His praises, God’s praises will be sung, if not by man then by the rocks
of creation. </div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
I don’t know
about you, but when I am given a job to do, I want to do it to the best of my
abilities. I do not like it given to someone else because of a lack in me to do
the job. It was humbling enough to have a not-quite three year old able to do
my job, but to have rocks, inanimate objects do my job- well, that is beyond
insulting. However, I must ask myself, am I truly praising God? Or am I just
giving Him lip service so that rocks must do my job? How about you, are rocks
doing your job too?</div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: left;">
Digging Deeper:
Habakkuk 2:11; Joshua 24:11; Matthew 6:21</div>Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-54841759917401950182012-06-04T18:13:00.004-04:002012-06-04T18:13:57.556-04:00Where Is Your Focus<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i><b>Colossians 3:2 “Set
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Breakfast, back packs, lunches, permission slips, finished
homework, special snack for after school, meetings, seminar notes, commute, dry
cleaning, milk- just a running list of things to do and items to get, take,
etc.. runs through my mind like a fast moving train as I try to get out the
door in the morning. Life is busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
filled to the brim of people to care for, things to do, and places to go. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is difficult in the deluge of life to keep
my focus where it should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most humans are not content to take one step at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to take several and we want to know
where the steps are leading, how many we need to get there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The journey for us as Christians has many
steps, twists and turns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many times
we become focused on the journey instead of the one leading the way. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The journey entails learning to trust, to ignore the
distractions of life and focus on God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Frequently we start out on the journey gung-ho, full of energy and
drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, the journey becomes tiring,
requires some effort, takes time, and often is not easy. The conditions of the
journey no longer appear as inviting as when we first started out. So, put
little effort into it or quit. Ecclesiastes 11:4 tells us that “If you wait for
perfect conditions, you will never get anything done”.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Proverbs 24:16 tells us that “The godly may trip seven
times, but they will get up again.” God does not reject us in our weakness; rather
He is there to carry us, to help us, and to love us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Philippians 1:6 says “<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in
you will perfect it until the day of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Christ
Jesus</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">.”
</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So dear one, continue the journey, though it may be hard for God is at
work in you, He will work out His plan for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The journey may be long, but the final destination is worth it all. So,
focus on the One leading the way.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The song by Helen Lemmel says:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Turn</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
your eyes upon Jesus,<br />
Look full in His wonderful face,<br />
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,<br />
In the light of His glory and grace.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span>Digging deeper: Psalms 62:8; Isaiah 40:11; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew
6:33-34; Hebrews 12:1-3; Psalm 138:8; Psalm 37:3; Philippians 4:8</div>
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<br /></div>Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-81583083225454389882012-05-18T09:39:00.002-04:002012-05-18T09:39:57.811-04:00Faith Filled FridayFrom the Message Bible: "<i><b>That clinches it- help's coming, an answer's on the way, everything's going to work out." Psalm 20:5</b></i><br />
<br />
Believing it, claiming it today. How about you?Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-50979462363766328392012-05-14T14:31:00.001-04:002012-05-14T14:31:38.991-04:00Seasoned with Salt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlypJcdlTQZuWJLTuWx07rsz6j9Iw2KgEnIaeyV8gKQPnKRHnRFVpu_aS9llSZD37wCZlBggvM355Y-QW3DnWfwRyOCHqs7whr-MTo4D4Cq_Zt4zs9wpBTUqsQxhF7rE4K9oP7zfndJzHd/s1600/salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlypJcdlTQZuWJLTuWx07rsz6j9Iw2KgEnIaeyV8gKQPnKRHnRFVpu_aS9llSZD37wCZlBggvM355Y-QW3DnWfwRyOCHqs7whr-MTo4D4Cq_Zt4zs9wpBTUqsQxhF7rE4K9oP7zfndJzHd/s320/salt.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<b>
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 <i></i></b>
I love the taste of salt. I like salty foods and often pour more salt on foods already seasoned with salt (like crackers). Salt makes food palatable for me. To be without salt, is to have bland food. It can be eaten, but it is not very enjoyable. Leviticus 2:13 says “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings”.<br />
<br />
In offering my sacrifices to Christ to be of any meaning, they must be salted. This requires them to be flavorful and of virtue. The same must be of my words. Matthew Henry writes “Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.”<br />
<br />
Jesus tells us in Mark 9:50 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other." Like salt is good for seasoning foods, we must be seasoned with grace. This means that love, forgiveness, gentleness, a servant-spirit towards others, and patience, along with faith and hope should be our makeup and come through in our conversations. To do this, spend time in the word and with the Father. Ask for His seasoning.<br />
<br />
Digging deeper: Ezekiel 43:24; Matthew 5:13, 12:35; Job 6:6; Ephesians 4:29; I Peter 3:15Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-27718705520639576592012-05-11T09:16:00.000-04:002012-05-11T09:18:11.700-04:00Faith Filled FridayThe other day on Facebook, someone posted an encouraging scripture verse for a friend. Only God knew that I also needed to read that verse and claim it. Sometimes this journey that I am on is very discouraging, tiring and leaves me to question whether or not to press on to the finish line. Right now has been a time of questioning, stressing about the next few months rather than leaving it in the Father's hands. Like me, perhaps you too, need to hear this verse:
<b>"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded" 2 Chronicles 15:7</b>Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-40773391601713308742012-04-13T11:45:00.000-04:002012-04-13T11:45:13.464-04:00An Invitation to Dine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-z8IJVdTJRXb5oQ99DYH6lur9yfjSZbstk4sUPuXcq9x5zrsx6XC1zn0SJ-PC5zdIf_RuTxxUDrTfoyRWCy9FdVriRt1-Bj2hopRmtMCUTOme8yHCKvfR6Dt68q-BTi_6XpyG59Ey8kO/s1600/DSCN0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-z8IJVdTJRXb5oQ99DYH6lur9yfjSZbstk4sUPuXcq9x5zrsx6XC1zn0SJ-PC5zdIf_RuTxxUDrTfoyRWCy9FdVriRt1-Bj2hopRmtMCUTOme8yHCKvfR6Dt68q-BTi_6XpyG59Ey8kO/s320/DSCN0445.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<b>“God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on the guest list?” Psalm 15:1 (MSG)<i></i></b><br />
<br />
I am not a huge fan of eating at people’s homes. The reason is simple; I am a picky eater and rarely is fixed anything I like. I do not want to hurt my host’s feelings after they have gone to so much work by not eating what is fixed, but…. Sometimes I can get away with it if my husband is with me; by covertly placing “whatever” on his plate (he is definitely not as selective as me). But, he is not always able to be with me. Sometimes the host really knows me and fixes me something special and invites me to dine with them. What joy to participate and to truly be invited to dine.<br />
<br />
I love to be invited. Who doesn’t? A Nazarene pastor, Charles Widmeyer wrote a song and the first verse and refrain so eloquently invite us to the Lord’s table:<br />
<br />
<i>Jesus has a table spread where the saints of God are fed<br />
He invites his chosen people come and dine<br />
With his manna he doth feed and supplies our every need<br />
Oh tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time.<br />
<br />
Come and dine the Master calleth come and dine<br />
You may feast at Jesus table all the time<br />
He who fed the multitude turned the water into wine<br />
To the hungry calleth now come and dine.</i><br />
<br />
“And Jesus said to them ‘Come and dine’” (John 21:1a). We are invited to come and dine at the banquet table, a meal of which we cannot even conceive of the bounty and goodness waiting for us. How hungry are you today? We can be fed by the Master. Revelations 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.” Just open the door and be fed.<br />
<br />
Digging deeper: John 10:9; Luke 14:15-24Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-24848923041311437642012-03-12T14:06:00.001-04:002012-03-12T17:37:10.641-04:00Onomatopoeia<b>“People thought evil, imagined evil- evil, evil, evil from morning to night. God was sorry that he had made the human race in the first place; it broke his heart.” Genesis 6:5b-6 (MSG)<i></i></b><br />
<br />
Growing my vocabulary has been a continual part of my educational endeavor. When I come across a new word, not a neologism, I write the word with the definition on an index card that I review until the word is embedded in mind. A few weeks ago, a new word that I encountered was onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is defined as “word that imitates the sound it represents”. A few examples are zip, gush, drip, splash, and kerplunk. <br />
<br />
As I was pondering onomatopoeia and its meaning, I thought of the word sin. Sin is like it sounds; dirty, nasty, ugly and yet, none of these adjectives nor the true meaning of sin can really be defined and sound like it truly is. Sin breaks the heart of God. Its cost is more than we can pay, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The cost of sin is Grace: God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Grace- it sounds like something that cannot be purchased, something hard to truly grasp, a beauty in it that defies description. God is grace, of grace and grace comes only through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). I do not really think grace sounds like what it is, for true grace cannot be heard; only known.<br />
<br />
Does sin make your ears hurt? Do you know grace? You can. I John 1:9 tells us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” From evil to forgiven, from experiencing sin to experience grace has been paid for us by Christ; all we need to do is to be truly repentant and then accept what is freely given (Romans 3:24). What word do you want your life to sound like today?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Digging deeper: Isaiah 63:9-10; Ephesians 4:30; Psalm 11:5, 7: Micah 7:18-19; Titus 2:11; Ephesians 1:7Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-23593826938329608332012-02-21T15:15:00.000-05:002012-02-21T15:15:26.044-05:00Fairies<b>“Be strong and finish the task” Zachariah 8:9a<i></i></b> <br />
<br />
<b>"Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” I Chronicles 28:20a<i></i></b><br />
<br />
When I was growing up with three older brothers, one brother in particular seemed to always leave the bathroom a mess. For some reason, I seemed to be the one who always followed him in using that room and I would clean it up as it drove me nuts. The rest of the family always seemed to wait to use the room until after I was done. <br />
<br />
I miss our daughter living at home, for many reasons, but one reason oft comes to mind. When she was bored, she cleaned, deep cleaned, and she was bored often. Rarely through her teen years did I ever have to do much cleaning. <br />
<br />
My husband has determined that our marriage has endured because of the fairies, his fairies. As long as he does not mention them very often (they are a little temperamental- too much talk about them and they tend to disappear for a while), but acknowledges that they are beneficial to him, they quietly go about their way making his life a little bit easier. Now for me, these fairies have very rarely done much of anything. <br />
<br />
There are definite times that I would love to have his fairies, but really, what I would prefer is to have some different fairies. For the next eight months, I would like a work fairy; one that would go to my job and work so that I could stay home and use that time to concentrate on my dissertation. Another useful fairy would be a menu fairy; this job includes creating menus every two weeks and see that the necessary ingredients are in the cabinets to make the selected dishes. One other fairy I would like is one who saw to the vehicle needs, such as gassing the vehicle up, washing and vacuuming it regularly, and seeing to its many needs (such as oil changes, new battery, brake work, and such). <br />
<br />
However, as much as I would like these different fairies, I am thankful that I am able to do most of these jobs. As I watch other folks struggle with some of these things, my heart is grateful for all I have and can do. I am employed and my job is interesting; I work with terrific folk. I have a cupboard and refrigerator full of food for which it only takes me a little effort to put together different meals. Plus, I admit to enjoying grocery shopping. Our vehicle may have some issues, but it is running and is so fun to drive (and I do love driving), so putting forth a little effort to enjoy it is so minor is the vast scheme of life. <br />
<br />
So, in the absence of fairies, I am giving thanks for what I can do, am able to do, and for what I am given to do. And, I am going to be looking for ways that I can be a fairy for someone else, a way to make someone’s life just a little easier. <br />
<br />
Digging deeper: James 2:14; Philippians 2:4; Hebrews 13:16Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-73275375540464428532012-02-20T13:08:00.000-05:002012-02-20T13:08:51.745-05:00Count Your Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHxvL5Mwc4uQqgJzZTNf5jNls8dH3v-oBrd69rQTQ_QIsqxTlo0AApN_s_GEYWXEg5sakZzbf8eD7eZ1pAMxBDmN4gWGzbaKDy8P0uhhHfaBwxtY11RLMG1z6LrsHoIWY6_BX0FA9oL4y/s1600/IMG9118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="318" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHxvL5Mwc4uQqgJzZTNf5jNls8dH3v-oBrd69rQTQ_QIsqxTlo0AApN_s_GEYWXEg5sakZzbf8eD7eZ1pAMxBDmN4gWGzbaKDy8P0uhhHfaBwxtY11RLMG1z6LrsHoIWY6_BX0FA9oL4y/s320/IMG9118.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<b>“O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.” Psalm 40:5<i></i></b> (NIV)<br />
<br />
The old favored hymn refrain, Count Your Blessings, by Johnson Oatman goes<br />
“Count your blessings, name them one by one,<br />
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!<br />
Count your blessings, name them one by one,<br />
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”<br />
<br />
Have you ever tried to count the many blessings you have received in your life? For me, the list is never-ending. I am blessed. Blessed means fortunate, favored; it does not mean that everything in my life is perfect, nor am I perfect. Life has not been and is not a smooth road without potholes and in need of major repairs. Yet, I am so blessed. <br />
<br />
Sometimes the blessings are so hard to see. It oft seems that what I pray for, what I think I want or need is ignored by God. Does He not want me to pay my bills? For good health of loved ones? Endurance to continue the journey He has set before us? To paraphrase Laura Story, sometimes the blessing comes in the absence of what I am praying for. <br />
<br />
Blessings are not earned; they are given. Malachi 3:10b says that the Lord will (has and is) “open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in!” (NIV). He has surely done just that! How can I not declare His praises, give Him the glory. “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for unfailing love and faithfulness” Psalm 115:1 (NIV). <br />
<br />
Today, I am counting my blessings and giving Him the praise. You are one of those blessings.<br />
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Digging further: Psalm 13:6; Psalm 10:6; Ephesians 1:3Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-91863251626713486962012-02-10T19:38:00.000-05:002012-02-10T19:38:42.605-05:00Making a Difference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR1BGkrvkjFOz-FQw6ZzLblWmdQE-z3DMGzl-oUcalFUmBat7cNyZJOsfLvHKCLdSpaui_yc6gsjSEAv0Quyv8LbhmTHWa5TWqJIOlBrZb1xc9QlbG4Kql5uvtWCrtnCp_VDCr_DU9tst/s1600/fishstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR1BGkrvkjFOz-FQw6ZzLblWmdQE-z3DMGzl-oUcalFUmBat7cNyZJOsfLvHKCLdSpaui_yc6gsjSEAv0Quyv8LbhmTHWa5TWqJIOlBrZb1xc9QlbG4Kql5uvtWCrtnCp_VDCr_DU9tst/s320/fishstar.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>“And on some have compassion, making a difference” (Jude 1:22 KJV)<i></i></b><br />
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One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"<br />
The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back they'll die."<br />
"Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?You can't make a difference!" <br />
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After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference to that one."<br />
- attributed to Loren Eisley <br />
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The problems of poverty, sweatshops, child labor, human trafficking, illness, and heartache are overwhelming. They are overwhelming in scope, in complexity, and in emotion. All across the world, even in our own neighborhoods, under our city bridges, and in the alleyways people are in need of someone to reach out to them. When we see such need are we moved to compassion? “And when He saw the multitudes, He was moved to compassion for them” (Matthew 9:36a)<br />
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What would our world be like if Christians got serious about being a servant, about showing compassion towards others? Making a difference to/ for just one? Jesus did more than just being moved to compassion for the multitudes, He took action. He reached out to those in need, both spiritually and physically.<br />
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Sometimes all that is needed is for one to take action, to speak a few words of kindness, to give of time, of yourself to make all the difference in a life that joins the kingdom of God instead of turns away. Am I willing to take action, make a difference? Are you? It is about eternity and what we do today makes a difference, both for ourselves and for others. <br />
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Philippians 2:4 (NAS) “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-77200085665634001482012-01-27T11:26:00.000-05:002012-01-27T11:26:10.409-05:00If Not Me, Then Who? A Message From My Heart<i>“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14 (NIV)<b></b></i><br />
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There are so many needs in our world today, needs in our country, in our communities. Poverty is rampant, major illness of some sort seems to be touching every family, political unrest hovers in nearly every country. Looking at the vast amount of need can be overwhelming. It is also easy to look at one’s own life and see the need.<br />
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How can I help with poverty when I can’t even pay all my bills right now?<br />
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How can I help take care of others when my health is an issue right now?<br />
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How can I give more time out of my day when my day is so very busy and I don’t get everything done now?<br />
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How can I step in and do anything when what I do may just equate to a small drop in a big ocean? <br />
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Yet, God is calling us, calling me to do something about those in need, about the biggest need of all- hearing about Him. For that need is what the true need of the world is today. How do you answer “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" (Isaiah 6:8a)? For if not you (me), then who? <br />
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Today, with faith, believing in Him, I am responding “And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8b). One step, one action at a time so that all may here the greatest message of all: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”(John 3:16).<br />
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If not me, then who; if not you, then who? If not for the one who told me, who told you..............Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-67801847471878225442012-01-18T12:24:00.000-05:002012-01-18T12:24:20.963-05:00Sustains<b>“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” Psalm 3:5 NIV<br />
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Today is Thesaurus day. I appreciate the thesaurus tool that is built into my “word” program and use it with some frequency. Employing the thesaurus helps with eliminating the overuse of ubiquitous or repetitive words. Many times over, it has assisted with increasing my knowledge and understanding of different words. However, something to keep in mind when availing oneself of the thesaurus is that no two words “mean exactly the same thing and are not directly interchangeable” (Dictionary.com). One such example is the word “sustain”. I knew that sustain connoted maintain, nourished, but did not understand that it also means suffer. <br />
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How do you answer the question, “what sustains you”? What is your understanding of that word? Is the question asking what maintains you, what nourishes you? Or is it asking about how you suffer? The question is best answered through understanding the context within it is being asked. Suffer, though, means to endure. Thus, asking what sustains you can be equivalent to asking how you are enduring. <br />
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Living in a privileged world, I enjoy and utilize the many different translations of the Bible. The different translations provide just a slightly different perspective of the word and often clarify something that is hazy. And yet, each translation still offers the same meaning for the verses. Incredible isn’t it?!<br />
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So, I ask, what sustains you? For me, the answer is simple. “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.” (Psalm 3:5 NIV). Sustains, supports (GWT), watches over (NLT), preserves, protects, upholds, feeds, aids, assists, bears… and the list of verbs can go on and on. God’s sustain is a peace that transcends understanding, resting on faith through belief.<br />
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Praying that today you will fully know the peace that sustains through everything can be yours.<br />
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Digging deeper: Psalm 4:8; Proverbs 3:24; Psalm 55:22Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-62509153082252208292012-01-13T13:50:00.000-05:002012-01-13T13:50:15.670-05:00Faith Filled Friday<b>"Blessed are all who take refuge in Him" Psalm 2:12b<i></i></b><br />
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When you feel like you are being pulled under, take hold of Him!Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-62128042055490744912012-01-07T14:25:00.000-05:002012-01-07T14:25:34.778-05:00Reflecting on 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwBAmeg1RppRnNYKyydH5TEU0DSsW7-Hwd-bFieF7rWydjyhkfUg-henx44ynXg4cQDq_l_ItDv9XAA_CR-kAsAzixteA5rSvb2c-7Y2tX793LW6omxcEo7goV0k2ls8syNTIfQqj67TD/s1600/IMG9102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="270" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwBAmeg1RppRnNYKyydH5TEU0DSsW7-Hwd-bFieF7rWydjyhkfUg-henx44ynXg4cQDq_l_ItDv9XAA_CR-kAsAzixteA5rSvb2c-7Y2tX793LW6omxcEo7goV0k2ls8syNTIfQqj67TD/s320/IMG9102.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<b>“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1<i></i></b><br />
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New Year’s seems to be a time for reflection and resolution. Beth Moore challenged her readers to spend time with the Lord reflecting on 2011 and then characterize it in three words. What an incredible challenge. I am a firm believer in that history has much to teach us if we but take the time to look and ponder on the events that occurred. One of the most important lessons that I have been able to take away from participating in such events is that while the season may not have been wonderful, God has always been good and faithful, extending grace beyond measure.<br />
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The three words I would use to characterize 2011 are blessed, challenging, and ordinary-extraordinary:<br />
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• Blessed: the birth of Faith Evelynn, being able to spend time with all the grandchildren in April and June along with their parents Sarah and Keith, seeing the love and happiness in that family; spending time with David and enjoying his gift of music; spending time (even though it was short) with my three brothers; spending time with my mother and mother-in-law; making it through two challenging parts of the doctorate program; a safe trip down and back to Dallas for residency; connecting with friends on Facebook; new books to read; connectivity to friends and family far and near through the internet; time with Chris; and our needs were always met. The list could go on and on, because the blessings were abundant;<br />
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• Challenging: a year of more month than money; work; schooling; family health issues; loneliness; questioning of the journey and all the cost involved; not living right near everyone; unmet expectations;<br />
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• Ordinary-extraordinary: life is what 2011 has been, filled with blessings and challenges, with ups and downs, with disappointments and wonderful surprises. And through it all God has been, is and will be (Hebrews 13:8). You see, while my life is ordinary, I have an extraordinary God who calls me His own and that makes even the usual, the mundane, the average, so much more.<br />
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How would you describe 2011? Was it extraordinary? You can make 2012 such a year by becoming a child of God. No, all your problems will not go away; yes, there may still be hard times, but you can experience a peace that underscores it all. Just confess to Him that you want such a year, that you want to be His (I John 1:9) and you too can know that ordinary is so much more. Praying this for you.Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-72603729754335747602011-12-14T11:23:00.000-05:002011-12-14T11:23:11.124-05:00Direction for the Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeA8lVTYhJg9uETpXrxWDJFERgCQxw__h4bY_SSRh2h5-EiJ0ACOJ2zKUAZhg5urol4JgfyZAxYQu185FlYJTlCFMTmJzrws-4nIT5vS251w9fiHL451xLKJjnCNeh6Y3yGkUcfhvDUec/s1600/journey+to+b+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeA8lVTYhJg9uETpXrxWDJFERgCQxw__h4bY_SSRh2h5-EiJ0ACOJ2zKUAZhg5urol4JgfyZAxYQu185FlYJTlCFMTmJzrws-4nIT5vS251w9fiHL451xLKJjnCNeh6Y3yGkUcfhvDUec/s320/journey+to+b+map.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>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 uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). <i></i></b><br />
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When I go on a trip, before I even leave home, I check on the map where I am headed. I make sure I have the necessary directions to arrive at my destination. If I have some place specific to be, I want good directions. I am not fond of getting lost. Directions provide guidance of how to travel from point A to point B. With today’s GPS systems, one can have step-by-step directions from door-to-door. <br />
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An angel appeared to several people on this journey to Bethlehem, preparing them for journey with two simple words of direction, “Fear not.” The journey of life, like that journey to Bethlehem 2000 years ago, can seem frightening, overwhelming. At the time of the birth of Christ, the journey to Bethlehem was a dangerous one to on which to embark. The route, a seventy mile journey which Joseph and Mary took was in rocky highlands in which bandits lay in wait for those who risk traveling. The travel is exhausting and vastly uncomfortable. <br />
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However, God told the travelers to “Fear not” for He was with them. As God was with those weary travelers long ago, He is with us today. Our journey may not be without pain, it may not be without risk and it may be tiring and uncomfortable. Dear one, <i>fear not<b></b></i>, for God is with us; we need no other direction.<br />
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Digging deeper: 2 Timothy 1:7; Mark 6:50; Matthew 17:7; Revelation 1:17; Genesis 26:24; Isaiah 41:13; Romans 8:15Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-19519588770525228832011-12-11T15:12:00.000-05:002011-12-11T15:12:25.284-05:00Rejected Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsvRSG0gO4-u_nKCTuDs0hdNqzgH1qMJZZBFQbPYoM7CwQFfxtahKxMgUBihh_FWptUm18KxDIUihdzcUnfPR-84dIuyVUE9eNoThJsyH_4vVuSJ7-Snk5nE2p7BoidY5jEry1ijl6grI/s1600/rejected+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="262" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsvRSG0gO4-u_nKCTuDs0hdNqzgH1qMJZZBFQbPYoM7CwQFfxtahKxMgUBihh_FWptUm18KxDIUihdzcUnfPR-84dIuyVUE9eNoThJsyH_4vVuSJ7-Snk5nE2p7BoidY5jEry1ijl6grI/s320/rejected+again.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive Him…. There was no room for them in the inn” John 1:11, Luke 2:7b<i></i></b><br />
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Anticipation and dread mix together as the e-mail is opened. Then the words “we thank you for applying but”; rejected again. Louise Brown wrote “I could write an entertaining novel about rejection slips, but I fear it would be overly long”. Rejection hurts; it pierces the heart and wounds the pride. <br />
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The Christmas story is not without rejection. It came about because man rejected God. How this must grieve the Father’s heart. No room at the inn for the weary travelers, one who is carrying the Christ child, purports rejection. Back in that time, hospitality was very strong part of the culture and yet no one could make room or give up their comfort for a very pregnant woman. This rejection speaks much about the very heart of mankind during that time and of mankind right now. <br />
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Christmas today is stilled filled with rejection by mankind. Room is still not given for the Savior; comfort is not put aside to do the work of the Father. Too many still reject the ultimate gift, that of eternal that God in His infinite mercy offered by sending His son, who experienced rejection before He was even born. <br />
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Neal Maxwell writes “Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus”. Are you handing out the rejection slips? Are you rejecting the greatest gift of all? You need not; just accept Him into your heart and know true acceptance for none are rejected.<br />
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Digging deeper: I John 1:9; Joshua 25:15; I Kings 18:11; I Peter 2:4; Psalm 94:14Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-20638322732254653572011-12-01T18:41:00.001-05:002011-12-01T19:42:26.080-05:00Filtering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FuRNgica7-H3UMnyOt4AqcxOF4v5O8w3zRCUAK9egizbxhZAU2_kGFdFvqolqWZIsjUH5d5-psNRyEn06syS80IU4We6COxPU-f3JdGVRTsJkn0yXjyo6mB34kA72AkLicgVle2KgXPe/s1600/f1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FuRNgica7-H3UMnyOt4AqcxOF4v5O8w3zRCUAK9egizbxhZAU2_kGFdFvqolqWZIsjUH5d5-psNRyEn06syS80IU4We6COxPU-f3JdGVRTsJkn0yXjyo6mB34kA72AkLicgVle2KgXPe/s320/f1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<i>“It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth." Matthew 15:11 (NLT)<b></b></i><br />
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I watched with curiosity as my husband took a drink of his coffee and then dumped the rest down the sink. He then reached into the cupboard and took out a filter, poured a second cup of coffee into the mug, which he then drank. You see, the first cup had coffee grinds in it and for it to be more palatable a filter was needed to get rid of the grinds.<br />
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Not everything we think or feel should come out of our mouths. We should not let the words we speak hurt others; rather we are “to encourage one another and build each other up” (I Thessalonians 5:11). We are admonished to speak the truth, but to speak it in love; in other words, filter what comes out. <br />
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The best way to filter what comes out is to filter what goes in our minds. We are admonished to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8). Therefore we need to be conscientious about what with what we are filling our minds. What kind of music are we listening to, what is our chosen reading material, what are we watching on television or in the theater? How are we spending our time? Perhaps the more time I spend in the Word and with the Father, the less will need to be filtered that comes out of my mouth. How about you?Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-80308386280480028342011-11-16T10:57:00.002-05:002011-11-16T18:51:13.159-05:00TenacityChris told me I needed to post an update, so darling, this is for you.<br />
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<b>Tenacity</b><br />
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<i>Matthew 15:25 “But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, "Lord, help me!" (NLT)</i><br />
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Tenacity can be defined as being constantly in action, not just in motion. It requires faith, willingness to continue until the job is done and not quitting when you are tired. <br />
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October 2011 found two important steps of the long journey in the doctorate process completed. Really that does not appear to be much of anything until one understands some of the statistics that accompany those steps. The doctorate program that I am currently pursuing has three main steps after being accepted into the program (and that is a hurdle in itself). The steps are:<br />
1. Successfully passing 16 classes;<br />
2. Passing the comprehensive exam;<br />
3. Successfully writing and defending one’s dissertation.<br />
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The statistics that accompany the first two steps are what makes completing those steps so meaningful. First off, in the United States, less than one percent of the population has a doctorate degree. Not quite 50% who enter the program successfully pass the sixteen classes. Only 20% who take the comprehensive exam, pass. <br />
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For the past 2 ½ years I have questioned at least once a week what I was doing in this program. The challenges have been staggering, pushing me beyond what I have ever known. Tears, doubt, and discouragement have been constant companions. However, encouragement came through Chris who has yet to cast any doubt on me completing the program, through my mom who has prayed for me daily, and through my kids who ask how it is going. I push on through with tenacity that has served me well in my educational endeavors, but most of all through the strength that has flowed from the Lord. “<i>I can do all things through Him who gives me strength”</i> (Philippians 4:13); my life verse, the one I cling to and claim in this journey.<br />
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So, what do you need to be tenacious about? Trust the Father; He will give you strength.<br />
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Digging deeper: 2 Timothy 4:17; Psalm 18:29b; Hebrews 10:23b; Proverbs 4:12Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-16326626018640462232011-08-24T15:53:00.000-04:002011-08-24T15:53:22.205-04:00Circumstance and Choices<i>"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other..." - Ecclesiastes 7:14<b></b></i><br />
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A minor situation today has left me pondering this subject. Years prior to the prolific ability of obtaining most anything from businesses through the internet and a living in a better economic position, if a need arose for something that the small town I lived in did not have, I was given a wonderful way to obtain the needed item and quell the ever-present restlessness within me. Just hop in the car and head to a bigger town to search out the said item. Now, with the cost of a gallon of gas at an exorbitant price and income so very tight, with the ability to just go online and purchase the said item at the same or even a less price, the choice to just go has become for most a no-brainer; order the said item off the internet, stay home and find another way to curb the restlessness. <br />
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However, the very act of going settles me down, allows me to process, evaluate, and examine my circumstances. The restlessness within abates so that I am more productive, able to better handle what is happening in my life, deal with what needs dealt. Going gives me greater clarity of my thoughts, of really seeing my circumstances and the path that has led me here. The bible tells us that “a cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22) and going helps me to be cheerful so I can give of God through being me better.<br />
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The choice is left in my hands. It’s not a big decision, a huge choice. It’s not even an important choice. Yet, how I make the choice and how I choose to see this is as a choice is what is important. For each choice made and in choosing how to view the choice has repercussions. Yes, like ripples in a pond. Today I went from being frustrated at the circumstances believing in some part of me that brought me to the choice to be made, to understanding that it has been and is choices that have brought me to making yet another choice. <br />
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Today, I choose to once again cling to the scripture and believe that “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). I will “commit to the Lord whatever (I) do” (Proverbs 16:3a). How about you? What kind of choices are you making?<br />
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Digging Deeper: Deuteronomy 31:6; Jeremiah 29:11<br />
Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8827609478058495888.post-30385186670001254722011-06-14T16:49:00.000-04:002011-06-14T16:49:13.177-04:00This Too Shall Pass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJjZrVOc-gOB8TD7RL9rhhyhJ-iGa8CKwudG4_1Nl9AGwZEzsy6NoF4G9kdU-Hah50LBXk-ehVOkRgXFzajsh03d_jpDJpdd85-dowC4IKivGZ-3zh6KPIY6OBYY4ofU-BQnf_0gncgBh/s1600/IMG_8349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJjZrVOc-gOB8TD7RL9rhhyhJ-iGa8CKwudG4_1Nl9AGwZEzsy6NoF4G9kdU-Hah50LBXk-ehVOkRgXFzajsh03d_jpDJpdd85-dowC4IKivGZ-3zh6KPIY6OBYY4ofU-BQnf_0gncgBh/s320/IMG_8349.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>2 Cor. 4:17 “…For what is seen is temporary..”<i></i></b><br />
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Our oldest grandson, Caleb is a bit of a dramatist. He very much enjoys the water and when he was four years old, he took swimming lessons. One day his lessons were canceled as the pool had no chlorine and were waiting for the shipment to come in so the pool could be used. Caleb didn’t believe what he was told and had to see for himself that the lessons for the day were indeed canceled. After looking at the non-chlorinated pool, he dropped his head, slumped his shoulders and told him mom that “his life was over”. Our daughter answered him with “Perhaps, but tomorrow your life will go on as you will have a swimming lesson then”. <br />
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This lesson for Caleb reminds me of the lesson that God has faithfully through the years been teaching me: “This too shall pass”. Change is a constant in life. However, there are times in my life when it feels like change is never going to happen or the change that has happened is always for the worse, when I feel as if I am in a never-ending valley. It is then that I tend to focus on the temporary, the here and now. <br />
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Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that “There IS a time for everything”, and as I go through seasons, I need to remember this. Each season, while it may seem lasts forever, really does not. This too shall pass. To endure the some-not-so pleasant seasons, I need to be sure I am grounded in the Word, am truly walking with the Father. For God is bigger than our grief, sorrow, pain and every problem that any of us could face. God is eternal and has a good plan for our future. We are not like those who have no hope. In Christ, our future is full of His promises and we are promised victory over death and the grave!<br />
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Dear Lord, as we pass through the seasons in our lives, remind us that this too shall pass, that you are in control desiring to give us a future and a hope. Thank you for that. Amen<br />
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Digging Deeper: Ecclesiastes 3:1,14, Philippians 3:13, Hebrews 11:1, Jeremiah 29:11Gaylenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05575532113747175099noreply@blogger.com0