tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70310694123596344662024-02-19T02:36:13.505-05:00Simply Loving This Life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-1801184215861210692011-10-31T16:46:00.000-04:002011-10-31T16:46:47.061-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 30 Let Him Take The Lead}May I admit that I have been asking, no, begging God for the past nearly three years to be a stay at home mom? Is it also ok to admit that I have allowed myself to have PPD because of it? Well, not intentionally. But, that's what happens when strongholds take over you. I don't know if I will ever not want to be a stay at home mom. I don't feel like I spend enough time with my family. But, what I do know is that God is leading this journey. I'm just taking His hand as a child would. I don't know the plans He has for me, but He does.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11</blockquote>Maybe God knows that I wouldn't be happy as a stay at home mom. Some stay at home mom's don't feel fulfilled. Maybe that would be me. <br />
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Maybe God isn't saying no, but just not now.<br />
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Whatever He has planned for me is good. <br />
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Just like when I was a teenager and my parents wouldn't let me ride with my newly licensed teenage friends (and I was so furious), they knew what was best for me. They were protecting me. They didn't want me to be a statistic. They didn't want me to die like my cousin did at only 14 years old. They had my best in mind. They weren't trying to steal my fun or be overprotective.<br />
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I didn't understand it then. But I do now. And, I appreciate it now. <br />
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And just like my parents...even more than my parents...God is watching over me now. He knows what is best for me and I'm going to let Him take the lead.<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html"><strong><span style="color: #3366cc;">here</span></strong></a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-74145343018874132922011-10-31T16:37:00.000-04:002011-10-31T16:37:14.542-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 29 What A Ride!}I love this quote.<br />
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, favorite beverage in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming,Woo Hoo...what a ride!" Author Unknown <br />
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What a great to live your life. Though it doesn't seem to be a Christian quote, I see it through the Christian filter. How wonderful to live a life of serving others and taking the awesome ride called life!<br />
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How about the lyric in Lonestar's song "Mountains"? The good Lord gave us mountains so we could learn how to climb.<br />
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Another great mental picture of how life is to be lived.<br />
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We would complain that life was boring if we didn't have ups and downs and curves along the way. I think God knew that. He's awesome like that.<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html"><strong><span style="color: #3366cc;">here</span></strong></a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-14703490160633400692011-10-31T16:31:00.000-04:002011-10-31T16:31:44.823-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 28 The Three Little Pigs Is Not A Fairy Tale}The Three Little Pigs Is Not A Fairy Tale.<br />
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Yes, all words are meant to be capitalized.<br />
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It's true.<br />
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The big bad wolf is standing outside your door, huffing and puffing and trying to blow your house down.<br />
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Will you let him?<br />
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Or, will you put on the full armor of God and take charge. Will you fight?<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10</blockquote><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></sup>---<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup>10</sup> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29349">11</sup> Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29350">12</sup> For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29351">13</sup> Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29352">14</sup> Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29353">15</sup> and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29354">16</sup> In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29355">17</sup> Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-29356">18</sup> And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesisans 6:10-18</span></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD6M9W6yNw1gk2mH4NkWYW8Zwo1z9E3mtFZ1voAWfAuOhFw_KelDBbLx9ssaGXGVjBXm1_N9KsMxlGRlGpOzisZX5xK6ZlhE5xni30U0LzYI66Gb-xsu7Z3pd8H4o2QrY3B9F26BU_Ak/s1600/Three-Little-Pigs4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOD6M9W6yNw1gk2mH4NkWYW8Zwo1z9E3mtFZ1voAWfAuOhFw_KelDBbLx9ssaGXGVjBXm1_N9KsMxlGRlGpOzisZX5xK6ZlhE5xni30U0LzYI66Gb-xsu7Z3pd8H4o2QrY3B9F26BU_Ak/s320/Three-Little-Pigs4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Photo Credit: GoogleUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-46259871156275396272011-10-27T14:36:00.000-04:002011-10-27T14:36:11.650-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 27 The End, Part Two)Yesterday we left off asking, Would anything change in our lives if we were told we only had a few precious days to live.<br />
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I'm a little sad to say that my life would be very different.<br />
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I would quit my job and spend as much time with my family as possible.<br />
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I would let them know how much I love them.<br />
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I would cook a beautiful meal for them.<br />
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Maybe take a short vacation.<br />
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Tell as many people about Jesus as I could.<br />
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I could go on and on.<br />
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So, why don't I go on and do that now? Why do we have to wait until the end to live like we want to live?<br />
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Loving this life is not about getting but giving. It's not about anything of this world except for people. Other souls. Precious lives that are hanging in the balance.<br />
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I have some things that I will be changing. Do you?<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html"><strong><span style="color: #3366cc;">here</span></strong></a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-36221483030172183122011-10-27T14:30:00.000-04:002011-10-27T14:30:13.231-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 26 The End}My husband was telling me about a co-worker who received some tragic news recently.<br />
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His co-worker went to the doctor and was told he had a thyroid issue. After visiting a specialist he was told he had stage 4 cancer. In addition, he was told he only has 4 to 6 weeks to live.<br />
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It breaks my heart to hear this and I don't even know this person.<br />
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It makes me think too.<br />
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How would I live my life if I was told I only had a few precious days left?<br />
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Would anything change?<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html"><strong><span style="color: #3366cc;">here</span></strong></a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-17666777679165683822011-10-25T09:37:00.000-04:002011-10-25T09:38:00.001-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 25 The Frogs}<div>Today is October 25th. It is so hard to believe that we are 3/4 through our journey of 31 Days of Loving Life. I hope you have been encouraged, inspired and even stretched. I hope you have experienced an aha moment or two. Ultimately, I hope God has used my little blog in this great big world to speak to you in some way, no matter how small. During these last few days in this series, I have a few things on my heart, but I'm not sure where God will lead.</div><div></div><div>Today I want to talk about the recurring problems in life. The ones that seem to cycle, come and go. They are thorns in our lives. </div><div></div><div>For me, they are a lot like the dog lying on the nail. The old hound dog was lying on the front porch just howling and moaning. Someone asked his owner why he didn't do anything to help the poor old dog and he replied, he's laying on a nail and it just doesn't hurt bad enough for him to get up and move.</div><div></div><div>In my devotion this morning I read about the Egyptian Pharoah with the frog problem. There were thousands of frogs in his country, maybe millions. They were everywhere. The frogs came as a result of a dispute with God over the Israelites. God sent Moses to speak to the Pharoah:</div><div></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div>"When shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses?" “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said. Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the LORD our God." Exodus 8:9-10</div></blockquote></div><div>This was an aha moment for me.</div><div></div><div>How often do I say tomorrow to God? How often do I say tomorrow to my problems? Why wait a moment longer than I have to, to rid myself of my own "plagues"? </div><div></div><div>It's time to clear out the frogs!<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html"><strong><span style="color: #3366cc;">here</span></strong></a> to find them all!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-80863843431218939782011-10-24T11:44:00.001-04:002011-10-25T09:37:49.707-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 24 While I'm Waiting)What are you supposed to do when we are waiting for the Lord to answer your prayers? Continue Praying. Be obedient. Stay faithful. Continue to serve Him.<br />
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<blockquote>Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; blessed are all those who wait for Him.<br />
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Isaiah 40:31 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.</blockquote>I absolutely love the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller. Below is the video used for Fireproof. Love the song. Love the lyrics. Love the movie.<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html"><strong><span style="color: #3366cc;">here</span></strong></a> to find them all!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-16550464809869965262011-10-24T09:35:00.001-04:002011-10-25T09:37:34.655-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 23 Choose Happiness}<div class="quote3">"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."</div><span class="author3">~ Groucho Marx </span><br />
<div><img alt="spacer gif" border="0" class="separator" height="5" src="http://www.inspirationalspark.com/image-files/hline.gif" width="300" /></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="176" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsrXcowlObyJ6AD4l_ULA45I0eDJQpV4NVMEJpHM04ZrvggU9LrK1A-Icmyj2x6vSYfzubJ9vS-lnvq4SYONyt3i70BM1VOMKUoPmD9-Z6mKFLZnC-FlgIT-fTdOUUSk_CozKR8pfnWY/s320/happy-woman3-saidaonline1.jpg" width="320" /></div><a href="http://rishikajain.com/page/10/">Photo Credit</a> <br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html"><strong><span style="color: #3366cc;">here</span></strong></a> to find them all!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-82533453782565808722011-10-24T09:31:00.000-04:002011-10-24T09:31:04.542-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 22 Everything is A Miracle)<div class="quote3">"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. "</div><span class="author3">~ Albert Einstein </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7i3TDdNCOaMM10sS3ta7LTzc8URnD1U9dzFEZLImOIfgo33ZQj5iHB_i_aPKoH0Zmq3RullhY57TECial_wunvjXae0qagD4U-sSpRHj2LpioUnmikQfH9Q46zHorjCd3j_szXE-UYY/s1600/imagesCA3A3EYZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7i3TDdNCOaMM10sS3ta7LTzc8URnD1U9dzFEZLImOIfgo33ZQj5iHB_i_aPKoH0Zmq3RullhY57TECial_wunvjXae0qagD4U-sSpRHj2LpioUnmikQfH9Q46zHorjCd3j_szXE-UYY/s400/imagesCA3A3EYZ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://www.weblo.com/asset_image/456881/130835/Hwange/">Photo Credit</a><br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html"><strong><span style="color: #3366cc;">here</span></strong></a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-7125409200371993102011-10-21T15:04:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:18:21.887-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 21 Count It All Joy}Today's post is a little later than normal. I apologize for keeping you on the edge of your seats! Just kidding!<br />
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Back in July, my husband had to have ear surgery. Sounds very simple, but it was anything but simple. He had a cholesteatoma deep within his ear that had taken his hearing. We were terrified. Worried about the surgery. Worried about the medical bills. Worried about him being out of work for several weeks. Worried that we couldn't make ends meet. Just a whole bunch of worry.<br />
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We knew that God would provide. <br />
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He did. <br />
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We knew that God would provide healing. <br />
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He did.<br />
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We cut back on everything. It was really a luxury to go out to eat, even at a fast food restaurant. And, not only did we survive, but we thrived.<br />
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We enjoyed spending time together as a family. I became quite spoiled to not having to wake up so early and I loved getting home early too. We found our church and fell in love with our church family during that time. My husband was able to spend a lot of time with our son. We had eight full weekends together as a family.<br />
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But, there was a problem. The tumor was gone, but his hearing didn't improve. And, it still hasn't.<br />
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Today, he met with the surgeon again and has scheduled another surgery for November 15. And, I'm not worried. I'm happy.<br />
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God provided more than we needed during his last surgery and recovery and I know He is already providing for us now. I see this as an amazing opportunity and blessing. <br />
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Now, I don't have to look at the calender and be disappointed that my husband can't make it to a family Christmas gathering because he has to work. <br />
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I don't have to figure out if we can go as a family to our Christmas program at church.<br />
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We can truly enjoy spending this Thanksgiving and Christmas season together as a family. That's the greatest gift we could ask for. On our wish list, the success of the surgery and we know God has already provided that too.<br />
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These are the verses that I have clung to during many times of trial I have experienced (various translations):<br />
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3 John 1:2<br />
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.<br />
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James 1:2-8<br />
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. <br />
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Philippians 4:19<br />
My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-18666002354566703762011-10-20T08:16:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:18:33.280-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 20 Flying Blind}Have you ever seen the "God is my Co-Pilot" bumper sticker or tag?<br />
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</div><div align="left">Have you heard the song "Jesus take the wheel" by Carrie Underwood?</div><div align="left"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">These words became real life for Jim O'Neill in November, 2008. Jim suddenly became blind while he was piloting his two seater Cessna airplane from Scotland to England. At first, Jim thought it was temporary and due to the glaring sun, but quickly realized there was a bigger problem. Jim had suffered a stroke that rendered him completely blind. Jim was 15,000 feet in the air with no way out. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Amazingly, with the help of the Royal Air Force and Air Traffic Control, Jim was able to safely land his plane. The Royal Air Force flew to meet Jim and stayed within 300 feet of his plane and guided him by giving simple instructions, turn right slighly, go up, go down. After three attempts at landing, he did land and was taken to the hospital. Jim had suffered a stroke and did recover. (You may read the full story <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27600521/ns/world_news-weird_news/t/pilot-lands-safely-after-going-blind-mid-air/">here.</a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love this story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love struggle victory stories.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">God is right there with you. All the time. He gives us those simple instructions that we need to safely land, ie live our lives. Just like with Jim, we usually only get one step at a time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Go this way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">No, that's not a good idea.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Read this book, blog, etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's a verse to help you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am so thankful for that God is ever present in my life. Are you allowing Him to guide you, or do you question His every instruction?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-58321473374427086972011-10-19T08:00:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:18:43.397-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 19 Excusitis}Have you ever had a case of excuseitis? I'm too old. I'm too young. I'm overweight. I'm not smart enough. I don't have any time. <br />
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Fauja Singh could have said he was too old. When he was 89 years old he began running marathons. Yes, that is correct. 89 years old. Over the weekend he completed his eighth marathon. In case you don't know, a marathon is 26.2 miles. Fauja finished in last place, at 8:25.17. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p1tqV5jZd1PTQjG8XtHZbLonwYVl1lSGBA6YJ5MBuezbjvLPrGwcYmY8EZq8KCmbV-l7UMKwdeZwE-5xsxs3XgLh2u_XXAvISbOkikfeWtomVJ4MaOtSvzsXxWo4N0g-eC0QohieyTw/s1600/runner3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p1tqV5jZd1PTQjG8XtHZbLonwYVl1lSGBA6YJ5MBuezbjvLPrGwcYmY8EZq8KCmbV-l7UMKwdeZwE-5xsxs3XgLh2u_XXAvISbOkikfeWtomVJ4MaOtSvzsXxWo4N0g-eC0QohieyTw/s320/runner3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/100-Year-Old-Man-Completes-Marathon-131971733.html">Photo Credit</a></div>What stands out most to you in this story?<br />
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I certainly hope that it isn't that Fauja came in last place. I hope that it's the fact that not only did he conquer his own reasons not to run, but I'm sure, he overcame the remarks and opinions of others too.<br />
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What an inspiration.<br />
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Reminds me of Abraham and Sarah. God doesn't look at age. He's ageless. Timeless. He doesn't look at any of our other excuses either. He knows our limitations, but calls us anyway, because He equips us.<br />
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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-22698574028877278342011-10-18T08:56:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:18:56.196-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 18 The Pumpkin}This past weekend, while Dylan wasn't feeling his best, we speent the weekend at home. Normally when we are home I keep the Nick Jr. channel on at a low volume, hoping he will learn all of the positive character qualities they teach as well as math, colors, etc. Well, this weekend, mommy learned something too!<br />
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If you are a mom of a young child, I'm sure you have heard of Franklin. If not, fyi, Franklin is an adorable little turtle cartoon, check it out, super cute. Moving on now. Franklin and his friend Bear had grown a huge pumpkin and wanted to take it to the fiar to be judged. They were on their way to the fair when tragedy struck. The pumpkin rolled down the hill and smashed into a tree. Franklin and Bear were so upset. I can't blame them, all their hard work ruined.<br />
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Then came the life lesson.<br />
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Mrs. Muskrat came up on them and saw what happened. Then she said it. "Don't worry, everything can be made into something good."<br />
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Repeat: <strong>Everything can be made into something good.</strong><br />
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What good is a smashed up pumpkin? It's perfect for ribbon winning pumpkin pie!<br />
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Are you broken? Feel smashed up? Feel like you have hit a tree head on? Know that you have good inside you too.<br />
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<strong>Everything can be made into something good.</strong><br />
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I'm learning that being broken isn't always such a bad thing. It's often the perfect time to share what's on the inside of you that's normally hidden in your shell.<br />
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Here's to turning smashed pumpkins into pumpkin pie!<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-67146336324288833192011-10-16T22:31:00.003-04:002011-10-21T15:19:05.984-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 17 He Understands}I've always heard that Jesus understands our pain, that while on earth He was tempted and suffered just as we do. It's one thing to hear it and a completely different matter to believe it. <br />
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I'm currently reading Max Lucado's new book, God's Story Your Story. In this book, Max Lucado quotes the verse that is the origin of this saying, and it is quoted in a translation that I've never heard it quoted before.<br />
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For our high priest [Jesus] is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's Throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:15-16 NCV<br />
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This verse doesn't exactly paint the picture of Jesus sitting on His throne, tapping His fingers and saying, I can't believe she just did that, said that, failed that...again. No completely opposite. I'm envisioning Jesus sitting at His throne, looking down with love, saying you can do this, you have what you need to overcome this, I am with you, I have been there.<br />
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We all gravitate to people that we have things in common with. I hope that this verse causes you to gravitate to Jesus more than ever before!<br />
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He does understand.<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-67451541378139915332011-10-16T09:11:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:19:30.675-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 16 What's your MO?}I can hardly believe that we are on Day 16 already! My how the month has flown by! It will be Christmas before we know it! I LOVE Christmas and fall, so I don't want to rush it!!<br />
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Today I'm thinking of my MO. I used to watch a lot of crime shows, I don't anymore because they are so negative, but I did really love them. I liked trying to figure out who did it and why. Clue for television! In those shows, the police are always searching for the criminals' MO, mode of operation or manner of operation. Basically, how they choose their crimes, etc.<br />
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Yesterday, my baby really didn't feel well when he woke up. He was just lying around and whimpering and very tired. The past few days he really hasn't been himself, so much that his nursery school teachers even commented on it. So, I was already concerned about him. So when he woke up that way, this momma panicked! My first reaction, call the doctor!! Something is wrong! <br />
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Well, I did call and they referred me to Urgent Care. Fun. Always fun to go to the urgent care! I spoke to my husband and decided to wait it out a little bit. He had no fever and no other symptoms. Ultimately, he was fine and we didn't go to the doctor.<br />
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Afterward, that got me to thinking. In my life, what is my MO? What is my reaction? Do I always panic? Do I go to God first? Or do I call my momma, my husband, the doctor? <br />
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Let's say it isn't a negative situation, let's say something really great just happened. I got a raise or Dylan just said a new word, then what do I do? Call my husband or my momma? Or do I thank God?<br />
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I really believe that I need to change my own MO. I need to put God in first place, my husband second, my family third and everything else can follow. I say God is my number one, but my MO has proven that He gets called second or third.<br />
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Hmm, a little something to think about.<br />
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What's your MO?<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-36822761981498145132011-10-15T15:04:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:19:41.809-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 15 Little Snowdrop}Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness day. So many families experience the loss of a child and many suffer alone. Below is a poem that I found online, that is a beautiful memorial to the precious little ones that left us too early.<br />
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<span class="textstyle1"><strong><span style="color: #4b4b4b; font-family: Georgia;">Little Snowdrop</span></strong></span><span class="textstyle0"><span style="color: #4b4b4b; font-family: Georgia;">The world may never notice <br />
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,<br />
Or even pause to wonder <br />
If the petals fall too soon. <br />
But every life that ever forms, <br />
Or ever comes to be, <br />
Touches the world in some small way <br />
For all eternity. <br />
The little one we long for <br />
Was swiftly here and gone. <br />
But the love that was then planted<br />
Is a light that still shines on. <br />
And though our arms are empty,<br />
Our hearts know what to do. <br />
Every beating of our hearts <br />
Says of our love for you.<br />
~ Author Unknown</span><br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-28366212438438940472011-10-14T08:00:00.003-04:002011-10-21T15:19:51.830-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 14 Meaningless Life}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0oOhN6rUXFrv6c4CMKixVh4jDCn6c7a9wC-n3TET-QDt3fvpN3OarazAer5kVVa9kSnK-UoDWlOTbgSU1fEDfw5v6NIQSbVnYTqUebyAYL-oRt_U7vPPrcA05JPhhVvYxBjSWu4asHE/s1600/inspirational-quotes-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0oOhN6rUXFrv6c4CMKixVh4jDCn6c7a9wC-n3TET-QDt3fvpN3OarazAer5kVVa9kSnK-UoDWlOTbgSU1fEDfw5v6NIQSbVnYTqUebyAYL-oRt_U7vPPrcA05JPhhVvYxBjSWu4asHE/s640/inspirational-quotes-15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit Sandeep Kumar</span><br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-41513394418669987902011-10-13T08:22:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:20:04.682-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 13 Overcoming Anger & Negative Emotions}Have you ever been mad at someone? Really mad? When you thought back on that time later, did you get mad all over again?<br />
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That nasty little cycle is two things: not letting go of the past and is also insanity. Have you heard the saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results? It's true.<br />
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I am a stuffer. I tend to stuff my feelings instead of dealing with them. I don't want to argue. I don't want to talk about it. I hope that I can stuff it, say it will be ok tomorrow and then pray that it will be. Well, lets just say that doesn't work too often. Nope, sure doesn't.<br />
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Whenever I see the person or am reminded of the situation, I am flooded again by frustration, sadness, you name it. So how do I deal with it?<br />
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Pray. God's Word directs us to pray for our enemies. I don't believe that is just our arch enemies. I believe it is also the things or people that rub us the wrong way and bring out the worst in us. Then I pray for myself. I need strength to deal with this problem and that strength can only come from the Lord. <br />
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The formula is simple. The answer is only a few short words:<br />
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1 Thessalonians 5:13 Pray without ceasing.<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-63413903543593028902011-10-11T22:17:00.002-04:002011-10-21T15:20:14.940-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 12 A Godly Husband}Today is a very special day. It is my husbands birthday!<br />
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To honor him, I'm sharing the traits of a godly husband that I recently read. Although the list could be longer, these are a great foundation.<br />
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1. A wise husband is kind and compassionate.<br />
2. A wise husband is honest.<br />
3. A wise husband is hard working.<br />
4. A wise husband is truthful.<br />
5. A wise husband exercises self control.<br />
6. A wise husband is a man of integrity.<br />
7. A wise husband is faithful and reliable.<br />
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I am so very thankful for the blessing that my husband is to our family. I will be praying these traits over my husband, not because he lacks them, but because I love him and want to raise him up!<br />
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See you tomorrow!<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-17674889003952241332011-10-11T08:00:00.002-04:002011-10-21T15:20:25.702-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 11 When You Are Between A Rock and A Hard Place}Do you ever wonder where God is during your struggles? Do you question His love for you? If you do, then these verses should answer those questions and confirm how deep the love of God is for you! <br />
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Isaiah 43 The Message<br />
When You're Between a Rock and a Hard Place<br />
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<sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-7907"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">1-4</span></strong></sup> But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, <br />
the One who got you started, Israel:<br />
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. <br />
I've called your name. You're mine.<br />
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. <br />
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.<br />
When you're between a rock and a hard place, <br />
it won't be a dead end—<br />
Because I am God, your personal God, <br />
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.<br />
I paid a huge price for you: <br />
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!<br />
That's how much you mean to me! <br />
That's how much I love you!<br />
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, <br />
trade the creation just for you.<br />
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Thank you Lord for your love.<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-22141823981893508552011-10-09T08:00:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:20:47.683-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 10 Love Knows No Borders}If you are new to my blog, I am joining with over 700 bloggers in the 31 Day Series. We have all committed to blogging about our passions for the month of October.<br />
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You can also subscribe <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/simplylovingthislife/ToIB">here</a> to receive my posts via email.<br />
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Did you choose someone to encourage yesterday? Didn't it feel amazing to do something for someone else that was unexpected? Are you wanting to help others now? Me too.<br />
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Recently, we sponsored our first child through Children International. <br />
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(Side note: I researched many child sponsorship programs before deciding to sponsor with Children International. You can find them at children.org.)<br />
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I searched and searched for our sponsor child. It was really important to me that we find a little boy near Dylan's age that shared the same birthday as Dylan. I thought it would be a great connection for them to have their birth date in common.<br />
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I chose Jerson from Guatemala City, Guatamala. Jerson is such a precious little boy. Cocoa brown skin, charcoal black hair and the sweetest little smile. Jerson is two years older than Dylan, he will be four soon.<br />
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Jerson lives with his parents and two brothers in a cinder block house. The family lives on $150 per month. One hundred and fifty dollars per month!! <br />
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It breaks my heart! We now call him our adopted child. Dylan has learned his name and we tell him that Jerson is his brother. Dylan is so cute when he hugs and kisses his picture.<br />
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When I think of the life Jerson and his family live, I feel guilty for the times that I am unhappy with my life. Or am not thankful. Or when I take my life for granted.<br />
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You see, we now know someone living ina third world poverty life. Everything has changed. We see our riches. We are rich beacause our house doesn't have a dirt floor. We are rich because we both have jobs. We are rich because our son doesn't go to bed hungry or dirty or in need of necessities.<br />
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Through meeting Jerson, our family is learning to look at our blessings in a completely different light.<br />
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Love knows no borders, do you?<br />
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If you have never considered child sponsorship, I pray that you would. So many precious little ones are praying for a sponsor to choose them at this very moment. <br />
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For more information on Children International, please visit children.org.<br />
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**This post represents my own opinions and have not been requested nor compensated by anyone.**<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-52557813722724179352011-10-09T07:22:00.002-04:002011-10-21T15:21:44.955-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 9 Be Something To Someone}You can't be all things to all people, but you can be something to someone.<br />
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We all have obligations (most likely up to our ears!) but think of how wonderful the world would be if we all dedicated a snipet of time each day to love on someone else! It doesn't have to take a lot of time. A quick email, a short tweet, a simple facebook message, only take moments, and could completely turnaround someone's day.<br />
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Like the single mom that is so overwhelmed or our friend that has been sick for a while. Or our friend from college that is struggling in their marriage or our neighbor who has just lost their job. You don't have to look far to find someone to bless with your words of encouragement.<br />
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You don't even have to say much. Simply, I'm thinking of you, would mean a lot.<br />
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When you step out and love someone else, you will reap a bounty of love for yourself to.<br />
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So, who will you choose today?<br />
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- - -<br />
<br />
If you are new to my blog, I am joining with over 700 bloggers in the 31 Day Series. We have all committed to blogging about our passions for the month of October.<br />
<br />
Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!<br />
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You can also subscribe <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/simplylovingthislife/ToIB">here</a> to receive my posts via email.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-47764217419878150012011-10-08T09:02:00.002-04:002011-10-21T15:22:07.954-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 8 The Butterfly}<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7g0m_N3doGdyzERf071lkCVhSx1jRKWUvQ_YYMfUqaFrdsBKwHDOkWYH3gIt-3eqU_c7DAbcL9TTz_x_pqbSFih5Dw0TPptIIAmaGmPsTbFw0ZkoiB1qVpH8IKcItSoldI1GEkMP_hE/s1600/IMG_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7g0m_N3doGdyzERf071lkCVhSx1jRKWUvQ_YYMfUqaFrdsBKwHDOkWYH3gIt-3eqU_c7DAbcL9TTz_x_pqbSFih5Dw0TPptIIAmaGmPsTbFw0ZkoiB1qVpH8IKcItSoldI1GEkMP_hE/s1600/IMG_0062.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<em>Just when the caterpillar thought life was over, it became a butterfly.</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkp8uzdK8etqIOEJyuBin481A3LZSF5Oh4ONXXRiYB-2D-z5vbBZGuJg0789TGRN6gn8FpGfl9_vraYncb25FCj3F-g1vd8Dt00KEMJTpfpEwCtRzeR7gDG4JW_HRWHiLhi9txUfqxzA/s1600/_MG_1764butterflyuncentered_copy_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkp8uzdK8etqIOEJyuBin481A3LZSF5Oh4ONXXRiYB-2D-z5vbBZGuJg0789TGRN6gn8FpGfl9_vraYncb25FCj3F-g1vd8Dt00KEMJTpfpEwCtRzeR7gDG4JW_HRWHiLhi9txUfqxzA/s1600/_MG_1764butterflyuncentered_copy_1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I found this story online and wanted to share. It perfectly illustrates the need to face challenges in life.<br />
<blockquote><em>"A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could, and it could go no further.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.</em><br />
<em>The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.</em><br />
<em>Neither happened! In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. If God allowed us to go through our lives without any obstacles, it would cripple us. </em></blockquote><blockquote><div><em>We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly!</em></div><div><em>I asked for Strength......... And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.</em><br />
<em>I asked for Wisdom......... And God gave me Problems to solve.</em><br />
<em>I asked for Prosperity......... And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.</em><br />
<em>I asked for Courage......... And God gave me Danger to overcome.</em><br />
<em>I asked for Love......... And God gave me Troubled people to help.</em><br />
<em>I asked for Favors......... And God gave me Opportunities.</em><br />
<em>I received nothing I wanted ........ I received everything I needed!</em><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330033;"><em>Trust in God. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Always.</span></span></span></em></span></div></blockquote>I pray you immerge from you cocoon as the most beautiful butterfly the world has ever seen!<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-29993836613611475732011-10-07T07:11:00.001-04:002011-10-21T15:22:18.690-04:0031 Days of Loving Life {Day 7 Dreams}Dreams are to life like oil to a lamp - they fuel the flame.<br />
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Do you have a dream?<br />
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Or, has it been a while since you allowed yourself to dream? Has life left you a little bruised? If so, now is the time to release those hurts to God. <br />
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God can, and will, use those trials and hurts that you have endured for His glory.<br />
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God places dreams in each of us. He has specific plans in mind for each of us. Do you cultivate the dreams that He has given you? Feed those dreams. Give life to them. Chase them. Allow them to take wings and fly.<br />
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There are two reasons why people choose to squelch their dreams. Either they are afraid of failure or they are afraid of success.<br />
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God has placed your dreams inside you to fulfill His plan. he chose you for this purpose. God doesn't change. He is the same, always. Even if you choose not to fulfil your destiny, it will still be done. God will raise someone else to fill your calling. Don't be the person who refused God's plan for you.<br />
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Allow your dreams to take flight. The Lord will lead you. He promised.<br />
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<blockquote><em>Proverbs 16:9 Amp</em><br />
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<em>A mans mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.</em></blockquote><br />
The Lord is going to lead you, guide you, direct you. Even things that you think are impossible, are not. He will work supernaturally on your behalf.<br />
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So, dream again.<br />
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Miss a post? Click <a href="http://www.simplylovingthislife.com/p/31-days-of-loving-life.html">here</a> to find them all!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7031069412359634466.post-119584633597018302011-10-06T12:18:00.000-04:002011-10-06T12:18:16.319-04:00Interruption: 31 Days of Loving Life {How I Pray}I'm sneaking in this post during my 31 Days of Loving Life series to share How I Pray.<br />
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I love prayer. It is 1 on 1 communication with God. No hype. No show. Just talking, sharing, sometimes questioning, always thanking.<br />
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I am so awestruck how personal God is. So personal that He gave us the gift of prayer. <br />
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Here are some definitions of prayer from dictionary.com <em> </em><br />
<blockquote><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">prayer</span></span><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></em></blockquote><div class="header"><h2 class="me"><blockquote><div class="body"><div class="pbk"><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">1.</span> </em></span></span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">devout</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">petition</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">God</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> </em></span></span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/object" jquery1317917489388="52"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>object</em></span></a><span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: small;"><em> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">worship.</span> </em></span></span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span> </em></span></span></span></span><span id="hotword"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">spiritual</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">communion</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">God</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">object</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">worship,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">supplication,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">thanksgiving,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">adoration,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">confession.</span> </em></span></span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </em></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">act</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">practice</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span><span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pray" jquery1317917489388="53" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">praying</a> </span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">God</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">an</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">object</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">worship.</span> </span></em></span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span> </em></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">formula</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">sequence</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">words</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">used</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">appointed</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">for</span> </span><span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pray" jquery1317917489388="54" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">praying</a><span id="hotword">: </span></span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Lord's</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">Prayer.</span> </span></span></em></span></div><div class="luna-Ent"><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span id="hotword" name="hotword">5.</span> </em></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><em><span class="secondary-bf"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">prayers,</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">religious</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">observance,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">either</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">public</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">private,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">consisting</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">wholly</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">mainly</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span><span><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">prayer.</span> </span></span></em></span></div></div></div></blockquote></h2></div><br />
I love that prayer is spiritual communion with God. Communion is a community act of sharing. I'm not the only one participating. God is there with me, participating too. <br />
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A youth pastor once said that God's phone number is Jeremiah 33:3. I've always remembered it.<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0"><em><h3><blockquote><div class="heading passage-class-0"><h3><em><span style="font-size: small;">Jeremiah 33:3 NIV</span></em></h3></div></blockquote></h3><h3><em><blockquote>‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ </blockquote></em></h3></em></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>God is there waiting to listen and have communion with you. Will you call Him? He will answer.</em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><blockquote></blockquote></em></span> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0