tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91600804178750875872024-03-12T16:32:18.205-07:00Drink the Bitter CupLooking toward the light and example of Jesus Christ, who is "mighty to save." May we face our individual struggles and challenges by being willing to drink whatever " bitter cup" (or trial) we are given, and not shrink from doing what will ultimately strengthen us.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-63517853017552603652020-02-23T22:48:00.000-08:002020-03-14T17:12:43.474-07:00"The Next Right Thing"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sunday, 23 February 2020.<br />
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I've really been struggling with my levels of happiness this week. I had a "friend" do something very cruel toward me. It makes so little sense. I've never done anything intended to harm this person, but they seem out to destroy me. To say it's painful is an understatement.<br />
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Unfortunately, the song I most relate to this week is from the new Frozen 2 movie-- the song called "The Next Right Thing."<br />
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The lyrics are as follows:<br />
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I've seen dark before<br />
But not like this<br />
This is cold<br />
This is empty<br />
This is numb<br />
The life I knew is over<br />
The lights are out<br />
Hello, darkness<br />
I'm ready to succumb<br />
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I follow you around<br />
I always have<br />
But you've gone to a place I cannot find<br />
This grief has a gravity<br />
It pulls me down<br />
But a tiny voice whispers in my mind<br />
You are lost, hope is gone<br />
But you must go on<br />
And do the next right thing<br />
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Can there be a day beyond this night?<br />
I don't know anymore what is true<br />
I can't find my direction, I'm all alone<br />
The only star that guided me was you<br />
How to rise from the floor<br />
When it's not you I'm rising for?<br />
Just do the next right thing<br />
Take a step, step again<br />
It is all that I can to do<br />
The next right thing<br />
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I won't look too far ahead<br />
It's too much for me to take<br />
But break it down to this next breath<br />
This next step<br />
This next choice is one that I can make<br />
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So <b><span style="font-size: large;">I'll walk through this night<br />Stumbling blindly toward the light<br />And do the next right thing</span></b><br />
And with the dawn, what comes then?<br />
When it's clear that everything will never be the same again<br />
Then<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I'll make the choice<br />To hear that voice</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And do the next right thing</span></b></div>
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I try not to write about pessimistic things, so I will simply say that the feelings that have arisen out of unwarranted words and actions from someone I once completely trusted with every ounce of faith just adds to my feelings of confusion. How can someone show such hatred to the sweet and gentle soul I work so hard to show others? How could I work so hard to build warming fires of friendship and safe shelter only to have someone make a bonfire and intentionally throw me in? </div>
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The feelings of rejection, betrayal, loneliness, and sorrow are hard to put into words. But this song comes to my mind these days. And yesterday as I laid with my head under a pillow weeping while I listened to that song from Frozen 2, I just didn't know how I could work through the pain. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k9NZsBhBa5QCgtEB0ypq3w1KjFML-5yYevlDFCzDJD7L2H58Mqa3bMSJ0YkzEm9NpUYWSsugSbo6fsEcBEoi5BAqjdtCsaJvFS17JM38x4WnCLED2H-9SBWKLf2gG7_xHPamKT9U6zI/s1600/Charity-love-is-kind.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="800" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k9NZsBhBa5QCgtEB0ypq3w1KjFML-5yYevlDFCzDJD7L2H58Mqa3bMSJ0YkzEm9NpUYWSsugSbo6fsEcBEoi5BAqjdtCsaJvFS17JM38x4WnCLED2H-9SBWKLf2gG7_xHPamKT9U6zI/s400/Charity-love-is-kind.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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But, God is good to me. And he places people in my path to bring sunshine. Yesterday family and friends came to my aid to provide true needs in my home-- needs which my husband and I couldn't do for ourselves. And today at church, I had a sweet sister (who battles cancer and knows pains) bring me a bottle of lotion for my chronic pain. The cost is pretty penny, but she wanted it to be a gift for me. And how I valued her hug and kindness in remembering me. And everywhere I look I have people who do kind things for me left and right. Even the simpleness of my white-haired angelic friend at church who, in the midst of people wanting his attention, stopped to look me in <br />
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the face and smile at me from a distance. It was a simple act of focused friendship, and I felt his Christlike compassion even without shaking his hands. Indeed, as the scripture edict on charity goes: "Love is kind." And I am blessed by so many who are kind to me. </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k9NZsBhBa5QCgtEB0ypq3w1KjFML-5yYevlDFCzDJD7L2H58Mqa3bMSJ0YkzEm9NpUYWSsugSbo6fsEcBEoi5BAqjdtCsaJvFS17JM38x4WnCLED2H-9SBWKLf2gG7_xHPamKT9U6zI/s1600/Charity-love-is-kind.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k9NZsBhBa5QCgtEB0ypq3w1KjFML-5yYevlDFCzDJD7L2H58Mqa3bMSJ0YkzEm9NpUYWSsugSbo6fsEcBEoi5BAqjdtCsaJvFS17JM38x4WnCLED2H-9SBWKLf2gG7_xHPamKT9U6zI/s1600/Charity-love-is-kind.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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So why then should I let one angry and unkind soul bring my feelings of self-worth down into a state of despair and misery? Well, I must not let that happen!! With the help of God, I feel sustained and strengthened. I am thankful for His love. </div>
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I am thankful to know that my friend who seeks to harm me is also dearly loved by God. He loves all of us. He wants all of us to turn to Him and follow Him in faith. </div>
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I truly believe that we each have our own journey toward the Lord. And I can show forgiveness, patience, and yes, even love, to a friend for whom I still remember the beauty of soul and acts of love rendered. </div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
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# There is Hope for each one of us through Jesus Christ. </div>
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# You are Loved</div>
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# Go toward HIS light</div>
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# Let your covenants lead you hHome. </div>
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# No sacrifice too great to know the Lord</div>
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# Keep trying</div>
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# Don't let shame keep you from knowing the Peace and Joy of God</div>
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# There is Hope smiling brightly... if you go toward Hope and not despair</div>
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Please join me as I go toward His light in the darkness and His Hope amidst despair. Let us each HEAR the VOICE of GOD and "do the next right thing"!</div>
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Love, Christine</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-59707771769636306072020-01-02T22:39:00.002-08:002023-08-07T16:01:55.537-07:009-months and Counting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
January 2, 2020.<br />
<br />
Today I commemorate a milestone of 9-months. 9-months of anguish, joy, sorrow... I've settled into acceptance and a certain happiness-- which always has an undertow of sorrow. It's hard to explain really. So, I won't try. # Remembering April 2, 2019 # etched in my memory # forgiveness-love-and seeking Godly humility keeps me calm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5JnhUpU7z_rAKhZwTNJyOl_VBy9cwHOuaSwRvIib65dY1kkWudlPfgYJhemaOTnmidn3CXo9jGx3CuB5U8Qs2VpIMpjdBInVhZiX9WTWxpcd2kUm2B6s_g_o8dZnVL5ieg7BAhTRgkM/s1600/1-severe-storm-warning-snowy-canyon2.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5JnhUpU7z_rAKhZwTNJyOl_VBy9cwHOuaSwRvIib65dY1kkWudlPfgYJhemaOTnmidn3CXo9jGx3CuB5U8Qs2VpIMpjdBInVhZiX9WTWxpcd2kUm2B6s_g_o8dZnVL5ieg7BAhTRgkM/s320/1-severe-storm-warning-snowy-canyon2.jpg" width="320" /></a>I want to write briefly about my New Year's Day. Wednesday, my husband, children, and I braved the severe storm warning and traveled an hour and a half to have a New Year's family party. We enjoyed french toast dinner with a white elephant gift exchange. This game is always fun! I think that one of the gifts we brought was the topper of the worst, yet pretty funny gift! We boxed up an enormous pumpkin (which we have carefully maintained with our cool household temperatures and window placement) and Halloween chocolates. It was dubbed by one family member as "Pumpkin-pie-in-a-box make it yourself kit"... or something funny like that. :)) I personally LOVE pumpkin pie, baked pumpkin, or pumpkin soup (the last two of which I acquired a taste for in my travels to Australia several decades ago. Hey, I just remembered that I have an old photo of me in Australia in the 90's! I'll post it at the bottom of this post.:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjg6wq6xpoOxpLp5bGNWLnK2RHzdEmZy8U2o6mHDngsnVos03EOQlvo5iJMPEHd02E67eghKUdxFHhPy1roVuc7N2RLKtVp8gLwOQLp0_6mullwH8yDEHK6BcDKBjI-05xkErbonCekg/s1600/1-severe-storm-warning-snowy-canyon.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjg6wq6xpoOxpLp5bGNWLnK2RHzdEmZy8U2o6mHDngsnVos03EOQlvo5iJMPEHd02E67eghKUdxFHhPy1roVuc7N2RLKtVp8gLwOQLp0_6mullwH8yDEHK6BcDKBjI-05xkErbonCekg/s320/1-severe-storm-warning-snowy-canyon.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
To get there we drove through some pretty horrible weather. In fact, for about ten seconds (not shown in a photo because I was too scared to think about taking one!), everything went white as we traveled through a very dangerous snowy canyon. Zero visibility with the snow. I have to say it was terrifying! Happily, when we made it through the steep canyon, we were pleased with the sunshine and lighter snow once we surpassed the deadly canyon!<br />
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Now... tangent's aside....<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjg6wq6xpoOxpLp5bGNWLnK2RHzdEmZy8U2o6mHDngsnVos03EOQlvo5iJMPEHd02E67eghKUdxFHhPy1roVuc7N2RLKtVp8gLwOQLp0_6mullwH8yDEHK6BcDKBjI-05xkErbonCekg/s1600/1-severe-storm-warning-snowy-canyon.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<table 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/AVvXsEio_VZSHTTTQU2dDyU_DzFLVcdals7UatPADarrzmEUT0B0Vehymvg14JUHcQy7kBVL6FE72EqW9ey0sJA2bH7lAaLYJp6YG2_FeFwLSzDddZJDROgGLaQwZjWaRBzFrUsmc018v5aiLy4/s1600/sunny-snow-day.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1600" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_VZSHTTTQU2dDyU_DzFLVcdals7UatPADarrzmEUT0B0Vehymvg14JUHcQy7kBVL6FE72EqW9ey0sJA2bH7lAaLYJp6YG2_FeFwLSzDddZJDROgGLaQwZjWaRBzFrUsmc018v5aiLy4/s640/sunny-snow-day.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is not the photo I took as I had the following thoughts on the freeway, </div>
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but it is another photo I recently took of a sunny afternoon beyond the snowy canyon.</div>
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As we pulled onto the looping freeway to turn into our family's community I looked out over the sunny and dry, dead freeway roadside land and notes touches of orange, yellow, and red among the barren brush. On the Christian radio station, the announcer said: "We wish you a happy 2020 new year!" I took a big breath and calculated the years I've been waiting to see God fulfill his promises to me. I sadly noted that it has been 8 years. I went through my usual questions: "Did I misunderstand the Spirit of God?" "Is there still hope?" "Do I believe in what I perceive as promises?" "Should I give up now?" And so many other questions.....<br />
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As I sat there feeling sad, a song begins to play after her New Year's well wishes. And with this bit of non-coincidental hope, I decided that I will continue to trust God's perfect timing-- over my own short-sided impatience.<br />
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Here's the song I heard. I hope it helps you hold on to hope for as long as it takes for God to work his mighty miracles.<br />
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"Reason" (by Unspoken)</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ddddee; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div>
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This year's felt like four seasons of winter<br />
And you'd give anything to feel the sun<br />
Always reaching, always climbing<br />
<b><u>Always second-guessing the timing<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />But God has a plan, a purpose in this<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You are His child and don't you forget</u></b><br />
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He put that hunger in your heart<br />
He put that fire in your soul<br />
<b><u>His love is the reason</u></b> </div>
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(Hey) (Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
To keep on believing (Hey) (Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
And when you feel like giving up<br />
When you feel like giving in<br />
His love is the reason (Hey) (Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
To keep on believing (Hey) (Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
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If we could pull back the curtain of Heaven<br />
We would see His hand on everything<br />
Every hour, every minute<br />
Every second, He's always been in it<br />
Don't let a shadow of a doubt take hold (Take hold)<br />
Hold on to what you already know<br />
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He put that hunger in your heart (Hunger in your heart)<br />
He put that fire in your soul (Fire in your soul)<br />
His love is the reason (Hey) (Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
To keep on believing (Hey) (Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
And when you feel like giving up (Feel like giving up)<br />
When you feel like giving in (Giving in)<br />
His love is the reason (Hey) (Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
To keep on believing (Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)It's the reason, ah-ah-ah<br />
It's the reason, ah-ah-ah-ah-ah<br />
His love is the reason, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh<br />
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He's the peace in the madness<br />
That you can't explain<br />
He's the hope in the heartbreak<br />
The rest in the suffering<br />
He's closer than the air you breathe<br />
From the start to the end to the in-between<br />
Don't you dare doubt even for a minute<br />
What He started in you, yeah He's gonna finish<br />
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He put that hunger in your heart </div>
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(Hunger in your heart)</div>
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He put that fire in your soul</div>
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(Fire in your soul)</div>
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His love is the reason </div>
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(Your love, Your love) </div>
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(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
To keep on believing </div>
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(Just keep on believing) </div>
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(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
When you feel like giving up </div>
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(Feel like giving up)<br />
When you feel like giving in (Oh)<br />
His love is the reason (Your love, Your love) </div>
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(Ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh)<br />
To keep on believing (Yeah)<br />
It's the reason, ah-ah-ah<br />
It's the reason, ah-ah-ah-ah-ah<br />
His love is the reason<br />
It's the reason, ah-ah-ah<br />
It's the reason, ah-ah-ah-ah-ah<br />
His love is the reason (Hey, hey) </div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/xFLNQVM51AU">https://youtu.be/xFLNQVM51AU</a></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, what do I do from here? Give up on my dreams? Or keep believing in Him and in myself to know how to understand His voice and His love? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Well, it's hard, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">but I've got to believe that His love </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">is leading forward toward beautiful promises.</span></span></div>
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I hope that if you have sacred, holy, and righteous desires, that you will keep on believing in His love to shine a rainbow of promise on the landscape before you. It doesn't mean you won't have to pass through some severe storms like I literally did (and figurately have), but in the end it will all be worth it.<br />
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I don't have all the answers now. And you won't either-- but if we remember one thing only-- it will <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">help us reach glorious destinations. That truth is that </span> <span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;">Jesus Christ is the Possible in impossible and the Hope in hopeless. Jesus is the answer to every question and Jesus is the only way to make it Home! Please have the courage to follow the Savior's narrow road of promise. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;">Trust in God's timing, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Love, Christine</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My first taste of Vegemite. A joke that Australian's love to play on their visitors!</span></div>
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And my first taste of meat pie-- now that is something to go back for! :) Delicious!</div>
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# courage # do not delay # decide your future by today's decision # gone but not forgotten</div>
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As I was finishing up this blog post this song line played into my thoughts: "The sun'll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there'll be sun." I have a lot of sun through the Son of God, but I can hardly wait to see what tomorrow brings with His light to shine upon that new day.</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-77602371049154421492019-12-31T20:01:00.001-08:002020-02-23T18:35:27.441-08:00Happy New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjql9NaQ7h2zGqGPSuc5CiuTKYHDKi-XXBpqL2f9rblYhS7Hk-1eez5h7NGnkeHHN2v3U0TdKvvww_XabEqUUp0Kz9WK9Ku2NxBytCKW1DDhafQYIKQggc7GCFx3XEWBqYiPPKpe46FDi4/s1600/1-Elder-Christmas-W-Africa_2019-12-25-09-28-38.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjql9NaQ7h2zGqGPSuc5CiuTKYHDKi-XXBpqL2f9rblYhS7Hk-1eez5h7NGnkeHHN2v3U0TdKvvww_XabEqUUp0Kz9WK9Ku2NxBytCKW1DDhafQYIKQggc7GCFx3XEWBqYiPPKpe46FDi4/s320/1-Elder-Christmas-W-Africa_2019-12-25-09-28-38.png" width="180" /></span></a><span style="color: black;">My Dear Reader, </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I just have a moment because I am going to play New Year's Eve games with my family, but I thought I'd share a letter that I wrote my missionary who is serving a mission in West Africa-- for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are so proud of his efforts to teach people about Jesus Christ! :) :) :) :)<br /><br />Anyhow... here are a few of my thoughts to him. I hope it will benefit You. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Happy New Year to You!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Love, Christine<br /><br />== Letter excerpt Below==</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">For sacrament, two people spoke.... </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">My friend <span class="mark811t9wy1c" data-markjs="true" data-ogab="" data-ogac="" data-ogsb="" data-ogsc="" style="border-image: none; border: 0px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emily... </span>spoke first. She spoke about how she has observed God's love in her life (through several brief examples. Then she shared two personal stories. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I really liked it when she said that there are "NO boundaries of whom the Lord is willing to help." I hadn't necessarily considered it in that way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I liked the reminder that "Where love is, there God is also." But I also wrote in my notes: "Where God is, there is love." Meaning that we must remember that the presence of God exists anywhere that true love is being demonstrated. I continue to strive for love-- even when there is tenseness and anxiety in situations. I have found that if I keep my heart inclined to God with prayers to love that He helps me through tough moments and I don't regret the things I say because I know that my motivation was to speak with His love. This is something I will work on until the day I die because it’s not easy and the natural man and pride tend to pop up! I hope you will work on it too. I love the words by President Thomas S. Monson (which I've probably shared before):</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><b>"</b><span style="background: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Never let a problem to be solved, become more important than a person to be loved."</b> </span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The two stories were these-- simply retold:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">1. She was a cardiothoracic nurse and one time she was the nurse for Elder Neal A. Maxwell. She said that he showed such beautiful Christ-like love. Every time his family or friends (which were generally apostles) came into his room he introduced <span class="mark811t9wy1c" data-markjs="true" data-ogab="" data-ogac="" data-ogsb="" data-ogsc="" style="border-image: none; border: 0px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emily</span> to them as though she were someone truly important and special. This experience helped her to catch a glimpse of how the Lord loves her and sees her. (She said in her talk that she's no one special, but I (and so many others) know differently! She has a gift of helping others to feel special and loved!:) </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">2. She was also a nurse in a lockdown facility which was comprised of men and women who were mentally ill and had also had committed egregious crimes on society but instead of being put in traditional prison they had been put in a controlled hospitalized setting because they are not mentally stable. She said she grew to love these people and one day she asked a patient what makes him want to keep living. His reply was truly profound. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He said he wanted to keep living because of the sun that rises in the morning and shines into his cell. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="mark811t9wy1c" data-markjs="true" data-ogab="" data-ogac="" data-ogsb="" data-ogsc="" style="border-image: none; border: 0px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Emily</span> then shared the scripture of Matthew 5:45 and it took on an enhanced meaning in the context of her story: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;">"<b><span style="border-image: none; border: 1pt windowtext; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">...</span></b><span style="background: white; border-image: none; border: 0px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">your Father which is in heaven... maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth </span><a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note45c" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="border-image: none; border: 0px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="border-image: none; border: 1pt windowtext; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">rain</span></a><span style="background: white; border-image: none; border: 0px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> on the just and on the unjust.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I was touched by the symbolism of Christ the son ("sun") of God who can reach even into our darkest prison-like cells of existence. What a glorious concept that His light can shine through the narrow slots of existence and offer hope to even the very most wretched of human beings. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I never understood the power of Jesus Christ before the last year (well, definitely not as much as I do now), but I have come to truly understand that with the help of God all men and women can repent. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Last night as I sat by your brothers' bedside as they fell asleep, I was praying. And as I was praying, I remembered a story I once emailed a dear friend years ago about a story I heard in a BYU devotional about how a man addicted to drugs and alcohol knelt by his bedside and pled with God for help. The Spirit of God enveloped him with love and thus began this man's journey of repentance and returning home. God was able to help him climb out of the darkness that he had been in because the light of the Son shone through his prison-like existence. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">While not exactly the same conditions, I still have felt the light of the Lord's love penetrate the darkness of my mind and I have been renewed and strengthened by his perfect and patient love for me. I continue to be renewed each day as I humble myself before the Lord and allow Him to teach me of my worth in His eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">My dear [son], I hope that you will understand that the world places a lot of emphasis on talents, ability, and trophy-worthy successes, but Heavenly Father doesn't look upon us that way. He truly looks at our hearts and the motivations that drive us. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Your worth has nothing to do with successes or statistics (not even those of a spiritual nature-- like baptisms), he cares about whether you are willing to be humble before him and willing to do His will above your own. When we are willing to consecrate ourselves to Him, then He can use us in beautiful ways and He can truly make our weaknesses become strong, and he will compensate for our shortcomings. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">This week in my scripture study of Jacob 5, I discovered something I have never noticed before. I began to view myself (and others) in terms of the tree in need of pruning. </span><br />
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64 Wherefore, dig about them, and prune them, and dung them once more, for the last time, for the end draweth nigh. And if it be so that these last grafts shall grow, and bring forth the natural fruit, then shall ye prepare the way for them, that they may grow.<br />
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65 And as they begin to grow ye shall <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/#note65a"> clear</a> away the branches which bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the size thereof; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard.</div>
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Jacob 5:64-65<br />
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<span style="border-image: none; border: 0px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I’ve been thinking about how Heavenly Father has been helping to "clear away" the branches in my life which bring forth "bitter fruit" (Jacob 5:65). He doesn't do it all at once because I would be imbalanced and topple over. Instead, he gradually helps me to prune away the parts that are weak and unholy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span> </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-image: none; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0pt; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="border-image: none; border: 0px; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I know there is a larger gospel application to missionary work in the vineyard of the Lord, such as you are doing, but I read it with an analogy to my life, and I take comfort to consider that this grafting in of righteousness is a possibility for each one of us. I am so grateful that God is a God of second chances (which is also signified in this chapter). I am grateful that he can reclaim us from a spiritually dead condition and bring new life into our roots and branches. Oh, what a glorious plan we are part of!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The second sacrament talk was by Michael... He shared several touching stories about how he saw the Love of God in his life-- as well as the power of repentance to change and improve.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Here are a few of his stories:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">1. When he was a young teenager he went to see his bishop because he felt he needed to repent of a few things. He said he could not remember what the bishop said, but Brother F... said he remembered the Bishop's smile and kindness with him-- despite how very uncomfortable and embarrassed he felt to tell the bishop what he had done. When he left the bishop's office, he said that "The sun never felt warmer." He felt like he was "walking on air." (Compare this experience to the idea of the light of the sun shining through the prison bars.)</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">He said that repentance is not a one-time thing. He shared a scripture (Alma 13:10) and said: " Accept righteousness or perish' That makes the decision easier, doesn't it?!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b><u>Alma 13:10</u></b><br />Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish;</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Story 2: When he was 12-years-old, he finished reading the Book of Mormon. He took on Moroni's challenge and knelt to pray. He said he got no answer. He repeated this several nights in a row with no answer. He was beginning to have doubts about The Book of Mormon. He was beginning to doubt because he had no answer. However, one night, after his repeated attempt he did receive an answer-- "You already know it's true." And he realized that he did! He had known it all along.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">. . .</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Story 4: He shared a baptism story of when it was pouring rain and the only place to baptize was in the river. A sister got up and said the opening prayer, in which she petitioned the Lord to clear the rain for the baptism. He had a major lesson in faith when the group opened the door to walk through the rain and it completely ceased. They were able to do baptisms without a drop of rain. When they walked back into the building following the river baptism, the rain started up as heavily as before! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">. . . [story excerpt removed]</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Sweet [son], you were a child born ought of infertility! You too are a miracle baby! You too are physical evidence of the outpouring of blessings from the love of God. And how thankful I am that you are consecrating your life in his service as a missionary in Liberia. This is how you show your love to the Lord. I suspect that you are anxious to start your non-missionary life which probably won’t include as much physical daily exertion, but I hope and pray that you will spend your life consecrating yourself to His work as best as you can. That consecration looks different for each person, but I hope you will not sell yourself short in having the life experiences available to you-- if you choose them. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Anyhow... I hope that while you are on a mission you will allow God to teach you what goals to set for yourself in order to remain spiritually minded when you get home. You do not have to be on a mission to be spiritually minded and spiritually motivated. You can enjoy the benefits of feeling the Spirit each day-- if you choose to position yourself to hear His voice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">My beloved son, I have confidence in you and the wonderful choices that you will make which will bring you joy and will also please your Heavenly Father. There is a lot of sin and evil in this world, but as long as you regularly repent and hold to the iron rod you need not fear because you have a glorious future ahead of you through the power of Jesus Christ!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">I love you,</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Mom</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">P.P.S. I forgot to write to my missionary son about another story that the Brother shared. He told how when he was in the Philippines, they had a yearly crucifixion ceremony in which men would go down the street wearing crowns, carrying a cross and whipping their bare backs with a whip. (He noted that some even hung themselves on a cross.) He noted a scripture about how Christ laid down his life and because of him we can repent and find forgiveness and joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">He didn't say it, but in my mind, I considered how we (or those we love) sometimes needlessly punish ourselves and futilely beat ourselves-- when what we need to do is give everything to the Lord and trust him to bear what we never will be able to carry without Him. How thankful I am for the Savior!</span></div>
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P.P.S. I'd like to add that some pruning must be done quickly before it has deadly consequences (both spiritually and physically). In this case, I speak of addictions such as drugs, alcohol, and pornography. Please get help for these-- and immediately. Stop making excuses about how you are in control or that it's not hurting you. Your wellbeing, healthy life, and beautiful future depends upon it! Please don't delay. The love of God can help you through the darkness and soon you will experience more than a narrow glimmer of sunligh (Son light) through your cell, but You will instead feel the beautiful warmth of God's perfect love and light upon every cell of your being. It is incredible, amazing, completely liberating, and indeed, His light is GLORIOUS! :) #You ARE more Glorious than you can comprehend #You are a beloved child of God!<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-3909921380139878472019-12-02T23:38:00.000-08:002020-02-25T12:14:18.121-08:00goodbyes and puzzle pieces<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2 December 2019- Monday<br />
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I took a ten-minute nap on my bed this evening in hopes of getting up a little energy *from my late night shopping for Christmas gifts and writing my missionary son in West Africa) to go with my children to our community tree lighting ceremony)!<br />
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Tangent: Last night, I went back and forth between writing my missionary son-- and editing photos to email to him,-- and online shopping.. I really shouldn't shop when I'm tired and have a final English class essay due soon. But alas, shop I did! And with a couple remote control robots (on black Friday special) some cool "The Mountain" t-shirts of animals-- meercat, cat, zebra, etc...<br />
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I finally finished all my shopping for good. I hope! (though I did buy a space heater I just tonight because I keep a cold house but like warm feet as I sit to work on school work, and because my little boy sat warming by the physically damaged one that was sent to us-- and he told me that he'd like his own space heater as a Christmas gift. It was too cute! Maybe I should send back his RC dinosaur with colored steam from his mouth, in lieu of a portable space heater! :))<br />
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Tangent over:<br />
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Upon waking I asked my bedside AI "robot" as we call her around here ("Alexa") to play "The Goodbye Girl"-- it's the generic version of David Gates (Bread) song. I love the song and the reminder that people who love me will never leave permanently. "Goodbye doesn't mean forever."<br />
I take solace in believing that I am deeply loved and that those who love me will always come back for me, God willing.<br />
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But as I lay there, I also knew that the greatest love that I take comfort in is Heavenly Father's love. Sometimes people do leave us. Sometimes they hurt or betray us in the process. Sometimes we part for a short season or a long season, but God's love is unfailing and while others may leave us, He NEVER will.<br />
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Heavenly Father never forces His will upon the agency of we His children. Sometimes He chooses to remain quiet as we wander off from Him like a disobedient child (or we fail to hear His voice when He speaks), but He never really leaves us. Even when we walk away he has us in His view.<br />
I'm a faith-filled optimist in believing that old phrase that I liked as a young girl: "If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were." I believe God is at the center of love and righteous relationships and I really do believe He authors glorious stories for us as we look to Him in faith.<br />
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But I also believe he is perfectly patient in giving us room to become the best person that He knows we are capable of becoming-- if we will just have the courage to believe in His name and give up all we own to follow him. (Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-27; Luke 18:18-27)<br />
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Today, I have countless friends sharing on social media about some Christlike person who has touched their life for good. I pondered who that was in my life and I knew. This person has seen me through some really rough years-- and especially the last 8-months (which I "celebrate" on the 2nd of each month) since April of this year-- 2019.<br />
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I suppose if I'm being honest, I celebrate it in hopes that by the 12th month that my life will see some justification and closure to several years of pain. But regardless of the timetable God has planned for my healing, I trust him to keep His promises-- whenever He sees fit. I am thankful for untold blessings from God in my life.<br />
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The Christlike person I refer to is none other than my stake president, who for the last several years has watched the heartaches of my life be figuratively spread upon his office table and my heartbroken emails on various occasions over the years. And yet, through the chaos of my life, he has steadily offered counsel, warnings, sound judgments, comfort, and blessings-- and he's offered it all in the Savior's gift of charity and friendship.<br />
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We have not always seen eye to eye. Even now I firmly stand my ground and recently wrote him: "...<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> truth in my life will come forth because I have maintained the courage to stand in the face of injustice against me..." </span>Despite the things we don't agree on, he has remained kind and "long-suffering" (Book of Mormon: <span style="background-color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "open sans" , "zoram" , "noto sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "sansserif"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><u>Alma 13:28, </u></b><span style="background-color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "open sans" , "zoram" , "noto sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "sansserif"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><u>Alma 32:43, </u></b><span style="background-color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "open sans" , "zoram" , "noto sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "sansserif"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><u>Alma 42:30, et al...)</u></b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman";">. But without harsh judgment, my Stake President </span></span></span></span>just lovingly takes the puzzle pieces of my life and holds them with safekeeping. He could have made me feel small and unworthy and yet he has sustained me through the crisis by his Christlike friendship.<br />
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Really, I'm so sleepy and keep falling asleep, so I hope my words are clear enough, but it boils down to saying that my stake president, through his pure-hearted Christlike friendship has helped me to feel much like the song that has come to my thoughts a lot lately by Mercy Me: <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />"You're beautiful<br />You are made for so much more than all of this<br />You're beautiful<br />You're beautiful<br />You are treasured, you are sacred<br />You are His</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You're beautiful"</span></div>
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Heavenly Father has strategically placed people in my path to bless and brighten my life. From a past bishops to my current bishop, to my stake president, I am blessed with leaders who help sustain and support me in the uncertainties of life. I am so thankful that God has given me leaders and friends along the way, like my stake president, who has cared for me in the Savior's way when some have said "goodbye" to me for a season.<br />
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I am really tired tonight (which my rambling words may reveal!).... as I type this half asleep the songlines of a hymn played into my thoughts: "What debt of gratitude is mine, that in this offering I have part." I do feel an immense "debt of gratitude for being able to love unconditionally and to be loved in like manner!<br />
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I can never forget those of my past who remain dear in my heart, but I also celebrate those who stick by me with kind hellos in the present. I look forward to many more future greetings of friendship which will help further my joy, and I hope to do the same for those whom I reach out my hands of friendship and service toward.<br />
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Life is so much happier when we reach out unselfishly in the work of furthering the Lord's work and extending his pure love. What can you do today to be someone's angel?<br />
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God is great!<br />
Love, Christine<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-88750785567280785322019-10-13T21:26:00.001-07:002020-02-23T22:54:46.942-08:00Fast Sunday In Honor of You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today was fast Sunday. Once a month members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints </span><span style="font-size: large;">offer a 24 hour fast (skipping 2 meals) and then they pay tithes and offerings to bless and benefit others in needs. Through the money the poor and needy are fed, temples, churches, and schools are built, and the work of God can be done throughout the world</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to learn more click on this link (and along the left side of the screen are other links to answer questions about tithes and offerings: <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/tithing-and-fast-offerings/what-is-tithing?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/tithing-and-fast-offerings/what-is-tithing?lang=eng</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I realize it's been a while but I'm back in college and I'm very busy, so I don't write as often. I want to stop in and say that today I fasted. I have also fasted once a month (sometimes twice a month) for 7 years for this friend,<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> and I pray every day (many times a day) for him, and I put his name on the temple prayer roll each week. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6RSe1agTLjezpMrupH4fbCNMfF6Gy4fe4Q_RbT4lijR0ZRDQ4ZIIH8rKzR4stu3f25T6G3ov6UW29OllWffwgDepPhjyliF43c42hs9QigWhXRenMUgobnI0aWSwPujGcJUbLEREE1E/s1600/Repent-bible-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6RSe1agTLjezpMrupH4fbCNMfF6Gy4fe4Q_RbT4lijR0ZRDQ4ZIIH8rKzR4stu3f25T6G3ov6UW29OllWffwgDepPhjyliF43c42hs9QigWhXRenMUgobnI0aWSwPujGcJUbLEREE1E/s1600/Repent-bible-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6RSe1agTLjezpMrupH4fbCNMfF6Gy4fe4Q_RbT4lijR0ZRDQ4ZIIH8rKzR4stu3f25T6G3ov6UW29OllWffwgDepPhjyliF43c42hs9QigWhXRenMUgobnI0aWSwPujGcJUbLEREE1E/s320/Repent-bible-meme.jpg" width="317" /></span></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I fasted for his courage to do what is right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I fasted for his protection from sin. I fasted for him to have faith in Jesus Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I fasted for him to have th</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6RSe1agTLjezpMrupH4fbCNMfF6Gy4fe4Q_RbT4lijR0ZRDQ4ZIIH8rKzR4stu3f25T6G3ov6UW29OllWffwgDepPhjyliF43c42hs9QigWhXRenMUgobnI0aWSwPujGcJUbLEREE1E/s1600/Repent-bible-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6RSe1agTLjezpMrupH4fbCNMfF6Gy4fe4Q_RbT4lijR0ZRDQ4ZIIH8rKzR4stu3f25T6G3ov6UW29OllWffwgDepPhjyliF43c42hs9QigWhXRenMUgobnI0aWSwPujGcJUbLEREE1E/s1600/Repent-bible-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">e help he needs to live a life pleasing to God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I fasted for him to be humble before the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I fasted that people he approaches in his time of need would extend arms of Godly friendship and Godly love. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I fasted for people to be patient with his mistakes and not show disappointment in him but hope for him through the power of Jesus Christ. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I fasted a good many things...</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">But most of all, I fasted that he would know how much the Lord loves him, how much I love him, and how much others love him. That he would know that he is remembered with LOVE.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXgVKqpR7wvVwM6XtM5I1L6bBhxbEDukJONwsKXQtqCm6o6R5X0BYSvuLKrxridIigh0Eb_4Tv6DCqLTe6yeT9DM3agwSZLVoZ73PPaarQJ6SGCeE3NE4gf4zRChiIJnX3P05lDOiGO4/s1600/238832-I-Love-You-My-Friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXgVKqpR7wvVwM6XtM5I1L6bBhxbEDukJONwsKXQtqCm6o6R5X0BYSvuLKrxridIigh0Eb_4Tv6DCqLTe6yeT9DM3agwSZLVoZ73PPaarQJ6SGCeE3NE4gf4zRChiIJnX3P05lDOiGO4/s1600/238832-I-Love-You-My-Friend.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeYp7FjKFgXYKbb-Snih8ect8pVtzueDTrLLol9DL-fRjVeDUg98Fs-p7k8gs4rux0pf81nRDvdyHhFectIXwINit6FzrqTfMxoYPuOtFeiUm5flXqXlEviUQl8hfTXLXf3KR8qlyLXc/s1600/stairs-climb-quit-miracles-holland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="417" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeYp7FjKFgXYKbb-Snih8ect8pVtzueDTrLLol9DL-fRjVeDUg98Fs-p7k8gs4rux0pf81nRDvdyHhFectIXwINit6FzrqTfMxoYPuOtFeiUm5flXqXlEviUQl8hfTXLXf3KR8qlyLXc/s320/stairs-climb-quit-miracles-holland.jpg" width="225" /></span></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">I fasted that he would remember that he is a cherished son of God with a bright future ahead of him. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNmJFgJT4G-EOOBk-aassTEdA0nzEdB-lfNk9u2GpAULZM_WBvNtmXHFcGBQ-ll4e1IHE2LVisMhFnBO7VvLY8TNOR4ROEKa5dRF5AJ532afT5oeVHQWzdzsdThztOrqqJ7xS5U3paYY/s1600/miracles-hope-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="736" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNmJFgJT4G-EOOBk-aassTEdA0nzEdB-lfNk9u2GpAULZM_WBvNtmXHFcGBQ-ll4e1IHE2LVisMhFnBO7VvLY8TNOR4ROEKa5dRF5AJ532afT5oeVHQWzdzsdThztOrqqJ7xS5U3paYY/s320/miracles-hope-meme.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> Fasting is a tremendous sacrifice to me because it is hard to fast with a chronic health condition that I have, but I want my beloved friend to feel added blessings of heaven as he climbs the rocky journey of this mortal life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do not know how my friend is blessed, but I know that Heavenly Father watches over each one of us on earth. I know that the Lord of heaven and earth has the power to take the messy things of our lives and help to make us beautiful despite our injuries on the battlefield of life. Trust in the power of God to heal You. <3</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2dGe_EF-OoV-Xf_dTZRdWVqd7i_gVuaeKIgbnu_p8ZDto_hS1KJSnaGX1hpHoD1HzhyphenhyphenPBsnO_rl3fGL_7zN3Q-ichMlbbqITUHp10wGWEF6Y9TmdTA4F0L9Rqdui-k9QcdoLFTC8y4Y/s1600/we-get-credit-even-if-we-dont-succeed-holland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2dGe_EF-OoV-Xf_dTZRdWVqd7i_gVuaeKIgbnu_p8ZDto_hS1KJSnaGX1hpHoD1HzhyphenhyphenPBsnO_rl3fGL_7zN3Q-ichMlbbqITUHp10wGWEF6Y9TmdTA4F0L9Rqdui-k9QcdoLFTC8y4Y/s320/we-get-credit-even-if-we-dont-succeed-holland.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If You keep trying with His, You will succeed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe in You. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">Wherever You are and whatever You are doing, I hope You know that You are a treasured child of your Eternal Father in Heaven. I hope You will remember that he is watching You and loving You, even when you can't feel that in the struggles of the present. </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>Reach out to him in faith and courage and go toward the light of truth and Love. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZQ0n829WT0dr9K6oPIzckBmT38EDfCky7iH0zsUWtklokqvXvIbHvM2N69sYQHFQzemID-RZ_ggXyVyW6XCLG7c2RQ5BxWwI2ui5GLoeZ4Dyr_vpxpqnIlpqD0PstIKtNI1oX5q4kyI/s1600/jesus_saves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="561" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZQ0n829WT0dr9K6oPIzckBmT38EDfCky7iH0zsUWtklokqvXvIbHvM2N69sYQHFQzemID-RZ_ggXyVyW6XCLG7c2RQ5BxWwI2ui5GLoeZ4Dyr_vpxpqnIlpqD0PstIKtNI1oX5q4kyI/s320/jesus_saves.jpg" width="269" /></span></a><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: medium;">He will help you find your way hHome! <i>You</i> have a glorious future ahead of You, if You will take the hand of Christ and walk with Him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love and hugs, Christine</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"># Friends Are Friends Forever</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3 Nephi 9:13-14 (Book of Mormon)</span><br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-66369857607202080622019-08-23T13:19:00.000-07:002019-10-16T19:56:32.002-07:00I am Christine!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">The other morning I lay alone in my bed crying. I was dwelling upon something that makes me very sad and causes me to doubt my ability to understand the Spirit of God and also blurs my sense of positive identity. As I lay there crying I had several songs come to mind. One of which was a song I once dedicated to my now in heaven "Angel" Mama. It goes: </span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"What do you give to the lady who has given</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">All her life and love to you</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">What do you give to the reason you are livin'...</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">"Mama, a rainbow</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Mama, a sunrise</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Mama, the moon to wear</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">That's not good enough</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">No not good enough</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Not for Mama"</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; direction: ltr; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/Mm13xzazcHk?t%3D6&source=gmail&ust=1566513300894000&usg=AFQjCNENKLs-gyM1JGwVz6dx5uoFnlFFGQ" href="https://youtu.be/Mm13xzazcHk?t=6" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://youtu.be/Mm13xzazcHk?<wbr style="display: inline-block;"></wbr>t=6</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next song bowled me over with understanding and identity. I knew I need to focus on being a courageous and beloved daughter "of THE village Chief"-- The King of Heaven and earth! I was also reminded that my mother and ancestors love me too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Grandma (Mother-figure) voice sings)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I know a girl from an island<br />She stands apart from the crowd<br />She loves the sea and her people<br />She makes her whole family proud<br />Sometimes the world seems against you<br />The journey may leave a scar<br />But scars can heal and reveal just<br />Where you are</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />The people you love will change you<br />The things you have learned will guide you<br />And nothing on earth can silence<br />The quiet voice still inside you<br />And when that voice starts to whisper<br />Moana, you've come so far<br />Moana, listen<br />Do you know who you are?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Moana replies with initial hesitance which increases to confidence)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Who am I?<br />I am a girl who loves my island<br />I'm the girl who loves the sea<br />It calls me<br />I am the daughter of the village chief<br />We are descended from voyagers<br />Who found their way across the world<br />They call me<br />I've delivered us to where we are<br />I have journeyed farther<br />I am everything I've learned and more<br />Still it calls me<br />And the call isn't out there at all, it's inside me<br />It's like the tide; always falling and rising<br />I will carry you here in my heart you'll remind me<br />That come what may<br />I know the way<br />I am Moana!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Better to listen:) <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/gdmfQFfGn9k&source=gmail&ust=1566513300894000&usg=AFQjCNEfH8k4b0mjNllbeca6bGxDNZpC0A" href="https://youtu.be/gdmfQFfGn9k" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/<wbr style="display: inline-block;"></wbr>gdmfQFfGn9k </a> )</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGJhKu-9xysZ72U4p4Ep45CjEO0hl53mMiozgvSaAYBNZ3ajTAu2bsTFZmwps-Z87H8hUXklJmBJnP1IfuUPZb3mWpv-_LfmjWrmbaZ5Iq2Rdn9RnLDX_d4vOFah9ITlMVBhty5wqggo/s1600/1-Christine-scriptures-art-journal-23-August-2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1571" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGJhKu-9xysZ72U4p4Ep45CjEO0hl53mMiozgvSaAYBNZ3ajTAu2bsTFZmwps-Z87H8hUXklJmBJnP1IfuUPZb3mWpv-_LfmjWrmbaZ5Iq2Rdn9RnLDX_d4vOFah9ITlMVBhty5wqggo/s640/1-Christine-scriptures-art-journal-23-August-2019.JPG" width="628" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a picture I took of my scripture journal today. :) </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the last few months, I have come to better have glimpses of the love of God for us His children. He doesn't ever turn away from us, reject, leave us hopeless, or betray us. Friends and family may do that to us-- or we may do it to ourselves-- but God, our loving Heavenly Father will always be there when we turn our hearts toward Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If we are sinning or rebelling against His commandments it is much harder to hear the sweet, soft voice of his Holy Spirit calling us home, but He ever calls for us and He will always hold on to us, even if we let go of Him for a while. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib65eGbEqZ9Ndh_UI06VBoz6uzjGEI5BvifE3jOTTgxhTphdlp0BEZrPN_ucmXicQWc9gA16YLncDshNMjBU4x10iio2b5Zc9Xj-dBLdM5FcDRMSG1bLv2EcRFH1SSb51mLHsRn2TJ-iI/s1600/Change-Elder-Holland-meme-repent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But today, I plead with You to have the courage to give up your sins to know Him. That courage and repentance is going to look different for each of us-- but IT IS NEVER TOO LATE to make our lives right before God. It is never too late to give our hearts and hands to His work on earth. If you have gone very far away from Him, it might be a lot of hard work to come back to the light (especially if you are involved in drugs, alcohol, pornography, or other mind-hijacking addiction... but it is possible to change if you want it badly enough! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib65eGbEqZ9Ndh_UI06VBoz6uzjGEI5BvifE3jOTTgxhTphdlp0BEZrPN_ucmXicQWc9gA16YLncDshNMjBU4x10iio2b5Zc9Xj-dBLdM5FcDRMSG1bLv2EcRFH1SSb51mLHsRn2TJ-iI/s1600/Change-Elder-Holland-meme-repent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib65eGbEqZ9Ndh_UI06VBoz6uzjGEI5BvifE3jOTTgxhTphdlp0BEZrPN_ucmXicQWc9gA16YLncDshNMjBU4x10iio2b5Zc9Xj-dBLdM5FcDRMSG1bLv2EcRFH1SSb51mLHsRn2TJ-iI/s320/Change-Elder-Holland-meme-repent.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The LOVE of God is never failing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Hope of Christ will ever shine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Beautiful future awaits you as you purify your heart before the Lord!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe in You! Please have the courage to start NOW!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love, Christine</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. I also want to note that if you are being abused in any way to SEEK HELP. No matter what you've done, you do not deserve to be abused or mistreated. Turn to church leader, local authorities, local agencies specializing in abuse victims-- whatever it takes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are a man being abused it might do you well to DISCREETLY record audio/video (preferably video) on your cell phone what the abuser does to you, so that you have evidence. Men are not as easily believed. Please get help if you are in this situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I repeat: You do not deserve to be abused-- male or female, adult or child. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some references I found at healthyplace.com's website:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">Help for those who have been physically abused but are not currently injured is also readily available. Hotlines for physical abuse help include (in the United States):</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">For domestic violence contact the <a href="http://www.thehotline.org/" style="background-color: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 100; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">National Domestic Violence Hotline</a>: 1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">To get help with teenage dating abuse contact <a href="http://www.loveisrespect.org/" style="background-color: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 100; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">loveisrespect.org</a>. This national program provides a hotline, live chat, texting and other services: 1-866-331-9474</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">For help with physical abuse involving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people call the <a href="http://www.glnh.org/" style="background-color: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 100; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Gay and Lesbian National Hotline</a>: 1-888-THE-GLNH</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">For help with physical abuse containing sexual abuse contact <a href="http://www.rainn.org/" style="background-color: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 100; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">The Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network</a>: 1-800-656-HOPE</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #4c1130;">For international agencies, see the <a href="http://www.hotpeachpages.net/" style="background-color: initial; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 100; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">HotPeach Pages</a></span></li>
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== FOR ADDICTIONS (Here are but a few in the USA)<br />
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SAMHSA’s National Helpline – <a href="tel:18006624357" id="anch_58" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: transparent; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position-x: 0%; background-position-y: 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1f419a; font-family: Tahoma,Verdana,Segoe,sans-serif; font-size: 100%; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1-800-662-HELP (4357)</a></h1>
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SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.</div>
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</article><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Sex Addiction: Note: I have not had personal experience using any of these groups, as I do not have addictions of this type, so I cannot vouch for them, but I share them to give some direction. I CAN comfortable support the 12-step program of the churchofjesuschrist.org because I know how my church runs. There are imperfect people-- but the gospel of Jesus Christ has no ulterior motives than to help us return home to God well and blessed: </div>
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<a href="https://addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org/steps?lang=eng">https://addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org/steps?lang=eng</a></div>
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<br />
<a href="https://saa-recovery.org/">https://saa-recovery.org/</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://www.themindfulhabit.com/">https://www.themindfulhabit.com/</a> (formerly feedtherightwolf.org</div>
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<br /></div>
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===There are many others-- ask if you'd like more.</div>
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Here's an article of hope for change: </div>
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<a href="https://fightthenewdrug.org/4-studies-that-prove-porn-addicted-brains-can-return-to-normal/" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="https://fightthenewdrug.org/4-studies-that-prove-porn-addicted-brains-can-return-to-normal/" target="_blank">https://fightthenewdrug.org/4-studies-that-prove-porn-addicted-brains-can-return-to-normal/</a></div>
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I also LOVE this blog: <a href="https://rowboatandmarbles.org/wordpress/" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="https://rowboatandmarbles.org/wordpress/" target="_blank">https://rowboatandmarbles.org/wordpress/</a></div>
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(He has a lot of links for other websites of healing)</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: #4c1130;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-28997486544272037322019-08-15T23:30:00.000-07:002019-10-16T19:57:55.000-07:00Days in the Sun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The other day as I walked past a mirror I heard a beautiful melody. I prayed that if it was a message that the Spirit of God would help me recall it. As I hummed the words began to tumble into my conscious recollection. I looked into the mirror with melancholy knowing that my heart is knowing to God:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">"How in the midst of all this sorrow</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Can so much hope and love endure</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">I was innocent and certain</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Now I'm wiser but unsure."</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uVnYg7awJx0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uVnYg7awJx0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
I knew the ultimate message was the sum of meaning...<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: x-large;">"Days in the</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: orange;"><b><u>sun</u></b></span> </span></span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: x-large;">will return once more..."</span></div>
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I am so very blessed. Of that, I cannot deny. There is no shortage of smiles on my face these days. I <br />
even find opportunities to laugh. Why just yesterday, I laughed with my husband and children as we caught a glimpse of some funny realty photos... like these toilets which are much too reminiscent of my worst toilet dreams! You know the kind, don’t you, when you are desperate to find a toilet and then you suddenly walk into a room with 2 toilets which are of course placed in the middle of a public view?!! Haha... true story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul1hTRly8hK465OjP9axLslSNQoQPpVFPAsRFHl0l4xvFafl6dK-MwyHMEH7WAfsQpvQkE8pCOMZ8FG-MKNwJIUXOMg-CxOmC7hSwm1ZwP9icnbzphXPbYxTtBZR5f2v2LikunoNtYH4/s1600/toilet-in-dining-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="960" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul1hTRly8hK465OjP9axLslSNQoQPpVFPAsRFHl0l4xvFafl6dK-MwyHMEH7WAfsQpvQkE8pCOMZ8FG-MKNwJIUXOMg-CxOmC7hSwm1ZwP9icnbzphXPbYxTtBZR5f2v2LikunoNtYH4/s320/toilet-in-dining-room.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYIWMXYsKWBhQjlBUShW3jFWF3em_5EhKlGKqfQDYeILFKmgvw8Db-3GpYpstUhD_mshRKX8nW0lfkkP9LvZzoUTbjZn3M3R6r99uMvTrEiurwPHdlDRj0NGfc_U-QUwWB6LqdckOuNM/s1600/two-toilets-bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="960" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYIWMXYsKWBhQjlBUShW3jFWF3em_5EhKlGKqfQDYeILFKmgvw8Db-3GpYpstUhD_mshRKX8nW0lfkkP9LvZzoUTbjZn3M3R6r99uMvTrEiurwPHdlDRj0NGfc_U-QUwWB6LqdckOuNM/s200/two-toilets-bathroom.jpg" width="200" /></a>Thankfully, now at these strange dreams I am able to wake up in time for a bathroom break, instead of leaving the sheets wet and needing a 3am change (Like I did as a little girl once while sharing a bed with my mom at my Aunt MaryAnn's house!! :))) <br />
Thankfully she was very patient with my overtired 7-year-old me!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwj3aiJlcfkukJiJWpHKfbej7Kw6bK2f4J2OahDmV2ZF2UIe8jbsDDGbzjrxNcJKo42g6QIcnaMQtrE-RggNcc2z7Mm1322t3XM7JaDtWVz4WGNsalh6Ubwy0HKVR7XPvjVNDjBQr1jk/s1600/7-year-old-Christine-approximately-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="771" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwj3aiJlcfkukJiJWpHKfbej7Kw6bK2f4J2OahDmV2ZF2UIe8jbsDDGbzjrxNcJKo42g6QIcnaMQtrE-RggNcc2z7Mm1322t3XM7JaDtWVz4WGNsalh6Ubwy0HKVR7XPvjVNDjBQr1jk/s320/7-year-old-Christine-approximately-girl.jpg" width="257" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwj3aiJlcfkukJiJWpHKfbej7Kw6bK2f4J2OahDmV2ZF2UIe8jbsDDGbzjrxNcJKo42g6QIcnaMQtrE-RggNcc2z7Mm1322t3XM7JaDtWVz4WGNsalh6Ubwy0HKVR7XPvjVNDjBQr1jk/s1600/7-year-old-Christine-approximately-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul1hTRly8hK465OjP9axLslSNQoQPpVFPAsRFHl0l4xvFafl6dK-MwyHMEH7WAfsQpvQkE8pCOMZ8FG-MKNwJIUXOMg-CxOmC7hSwm1ZwP9icnbzphXPbYxTtBZR5f2v2LikunoNtYH4/s1600/toilet-in-dining-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a>But the truth is that I'm having a hard time making se<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul1hTRly8hK465OjP9axLslSNQoQPpVFPAsRFHl0l4xvFafl6dK-MwyHMEH7WAfsQpvQkE8pCOMZ8FG-MKNwJIUXOMg-CxOmC7hSwm1ZwP9icnbzphXPbYxTtBZR5f2v2LikunoNtYH4/s1600/toilet-in-dining-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a>nse of everything these days because of the painful messages the turmoil and shadow of doubt has cast upon me. But I must cling to what I know.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And, what I know is that I am a beloved child of Heavenly Father. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know He is watching out for me, granting me special blessings, and giving me comfort and assurance that He loves me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know that His can be perfectly trusted because he NEVER makes mistakes. He really knows what he's doing, and He sees the big eternal picture which a blurry to my view.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I keep trying to prepare myself spiritually and heed His voice quickly, He will guide me safely through the trials of life. I don't need all the answers. I just need the Lord to light the way before me as He sees fit. Even if it's just a small warm ray of light to lead me through what feels like a much longer passageway of darkness. With my hand in the Savior's I really will be safe. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMeKJ_xbu3fhS2Ad5osxJz9tezF7HiIGqK1A2gHQ-NGZ-ginEm2LTgJ-0HXlnuSgQXuwz8TmsCrGFNeI31ulg88JksOSVunSjtU5nNk7oT054Jq98ChzAQamOJDhKd4vayUT8cazXMXQ/s1600/i-disagree-hellfire-holy-water-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="705" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMeKJ_xbu3fhS2Ad5osxJz9tezF7HiIGqK1A2gHQ-NGZ-ginEm2LTgJ-0HXlnuSgQXuwz8TmsCrGFNeI31ulg88JksOSVunSjtU5nNk7oT054Jq98ChzAQamOJDhKd4vayUT8cazXMXQ/s320/i-disagree-hellfire-holy-water-meme.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMeKJ_xbu3fhS2Ad5osxJz9tezF7HiIGqK1A2gHQ-NGZ-ginEm2LTgJ-0HXlnuSgQXuwz8TmsCrGFNeI31ulg88JksOSVunSjtU5nNk7oT054Jq98ChzAQamOJDhKd4vayUT8cazXMXQ/s1600/i-disagree-hellfire-holy-water-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMeKJ_xbu3fhS2Ad5osxJz9tezF7HiIGqK1A2gHQ-NGZ-ginEm2LTgJ-0HXlnuSgQXuwz8TmsCrGFNeI31ulg88JksOSVunSjtU5nNk7oT054Jq98ChzAQamOJDhKd4vayUT8cazXMXQ/s1600/i-disagree-hellfire-holy-water-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
It's a bit of a tangent, but <span style="font-size: large;"><b>I saw this meme the other day and while it was pretty and I initially </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>chucked, I knew immediately that <u>I disagree with it</u>.</b></span> In my situation I have what appears to be every reason to go and become "hell fire" with two particular people who have lied about me, but instead <span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">God has helped to tame my heart and has helped me to act with forgiveness and grace. </span><br />
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In past years of the old me, I would have given someone my two-cents (or twenty!) and been filled with wrath, resentment, and anger-- but that's not me anymore.<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: x-large;">I recognize that while there are terrible wrongs and injustices on this earth that I can actually be at peace and understand that God's love reaches to all of his children-- no matter what poor choices they may make. I have made many grievous mistakes in my past and I'm thankful that others gave me room to change and improve (a.k.a. repent). I can give others the same chance to repent. None of us are perfect and we rely upon the perfect grace and mercy of Jesus Christ each day to help us through our weaknesses and sins in the mortal and fallen condition which we leave. </span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">IT IS NEVER TOO LATE to become CLEAN THROUGH the Blood of JESUS!</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><i> </i><span style="color: black;">Please understand:</span><i> Not giving someone my two sense, doesn't mean that I won't stand up for myself. </i><span style="color: #4c1130;">I have and will continue to stand up for myself and truth now and in the future, BUT should I feel it necessary, and responsible, and (ideally) approved of by God to give someone a “piece of my mind” I will now go about it in an effort to show the patient love of God and not with a “hell fire” attitude.</span></span><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: large;"> </span></b>I don’t want anything to do with hell or the devil, if I can help it! (Losing one’s temper that way pleases the devil- not God.) <br />
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We read in 1 Corinthians 13: "<span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>Charity suffereth long</b></span>..." (and many other wonderful traits of <b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 107%;">charity= love</span></b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;">I won't let myself be victimized by the terrible decisions of others, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to become angry and bitter either (at least not long enough to let it affect my reasoning). If I were to remain bitter, I'd be letting the perpetrators in my life too much control over my joy. I find that as I pray and seek God in all things, that he helps me to manage my emotions. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bTXHxMWwG5c4LM_HFQJu_pYpke5CAstZjEXkdwwENiUVDOX0yWTl-VvYQ4aMwVtis9nFa23rUB0DrmahQS95wDdnBzJl7brWEQwn2cXjDEvb1GywEq2EJlvdZlPJPWOeM8gWjZEMLV8/s1600/1+Charity+word+art+by+Christine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bTXHxMWwG5c4LM_HFQJu_pYpke5CAstZjEXkdwwENiUVDOX0yWTl-VvYQ4aMwVtis9nFa23rUB0DrmahQS95wDdnBzJl7brWEQwn2cXjDEvb1GywEq2EJlvdZlPJPWOeM8gWjZEMLV8/s1600/1+Charity+word+art+by+Christine.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
CHARITY ART BY ME: CHRISTINE. </div>
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Oddly enough, this was a gift to a woman who has brought me so much pain!</div>
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Interesting, isn't it?! Yet, I have no malice for her. </div>
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Only daily, heartfelt prayers for the safety and wellbeing for her (and her family).</div>
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</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">Because I'm mortal I am certainly affected by the choice of others, but with the help of God I will never stay down in the pit of despair or bitterness.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>God </b><b>has the power to lift, heal, bless, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>and compensate for any injustice or wrong. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>If we seek Him, </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>we will have the reward of these blessings </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>and many more!</b></span></div>
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I think about that beautiful scripture right now: <br />
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"<span style="font-size: x-large;">...nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." </span>1 Timothy 1:12 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxWOC00Vw-ZIVeo6XvLTgH9OVHtHknfKeqeVsjWoll4lEJebYBnLkDPXw41qswSrePLc_dxchL5oc3cR7X2iiHmXR10NjtbDQU2NXW_SP-EeZedwx_orgnY4fvuAQkk_tglAIuqtqE4k/s1600/living+water+jesus+well+mary+woman+hope+love+LDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxWOC00Vw-ZIVeo6XvLTgH9OVHtHknfKeqeVsjWoll4lEJebYBnLkDPXw41qswSrePLc_dxchL5oc3cR7X2iiHmXR10NjtbDQU2NXW_SP-EeZedwx_orgnY4fvuAQkk_tglAIuqtqE4k/s400/living+water+jesus+well+mary+woman+hope+love+LDS.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>As I study his word and seek things of holiness, I know that God will help me keep my commitments to His covenants. I will see a day of joy and rejoicing and promised blessings through the power of Jesus Christ. For now, I do not need to feel ashamed at doing the best I know how to be a faithful daughter of God. </b></span><br />
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Please join with me and cling to Christ and seek Him Every day. As we sacrifice things of the world <br />
"and seek for things of a better" (Doctrine and Covenants 25:10) With Heavenly Father's help we will be filled with every spiritual gift that we need to make it through the rough and rocky terrains of life. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUKm6b6WYkIZJs0FJYFYx_MsHhCKTCMVgjU8lXEBGYXoURkqJOK3aO0iRvGFBrLJ4DljfJIGv-dEcrUXDfm15uDMqeztDlwonpCLJk17kBBzehyBOsAFbdsY65Qa83MZEZpo2MoMuU6c/s1600/11-August-2019-Sunday-Selfie-Christine-black-floral-SMALL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1101" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUKm6b6WYkIZJs0FJYFYx_MsHhCKTCMVgjU8lXEBGYXoURkqJOK3aO0iRvGFBrLJ4DljfJIGv-dEcrUXDfm15uDMqeztDlwonpCLJk17kBBzehyBOsAFbdsY65Qa83MZEZpo2MoMuU6c/s400/11-August-2019-Sunday-Selfie-Christine-black-floral-SMALL.JPG" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My usual "Sunday selfie." Taken 11 August 2019:)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The fight for righteousness is worth fighting. With God, we will never fight alone! <span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are Enough—with the help of God. </span></span></b></span><br />
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Keep Trying--even if you don’t have all the answer!<br />
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Love, Christine<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxWOC00Vw-ZIVeo6XvLTgH9OVHtHknfKeqeVsjWoll4lEJebYBnLkDPXw41qswSrePLc_dxchL5oc3cR7X2iiHmXR10NjtbDQU2NXW_SP-EeZedwx_orgnY4fvuAQkk_tglAIuqtqE4k/s1600/living+water+jesus+well+mary+woman+hope+love+LDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">P.S. I really hold very few songs to be coincidence. Often, I have found them to be very clear answers or direction from God. One morning upon waking up back in March 2019 (shortly before the terrible series of recent events that took place in my life) I learned through 3 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">different songs that played immediately back to back upon waking one morning that my friend had done something terrible and that I was to forgive him and trust the Lord.</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must admit that I still shook with worry, but <span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I also prayerfully renewed my trust in the almighty hand of God to make weak things become strong. It wasn't surprising when terrible things began to happen. My hope was/is anchored in the Lord's capacity to rescue me. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">And he has!</span> I still contend with the long-term ramifications of what was said and done, but I have a clear conscience that <span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m trying (albeit imperfectly) to love in the Lord’s way. And really, does anything else matter besides trying to love as He wants us to?! NO! His approval is all we will ever need!</span></span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-40422387711170429032019-08-12T23:30:00.000-07:002019-10-16T20:09:29.443-07:00Death of a Dream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif;">Yesterday during church there was a sister that made a comment during Relief Society (RS= an hour which church/ward sisters meet) which resonated with me. During RS we discussed the wonderful talk by Sharon Eubank, entitled “</span><span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness</span>.”<br />
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The talk is worth reading, but I will only share a small portion of it. <br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sister Sharon Eubank tells about the night she was in her office working there in Salt Lake City, Utah. When night enveloped the city she immediately noted a striking difference from all other nights… the temple lights for the SLC temple did not turn on. The usually bright temple was dark!</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sister Eubanks relates that experience to how each one of us can potentially become dark and no longer shine as a light for the rest of the world to see. She spoke on several possible categories for why we can become dark. I will share just the titles of categories and share two excerpts before I get to my point of this blog post. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; color: #212225; line-height: 107%;">“</span><b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "&quot" , serif; line-height: 107%;">Some of Us Are Paralyzed with Grief</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "&quot" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Some of Us Are Just So Tired</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "&quot" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Some of Us Feel We Don’t Fit the Traditional Mold</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "&quot" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Some of Us Are Splintering with Questions</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "&quot" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Some of Us Feel We Can Never Be Good Enough</span></span></b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "&quot" , serif; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM-d9sO-leEOnb3pYhfmQ-DWegSuvDloseCYaX7PSX7WPv-ku0Lbf16Gf3lTa9YK-56UiaOSEHSPDNOzJ8ZN2o6q5fyZ7PGvuPzTXzEEM13aQB5n2VUwkviAqNin6BhZHErpV2RTgGo0/s1600/red_dye_yarn-scarlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a>“The scarlet dye of the Old Testament was not only colorful but also colorfast, meaning that its vivid color stuck to the wool and would not fade no matter how many times it was washed. <b>Satan wields this reasoning like a club: white wool stained scarlet can never go back to being white. </b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But Jesus Christ declares, ‘My ways [are] higher than your ways,’<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/42eubank?lang=eng#note15"></a> and the miracle of His grace is that when we repent of our sins, His scarlet blood returns </b><b>us to purity. It isn’t logical, but it is nevertheless true.</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM-d9sO-leEOnb3pYhfmQ-DWegSuvDloseCYaX7PSX7WPv-ku0Lbf16Gf3lTa9YK-56UiaOSEHSPDNOzJ8ZN2o6q5fyZ7PGvuPzTXzEEM13aQB5n2VUwkviAqNin6BhZHErpV2RTgGo0/s1600/red_dye_yarn-scarlet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">“What is the key to reconnecting to the power of Jesus Christ when we are flickering? President Russell M. Nelson said it very simply: ‘The key is to make and keep sacred covenants. … It is not a complicated way.’ Make Christ the center of your life. </span><b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">If you feel that the beacon of your testimony is sputtering and darkness is closing in, take courage. </span></b><b><u><span style="color: red; font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Keep your promises to God</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">. Ask your questions. Patiently melt stone to glass. Turn to Jesus Christ, who loves you still.</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #212225; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">“Jesus said, ‘I am the light [that] shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.’ That means no matter how hard it tries, the darkness cannot put out that light. Ever. You can trust that His light will be there for you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212225; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">“We, or people we love, may temporarily go dark. …</span><b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">It’s hard to get the lights back on by yourself. We need friends. We need each other</span></b><span style="color: #212225; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">. Just like the temple facilities staff, we can help each other by showing up in person, recharging our spiritual batteries, repairing what went wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #212225; font-family: "inherit" , serif;">I testify you are beloved. The Lord knows how hard you are trying. You are making progress. Keep going. He sees all your hidden sacrifices and counts them to your good and the good of those you love. Your work is not in vain. You are not alone. His very name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” </span><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">He is surely with you. </span></u></i></b><b><i><u><span style="font-family: "inherit" , serif; font-size: 18pt;">Take a few more steps on the covenant path, even if it’s too dark to see very far. The lights will come back on."</span></u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif;">The part that resonated with me during Relief Society was when one aged sister added that sometimes we are grieving because of a “death of a dream.” She proceeded to add that that dream might be a handicapped child, a divorce or betrayal, sickness, or maybe even not seeing something come to fruition in the time frame we thought. I was struck with how true that felt to my heart that has been grieving for some time now. I have been grieving the death of a dream!<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif;">To be very clear, God has planted a dream in my heart for years and he has it so firmly rooted in my heart that I cannot let go of </span><b><i><span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That Dream</span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif;">-- regardless of anyone’s skepticism. BUT with recent events, I have been experiencing grief because two people (but most notably a ringleader) stepped in with a baseball bat of destruction and tried to beat my dream to death. I’m left weary and confused that one person would do such a thing to me—especially in using words of deceit against me—instead of truth.<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #212225; font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif;">I don’t know why I’m that perplexed by it though! You see, I had a dream years ago—when so many challenges began—and it’s only here in August 2019 I can actually better understand what was happening all along. Here are some excerpts from my dream:<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">17 February 2017--</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></figure><figure id="figure1" style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.77em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.88em; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <br />
</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"I had an awful dream last night!... </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Here's how the dream unfolded…<br /></span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">"</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were in a church setting. [My friend] walked up alone to me (no one else was around). He stood before me and his face and body language reminded me exactly of what my husband looks like after a long day at work. I said to him: "You look all worn out like Briant right now." I felt so badly for him and I reached out to give him a friendly hug. As I did so, I was surprised at myself- because I NEVER try to hug him. But I was pleased that he hugged me back. It was a hug of true friendship.<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"Then as we stopped hugging [my friend proceeds to tell me things that are not true.]"<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"Now all through this I was calm. I never felt afraid of him, at all. I just knew he wasn't telling me the truth. And I didn't know why he'd lie like that.<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"Obviously, it was upsetting to me... [but] the Spirit was playing songs [of comfort and knowledge] into my mind as this dream was happening. I was conscious of the songs, and also conscious that this was a dream. I continued to try to get [my friend] to be honest with his feelings by trying to [question him kindly]. He kept [speaking dishonestly].<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"But as he spoke, I watched him closely. I realized that he was shaking with fear. He was trembling before me, and his voice was altered and sounded scared. It was so sad [to see this normally gregarious, confident man feeling like this]..."<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"I woke up in a sweat. I felt awful from his words. I wondered if it was 'just a bad dream' .... It just didn't make sense. <br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"This morning as I thought about it, I wondered if perhaps it was actually a dream from God. A dream which, yet again, lets me know of the difficult future ahead… A dream to warn me that a man of grief and fear doesn't make clear, or necessarily honest expositions … [It was a] disappointment in not having this man speak truth. But both of us were clearly friends [Which just added to the confusion of why he wasn't honest or kind].<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"I don't know that this type of thing will happen soon, or at all. I think it does symbolize a good many things- which may also unfold in literal ways. I do not know for sure. …OH, and I just remembered that at one point in the dream [my friend] said he's been ... talking to [someone else] about me. I wasn't mad, but I said, "Why must you go and talk to other people about me and make me sound bad?" But I don't recall that he gave an answer..."<br /></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;"> DREAM END==<br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">NOW it's 9 August 2019-- and, look at that... the dream seems to have come to fruition in my life-- and perhaps it helps to explain why he would hurt me-- he is confused and scared. What’s worse is that just as he was convincing in the dream, he is very convincing with his dishonesty to others, even now. I’m left to wonder what’s wrong with me when I know that he is not speaking the full truth to anyone. I further know, despite my concerns, that he really is a man who is emotionally (and verbally) dishonest with himself and others. He is also a man who is scared and worried and confused inside. I must not lose sight of the truth, nor let him “gaslight” me (which he’s actually done for years with his expert manipulation of words and actions).<br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yet, for all that has happened, Heavenly Father helps me to maintain peace, and what's more, the Lord helps me to forgive this man for all the injustices he has help reap upon my family and I. But should he ever stumble on here and read my words, I hope he knows that I forgive him. I hope he knows that I cannot now, nor ever, rescind any of my kind and loving words of friendship which always pointed him toward faith in the Savior and hope for a beautiful life encircled in His love.<br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Over the last seven years, God has increased my capacity to love His children better. I have no malice toward this man for what has happened. In fact, while I feel so confused that anyone would try to intentionally hurt me (because most people would agree that they sense the gentleness and sweetness of my soul), I feel so much gratitude that God has blessed me in profound and abundantly beautiful ways. </span></figure><figure id="figure1" style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: currentColor; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: currentColor; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.77em; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0.88em; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQikP5oboBWfosNtn2wc-RyOZfLoBxsnmmTv03FDdKF8ryckpEaPPp6y61Ht0xWWqrV7SY5ZncHKkoXenJjwtORnyoIJbVAzyH3rYJ9MQ9jSIDdxWT5-ViTSZM7Fz5Q6gFFpkHEbA8E24/s1600/1a-selfie-sunday-christine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQikP5oboBWfosNtn2wc-RyOZfLoBxsnmmTv03FDdKF8ryckpEaPPp6y61Ht0xWWqrV7SY5ZncHKkoXenJjwtORnyoIJbVAzyH3rYJ9MQ9jSIDdxWT5-ViTSZM7Fz5Q6gFFpkHEbA8E24/s320/1a-selfie-sunday-christine.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine. (Photo was taken 4 August 2019)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately, I do carry a portion of grief, but yet oddly I have SO MUCH JOY and PEACE! Truly these are marvelous and wonderful gifts from God! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I will not let this man, nor anyone else ruin my dreams and hopes for life just because they are hurting inside or don’t see a bright, hope-filled future like I am blessed to see. But, because of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I can maintain optimistic hope and gratitude for a peaceful present and glorious future, regardless of the darkness that may at times try to thwart me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #212225; line-height: 107%;">I should end here, but I want to share a few more things that I read this evening. First, I read an article at: </span><span style="background: white; color: #212225;"><a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/its-where-im-headed-not-where-ive-been?lang=eng">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/its-where-im-headed-not-where-ive-been?lang=eng</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This blog article is about a man who did not “fit the mold” of church culture. He didn’t go on a mission, and he fell in to some very dangerous lifestyle habits—alcohol being high on that list. He was divorced and experienced many challenges that thrust him into spiritual highs or lows—but he didn’t remain on a steady spiritual course—but instead he lived a very rollercoaster-like course of spirituality. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s been decades and the man of this blog link has increased I his confidence before God and he has learned to recognize that there is a place for Him in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has learned to understand that sins that are scarlet can “become white as snow.” (Sorry, I know my scriptural links are non-existent tonight, but I am tired and in a fair amount of pain with a health challenge I live with—so I will leave you to find the scripture passages on your own.) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #212225;">I loved that blog because it adds to my well of faith and hope in the understanding that Jesus Christ loves us no matter where we are on the rocky journey of life. I ache for friends and family involved in dangerous addictions and lonely and sinful life decisions. But in my heart is a frequent and daily prayer that they will understand two points the blogger had to understand as he made terrible choices: </span><b><span style="background: white; color: #212225; line-height: 107%;">“I’m grateful that I was able to humble myself enough to realize that (1) I was miserable and (2) I had been happiest when I was living God’s commandments.</span>”</b><span style="background: white; color: #212225;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today as I did dishes, I listened to a talk by our now Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was wrestling with my usual questions and concerns about what has happened, what people believe of me based on the false words, how this is going to somehow turn into a happy ending…and so much more. I found this particular talk because I had to my thoughts the word “calumny” (an interesting word with a lot of meaning on its own)! I found but one conference talk with that word—and it was the perfect talk for me to keep a balance and my sense of identity in Christ tightly secured in not only what he can do for me, but also what he can do for those I love! </span></span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I needed these words of comfort he offered:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just as the Savior offers peace that “passeth all understanding,”<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng#note12" style="border-color: currentColor; border-image: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><sup style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-right-color: currentColor; border-top-color: currentColor; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt; color: #177c9c; padding: 0in;">12</span></sup></a> He also offers an intensity, depth, and breadth of joy that defy human logic or mortal comprehension. For example, it doesn’t seem possible to feel joy when your child suffers with an incurable illness or when you lose your job or when your spouse betrays you. Yet that is precisely the joy the Savior offers. His joy is constant, assuring us that our “afflictions shall be but a small moment”<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng#note13" style="border-color: currentColor; border-image: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><sup style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-right-color: currentColor; border-top-color: currentColor; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt; color: #177c9c; padding: 0in;">13</span></sup></a> and be consecrated to our gain.<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng#note14" style="border-color: currentColor; border-image: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><sup style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-right-color: currentColor; border-top-color: currentColor; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt; color: #177c9c; padding: 0in;">14</span></sup></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng#note15" style="border-color: currentColor; border-image: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><sup style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-right-color: currentColor; border-top-color: currentColor; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt; color: #177c9c; padding: 0in;">15</span></sup></a> “in every thought.”<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng#note16" style="border-color: currentColor; border-image: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><sup style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-right-color: currentColor; border-top-color: currentColor; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt; color: #177c9c; padding: 0in;">16</span></sup></a> We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #212225;">Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.”<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng#note17" style="border-color: currentColor; border-image: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><sup style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-right-color: currentColor; border-top-color: currentColor; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt; color: #177c9c; padding: 0in;">17</span></sup></a> Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on </span><em style="border-bottom-color: currentColor; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: currentColor; border-right-color: currentColor; border-top-color: currentColor; box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: normal; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt; color: #212225; padding: 0in;">joy</span></em><span style="color: #212225;">!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #212225;">And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing, and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home</span><span style="color: #212225;"></span><span style="color: #212225;">—</span><span style="color: #212225;">clean and worthy</span><span style="color: #212225;"></span><span style="color: #212225;">—</span><span style="color: #212225;">to live with our Heavenly Parents and families.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #212225;">One father in a spiritually precarious situation focused on the joy of finally being clean and right with the Lord</span><span style="color: #212225;"></span><span style="color: #212225;">—</span><span style="color: #212225;">the joy of being freed from guilt and shame</span><span style="color: #212225;"></span><span style="color: #212225;">—</span><span style="color: #212225;">and the joy of having peace of mind. That focus gave him the courage to confess to his wife and bishop about his problem with pornography and his subsequent infidelity. He is now doing everything his bishop counsels him to do, striving with all his heart to regain the trust of his dear wife.<br /><br />
<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/10/joy-and-spiritual-survival?lang=eng</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-UQtyjO6URE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-UQtyjO6URE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><span style="color: #212225;">I recommend the above three links for you to go and study and pray about, but, for now, I will close yet again by sharing my voice in gratitude and joy for the power of Jesus Christ’s grace and atonement to help us become the men and women God sees of us. In the words of a beautiful song (see link below): “Earth has no sorrow that [Jesus] cannot heal!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212225;"><a href="https://youtu.be/-UQtyjO6URE"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://youtu.be/-UQtyjO6URE</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">YOU ARE LOVED. Believe in the power of God to transform yourself into a woman or man of courage, honor, and beautiful destiny! No matter how dark your light may become, or where your choices lead you, He KNOWS Your Name! He will never stop trying to help you come Home to His love! Please, oh please, choose Courage. With His help you can walk whatever course is before you, and the closer you walk in his direction the more light you will shine because you are drawing ever closer to him. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfYoW1zRIUXhp7vu3Z40yBG_MM8SlJ5vORA5CvUQ2T21IViWBqDXNfhP8-CldHkKH4zvsfcAuKHKl0sV7xGUiWA6QDTWJhUNWARA5ySCzoT906ws7agfvFAucn-j7Xoi36D0KD9EQbtY/s1600/salt_lake_temple-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="640" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfYoW1zRIUXhp7vu3Z40yBG_MM8SlJ5vORA5CvUQ2T21IViWBqDXNfhP8-CldHkKH4zvsfcAuKHKl0sV7xGUiWA6QDTWJhUNWARA5ySCzoT906ws7agfvFAucn-j7Xoi36D0KD9EQbtY/s400/salt_lake_temple-3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let your beautiful light shine! Let your dream be focused on Jesus Christ. </span><span style="color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#DeathisSwallowedUpinChrist! #DeathofDreamsAreAlso!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #212225;">Love, </span><span style="color: #212225;">Christine</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #212225;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">P.S. Please excuse any typos or mistakes that arise out of fatigue. Of course, feel free to point them out so I can correct them. </span></span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-67278539130741076122019-08-10T01:27:00.000-07:002019-10-16T20:10:30.075-07:00My Heart is Brave Enough for Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFwlm7Ij29RkmeYHaqpaxO9hKbU38cKuCiaU2oxdsemlok5aEr8Hx2HjJUewMhPsUibRy0xZWWfXXH_BIJBwjM_uJo8DwEnGhJZUu8tYRqsBhT1Tqy1FIQ-g4fecrwUuPEe8AGdxdxX8/s1600/1a-selfie-sunday-christine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoFwlm7Ij29RkmeYHaqpaxO9hKbU38cKuCiaU2oxdsemlok5aEr8Hx2HjJUewMhPsUibRy0xZWWfXXH_BIJBwjM_uJo8DwEnGhJZUu8tYRqsBhT1Tqy1FIQ-g4fecrwUuPEe8AGdxdxX8/s320/1a-selfie-sunday-christine.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">This past year, someone I once completely trusted tried to break me and ruin my life because of their own faint-heartedness and fear to stand up for what they know is right-- and what they know is the truth about me. They managed to successfully rock the boat for me (and really, I think to try and drown me!) and I've been busy trying to pick up the pieces while awkwardly trying to be dignified, brave, forgiving, and optimistic, but, I want to give a little shout out on this day of my beloved mother's death and birthday to tell You (and anyone else out to destroy me) that you may successfully knock me down and bruise me, but I will never permanently stay down with the help of God and angels to help lift and bless me every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Despite the burden of sorrow inflicted on me by your self-centeredness and ruse, I have every reason to smile because my life and soul are filled with gratitude, peace, and joy for the beautiful and abundant blessings of God. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu6DfsV2x4RsusiNRWtEfWp9Q4K6hVai8B3YpJZP3zczyWMeUcihaNdS-Fbl6VS7K01S0d0yLShuUK6botZh29chEKyNeWbIy1mJRF89jwsN5Zi6GkfCo27cY9ySEwUNP71pSutjCqp4/s1600/pinterest-meme-hail-meme-haha-helaman-5-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu6DfsV2x4RsusiNRWtEfWp9Q4K6hVai8B3YpJZP3zczyWMeUcihaNdS-Fbl6VS7K01S0d0yLShuUK6botZh29chEKyNeWbIy1mJRF89jwsN5Zi6GkfCo27cY9ySEwUNP71pSutjCqp4/s1600/pinterest-meme-hail-meme-haha-helaman-5-12.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">How thankful I feel for His divine help--- for when hate came knocking I met it with love, and I will keep on loving with the help of God's grace. I only feel very sad and very sorry for you. May God bless you, my nervous friend; I am praying for you to learn to be happy in your quest for <b>love and</b> <b><i><u>home</u></i></b>! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTdmz9XJ33mj96Hf-kbfWHVQic_7tQcSNwFwMy4GxCGX1DO7hhoeo6L70zNZYk1dYQoEUVcvZRKTVHFWx_by4lFtRDHDj5mLyGngYEkk_liL5osX6gHDnu3K9BIWPbcmMpeu_E-6GB5A/s1600/1-artist-christine-hall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTdmz9XJ33mj96Hf-kbfWHVQic_7tQcSNwFwMy4GxCGX1DO7hhoeo6L70zNZYk1dYQoEUVcvZRKTVHFWx_by4lFtRDHDj5mLyGngYEkk_liL5osX6gHDnu3K9BIWPbcmMpeu_E-6GB5A/s640/1-artist-christine-hall.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did art on 5 August 2019 in my sister's classroom.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I am praying you will see yourself as the beloved son o</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">f God that you are and that you will stop feeling scared that all the heartache in your life is caused by you. Yes, you've made some bad choices, but some things that have happened to you, or impacted your mental well being, are due to the selfishness and cruelty of others' own choices and accountability. You can only change you, but please, please walk away from people who hurt, injure, or abuse you. Please choose the courage to start a new life. #freefromaddictions You deserve so much more than you have gotten. You can have a fresh start on life with the help of Jesus Christ and his all-encompassing atonement! #ChristHeals #ChristRedeems #ChristStrengthens #thereisnosorrowthatHecannotheal #YouAreWorthyofLove #BelieveMe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Rest assured that while I may not trust you (that is until you give me a reason to believe you really are sorry, want to tell the truth to key people, and want to start a new and improved journey), </span><b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">I will never stop believing in your potential to rise up to the greatness within you! I love you too much to ever give up on you! #FriendsAreFriendsForever </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">#iamnotgoinganywhere #justtakingSafetyPrecautions #ifYoueverNeedMeLetmeKnow #iWillbethere</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08Te4CgGH0gmiet03IBrm5gjcsVzNADcD3BmRWdJTDeP0qck0HVS66W1AeldduwRDba3nfcWh640jIiQRWGJFfHXLFkVCYXRO4q6B-kZ9VBuxPnvV5S5wnaPQpLKPqgKCHhslDoDL7U0/s1600/1a-Happy-Birthday-Christine-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08Te4CgGH0gmiet03IBrm5gjcsVzNADcD3BmRWdJTDeP0qck0HVS66W1AeldduwRDba3nfcWh640jIiQRWGJFfHXLFkVCYXRO4q6B-kZ9VBuxPnvV5S5wnaPQpLKPqgKCHhslDoDL7U0/s640/1a-Happy-Birthday-Christine-art.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcwLxWcrMSfhLm_isEfxISJ9CIacA9lGbf2KXnv93KWMD7Mr8Tly40fkRrBzGPepwtXCsKnEt6llGUDAJziTUbnJtw51KaVfN3cefuTmDTOPwWPtPA-JT7Z-Ykr5CxX-kbihctn-sAdQ/s1600/2-Happy-Birthday-Christine-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcwLxWcrMSfhLm_isEfxISJ9CIacA9lGbf2KXnv93KWMD7Mr8Tly40fkRrBzGPepwtXCsKnEt6llGUDAJziTUbnJtw51KaVfN3cefuTmDTOPwWPtPA-JT7Z-Ykr5CxX-kbihctn-sAdQ/s320/2-Happy-Birthday-Christine-art.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08Te4CgGH0gmiet03IBrm5gjcsVzNADcD3BmRWdJTDeP0qck0HVS66W1AeldduwRDba3nfcWh640jIiQRWGJFfHXLFkVCYXRO4q6B-kZ9VBuxPnvV5S5wnaPQpLKPqgKCHhslDoDL7U0/s1600/1a-Happy-Birthday-Christine-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy Birthday, Mom! Thank you for your examples of sacrifice and stalwart dedication to God. I'm thankful I am smiling again! :) :) :) #GodisGreat #JesusChristmakesitallPossible #itisNEVER2late2change #OnlyLovewillWinintheEnd </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#iLoveYou</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-Do5Cd0WWtWWQPaMXKDSouw07vp0gJOU-bVX-AcHwP26zP6sjKp6rTQ4pROhk3k4_2l63Uo0A7FOoDHcG_dVtx1pZHI6iMPH4dYLbHD8KxlFhOSLtQHXuqmAcTXq1pgttgK55fgwIWQ/s1600/1-tithing-envelope-birthday-wishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-Do5Cd0WWtWWQPaMXKDSouw07vp0gJOU-bVX-AcHwP26zP6sjKp6rTQ4pROhk3k4_2l63Uo0A7FOoDHcG_dVtx1pZHI6iMPH4dYLbHD8KxlFhOSLtQHXuqmAcTXq1pgttgK55fgwIWQ/s640/1-tithing-envelope-birthday-wishes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are just a few of the many birthday wishes I've given people. I LOVE Birthdays! Especially mine! :D </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">A song in memory of my angel Mama: (Somewhere over the rainbow)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">I leave you with a quote of a wonderful speaker from the church I go to every Sunday (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:) </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: , "mckay ldslat" , "mckay" , , "palatino italic" , "palatino" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></b></span> <span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: , "mckay ldslat" , "mckay" , , "palatino italic" , "palatino" , serif;"><i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: , "mckay ldslat" , "mckay" , , "palatino" , serif;">Strive to emulate the love of Christ and have compassion for others—even to those who are unkind to you, who mock you and wish to cause you harm. Love them and treat them as fellow children of Heavenly Father."</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/14uchtdorf?lang=eng" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: small;" target="_blank">https://www.<wbr></wbr>churchofjesuschrist.org/study/<wbr></wbr>general-conference/2019/04/<wbr></wbr>14uchtdorf?lang=eng</a><span style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">With Love, Christine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">#ohhowiMissYou </span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-26268187126256453802019-07-04T16:12:00.000-07:002019-10-16T20:14:42.597-07:00"Do not despair your star is still there"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">4 July 2019. Last night, I went to bed feeling a great deal of turmoil in my heart. I made the <i>mistake</i> of checking out the profile of a very articulate man that I stumbled across in a group post. This man writes well and on the surface he made well-worded points on a controversial point of church doctrine, however despite the strength of his words, I was turned off by his sharp, arrogant style of writing (not to mention that I fervently disagreed with him!) I went to study his profile because I was curious to understand this man a little better. I quickly got a better view of him a man who proclaims himself as mocking and cynical. He is indeed that. And his news feed of videos and articles about religion reflected his view of the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In reading the words of the sardonic man, I quickly discovered that there was nothing positive or uplifting in his words. He spread depressing news, and I soon felt awash in the grime of the world upon my usually bright and joyful spirit. Part of that has to do with some of what he shared hitting a little too close to home. In the process, my thoughts clung tearfully to the pain I feel for a friend who wades deeply into a sea sin. As I fell to sleep, I prayed for my friend, but I felt a sense of hopelessness collapse on me by the combination of that man's negative words on his Facebook posts and the grief over my friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can't imagine how grateful I felt when in the middle of the night a short line of a song played into my sleeping thoughts: "Do not despair, your star is still there." (This is the song I heard, except I heard the part starting at 2 minutes and 07 seconds)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZmpdpqxPdTjE27Ml7kNb5oXVagqZ4MKTCCFEqTFFu9E6p-27zeBsJ1zabHf57hJMmDT6gxoM1wIttynNsGciSa3GweZHj_yM7-MCytnpx2fdkgwowt4shjYCZvrUJLU58pIKXX_8-DU/s1600/Isaiah+1.18-meme.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mfXhunzWaAY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mfXhunzWaAY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hearing this song was another reminder to me that God is completely and acutely aware of our individual needs, and this night my need did not go unnoticed. When I went to bed the seas of sin seemed a little too deep for me to want to swim, and I surely struggled to believe that my friend and others like him can survive, but God wanted me to remember what I've known all along, and that is that <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Through Jesus Christ the is ALWAYS HOPE.</b></span> He was, after all, the man who calmed the stormy sea and walked upon water. He turned water into wine. He healed the blind<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">man and made the lame to walk. He cast devils out of men and women. <span style="font-size: medium;">Our Lord Jesus Christ has promised us this Miracle of forgiveness: "</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Come now, and let us </span><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/1.28?lang=eng#note18a" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(23, 124, 156); box-sizing: border-box; color: #177c9c; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><sup class="marker" style="border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(23, 124, 156); box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: super;">a</sup>reason</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> together, saith the </span><span class="deity-name" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px rgb(33 , 34 , 37); box-sizing: border-box; color: #212225; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="small-caps" style="border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(33, 34, 37); box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: 400; line-height: 23.94px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">: though your </span><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/1.28?lang=eng#note18b" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(23, 124, 156); box-sizing: border-box; color: #177c9c; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><sup class="marker" style="border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(23, 124, 156); box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: super;">b</sup>sins</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> be as scarlet, they shall be as </span><a class="study-note-ref" href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/ot/isa/1.28?lang=eng#note18c" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(23, 124, 156); box-sizing: border-box; color: #177c9c; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><sup class="marker" style="border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(23, 124, 156); box-sizing: border-box; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: 100%; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: super;">c</sup>white</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I have seen the power of God in my life to help me repent of my sins and to turn over a new leaf and become a new woman. And I know the Lord can do the same for you-- IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH! It's going to take effort on your part and a promise to God that you are willing to pay the necessary cost. A cost for less than what the Savior paid for you and me in the Garden of Gethsemane.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #003000; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: medium;">I've been thinking a lot lately about the movie "The Other Side of Heaven 2: the Fire of Faith," (a true story) that my little boy and I went and saw last week. (Every day I did something fun with him because my husband went to scout camp all week with my 2nd oldest son, and my daughters went and had an amazing time in Yellowstone for a church Girl's Camp.) In the movie, we saw this good man struggle with the painful and terrifying challenges and uncertainties of life. He repeatedly looked death in the eye and he struggled to have hope when it seemed all was hopeless. </span><br />
<span style="color: #003000; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #003000; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: medium;">There was a scene in the movie where I had "an a-ha moment." Here I was watching about the life of John (Kolipoki) Groberg and I knew that things had worked out for him eventually. I knew that the hand of God would smile on him. I was struck with how in the moment of storm John doubted what he already knew-- and that is that God had made him some promises. Promise that through Jesus Christ all would be made right in the end. Promises that if he lived faithfully God would give John all he needed. But John struggled to believe that when faced with the physical, mental, and emotional battles of life. </span><br />
<span style="color: #003000; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #003000; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: medium;">As I sat staring up into this screen I remembered several promises God has made me and continues to make me. And yet, like John, I look at the despair of the present storm that threatens to drown me and I struggle to see the rainbow of promise on the horizon of hope in Christ's love. But just as I knew John's story would have a happy ending, so to do I know that a happy ending waits for me beyond the moaning squalls of life.</span><br />
<span style="color: #003000; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #003000; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: medium;">The only way I can describe what I felt was something akin to the words of a devotional that has stuck to my memory: for many years: </span><br />
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"<span style="font-size: large;">When we look to God, we yield to Him everything – our fears, our doubts, and our own stern preferences, with the meek entreaty, “Thy will, not mine be done.”<br /><br /> <br />"And brothers and sisters, it really should be a cheerful yielding of the heart. Our submission should not be a grumpy “giving up” to the universal superpower who is going to win the arm wrestle anyway. But rather a joyful yielding because we know that what God wants is truly the best thing that could ever happen to us. Therefore, when grappling with life’s heavy-weight trials, don’t yell “uncle!”— just pray, “Father!”<br /><br />"This comes easily, even naturally, when the steps ahead are well lit and clearly marked. But, for faith to grow, some things must, for now, remain unseen. What then, do you do when the next step of the trial as well as the duration and outcome of the trial are hidden? You obey God, doubt not, fear not, only believe.<br /><br />"The scriptures are filled with experiences wherein prophets and disciples struggled to develop first-person faith in God in the face of stifling unknowns. How much easier it would have been had they known, while in the furnace, how things would eventually turn out. <br /><br /> <br />"For example, look with me down the long corridor of time. We see Father Abraham21 preparing, as God had commanded, to sacrifice his only begotten son, Isaac – hot tears matching the heat of the fiery trial. Then, as he raises the sacrificial dagger, you and I call to him down through the millennia, “Abraham, O Abraham, don’t worry. It’s all going to be just fine! See, I have the book! I know how this story ends! Abraham, hang in there, don’t give up!” But Abraham, in the thick of developing first-person faith cannot, must not, hear us. It must be just Abraham and God. Then, after the fiery trial of his faith, the miracle occurs, we sigh with relief, and Abraham becomes not only the father of millions, but the father of the faithful as well.<br /><br /> <br />"And what about those 2000 Lamanite youth under Helaman’s command –youth near the age of many of you? The most powerful army of the Lamanites pursues them for a couple of days then silence. And then the terrible questions must be answered, questions like: “Do we turn back to help Antipus? And, is it an ambush? And, could you show me again how to hold a cimeter?” Back they go, this little band that never before has fought an enemy. And we call down the corridor of time, “Hello! You are going to win and not one of you will be killed! Here, read Alma chapters 56 through 58. We love you! Thanks for your examples. Remember, your team wins!” But, again, they cannot, must not, hear us. It must be each youth and his God. Only after the trial of their first-person faith was it written, “And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe.” (See FREE online Book of Mormon to read those true stories of adventure: <a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng</a> )</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />"...And when life’s trials become particularly challenging, then listen. Can you hear you—talking to you? From a point years in the future, you call back down the corridor of time to you here in [name of the month and year you are reading this]. “Hey me, that’s right you. Pretty tough right now is it? O, don’t give up. Hang in there. Trust the Lord, get some sleep and wake up happy. It will all work out. See! I’ve got the book! I know what happens next. My past is still your future and I know everything will be just fine. Believe you…me!” </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Words by <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 37px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-break: keep-all; word-spacing: 0px;">Ronald J. Hammond (from Brigham Young University- Idaho devotional: "First-person Faith in God")</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Read at: <a href="http://www2.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2007_10_02_Hammond.htm" target="_blank">http://www2.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2007_10_02_Hammond.htm </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Or Watch the video of his message at: <a href="https://video.byui.edu/media/Ronald+J.+Hammond+%22First-person+Faith+in+God%22/0_3s7ucr1c">https://video.byui.edu/media/Ronald+J.+Hammond+%22First-person+Faith+in+God%22/0_3s7ucr1c</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Going back full circle to those words in the night: "Do not despair, your star is still there."</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I KNOW that through Jesus Christ all despair is swallowed up in His HOPE.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know that there is no trial, tragedy, sin, or setback that cannot be overcome with the Savior's help.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know that when we reach out our hands and touch the hem of his garment that we too can be healed if we do it with faith on His name.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know because I was that woman who a little more than seven years ago decided it was time to reach out for His help because no one and nothing in this world could heal me and bring my heart and mind comfort-- except the power of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Through Him I found healing of my life of clinical depression and healing of many other things. Through Him I started to discover what real love looks and acts like. Through Him my sorrow has been turned to joy. Oh, how I love the Lord. How grateful I am for His power to heal me.</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This painting we did is so large that I was unable to </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">take a full photo of it, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">even on a 6 foot ladder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wherever You are today-- whatever your sin (and we all have them)-- be it a sharp and biting tongue, yelling at your kids, holding grudges, judging others, pride, pornography, adultery, gambling, drinking, drugs.... or any other wide range of sins-- I KNOW that IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO REPENT. You can REPENT, NO Matter what you've done or are doing. Through the power of Jesus Christ's atonement you can be forgiven and become clean and white and pure of heart and mind through his redeeming blood.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t192PF4ZsOv2HDVAMxSGpfe4Pmw5HxbEtwYviSfS0W8XOARKukoTh8hNv5NKz4MW3D5oyV5SeCLfSOZoAnZJR6LSgWi5EETD7sLFjP-VpXko0QikTbU6iUt99vLljY7AfMD1pIfHAMw/s1600/1Asmall-1-mural-backdrop-rainbow-IMG_5952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #b00000;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t192PF4ZsOv2HDVAMxSGpfe4Pmw5HxbEtwYviSfS0W8XOARKukoTh8hNv5NKz4MW3D5oyV5SeCLfSOZoAnZJR6LSgWi5EETD7sLFjP-VpXko0QikTbU6iUt99vLljY7AfMD1pIfHAMw/s400/1Asmall-1-mural-backdrop-rainbow-IMG_5952.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel so happy looking at this and in considering </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the promises of God for my future! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A Beautiful Future of HOPE and PROMISES of Joy can be yours if you are willing to sacrifice all you are to the cause of the Savior's perfect love. No matter how broken you may feel, only HE can make you whole.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hold on to Hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hold on to Promises.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5SEbR2sLLTcEqA9m8Jn9smezq0Nu5kk2_sVO-Ad7fgiTAoiXTSviB1yfmq1k47SVI_el3ln1NWJ9PwJO8bPOncH0K4RCV2exJpQ_lNWEBrYwj0x5UGGhDQfpjbleqjzoGvKOi6ZuM4U/s1600/1A1-brush-priming-12by15-dropcloth-mural-valspar-exterior-white-IMG_4692-small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5SEbR2sLLTcEqA9m8Jn9smezq0Nu5kk2_sVO-Ad7fgiTAoiXTSviB1yfmq1k47SVI_el3ln1NWJ9PwJO8bPOncH0K4RCV2exJpQ_lNWEBrYwj0x5UGGhDQfpjbleqjzoGvKOi6ZuM4U/s320/1A1-brush-priming-12by15-dropcloth-mural-valspar-exterior-white-IMG_4692-small.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here we are using cheap Walmart brooms</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> to apply tinted white primer. Not as easy as it looks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just this part took hours!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hold on to HIS Perfect LOVE.... and come <i>HOME</i> with His help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love, Christine</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. A few weeks ago my children and I painted an enormous mural for a stake youth camp for the kids to act out Book of Mormon skits (Photos throughout this post:). Here's the one my children and I painted to represent Alma 14 (you've got to imagine that the "city" spoken of is to the left of the park and fire pit which I illustrated!:)) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-pcOhynitLenEIN6e1b3ANZj-LqWBxbyw58ZjQ19D2cYcEPH4pxXqaCubOqgU75FqOB4PAVRk6FY0_0dYvc6SOhud3WrnWNfU3DLcfzzAI9AVT7twtjqijrAZ-6eOkhnrdJPz2Jhy-Q/s1600/1Asmall-1-christine-hannah-painting-IMG_5586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1558" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-pcOhynitLenEIN6e1b3ANZj-LqWBxbyw58ZjQ19D2cYcEPH4pxXqaCubOqgU75FqOB4PAVRk6FY0_0dYvc6SOhud3WrnWNfU3DLcfzzAI9AVT7twtjqijrAZ-6eOkhnrdJPz2Jhy-Q/s320/1Asmall-1-christine-hannah-painting-IMG_5586.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Usually I rolled around painting on an old computer chair,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but here I sit on a detergent box.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In painting this 12x15 foot drop cloth, I incorporated the symbolism spoken of here in this post when I wrote: "<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #003000; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">see the rainbow of promise on the horizon of hope in Christ's love."<span style="color: #b00000; font-family: "times new roman";"> <span style="color: black;">So,</span> </span></span>the "sun" represents the "son" of God-- Jesus Christ and His bright and perfect love. The rainbow represents the promises of God that shine in our lives.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-pcOhynitLenEIN6e1b3ANZj-LqWBxbyw58ZjQ19D2cYcEPH4pxXqaCubOqgU75FqOB4PAVRk6FY0_0dYvc6SOhud3WrnWNfU3DLcfzzAI9AVT7twtjqijrAZ-6eOkhnrdJPz2Jhy-Q/s1600/1Asmall-1-christine-hannah-painting-IMG_5586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1558" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-pcOhynitLenEIN6e1b3ANZj-LqWBxbyw58ZjQ19D2cYcEPH4pxXqaCubOqgU75FqOB4PAVRk6FY0_0dYvc6SOhud3WrnWNfU3DLcfzzAI9AVT7twtjqijrAZ-6eOkhnrdJPz2Jhy-Q/s320/1Asmall-1-christine-hannah-painting-IMG_5586.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Usually I rolled around painting on an old computer chair,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but here I sit on a detergent box.</span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0RGxt3LIO374Cvlg_pXgHgjVhL57r8CsAujyoRYTjNta53Hxm9RgNjvlarmKP9LnI6hVByPb4_xEAXizzONZzMqwu-4Wwu0BW2f5dXrgJALCtVTEWf5UTWwhc94HU9zbAayQlUaYN9Y/s1600/1A1-christine-break-from-painting-IMG_4774-small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #b00000;"></span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Even in the midst of heartache and suffering we can take comfort from Genesis 9:13,17: "<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.99px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth... And God said unto Noah, This is the a token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth." <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>As we keep our covenants with God, we will be eternally blessed! Don't you think it's time to look to the comfort, joy, and peace of the Lord, instead of be swallowed up in sin and heartache? </b></span></span></span><br />
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<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0RGxt3LIO374Cvlg_pXgHgjVhL57r8CsAujyoRYTjNta53Hxm9RgNjvlarmKP9LnI6hVByPb4_xEAXizzONZzMqwu-4Wwu0BW2f5dXrgJALCtVTEWf5UTWwhc94HU9zbAayQlUaYN9Y/s1600/1A1-christine-break-from-painting-IMG_4774-small.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0RGxt3LIO374Cvlg_pXgHgjVhL57r8CsAujyoRYTjNta53Hxm9RgNjvlarmKP9LnI6hVByPb4_xEAXizzONZzMqwu-4Wwu0BW2f5dXrgJALCtVTEWf5UTWwhc94HU9zbAayQlUaYN9Y/s640/1A1-christine-break-from-painting-IMG_4774-small.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here I am red-faced with a flower my 12-year old boy slid behind my ear and insisted I wear it. So sweet of him! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to take occasional breaks because it was really hard work for me. This is me taking a break to start another talk from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to listen to as we work. I live in a lovely place, don't I?!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a link to listen to amazing talks for our semi-annual General Conference:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference/conferences?lang=eng"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference/conferences?lang=eng</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I also really love the beauty of where I live! I always teach my children that the most glorious creation God ever made was us-- His children, but looking at the greenery and flowers around me, I pale in comparison! I'm thankful that beauty is in the eye of the beholder because I'm sure my children love me more than the trees and flowers! I'm thankful for that! </span><span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="background-color: transparent; clip: auto; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; height: auto; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: visible; position: static; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal; width: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" title="smile emoticon"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t4c/1/16/1f642.png?_nc_eui2=AeHWtbIWPVSMRjYXdNYaqS5ZYuNxHVQUuuBlYu7ZiqGut0dmkf2yuiKLeP0__NDMVDcw6R1zKhHmbZ6DvzjZEHgaGuLBtF77p6okLHLwgr3oHw" style="border-image: none; border: 0px rgb(28, 30, 33); vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe" style="display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 0px; width: auto;">:)Iiii I</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I'm holding onto hope for a beautiful future of promises! Christ=Love<br />#iAmBraveEnough4Love #Are<i>YOU</i>?!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #212225; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "palatino" , , "pahoran ldslat" , "pahoran" , , serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 23.94px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-38852678650336072012019-07-02T20:41:00.001-07:002019-07-30T10:53:43.625-07:00Message of Love for a friend (You!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's the 2nd of July, 2019. This message is for a friend. You know who you are! ;)<br />
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My Dear Friend,<br />
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As of today it's been 91 days since the fateful night of April 2, 2019. I pray for you every day... pretty much several times an hour because of the turmoil and despair you must be going through and, well, because I miss you so much! Your absence is felt with each tick of the clock.<br />
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Every month on the second, I offer extra hard prayers for you because I have an idea of what you are going through with your unspoken (only to God) feelings. I also spend time on the 2nd of the month to gauge where I am emotionally and spiritually, and I wonder if either of us will forget the cementing truth that binds us as friends.<br />
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I cry a lot less over the ordeal and the whole gamut of emotions (and because of the help of God_ I'm finding that I feel positively happy <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">even in the exile of my new "Zion" "home"</span> (except for the portion of anguish and grief hidden in my heart-- which only God fully understands. Though you have a better idea than most of the whys!) I'm certain my heart shall never change as it pertains to you. Though my heart must remain dormant for now. I hope you understand the silence, but, in the words of Robert Frost:<br />
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"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, </div>
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But <b><span style="color: #274e13;">I have promises to keep</span>, </b> </div>
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And miles to go before I sleep..." </div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
But sometimes, God helps me catch a glimpse of your sad face in passing a parking lot, or as you drive past me. At these times, I clutch my heart and pray for my courage and yours.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
I feel so sorry for a few specific parts of what I said in the past. But, especially oh so very sorry for my naivete and foolishness of expression! BUT.... while I would in retrospect have changed some things I've expressed and shown much more wisdom-- 98% of the rest would remain unchanged.<br />
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Why must I be troubled by the 2%.? Well, you can guess. But for that 2% of poorly controlled expression, I'm so miserably sorry. I'm an imperfect person, and I hope you won't or haven't held my weaknesses against me-- just as I don't hold yours against you.<br />
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Today, I stopped to carefully consider my words and the truth is that my message of love, forgiveness, and compassion remains the same... even for all that has happened.<br />
<br />
I reiterate what I said so many times before: "<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"><b>Please, let His Love guide you Home.</b>" </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"<span style="color: #20124d;">I Believe in You</span></b></span><span style="color: #20124d;">.</span>" "<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">You are worthy of being loved</span>." </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><b></b><br />
I may return to share some new sentiments another day, but for now I want you to know that even in the silence of your birthday, or missed holidays, or songs that go unshared... you will Not be forgotten! I will always remember the beauty of you, my beloved friend. <b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><i>I will continue to pray that the light of God's love will light your mind and heart to a remembrance of who you are and the beautiful life He intends for you, </i></span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">if you'll only reach out and grasp it. </span></b><i><br /></i><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span><br />
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Right now I think of the song words:<br />
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"<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">There is hope, for every soul that's lost.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">There is a way back home, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">no matter where you roam. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">Let His love heal you </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">and lead you there. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">There's a place for every heart in pain,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">a place where there's not hurt, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">and there's no shame</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">let His love heal you </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: x-large;">and lead you There.</span>"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> - Michael McLean" (From the Song "From God's Arms to My Arms to Yours")</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">My cherished friend, in my arms and heart you will only ever find safety and love. That love is merely a small portion of the Savior's perfect Love! Seek Him, seek Home and Remember: You Are LOVED!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Let COURAGE guide you toward LOVE and LIGHT and TRUTH.</span><br />
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John 15:13</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.</span></span></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: large;"><br />PLEASE, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">bravely</span> </i>lay down Your life for HIS LOVE! Sacrifice of self is worth every loss! The cost we must pay is worth eternal joy!</span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: 15.4px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br /></span>
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WAIT AND SEE (BRANDON HEATH)</div>
</a><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>I love you, <span style="color: black;">Christine</span></i></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
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<div class="paratitle" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; box-shadow: none; clear: none; color: #444444; display: block; height: 28.8px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; visibility: visible;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">
Wait and See! </span></span></h2>
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<div class="b_factrow" style="color: #767676; line-height: 20px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a h="ID=SERP,5325.1" href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=brandon+heath&filters=ufn%3a%22brandon+heath%22+sid%3a%226e16bcf2-37de-60e1-e314-6fe67889d505%22&FORM=SNAPST" style="color: #001ba0; text-decoration: none; touch-action: manipulation;">Brandon Heath</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">
</span></span>
<br />
I was born in Tennessee<br />
Late July humidity<br />
Doctor's said I was lucky to be alive<br />
I've been trouble since the day that I got here<br />
Trouble to the day that I disappear<br />
That'll be the day that I finally get it right<br />
<div class="b_paractl" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">There is hope for me yet</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
<div>
Because God won't forget</div>
<div>
All the plans </div>
<div>
He's made for me</div>
I'll have to wait and see<br />He's not finished with me yet<br />He's not finished with me yet</span></b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;">
<div class="b_paractl" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br />
I never really was that good in school<br />
I talked too much, I broke the rules<br />
Teachers thought I was a hopeless fool, alright</div>
<div class="b_paractl" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
I don't know how but I made it through<br />
Just one of those things that you gotta do<br />
I always had a knack for telling the truth</div>
<div class="b_paractl" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Still wondering why I'm here<br />
Still wrestling with my fear<br />
But oh, He's up to something<br />
And the farther on I go<br />
I've seen enough to know that I'm not here for nothing<br />
He's up to something</div>
<div class="b_paractl" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
So now's my time to be a man<br />
Follow my heart as far as I can<br />
No telling where I'm ending up tonight<br />
I never slow down or so it seems<br />
But singing my heart it's one of my dreams<br />
All I gotta do is hold on tight</div>
<div class="b_paractl" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Sans-Serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
He's not finished with me yet<br />
He's not finished with me yet</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><b></b><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif;"></span><span style="color: #004000;"></span><b></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><i></i><b></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<br /></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-40332359654851011722019-04-14T22:10:00.000-07:002019-07-03T12:35:14.188-07:00Day 12: Embarking on a new journey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Sunday. 14 April 2019.<br />
<br />
Last night I stopped in at Walmart after having spent time in a temple (for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My family had informed me that we were out of milk, lunch meat and a few other grocery items. I always try to make sure we have food to get us through the Sabbath because we don't shop on Sunday's in case of illness and the need for medicine or extreme illness)<br />
<br />
I did my shopping and then went to check out. I was pleased that there were several empty lines. I approached one checker who was sitting and leaning on her hands and staring off into space. I told her that I went through her by saying jokingly: "I didn't want you to be bored." She said that she wasn't bored she was very tired and then added that her life was falling apart and she felt miserable.<br />
<br />
As I proceeded to slide my card to pay I said that we could probably swap stories of our misery. I then told her the tip of the iceberg of what's happened to me. She's like "Why? How come that's happening?" I said I couldn't go into it. But she then shared her misery, "Well, my husband was just put in jail a few days ago?" While my anguish is deep and some aspects of what I've gone through are unfairly humiliating, her story is obviously more tragic.<br />
<br />
As the line was still empty I stayed and visited with her a few minutes. She just kept saying, "I don't know why he did something so stupid." I asked her "Was he into pornography?" She said that in fact after he was put into prison she looked on his tablet and discovered that he has been. As I figured!<br />
<br />
You see, I've done a lot of research the last few months and have discovered that pornography only leaves devastation in it's path. Pornography very rarely stays "just pornography" it leads to much worse deviances of social behavior which can lead into vile, degrading, deplorable human behavior (sex trafficking, prostitution, sex addiction, affairs, child pornography, etc..). I was not surprised to learn that her husband had done stupid things. Pornography eats a persons brain up by causing dopamine overload.<br />
<br />
Oh, I'm not saying the brain can't be rewired. It can! People can fix their lives and free themselves from the entanglement of porn, but it takes a LOT of COURAGE to get help and then it takes a lot of effort and diligence. People involved with porn must seek help. Being able to account for your actions is part of the healing and learning to come out of the dark, secret closets of sin. It takes 12-step programs, feedtherightwolf.com, ADDO, or any number of programs and sponsors to help provide support. I will list some resources below in the P.S.<br />
<br />
I told her about how sorry I feel that she is going through "Betrayal Trauma" (research this to understand more) and I said I'd pray for her. I asked if I could give her a hug, and with her approval we shared a hug her before I left.<br />
<br />
My time spent on speaking supportively and encouragingly and giving her a hug were very small acts in terms of the size, but I hope that I was a drop in the bucket of friendship that helps support this grieving wife on the rocky journey that lay ahead of her. (She plans to stay with him and help him work through it. He has expressed a desire to get help.)<br />
<br />
As I left Walmart that evening, I said a quiet prayer of gratitude to Heavenly Father for placing someone in my path who was willing to receive my friendship and love. In the process of reaching outward I was able to find some solace for my own sorrow. It helps put my experience into proportion.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZ9H9wrLfv1ldhsPt6h0tfyEVOdtasQgs3Kg1yYlmLXEa7YPxSoB0E47K7ngfCJNll8bvQMTRL4exKUU5IAB6hNeFuFJgGIh5CYHrKo9WFFaRsZOWK3r8ARO6CXrg_FNul8Mo0CxEqjA/s1600/Jesus-with-his-stripes-we-are-healed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="736" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZ9H9wrLfv1ldhsPt6h0tfyEVOdtasQgs3Kg1yYlmLXEa7YPxSoB0E47K7ngfCJNll8bvQMTRL4exKUU5IAB6hNeFuFJgGIh5CYHrKo9WFFaRsZOWK3r8ARO6CXrg_FNul8Mo0CxEqjA/s320/Jesus-with-his-stripes-we-are-healed.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZ9H9wrLfv1ldhsPt6h0tfyEVOdtasQgs3Kg1yYlmLXEa7YPxSoB0E47K7ngfCJNll8bvQMTRL4exKUU5IAB6hNeFuFJgGIh5CYHrKo9WFFaRsZOWK3r8ARO6CXrg_FNul8Mo0CxEqjA/s1600/Jesus-with-his-stripes-we-are-healed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Although today was a very painful day to me as I (and my family) embarked on a new adventure-- one that stems out of someone else's dishonesty about me-- I took comfort that it could be worse. I took comfort knowing that my testimony of Jesus Christ doesn't waver just because cold cruel winds of fate have blown me into a new social circle. I am blessed to have my husband and children by my side. Whenever I was inclined to feel miserable I just thought of how no one I love is in jail-- and I would pray for that sweet young woman. <br />
<br />
Whatever hard thing lay before you, I promise that with the help of Christ you can do it. I felt his strength today as he calmed my violent shaking, nausea (from fears) and my bitter tears amidst a new and foreign experience. I reminded myself that the Savior has suffered all things for each one of us and "with his stripes we are healed."<br />
<br />
Remember to keep your chin up and your eyes on Jesus Christ!<br />
<br />
Christine<br />
<br />
A few Addiction recovery programs<br />
<br />
LDS 12-Step Program (This program is FREE): <a href="https://addictionrecovery.lds.org/steps?lang=eng">https://addictionrecovery.lds.org/steps?lang=eng</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.feedtherightwolf.org/">http://www.feedtherightwolf.org/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.addorecovery.com/about-us">https://www.addorecovery.com/about-us</a><br />
<br />
Sex-aholics anonymous: <a href="https://www.sa.org/">https://www.sa.org/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
I also recommend these websites to understand pornography and other related problems:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://fightthenewdrug.org/">https://fightthenewdrug.org/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://endsexualexploitation.org/">https://endsexualexploitation.org/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://rowboatandmarbles.org/">https://rowboatandmarbles.org/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-194476380128201572019-04-11T21:30:00.000-07:002019-07-03T12:37:58.093-07:00day-9- Comeback Woman! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
11 April 2019<br />
<br />
I've decided to start naming the post the day I'm on of facing my fears and making a comeback from sorrows I've experienced since I had a bomb dropped on me!<br />
<br />
Oh, don't worry! It was not a literal bomb-- but a very real but figurative bomb of words spoken to me in a chilly office last Tuesday night on the night of April 2, 2019.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1TcmtFTQmqJ6wTA0f0nOyJQYYA37dyvmJAODtpS8UF-qN_G9poTHSjWCZM8NHBJbySyjCA2WwTf_vQcKmQZj77CyISBfDPRXGrIDaFDyTQVGKpP6Ik4XCKfLeEyB4LIEUWgSZTcEFrU/s1600/1-children-playing-with-store-balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
If you've read my blog (and most of you haven't!) you'll know these last 7 years have had a lot of unpleasant things happen. In fact, I led a pretty peaceful life to the point of the year 2012. (Well, okay, I'm not going to include the abuse of my childhood. That's a whole other life experience!) I've overcome some challenging and very private odds and obstacles.<br />
<br />
While I can't share the details of these tip of the iceberg-like experiences, it is sufficient to say that some people would have disavowed their life-long culture to seek different shores. But, I know it is God in whom I trust-- not imperfect, but well-meaning people who, like me, are just trying to make sense of the rough terrain of this mortal battlefield of life!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIOOFYQY_CMbE33Ncy7aYe72Bc_MwWUvOfDaLDDC4q7x8-9-QwLqCS2fd5wlyN8gL9YTcMz3Ac-Wv8tGA2rmiOFqROllErdXF_av7hFWDCB-gbHPIRVNVwAZKKfp_JpdoBOB3u_078KQ/s1600/stairs-of-moratlity-to-heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="580" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIOOFYQY_CMbE33Ncy7aYe72Bc_MwWUvOfDaLDDC4q7x8-9-QwLqCS2fd5wlyN8gL9YTcMz3Ac-Wv8tGA2rmiOFqROllErdXF_av7hFWDCB-gbHPIRVNVwAZKKfp_JpdoBOB3u_078KQ/s320/stairs-of-moratlity-to-heaven.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
What I find is that as I look to Heavenly Father in faith and gratitude that I am blessed to climb the exhausting stairs of life and sometimes I can look back down the steps and think-- "Hey, look how far I've come! I can do this with the help of the Savior to help pull me up the next step!"<br />
<br />
<div>
I recently sat on my 11-year old son's bed in traditional fashion at bedtime. (He and little brother take turns each night with Mama. Though the 9-year old really does NOT like taking turns. He wants to cuddle with me every night! Haha. Too funny!:)) I always tell him that I know it's hard to share when you are 9, but that I love his big brother too!) Anyhow... my 11-year-old surprised me when he asked me during our visiting: "How have you seen the hand of God today?" He's never asked me this before! This is a question I implemented years ago with my family when I heard Elder Henry B. Eyring of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints post a similar question in a talk he gave.*</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZntk_HoODIRqffOLdS0QGIzRea-EhJCh2K2FKIvopxt6pWHBWFMG7j4r0PGM1uQsh7tsg54NBIKrTpr3y0EXC8L4kNlKi5PRXafjMqORlxyFFWmrM1c6IJuEqRUi-wOYXv8oCeZnxbo/s1600/Jesus-Christ-saturday-night-sketch-adult-session-conference.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a>I was more than delighted to have my son ask me that question! It means that he listens to me! I told him how that night at the adult session of stake conference (versus the family session the next day) I had sat alone. (My husband was home sick.) At one point of the conference we were asked to turn to our neighbors to discuss how the new Come Follow Me scripture study program is going in our homes. <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-new-testament-2019/03?lang=eng">https://www.lds.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-new-testament-2019/03?lang=eng</a><br />
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I haven't really sketched in pencil for many </div>
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years. I'm an amateur, but I still </div>
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enjoyed the effort. :) </div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
I was feeling sad and distressed and had no plan to join in (I was just sitting and sketching a picture of Jesus which represented my anguish of spirit), but a kind man ("Brother") slid over a chair closer to me to involve me in conversation. This kind church brother has a sweet, thoughtful spirit about him. He shared his family experiences and listened with interest to mine. And, it's hard to put words on it, but I felt better by his efforts. I guess what I felt was included, even when I had intended to put up a barrier of exclusion to all the world. That small act witnessed God's awareness of me. <br />
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Today I saw the hand of God in a small and simple way too. I took my 3 youngest children in to the dentist at 8 am. Each had a cavity! (Don't judge me please! Yes, they need to floss and apparently brush better, but they do brush morning and night. They don't floss. I've invested in some flossers/picks to try to help them!)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JgH2r_skdFNB75QeZjgHO04oWF9kBAtcQ3rAns-OPDtQA94JgT4bYCWL_TmPECAafc9y0EGAoiurufxZimiSGJh71hivw2Am7O5eSBfZF3RTSMCct6jNC0ZP7_oLy9J98mGyfnaDV6U/s1600/1-dentist-child-cavity-filling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="441" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JgH2r_skdFNB75QeZjgHO04oWF9kBAtcQ3rAns-OPDtQA94JgT4bYCWL_TmPECAafc9y0EGAoiurufxZimiSGJh71hivw2Am7O5eSBfZF3RTSMCct6jNC0ZP7_oLy9J98mGyfnaDV6U/s320/1-dentist-child-cavity-filling.jpg" width="179" /></a><br />
The upside of the dentist visits is this time allows me to visit with our favorite dentist. Over the years he's become a friend (only at the office) and every time I go there he always stops to visit with me, even if my children are only scheduled for a cleaning with the nurses and not with him. We go every 3 months and I have 5 kids... so I see him often!<br />
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Here's what was a delight to me and was one of the ways I saw the hand of God today... When he finished up my 3rd child he told me that I am<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">"a breath of fresh air"</span> to visit with!" I was thoroughly delighted t<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JgH2r_skdFNB75QeZjgHO04oWF9kBAtcQ3rAns-OPDtQA94JgT4bYCWL_TmPECAafc9y0EGAoiurufxZimiSGJh71hivw2Am7O5eSBfZF3RTSMCct6jNC0ZP7_oLy9J98mGyfnaDV6U/s1600/1-dentist-child-cavity-filling.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JgH2r_skdFNB75QeZjgHO04oWF9kBAtcQ3rAns-OPDtQA94JgT4bYCWL_TmPECAafc9y0EGAoiurufxZimiSGJh71hivw2Am7O5eSBfZF3RTSMCct6jNC0ZP7_oLy9J98mGyfnaDV6U/s1600/1-dentist-child-cavity-filling.jpg"></a>o hear that! That one little phrase helped me to catch a glimpse of my identity. It helped me know that while one person in my life has chosen to cause me (and, in turn, my family) suffering from his intentional torment, that not every one is out to hurt me or speak ill of me. The Dentists words were like drops of rain on a parched desert flower! I felt grateful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVKD7EPUo_3opDVZZ4OOjbPPoROfw_azlNZS47pf8F-LbeQYDON2orN_WTI6P-wpWTOw3GnPL-HnzKfrfnpNxoPfjsNoKEhKBVr8bQA9ZAQ9lGHexAVA5zySqOrPPdh0kW5huy6yOF3I/s1600/1-children-playing-with-store-balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVKD7EPUo_3opDVZZ4OOjbPPoROfw_azlNZS47pf8F-LbeQYDON2orN_WTI6P-wpWTOw3GnPL-HnzKfrfnpNxoPfjsNoKEhKBVr8bQA9ZAQ9lGHexAVA5zySqOrPPdh0kW5huy6yOF3I/s320/1-children-playing-with-store-balls.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
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Before getting a chocolate-dipped ice cream,<br />
my sweet children had fun bouncing</div>
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the balls around!</div>
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Of course, I feel grateful for many things. If I'm being honest, I recognize that my ability to be grateful is a gift<span style="font-size: large;">. I've prayed every day for Heavenly Father to bless me with a grateful heart. I've prayed everyday for years to see life through His love. I've prayed to find joy in sorrow. And you know what, as I study the scriptures, pray, and seek to make my life pure before Him, I have seen an increase in my ability to feel grateful. I urge you, reader, to seek a gift of a grateful heart-- and then to look for it each day!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1TcmtFTQmqJ6wTA0f0nOyJQYYA37dyvmJAODtpS8UF-qN_G9poTHSjWCZM8NHBJbySyjCA2WwTf_vQcKmQZj77CyISBfDPRXGrIDaFDyTQVGKpP6Ik4XCKfLeEyB4LIEUWgSZTcEFrU/s1600/1-children-playing-with-store-balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>So, back to my day. After 2 hours at the dentist (some of that was solely talk time!:) my children and I walked to a nearby store and bought donuts and fresh strawberries and then we walked to a nearby bus stop. (We only have one vehicle and my husband had dropped us off at the dentist this morning.)<br />
<br />
It was a crazy spring day and decided to become a full-fledge snow storm! It was chilly and for half an hour we hid inside a nearby building eating our donuts while my boys ran up and down the stairs. Once we got on the bus, I stayed on a very long route 4 towns over to watch my daughter get off at her school, then we followed the route back 2 more cities for my sons to go to their school, I checked them in and then walked a short distance home. (Sorry for the details but this blog is my basic journal. The details are more for me than you.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZIDCUcgvStxJS7BPv1sBZKXWDv8HuyBXrOlOVFCuzgj3tuusmT7goI0G8KdK9_6ldAfnLAS_j-RkyAlGs79g7TXNJ2OMKlqQzeBFtF4MRM3EwyFm-Rtg7-BTvVHXQlthOcPCyiCho4I/s1600/1a1-christine-bus-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1050" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZIDCUcgvStxJS7BPv1sBZKXWDv8HuyBXrOlOVFCuzgj3tuusmT7goI0G8KdK9_6ldAfnLAS_j-RkyAlGs79g7TXNJ2OMKlqQzeBFtF4MRM3EwyFm-Rtg7-BTvVHXQlthOcPCyiCho4I/s320/1a1-christine-bus-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZIDCUcgvStxJS7BPv1sBZKXWDv8HuyBXrOlOVFCuzgj3tuusmT7goI0G8KdK9_6ldAfnLAS_j-RkyAlGs79g7TXNJ2OMKlqQzeBFtF4MRM3EwyFm-Rtg7-BTvVHXQlthOcPCyiCho4I/s1600/1a1-christine-bus-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a>On the bus ride we had a lot of fun visiting about life. One time I asked them what I like to take photographs of and it was happy for me to hear how well they know me because one son said, "Rocks and trees" True!<br />
<br />
My other son said "Mountains and landscapes"<br />
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They started chiming in other answers, like: "Us!" "Gates," "Doors," Okay, okay, I like taking pictures of lots of things. (I am a photographer!)<br />
<br />
But we had just talked about the horses we passed and I was looking for one more answer. I gave them the clue that horses live there. "Barns" they shouted nearly in unison! That's right! I love old rustic barns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1TcmtFTQmqJ6wTA0f0nOyJQYYA37dyvmJAODtpS8UF-qN_G9poTHSjWCZM8NHBJbySyjCA2WwTf_vQcKmQZj77CyISBfDPRXGrIDaFDyTQVGKpP6Ik4XCKfLeEyB4LIEUWgSZTcEFrU/s1600/1-children-playing-with-store-balls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Well, anyhow, as I had time with my children without cell phone or internet distraction, I just felt so grateful for the sweetness and the goodness of their souls! I felt thankful for my health and grateful for the beautiful place and I live. And I felt, and feel, grateful that I can see the hand of God in my life.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How do you see the hand of God in your life?</span></b><br />
Christine<br />
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*Here is the talk of Elder Eyring's that I reference: <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/o-remember-remember?lang=eng">https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/o-remember-remember?lang=eng</a><br />
<br />
This particular quote from it about journaling helps to illustrate where I got the idea for asking "How have you seen the hand of God today?" to my husband and children: "<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">...<span class="chunk hl-id-24688527" id="chunk30036" node="30036" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="36">as </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30037" node="30037" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="37">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30038" node="30038" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="38">got </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30039" node="30039" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="39">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30040" node="30040" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="40">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30041" node="30041" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="41">door, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30042" node="30042" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="42">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30043" node="30043" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="43">heard </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30044" node="30044" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="44">in </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30045" node="30045" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="45">my </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30046" node="30046" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="46">mind—not </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30047" node="30047" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="47">in </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30048" node="30048" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="48">my </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30049" node="30049" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="49">own </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30050" node="30050" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="50">voice—these </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30051" node="30051" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="51">words: </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30052" node="30052" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="52">“I’m </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30053" node="30053" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="53">not </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30054" node="30054" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="54">giving </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30055" node="30055" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="55">you </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30056" node="30056" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="56">these </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30057" node="30057" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="57">experiences </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30058" node="30058" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="58">for </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30059" node="30059" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="59">yourself. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30060" node="30060" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="60">Write </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30061" node="30061" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="61">them </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk30062" node="30062" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="62">down.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk30062" node="30062" paranum="3" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="62"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span class="chunk" id="chunk40000" node="40000" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="0">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40001" node="40001" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="1">went </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40002" node="40002" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="2">inside. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40003" node="40003" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="3">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40004" node="40004" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="4">didn’t </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40005" node="40005" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="5">go </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40006" node="40006" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="6">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40007" node="40007" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="7">bed. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40008" node="40008" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="8">Although </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40009" node="40009" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="9">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40010" node="40010" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="10">was </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40011" node="40011" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="11">tired, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40012" node="40012" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="12">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40013" node="40013" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="13">took </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40014" node="40014" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="14">out </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40015" node="40015" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="15">some </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40016" node="40016" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="16">paper </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40017" node="40017" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="17">and </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40018" node="40018" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="18">began </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40019" node="40019" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="19">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40020" node="40020" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="20">write. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40021" node="40021" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="21">And </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40022" node="40022" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="22">as </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40023" node="40023" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="23">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40024" node="40024" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="24">did, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40025" node="40025" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="25">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40026" node="40026" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="26">understood </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40027" node="40027" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="27">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40028" node="40028" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="28">message </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40029" node="40029" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="29">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40030" node="40030" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="30">had </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40031" node="40031" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="31">heard </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40032" node="40032" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="32">in </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40033" node="40033" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="33">my </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40034" node="40034" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="34">mind. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40035" node="40035" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="35">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40036" node="40036" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="36">was </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40037" node="40037" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="37">supposed </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40038" node="40038" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="38">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40039" node="40039" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="39">record </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40040" node="40040" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="40">for </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40041" node="40041" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="41">my </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40042" node="40042" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="42">children </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40043" node="40043" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="43">to </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40044" node="40044" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="44">read, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40045" node="40045" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="45">someday </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40046" node="40046" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="46">in </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40047" node="40047" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="47">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40048" node="40048" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="48">future, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40049" node="40049" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="49">how </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40050" node="40050" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="50">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40051" node="40051" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="51">had </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40052" node="40052" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="52">seen </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40053" node="40053" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="53">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40054" node="40054" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="54">hand </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40055" node="40055" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="55">of </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40056" node="40056" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="56">God </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40057" node="40057" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="57">blessing </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40058" node="40058" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="58">our </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40059" node="40059" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="59">family. </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40060" node="40060" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="60">. . </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40110" node="40110" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="110">I </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40111" node="40111" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="111">wrote [what I had just seen]</span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40112" node="40112" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="112"> </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40113" node="40113" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="113">down, </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40114" node="40114" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="114">so </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40115" node="40115" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="115">that </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40116" node="40116" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="116">my </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40117" node="40117" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="117">children </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40118" node="40118" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="118">could </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40119" node="40119" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="119">have </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40120" node="40120" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="120">the </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40121" node="40121" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="121">memory </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40122" node="40122" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="122">someday </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40123" node="40123" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="123">when </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40124" node="40124" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="124">they </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40125" node="40125" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="125">would </span><span class="chunk" id="chunk40126" node="40126" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="126">need </span><span class="chunk hl-id-24688527" id="chunk40127" node="40127" paranum="4" style="box-sizing: border-box;" wrapper="127">it."</span></span></span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-49674746375263549512019-04-10T18:25:00.002-07:002019-07-03T13:06:30.232-07:0010 April 2019, Wednesday: My Scripture in the Night<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday, I turned in a 28-page research paper to my British Literature class for BYU-Idaho. I worked on it for several weeks and when I finally scoured through it for the 20th time, I submitted it. Despite all the sorrow I've felt lately, I felt a wonderful sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to have completed such a major undertaking. (15-pages was the minimum-- but apparently I had a few more words to say!;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I felt so grateful for being able to complete it under the severe trial that I face at this time, but I know that Heavenly Father gave me divine help. Even as I read through it there was a part where I had to go back and say, "Hey is that a quote, or did I write that?" because it was Really Good! (It was my own words!:) Of course, I study very hard and I know that the Lord increases my offerings and my ability because I'm willing to keep learning and studying and educating myself about Him, Jesus Christ, the gospel, and about important historic influences on society, and so much more. I love to learn and study.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I went to bed that night I realized that I feel more at peace than I have in weeks. Oh, I still had my same worry but having that success helped me feel like I'm not totally stagnating in the chaos of life! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">During the night something profound happened, I heard some beyond marvelous words of a scripture. I smiled in gratitude, but I was unable to wake my sleeping self and mark it on my cell phone. Hours later I rolled over and I remembered I had heard a scripture, but I couldn't remember it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I asked a prayer to know what it was. Immediately I heard it. I made this note on my phone: "<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>If God be for us who can be against us</b></span>" 4:19am. I didn't know where is was from but a search taught me that it's Romans 8:31 of Bible KJV</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I don't know how you'd feel, but to me it felt like God was saying that He is on my side and that He will protect me. If you knew the circumstances of my life, you would understand why this means to much to me! I felt immensely grateful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">About an hour ago (around 5:30pm) I was studying for my final and the line of that song I shared about forgiveness here at this blog played into my thoughts. I kind of dreaded hearing that again because that song has been a warning before that someone is about to do something tremendously painful. However</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">, <span style="font-size: large;">I listened and I realized I was hearing this section of the song: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>"When the last bell tolls </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>You'll be free of blame </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>You can continue to grieve </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>But know the Gospel is true </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>You must forgive those who lie </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><b>And bless them that curse you Forgiveness."</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: black;"></span><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I feel certain the message is that in time I will be absolved of false accusation! I rejoice in the thought of that blessed day. For now I will show my complete faith and trust on the power of the Lord to provide and protect me as He sees fit.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b></b><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is really long, but honestly, this is more of a journal (albeit public!) for me. I would be glad to know I could bless the faith of others with my life, but for now I expect I shall read this alone. So I will share a story I just read in a history of my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">"As the Saints prepared to abandon Far West, Phebe Woodruff lay in a roadside inn in western Ohio, suffering from severe headaches and a fever. She and Wilford had been traveling west for two months with the Fox Islands Saints, plodding through snow and rain to reach Zion. Illness had attacked many of the children, including her daughter, Sarah Emma.<br /><br />. . .Before stopping at the inn, Phebe had been in agony every time the wagon jostled over the rough road. After she almost stopped breathing one day, Wilford had halted the company so she could recover. <br /><br />Phebe was certain she was dying. Wilford blessed her [We call this a priesthood blessing] and tried everything to relieve her suffering, but the fever grew worse. Finally she called Wilford to her side, testified of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and urged him to have faith amid his trials. The next day, her breathing stopped altogether, and she felt her spirit leave her.<br /><br />She watched as Wilford gazed down at her lifeless body. She saw two angels enter the room. One of them told her she had a choice to make. She could go with them to rest in the spirit world or return to life and endure the trials that lay ahead. <br /><br /><br />Phebe knew that if she stayed, the road would not be easy. Did she want to return to her careworn life and uncertain future? She saw the faces of Wilford and Sarah Emma, and her answer came swiftly.<br /><br />“Yes,” she said, “I will do it!”<br /><br />As Phebe made her decision, Wilford’s faith was renewed. He anointed her with consecrated oil, placed his hands on her head, and rebuked the power of death. When he finished, Phebe’s breathing returned. She opened her eyes and watched the two angels leave the room."</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">(found at: <a href="https://www.lds.org/study/history/saints-v1/32-though-all-hell-should-endeavor?lang=eng">https://www.lds.org/study/history/saints-v1/32-though-all-hell-should-endeavor?lang=eng</a> . There are other amazingly powerful stories at this link.)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #0b5394;"><sup></sup></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><sup></sup><span style="color: #0b0115;"></span><span style="background-color: #0b5394;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In reading her story, I felt empathy for her headaches, pain, fatique, and sickness. I am starting to feel better after nearly a full week of illness, but I also know the feelings of fear, worry, sorry which she surely felt during these struggles. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><span style="color: #000120;"></span></u><br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">From reading her story, I felt strengthened to face my pioneer-like journey with courage-- even though the way before me seems impossible. Like that good sister, I also know that "<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0b5394; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">the road [will] not be easy." <span style="color: black;">I know in some ways I'll have a </span>"careworn life and uncertain future," <span style="color: black;">but I also</span> </span>know that angels will attend to me in my times of need! I've decided to show daily diligence to the Lord so that I too can "fight the good fight!" </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGMj8Oy7q_GujxtXLH8slzPV9ZczgoGjjR5_0wnEhyphenhyphenIAuikKr4RNaxipVN_sROPuAkvB6-HVc6GdQEKUwdQdX4jtSdXHGP3Sbzhrk5gFR4EW-MX2ljL0QnkocJYnOHcQOvbInncot9Ag/s1600/fight+the+good+fight.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGMj8Oy7q_GujxtXLH8slzPV9ZczgoGjjR5_0wnEhyphenhyphenIAuikKr4RNaxipVN_sROPuAkvB6-HVc6GdQEKUwdQdX4jtSdXHGP3Sbzhrk5gFR4EW-MX2ljL0QnkocJYnOHcQOvbInncot9Ag/s320/fight+the+good+fight.png" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I still have a foreboding that things are going to get worse before they get better, but I have decided that I will act on faith because the power of God is not limited like I am. Humankind sets limits on the power of God because we can't think that big, but the power of God is BIG-- it's ENORMOUS and ENDLESS! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NjUqjhBZgtc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjUqjhBZgtc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's trust everything we are and hope to be to Him. He will make things right in the end if we keep our part of the bargain and do our best to live in a way pleasing to God. #Thankful4Repentance</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Love, Christine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a link about Priesthood blessings: <a href="https://www.lds.org/topics/priesthood-blessing?lang=eng" target="_blank"> https://www.lds.org/topics/priesthood-blessing?lang=eng</a></span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-45780927826991972332019-04-08T20:00:00.001-07:002023-08-07T16:03:19.686-07:008 April 2019 -Monday: Brave Enough for Love? I'm not sure yet!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmf8YKAF4tf_SszJLgbPRLpwHKWsBeU-ixqEKezbw23gIvQSBN7rf2xtoB1tGPV4En7BZ92hyDVg1e9lmbyvalAqGBcTFsq9xsgk2Pb5UUqdUlu1gMfFzEvuRkjCyRbSIQ73VLo4MPOzs/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmf8YKAF4tf_SszJLgbPRLpwHKWsBeU-ixqEKezbw23gIvQSBN7rf2xtoB1tGPV4En7BZ92hyDVg1e9lmbyvalAqGBcTFsq9xsgk2Pb5UUqdUlu1gMfFzEvuRkjCyRbSIQ73VLo4MPOzs/s320/IMG_0482.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am watching conference for The <br />
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints<br />
on my sick bed yesterday. Sorry, I don't<br />
feel much like smiling, even though<br />
I feel very grateful to God. I hope you<br />
can appreciate that. On an upnote, the<br />
conference was AMAZING. <br />
You can watch it here:<br />
<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/conferences?lang=eng"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">https://www.lds.org/general-conference/conferences?lang=eng</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I feel so much better from the virus that I feared might try to set into pneumonia or a chronic cough-- but didn't! I feel it's a BIG blessing because I'm asthmatic and usually I'm sick with a cough for 6 months (no joke) after a cold has hit me. I'm still feverish, but I'm kind of thinking it's the heavy burden of stress I'm under. I'm going to pray that I don't settle into a depression where I have plenty of reason to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">But, I don't want to talk about being sick anymore, except to say that even in my sickness I feel like God has blessed me with a fairly quick recovery. It's true that I've been sick in bed for 6 straight days, but that's in part under an emotional duress that I haven't learned to carry well yet. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'd probably still be in bed a lot because I'm also in the middle of my college class finals (my study place being my soft bed-- with my enormous college books, laptop, and tissue!) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have a lot of writing and studying I try to do... which I do in between crying, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">LDS conference talks (listening to their voices are very soothing), </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">peaceful songs, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">scriptures, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">prayer, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">and a cat nap here and there!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm trying to find peace from my anguish. I'm thankful to say that as I listened I did feel calmed (despite my tears). Even the nausea I was feeling from my fear subsided. Another blessing!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">What I really want to share is the song that came to my thoughts. This is what I wrote of the experience in my journal: </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been hearing this song since praying with the boys on the way out the door to school: </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; text-align: center;">'You must never lose faith</span></i></span></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; text-align: center;">You must never lose heart</span></i></span></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; text-align: center;">God will restore your trust</span></i></span></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; text-align: center;">And I know you're afraid </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; text-align: center;">I'm as scared as you are </span></i></span></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; text-align: center;">But willing to be brave</span></i></span></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; text-align: center;">Brave enough for love" </span></i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I guess the angels are begging me to keep my heart afloat. But I feel a devastation that cannot be put into words. To which I just hear the word "Recompense." I guess I will be recompensed for my unfair treatment, but it's unimaginably painful to me now...</span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Interestingly, those words are a small portion of from another part of the song I've been hearing lately! The song is "Forgiveness" from the Jane Eyre Broadway Musical. It is a profound song!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can and DO forgive those who are involved in hurting me because my heart is not angry, just sad and misunderstood. I'm finding it much harder to be "Brave enough to love" because I feel betrayed and very untrusting! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkOohx2yADaMKl7p1SoPTHkYK2r0McZAkpiwyUXiACzfeuJlAfhIFA4pFv7YhVEDcL7zznPJF6U_j6fLqC3S4swI8OHoxOAHuZsj7_w4jRiam7wOWR-iUVAD6amn1Nk8DL9AZiZIWBNE/s1600/weak-things-become-strong-lds-meme-book-of-mormon-Ether.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="736" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkOohx2yADaMKl7p1SoPTHkYK2r0McZAkpiwyUXiACzfeuJlAfhIFA4pFv7YhVEDcL7zznPJF6U_j6fLqC3S4swI8OHoxOAHuZsj7_w4jRiam7wOWR-iUVAD6amn1Nk8DL9AZiZIWBNE/s320/weak-things-become-strong-lds-meme-book-of-mormon-Ether.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I cannot see what good can come out of this, but God does and He seems to be promising me that as I hold onto Him in faith that He will help me become one of the weak things become strong. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: medium;">(See the meme. That's a scripture out of The Book of Mormon-- which is another testimony of Jesus Christ. It is wonderfully complementary to the Bible! Each adds to the other's truth. Request your free Book of Mormon here: <a href="https://www.mormon.org/site/free-book-of-mormon">https://www.mormon.org/site/free-book-of-mormon</a> )</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: medium;">I discovered a really cool program today on Youtube called "Hope Works." It's pretty much like a short Tedx talk, but it's Christian based. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: medium;">Here's one that really stood out to me because I realized I'm like the broken china doll. And God is going to help put me back together again! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSkNUnGX6L2qX-tdoLsiQfgaRwgtN0UjL51-9AQPk6ELYDnvjOWB4TRb5L90QtlSV9xngcwmyD1CwoR9lTJ15RGFjuN84UbRhYtuQB-ZydGbDapg1_5GLVdcFFz9AdUkheiHVLA1tjYY/s1600/God-heals-binds-broken-hearts.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="554" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSkNUnGX6L2qX-tdoLsiQfgaRwgtN0UjL51-9AQPk6ELYDnvjOWB4TRb5L90QtlSV9xngcwmyD1CwoR9lTJ15RGFjuN84UbRhYtuQB-ZydGbDapg1_5GLVdcFFz9AdUkheiHVLA1tjYY/s320/God-heals-binds-broken-hearts.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've been broken and I have a foreboding that before this is finished that I'm going to be more broken than I ever thought possible. But as this wonderful speaker Liz Wiseman reminds us of </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">God has the power to heal and bind up our broken hearts!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: medium;">I am so thankful for the power </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of Jesus Christ's all-encompassing atonement which frees us from the momentary sentences of mortality. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: medium;">For those of you who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you probably take comfort from the words Joseph Smith heard in liberty jail by the voice of God. I close with them as a reminder that we can get through the hard things. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKwuoS8z3eqbGEjNoXbmkQ5IOigZrp1gSGerqcfhIdYAasTJVYxQNamfYoaF54921_AREacCZJKGVFBPLkX4XQMPOTRbE5MKaDnmPiMkbIs1s96i18rQJylWeuOoWkkvg88afXDRDJ40/s1600/Jesus-Christ-meme-afflictions-small-moment.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1200" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKwuoS8z3eqbGEjNoXbmkQ5IOigZrp1gSGerqcfhIdYAasTJVYxQNamfYoaF54921_AREacCZJKGVFBPLkX4XQMPOTRbE5MKaDnmPiMkbIs1s96i18rQJylWeuOoWkkvg88afXDRDJ40/s640/Jesus-Christ-meme-afflictions-small-moment.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">With the help of Jesus Christ, we can get through anything! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Love, Christine</span></div>
</div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-760918559654314372019-04-05T18:38:00.000-07:002020-02-23T23:07:06.092-08:005 April 2019- Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I took a turn for the better last night. Somewhere during the night I wasn't having to breathe through my mouth to sleep (since my nose was completely stuffy from this terrible cold virus). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I realized I was sleeping so wonderfully well, I said a sleepy prayer of gratitude to Heavenly Father for blessing me to make such a drastic improvement from just a few hours prior. I was getting worse by the time bed rolled around and I feared I might be getting pneumonia. But as I slept so well, I knew that God had used his power to bless and give me marked healing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I slept, I even had a wonderful dream. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In my dream, I was in a very large semi-indoor room (meaning it had some coverage but it was still very open, without walls) of people I didn't know. It seemed like a picnic or something. There were rows of tables lined up, and people were standing in line. I noticed two people in a conversation. One person was telling the other that they'd like to write a letter, but they didn't have an appropriate surface. Another person handed them a bowl. And they seemed content. But I saw that this small cereal bowl was ineffective as a writing surface because of the curves. I rushed away with and idea. I went over to my supplies nearby and pulled out a smooth flat piece of Masonite board that I watercolor on. I happily hurried back and offered this to them instead. They were very appreciative. We visited a minute and then I went on and looked for other people in the room to talk to or help. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgcKtmj0-tBhzB1jFCJhahYkiYXWSqtxe0a-qoaUqwkz2fl5IgWp_kFpBjk_suT_nB8McLPU3JEggrIfk0pcT6SzFHEy7f_K5Rl49RSq_-jkmO7qvX3RLdBoG1jwToFAvBaDX38sMNUA/s1600/1-christine-sunday-selfie-10-minute-makeup-hair-day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgcKtmj0-tBhzB1jFCJhahYkiYXWSqtxe0a-qoaUqwkz2fl5IgWp_kFpBjk_suT_nB8McLPU3JEggrIfk0pcT6SzFHEy7f_K5Rl49RSq_-jkmO7qvX3RLdBoG1jwToFAvBaDX38sMNUA/s400/1-christine-sunday-selfie-10-minute-makeup-hair-day.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
This is 2 Sundays ago. I wasn't truly feeling happy, </div>
<div>
but it's a better photo than the one I share down</div>
<div>
below! Remember me smiling!:)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The interesting part of this dream was the feeling of being completely happy. I was unencumbered from any type of sorrow. I felt a peace and freedom that I haven't felt in a long time. It was a beautiful feeling. It felt as though I was standing on a perfect Spring day with a smile on my face and I felt such love for all of Heavenly Father's children there in that luncheon gathering-- even though I didn't know them. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In my dream I just felt so thankful to be making friends, feeling God's love, and felt a sense of purpose in my life.</span></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I awoke from that dream, I felt (for a few moments) the lingering happiness as my head lay sleepily on the pillow. I felt immeasurably happy. All felt right with the world.... at least until I became more awake and cognizant that I was laying there feeling physically weak, weary, and totally consumed with an anguished heart. I wished that the feeling of that dream could be my reality! And, I am sure it will be one day! The sooner, the better! (And in honesty, I felt that perhaps it represented the new future my family and I are moving into next week. So I took hope from that.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkURl4owWqmqtXQY0y6SKgb0s-0VVBJkb9hosT2RuBi53XHR1aeLZ5acjJObUiSogUkT5qt6diwcLB1NgSvEZqqTDomkcOYLt1hUE6XIfg5ynWGuYdTpRIMGeBTeP1Ws8n0QJPNZfbyag/s1600/1a-crying-christine-lights-will-guide-you-home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkURl4owWqmqtXQY0y6SKgb0s-0VVBJkb9hosT2RuBi53XHR1aeLZ5acjJObUiSogUkT5qt6diwcLB1NgSvEZqqTDomkcOYLt1hUE6XIfg5ynWGuYdTpRIMGeBTeP1Ws8n0QJPNZfbyag/s320/1a-crying-christine-lights-will-guide-you-home.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
I keep debating on whether or not to put this</div>
photo of me, but I guess we all have times <div>
where we cry, right? I haven't always cried like</div>
<div>
this, but it's a season... a season in passing I hope!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A little while later as I was studying a conference talk from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I heard these specific words of a well-known song play into my thoughts:</span> "<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>When you try your best but you don't succeed Lights will guide you home..." </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">I began to sob. I sobbed in sorrow and gratitude knowing that Heavenly Father and Savior are very aware of the depth of my anguish. </span><br />
<br />
The complete words of the song I heard:<br />
<br />
<br />
Fix Ya by Cold Play<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gXq-14lV79s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gXq-14lV79s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
When you try your best but you don't succeed</div>
<div>
When you get what you want but not what you need</div>
<div>
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep</div>
<div>
Stuck in reverse</div>
<br />
When the tears come streaming down your face<br />
When you lose something you can't replace<br />
When you love someone but it goes to waste<br />
Could it be worse?<br />
<br />
Lights will guide you home<br />
And ignite your bones<br />
An<br />
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<br /></div>
d I will try to fix you<br />
<br />
High up above or down below<br />
When you're too in love to let it go<br />
If you never try you'll never know<br />
Just what you're worth<br />
<br />
Lights will guide you home<br />
And ignite your bones<br />
And I will try to fix you<br />
<br />
Tears stream down your face<br />
When you lose something you cannot replace<br />
Tears stream down your face<br />
And I<br />
<br />
Tears stream down your face<br />
I promise you I will learn from all my mistakes<br />
Tears stream down your face<br />
And I<br />
<br />
Lights will guide you home<br />
And ignite your bones<br />
And I will try to fix you<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxDgzSZZ5YsK1s4vjT8Kn2tBZx3j4VEbbZmaH6t7kAagdt6AJ2_c8KCHoDF-aL0kRa8okaLuVQgiOvGkulnN3NttxGKi1USaCQk9hI0GEueoLxdR5aey2_yPRz35ifDacdLTJs7n1pNQ/s1600/1-meme-about-wanting-change-versus-changing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxDgzSZZ5YsK1s4vjT8Kn2tBZx3j4VEbbZmaH6t7kAagdt6AJ2_c8KCHoDF-aL0kRa8okaLuVQgiOvGkulnN3NttxGKi1USaCQk9hI0GEueoLxdR5aey2_yPRz35ifDacdLTJs7n1pNQ/s400/1-meme-about-wanting-change-versus-changing.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeuUfBSAUWiiVXX0MoqkV_59Zcf74PklWezkD-DS2yZiCVZIF94eJUK6Dq6DzVN2m1D9VdNNlR6MB6LBttbNa_pJ48NjxszX-_olVDfm7UzGCqtezCxDRtcKKXO2yZUkBqKOP__15kUQ/s1600/1a+sheep+images-of-jesus-christ-097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="631" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeuUfBSAUWiiVXX0MoqkV_59Zcf74PklWezkD-DS2yZiCVZIF94eJUK6Dq6DzVN2m1D9VdNNlR6MB6LBttbNa_pJ48NjxszX-_olVDfm7UzGCqtezCxDRtcKKXO2yZUkBqKOP__15kUQ/s320/1a+sheep+images-of-jesus-christ-097.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeuUfBSAUWiiVXX0MoqkV_59Zcf74PklWezkD-DS2yZiCVZIF94eJUK6Dq6DzVN2m1D9VdNNlR6MB6LBttbNa_pJ48NjxszX-_olVDfm7UzGCqtezCxDRtcKKXO2yZUkBqKOP__15kUQ/s1600/1a+sheep+images-of-jesus-christ-097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">What I know is that <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>One step at a time they are leading me Home. And they are leading you home too, if you will follow. </b></span>The </span>more we step toward that light, the closer we get to learning the truth of our divine identity, and of learning more about His perfect and merciful love that reaches out toward each one of us-- even in the very darkest corners of sin and despair. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May we each make the concerted choice to move toward His perfect light and shun the evil that is so prevalent everywhere in the world. The Love of Christ is sweeter than any momentary pleasure of all sins and addictions combined. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Please, Come Unto Christ, this very day!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-1829357089007814982019-04-04T18:27:00.000-07:002019-10-16T20:16:07.140-07:004 April 2019: Sadness and Sickness for Spring Break<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a while, but I need a new outlet to express myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My sorrow is deep.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My fear intense.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My uncertainty of the future high.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've just gotten some really terrible news that affects every member of my family. And well, life isn't looking particularly cheerful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Being stuck in bed for days with a fever, stuffy nose, head pain, and chest congestion leaves me feeling very un-Pollyanna like! (Pollyanna is a cheerful young girl from an old Disney movie:)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I feel confused and burdened and weighed down with grief. Okay, I've probably mentioned that already!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm generally a very optimistic person, but I have a lot of self-doubt and concern for my safety, so I hope you'll indulge me in some sorrow!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa07KV2i2tvBMgmU96Edz5pDM6jS0ZwiXW94EXo9XVEVI4w3lSPgQ3VGAmZJmtxQgOJJKUH_EmFw8CMzy2iHDgcf6zMmtnGdJqAtwjE0CTqYoDdgTSr_LkWUhvbcKTWUlHOmKQcbcYtg/s1600/weeping_may_endure_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">However, I want it to be known that while my world is spinning on a newly titled axis that I feel the power of God continue to bless and comfort me.<span style="font-size: medium;"><b> My comfort hasn't come with the visitation of angels but by quiet assurances of music to my thoughts. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Somehow, I'm going to get through the darkness of this season and the tears I'm crying (and which my 18yr. old daughter cried yesterday in learning the misfortune of our family. I haven't told all my children yet) will be dried in God's own due time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa07KV2i2tvBMgmU96Edz5pDM6jS0ZwiXW94EXo9XVEVI4w3lSPgQ3VGAmZJmtxQgOJJKUH_EmFw8CMzy2iHDgcf6zMmtnGdJqAtwjE0CTqYoDdgTSr_LkWUhvbcKTWUlHOmKQcbcYtg/s1600/weeping_may_endure_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">One of the ways I have been comforted is with this song by Michael Crawford: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Who abide in His shadow for life,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />My Rock in Whom I trust." </span></h4>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Refrain<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Bear you on the breath of dawn,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Make you to shine like the sun,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And hold you in the palm of His Hand.</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">You need not fear the terror of the night,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Nor the arrow that flies by day,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Under his wings your refuge<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />His faithfulness your shield</span></h4>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">For to His angels He's given a command,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />To guard you in all of your ways,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Upon their hands they will bear you up,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Lest you dash your foot against a stone. </span></h4>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Refrain<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Bear you on the breath of dawn,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Make you to shine like the sun,<br style="border-bottom-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 100%; border-image-source: none; border-image-width: 1; border-left-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-spacing: 0px 0px; border-top-color: rgb(68, 68, 68); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19.5px; list-style-image: none; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And hold you in the palm of His Hand.</span></h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa07KV2i2tvBMgmU96Edz5pDM6jS0ZwiXW94EXo9XVEVI4w3lSPgQ3VGAmZJmtxQgOJJKUH_EmFw8CMzy2iHDgcf6zMmtnGdJqAtwjE0CTqYoDdgTSr_LkWUhvbcKTWUlHOmKQcbcYtg/s1600/weeping_may_endure_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="834" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa07KV2i2tvBMgmU96Edz5pDM6jS0ZwiXW94EXo9XVEVI4w3lSPgQ3VGAmZJmtxQgOJJKUH_EmFw8CMzy2iHDgcf6zMmtnGdJqAtwjE0CTqYoDdgTSr_LkWUhvbcKTWUlHOmKQcbcYtg/s400/weeping_may_endure_b.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">I've got to get back to writing a research paper, and there is no way that I can recount all the tender mercies of the Lord. But I just want to remind myself that through Him, I will remain resolute to the cause of righteousness. I have, and will yet make many mistakes and sin, but I am hopeful He will forgive me and give me the courage act on faith in His name. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Jesus Christ gives us Hope for brighter tomorrows if we reach out for His hand and turn away from sin.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Fight for truth and righteousness, there is no sweeter joy, peace, and love on earth than that which is found through Jesus Christ. Love, Christine</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-22259812258394886362018-05-01T16:22:00.001-07:002018-05-02T13:12:12.816-07:00Girl Among the Graves<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sunday was an emotionally difficult day for me. Normally church lasts for three hours but immediately after the Sacrament prayer amen I jumped up and made a beeline out the door before anyone in our large congregation of more than 200+ people had even stood up from their pews.<br />
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I knew exactly where I was going with all the turmoil that consumed my troubled spirit. I was headed to the cemetery. Oh, sure, I know what you're thinking. She is one strange woman. Well, I suppose I am! But I have long felt that cemeteries are sacred places.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24H1hjqqAQFH1OFjeq1RGMMbkGMTN20YTng7aISSmrBqE8ahO6oiMywpmdPvNKgLb9UygKz0Poj-NyYQWYopzRPNWYJl2KQKinethRD-ZB_Eeqrn34OtApYuBTFUBfK_6E4MWUiyIPXs/s1600/Tyler-and-his-sons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24H1hjqqAQFH1OFjeq1RGMMbkGMTN20YTng7aISSmrBqE8ahO6oiMywpmdPvNKgLb9UygKz0Poj-NyYQWYopzRPNWYJl2KQKinethRD-ZB_Eeqrn34OtApYuBTFUBfK_6E4MWUiyIPXs/s320/Tyler-and-his-sons.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo I took of Tyler as he helped<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">his sons get ready for a funeral.</span></td></tr>
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My beloved brother-in-law, Tyler was buried at this cemetery.<br />
He died when he was 30. Leaving a young pregnant widow and3 boys under the age of 8. Heart complication (from his pacemaker). Tyler was such a dear and trusted friend to me. He was so tremendously kind to my husband and children, and I learned so many things.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqybWUGQlZQPRZeyJtvi08iMoACbSm3LciB6z3RfEsanaq5c6cpvvHr_RLhZys72LRAduCzhj_bRr04io3693Uz1Xcuw6pOfxXVviEt4-Qbz7T-zzDqb7Qf5gaZ5r8kEeQvzVZ9aurXA/s1600/Tyler-with-my-now-19-year-old-son.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="960" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqybWUGQlZQPRZeyJtvi08iMoACbSm3LciB6z3RfEsanaq5c6cpvvHr_RLhZys72LRAduCzhj_bRr04io3693Uz1Xcuw6pOfxXVviEt4-Qbz7T-zzDqb7Qf5gaZ5r8kEeQvzVZ9aurXA/s320/Tyler-with-my-now-19-year-old-son.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyler holding my (now 19-year-old) baby at the small family<br />
birthday luau we had when he turned 1. </td></tr>
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One of the greatest lessons he taught me was to relax and let people do their own thing. This advice was offered in my stress of hosting (in our old family home-- the gathering place) mass amounts of the family for a funeral and feeling so stressed in wanting to meet the needs of all the guests, but not knowing how because they had their own quirks of how they did things. I was calmed by his advice that day and many years since.<br />
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His grave is the dearest family I have buried here. My beloved Mom is buried in central Utah, and I'm unable to go that far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOhd1csL9ccrPb3snO72QQvFJFHMvUPHIOAld69fwXQfi_MTjqA46mJ8uuMnIxzbEBJqjrmIg1S6ZIXbOFuFOiuxc0VK3eDBh7_dkNdlos15y6pDuFPcXhpdHnPMh6vGfBx9FTCczfdw/s1600/1-Christine-Tylers-Grave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="918" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOhd1csL9ccrPb3snO72QQvFJFHMvUPHIOAld69fwXQfi_MTjqA46mJ8uuMnIxzbEBJqjrmIg1S6ZIXbOFuFOiuxc0VK3eDBh7_dkNdlos15y6pDuFPcXhpdHnPMh6vGfBx9FTCczfdw/s320/1-Christine-Tylers-Grave.jpg" width="182" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The face of misery. :(</td></tr>
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Tyler was a true friend to me, so going to his grave makes me feel at home. Haha... yes, at home among the graves!<br />
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I unhappily stormed out of my church building and walked uphill many blocks in my small, hilly town. I can't tell you exactly how I felt (which is very important to me). I guess it was a mix of fear, anger, and sadness. I wanted to feel numb, but then<span style="font-size: large;"><i> <b>the thought struck me that I was not walking along, but that I had a band of loving angels surrounding me in my sorrow.</b> </i></span>That thought caused the tears to well up. Though I fought that emotion. Anger is a less vulnerable emotion, you know?!<br />
<br />
But I allowed my heart to soften and "listened" and contemplated as I sat on (and then by) Tyler's headstone. I did a lot of praying and soul-searching. I pleaded with God to know if I'd been living the right way and doing things to please Him. I wanted assurance that I was right before God. I wanted to understand what was happening. I wanted to know a lot of things. But as God often does, I got some sweet assurances, but I did not have ALL my questions answers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidS9zlPrOQPuRMDS2glFpuZnxal3MhNnWsCCcX3Jf9Ipgc_TrKgOGMZPqpfqKc-nVIx4_LwJQNWuIs2Tw_Gt6J6xtaDeR74nnYUmwH4wer3tyzSvzmRhdsIrMUmW2uedatR3trzZX1H4/s1600/1Christine-Tylers-Grave+-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="918" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidS9zlPrOQPuRMDS2glFpuZnxal3MhNnWsCCcX3Jf9Ipgc_TrKgOGMZPqpfqKc-nVIx4_LwJQNWuIs2Tw_Gt6J6xtaDeR74nnYUmwH4wer3tyzSvzmRhdsIrMUmW2uedatR3trzZX1H4/s320/1Christine-Tylers-Grave+-2.jpg" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've always wished I actually<br />
would look sad, instead of<br />
looking mad.<br />
I assure you I'm not<br />
mad-- like I look here!<br />
Just very sad. It's a good reminder<br />
not to judge people<br />
by their expressions! ;)</td></tr>
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Some of these assurances came in the form of remembering. Like remembering the beautiful talk by Elder Wirthlin "<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Come What May and Love it.</span>"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8BaJR271EokQuGGmZn_yTljjrZLX24OO0L7q6raESwnWtMAoPhF7r385lHOizbzwkIT0Gf2_WBV6K9HG-GMnmNXOJqqqfzEBEEJ4ETklswOBjUblLxV20o-gnJJixGKl3TKLfng0Edc/s1600/1Tylers-Grave+%252822%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1600" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8BaJR271EokQuGGmZn_yTljjrZLX24OO0L7q6raESwnWtMAoPhF7r385lHOizbzwkIT0Gf2_WBV6K9HG-GMnmNXOJqqqfzEBEEJ4ETklswOBjUblLxV20o-gnJJixGKl3TKLfng0Edc/s640/1Tylers-Grave+%252822%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I snapped this just after hearing the song "On Eagle's Wings,"<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">as I walked out of the cemetery. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">I did feel a little better, but this is the best smile I could muster. </span></td></tr>
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As I turned to leave the cemetery and walk back for the last 15 minutes of church, I smiled and expressed prayerful gratitude when into my thoughts played a Michael Crawford song: "I'll raise you up on Eagle's Wings"<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">1. You who dwell in the shelter of our God,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">who <i>abide in this shadow for life,</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><i>say to <b><span style="font-size: large;">the Lord: 'My refuge, my Rock in whom I trust!</span></b></i><b><span style="font-size: large;">'</span></b></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">Refrain:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">'And <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I will raise you up on eagle's wings,</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><i><b>bear you on the breath of dawn,</b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><i>make you to shine like the sun,</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><i>and hold you in the palm of my hand.'</i></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">2. The snare of the fowler will never capture you,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">and <i>famine will bring you no fear:</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><i>under </i><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>God's wings your refuge,</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><i><b>God's faithfulness your shield.</b></i></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">Refrain</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">3.<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>You need not fear the terror</b> </span>of the night,</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><i>nor the arrow that flies by day;</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">though thousands fall about you,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">near you it shall not come.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">Refrain</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">4.<b> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>For to God's angels is given a command</i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><i><b>to guard you in all of your ways,</b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">upon their hands they will bear you up,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">lest you dash your foot against a stone.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">Refrain</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">'...and<b> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>[I will] hold you, hold you in the palm of my hand.</i></span>'</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">========================</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>I'd been fasting that day that I'd have the strength to bear my complex emotions.</b></i></span> I also was fasting for my sister, and also a dear friend in need. I am uncertain as to how they were blessed, but when I returned to church <b><span style="font-size: large;">I felt a considerable calm to my concerns.</span> </b>I was able to stand among friends and act with a pleasantness I could not have otherwise done. I felt so thankful that the power of God can work in our lives as we look to him. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">I don't have all the answers. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">I don't know where things will go from here. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">I don't know how all the complexities will play out. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByh5sjZtJDQ7pTY_Znu0XMpSMsTJJ2qCc4sM9CA0DEZUbPK_3srAW9RYlnfLoOB2Ruimt-AAARFyoStafQT0QadICUquwpvMP93P0wjFaokR6uVvrniebzYZ_jxhFRS7vXf7kWctJxrI/s1600/abc1-Christine-Sad-Sunday-selfie-beforechurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByh5sjZtJDQ7pTY_Znu0XMpSMsTJJ2qCc4sM9CA0DEZUbPK_3srAW9RYlnfLoOB2Ruimt-AAARFyoStafQT0QadICUquwpvMP93P0wjFaokR6uVvrniebzYZ_jxhFRS7vXf7kWctJxrI/s320/abc1-Christine-Sad-Sunday-selfie-beforechurch.jpg" width="268" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";">What I do know is that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #20124d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">whether I walk in sunshine or storm, I will walk with God.</span> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">May we seek Him in all we do. He has the power to heal and redeem us. Let us trust Him with every fiber of our being!</span></span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><span style="background-color: white;">~Christine</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica";"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">P.S. A Bonus Songs to offer you Courage:)<br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">#MyHopeisYouAlone #EvenifYouDon't #ItisWellWithMySoul #JesusiWillCling2You</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">#TheJourneyAheadisBeautiful #withGod #LoveseesFartherthanyouevercould #atthisMomentHeavensworkingeverything4yourownGood #TellyourHeart2beatagain #stepintoHislightofGrace</span></span><br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-25857766036655631072017-10-03T14:01:00.000-07:002018-04-09T11:20:27.082-07:00Keep a Journal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwGAxQHcgLp2kh0kJBCmfmch_GwpuQoabKCAIpCAh16NOGlOsgLmONO7YtHRYqaAWtrWKf9wjK5ZHH3SGii81wG4LP247N7zSXmFiDphqzICdLfa0uWutucgIwFin0RWeEeXGMEhMlZw/s1600/pencil+memory+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwGAxQHcgLp2kh0kJBCmfmch_GwpuQoabKCAIpCAh16NOGlOsgLmONO7YtHRYqaAWtrWKf9wjK5ZHH3SGii81wG4LP247N7zSXmFiDphqzICdLfa0uWutucgIwFin0RWeEeXGMEhMlZw/s400/pencil+memory+journal.jpg" width="400" /></a>Today I will be brief. But I was thinking about how important journal (diary) keeping is. This is going<br />
to be a short blog post-- I'm in a hurry to finish my college assignments. <br /><br />But I just through my <b><span style="font-size: large;">scripture</span><span style="font-size: large;"> journal</span> </b>that I keep in order to remember thougths and impressions I have as I read. Here are just a few of many <span style="font-size: large;">scriptures that I have noted the importance of, as it pertains to keeping a journal!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi68J9vR5i695wym2nYrXx2pUxXK8rgR4wD_wN73fv_b3X5sA7-M6U6ZQC5uGkUZMka9I18PjBgMrJg1Sw9_NFGCRcPINfRcv5qVYESsfYias_96hmc_Fqu6X_f7nJTeCBt8ZEecIIhk/s1600/short-pencil-meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="598" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi68J9vR5i695wym2nYrXx2pUxXK8rgR4wD_wN73fv_b3X5sA7-M6U6ZQC5uGkUZMka9I18PjBgMrJg1Sw9_NFGCRcPINfRcv5qVYESsfYias_96hmc_Fqu6X_f7nJTeCBt8ZEecIIhk/s320/short-pencil-meme.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I will copy and paste the scriptures below, and my notes (as a bonus for you, I'll keep the exact date I took that note.Haha... because I'm sure it's fascinating to you all!;) </div>
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===<b>These aren't even remotely all of my notes on the value of keeping a journal, but perhaps some of you will find in interesting and feel motivated to begin! :)</b><br />
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1 Nephi 1: <br /><br />"<b>I make a record (journal) </b><br />
<b>of my proceedings in my days</b>" </div>
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My thoughts:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why did he keep a journal?</span></b> To let his posterity &US (You and I) know the blessings of God in his life. His words are written to help us increase in our testimony. (3 October 2017)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why do you keep a journal? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Why don't you keep a journal?</span></div>
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(Please comment below.)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><i>=====</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6a5f4a; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", times, serif; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6a5f4a; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", times, serif; font-size: 22px;">Mosiah 1:5</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mosiah 1</a></div>
"<b><span style="font-size: large;">were it not for these things, </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">which have been kept </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">and preserved</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">by the hand of God</span>, </b><br />
<b><u>that we might read and understand </u></b><br />
<b><u>of his mysteries, </u></b><br />
<b>and <span style="font-size: large;">have his commandments </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">always before our eyes</span>, </b><br />
<b>that even our fathers </b><br />
<b>would have dwindled in unbelief, </b><br />
<b>and we shou</b><b>ld have been like</b>"<br />
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My thoughts:</div>
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This is yet another reminder to me of the power of <span style="font-size: large;"><b>the word</b></span>. See Alma 31:5. It also teaches me just how influential words that I feel to write with help of the Spirit can be. I'm thankful for my gift of writing, and how I can help strengthen the children of God through words I feel inspired to write.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><i>======</i></span></div>
2 Nephi 33:13<br />
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"<b>I speak unto you </b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">as the voice of one crying from the dust</span>: </b><br />
<b>Farewell until that great day shall come.</b>"<br />
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My thoughts:</div>
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I always find such reflections interesting because he knows that his scripture keeping (a.k.a. journaling) was going to be read by those of us at a later time. As I journal I try to keep that in mind, and I try to decide what will be if most worth, though I'm sure I'm not always successful!<br />
24 May 2017<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><i>============</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #6a5f4a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mosiah 1:4</a></h1>
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/1" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #0091bc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mosiah 1</a></div>
"<b>it were not possible that our father, Lehi, </b><br />
<b>could have remembered all these things, </b><br />
<b>to have taught them to his children, </b><br />
<b>except it were for the help of these plates</b>;"</div>
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My thoughts:</div>
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Writing things down is how we REMEMBER! (3 Oct 2017)</div>
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Mosiah 2:8<br />
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"<b>And it came to pass that he began to speak to his people </b><br />
<b>from the tower; and they could not all hear his words </b><br />
<b>because of the greatness of the multitude; </b><br />
<b>therefore <span style="font-size: large;">he caused that the words</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">which he spake should be written </span></b><br />
<b>and <span style="color: #0b5394;">sent forth among those that were not under the sound of his voice, </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">that they might also receive his words.</span></b>"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL5OthaN75x54gEzpLo8KcESXyM6fkcJNFR7oQBOZ2w2YRQWdn5w4IU3SY0eFB-S8RlpZWuGhZHF6lHv0nHFmfyP1ixjWDL5MqHh8maEfQoxOSUsUDog4l2jrVfRjWq8Aesv5SqlXtGI/s1600/1Christine-pink-ruffle-beckie-dress-sunday-selfie+%252862%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL5OthaN75x54gEzpLo8KcESXyM6fkcJNFR7oQBOZ2w2YRQWdn5w4IU3SY0eFB-S8RlpZWuGhZHF6lHv0nHFmfyP1ixjWDL5MqHh8maEfQoxOSUsUDog4l2jrVfRjWq8Aesv5SqlXtGI/s320/1Christine-pink-ruffle-beckie-dress-sunday-selfie+%252862%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My daughter, K, thought a smiley face<br />on my bathroom mirror would be fun!</span></td></tr>
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My thoughts: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The words of that scripture becomes symbolic to me in understanding the power of sharing the written word-- which has the capacity to reach beyond the people of our voice, and instead reacher a larger audience. The written word has great power to bless the hearer as well as the potential to reach a very large audience. Through simple journaling, we can reach people with the feelings of our heart and mind. How important to keep a journal and to use thoughtfulness, kindness, and care in how we speak and write, especially in this world of mass media transmission. Through electronics our "voices will carry"!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">5 July 2016</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Happy Journaling!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Christine</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">P.S. </span>Sorry, I haven't linked the scriptures in my hast. Here's the scriptures link, so you can search all the Bible and LDS scriptures in one place. It's a great resource! to <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures?lang=eng" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #006d21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">https://www.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #006d21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lds</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #006d21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.org/</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #006d21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">scriptures</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #006d21; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">?lang=eng </span></a><br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-73415751193696400852017-09-12T20:45:00.001-07:002020-03-07T14:34:49.195-08:00Burial Dress Lesson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVioocia11HtcZKUt1Jw8kJeiAvlUSu4wdPvfIWV34xp_A9zBRUNqSHJhCFJriRk3loUrd00_PW561xQc2V-HwF79vkU71yvMFGmsd-lZCFXs10E4vozUP1RXFwB5W5y8yXNLdrHzTlO0/s1600/1a+baby+burial+gown-not-using.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1118" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVioocia11HtcZKUt1Jw8kJeiAvlUSu4wdPvfIWV34xp_A9zBRUNqSHJhCFJriRk3loUrd00_PW561xQc2V-HwF79vkU71yvMFGmsd-lZCFXs10E4vozUP1RXFwB5W5y8yXNLdrHzTlO0/s320/1a+baby+burial+gown-not-using.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>
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Sunday, during church, I learned the shocking news that my friend's baby had died. Little Nora was born at 23 weeks gestation. She lived a week and a day, but then died September 7, due to an infection. </div>
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While I can't exactly relate to a loss so late in pregnancy, I did feel an added measure of sorrow to consider how her oldest son (approx age 4 years old) must feel. </div>
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When my oldest son was about the same age as her son is now, I had a early miscarriage. I felt disappointment at the loss, but oh, my son was devastated by losing the sibling he had apparently felt so much anticipation for! (He loves children!) </div>
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In memory of my son's feelings, my heart had an added motherly ache. I wanted to do something special her and her family. But what?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ7M2EYKUxXljUFQjxF8KUFtEe1mPspEDZ47fBxxR_vNZUl-KpKm3TGwkJV045UKKv_vSCNfcdPfQOXo7MtqxBcOUQdmrTkmmMMEmhzofnNPCJqCDxoslVBlXmkixgSXNivdb-1d7q_I/s1600/1+sundress+front+burial+gown+repurpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ7M2EYKUxXljUFQjxF8KUFtEe1mPspEDZ47fBxxR_vNZUl-KpKm3TGwkJV045UKKv_vSCNfcdPfQOXo7MtqxBcOUQdmrTkmmMMEmhzofnNPCJqCDxoslVBlXmkixgSXNivdb-1d7q_I/s320/1+sundress+front+burial+gown+repurpose.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundress soon to be<br />
a beautiful, modest gown!</td></tr>
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Upon contempation of those feelings, I decided to make a burial gown. I knew it might not be needed, but I also knew that it if was, I'd need plenty of time to make it. With the funeral two days away I worried I might not have time if she said she would like me to make her a burial dress. I had wanted her to be able to design the gown for her baby, in whatever style she imagined, but I had not heard back as of Monday morning, so I decided to just get to work and make one. I figured "What can it hurt to be prepared?"</div>
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I went through my fabric in search of the perfect material. I wanted to do french hierloom pintucks and lace insertion, but that would take days to create. And then I thought a ornately beaded wedding dress would look stunning, but I didn't have enough left over from a wedding dress I'd recently used for a costume. So I kept looking. </div>
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In a little stack of white blouses and dresses (which I'd set aside with the purpose of using on burial gowns) I rediscovered a lightweight sundress I'd purchased at a local thrift shop. I decided this would be perfect! </div>
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With dress and supplies in hand I headed to my comfortable sewing spot upstairs. Just where my huband likes it! ;) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmFyC9WC6WNiybyQHPre6C_3BUCy1gsr-qlzYlqa-4_R9X2VInquor1C7fGI7h54LkVtO0WgxVStpVqxdpEWfHaSGt6MmwyiYhTXcDg-LcFeS_vRMveBU8etz4HqJO-K7tKm_dm_cMP0/s1600/1+burial+dress+cut+sleeves+pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmFyC9WC6WNiybyQHPre6C_3BUCy1gsr-qlzYlqa-4_R9X2VInquor1C7fGI7h54LkVtO0WgxVStpVqxdpEWfHaSGt6MmwyiYhTXcDg-LcFeS_vRMveBU8etz4HqJO-K7tKm_dm_cMP0/s320/1+burial+dress+cut+sleeves+pattern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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First I laid out the dress on my bed, then I studied how the laces, ruffles, and underlays had been sewn. I consider all the possibilites to suit my needs, and how to get the best outcome by cutting in just right places. I contemplated how I wanted this to fit a body so very small, delicate, and possibly swollen. With the details firmly in my mind I created a pattern. I then placed the pattern pieces on carefully selected areas of the dress, and I went to work in pinning and cutting. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfc-6MbS7VL5iaNYWMMAQAYDmwW3mQStgQsi17GbyAgfo6z8y9zCBhRFYPMNbO6_BoXD85QUe4f56_9LXWOZInXKsDVy3pIq_8YW8e5NFFimYOtUbU79c8-ANWPQhQT3nSEJG8MmlT-c/s1600/1+pinned+bodice+neck+burial+gown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="1202" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfc-6MbS7VL5iaNYWMMAQAYDmwW3mQStgQsi17GbyAgfo6z8y9zCBhRFYPMNbO6_BoXD85QUe4f56_9LXWOZInXKsDVy3pIq_8YW8e5NFFimYOtUbU79c8-ANWPQhQT3nSEJG8MmlT-c/s320/1+pinned+bodice+neck+burial+gown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've just finished pinning the neck facing.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxKrYwD83gUvlIPa9yZbdfYsDacHIwiOzr17-12hzxBettvTJbpauEAjVwu3N9AyyUBqm7fpUCXocLYPhgLUwnF2ECB9MXNay9olgR03S3B8Nb76BYQyAIZZiTtf2f4V1qhhRm5JpDxM/s1600/1+cutting+white+burial+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxKrYwD83gUvlIPa9yZbdfYsDacHIwiOzr17-12hzxBettvTJbpauEAjVwu3N9AyyUBqm7fpUCXocLYPhgLUwnF2ECB9MXNay9olgR03S3B8Nb76BYQyAIZZiTtf2f4V1qhhRm5JpDxM/s320/1+cutting+white+burial+dress.jpg" width="320" /></a>From there I pinned and sewed the pieces together. I worked from the beginning stages to the more advanced stages and areas of neck, sleeves and closure. Then I went back and pinned and sewed some more! </div>
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And then, when it seemed I neared completion, I cut away excess fabric and hanging threads. I also reinforced specific spots, and sometimes I took parts that I'd sewn together, and I cut them off or reworked them for better results. </div>
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Yep, lot's of details! But they're important to what I'm going to say! :)</div>
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After completing it, I finally got word from a sister at my church ( My Relief Society ("R.S.") president--she takes care of all the women at my local church. Or as we call it- a "ward") that the mom already had something for angel baby to be buried in. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDYUscQbrvzlEDpwJgBBUdUJB4s15Y3FX-sD0iipVOyFSKaMqCPHA7y1OYdS26ytbmjUwGgKSly7QoQlie2MGnjdjyB2RxKzwtSIb0r9iwov4_IqW1E59R7Q0x_unBXOl19MrkbbCEU0/s1600/2backburialdress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDYUscQbrvzlEDpwJgBBUdUJB4s15Y3FX-sD0iipVOyFSKaMqCPHA7y1OYdS26ytbmjUwGgKSly7QoQlie2MGnjdjyB2RxKzwtSIb0r9iwov4_IqW1E59R7Q0x_unBXOl19MrkbbCEU0/s320/2backburialdress.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ties on an open back for easy dressing.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aVkQ92Il08RQBpGg0R2Jv2g3HIyCEiuF5xopaE5MxZXjhgFhctDndk6SpUNUUWU7CYerGAyb7zYcjBAkG2uD6h9MfVE260GLRPfsNSQTh8XzNNQmF7ugn6CFiw6mIzqT9RtKAUOwfT4/s1600/1ababyNormaBurialEyeletBurialDress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1161" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6aVkQ92Il08RQBpGg0R2Jv2g3HIyCEiuF5xopaE5MxZXjhgFhctDndk6SpUNUUWU7CYerGAyb7zYcjBAkG2uD6h9MfVE260GLRPfsNSQTh8XzNNQmF7ugn6CFiw6mIzqT9RtKAUOwfT4/s320/1ababyNormaBurialEyeletBurialDress.JPG" width="232" /><br />
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I had prepared myself that the dress might not be needed, but I still felt some self doubts over having even made an initial effort. I also have to admit I felt embarrassed for having gone to "so much trouble for nothing," and I worried of how ridiculous I must look to others for having done more than a condolence card. </div>
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I took painstaking efforts to make sure it was a beautiful creation, which I'd envisioned from the start. And yet, I looked back after 6+ hours of a days efforts and wondered if my time would have been better spent on housework, or homework (as I'm back to college). I also wondered if maybe the dress and bonnet were just too old-fashioned looking (something I only noticed upon completion), and maybe she really just didn't want it. I worried about having put myself out there for others to judge!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT6s4YaFMR1w8OX4Du10Zl5Fz4bW1Wndt8UC33ftGE5ufpa4uPjFP2r5uMhoPseUcEQSwXsAw6kEtGI_Xw80QH_DANhyphenhyphentLzTPf6OlQjcUx0vRbZH92A9onJB2x5p1KgKxOSf4GKbtcBc/s1600/1+sewing+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1366" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXT6s4YaFMR1w8OX4Du10Zl5Fz4bW1Wndt8UC33ftGE5ufpa4uPjFP2r5uMhoPseUcEQSwXsAw6kEtGI_Xw80QH_DANhyphenhyphentLzTPf6OlQjcUx0vRbZH92A9onJB2x5p1KgKxOSf4GKbtcBc/s320/1+sewing+hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am sewing. A drill is always<br />
important to have handy! ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But regardless of my doubts, I can't deny that I felt good as I created that little gown. My heavy heart took on wings as I worked. I realize now that I had needed a reminder lesson about my life, and the goodness, grace, and mercy of a devoted Heavenly Father!</div>
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Let me tell you why! (Here's where the above details matter!:)</div>
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You see, on a small scale, I was doing what God does with each of us. He helps to recreate our mortal mind and spirits into something better and more beautiful! The symbolism in my creation and efforts of this dress reveals that if we let His masterful hands work on us, He can repurpose us into something more beautiful than we can imagine on our own. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXH_1UgtX8aUALwaRBraWMU5CrmGuIqle9rL5rdDxg2wRvd-VqW7u4CyVhEQV_Qw-j8eGPOAgIF1osAqiGuG7uyI13i0BUi0E5vMTTzYz7ZH3SUvX0a-GcyfwgbNvRMPCr-3KkdGjKVAM/s1600/1+pinning+burial+gown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXH_1UgtX8aUALwaRBraWMU5CrmGuIqle9rL5rdDxg2wRvd-VqW7u4CyVhEQV_Qw-j8eGPOAgIF1osAqiGuG7uyI13i0BUi0E5vMTTzYz7ZH3SUvX0a-GcyfwgbNvRMPCr-3KkdGjKVAM/s320/1+pinning+burial+gown.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyOzJYtz2Ab7nRyX44UVCzZpENb5TTU9G6DtLZqOzmDBbkaHae5uy5qFq04C2VCUgrn1T6T2YX14m8LEFlCLPAEl7ounHSrGAwyan7HUj-NGGOmIFQaC3vXRtaD9iJ29VO_KXiz04W-k/s1600/1+burial+dress+neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">He takes the cut & damaged parts of our lives, and with tremendous care and attention to EVERY detail he will refashion us into something of greater value!</span></i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">God can take things that seem permanent design flaws of our character or circumstance, and through cutting and reconnecting He will have made a more pleasing, beneficial creation. His work may hurt initially, but these careful cuttings and reshapings will be immeasurable blessings to us in the long run!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyOzJYtz2Ab7nRyX44UVCzZpENb5TTU9G6DtLZqOzmDBbkaHae5uy5qFq04C2VCUgrn1T6T2YX14m8LEFlCLPAEl7ounHSrGAwyan7HUj-NGGOmIFQaC3vXRtaD9iJ29VO_KXiz04W-k/s1600/1+burial+dress+neck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyOzJYtz2Ab7nRyX44UVCzZpENb5TTU9G6DtLZqOzmDBbkaHae5uy5qFq04C2VCUgrn1T6T2YX14m8LEFlCLPAEl7ounHSrGAwyan7HUj-NGGOmIFQaC3vXRtaD9iJ29VO_KXiz04W-k/s320/1+burial+dress+neck.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bodice measures approx 4" across.</td></tr>
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I realize now that I needed to have a visual (though time-consuming) lesson on His work with me, and each of us!. Even though my gift wasn't needed by this family, I needed the reminder of how our <b>Heavenly Father tenderly and individually works with each and fills us with hope through His artistic vision! He can help fulfill us with more noble purposes! </b></div>
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It seems I have nothing to offer this family now in their time of loss. Sure, I'll take a meal and make a condolance card. But I wanted to do something special. But perhaps the best thing we can offer someone is continued prayers on their behalf, when we seem limited in what we have to give. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaiO_yujI6i4mk4Kmmoh9WfRhTxhbgcvOkbRlKXLxVBXSZn1LwuqfMaImDPjiEuWBedL7aKjL_XuWUfSXCKK8onLDOU8TZa0JwsSOPUN-JXmFOGs6Q9MDp6baimcbQ8KSlwPNs0h-iK8/s1600/1+messy+of+creation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1366" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaiO_yujI6i4mk4Kmmoh9WfRhTxhbgcvOkbRlKXLxVBXSZn1LwuqfMaImDPjiEuWBedL7aKjL_XuWUfSXCKK8onLDOU8TZa0JwsSOPUN-JXmFOGs6Q9MDp6baimcbQ8KSlwPNs0h-iK8/s320/1+messy+of+creation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This process of growth and improvement<br />
can be a very messy experience!</td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">May we remember we are worth more than what we initially appear to be! It doesn't matter if we are loved, accepted, or understood by those around us. I really believe, despite my feelings of personal insecurities, that </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>when we are trying to do a loving thing, we are pleasing Heavenly Father. There is no failure or shame in trying to be right before God! He accepts all our offerings- big or very small, and He can, and will, multiply those efforts for our good!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0Dc-7to5w-NIPbGR3O2gG8snojFyBNvUD7uyoaFB9beuBn3fgNl4KbqM1XXcH7f-AFexQvc7yer3MvHeQ4E5qQpLH9wKmXe-C93HmxVwjWBgCX_05E2xKQ6i2Y4z4Ww-X8bKmEXsns0/s1600/DC-138.17.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0Dc-7to5w-NIPbGR3O2gG8snojFyBNvUD7uyoaFB9beuBn3fgNl4KbqM1XXcH7f-AFexQvc7yer3MvHeQ4E5qQpLH9wKmXe-C93HmxVwjWBgCX_05E2xKQ6i2Y4z4Ww-X8bKmEXsns0/s320/DC-138.17.png" width="320" /></a>For all my imperfection and weakness, I take comfort in knowing that through the master creator, who lovingly knows how to shape and construct us, we are destined for eternal joy and unparalleled vistas of heavenly beauty!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>May we keep His love ever before our eyes, and let the Lord God work His miracles in our hearts and lives!</i></span></div>
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Christine<br />
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<b>UPDATE</b>: I went to a truly beautiful funeral of this little child tonight at The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. This little girl, no more than 10.5 inches tall lay in her casket all dressed in white. She was perfect in from head to toe. Her little fingers were half the length of my a sewing need, and she had precious little finger nail painted with light pink nail polish. She had a a precious white headband, and she wore a delightful antique blessing gown with pintucks and fancy french heirloom work. </div>
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This beautiful baby wore a dress that had been made by the dad's great grandma- generations ago...for a doll! I felt tearful to consider that the hand of providence was in motion long before this little girl passed away, so that a perfect family heirloom was ready for this day!<br />
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There were many tear filled eyes (especially as the dad walked in carrying the casket of his baby) but the funeral was filled with messages and songs of hope through Jesus Christ. If you've never been to a "Mormon" funeral, I recommend you go to see what I mean. There is always an underlying theme of being able to be reuinited with our loved ones again!<br />
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To learn more about our beliefs on death please go to this following link: <a href="https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/life-after-death">https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/life-after-death</a><br />
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I now obviously I realize that I worried needlessly about my dress somehow being rejected for looking too antique! ;) I plan to learn from this lesson!</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-84022165785017909002017-06-28T22:03:00.000-07:002019-10-20T21:52:53.851-07:00Childhood Trauma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUV__A1X60MfOjZFCx-ndgyvL04-ENtqNsOZYPRvmqbt6apnYehnTnYv6yz6VD2nCx4ewLIjm6CH7uK5Rq-vzNpw2Vx9KdWlAwBd5R-2NhQ4MDKqTaA5Kqydo0ElcSRkz-FXZW03P92_o/s1600/boys+at+the+dentist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUV__A1X60MfOjZFCx-ndgyvL04-ENtqNsOZYPRvmqbt6apnYehnTnYv6yz6VD2nCx4ewLIjm6CH7uK5Rq-vzNpw2Vx9KdWlAwBd5R-2NhQ4MDKqTaA5Kqydo0ElcSRkz-FXZW03P92_o/s320/boys+at+the+dentist.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys in the Dentist office.</td></tr>
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Today, as we were driving to the dentist (for tooth cleanings) my 10 year old son said something that took me by surprise. He said that he only sits in the middle of our van because it's the safest place to sit. He then added that his friend Jason died in the car accident because he was sitting by the door.<br />
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I told him I didn't realize that he felt that way, but I expressed that I thought it was Jason's time to return home to Heavenly Father and that he would likely have died wherever he'd been sitting.<br />
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I didn't express it (okay, maybe a few tears), but in my heart I felt a sense of sadness to see just how the trauma of a friend, and classmate dying, could affect my son's feelings about where he sat in a vehicle.<br />
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Some people underestimate the power that traumas may play to the psyche, but just this small exchange with my son was a powerful reminder of how delicate we are in this mortal sphere.<br />
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I am so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ. I am thankful that through Him we can pick up our crosses each day and learn how to more bravely follow Him, even when it seems we can't take one more step.<br />
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With the power of Christ, I have found that I can take not just one more step, but many more! Each <br />
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small effort keeps adding up to miles and miles I never dreamed possible that I'd be able to walk.<br />
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These steps have come at a high price of sacrifice and a willing heart, but somehow I find that with each new day I can make it through- as long as I have the help of the Lord!<br />
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I'm so thankful to God for my many blessings. I'm thankful for the healing and strength that can come through Christ! Healing takes time and effort, but it's worth the fight! Let us keep carrying our crosses and follow Christ. Through Him, we will have victory!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVq6K7O03ry9xQ2MgscqEfvdlrXkOoxQLYMiNoakflWQjX7YQcIUuvohyS1Akh0uLDiHl45FZ6Chcsc9VzbpuRJDBMTUiK06WILBeDyCXxHasxLgGi5p6QGTxVeihd-SMnjf3V1-KS7go/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVq6K7O03ry9xQ2MgscqEfvdlrXkOoxQLYMiNoakflWQjX7YQcIUuvohyS1Akh0uLDiHl45FZ6Chcsc9VzbpuRJDBMTUiK06WILBeDyCXxHasxLgGi5p6QGTxVeihd-SMnjf3V1-KS7go/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a>Matthew 16:24–25:<br />
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Then said Jesus unto his disciples,</div>
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If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, </div>
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and take up<br />
his cross, </div>
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and follow me.<br />
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For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: </div>
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and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.<br />
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Have hope, for through Christ we can be victorious!<br />
Christine</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-15401890264556878962017-06-23T13:46:00.000-07:002019-10-21T17:10:42.926-07:00"Sorrows forgot, love's purest joys remain"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Just now, at 2:08 pm, I heard these words from an LDS hymn ""Sorrows forgot, love's purest joys remain." How sweet they are to my heavy heart.<br />
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1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;<br />
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.<br />
Leave to thy God to order and provide;<br />
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.<br />
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend<br />
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.<br />
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2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake<br />
To guide the future as he has the past.<br />
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;<br />
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.<br />
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know<br />
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.</div>
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3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on<br />
When we shall be forever with the Lord,<br />
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.</span></u></b><br />
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,<br />
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697;<br />trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897</span>====<br />
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Today I'm feeling a bit low as I was struck with some insight of those I call friends. And it is hurting my heart. There is rarely anything that can be done when someone wrongs us, or misunderstands us. What we can do is kneel to pray, and that is just what I have done this morning.<br />
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I knelt and told Heavenly Father that I know he has all power. I prayed for greater meekness and humility. I prayed to be at peace when there are people who are not completely kind to me. I prayed that they might understand me better, but I prayed to ultimately accept His will, even when they don't understand. I told Him how thankful I am for his protection and blessings, and I listened to several things I'm grateful for. I told Him that I trust him completely, and I prayed that I would give all my fears into his hands.<br />
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I prayed many things, and I took comfort in kneeling before my creator. I took comfort in knowing that He has truly blessed me and directed my life this far. I know He will continue to do so, as I give my will to Him, and as I do my part for righteousness.<br />
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Of course, God does have all power, but he also respects our agency. He won't make us be good. He won't make us walk a certain road. But when we do listen to His Spirt, and walk circumspectly before Him, He rejoices. He delights in granting us blessings, which stem out of our righteous efforts, and our willingness to give Him all we have and are.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband and children--with a photo bomber on the far left!! True Story!</td></tr>
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Those few words that God brought into my mind seem so simple, yet are so profound. As we walk through the darkness, the fear and sorrow can be all-consuming. And yet, when we step back into the light of joy and comfort, the depth and expanse of those sorrows are almost completely forgotten.<br />
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It's that way with childbirth too. I experienced a great deal of agonizing pain in my 5 deliveries of my children, but now I can remember so little of what I felt. If I do remember, I can express the details only on a logical level- not on the emotional or physical level of what I was going through! It's amazing how joy can wipe away those memories of pain!<br />
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There are just going to be days we don't feel our happiest. That's part of life. On those days you may do some of what I try to do... pray, read scriptures, clean & organize in my home, listen to BYU devotionals or LDS General Conference Talks, walk, sew, draw, or listen to happy music. Those things are healthy ways to process emotional pain, and they will hopefully help as they do me.<br />
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But ultimately we must elevate out thoughts to see beyond the storms of this moment. We must tell ourselves positive, grateful, hopeful thoughts. Thoughts that declare that God will give us the strength to get through. Words that declare that Jesus Christ saved us through His atonement and that with His power we will be victorious!<br />
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But, at this moment, I can honestly say that I can hardly wait until "loves purest joys remain!" :)<br />
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Hugs!<br />
Christine</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-65867753679980104872017-06-11T21:03:00.002-07:002018-05-02T15:53:59.846-07:00Answered Prayer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This afternoon I was feeling kind of sad, and therefore very tired. I like to give my time to God, as he sees fit, so I pray through out the day for special direction on how to better use my time. </div>
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I especially needed direction because my mood was low. So I knelt in the quiet of my room, by my bedside, and I asked if He'd be alright with one of my three choices. </div>
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1. Go play the piano at the church. </div>
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2. Write a letter to my sick niece </div>
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3. Take a nap! </div>
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I immediately heard "family time." I softly chuckled because of my tired brain had not considering the fact that I'd presented God with 3 options, but He presented me a fourth!</div>
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I finished my prayer and sat on my bed. (It hurt to much to kneel any longer). I am sure God gave me the idea because my 16 year old daughter came into my room and laid on my bed and asked if Brady Bunch was an alright Sunday activity. I said it might be alright to watch, but that I wanted to play family games. </div>
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We went down and sat in the front room and I asked Briant (my husband) what game we could play. He's a teacher, loves game playing, and is very creative-- so he always has some idea to pass the time. He started out with a word game, "Hangman." Then he said "Pictionary." (I was so tired I was laying on the couch acting out "the queen" and "Sunny (rhymes with bunny)" (That's the name of one of our dog's!) </div>
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Everyone really had fun and got into this. A few examples: My 10 year old acted out our wild dog "Sunny" (so the answer was the same 2 times in a row-since he followed me. My 16 year old acted out "Lettuce Party" Who's ever heard of one of those??!!! My 18 year old refused to join us. He just got home from a pioneer trek yesterday and was down in his room writing about it in his journal. (Okay, a worthy goal, so I didn't push his family presence. But I missed him!)</div>
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Following that my husband began the "Guess who this scripture person is." A few of his questions were, "Who slayed Goliath? (David)" "Who had a coat of many colors? (Joseph)" We also did people from the Book of Mormon, as well as the bible. <span style="font-size: 12pt;">We had a lot of fun with that game, and it was a great time for teaching. </span></div>
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After this game my husband switched to playing a "Guess which child this is?" We asked such questions as: </div>
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<li>"Which child was on Oxygen as a baby?" </li>
<li>"Which child got left at the church after the family baptism?" </li>
<li>"Which preschooler destroyed the rabbit/pigeon hutch?"</li>
<li>"Which child weighed the most at birth, weighing 9.8 pounds?"</li>
<li>"Which child was the littlest at birth, weighing only 7 pounds?"</li>
<li>"Which child always pooped in the bathtub, EVERTIME they were given a bath?"</li>
<li>"Which child has silver teeth? (acid reflux)"</li>
<li>"Which child would have gone swimming in baptismal font, if we'd said it was alright?!"</li>
<li>"Who was the only child to sleep in a crib as a baby?"</li>
<li>"Which child learned to talk the soonest?"</li>
<li>"Which child walked the latest?"</li>
<li>"Which child learn to ride a bike first?"</li>
<li>"Which child likes to draw for hours on end?"</li>
<li>"Which child doesn't like bones (in meat..or pretty much anywhere!! She doesn't like Halloween!?"</li>
<li>"Which child likes to fill in the cracks when they sleep?"</li>
<li>"Which child makes up crazy animal/frog names?" (Hannah! Such as Korea the frog. Nanny Goat Sniffer--a dog we had!)</li>
<li>"Which child threw up in Daddy's mouth?"</li>
<li>"Who went on wild, crazy adventures with Musubi? What was their secret weapon?"</li>
<li>"Who uses up all the tape in our house?"</li>
<li>"Who loved the Wiggles?"</li>
<li>"Who got on the internet twice, by themselve, before the age of 1 year old!" </li>
<li>"Who was born on a cold, foggy, winter day?"</li>
<li>"Who was born on a warm winter day?"</li>
<li>"On which child did Mom's water break?"</li>
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And on we went as a family, playing happy Sabbath style games, and uniting as a family. My heart felt happier, and I knew I'd done the right thing. I am certain it helped make happy memories for our children.</div>
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After we played that we read scriptures and listened to two songs (in honor of our dogs!! "Ebony and Ivory" and "Sunny days, chasing the clouds away..."(Sesame Street theme song), and have knelt to say the end of our day prayers. </div>
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I feel so thankful that Heavenly Father "knows better than I." I'm thankful I could hear the voice of His Spirit giving me a better choice. I still felt tired as we played, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this cherished family time together. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmRsFtrrDOTzGISeSa3Dyb6yK5dpgR1A0IdGdlAgk7wV61miH0h8bH91EL5O97R-TuLrnSQp5Zjf9HU7wsxV4Huz1AfP1aEhwd3o-1xYe7eNZvCfSouDwPBe-SoMPqSVbYVOTrzxJCAo/s1600/alma36-37-book-of-mormon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmRsFtrrDOTzGISeSa3Dyb6yK5dpgR1A0IdGdlAgk7wV61miH0h8bH91EL5O97R-TuLrnSQp5Zjf9HU7wsxV4Huz1AfP1aEhwd3o-1xYe7eNZvCfSouDwPBe-SoMPqSVbYVOTrzxJCAo/s1600/alma36-37-book-of-mormon.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book of Mormon Scripture</td></tr>
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And while not all the concerns of my heart are settled, I certainly feel happier. I'm thankful that we aren't alone on this journey of life, and that our God is there to hear and answer---we just need to ask!<br />
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Always be praying, </div>
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Christine</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-35596156363051742922017-05-08T10:57:00.000-07:002017-05-08T21:36:38.469-07:00Scars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-aeOoh4jVBJVwgDPYjTkJtI_PrHiZb8JUy6PGiTfPUjKyeGNJkS0b42Twwgc91QKrKPAqOCx2xgdqZ-COio37HBG_VwZBlGUjKH0E08pCvRORKCeDmHYUjHCinBgkTwRSYWXfEMBJWM/s1600/family+picture+m+bandaged+finger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-aeOoh4jVBJVwgDPYjTkJtI_PrHiZb8JUy6PGiTfPUjKyeGNJkS0b42Twwgc91QKrKPAqOCx2xgdqZ-COio37HBG_VwZBlGUjKH0E08pCvRORKCeDmHYUjHCinBgkTwRSYWXfEMBJWM/s320/family+picture+m+bandaged+finger.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noticed the bandaged finger. October 2016</td></tr>
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Eight months ago, my little boy (age 7) and his brother (age 9) were playing outside. One day they came running into the house and big brother wildly slammed the front door on little brother!<br />
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Guess what happened?! Little brothers fingertip was broken, as well as almost completely cut off. I rushed him to his usual plastic surgeon (because he's been quite accident prone! We joke about a trip a year to this plastic surgeon!)<br />
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The doctor cleaned, stitched and bound up the finger, and for nearly a month we kept returning to check the healing. At one appointment the doctor told my seven year old son that he didn't need to wear bandages any more. But my little boy kept insisting on wearing them. And I kept providing the bandaides so he could do so.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBajoF6A56U0PXc8KIP_2PsqWYtiBkV2Tz7L87dQx1RWpi2lCwDg8W4tW1QxGENDf0wnBg1O3NlKHyiPu0L8sl2R0BMjQFLtG5Dz7mJ4B6YEemVDRSmSWZuqfE01rspT8XHFPm2D9lFw/s1600/m+scarred+nose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBajoF6A56U0PXc8KIP_2PsqWYtiBkV2Tz7L87dQx1RWpi2lCwDg8W4tW1QxGENDf0wnBg1O3NlKHyiPu0L8sl2R0BMjQFLtG5Dz7mJ4B6YEemVDRSmSWZuqfE01rspT8XHFPm2D9lFw/s320/m+scarred+nose.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't find the recent plastic surgeon pics<br />
of my son. But this was in June, <br />
just a few months before the finger in the door. <br />
(Photo taken before 5 stitches).<br />
Our new puppy bit him as they wrestled!</td></tr>
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But one day I sat him on my lap and pulled back the bandaide to look at the healing taking place. His fingertip was scarred and deformed. I asked him why he wanted to keep it covered. With quivering voice he talked about how he didn't want people to see it because of how it looked. <br />
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Even though it wasn't a "big deal" to me,<span style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>I suddenly understood his shame in having a deformed, scarred finger- with missing fingernail. I held his finger and carressed the scarred area and I said, "M..., I'm sorry you've been embarrassed by how your finger looks. But when I look at your finger all I can see is how wonderful Heavenly Father is, and how much he loves you, and each of us." <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xw8jQlpUodgIKAckRIkapJQ37aZHutgCjzUkgGbi_LErjuwjZdoAUiznZBuvnTDmyuhjkqPVOunfDzTJ_8EGyaXTRAlOB2ateQOyHu5IwLtVDh33dE3a0YjSWtqNnfIdL2NEAQylkaQ/s1600/holy+temple+body+meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Xw8jQlpUodgIKAckRIkapJQ37aZHutgCjzUkgGbi_LErjuwjZdoAUiznZBuvnTDmyuhjkqPVOunfDzTJ_8EGyaXTRAlOB2ateQOyHu5IwLtVDh33dE3a0YjSWtqNnfIdL2NEAQylkaQ/s320/holy+temple+body+meme.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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I proceeded to tell my precious son how our body is the most amazing thing on earth. I said there is no material on earth like it. When it gets cut it can heal. And broken bones can grow back together.<br />
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I again gently touched the scarred area and said "You don't need to be embarrassed because of the scars. You can always look at them and remember what God has done for you because He loves you!"<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">From that day forward my son no longer wore a bandaid </span>(bandage)<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> to hide his finger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Our bodies are a miraculous gift of God. We are each unique and cherished creations and miracles of our divine creator. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMsbUtn47G9lBb1GriwPcMUIgcAGEYnMgzSqyf8t0rXH8eTbsmiMWUkW_Y1InciN-r_R3v1ARYKAejCqTA364kDsqp2hL0l71RM0aHd7gwMLmoW-Th_ps7aOdVtarxmAhIT48qkhZzmA/s1600/all+things+denote+God+book+of+Mormon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMsbUtn47G9lBb1GriwPcMUIgcAGEYnMgzSqyf8t0rXH8eTbsmiMWUkW_Y1InciN-r_R3v1ARYKAejCqTA364kDsqp2hL0l71RM0aHd7gwMLmoW-Th_ps7aOdVtarxmAhIT48qkhZzmA/s320/all+things+denote+God+book+of+Mormon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
While some wounds may physically or emotionally scar or cause of cause to become deformed, we can each find ultimate spiritual healing through the power and mercy of God. That is of great comfort and hope to me.<br />
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My son's small finger is just one example of the greatness of God. I hope you can look a your life and see His love for you. His love and greatness is everywhere we look--IF we have gratitude in our hearts and His vision in helping us to see beyond the mundane things of life. <br />
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How do you see the hand of God in your life?<br />
Christine<br />
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I just discovered this song. It has a powerful message of God's love for us!<br />
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Yes! He loves of any way we are! He loves us any way we come to Him! #ChristSavedUs!<br />
#YOUareLOVED<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160080417875087587.post-11423872072111080992017-05-07T17:24:00.000-07:002017-09-08T10:59:58.024-07:00What is Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Through the ages poets and song writers have tried to define love, but among the best description (at least that I can recall at this moment;) are these:</span><br />
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John Keats (adapted by me:)<br />
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"<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">(Love) A thing of beauty is a joy for ever: Its loveliness increases; it will never Pass into nothingness; but still will keep...</span></b>" </blockquote>
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And William Wadsworth wrote:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"<span style="color: #741b47;">The Soul (of love) that rises with us, our life's Star,<br />Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometh from afar</span>"</span></b> </blockquote>
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Even Christina Perri attempts to describe love when she sings: "I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more." But she got something right...probably without understanding it.... <span style="color: #741b47;"><b>LOVE IS ETERNAL! </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>While it seems we are just beginning our relationships of love, they began long before we came to this mortal, earthly sphere!</b></span> And real bonds of friendship and love will not end here! </div>
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<b><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Love is Endless and Eternal! </span></b></div>
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<b>As a side note</b>: In place of "I have died everyday," Christina's song reads better to the truth of my soul when I replace it with "<b>I have sacrificed everyday waiting (and preparing) for you....</b>" (I add that because I have to make sense of things! And that part hasn't really made much sense to me- till now!:)</div>
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TRUE, GODLY LOVE means SACRIFICE! Sacrifice of our will for God's will. Sacrificing our comfort for the comforts of those we love. </div>
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Don't confuse sacrifice with deprivation. God expects us to take care of ourselves and to treat ourselves with love, and He also wants us to be treated with love. But he wants us to do it within his guidelines and commandments. Elder Neal A. Maxwell paints a clear meaning of sacrifice when he wrote: </div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , "zoram" , "noto sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">So it is that real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed! Such is the “sacrifice unto the Lord … of a broken heart and a contrite spirit,” (</span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59.8?lang=eng#7" old-href="../../../scriptures/dc-testament/dc/59.html?verse=8&lang=eng#p8" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", Zoram, "noto sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s;">D&C 59:8</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , "zoram" , "noto sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">), a prerequisite to taking up the cross, while giving “away all [our] sins” in order to “know God” (</span><a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/22.18?lang=eng#17" old-href="../../../scriptures/bofm/alma/22.html?verse=18&lang=eng#p18" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", Zoram, "noto sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s;">Alma 22:18</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans" , "zoram" , "noto sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">) for the denial of self precedes the full acceptance of Him.</span></span></blockquote>
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Neal A. Maxwell. (Full talk can be read/listened to here) <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/04/deny-yourselves-of-all-ungodliness?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/04/deny-yourselves-of-all-ungodliness?lang=eng </a> </blockquote>
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Today I saw the bishop of my ward stand to speak, and he joined others through the ages in his efforts to describe love, when he spoke of the love he felt in seeing the baby about to become his adopted daughter. He also described one of the reasons for his hesitance in having another child stemming from his concern in not having enough love to give. (And haven't we all felt that in one way or another. I know before I gave birth to each of my children I wondered if I could love the child about to come, or love them like the previous ones! But love has always come to me!) <b>There is always ample love, when it stems from a place of righteousness.</b></div>
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This dear, righteous man described sweet, sacred moments with the adoption of his daughter, where he felt tuggings at his heart strings, and his spirit cried out to have this child join his family on their journey of life because of the stirrings of love he felt for her. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>He loved her beyond what seemed his own capacity. His love was flowing and unrestricted, despite his prior doubts of whether he could love another child, as his others. He felt love. And he knew love- God's love- as he accepted his sacred role of caring and protecting this gift from God. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>God made the difference by not just placing this child in his arms, but also placing her love in his heart long before he met her! Their friendship and love before these early moments of her life formed before this earth, and came "trailing clouds of glory" (Wordsworth)</b></span></div>
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I was fascintated to listen to him because I am always studying things of God's love, in an effort to make sense of my life. God is continutally teaching me to recognize love- when I feel so inept at my seeemingly feeble attempts to love well. And, this may sound surprising, but it also seems like God is teaching me that I don't really know what love is! </div>
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But there are times when I feel confident in my ability to love. </div>
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So how could I not know what love is?! </div>
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I don't think God is telling me I don't feel love, or understand it to some degree, but I think he has long wanted me to understand something which I only just figured out! <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b><u>GOD IS LOVE</u></b></span>. <b style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><u>God is the source of love.</u> God is the author love. <u>All</u> forms of love ebbs and flows through God, by way of Jesus Chist- the mediator between us and our Father in Heaven. </b>I don't completely understand how that works, but I know it does. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnKb2a5EcV_q31hGiWON8HOMIXCeTgH15NU0Cjf5mrZ1lIhPBgRgA8ifFXFAKOTeITFfQuboeAKUOdXsq5zi0kX8aYPO3id95-nag-EWpUMvUlbyBFgL7tBIDZTRQm_kwnrX9xa7FHvI/s1600/love+charity+meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnKb2a5EcV_q31hGiWON8HOMIXCeTgH15NU0Cjf5mrZ1lIhPBgRgA8ifFXFAKOTeITFfQuboeAKUOdXsq5zi0kX8aYPO3id95-nag-EWpUMvUlbyBFgL7tBIDZTRQm_kwnrX9xa7FHvI/s320/love+charity+meme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We have the scriptures to teach us of love, but I do not believe that a description of ultimate feelings of love is<b> </b>possible<b> </b>in our limited mortal vocabulary and experience. We are weighed down with clouds of darkness and trial here on earth. Our mortal experience affects every part of our being-especially our mental perspective of recognizing truth and love. </div>
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Here on earth we get bogged down with people treating us meanly or thoughtlessly, or who are difficult to get along with, and we struggle to see the light of God within them because of our pride and/or pain. But, <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;"><b>SOMEDAY we will be stripped of sin and weakness and we will see others through the eyes of love--God's pure, perfect love! </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexfcY8njQChTuFKaemNuVhrX11cQtmyiCE639SR6e3QzplSGnk20pF0BoSVbPyUkXrRFYRelpqXC7QDLKUiUzaXjkQyIzXRoQMOJRiN9hDULNNugcgB1tu5sdepgIIvUXQsnOPhrl1h0/s1600/glass+darkly+meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexfcY8njQChTuFKaemNuVhrX11cQtmyiCE639SR6e3QzplSGnk20pF0BoSVbPyUkXrRFYRelpqXC7QDLKUiUzaXjkQyIzXRoQMOJRiN9hDULNNugcgB1tu5sdepgIIvUXQsnOPhrl1h0/s320/glass+darkly+meme.jpg" width="320" /></a>We will no longer be fettered by any degree of darkness, but we will be exposed to 100% light and 100% love, and it will beautifully consume every cell of our being. We will no longer doubt whether we are worthy of being loved by others. We will no longer wonder if we are good enough to be loved by others. </div>
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Conversely, when we experience life without the curtain of our pre-existent memory drawn, <b>we will no longer look at others and intentionally or unintentionally weigh their value</b> based on the things we value (Such as being kind, sweet, generous, talented, or interesting...or a myriad of other factors). In short, we will see others in the light of truth. We will recognize the spirits of others and know just how loved they are, and how loved we are. We will be enveloped in love, that we only have glimpses here with the stains of earth life.</div>
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We assign labels of love in all kinds of ways.... from people to food! But one day we will discover true, pure love,! Love that shines into all the dark crevices of our heart and mind. Love that is without limitation and illness. Love filled with hope and light, in a way that we can only dream. Love made of the sweetest essence never clearly imaginable or understood here on earth!</div>
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Because of our limitations in understanding love, we must continue to look to Heavenly Father to fill us with more of His love, and to teach us how to become worthy to enter his presence with purity of love- in both heart and mind. As we strive to follow the guidelines for love set forth in 1 Corinthians (as per picture above), we will have treasured and sacred experiences of God's love in our life, such as my bishop had with his daughter. We will experience that love if we are ever reaching for the hand of God.<br />
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Love can be sweet and cherished here, as we work at it, but imagine how much more magnified love can become. It fills my soul with wonder and delight to try and consider the potential! It's definately worth giving our life in the pursuit of purity and sacrifice, so that we can experience sacred love now, and an even more incomprensible joy and love later!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4lc_p4X4pbDwWqp0ETmpgZcwpPn-sw-dd_1bkjuw4dPDPMo-zHtoicGXiykUIjYRwfrKk2zJ3jBCad0MAagOTxhXajE3TJPTyYGrKlRU-_zCgKoa5fVa8OJQW8aVwLJY7V0Afo9Rti8/s1600/wait+patiently+meme+lord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4lc_p4X4pbDwWqp0ETmpgZcwpPn-sw-dd_1bkjuw4dPDPMo-zHtoicGXiykUIjYRwfrKk2zJ3jBCad0MAagOTxhXajE3TJPTyYGrKlRU-_zCgKoa5fVa8OJQW8aVwLJY7V0Afo9Rti8/s320/wait+patiently+meme+lord.jpg" width="320" /></a>I pray you have others around you who help you to feel glimpses of the love of God. I hope that in the depths of your soul you will understand that true, pure love doesn't end, just because circumstances in your life change, or because you change (for better or worse). I hope you know that you are loved, and worthy of being loved. I hope you take HOPE in Christ and through Christ, and feel hope in knowing that you are destined for more than you see of yourself and around yourself. There is no lost cause to Christ. There is HOPE through Christ. Let Him be your hope and balm of solace. </div>
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Christine</div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560711315111701392noreply@blogger.com0