tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55375758696197678702024-03-05T06:16:23.392-06:00Striving: Phenomenally VirtuousAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-14665566414927047462017-12-31T19:50:00.001-06:002017-12-31T19:53:20.895-06:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we count down the final hours until the new year, it seems appropriate to reflect. As I sit here reflecting on all the pieces of me, I am thankful that I have seen God working in every single piece. Now, let's be real, God has not been able to get at some of the pieces the way He wants to because of my stubbornness and fear. :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, I'm not sure about a formal list of resolutions for the year, but I'll take a crack at it. I do believe it is important to set realistic goals and devise a plan to achieve those goals. Here goes:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. I resolve to continue letting God work on the pieces of me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. I resolve to continue working to understand loving my self, my spouse, and my children as these are gifts from God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. I resolve to write my priorities down and put them in multiple places so I can see them every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. I resolve to not just say I'm maleable, but be maleable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. I resolve to remain accountable to those God has placed in my life for that purpose.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. I resolve to share stories along the journey as God leads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you, Lord for all that 2017 was and all that it was not. Thank you for the joy and the sorrow. Thank you for the love and the strife. Thank you for You.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Always Striving, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joce</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-1633575030128796382017-12-25T14:45:00.002-06:002017-12-31T20:01:02.966-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I pray that you had peace, if only for the day. I pray you were loved and gave love. I pray you experienced joy like a river. Bottle it to share on another day. </div>
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This time of year is filled with so much joy and love alongside so much pain and sadness. For me it has helped to remember the reason for this season is Christ. It has helped to give a smile and share a hug when I feel like crying in a corner. Merry Christmas, my friends! Merry, merry CHRISTmas.</div>
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Keeping Mom's meal time traditions alive.</div>
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Always Striving,</div>
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Joce</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-47798322797286665092017-12-19T00:41:00.000-06:002017-12-19T12:45:41.078-06:00Georgica Pond: A Love That Lifts Pt. II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
A text message - "I really need my friends right now."<br />
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Within hours, three of my best friends from college were in my home city.<br />
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Crying on the phone - "The transmission went out on the car. What am I going to do? I have to get home to my mother."<br />
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Without missing a beat or taking a moment to think, my best friend and pray partner replies, "Take my car. Full tank of gas. Go!"<br />
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Exhausted - "My mom just doesn't feel pretty anymore. She hates the way all of her clothes fit. I wish I could go get her something new."<br />
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A knock on my parents' door. My Line Sister is standing there with a bag of clothes for my mother.<br />
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The list is endless. Endless acts of kindness. Love. The reflection of God's unending, unflinching, unfailing love.<br />
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But in the hurricane...<br />
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When the winds are blowing and your boat seems about to capsize.<br />
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In the eye of the storm...<br />
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Do you see Him? Can you feel Him?<br />
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"God if you loved me you wouldn't let this happen. If you loved my mother you wouldn't let her suffer."<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>LOVE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">LovE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-John 3:16 KJV</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>-Psalm 34:18NIV</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, if you know me personally or have spent anytime at all reading this blog, you know I have to be honest with you. I have to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While my mother was sick and after she passed, people kept sending me scripture. I laughed and swiped right. I thought, "Whatever. I don't feel God right now. And you know what, I'd rather feel my mother." Sigh. Reflection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I share this because it is real and true. It is how I felt at the time. Over the last year several friends have lost their mothers. We have discussed the pain and reality of our hurt and anger toward God. So, I want you, yes you, the one reading along feeling the pain so deep in your chest you can hardly breathe, to exhale. Maybe you have not lost a parent, but you lost something and the pain won't let up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My friend, I'm telling you that you are not alone. You are human and you are LOVED.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the course of the last year I have been working through the emotions I have surrounding my mother's passing. One day, my counselor gave me an assignment. I was to go somewhere and scream and yell at God. My counselor said, "Jocelynn, God already knows how you feel so stop pretending for Him. Stop pretending for yourself. You need to get it out."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I did. A friend volunteered to watch all THREE of my kids one day (LOVE) so I could have some time to myself. I got in my car and I parked in a random lot and I screamed. I'm sure as the sunrises that I looked insane to the occasional car or pedestrian that passed by. Sorry, not sorry because that was the beginning of the beginning for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, back to God's love. Just because God could not physically wrap his arms around me, He placed people in my life to do just that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The night my husband came home and had to tell me. See, my mother told him first. She said, "Jonathon, I love you and I hate to have to tell you this first, but I need you to bring my baby girl home for Christmas (2015). Jocelynn is stubborn and she won't be convinced of anything other than her plans. I need you to bring my baby home." He could barely contain himself as he told me. We held each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The day I sat in my friend's car and wept and wept and wept. "What if my Mom dies?" She just held me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The day I laid on the floor in the fetal position talking to my mother in love on the phone. "We have decided to put her in hospice care." I cried until I had no more tears. She sat on the phone with me and cried. Then, she got in her car and drove 8 hours to be there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He loves us so much. And because He knows the pain of watching someone you love suffer and die He surrounds us. He is close to the brokenhearted because He knows a broken heart. He saves those who are crushed in spirit because He knows the crushing pain we feel. He also knows we are not God. We are not strong enough to handle that pain on our own. He loves us. </span></div>
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Always Striving,</div>
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Joce</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-34410337481396082882017-12-18T13:39:00.000-06:002017-12-18T13:51:16.045-06:00Monday Moments - Season's Greetings<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BcbVyrZ6nKk" width="480"></iframe><br />
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Hey, Friends!<br />
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I decided to try something new today. Check out my YouTube video! Also, excuse the missing lyrics in the song. What can I say, "I'm human." LOLOL<br />
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Anyway, I hope you enjoy. I'd love to know your favorite holiday song. Post it in the comments. :-)<br />
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Always Striving,<br />
<br />
JoceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-59260218455000887532017-12-02T13:13:00.002-06:002017-12-19T12:45:22.264-06:00Georgica Pond: Death's Story, Life's Lesson Pt. I<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Monday, July 25th, 2016</b><br />
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The already quiet, irregular breaths become more shallow and then the breaths were gone.<br />
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<b>Saturday, December 2nd, 2017</b><br />
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I listen, even now, for the quiet, irregular breathing. I feel for the steady rhythm of a heart beat. It is present only in my memory, of course. But, it is present.<br />
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I'm listening.<br />
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Ever so carefully now. Now I hear.<br />
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Not for the breaths of old, but breaths refreshed and new.<br />
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For what am I listening? What do I hear? Well, as Markus Zusak, author of <i>The Book Thief</i> says, "When death has a story to tell, you listen." I agree, you should and I did. I am. But, it's more than death's story. Death is not the end. Don't believe me? :-) Will you read along as I share?<br />
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<b>Sunday, September 20th, 2015</b><br />
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I attended a dedication for the daughter of a very dear sister-friend and her husband. The sermon preached at the church service that day was on the protective will of God versus the permissive will of God.<br />
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Listening?<br />
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The pastor began to read from, and discuss the book of Job. Death and life. Most are familiar with the basics of the story of Job, so for the sake of time I will push forward.<br />
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Pain and suffering. Life and death. Job, his friends, me, you. We ask why. We all wonder why. The answer is the beginning.<br />
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See, God has placed His protective will over the lives of His children because He loves us, but because we have chosen free will the shield is not impenetrable. When bad things, sad things, tough things happen we often get upset with God. We focus on this one piece and not all the other places God has kept us from hurt, harm, or danger.<br />
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So, at times god exercises His permissive will. Some tough love shall we say. God exercises His permissive will for several reasons:<br />
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1) To remind us of His sovereignty<br />
2) To have witnesses to testify of His love and sovereignty<br />
3) To develop character and strength in the vessels He would use to advance the kingdom<br />
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<i>Now that we have been put right with God through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. He has brought us by faith into this experience of God's grace, in which we now live. And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God's glory! We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God's approval. and his approval creates hope. This hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us.</i></div>
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<i>Romans 5: 1 - 5 GNT</i></div>
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Listening?<br />
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On this day, I was listening but did not hear. As I look at this photograph now I see what I could not know. I see and I feel and I hear the sounds of death rolling in.<br />
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Wife<br />
Mother of 2<br />
4 months pregnant<br />
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But God is life. He is always life. God is love. Amazing, wonderful, unfailing, unending love. Death is never the end for those who believe.<br />
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And my friends, death is not the end here.<br />
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Will you read along as I share?<br />
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Always Striving,<br />
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JoceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-18827023911523492142017-11-21T16:43:00.004-06:002017-11-21T16:49:57.373-06:00Fixing the Focus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo by Alejandro Avila from Pexels https://www.pexels.com/photo/blur-book-close-up-decoration-288008/)</span></div>
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a wedding in New Orleans. We walked in just as the ceremony began and slid into our seats. The wedding was out doors and the weather was perfect. The wedding party strolled in, paying close attention to the wobbly stones under foot.<br />
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We all rose and the beautiful bride made her entrance. A big smile crossed her face as she floated, escorted by her father, to her groom. The officiant began by asking that we pause and take a moment to reflect on marriage. Each time he began however, there came the rumble of motor cycles and the cheers of passersby. I chuckled to myself as I reflected on the moment and marriage. Throughout the rest of the ceremony there were pauses while ratchet music played in the background, steamboats whistled, and people walking the streets cheered.<br />
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As the ceremony closed I thought, "Wow! What a beautiful picture of what I have learned about marriage."<br />
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Now, wait. I know you think I'm crazy. How do ratchet music and steamboat whistles reflect marriage?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQqxSBfcayaF9Enntd1HbntVCBPy1-IkPPkuTLRDQfJgPTCxlYaZHvMblXNUL7zeFFAwHYKOQo4jiR_DTuAX12aQXrd6I8e2ozoX7YiHO7OCEgIPZEjetp-2kIytCY67ycaIXtiVsP0XP/s1600/wedding_up+close.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQqxSBfcayaF9Enntd1HbntVCBPy1-IkPPkuTLRDQfJgPTCxlYaZHvMblXNUL7zeFFAwHYKOQo4jiR_DTuAX12aQXrd6I8e2ozoX7YiHO7OCEgIPZEjetp-2kIytCY67ycaIXtiVsP0XP/s320/wedding_up+close.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Hahahaha! So, here is how I see it. Each time the distracting sounds began I looked more closely at the bride and groom. Through the distraction and slight irritation of the guests, the bride and groom continued to look deeply into each others' eyes. They smiled and breathed in the moment.<br />
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Here is the thing. Life is always full of distractions. Whether it is the demands of work, pressure from friends and family, the allure of an attractive, attentive person, financial struggles, fertility issues, or children tugging and pulling. As life happens, where is your focus? Are you focused on your spouse and leaning on the strength of the Lord? Or, are you allowing the ratchedness into your line of focus?<br />
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The ratchedness.<br />
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The ratchedness.<br />
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I love weddings. Weddings are a beautiful picture of a bright hope. A promise. I love weddings, but sometimes they are difficult to attend. The tough and honest reality is that no matter how hard we try to block out the distractions, we are not perfect.<br />
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Weddings are a great reminder of the love I have for my husband, the commitment that I made to God to love him. Weddings are a great reminder of all the ways I have failed to love him. The ways he has failed to love me. The cracks, the pain, the broken promises rise to the surface in the face of the bright shining promise standing at the top of the isle.<br />
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Weddings are also a reminder of God's sweet grace in spite of the pain. His unending, unflinching, uncompromising, unfailing love. HIS. Hallelujah!<br />
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<i> "But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. </i></div>
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Weddings are a reminder of the sweetness of a true, tested, tried, and triumphant love. After some very extreme trials over the last few years, my husband and I have come to know God in a much different way. We used to say we relied on God and He was our foundation, but He wasn't. Not for real. When God is the foundation of your marriage He is not just a savior. He is not just good for getting you out of mess and covering your sins. God at the foundation means He is also Lord of you life. This means going to His word when you come to a fork in the road. This means listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, seeking wise counsel, having accountability partners, and submitting to His wise will. It means that when you are broken and hurting you turn to Him and not the temporary comforts of this world.<br />
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Looking at my own wedding pictures ... somewhere along the way we let the ratchedness slip into our line of focus. Somewhere along the way we decided our way was better than His way.</div>
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I don't have the recipe for a perfect marriage because I am not a perfect person. We are not a perfect people. What I do have is a God who is perfect. And the 3 shall become 1. God's perfect love creates the bridge between our very imperfect efforts. His grace keeps us through the good and terrible and horrible and amazing and unbelievable. </div>
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It has been a long time since my last blog post. I am thankful for the bride and groom this past weekend - inspiration from your promising love story.. I am thankful for the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for obedience. I am thankful for a God who is healing our marriage with each step we decide to take forward. </div>
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Always Striving,</div>
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Joce</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-26289728885396866642016-10-18T15:37:00.003-05:002016-10-18T15:37:49.765-05:00Morning MomentToday as I read through Joshua chapter 10, three verses stood out to me.<div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>The Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.</i></span></div>
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Joshua 10:8</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>"Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.</i></span></div>
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Joshua 10:24-25</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.</i></span></div>
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Joshua 10:42</div>
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Reading this chapter was a great reminder that God hates sin and will destroy all that is against Him. Although we do not live in Old Testament times, God still hates sin as much now as He did then. It is because of Jesus' sacrifice that we have been given grace and mercy. We have been offered a second chance.</div>
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So, when my flesh wants to rise up because <i>man </i>has done something to hurt me, I must remember that this will cause me to sin against God. I don't want my actions, my thoughts, my being to be against God.</div>
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Much easier said than done. I need a daily reminder of this little nugget.</div>
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This chapter was also a great reminder that God is FOR us! God fights for His people. God is fighting for me. As I obey Him, He reminds me to remain humble, yet strong, courageous, and unafraid because He is fighting my battles.</div>
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Let's keep striving ya'll!</div>
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Joce</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-69168188842578419242016-10-11T07:16:00.000-05:002016-10-11T07:16:49.253-05:00Obedience Beyond the Blessing<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><i>You are about to cross the Jordan to enter and take possession </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>of the land the Lord your God is giving. When you have taken it over </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>and are living there, </i></span><i style="color: purple;">be sure that you obey all the decrees </i></div>
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<i style="color: purple;">and laws I am setting before you today.</i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Deuteronomy 11:31-32</i></span></div>
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Nine years ago I moved to Fayetteville, NC. Most people wondered why the heck a 22 year old woman would want to move to a small town. The truth is, I didn't want to. (LOL) When God asked me to trust Him, I really thought I'd end up in Los Angeles or Brooklyn, even Charlotte or Atlanta. </div>
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God is so funny. </div>
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In His infinite wisdom and knowledge of both the desires of my heart and the dynamic plans and purpose He placed on my life, He led me to Fayetteville, NC.</div>
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God is so wise.</div>
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During my time in Fayetteville I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about God. I learned a lot more about the desires of my heart. It was a wonderfully tough time in the wilderness. At a certain point I felt so in tune to God's desires. I thought, "Yep, I can do this! What?! What?! I'm a Christian!"</div>
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Like many people I desired to become married and eventually have children. I desired to obtain a master's degree. I desired to completely rock out in my career. I desired to ...</div>
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What do you desire?</div>
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So, I prayed about these things. I submitted them to God. I allowed God to work on my heart, to mend the broken places. I offered up my insecurities, my ugliness. I eagerly allowed God to till the hard soil of my heart and to prune the unruly shrubs of my soul.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>You are about to cross the Jordan to enter and take possession </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>of the land the Lord your God is giving. When you have taken it over </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>and are living there, </i></span><i style="color: purple;">be sure that you obey all the decrees </i></div>
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<i style="color: purple;">and laws I am setting before you today.</i></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i>Deuteronomy 11:31-32</i></span></div>
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Just as God used the Israelite's time in the wilderness to pick and prune, to prep and produce, he used my time in Fayetteville to prepare me for the next leg of the journey. Just as God had Moses remind the Israelite's to remember the sure foundation on which they currently stood, He reminded me.</div>
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Has He reminded you?</div>
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In the next season of my life I crossed the Jordan and took possession of my blessings. I got married, I had a child, I obtained my master's degree, I was rockin' out in my career. I was in my promised land... I thought. (But, that's a story for another day. :-)) </div>
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How many times do we receive the blessings we've so fervently prayed for and then not remain steadfast and obedient to the promise giver?</div>
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In our disobedience we destroy the very gift God has given.</div>
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When I read the aforementioned verse in Deuteronomy, along with the verses and chapters surrounding it, I had a heart check.</div>
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God loves us and enjoys blessing us, but He knows our hearts. He knows how easily we forget the joy of the blessing. How easily we forget the joy and fullness we must have in Christ in order to truly enjoy the blessing. The sure foundation.</div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">The land you are entering to take over is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot as in a vegetable garden. But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven. It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end. So, if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today - to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul - then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. I will provide grass for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord's anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">- Deuteronomy 11:13-18</span></i></div>
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Like I said, "Heart check!" </div>
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God, bless me with this job. A husband/wife. A car. A place to live. Some children. A degree. A friend.</div>
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Whatever the blessing, it is only as fulfilling as your relationship with Christ. "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is head over every power and authority" (Colossians 2:9-10). Turning things or people in to gods that are worshiped cracks your sure foundation. The job can't give you a lasting confidence and assurance. The wife can't give you endless love and acceptance. The dwelling can't give you unshakable protection and comfort. You see where I'm going with this.</div>
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I'm not saying it's easy. It's not easy at all. We can get so wrapped up in what is right in front of our face - the husband, the kids, the job, the friends - we forget... "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." -Colossians 3:2</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_U0PwTFlQ2Lkv4UQzFbjzPUdoAhKEP62YyYKaLE7Dy-E2nGhHtnt8yz-FWeh6YH5MSdsdSXDkZ31B58O7dqF-HRRqv_hE1lWaNUGuf4mQEGC48aavwnIywv4ug6FdhnSWBPZOMTOJcBz/s1600/20161010_173802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_U0PwTFlQ2Lkv4UQzFbjzPUdoAhKEP62YyYKaLE7Dy-E2nGhHtnt8yz-FWeh6YH5MSdsdSXDkZ31B58O7dqF-HRRqv_hE1lWaNUGuf4mQEGC48aavwnIywv4ug6FdhnSWBPZOMTOJcBz/s320/20161010_173802.jpg" width="320" /></a>Unfortunately, I'm writing from experience, but I implore you to trust wisdom that you don't need to experience the cracking foundation. </div>
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Your relationship with your spouse will be healthier.</div>
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Your work/life balance will be healthier.</div>
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Your relationship with family and friends will be healthier.</div>
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YOU will be whole and healthier</div>
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Have faith in the sure foundation and be blessed beyond the blessing.</div>
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Always Striving,</div>
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Joce</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-22600147395571988802016-04-02T11:06:00.001-05:002016-05-09T17:57:05.135-05:00Walking on Water<div style="text-align: center;">
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In October/November of 2014 I found myself singing this song over and over. Meditating on the words. "Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders."<br />
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Without borders.<br />
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Without borders.<br />
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Jesus.<br />
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I believe this was a peek into where God was planning to take me next. To this place, this space in Him where my trust is unquestioned. A space where I go because I trust Him without borders. I move in His strength where ever He leads.<br />
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Oh, by the way, typing that was super easy, living it, not so much.<br />
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In January 2015 we officially moved away from the St. Louis area and into turbulent transition. I didn't realize it at first. I was lulled by the chaos of the move. The details of organizing. Setting up life for our family.<br />
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Slowly, slowly I began to see that this was going to be a season of learning to trust God in a whole new way. Might I add that strengthening the trust muscle has been one of the most rewarding and excruciating exercises of my life.<br />
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The first step for me was closely examining truths about life, my life that I believed were unchanging, true, and trustworthy. Where was I placing my trust and why? We are, of course, free to put our trust in whatever and whomever we choose. Placing trust in earthly objects, persons, or situations is inevitably going to fail us at some point. Even though I knew this I had done what many people do. I fell prey to the world's truths and began trusting people, things, and circumstances above the word God have given me. (Tough to type that. Very tough.)<br />
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Our God is a jealous and loving God. I am thankful that He wants me and pursued me with crazy intensity last year. Please don't mistake these words to mean He courted me with roses. No, my eyes had to be opened in a real way.<br />
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In 2015 I saw the end of friendships, sickness run rampant in my family, the failure of my career pursuits, multiple blows to the foundation of my marriage, and an identity crisis.<br />
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Watching all these things tumble before me was painful and humbling, but the truth was that I had put an unhealthy amount of trust in friendships, career ambitions, my marriage, and an identity that I created for myself.<br />
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You may look at this list and think I'm being dramatic. That's cool. Everyone has to come to the place of discovering that trusting God above all else is the only way. God is the only one who will never fail. He never breaks a promise, never breaks your heart, never leaves you out to dry, never betrays you. Your trust is safe in Him.<br />
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Friends fail. Careers fail. Marriages fail. Self constructed identity fails. It's a fact. If you haven't experienced any of this, live a little longer. <br />
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The tough stuff. The real stuff. The worth it stuff. The God stuff.<br />
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I probably cry or scream at least once a week about something. (The pregnancy hormones don't help. LOL) I'm ok admitting this. It's my healthy way of releasing the hurt, confusion, frustration. <br />
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In 2015 I saw the deconstruction of a lot, but I also saw the reconstruction of my trust in Christ. I saw just how much He loves me. How much He cares about the inner recesses of my heart. I saw how He lovingly prepared me to witness each tough bit. He held me. He put some people in my life to help me deal. He bathed me in the Word. He gave me a thirsting for His knowledge.<br />
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2016 has been all about healing and rebuilding. Do I experience fear as I walk out onto the waters? Of course I do. So many days I just want to stop. Then, I am reminded that this thing called life, the purpose God has given me is about more than me. It is about more than the tears I cry this week. God is doing a beautiful thing for His people. I want to share in this. In order to do this I must have my eyes, my mind, my heart, my life focused on Him. I must trust Him without borders. He must know that where He leads I'll follow. He needs to know I won't dip out every time I get a little thorn in my foot. </div>
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This morning, before I spent time with God :-( I sketched out a plan about how I was going to give up today. I wrote out my plans. I justified my future actions. After I was done I opened my devotional and was smacked back into reality. HaHa! This is why you gotta go to God first. You won't waste time wasting time.<br />
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Revelation: Once the walls of false truth have been completely knocked down the rebuilding can begin. As the master builder prepares He must examine the foundation. Maybe some parts of the foundation have been cracked. Other parts of the foundation might have been improperly laid. God's got the tools to make it right. So, that's where I am. The rebuilding stages. Cracks are being filled. Old foundation is being ripped out, and new foundation is being put in place. <br />
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"But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation. To him the power for ever. Amen!</div>
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I Peter 5:10-11 GNB</div>
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Still striving, friends. Still striving!<br />
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Joce<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-76668614159502540722016-03-02T14:02:00.003-06:002016-03-02T14:02:59.689-06:00What Strength?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjtIzQSdz41VR7rHXTFCu55ghg7RrFmBUkezDhV2YFtOTlxySk6wGR55NtPV4t408hnQ46YsvjzA0uqBn2Ue7ElExtDecxoQ1EniSaTedQ1evEjnNpx41cGtNhmw0NTeDQ3SPQ-a-RExm/s1600/Preggo+5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjtIzQSdz41VR7rHXTFCu55ghg7RrFmBUkezDhV2YFtOTlxySk6wGR55NtPV4t408hnQ46YsvjzA0uqBn2Ue7ElExtDecxoQ1EniSaTedQ1evEjnNpx41cGtNhmw0NTeDQ3SPQ-a-RExm/s320/Preggo+5k.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">The Bible says, <i>"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." </i></span><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Matthew 7:7 (NLT)</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">I have been asking for, seeking, and knocking on the door of strength. Every day that I wake up I find I need a new infilling of strength from the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">So each day I keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking. Every day, God gives me what I need. Not always what<i> I think</i> I need, but certainly what <i>He knows</i> I need. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Toward the end of 2015, after multiple blows to my physical, mental, and emotional strength, I said, "God, show me your strength in me. Show me please, because Lord I'm tired and weak. I don't feel like I have anymore to give to this journey that you've called me to take."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">In true God fashion, he answered my prayer in a way that was real and true for me. He said, "You're going to run." For those who don't know, I am a runner. I LOVE to run. When I am stressed I run. When I am happy, I run. When I am bored, I run. I love to run. The beginning part of my pregnancy did not allow me the physical strength to run at all. Most days I couldn't get out of the bed without quickly leaning on a wall for support. So, when God said I was going to run I was thrilled, but a bit skeptical. "Lord, I have not run in months. I've lost weight, muscle mass, and now I have a belly." Because He's God He wasn't trying to hear any of that! LOL I love God! :-) He had me listen to a sermon entitled <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22425%22%20height=%22344%22%20src=%22https://www.youtube.com/embed/gLrSbcv8Quk?list=PLUoa6vhuvtTGa5nbOCOv5rsmPoORA1bYT%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank">Facing a Red Sea Challenge</a> by Priscilla Shirer. He also brought my attention to Olympian <a href="http://www.today.com/parents/olympian-alysia-montano-runs-race-8-months-pregnant-gets-1D79860387" target="_blank">Alysia Montano</a>, who ran the 800m dash at 8 months pregnant. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">So, it was decided. I would run a 5k at 8 months pregnant. As I trained for this race, there were days my hips hurt so badly afterward that I doubted I would actually be able to do it. There were days when people told me I was crazy for running a 5k. Understandably people were concerned for the health and safety of the me and the baby.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">There were also so many people encouraging me. Cheering me all along the way. There were people that were inspired by a strength that God placed inside of me to keep running each week until race day. I believe God placed these people in my ear to keep me going, keep me accountable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">So, a few weeks ago</span></span> I ran the Valentine's Day 5k. I was 31 weeks pregnant, just hitting 8 months. I ran and kept running until I crossed that finish line after about 45 minutes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, I have to be honest. Even after training for weeks. Even with my excitement running high, the race wasn't easy. I had to press into a deep down strength that was placed in me by God. I had to listen to the encouraging words of my husband as he ran beside me. I had to trust the word God had given me. I had to keep going. I had to keep going. Even on race day, walking in the moment of promise, I had to lean even more on the strength of God because it's often right there that the Enemy would love to steal your confidence, your joy, your hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I got home that afternoon. My son screamed, "Mommy, Mommy did you win the race?!" I said,"Yes, Jace I did win the race." He looked over at his babysitter and said, beaming from ear to ear, "My Mommy won the race!" My heart erupted in a thousand praises. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went upstairs to sit in quiet reflection for a few moments and broke down crying. I cried tears of joy and awe. I cried tears of thanksgiving and renewal. I was amazed at God's love for me. Me. I was amazed at how He uses everything to heal, restore, encourage, and inspire. I imagine Moses felt this type of overwhelming amazement after God showed him His glory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God knows what we need. He will take care. On days like today, when I ask for strength, as I struggle through unbelief, I am reminded of God's love, God's faithfulness, God's strength placed in me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Always Striving,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joce</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-34094942446551648172016-01-29T12:27:00.000-06:002016-01-29T16:10:02.266-06:00What Do You Do with Your Kids?<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg877_n5Lh_TavPQi71jiRwcsudy0N6kV5tz9lrNO9YPqA_GsvUW3NmR9CYpQpxqMXh5MeFnUiKCuyY5fYjkCvdfPNY2avPVkQ3GinwaBEsBHbMl0Ydkmer8ZL_z6DQaG3guRzJqLjY7Djg/s1600/20150926_121143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg877_n5Lh_TavPQi71jiRwcsudy0N6kV5tz9lrNO9YPqA_GsvUW3NmR9CYpQpxqMXh5MeFnUiKCuyY5fYjkCvdfPNY2avPVkQ3GinwaBEsBHbMl0Ydkmer8ZL_z6DQaG3guRzJqLjY7Djg/s320/20150926_121143.jpg" width="179" /></a>Many of you know that I have been a full time working mom (FTWM), a stay at home mom (SAHM), and a part time working mom (PTWM) of two adorably and exhaustively energetic children. Having been in a variety of mothering roles I can attest that each is both rewarding and challenging. Each requires different sacrifices. It really perturbs me when someone tries to hold one above the other, but that is not the purpose of today's post. :-) </div>
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As a SAHM and a part time stay at home mom, many people have asked me for advice about what to do with their children all day. As a SAHM or PTWM you are essentially solely responsible for your child's learning. It's a lot of pressure. Both challenging and rewarding. So, here are some things I've enjoy doing with my children over the years. Just as a frame of reference, my children are 4 and 2 with one in the womb!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-BEwTMXQuRpYfV25KOICx8r2g-qYPfbYlcKcYSt1tvyYDIzElPdXAkIHSq3xDCWtPNytFzNcCX0Lp9ig_7el9zpKtcluqbsw8iYZs0bUZBAEsI4eYSJzlgm8BlOLOnnNhURYaaZPYQ2Y/s1600/library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-BEwTMXQuRpYfV25KOICx8r2g-qYPfbYlcKcYSt1tvyYDIzElPdXAkIHSq3xDCWtPNytFzNcCX0Lp9ig_7el9zpKtcluqbsw8iYZs0bUZBAEsI4eYSJzlgm8BlOLOnnNhURYaaZPYQ2Y/s200/library.jpg" width="200" /></a>When I first became a SAHM the first thing I did was look on the public library's website to find out when <b>story hour</b> took place. The library is a LIFE SAVER and it is free! :-) Typically after story hour there is a related craft. Some libraries have instruments, dancing, bubbles, coloring sheets. I searched the libraries in my area for the best story hour. This is something the kids like to do 2 - 3x per week.<br />
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A good friend just reminded me about <b>Pottery Barn</b>'s storytime and <b>Whole Foods - Whole Kids club</b> where there are typically food inspired crafts. Both great outings!</div>
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The second thing I did was find something for both me and my son to enjoy. I like working out so I signed up for <b>Baby Boot Camp</b>. 3x a week a group of moms get together to work out with their child(ren). The group I joined when I lived in St. Louis, MO met in a great park, worked out through the zoo sometimes, or the mall if it was cold or rainy. These moms became wonderful friends and a</div>
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huge support. It was also nice for Jace to see the same kids on a regular basis. We would often get together for play dates. If there is no <a href="https://www.babybootcamp.com/" target="_blank">Baby Boot Camp</a> in your area there may be Stroller Strides - <a href="http://fit4mom.com/" target="_blank">Fitness 4 Moms</a>, <a href="http://www.seemommyrun.com/" target="_blank">See Mommy Run</a>, <a href="http://www.momsinmotion.com/" target="_blank">Moms in Motion</a>, or <a href="http://activemomsclub.com/" target="_blank">Active Moms Club</a>. </div>
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**Each group has it's own philosophy about the amount of interaction between mother and child during workout time.</div>
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If you're not a work out mom, there are a ton of other groups. Googling Moms Meetups is a great way to find some local groups. A few well known groups are <a href="http://www.momsclub.org/" target="_blank">MOMs Club</a> and <a href="http://www.mochamoms.org/" target="_blank">Mocha Moms</a>. </div>
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Another great resource that I used to find other activities for me and the kids to do is the website <a href="http://www.macaronikid.com/" target="_blank">Macaroni Kid</a>. It is a national website in which you can input your zip code and find a calendar full of activities for all age groups. Some of the activities are free. Some are paid. I highly recommend signing up for <b>Macaroni Kid</b>. If you happen to live in the St. Louis area, there is also another great website called <a href="http://www.stlsprout.com/" target="_blank">St. Louis Sprout and About</a>. Both of these sites are a game changer for SAHMs.</div>
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One final resource that I absolutely love is Mother's Day Out. This is a program typically held at a local church. Mothers can drop their child off once or twice a week for 3-4 hours. This was very, very helpful for me and the kids loved it. I was able to get some things done without hauling two children in and out of the car with each stop. Some days I just sat and read a book. </div>
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So, what does a typical day actually look like? Well...let's save that for the next post. I'd love to hear about your go to resources for enriching the lives of your children!</div>
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Love to all parents! Love to all Moms!</div>
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Always striving,</div>
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Joce</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-22108917881469437352016-01-07T09:48:00.001-06:002016-01-07T09:48:14.654-06:00The Decision<div style="text-align: center;">
"<i>Forget the former things; </i></div>
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<i>do not dwell on the past. </i></div>
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<i>See, I am doing a new thing! </i></div>
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<i>Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? </i></div>
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<i>I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland," (</i>Isaiah 43:18 - 19 <i>NIV)</i></div>
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Here's the thing. We all have a choice. We have a choice to trust God or trust ourselves, our flesh, our circumstances, the enemy. We have a choice.</div>
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So, 2015 was tough. A number of painful realities were revealed to me over the course of the year. However, if I look back at the year carefully, I see that for every pain there was God, in His purposeful precision, fortifying me. He was a strong tower around my heart, my mind, and my body so that I would not be broken, but built up stronger to declare His love and faithfulness, His grace and tender care, to testify about His fight for me. </div>
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I have a choice in 2016 to trust God at His word, which NEVER fails, or trust in my feeling and emotions which constantly fail. I have a choice to let go of the hurt, anger, bitterness, resentment, fear, disappointment. I am writing this post and working through this at the same time. I am right at this moment, there is no lag time. </div>
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I have not already worked through it, but I was convicted last night talking to my mother about the pain of the previous year. she said, "Jocelynn, I wish you would stop. You need to cast some words out of your vocabulary this year. Stop giving them life. Let go!"</div>
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I was convicted again this morning as I read my Bible and was reminded that Caleb was permitted to go into the promised land because unlike everyone around him, he followed the Lord wholeheartedly. (Deuteronomy 1:34-36) He didn't operate in the fear and unbelief that gripped his people. He remained strong in the promises of God.</div>
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I was convicted again as I trolled Instagram and saw this post from Christine Caine:</div>
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After seeing this I was called back to Isaiah 43:18-19 (posted above). God's word. Unchanging. Unfailing. Truth.</div>
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<i>"As for God, his way is perfect:</i></div>
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<i>The Lord's word is flawless;</i></div>
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<i>he shields all who take refuge in him.</i></div>
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<i>For who is God besides the Lord?</i></div>
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<i>And who is the Rock except our God?</i></div>
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<i>It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my ways secure." (Psalm 18:30-32 NIV)</i></div>
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Does that mean it is going to be easy? Absolutely not. Letting go and letting God is tough business. BUT I'll tell you what, every single time I have let go in the past...EVERY SINGLE TIME I have let go I have experienced a peace like no other. I have seen God carry me like he did the Israelites in the Old Testament as they wandered through the wilderness to the promised land.</div>
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"<i>There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, </i></div>
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<i>as a father carries his son, </i></div>
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<i>all the way you went until you reached this place." (Deuteronomy 1:31 NIV)</i></div>
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So, I'm mostly writing this blog post for myself. (LOL) To document the word God has given me on today. To remind myself of His faithfulness. To place this here for accountability.</div>
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God says, "Will you trust me today, Jocelynn? Will you trust me enough to let go of the hurt and the anger and the disappointment and the fear? Will you let me strengthen you, daughter? Will you let me be glorified in this so that others will see how sweet is the reward of turning over everything to God? Will you? Jocelynn?"</div>
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Always Striving,</div>
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Joce</div>
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-78414093342399913842016-01-01T12:46:00.000-06:002016-01-01T12:46:14.739-06:00Hold On to Your Bootstraps!Well, Happy New Year! It's been quite a while since I've written a blog post, but I felt led this morning.<br />
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2015 was a year filled mostly with tests, trials, and mess. As I reflected yesterday I thought, "Lord, you are the only constant, the only good. Your love, faithfulness, mercy, grace, steadfastness, forgiveness. God you are the best part of 2015." And then I proceeded to cry for an hour. <br />
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I cried tears of joy that my relationship with Christ has gotten stronger. I mean stronger. I only made it to today because of his strength. It's like the poem,<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Footprints in the Sand</span></h1>
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<i>One night I dreamed a dream.</i></div>
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<i>As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.</i></div>
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<i>Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.</i></div>
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<i>For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,</i></div>
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<i>One belonging to me and one to my Lord.</i></div>
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<i>After the last scene of my life flashed before me,</i></div>
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<i>I looked back at the footprints in the sand.</i></div>
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<i>I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,</i></div>
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<i>especially at the very lowest and saddest times,</i></div>
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<i>there was only one set of footprints.</i></div>
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<i>This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. </i></div>
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<i>"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,</i></div>
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<i>You'd walk with me all the way.</i></div>
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<i>But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,</i></div>
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<i>there was only one set of footprints.</i></div>
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<i>I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."</i></div>
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<i>He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you</i></div>
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<i>Never, ever, during your trials and testings.</i></div>
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<i>When you saw only one set of footprints,</i></div>
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<i>It was then that I carried you."</i></div>
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- by Mary Stevenson</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had a "Footprints in the Sand" kind of year. I'm sure I'm not alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I cried because I was sad. I had many moments this year when I thought, "God, this isn't fair! Why me?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To this He responded, "No, but I am fair. Why not you? You have me. I am all you need."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not the response I wanted. Sorry, just being honest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After I finished crying, I talked to my sister. I said, "Sister, when I think back on 2015 it will always be a year ..." She proceeded to cut me off and say, "... a year that God used to propel you to something greater!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I burst into laughter. "That is not what I was going to say."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I know." She said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love my sister! I love God!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Listen up, everyone! 2015 presented some tests that God will turn into amazing testimonies. I walked through some down right dirty mess that God is going to turn into a message for His glory! He really already has. I have been amazed at how the Holy Spirit has been working through my pain, sadness, anger, etc. to present a message of love, hope, salvation, restoration, and grace to those around me. I pray that He continues to use me for His glory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, hold onto your bootstraps! God's got a word, ya'll! He has completely wrecked me, my thoughts about Him, the meaning of love, faith, grace, strength have been changed upside down this past year. He is doing something new. My eyes are open in a new way. It won't be a smooth journey cause that's not my testimony. It won't be a smooth journey because the Devil ain't happy right now. I. DON'T. CARE. I am taking up God's word and I am continuing to wage war!</span></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/X1Zd7gGS00g" target="_blank">Waging War by CeCe Winans</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifeway.com/Product/fervent-p005765905" target="_blank">Fervent by Priscilla Shirer</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please, join me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Always striving,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Joce </span></div>
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</article>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-14657527158063013352015-08-29T12:31:00.000-05:002015-08-29T12:58:44.001-05:00But, Why?<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="jm-O-x" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IMSxB3J5pdYrFgpdoGcaDc3xH0ap8XjVvzZDkK-AlMicmNGkB6iO-4vR9rFMHFIz7iBpcwHHPqPzmb-wmflDl5AvEyiWYjcsKxQzEdQ4pv6oolj0PZKI4P5EmOcYB9cTnb9LSwBZm6AF/h120/Prayer.jpg" style="height: 120px; left: 0px; top: 0px; transform: rotate(0deg); width: 214px;" /></div>
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Over the past couple of months I have been in some very interesting situations. I found myself asking God why. Why do I have to face this challenge, endure that suffering, be rejected by those people? Yesterday as I lay in my bed, exhausted from days of travel and Mommy duty I was drawn to my answer.<br />
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The answer came back to my point of prayer list. No, God was not having me experience all of the situations of the people on my list, but He was providing insight. Because the Holy Spirit abides within me, I know that I am qualified to pray in a unique way. So, why the need for perspective? Well, God does not force His hand or His will, he has given us the freedom to choose. A little perspective often takes our eyes off of our lives, needs, wants, etc. and places them on others.<br />
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As I lay in bed yesterday I was overwhelmed by a desire to pray for a particular woman who has been battling cancer. In my exhaustion I was reminded about how much greater her exhaustion must be, yet she focuses on Christ. I prayed for her husband and children. As a wife and mother I know the love, the bond, the dreams, hopes, and desires you wish to see fulfilled. I can imagine the heartbreak as her family watches her struggle for physical strength day after day. The stress, the strain, the uncertainty, yet UNWAVERING faith in God. I am humbled by their story. Celebrating Christ in every moment possible.<br />
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I was literally brought to tears praying for this family. I do not know them, but I thank God for perspective to pray for them. I thank God for every situation that leads me to pray for another.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-31486866486449776882015-08-10T09:16:00.000-05:002015-08-10T09:16:27.281-05:00Point of Prayer<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P5AkNqLuVgY" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
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As I said in my post on Saturday, I found out about some things, really over the last two months, that have made me say wow! Happy wows, sad wows, disappointed wows, overjoyed wows.<br />
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About a month or so ago, I was sharing this with a good friend. Her response was so on point that I asked her if I could share it with you all. :-) She said, "Jocelynn, God has given you ears to hear and a heart that sees His people. Now find the point of prayer."<br />
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"What do you mean, point of prayer?" I asked.<br />
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"It is the place in the happy and the sad where they need God. People can gab on and on and on, but you have to listen for what it is their heart desperately needs. That is the point of prayer. God brings certain people into your life so you can intercede for them. Maybe you have had a similar experience, maybe not. Either way God knows the temperature of your heart and the pulse of your prayer life. He knows you will allow the Holy Spirit to give you the right words."<br />
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"Sometimes I know I'm supposed to pray for a person, but I can't quite focus in on the point of prayer."<br />
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"Get rid of your distractions. Without the distractions of your own "stuff" clouding your thoughts, you'll be able to hear God speak more clearly."<br />
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My friend actually keeps a point of prayer list. I thought this was a wonderful idea. As I go through my day, I try to focus less on myself, and more on the joy and sadness of those around me. I try to see them with God's eyes. I pray for them.<br />
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God has given all of us opportunities to find the point of prayer. Are we missing these opportunities because we are so distracted by our own "stuff"?<br />
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I challenge you to listen through the happiness, sadness, and straight up madness for the point of prayer.<br />
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Pray for the continued strength and joy in a couples' marriage. Pray peace that passes understanding for a couple that has lost a child. Pray for reconciliation in a family broken by infidelity, strife, and unforgiveness. Happiness, sadness, madness.<br />
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Always Striving,<br />
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Joce<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-11565759480929521972015-08-08T09:24:00.001-05:002015-08-08T09:24:08.305-05:00A Week of WowsGood morning, Friends!<br />
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This week I have found out a number of things, good and challenging, that have made me say, "Wow!" I'm not quite ready to share, but you all know me. I will share soon. Lol Since I'm not sharing, you might be wondering why I'm writing at all. Well, I just wanted to reflect on God's love through it all.<br />
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Although I know the importance I giving God the first moments of my day, I have not for quite some time. Not consistently anyway. Last week I downloaded the <a href="http://proverbs31.org/" target="_blank">Proverbs 31 Ministries'</a> First 5 app. The app is free. It is designed to help us give God the first 5 minutes of our day. You can set your morning alarm on the app. When you wake up to hit the alarm, the app is up and ready to read. It is fantastic! Fantastic! The devotionals are quick, yet deeply poignant and inspiring. I am inspired to pray and seek God as soon as I'm done reading. I'm inspired to reflect on His word. I am inspired to share about His goodness and grace! I love it.<br />
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So, I say all that to say that God is awesome in His timing and preparation. This app came out just in time for me to have a prepared heart for all of the news that was coming my way. Each morning I start from a place of peace. I start from a place of reflection. I start from a place of trust in Him. While it may not be easy to deal with certain situation, or digest information, it is certainly easier when I am resting in Him. This week I have had to say, "God, I trust You. I trust your plan for my life. I trust that no matter how I'm feeling, you will give me peace if I ask for it. I trust that no matter how confused I am by this life and the day to day, that you know all and see all.<br />
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<b><i>And we know that God causes everything </i></b></div>
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<b><i>to work together</i> </b><b><i>for the good of those who love God and </i></b></div>
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<b><i>are called according to his purpose.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>-Romans 8:28 NLT</i></b></div>
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Although I know I do not have enough strength to get me through this or that situation, "<i><b>[Your] grace is sufficient for [me], for [your] power is made perfect in weakness</b></i>" (II Corinthians 12:9 ESV). So I will lean on you, tap into your strength Lord. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNSkrmPyLuhIt-JlFOUIa6JPgaSGP7vIpOCUfROTFBYJHx8RWNGVZdE3wKYWj4ZW7NdD6Ohl6WOSIM0vRUmT9yhltv03MK5VtksDNC752iLNcD77Ezg-TCAuUWA4jUdDPE24zB0fSa16f/s1600/Living+Water.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNSkrmPyLuhIt-JlFOUIa6JPgaSGP7vIpOCUfROTFBYJHx8RWNGVZdE3wKYWj4ZW7NdD6Ohl6WOSIM0vRUmT9yhltv03MK5VtksDNC752iLNcD77Ezg-TCAuUWA4jUdDPE24zB0fSa16f/s320/Living+Water.png" width="180" /></a>Lately, instead of focusing on my troubles, I find myself praying for random people I see walking down the street, teachers and leaders I meet during professional learning sessions, and folks whose profile I scroll by on social media. I don't do this to prove I'm better or more holy (no one knows I'm doing it), I do it to show God that I trust Him with my life. If I pine over my problems then I obviously don't trust that He is taking care of me.</div>
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My week of wows has turned into a week of pow pows through the power of prayer. As things begin to unfold and take shape. As God places His word on my heart I will share more in detail the wows of the week. Until then, let's keep each other lifted in prayer. Offer your situation/the enemy a pow pow of prayer! :-)</div>
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Always Striving,</div>
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Joce</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-79620216340698936132015-08-07T11:02:00.001-05:002015-08-07T11:03:14.268-05:00Quick Conversation: Cover MeLast Sunday, on the drive to church, we put in the Men of Standard CD <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Surrounded-Men-Of-Standard/dp/B000G7PNHM" target="_blank">Surrounded</a>. The song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tptqhysQIq0" target="_blank">Cover Me</a> came on. As I listened to the lyrics, tears became to well up in my eyes. I was so moved, so honored, so thankful, thinking about just how much God loves us.<br />
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<b><i>Now there goes the sun</i></b><br />
<b><i>Triumph over rain clouds that cover me</i></b><br />
<b><i>I'm not the only on</i></b><br />
<b><i>Your loves for everyone but it still covers me</i></b><br />
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Wow! Every time. Every time the sun triumphs over the rain. My rain, your rain... His love is for everyone.<br />
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I don't know about you, but some days I barely have enough love to cover my husband, myself and my kids. I'm praying to Jesus every minute for strength to love more. Enough. But God's love is endless, deep, pure, and free. Thank God.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-87931941408804268192015-07-29T23:55:00.000-05:002015-07-30T08:42:15.108-05:00Making the Moment IIMy moment. My Feeling. Disappointment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyU1JZ8BTgVVnjKiXczjt5acxdF7nWGHa140D5pgyU4xtxPqAFYi4YiIPFgmj0nLzndCr2_6P-ZUkFGT59bszS49mbYjlv4v4SEnCdEN4XArPLPj9jfKoO58uwzCXoAJ3hdmeDoC4iY9i/s1600/Jogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyU1JZ8BTgVVnjKiXczjt5acxdF7nWGHa140D5pgyU4xtxPqAFYi4YiIPFgmj0nLzndCr2_6P-ZUkFGT59bszS49mbYjlv4v4SEnCdEN4XArPLPj9jfKoO58uwzCXoAJ3hdmeDoC4iY9i/s320/Jogger.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
So, my plan was to run 3 miles with the jogging stroller. (If you've never run with a jogger...umm ya! Just imagine running without really being able to propel yourself with your arms.) I stretched, got set, hit my Nike+ start button, and I was off! Music pumping, kids snacking. I was rolling. I had a plan.<br />
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Maybe I came out the gate a little too ambitious. Maybe I should have picked a different route. Either way, about 1 mile in, I feel that slow down hit. My pace was embarrassing. (I mean, I run with the jogger plenty.) At 2 miles I decided to stop and walk. I was so disappointed in myself. How could I not hit my goal? Then Jace chirps, "Mom, why aren't we running? Can we still go to the playground?"<br />
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Thanks Jace. LOL That is exactly what I need right now. Despite feeling salty, I devised a new plan. I would walk to a cul de sac, park the kids, and run around them. My pace....even worse. At this point I just gave up and walked the kids to the park.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #351c75;">Now, here's where the story gets good. Here is where I discover that my moment of disappointment was to serve a greater purpose.</span></i><br />
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<i>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, </i></div>
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<i>who have been called according to His purpose.</i></div>
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<i>Romans 8:28 NIV</i></div>
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Jace starts playing with a boy his age. Me and the mother begin to chat. Casual conversation. The casual conversation coupled with God's grace (because let's be honest, his grace is were the good stuff happens.) built trust. A simple question answered truly, deeply, honestly led to a moment of revelation and healing. It led to an opportunity for prayer.<br />
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<i>"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. </i></div>
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<i>"And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. </i></div>
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<i>For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, </i></div>
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<i>so my ways are higher than your ways </i></div>
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<i>and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."</i></div>
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<i>Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT</i></div>
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There was no discussion of religion or doctrine. The discussion started with conversation of the comfort of the Holy Spirit. It led to revelation about God's grace and mercy fresh everyday. The discussion ended with assurance that Christ is a healer who makes all things new.<br />
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See how God did that?<br />
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<i>"The rain and snow come down from the heavens</i></div>
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<i>and stay on the ground to water the earth.</i></div>
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<i>They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer</i></div>
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<i>and bread for the hungry.</i></div>
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<i>It is the same with my word.</i></div>
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<i>I send it out, and it always produces fruit.</i></div>
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<i>It will accomplish all I want it to,</i></div>
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<i>and it will prosper everywhere I send it."</i></div>
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<i>Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT</i></div>
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I'll take a failed Jocelynn plan any day, to be part of a successful God plan everyday! I am blessed and honored to continue praying for this family. I believe God is working fervently in their lives.<br />
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What's your moment?<br />
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Always Striving,<br />
<br />
Joce<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-85525237840808152022015-07-20T14:19:00.002-05:002015-07-20T14:21:10.744-05:00Making the MomentToday I was driving around, running errands with the kids. For the large majority of our time in the car I did not have any music on. As soon as I did turn on a CD, Jace says, "Mommy, what is this song about?"<br />
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He caught me totally off guard. "What?" I thought. Then I chuckled to myself. Thank you, God for this moment to share You. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQwTHbnLgATe0sOUo8rs5aAjVRdwKKZBZm6KMxPHOpmQa_toiAsHy_18K4fobfJ2B2ni06cQZUl9Zo8-W4MWIjWYkkxv4db9ilTnsut-iSqtgwyCtpLE7LLf5s0GQaZBuTsqe28HyZ5Ax/s1600/Everywhere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQwTHbnLgATe0sOUo8rs5aAjVRdwKKZBZm6KMxPHOpmQa_toiAsHy_18K4fobfJ2B2ni06cQZUl9Zo8-W4MWIjWYkkxv4db9ilTnsut-iSqtgwyCtpLE7LLf5s0GQaZBuTsqe28HyZ5Ax/s320/Everywhere.jpg" width="320" /></a>I was playing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nw-JpD9TJA" target="_blank">Everywhere That I Go</a> from Israel Houghton's Power of One album. So, I explained to Jace that the song was about God's love for us. How He loves us so much that He never leaves us. He is everywhere we go. <br />
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I looked at Jace in the rear view mirror. He was smiling. "That's cool Mommy. God is everywhere we go."<br />
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I was smiling outwardly and tingling all over. What an amazing moment! And, what if I had not been playing a song about God's love?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMvv4osmnzP7uFI0WKqNd0lHFCPMNwzAUz1lIEHotSWGEL-WrUB1x95UE2-zK_3P6pWjda4pbtpCDej4FAhnFPFz9QDxJs0IW-qHAFqNdqCSezlPoL3MSv81_DDAdQJ2AdyRW1rB6BMss/s1600/Jace+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMvv4osmnzP7uFI0WKqNd0lHFCPMNwzAUz1lIEHotSWGEL-WrUB1x95UE2-zK_3P6pWjda4pbtpCDej4FAhnFPFz9QDxJs0IW-qHAFqNdqCSezlPoL3MSv81_DDAdQJ2AdyRW1rB6BMss/s320/Jace+smile.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Yesterday, our pastor talked about how music is a vehicle created by God, to lead us into His presence. It is a way for us to worship the creator. However, this same vehicle can be, and is often used to worship the created. Stuff. Self. Sex. What we worship is what feeds us, what leads us, what comes out of us. I don't know about you, but I want to be fed by God's word, led by Jesus Christ, and pour out Fruit of the Spirit. I also want my children to be fed, filled, and led this way.<br />
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If we are filling our children with sex, drugs, and money from the time they come out of the womb, is it any wonder our value system is on a high speed trajectory to hell? No genre is excluded. Let's consider. Consider filling your mind, body, and spirit with the Word of God through song. See if you don't have a garment of praise and protection, steps filled with joy, and a word of encouragement for those you encounter.<br />
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Today, I am thankful for a son who asks questions. I am even more thankful for the opportunity to share God's love with my him.<br />
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Always Striving,<br />
<br />
JoceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-41037184958318317692015-06-23T14:03:00.000-05:002015-06-23T14:03:11.142-05:00Girl Crush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lately, everything I see, hear, read, and experience has made it glaringly obvious that I have a...girl crush?</div>
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Well, maybe I wouldn't refer to myself as having a girl crush, but when I heard the song <i>Girl Crush</i> by Little Big Town, I had a major wow moment. If you're not a country music fan, humor me for 3 minutes, 27 secs and watch this video. :-)</div>
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To be honest, this blog post has been sitting as a draft for a few weeks. The ah ha moment came when I heard the song, but in true God fashion, He had a few more things to show me before releasing me to write. LOL I actually really love the process. The process.<br />
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So, after listening to the chorus it is easy to determine that the song is not describing an actual girl crush. Instead, it is about coveting someone else's characteristics, desiring their partner, and discontentment wrapped up in a lusty alto country chorus. I enjoy the song, but it made me think. "Oh geez, Jocelynn! What am I coveting? What am I discontent with now?"<br />
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Well...?<br />
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Well, here it is. I am covetous of appearances. The couple that looks so lovey. They hold hands and pass adoring looks. They always say things are great, and by George they look fabulous! My little feelings get to rising up and I think, "Jonathon and I must be the only couple that struggles with X." Absolutely silly, I know. Silly and dangerous. You honestly never know what is going on in another relationship. You don't know the struggles and sacrifices that led to the celebrations, or perceived celebrations. Great marriages don't just happen. I have to check myself. Refocus my gaze. Coveting what other couples appear to have will never get me a closer relationship with Christ or my husband.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B4DSpOZYB6phS99Eo3w5TWn9oOMX8qReANGRsgjWK3kjj-WZt-SFOwue7h-BwzY8wLwCHQ9ZROW8FqVVnzWFFFDWPTmcY8b5izPAJ-AhgIP2gAUYL49mb-apl8WbtCbFJr76TUgEWeIz/s1600/The+Resolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_B4DSpOZYB6phS99Eo3w5TWn9oOMX8qReANGRsgjWK3kjj-WZt-SFOwue7h-BwzY8wLwCHQ9ZROW8FqVVnzWFFFDWPTmcY8b5izPAJ-AhgIP2gAUYL49mb-apl8WbtCbFJr76TUgEWeIz/s320/The+Resolution.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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I also covet time. I think Priscilla Shirer says it best in <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-resolution-for-women/priscilla-shirer/9781433674013/pd/67401X?kw=the%20resolution%20for%20women&mt=b&dv=c&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&gclid=CjwKEAjwh6SsBRCYrKHF7J3NjicSJACUxAh73KVKM0KDheR5WOP9iLQtGkDmwW75o0sYqjpHIJUzHxoCmznw_wcB" target="_blank">The Resolution for Women</a>:<br />
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As a teenager, I'd impatiently rushed toward young adulthood full throttle. As a single university student I couldn't wait to be in a committed relationship and out of college so that life could "really begin." Then with a loving mate promised for life, I enjoyed our first yeas of marriage, but during some of them secretly harbored discontentment with our childlessness. And when the kids started coming, the nights were long and the days even longer, and I prayed through each of them that bedtime would come more quickly today than I'd remember it coming the day before. (Shirer 14)</div>
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How many days did I think about how great life would be once I got out of my parents house? Zoooom. How many days did I pray for my husband? Zoooom. How many days did I cry for children? Zooooom. How many days do I complain because the kids are wearing my out? Zoooom. How many days do I whine about wanting to start working full time already? Zoooom.</div>
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Why am I in such a rush to get to the next thing? Good gracious. I will only be 31 years old once. I will only have these moments with my sweet babies once. I will only get to be married to Jonathon in this moment once. Once.</div>
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Lately, I have had the opportunity to talk to other people who are hitting the zoom button in the vehicle of life. I encourage them, as I encourage myself to slow down. You will never get these moments back. Refocus your gaze. What is this moment about? How does God want to use you right now to bless His people?</div>
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Stop. Thinking. About. You.</div>
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I have decided to reread <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-resolution-for-women/priscilla-shirer/9781433674013/pd/67401X?kw=the%20resolution%20for%20women&mt=b&dv=c&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&gclid=CjwKEAjwh6SsBRCYrKHF7J3NjicSJACUxAh73KVKM0KDheR5WOP9iLQtGkDmwW75o0sYqjpHIJUzHxoCmznw_wcB" target="_blank">The Resolution for Women</a> by Priscilla Shirer because I know that every day I need to resolve to work on becoming the best women God has called me to be. I will post some thoughts as I traverse the pages.</div>
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I also recommend reading some of my fellow blog sisters writing on contentment:</div>
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<a class="g-profile" href="https://plus.google.com/106343674881040867760" target="_blank">+Nicole Miller</a>'s <a href="http://betterthanwine.net/2015/05/18/are-you-content-with-your-portion/" target="_blank">"Are You Content With Your Portion?"</a><br />
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Candace Claiborn's <a href="http://www.csquaredartistry.com/news/?offset=1429261225420" target="_blank">"Are You Content With Your Content?"</a><br />
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Always Striving,<br />
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JoceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-84953020041584494082015-05-15T04:34:00.000-05:002015-05-15T16:59:13.961-05:00More My sister, an amazing mother, has two wonderful children. One day, before I had kids of my own, she pulled me aside and said, "Jocelynn, you are favoring one of my children over the other. I won't allow it. They are equal. You can love them equally, yet differently. Either you will do this, or I won't let you be around them. Kids can tell."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HOPZ12ZY3m5F7xgr4pLwkfbATshuDEskaMuP7X3UcP7w-9eMvI3JufvTiJYcXKzfxmW1MWwmIYNsqjsiYlMyinQzHVvtj8LHKqwiSGuRxx90JSY-GBB6iXVuN_OFIn8vZH3XH9nYWd7H/s1600/Young+sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HOPZ12ZY3m5F7xgr4pLwkfbATshuDEskaMuP7X3UcP7w-9eMvI3JufvTiJYcXKzfxmW1MWwmIYNsqjsiYlMyinQzHVvtj8LHKqwiSGuRxx90JSY-GBB6iXVuN_OFIn8vZH3XH9nYWd7H/s320/Young+sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What? I was completely taken aback. I wasn't favoring one child over the other... was I? Then I thought about it. REALLY thought about it. She was right. I didn't want to stop being around my niece and nephew. I loved them very much. I had to do a heart check. Figure out what the heck was going on, and stop being led by my emotions.<br />
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On a very basic level I understood what she was saying from experiences in my own childhood. I began to think back on all the times I could tell people were favoring one of my siblings over me. Man, did it hurt. As adults it's tough to process why someone doesn't like us. As a child, you certainly don't understand it. You think, "What's wrong with me?"<br />
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As a teacher I had always made it a point not to favor one child over the other. If I felt myself swaying toward one, I would quickly check myself because I remember the feeling of rejection. Why then, was it easy to allow favoritism to creep in between my nephew and niece? Neither is more lovable, more kind, more right, more good. They are kids. Equal in innocence right now. Both wanting to be loved and accepted by their aunt.<br />
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Fast forward three years later, I am a mother of two wonderful children and I UNDERSTAND what my sister saw that day. I understand why she hurt. Why she pulled me aside and made it very clear what she would NOT allow.<br />
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As a parent you hurt for, and with your children. It tears me up inside when I take my son to the playground and the other children won't play with him. When his sad face looks at me and asks, "Why won't they be my friend, Mommy?" It takes everything for me not to cry.<br />
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What's even worse, is when you see adults choose one of your children over the other. Now, listen, I know that life isn't fair. Everybody can't like everybody, but while my kids are young and can't understand, while I can still be somewhat in control of who influences them... Jesus be a fence.<br />
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<i><b>In Acts 10:34 - 35 Peter says, "I now realize how true it is that </b></i></div>
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<i><b>God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every </b></i></div>
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<i><b>nation the one who fears him and does what is right."</b></i></div>
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If God does not show favoritism, who am I to pick and choose based on ... nothing. Heart check.<br />
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All through my second pregnancy I talked to my husband about this concept of favoritism. I didn't want people to forget about Jace because the new baby was here. I didn't want people to ignore the new baby because of a relationship that had already been developed with Jace. <br />
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But wait, what about me? So many second time parents wonder how they can love another child as much as their first. I too, wondered how. I love Jace so much. He is my first baby. His first breath breathed a love into me like I had never felt before. So, how? How would I love both children equally? How would I not show favoritism? I began to pray and ask God to show me. He did.<br />
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During the first trimester of my second pregnancy I was crazy sick. I couldn't take care of Jace and my husband couldn't keep taking off work. I had to move into my parents house for support. During that time I watched my sister, an AMAZING mother, with two wonderful children of her own, invite my Jace into the fold like he was her own. I mean complete love given to my child. At times I heard him call her Mommy. It made my heart smile. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4BfHUXrQD-P1icZBF5PtSXOnBWTKdf7zWDCzlXmY8UsC-IsLeBMzyszMCMm74tlspHNCcNbqlXiGqdM0pWgD-8NuhTRsvfhCO30_FO2DqWZx1zaTmmUuVu4fsybe1a9GOE5dmFgZ8Ba-/s1600/Grown+sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4BfHUXrQD-P1icZBF5PtSXOnBWTKdf7zWDCzlXmY8UsC-IsLeBMzyszMCMm74tlspHNCcNbqlXiGqdM0pWgD-8NuhTRsvfhCO30_FO2DqWZx1zaTmmUuVu4fsybe1a9GOE5dmFgZ8Ba-/s320/Grown+sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a>So, when my daughter was finally born and it was my turn to share love, I did. My heart filled with love. More love. A love that I wanted to immediately share with my son. Having a home birth, I was able to let him hold his sister, love his sister, comfort his sister immediately. I thought my heart would break for loving those two so much.<br />
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And then, what really did it for me was watching my sister, an amazing mother with two wonderful children of her own, love my children both EQUALLY. I was incredibly thankful that day for her example. For her love. I am so blessed to be able to share this journey of motherhood with her.<br />
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Always Striving,<br />
<br />
Joce<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-49256941624369456462015-04-07T10:29:00.000-05:002015-04-07T10:29:06.364-05:00Who Am I?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>The Gathering Testimony: Joanna Gaines</b></div>
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This morning I watched a video testimony by Joanna Gaines, from HGTV's Fixer Upper. It is a beautiful reminder to trust God. To wait on His promises. <br />
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Somewhere in the muck of life, the everyday, we sometimes lose sight of who we are. Who God has called us to be. We get discouraged. Over the last couple of years I have slowly started to slip away from the confident in Christ person I had been. Finally, two weeks ago I woke up, looked in the mirror, and could not recognize myself. <br />
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"Who are you?" I asked myself. "What do you stand for? What is your purpose? Are you waking up everyday walking out the purpose God has placed on your life?"<br />
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The answer was a disheartening "I don't know and no."<br />
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I have been conflicted for a time. I love, love, love the opportunity to stay at home with my children. I love watching them grow and develop. I love being able to teach them new things, provide new learning experiences. However, being a stay at home mom is not all roses and tea cakes. There are tough, tough days. Long days of endless 1 yr old babble and 3 yr old rantings. Some days I swear I see 5 or 10 brain cells falling out of my left ear. LOL I love my kids, I do, but with every celebration there is a challenge.<br />
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So, my conflict is losing who I thought I was or was supposed to be. Most days there are few minutes spent alone. (Even now, my 3 yr old is rambling on about who knows what next to me.) There is no me time. I've been asking God how on Earth I'm supposed to cultivate the passions He has placed in me if I never have time to think. Raising children is just one of the callings on my life. Before kids I had a career. I very much enjoyed my career. I miss my career. <br />
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Lately, I have felt a great pressing on my heart to start thinking about some other passions that God has given me. I'm super excited, but anxious. It's one of those hurry up and take your time situations. <br />
Joanna Gaines testimony reminded me that God's got me. He is the author and the finisher. If He has said it will be, it will be. And, as I tell my son every single day, "Patience is a virtue." I have to worship while I'm waiting. I need to love while I'm waiting. I need to smile while I'm waiting. I need to live while I'm waiting. I need to pray while I'm waiting. I need to enjoy and appreciate my current purpose, while I'm waiting on other promises. <br />
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I thank God for the reminders. I thank God for His perfect timing. <br />
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So, Jocelynn, who are you? Well, I can not say that at this moment I have completely come out of my feelings, zippity do da. What I will say is that God is checking my heart. He is getting me right. He has placed glasses on my face with God vision. He is reminding me that I have to die daily to self to live out His purposes.<br />
<br />
He is patient, loving, and kind. I am excited to see, with new eyes, the purposes of today. <br />
<br />
Always Striving,<br />
<br />
Jocelynn<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-31932191561621667022015-02-24T11:13:00.000-06:002015-02-24T11:13:01.305-06:00Hey, Lady Wisdom! - Checking Back In<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i><b>I received an email response to my post "<a href="http://phenomenallyvirtuous.blogspot.com/2015/02/lets-chat-about-checking-out-budgeting.html" target="_blank">Let's Chat About Checking Out</a>", asking how I came back from checking out of the finances.</b></i></span><br />
<i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">I thought, "Wow! What a great question. I totally forgot to address that." :-) Thank you, friend, for always reading and asking questions. Thank you, for keeping me accountable.</span></b></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Well, the simple answer is Jesus. :-) The more detailed answer begins with this: "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The wisdom of God produces progression." - <a href="http://www.cotr.org/podcast.asp" target="_blank">Pastor David Blunt</a> reminded me of this during one of his sermons at Church on the Rock -St. Louis.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">God's wisdom is given to us in pieces. Bit by bit he feeds us, teaches us. It is like learning to read. Letter by letter, sound by sound. Once you have developed the knowledge base, acquired the components, you can begin learning to read.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God knows that imparting His infinite wisdom upon us is entirely too much. Even giving us all wisdom for a particular series of situations is too much. So, bit by bit He prepares us. He gives us experiences and wisdom. Practice. Game day performances. Each time we grow, we progress with His wisdom. His guidance. His strength.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is how I came back. God's wisdom reached out and brought me back. Click! Like a light switch flipping on, I started to see the err of my ways. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Lady Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>At the town center she makes her speech. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>At the busiest corner she calls out: </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>'Simpletons! How long will you wallow in ignorance?</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism?</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Idiots! How long will you refuse to learn?</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>About face! I can revise your life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #93c47d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>-Proverbs 1:20-23 (MSG)</i></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part I: </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) A few months back, my aunt called me out. She challenged me. "31 Chapters in 31 Days - Reading through the book of Proverbs". I accepted the challenge. God's challenge to receive wisdom. As I read through Proverbs I was fascinated. I had read parts of Proverbs before, but never the entire book, and never with my current perspective. My heart was challenged in many ways. As I read the scriptures on being slave to the lender, being responsible for debts, and weakness due to lack of self control, I heard a still small voice whisper: "Jocelynn, you know this is your fault, right? You need to make it right."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "Wait? What?! My fault. How are our family debts my fault?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> "You are not listening, Jocelynn. The lack of progress is your fault. You and Jonathon are one. He may be the head of the household, but you are his help meet. You are to come together to consider the matters of the household. You have not joined your husband in this way for far too long."</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "Oh."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> "Oh, is right. You two talk about doing the right things. You have the knowledge, but not the wisdom. God is not going to bless this knowledge. He will not bless your intentions until they are matched with wisdom."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a tough revelation for me. I can't lie, I had to meditate on it for a few days. Didn't pick up the Bible for a few days. Say what you will, but that was my process.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought back over the experiences of the last few months. There were growth opportunities that we had been seeking. None of them panned out. There was always a logical explanation. The decision was fair. What I know about my God and His favor...it ain't fair. I knew that He wanted more from us, for us. I could feel it, but I didn't understand why it wasn't happening. My answer: Our financial household was not in order. We were not operating in wisdom. We were not being good stewards with God's money.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I talked to Jonathon a little bit about what was being revealed to me. I asked him if he would work with me. If he would read Dave Ramsey's, <u>Total Money Makeover </u>with me. He said yes and the journey began. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) A month or so after this, some good friends came to visit. As usual, we had wonderful conversation. One evening, my friend asked me a tough question. "Jocelynn, how are your finances, really?" I answered the question honestly. I felt like we had been making progress, but definitely had a long way to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She said it was difficult to come to me with this question, but she was so strongly led by the Holy Spirit that she could not decline. Thank God for her obedience. After our very honest conversation, she suggested we take Financial Peace University. Later that week I received a text message from her with a list of classes being offered near our house. Haha! That's accountability for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/store/financial-peace-university/financial-peace-university-membership-all-new/prod614.html?ectid=gaw.fpu-general2&gclid=Cj0KEQiA37CnBRChp7e-pM2Mzp0BEiQAlSxQCDXJUE-KSn1ii3Vz4ANdkg6tQEAniE--9A2ay4S94ioaAnq08P8HAQ" target="_blank">Financial Peace University</a> changed our marriage! Plain and simple. It made a very challenging subject much easier to discuss. It gave us the tools, the language, and the support we needed to really make a change.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Qy6qGp3qG8wIGqim0YgOHqBOo2h2I6dn0HJuzYIbpxgkcAGWo214hy4CxYJ069hu_pAu_03dGli4L11Iek3arISRcAIZXUYRWdbXrgu8jLZp3uTKu2EGH4ayJK8RZys4uSIsBrVPEvY0/s1600/faith+is+key.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Qy6qGp3qG8wIGqim0YgOHqBOo2h2I6dn0HJuzYIbpxgkcAGWo214hy4CxYJ069hu_pAu_03dGli4L11Iek3arISRcAIZXUYRWdbXrgu8jLZp3uTKu2EGH4ayJK8RZys4uSIsBrVPEvY0/s1600/faith+is+key.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***STOP*** This is why it is so important to have accountability partners who are praying and being led by the Holy Spirit. So many break throughs. The enemy would have you believe you are alone in this fight. You are not! If you do not have an accountability/prayer partner, ask God to bring someone into your life. Iron sharpens Iron! ***</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, we all know that possessing knowledge and acting on it are two different things. I could have realized and refused to act. But God! My heart and mind were ready. I had people praying for me. I had accountability. I had a husband who only wants God's best for our marriage and our family. I had faith.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, how has it been since I stopped checking out? Well, that's a post for another day. :-) Have faith, my friends. Be blessed.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always Striving,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jocelynn</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-90411427580861938412015-02-23T11:24:00.004-06:002015-02-23T11:24:44.246-06:00Mommy Moments: It's A Bug!<br />
As I sit at the table, participating in a Webinar for work, I hear a sudden screech. I look up to find Jace and Kobi crouched down on the kitchen floor. They are very attentively watching something.<br />
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Jace: "Mommy, it's a bug in here!"<br />
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Me: "Ok, Jace. Give me a second." I walk over to the kitchen where Jace is pointing to some teeny tiny bug.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRJAK0qnhYvjRQKTv_Gs_bgC-HNio47W1o2wiWUE770LlrC6AdA9m46dxvRB3QDYhGgwmO-2iTwW4tj3w8fgXU-Awk737QhEXsLvFZqktMKwdGMaoLCFWJfSwagB_IhM4OyEYrp51X3Mj/s1600/its+a+bug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRJAK0qnhYvjRQKTv_Gs_bgC-HNio47W1o2wiWUE770LlrC6AdA9m46dxvRB3QDYhGgwmO-2iTwW4tj3w8fgXU-Awk737QhEXsLvFZqktMKwdGMaoLCFWJfSwagB_IhM4OyEYrp51X3Mj/s1600/its+a+bug.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a>Jace: "Look, Kobi. It's an ANT!" Kobi watches as her brother talks to her about this bug. Squealing with delight.<br />
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Me: "Ok, you two. First, it's not an ant. Not sure what it is."<br />
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Jace: "Oh, ok. Kobi it's not the ant!" I chuckle and go over to grab a paper towel. "KOBI!! No, it's not eating time!" I look over to see Kobi trying to grasp this little bug in her pincers. "No, Kobi! No." Jace knows from experience that anything Kobi picks up is headed to her mouth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am about to pass out laughing as I swoop in to grab the bug with a paper towel. Kobi sits up looking confused. Then smiles. No harm, no foul. LOL<br />
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Always Amused,<br />
<br />
JoceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5537575869619767870.post-22532855456082431372015-02-21T18:23:00.000-06:002015-02-23T11:08:30.932-06:00Negative Numbers Make Me Nervous (Budgeting)Negative numbers don't excite me either. I get a little bit of anxiety every time we sit down to do the budget. But....Here's my question to you: Which makes the most sense?<br />
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<div>
Scenario A) The household sits down and creates a budget. After all expenses, including bills, food, fun, etc. are included, the household realizes there will be lack at the end of the month. You decide to adjust some figures based on your priorities. For example, The household has been invited to three birthday dinners. Together, it is decide that it is more important to participate in two friend's birthday dinners than to eat out for lunch every day. The household will pack lunch this month allowing a $50 spending limit INCLUDING tips for each dinner. At the end of the month the main household account is in the green with money in savings.</div>
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Scenario B) The household does not create a budget. The household has a general idea of how much money is earned this month and about how much is going out. Three friends have invited the household to birthday dinners. The household does not know if there is enough money to pay for the dinners or how much is appropriate to spend at each dinner. At the end of the month the household receives three overdraft notices. Each time the account overdrafts, a $35.00 fee is assessed. The account is now overdrawn by at least $105.00. Was it worth it?<br />
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Which scenario makes the most sense? Believe me, I've been in both places. Although I hate telling people no, hate seeing that I can't do or have everything I think I want, I feel much better when I don't get an overdraft charge from the bank. <br />
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Always...<br />
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WAIT WAIT WAIT! Someone in the back just said, "I'd just use my credit card. Duh?!"<br />
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Well, yes. That would be a solution if you are trying to keep yourself in debt. See me, I'm not trying to owe anyone anything. I love my friends, but I do NOT like the death grip of debt. If I can't pay for the dinner celebration now and be done with it, then I can't afford to go. I am not related to Daddy Warbucks and I will not pretend to be. I do not have enough money to be everywhere all the time. I do not have enough money to be everything to everyone. Check your priorities and check your finances. <br />
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Hear my heart. More importantly, hear God's heart. What are His desires for you? He very clearly states in Proverbs 22:7 -<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"The rich rule over the poor, </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6X3wIwR-jxtTwuOGpVtxPOOoNPYRE41e8Oh5zL-_5z2bddKYE1Ul8mMBFIYM4JrdZu_00vBIXFa2TMS31PF5PhSjjG8BE7o6x4RGzA_GiMjNuDYy_IPV0BsA9awyWCHWFd_3bBELrqIM/s1600/debt+trap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6X3wIwR-jxtTwuOGpVtxPOOoNPYRE41e8Oh5zL-_5z2bddKYE1Ul8mMBFIYM4JrdZu_00vBIXFa2TMS31PF5PhSjjG8BE7o6x4RGzA_GiMjNuDYy_IPV0BsA9awyWCHWFd_3bBELrqIM/s1600/debt+trap.jpg" height="314" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trapped by debt</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">and the borrower is slave to the lender."</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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Freedom. God wants you to be free to live. He has made you to fulfill a purpose. How much more stressful is it to focus on your purpose when bill collectors are calling you? How much more difficult is it for you to focus on your purpose when you don't have money to invest in yourself, your dreams? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
How many of you are working jobs you don't really enjoy because it pays well? Every month you bring in 2, 3, $4,000 or more. Maybe $400 is left for you to eat, get gas, buy clothes, and generally enjoy life. Why?</div>
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Think about your dreams. Your passions. How can you serve God and His people more fully, more freely if you were not in debt?<br />
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Always Striving,</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Joce</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11237829435147437810noreply@blogger.com0