tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16584599033862199972024-03-04T23:54:20.706-08:00PowerFull WordEncouraging you to experience the power of God's Word~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-62733491978782368752014-03-11T17:57:00.001-07:002014-03-11T17:57:22.787-07:00I've Moved!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can find me in my new space over here- <a href="http://stephaniewafer.wordpress.com/">StephanieWafer.wordpress.com</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf85ABCSdqct8ELqY1wOWMw6ntPsx9QHbmHj0il8jN4R9f7tA-Z2w1uPRxsj4h3_k7XhBHFfrNSF7zOo2LfvfoauTaSiV4vSTiraM3ysOL1avmhrs5XlZo08GRjrKs_g3tdm6zdE-PoEYT/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf85ABCSdqct8ELqY1wOWMw6ntPsx9QHbmHj0il8jN4R9f7tA-Z2w1uPRxsj4h3_k7XhBHFfrNSF7zOo2LfvfoauTaSiV4vSTiraM3ysOL1avmhrs5XlZo08GRjrKs_g3tdm6zdE-PoEYT/s1600/2.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Follow me over here on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Wafer-Writes/155540984547112">Facebook</a> and over there on <a href="https://twitter.com/stephaniewafer">Twitter</a></div>
<br />~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-41373396267511014982014-03-03T15:50:00.001-08:002014-03-03T15:50:29.356-08:00The Excellent Wife Needs Friends {Douglas County Moms}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF0fs-O975j12mIzB4cpvsplSAg-OwM7-F1RxoZDIrLQf-4HppX_3J_-QVC5_wpT8n5Ye2dm11g8w_ywQns-T6GoB0sRfcJ8JJ87lCTCeYrr3qio1O0MqYJ1j55K9KHwhaix1MLvvCCyV/s1600/A4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF0fs-O975j12mIzB4cpvsplSAg-OwM7-F1RxoZDIrLQf-4HppX_3J_-QVC5_wpT8n5Ye2dm11g8w_ywQns-T6GoB0sRfcJ8JJ87lCTCeYrr3qio1O0MqYJ1j55K9KHwhaix1MLvvCCyV/s1600/A4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 15px;">I'm keeping real today over at <a href="http://www.nrtoday.com/moms" target="_blank">Douglas County Moms</a>. If you ever feel like you don't measure up or could never be like one of THOSE MOMS, then you need to read this...</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 15px;">We sat around the living room, wood stove warming the house and casual conversations melting one woman's heart into the one beside her over a book called, “The Excellent Wife.”</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
Our children were toddlers and we concerned ourselves with healthy snacks, appropriate bedtimes, how many episodes of Veggie Tales were acceptable in a sitting, and how we were going to be as good as the super mom seated beside us.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
I cried that day.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
I cried because I wasn't as diligent to pre-plan meals, organize homeschool material, or research organic versus non-organic bananas...</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.nrtoday.com/news/10440882-113/wife-women-god-season" target="_blank">Continue reading here...</a></div>
<blockquote id="article-blockquote" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(http://www.nrtoday.com/csp/mediapool/sites/SwiftShared/assets/img/bg-quote.gif); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;">
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #999999; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 30px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 20px; padding: 0px 30px 10px 35px;">
That's the excitement in obedience, finding out later what God had in mind.” - Brother Andrew, God's Smuggler</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-30061134556564647852014-03-01T10:48:00.000-08:002014-03-01T10:48:22.835-08:00Are You Ruining Your Kids?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcGgQZ1XwGRr7miXYaCiqwaMyuUfaQ4u5gx1Kh85sU-lznACyDOYnpe3NGAvaVeCKSWvHUWOI2DSl7710lL-uWrnlHPw_72sVbS5XHx0KT9r-iZBVU3kwG8FB2z5R5AJSa82adwHhIw2H/s1600/4_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcGgQZ1XwGRr7miXYaCiqwaMyuUfaQ4u5gx1Kh85sU-lznACyDOYnpe3NGAvaVeCKSWvHUWOI2DSl7710lL-uWrnlHPw_72sVbS5XHx0KT9r-iZBVU3kwG8FB2z5R5AJSa82adwHhIw2H/s1600/4_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know I'm not the only mom to ever have a daughter
in High School. I also know I'm not the only mom to feel like the decisions I
make for her will either make or break her. To feel like I bear the rest of her
life on my weak, bony shoulders. To feel as if her entire future rests in these
two empty, shaky hands, and in these short High School years. If any of you can
relate, I could use a hearty 'Amen' right now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You see, although we are a part of a small school
at our local church, we are still considered homeschoolers, which means I (not
some Board of Education or Master's Degree bearing Instructors) am responsible
to prepare her academically for the world. I must make the tough decisions-
homeschool or public school; early college courses or keep her home as long as
possible; SATS, GEDS, or an Accredited Diploma… it's a vast list with endless
questions, guilt, and what-ifs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_OSNj-3AnXZn3EAOCm-wqUgwGBc2CYUHtjjBZwv_HvstxAiB2RDJDbdo35-1lSS7HDpPRSLmcFE-2ug2t_dFaY1SMMwLlIxfFcgweibfxhS54MCinGBjpHAul-Mbs_C2_khGTRUqLq0B/s1600/IMG_0011_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_OSNj-3AnXZn3EAOCm-wqUgwGBc2CYUHtjjBZwv_HvstxAiB2RDJDbdo35-1lSS7HDpPRSLmcFE-2ug2t_dFaY1SMMwLlIxfFcgweibfxhS54MCinGBjpHAul-Mbs_C2_khGTRUqLq0B/s1600/IMG_0011_1_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpL6YvHUlaChS6gTc995bdF_SRl_TVrgWtUd_AtvwhuDlqihyphenhyphenHSoQFFecDVX_PYAqtySbnq3iqB1lIRCV8lY7572eyTJaFcJE6i-VUYwYCqjn6gajWn1qBY6UyRCufz_FxCGMkROt42S_/s1600/IMG_0008_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpL6YvHUlaChS6gTc995bdF_SRl_TVrgWtUd_AtvwhuDlqihyphenhyphenHSoQFFecDVX_PYAqtySbnq3iqB1lIRCV8lY7572eyTJaFcJE6i-VUYwYCqjn6gajWn1qBY6UyRCufz_FxCGMkROt42S_/s1600/IMG_0008_1_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What-if</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<i>I enroll her in that college course and
she fails?</i> Then I will have been responsible for creating an adult who
fears college life, has a poor self image, and therefore busses tables or
sweeps floors for the rest of her life. (Yet that last part sounds like the
start of a great wife and mom)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What-if</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<i>I enroll her in that college course and
she succeeds?</i> She not only discovers she's a bright student but a capable adult
as well. She begins putting herself out there, challenging herself, and finding
talents and abilities she didn't know she had. She becomes a confident woman
able to make decisions and take on difficult tasks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What-if</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<i>I choose to homeschool all the way
through</i> and she has no friends, never dates a boy, turns out socially
awkward, and is unable to participate in society on her own? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What-if</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
<i>I decide to put her in a local public
school</i>, where she gets a good education, is well prepped for college, but
meets a boy, and ends up pregnant and married? Yikes, she could end up like me!
(That last line was sarcasm</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Calibri Light"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQJaf2lVEEph8zIsN87SEQ-psRzUzAs8K6dKh8iVJd85wwbNd4CUffpiJtRYKFog8HGZ4vw8_0bF0l6E1SjIHsZYuiHhM_5ino5nfKPnpIrkrYOjPhzO8SFgeQ2XSFJvBHddnnF3RSZGQ/s1600/IMG_0088_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQJaf2lVEEph8zIsN87SEQ-psRzUzAs8K6dKh8iVJd85wwbNd4CUffpiJtRYKFog8HGZ4vw8_0bF0l6E1SjIHsZYuiHhM_5ino5nfKPnpIrkrYOjPhzO8SFgeQ2XSFJvBHddnnF3RSZGQ/s1600/IMG_0088_1_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course any of these scenarios could have any outcome.
But do you see how easily one decision could shape the rest of her life? Are
you with me here Mama? Are you bearing the burden of your child's whole future?
Because if you are, then you need to get a grip, as I have. If you are
overwhelmed with Mommy-decisions, and thinking you are solely responsible for
your High Schooler's (or your toddler's) entire life, then you are mistaken and
need a good dose of Biblical Truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And the truth is, <b>You-Are-Not-In-Control</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There it is. Those simple five words could change
your life, Mom. Here's another profound statement- <b>When you make a wrong choice, it won't be the end of the world. </b>Notice
I said <b>when</b> and not <b>if</b>. Because even the best of parents
will make wrong turns and poor decisions. That's you, Mom. You will fail. Guaranteed.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm not writing to completely discourage and deflate
you. I'm actually here to encourage you. To fill the burdened, failing Mom with
hope and peace, so stick with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1 Samuel 8, we find the Israelites demanding a
king to judge them like all the surrounding nations. Rather than submit
themselves to the LORD their King, they wanted another king- a manly king.
Although they rejected the Lord, He granted them their request. But not without
warning: their king would take. He would take their fields, their servants, their
grain, their sheep, even their sons for battle, and their daughters for pleasure.
The people did not heed the warning, took kings for themselves, and reaped
deathly consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And here's the hope we find within the failure of
God's people-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">"After that He gave</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">them</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">judges
for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward
they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the
tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. And when He had removed him, He raised up
for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said,</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="oblique"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">‘I
have found David </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">son </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">of
Jesse,</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="oblique"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">a
man after My</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">own</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="oblique"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">heart,</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">who
will do all My will.’ <b><sup> </sup></b><b>From this man’s seed, according to</b></span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">the</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior—Jesus</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">."<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Acts
13:20-23<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Our
God- He is so much grander than our minds can fathom. So full of good gifts and
perfect plans. He took even this decision, this rebellion, and orchestrated it
into His most beautiful plan of redemption. The Lord Jesus would come from the
lineage of King David. King David- a man after God's own heart, yes. A man
chosen by God to lead the people, yes. But also king because of a terrible decision
the people made. King because of rebellion and a choice that went against God's
instruction. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">But
God used even this to bring the Redeemer into the world and save His people
from their sin. Even this. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So
when you read, and quote the words of Paul, do you believe it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">And
</span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">we know that all things work together for good to
those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.</span></i></span></b><span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you
believe it? Do you see, Mom, that even your wrong decision will be worked into
God's perfect plan of redemption? You can take that overpowering weight from
your weak shoulders and breathe. No, I'm not giving you an excuse for rebellion
or to take decisions lightly. I'm simply offering you the freedom to seek God
for wisdom who gives generously to all, and trust Him with the outcome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwPaviXOIVDGthj6OHCnHX00vXDJdfgHAA8oZnKyJ9uN2WDWOHo2hsuZhw7emGZwPRcZoOTEGYxV9gT9vzAWCkc1p3_iv-a3pra-WnZ15lJ7UgGPB8XaDmJk2hvSgajTmBYBmvMRVQkUB/s1600/3_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwPaviXOIVDGthj6OHCnHX00vXDJdfgHAA8oZnKyJ9uN2WDWOHo2hsuZhw7emGZwPRcZoOTEGYxV9gT9vzAWCkc1p3_iv-a3pra-WnZ15lJ7UgGPB8XaDmJk2hvSgajTmBYBmvMRVQkUB/s1600/3_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z5sYoHKja3EKNxWbwcd3_N4pecJN8FHDRiGId5whYHShzaOIOrraBSb5Qgz1UWdgfNACA0WCDQ3MCA5MuZ249TjnQkyaPzlhtGW94HwDXKzKKumPWpomVO69pwZDiGFUzMCnZQYhOO8u/s1600/13_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z5sYoHKja3EKNxWbwcd3_N4pecJN8FHDRiGId5whYHShzaOIOrraBSb5Qgz1UWdgfNACA0WCDQ3MCA5MuZ249TjnQkyaPzlhtGW94HwDXKzKKumPWpomVO69pwZDiGFUzMCnZQYhOO8u/s1600/13_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">He
knows the end from the beginning, and that is enough to give any weary mom the
strength and courage to raise God's children. Because after all, they're really
His kids, right?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow
me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-16601797962700356852014-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:002014-01-26T19:28:06.433-08:00SWEET SIXTEEN {Doctor Who Birthday Bash}<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">What is a mom to do when her baby girl turns sixteen!?
How does she cope? Well, this mama distracted herself by diving deep into
creating a mature, yet fun filled </span><b style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Dr Who Birthday Party</i></b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">! The girl is a Whovian of Whovians, and has asked, and asked, and asked for a Tardis Bedroom door for
her room. However, I repeatedly refused to have the bright blue Tardis in my
hallway… I </span><span style="font-size: 21.600004196166992px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">eventually</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> gave in, which turned into her first Birthday Surprise…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD-lmx2K5LYo71aL0HY7NK6jEy-OIWzwoNyqT_4xQVuS6cdk4l_OmsCrE7QYLzTjvmRDq8FkqU0rDMAEFyWCOap5Qqd5sp7t1Ct9DkjlEidiEbsfb4yAaZE2JuySZErJ02Kdjw1_ugmsb/s1600/TARDIS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD-lmx2K5LYo71aL0HY7NK6jEy-OIWzwoNyqT_4xQVuS6cdk4l_OmsCrE7QYLzTjvmRDq8FkqU0rDMAEFyWCOap5Qqd5sp7t1Ct9DkjlEidiEbsfb4yAaZE2JuySZErJ02Kdjw1_ugmsb/s1600/TARDIS2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">How'd it happen? Well I knew I didn't want to paint
her door </span><span style="font-size: 21.600004196166992px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">permanently</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> Tardis blue. You see these things come and go… She wanted to be a
skater for a few years, so we did her room in graffiti and skateboards…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsZYPdyUdlJY0omGJnYGiY1peQG0xbHO3z0aT67f89mqW8UY2OxFP_f47LAPIinLkcPXmhLgfVlSeOKH9lK6j3D8IMUmo1Eg2_mhn4uioW-hZZjuEOJWIjXQ-axhWXLKafc78MiznVONg/s1600/Korrie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsZYPdyUdlJY0omGJnYGiY1peQG0xbHO3z0aT67f89mqW8UY2OxFP_f47LAPIinLkcPXmhLgfVlSeOKH9lK6j3D8IMUmo1Eg2_mhn4uioW-hZZjuEOJWIjXQ-axhWXLKafc78MiznVONg/s1600/Korrie2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt8Ekt2COidWWsUUEABWFZfOd8W5ms-lf70m3JOYAad-ctShI4ofBUsEmJvjdNvzVRxoTW1hbGqKQzxtP7N-ZkytmkgTzo99Z7WC1tT0VaTl99UW_lRER7t3N681cRQ8Il-oT6rEsJRjj/s1600/Korrie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt8Ekt2COidWWsUUEABWFZfOd8W5ms-lf70m3JOYAad-ctShI4ofBUsEmJvjdNvzVRxoTW1hbGqKQzxtP7N-ZkytmkgTzo99Z7WC1tT0VaTl99UW_lRER7t3N681cRQ8Il-oT6rEsJRjj/s1600/Korrie1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But she quickly outgrew that idea… and I know she'll
outgrow The Doctor. At least I hope. So I took some measurements, visited a
local resale shop, and purchased an old used door for $10. Next I took some Rustoleum
Paint + Primer spray paint to it. Three Cans!
This stuff dries quick, which is perfect for the not so patient DIYer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I was left disappointed and felt it needed more
dimension, so I had the hubby cut some strips of wood for me and attached them
with good ole Elmer's Wood Glue. Then I sprayed again, getting all the cracks
and crevices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPwFWDg-dFKGNPkY8KboG44HmpKBa7kFpjkMys1OkToHmmqdl6r4mQoa9wkNze3DN-62KpswphYix4hwWkxCU98L4_kWyFVcQzUYHQqbMVKx7zI9_G2BL6-AeiGe98j6QUu8T9-e1Ugpp/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPwFWDg-dFKGNPkY8KboG44HmpKBa7kFpjkMys1OkToHmmqdl6r4mQoa9wkNze3DN-62KpswphYix4hwWkxCU98L4_kWyFVcQzUYHQqbMVKx7zI9_G2BL6-AeiGe98j6QUu8T9-e1Ugpp/s1600/8.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4USqbfArKZtKhMHZqbOiJYI2cx9XCCE_WyEvQQF1cb2Lf0xM8_SzMUxgyfcVt7gK9JNA_UzfJhUZ-kAOIziPxUtuLH5ctU_q8nQFFIn-3V5ltUQ75UvtN-ZFz-Os-ZTvpbSZ0l5rm-hII/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4USqbfArKZtKhMHZqbOiJYI2cx9XCCE_WyEvQQF1cb2Lf0xM8_SzMUxgyfcVt7gK9JNA_UzfJhUZ-kAOIziPxUtuLH5ctU_q8nQFFIn-3V5ltUQ75UvtN-ZFz-Os-ZTvpbSZ0l5rm-hII/s1600/5.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next, USE GOOGLE! I found and printed the '<b>Police
Public Call Box</b>' and '<b>Free For Use of Public</b>' signs, attaching and sealing them
with Mog Podge. That stuff is amazing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3WKgFGdofyZ3BKZLuignqpvAAneOOY80zwPRhRiqoO-nlHxujRfhMVnLZBMP6bZRTHLsQPgAPO6nOSlKwuF-SIYfYXRcmlol0hIrl82p0GplweO0wgLOojWUXxS44HkLXmpm5Ec0YBm_/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3WKgFGdofyZ3BKZLuignqpvAAneOOY80zwPRhRiqoO-nlHxujRfhMVnLZBMP6bZRTHLsQPgAPO6nOSlKwuF-SIYfYXRcmlol0hIrl82p0GplweO0wgLOojWUXxS44HkLXmpm5Ec0YBm_/s1600/2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmERcWRfS-2rhDrzTxBraCSjr3sy3QHhyphenhyphenA1k5WR0xB1j8Za6gqyN135VT8c61vj_kSspJEs9fNynNG3nn0qDHE3tzU_B6NPmf2e1zNFRCXD9X5Xsk6vDeJ2EbLzcsCOKbbK3Stzu6N-3RJ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmERcWRfS-2rhDrzTxBraCSjr3sy3QHhyphenhyphenA1k5WR0xB1j8Za6gqyN135VT8c61vj_kSspJEs9fNynNG3nn0qDHE3tzU_B6NPmf2e1zNFRCXD9X5Xsk6vDeJ2EbLzcsCOKbbK3Stzu6N-3RJ/s1600/3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">For the windows I simply painted them white and
drew black window panes with a paint marker.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HkTaygcvbhjMC3M1-L4J7kdcDYmyi0PM-UQ_E9QEReU1ShWrqS7Ltq1p54DI7syDTB27PKy5ZfEdNPFdlWlahPamjMHe6VCZYenrj5IsHOMS6WQHBPomjZL5zO5JlIsOA_O9TlXqOt09/s1600/Door2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HkTaygcvbhjMC3M1-L4J7kdcDYmyi0PM-UQ_E9QEReU1ShWrqS7Ltq1p54DI7syDTB27PKy5ZfEdNPFdlWlahPamjMHe6VCZYenrj5IsHOMS6WQHBPomjZL5zO5JlIsOA_O9TlXqOt09/s1600/Door2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Realizing (too late) that I should have
sanded the door down before painting, and that the spray paint was scratching
off effortlessly, I got the Mod Podge back out and Mod Podged the whole door! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Y20hwCCA1u-xcqjq3zuBCeMo3GN7qpHKeZUlDYG4nwDFxwdlZ8YAkcWbRYRoz1ZoGA-OIACkA1Uw7gF29a6d5WrKt0TqVrfdOJ13dVImukCt_ywWGGCOcsEcbeVTlkYwNeUcykvG9aB/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2Y20hwCCA1u-xcqjq3zuBCeMo3GN7qpHKeZUlDYG4nwDFxwdlZ8YAkcWbRYRoz1ZoGA-OIACkA1Uw7gF29a6d5WrKt0TqVrfdOJ13dVImukCt_ywWGGCOcsEcbeVTlkYwNeUcykvG9aB/s1600/15.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It turned out amazing! Far better than I had envisioned! BTW, I did both sides,
that way I get to have a Tardis in my hallway (I know, what have I become!?)
and she gets to have one in her room as well </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Agency FB"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Agency FB"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
Smart, I know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlAV_hFsGPlsH9a30DIdcQVj07HyYjo2vx5RPs3g-nlefZj2gLapwCKtMRdbhuXwhIuT2gFDcXTDvFsS24Nv8MXz7HCLmp-L0Ggdd6Lrka0d3Sn3z3UmzXWtLX72o69cC1e5WnNkrEA-8/s1600/Tardis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlAV_hFsGPlsH9a30DIdcQVj07HyYjo2vx5RPs3g-nlefZj2gLapwCKtMRdbhuXwhIuT2gFDcXTDvFsS24Nv8MXz7HCLmp-L0Ggdd6Lrka0d3Sn3z3UmzXWtLX72o69cC1e5WnNkrEA-8/s1600/Tardis.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3ExnGQZ4EfB0btORBB4C55XwCFxTANB0FefdAhRxRWWsNZodKntNoB53R0c2eTJaEqWyH6gqVCUQmh21C4hMbBlswZQC_V427jxO8vnzjTncW_g7-t8NI86rGIJo2elJtUqxMVNnzzLK/s1600/Bedroom+Door1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3ExnGQZ4EfB0btORBB4C55XwCFxTANB0FefdAhRxRWWsNZodKntNoB53R0c2eTJaEqWyH6gqVCUQmh21C4hMbBlswZQC_V427jxO8vnzjTncW_g7-t8NI86rGIJo2elJtUqxMVNnzzLK/s1600/Bedroom+Door1.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI060cfpLdn88TmfolkoSwduESb7-iUqWkYmMK3C9f7oKyfPfTrEqSGJWhE6WAJalAwCJxz73k-qSZGg6rpgRPBB4F18CxjePjL1v3EQR0MSchGC8iJyCEQPP5bTf3r4BWDshvwb8lzrDV/s1600/Bedroom+Door2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI060cfpLdn88TmfolkoSwduESb7-iUqWkYmMK3C9f7oKyfPfTrEqSGJWhE6WAJalAwCJxz73k-qSZGg6rpgRPBB4F18CxjePjL1v3EQR0MSchGC8iJyCEQPP5bTf3r4BWDshvwb8lzrDV/s1600/Bedroom+Door2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr4FbQhIR6pKpmlNpl4LyKTwy_5htsKIYcBBZNXIthsmAtBPWIoznVqHajddBNMjRUMXcbsahSxi1-xgT9xCvALyFbWJxiXfJ6qeyCBqollR8EhQLrbC1UPMQD_uRGb5V7fXS3Rjf0ztG/s1600/Exploding+Tardis+Bedroom+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr4FbQhIR6pKpmlNpl4LyKTwy_5htsKIYcBBZNXIthsmAtBPWIoznVqHajddBNMjRUMXcbsahSxi1-xgT9xCvALyFbWJxiXfJ6qeyCBqollR8EhQLrbC1UPMQD_uRGb5V7fXS3Rjf0ztG/s1600/Exploding+Tardis+Bedroom+Door.jpg" height="378" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Next project… You cannot have a Doctor Who Party
without The Doctor Himself. So, deciding on the Eleventh Doctor, and again
using good ole Google Images, I created a life-size Doctor. I did this by
creating a 50" X 72" Document in Photoshop. After Printing the entire
thing out on </span><span style="font-size: 21.600004196166992px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">card-stock</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> (45 sheets to be exact), I cut them out and put it
together like a puzzle. Again I got out my handy Mog Podge and glued it all
down to a large refrigerator box. After it was glued, I Mod Podged over the top
as well. Next, using a box cutter, I cut The Doctor out, leaving a strip
attached to the bottom for folding under and helping him to stand. Again, the
result was awesome! Seriously, do you guys have any clue how much these things are in stores? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIljL3Lwn0-i1mymcAo4PeNDsPzHv8gIQ4Tt0i1jVOwiZdUQCk2NXhuOju_jiq5vUfeI6aZ-VOJkn7xd2JlF90y2M-vQRSkQ9ot7f1B9Zn0PCnrw1OWNZASdnFa4JljU9v7-qfjRquuvQo/s1600/THE+DOCTOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIljL3Lwn0-i1mymcAo4PeNDsPzHv8gIQ4Tt0i1jVOwiZdUQCk2NXhuOju_jiq5vUfeI6aZ-VOJkn7xd2JlF90y2M-vQRSkQ9ot7f1B9Zn0PCnrw1OWNZASdnFa4JljU9v7-qfjRquuvQo/s1600/THE+DOCTOR.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4IxR9_VpfeZ27kEpazaWWKtr5CBLN1paWtYbl3IWzb3z-bHUHnONqVJEGwmGwNnJKUnKIs94nqoRM0thi846P1dCYpVZ5c8AxfPUxR2DbNkj7BNbQ7MYQMINi9BhQ6t8PEKUvNobpnw-/s1600/KorrieDr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4IxR9_VpfeZ27kEpazaWWKtr5CBLN1paWtYbl3IWzb3z-bHUHnONqVJEGwmGwNnJKUnKIs94nqoRM0thi846P1dCYpVZ5c8AxfPUxR2DbNkj7BNbQ7MYQMINi9BhQ6t8PEKUvNobpnw-/s1600/KorrieDr.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWuu9Ayt6sVW94e4iaecoCtoR1iX4gRrQrfjC-8UNxiLrsI-oL0B_Is_0LOIQw9TCvPVOoqajrMnGny59MDdrSdGkYuU5MXI3-KL0AbHejYu4bffJEcrJjylhsG9o9cEG5qK2F7Y85CwJ/s1600/KorrieJennifer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWuu9Ayt6sVW94e4iaecoCtoR1iX4gRrQrfjC-8UNxiLrsI-oL0B_Is_0LOIQw9TCvPVOoqajrMnGny59MDdrSdGkYuU5MXI3-KL0AbHejYu4bffJEcrJjylhsG9o9cEG5qK2F7Y85CwJ/s1600/KorrieJennifer.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are some of other things I did to make this
party memorable…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I began by making and sending out these invitations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbtJZZG6ZtaCGB3u_Y8R6PKhulY97ku-7h-5onhO9sbOo4TbzM9VI4mV-yWqezFCpsDFOa1UNvgnOJgEa_A4LM5qFyPh2R9v0gJHwBsC3wWoChOReq_yGVZctmjkdzcqdGdlC8-OyV7qH/s1600/Invitation3+Edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbtJZZG6ZtaCGB3u_Y8R6PKhulY97ku-7h-5onhO9sbOo4TbzM9VI4mV-yWqezFCpsDFOa1UNvgnOJgEa_A4LM5qFyPh2R9v0gJHwBsC3wWoChOReq_yGVZctmjkdzcqdGdlC8-OyV7qH/s1600/Invitation3+Edited.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We decorated the front door with a plastic blue
tablecloth and some printed out Tardis signs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_2e8ub-nkd2P4Vx0pkbdWPcNnCAR3kDNGlwwnYTEMtYlAfoCn5MPOjK9H9BBJ9kctR-SjxChLvD5BOO0WMsm9NDvVoQn4SjgeSEoaJXuHmiYIJqcXmt9SJcHXwJB7izgrR4PEZgiEd_r/s1600/Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_2e8ub-nkd2P4Vx0pkbdWPcNnCAR3kDNGlwwnYTEMtYlAfoCn5MPOjK9H9BBJ9kctR-SjxChLvD5BOO0WMsm9NDvVoQn4SjgeSEoaJXuHmiYIJqcXmt9SJcHXwJB7izgrR4PEZgiEd_r/s1600/Door.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We hung Cassandra (the last human) on the wall and
decorated a lasagna with red bell pepper, apple, cherry tomato, and lettuce to
look like her as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUkwzCdEls6g7fzNj0P5XOHCdhkS6ZEwz5F-rbDlCJIP6I_KSnRqSLpa3nOoSCYZ8Sxe1QyOkss3B6v0BYddBcYnOdW-urYms2wt0v7tQesoPw96to6ctUus907sen_eVpWDe9H3dyMGG/s1600/Cassandra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUkwzCdEls6g7fzNj0P5XOHCdhkS6ZEwz5F-rbDlCJIP6I_KSnRqSLpa3nOoSCYZ8Sxe1QyOkss3B6v0BYddBcYnOdW-urYms2wt0v7tQesoPw96to6ctUus907sen_eVpWDe9H3dyMGG/s1600/Cassandra.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e_XVc6GlOTNYsNRpyFH-8aDPJyOxavDpXhEMjSThmIPm3tmgOzKeaUrCMbER28sqMw4N_5pS2vo1mzbZzN_FqBSfTsLvYCx58JpeDUCmSZn4vfgfKtTxxE64whyphenhyphenaAyuL15qn0w-4uB7T/s1600/Casandra1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e_XVc6GlOTNYsNRpyFH-8aDPJyOxavDpXhEMjSThmIPm3tmgOzKeaUrCMbER28sqMw4N_5pS2vo1mzbZzN_FqBSfTsLvYCx58JpeDUCmSZn4vfgfKtTxxE64whyphenhyphenaAyuL15qn0w-4uB7T/s1600/Casandra1.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Agency FB, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Using an image of the Tardis and Microsoft Word, I
made a Happy Birthday Banner on </span><span style="font-size: 21.600004196166992px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">card-stock</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC4VnoxWRXdXoBgw40XtxXf1lhD001sy4RsWN9TCHEJYjB62AQrpewfQlIXnK_svikvOFbM-lyM-lEi5QleeHAYTRG1Tg2K0mr_zDbUqGcMrDFZie9dc4gGIl3wUeqRp61PE1cIBxmjDb/s1600/Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCC4VnoxWRXdXoBgw40XtxXf1lhD001sy4RsWN9TCHEJYjB62AQrpewfQlIXnK_svikvOFbM-lyM-lEi5QleeHAYTRG1Tg2K0mr_zDbUqGcMrDFZie9dc4gGIl3wUeqRp61PE1cIBxmjDb/s1600/Banner.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I strung lights through it (it was supposed to look
like Tardis lights) and forgot to take a picture if it… too many things on my
mind… but you can see it partially in this photo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PbZgsbHutqJubcAD7bua6ZMi1hFnme2hMwlLwgLr_Bda_fGRT8NxhhV7mLOLG5ZoDho1pVHzzWVL3MB1-F0Rm5hx5qTqc-70tUrjYGgjC8ELpG5znGE9kwxyVnYPd7ULIvJUskt231qO/s1600/KorrieMom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PbZgsbHutqJubcAD7bua6ZMi1hFnme2hMwlLwgLr_Bda_fGRT8NxhhV7mLOLG5ZoDho1pVHzzWVL3MB1-F0Rm5hx5qTqc-70tUrjYGgjC8ELpG5znGE9kwxyVnYPd7ULIvJUskt231qO/s1600/KorrieMom.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MY GIRL AND HER PROUD MAMA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here is the cake table-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Agency FB, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Complete with </span><span style="font-size: 21.600004196166992px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;"><b><a href="http://bakingdom.com/2011/08/fish-fingers-and-custard.html" target="_blank">Fish Fingers and Custard</a>, </b>bow ties, and official <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/370744278755?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649" target="_blank">suspenders</a> and <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/141152763185?var=440232276019&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649" target="_blank">bow tie</a> for the birthday girl (from ebay for $6.00).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EhsMZ3znReavodPjMR9z4ahCK7WeffTERr45c_HfmSYzxJ6ts1h1kd2Swb2uikXx4msvbuiHAWu9SuWToNsmGGrsgrFPNDHyO4FRaTek8MK5nKA-LDfMzgfTZB_6mXBvPntNVsyqBc5f/s1600/Cake+Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EhsMZ3znReavodPjMR9z4ahCK7WeffTERr45c_HfmSYzxJ6ts1h1kd2Swb2uikXx4msvbuiHAWu9SuWToNsmGGrsgrFPNDHyO4FRaTek8MK5nKA-LDfMzgfTZB_6mXBvPntNVsyqBc5f/s1600/Cake+Table.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5suPBCQRJqdH9dtaNZbAcEJ5xOfJAY44k1Pm76pHgK9NpKjNoYzibJ6FXcfavfQh2lczV8Pj65B0MCDjXGw8PxRlm1n8g_BeHIDDu5R8MIV81-rCeyfScvbLnY1sjaWeBy-cFgPhwaY9J/s1600/Korrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5suPBCQRJqdH9dtaNZbAcEJ5xOfJAY44k1Pm76pHgK9NpKjNoYzibJ6FXcfavfQh2lczV8Pj65B0MCDjXGw8PxRlm1n8g_BeHIDDu5R8MIV81-rCeyfScvbLnY1sjaWeBy-cFgPhwaY9J/s1600/Korrie.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYal370XcBlMLroLGF_HeHvq8DH2bID8LUPffoHD2MSmW-HecygN-NUtBOJHZcjTE2e2vFc4quzjmbJkHvROjIUsTExC_2-UqFOjpKK6B7d5ssqUcJi3cTjF1koJdUMjQVweJhJPjgcnlQ/s1600/Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYal370XcBlMLroLGF_HeHvq8DH2bID8LUPffoHD2MSmW-HecygN-NUtBOJHZcjTE2e2vFc4quzjmbJkHvROjIUsTExC_2-UqFOjpKK6B7d5ssqUcJi3cTjF1koJdUMjQVweJhJPjgcnlQ/s1600/Decor.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Korrie with her Doctor Who Cake. I ordered the edible
paper from <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4634.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC0.A0.XDoctor+Who+Cake&_nkw=Doctor+Who+Cake&_sacat=0&_from=R40" target="_blank">Ebay</a>. My plan was to make a cake, but there just happened to be one
on the discount rack screaming my name! Make a cake? Aint no one got time for
that! I gently placed the edible paper, and added some blue spray (edible of course) and sprinkles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHino0XCL5cP5O4RRoAoQOHV9B5Bt_8HhyphenhyphenqmuEsDIxapCh3JU9JgZwd3RBHCFPxf-1QojMcWFErFAliTfdIZizq_Y9b8SItA7QMSsNeMuBDMC2yXZT1tweANUuionfr5qVzM6yZWQBJMw/s1600/Korrie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHino0XCL5cP5O4RRoAoQOHV9B5Bt_8HhyphenhyphenqmuEsDIxapCh3JU9JgZwd3RBHCFPxf-1QojMcWFErFAliTfdIZizq_Y9b8SItA7QMSsNeMuBDMC2yXZT1tweANUuionfr5qVzM6yZWQBJMw/s1600/Korrie3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD6azI_95iRwUO4WorBfuIxqtzW4XCnxfRJNNnWXHYpaCbL24QAxe3mbZyKGfv-cFQk8PLQ8LkSX21IH6HIxCiO7X6xnFhw8-ilL9I0v8O_0U1cv5cD4cvZENsgeoznw5ka6BRhoqyBmE/s1600/Cake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD6azI_95iRwUO4WorBfuIxqtzW4XCnxfRJNNnWXHYpaCbL24QAxe3mbZyKGfv-cFQk8PLQ8LkSX21IH6HIxCiO7X6xnFhw8-ilL9I0v8O_0U1cv5cD4cvZENsgeoznw5ka6BRhoqyBmE/s1600/Cake2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The cupcakes may have been my favorite. I made a
cupcake tower following <a href="http://www.annies-eats.com/2010/08/19/how-to-make-a-cupcake-tower/" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>, ordered edible cupcake toppers on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4634.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC0.A0.XDoctor+Who+Cake&_nkw=Doctor+Who+Cake&_sacat=0&_from=R40" target="_blank">Ebay</a>, and printed off these <b><a href="http://f-a.deviantart.com/art/Dalek-Cupcake-Wrapper-322292132" target="_blank">Dalek</a></b> and <b><a href="http://f-a.deviantart.com/art/Tardis-Cupcake-Wrapper-322293049" target="_blank">Tardis cupcake wrappers</a></b>. Again I used blue spray and
sprinkles. They were so cute! (The popcorn boxes were downloaded from <a href="http://f-a.deviantart.com/art/Dalek-Popcorn-Holder-324270314" target="_blank">here</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z2jWJljsKRrgXs5_8HpauO9Ybryh5ACxE_tH5mj9LFNRz_jXDkGleK0baA6RkRMKMIFdThOGqucgKpU-rF9wP0CUJm0kHvbXlA-0Dhl8QI59n9LpU3c6phKIx6CxTok-T-SSZ2oX_Kyz/s1600/Cup+Cakes4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Z2jWJljsKRrgXs5_8HpauO9Ybryh5ACxE_tH5mj9LFNRz_jXDkGleK0baA6RkRMKMIFdThOGqucgKpU-rF9wP0CUJm0kHvbXlA-0Dhl8QI59n9LpU3c6phKIx6CxTok-T-SSZ2oX_Kyz/s1600/Cup+Cakes4.jpg" height="576" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0AhcjZqln0plqq37aENVNHtJ69tY4nyXCikWnTEXU1GnWzXkJTkRNG_W4lOytPeTtq-mwRdOxP3JWojspEvtrCO1y0KrwS_bHuyvXNC6Ry55T6gliCJ3Js-i4KBBa77n7zSvhgv2O3AF/s1600/Cup+Cakes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0AhcjZqln0plqq37aENVNHtJ69tY4nyXCikWnTEXU1GnWzXkJTkRNG_W4lOytPeTtq-mwRdOxP3JWojspEvtrCO1y0KrwS_bHuyvXNC6Ry55T6gliCJ3Js-i4KBBa77n7zSvhgv2O3AF/s1600/Cup+Cakes2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBmZmWBRMeOvH4PlxGu8j8rWyJKMRGO1VEauwG_87ZHOnB8SuQpHEYv6AM91qWsN-Dhh7nBdVuSOIWa3ObY5FYGTKLttrDicwlblBf69sSLWMEMz9Cotid8F-tsGfKIZ8njIWkMF5Pf7z/s1600/Cup+Cakes3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBmZmWBRMeOvH4PlxGu8j8rWyJKMRGO1VEauwG_87ZHOnB8SuQpHEYv6AM91qWsN-Dhh7nBdVuSOIWa3ObY5FYGTKLttrDicwlblBf69sSLWMEMz9Cotid8F-tsGfKIZ8njIWkMF5Pf7z/s1600/Cup+Cakes3.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You can't have a Doctor Who Party without <b>Bowties</b> for
everyone to wear, <b>Adipose</b>, <b>Gummy Babies</b>, and <b>Sonic Screwdrivers</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOJ9CEpFE4QSkC-OrK-CkBENgbwCWNolDNomWmk7_edIsZ1Bep8RvDe3kd6hWtHDrlAPWFwJVxia7qE3N_2uwvycaLokjN0sN9w_tprekyzCyucqqqXJyOtsw07eVUDpwPWWD_KsPqkC0/s1600/BowtiesAdiposeSonic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOJ9CEpFE4QSkC-OrK-CkBENgbwCWNolDNomWmk7_edIsZ1Bep8RvDe3kd6hWtHDrlAPWFwJVxia7qE3N_2uwvycaLokjN0sN9w_tprekyzCyucqqqXJyOtsw07eVUDpwPWWD_KsPqkC0/s1600/BowtiesAdiposeSonic.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I made the <b>Bowties</b> with red napkins and ribbon. I
included peel and stick safety pins for all the guests </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Agency FB"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Agency FB"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo92AzMy4Imon9V7mOmcB5iv7r5FlvPxYfWEGl7mikE7tEbvK43gd4j8w0yeyrewrGvWZxY_RkVzsJhYzJMXJBYu6JrdUMhf7TNgf_2ej79G6FMpIoy9o27chkilYsxODtm9X5qcc2upD/s1600/Bowties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVo92AzMy4Imon9V7mOmcB5iv7r5FlvPxYfWEGl7mikE7tEbvK43gd4j8w0yeyrewrGvWZxY_RkVzsJhYzJMXJBYu6JrdUMhf7TNgf_2ej79G6FMpIoy9o27chkilYsxODtm9X5qcc2upD/s1600/Bowties.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <b>Adipose</b> were done by gluing mini marshmallows to regular marshmallows </span><span style="font-family: 'Agency FB', sans-serif; font-size: 21.600004196166992px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">(using melted white chocolate)</span><span style="font-family: 'Agency FB', sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">. I added sprinkles and
painted the faces on with an edible marker.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IR6cAefq1BaSz-C_QD68Bw92AT5-M-kgiC2Spm_ExP0YMI1naOi0bEyK1E7E1X9qs2_QaG_n1Zgzdrxn3Voshm2wIwlLiyXtkkG1mpiWVP7fK08eUtFkGfPUlQNi67BOJOase6_iYuRH/s1600/Adipose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IR6cAefq1BaSz-C_QD68Bw92AT5-M-kgiC2Spm_ExP0YMI1naOi0bEyK1E7E1X9qs2_QaG_n1Zgzdrxn3Voshm2wIwlLiyXtkkG1mpiWVP7fK08eUtFkGfPUlQNi67BOJOase6_iYuRH/s1600/Adipose.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Sonic Screwdrivers</b> were simple: dip pretzel sticks in
melted white chocolate, spray blue, and add sprinkles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxCu8rDGoghz6BqnaRxRGQ-WbBrER00ifZpL_kvsVu_y3jEYwlvPBfB6CikcLd0JyHl1e3ds2PiufTLFb-HriIuSRWmbz1Zs8BgVdL36RNd66FmgM5NkT0mRpU-SfTnWsJ8AhrygOkWqJ/s1600/Sonic+Screwdrivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxCu8rDGoghz6BqnaRxRGQ-WbBrER00ifZpL_kvsVu_y3jEYwlvPBfB6CikcLd0JyHl1e3ds2PiufTLFb-HriIuSRWmbz1Zs8BgVdL36RNd66FmgM5NkT0mRpU-SfTnWsJ8AhrygOkWqJ/s1600/Sonic+Screwdrivers.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Agency FB, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">For the photo booth I made <a href="http://s42.photobucket.com/user/combomphotos/library/doctor%20who%20masks?sort=3&page=1" target="_blank">masks</a> by printing them out on </span><span style="font-size: 21.600004196166992px; line-height: 24.533334732055664px;">card-stock</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> and gluing skewers to them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Agency FB, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm8QJXIRWzwENhIAxZ35YCviIR6ytZeYd2Vl-JtzqReo-Cokh0X85GjQKKMFDAVvJHAeEJAE5BVEJC9UQbIHQnOPep8qF5DJ97nTuTXxAUUKoqOQLNb8rd2uxpV1jbf-gK_4b07yGz9C0/s1600/KorrieKaitlyn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZm8QJXIRWzwENhIAxZ35YCviIR6ytZeYd2Vl-JtzqReo-Cokh0X85GjQKKMFDAVvJHAeEJAE5BVEJC9UQbIHQnOPep8qF5DJ97nTuTXxAUUKoqOQLNb8rd2uxpV1jbf-gK_4b07yGz9C0/s1600/KorrieKaitlyn3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJesEMp9KQTuFQQpqwyndKyFDWm3evBDRERxieXfsrK0f_oiPVLiHXw8n7ejP_os7onh-z0XgxYK6M__pHNFSp5e5K1t9wJqhggcbzXZ36o0iKPS93PDAsAlHDsl-ztcn7IAva0Wqr-TIN/s1600/KorrieLelani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJesEMp9KQTuFQQpqwyndKyFDWm3evBDRERxieXfsrK0f_oiPVLiHXw8n7ejP_os7onh-z0XgxYK6M__pHNFSp5e5K1t9wJqhggcbzXZ36o0iKPS93PDAsAlHDsl-ztcn7IAva0Wqr-TIN/s1600/KorrieLelani.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBgb8jJQpXa00UaskzXpcvYu6qJ5m6NHDizWS7uCZq8K-3UpACNzyUTK4O5DVO2XJBzmhPfowXXwtG-eGonVHZje-jMly522_wyA36AMoEYkwo97ALHWXONx2FWCmgs6Pq0QwHqxS-xhM/s1600/KorrieCaden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBgb8jJQpXa00UaskzXpcvYu6qJ5m6NHDizWS7uCZq8K-3UpACNzyUTK4O5DVO2XJBzmhPfowXXwtG-eGonVHZje-jMly522_wyA36AMoEYkwo97ALHWXONx2FWCmgs6Pq0QwHqxS-xhM/s1600/KorrieCaden.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinjZ1hY2EC7ZY2DyKl8Gn2MlTxtxW-lyCb0dF60yOEWNmS9I4Q4yJEehjaa0Kku1oyLTARyaVgLEP2YpHna5XXBnh289K-RESREy9sUxi-dsklNUt3F9OX9Jkxv1HIx43h05YcSRTwMlo/s1600/KorrieRachael2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinjZ1hY2EC7ZY2DyKl8Gn2MlTxtxW-lyCb0dF60yOEWNmS9I4Q4yJEehjaa0Kku1oyLTARyaVgLEP2YpHna5XXBnh289K-RESREy9sUxi-dsklNUt3F9OX9Jkxv1HIx43h05YcSRTwMlo/s1600/KorrieRachael2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphjyqvx5qfkg9VbE6VCamXt1KR8Sh9fmP9inWw1zq9qKlS3BYeD6WqyXbmc1GM1DW4qqJbB4nl7IjkQkTfh1Z0CCVOo7dhbqmMKmSuk62gotpYcZLXLM4f9tPUoFYtkmNxa7MPK9tkCOH/s1600/KorrieDad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphjyqvx5qfkg9VbE6VCamXt1KR8Sh9fmP9inWw1zq9qKlS3BYeD6WqyXbmc1GM1DW4qqJbB4nl7IjkQkTfh1Z0CCVOo7dhbqmMKmSuk62gotpYcZLXLM4f9tPUoFYtkmNxa7MPK9tkCOH/s1600/KorrieDad2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qx297TYXX97qd0qapBHIjabEfLW8jqfXMcTis7pB8OwSUQR9-gThK4ON2yJI7VWX8Ymnyqr79vU6_7zHalGRaCAIf4oQ5FWWH5K05mCVcCNeQTeQSd_wnNzdDlaYYpfENaN8lWG2oNSA/s1600/KorrieDad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qx297TYXX97qd0qapBHIjabEfLW8jqfXMcTis7pB8OwSUQR9-gThK4ON2yJI7VWX8Ymnyqr79vU6_7zHalGRaCAIf4oQ5FWWH5K05mCVcCNeQTeQSd_wnNzdDlaYYpfENaN8lWG2oNSA/s1600/KorrieDad.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Agency FB, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wrapped her gift in blue paper and again printed
out Tardis signs. What a cute package!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YM6bJpJm2Z-_kU40VSEihA7p_g52yYljReL0aqdvi3k_smVLrLr5NPwIkfzshZpPyVVZQgHLfEZPH86dAX4fKYzmHqyXfhOfoluN6sdZ4pc2FVqtXLDLcAnXgktfYqhNYxNYG31-pYyt/s1600/Korrie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YM6bJpJm2Z-_kU40VSEihA7p_g52yYljReL0aqdvi3k_smVLrLr5NPwIkfzshZpPyVVZQgHLfEZPH86dAX4fKYzmHqyXfhOfoluN6sdZ4pc2FVqtXLDLcAnXgktfYqhNYxNYG31-pYyt/s1600/Korrie2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">On one wall we added The Crack in Time and Space
and had Rory and Amy coming out of it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjINQAfECPlaGgTxo3fQkAsOIUDGG5PDHFJ15VTgFXz_3CgdqKgM_u0rDXhZVf5tIThjVUH3QnmsQzS_MDndW-7gJkB2yuKyG6C51D3NQKq1DGs4UGY0BMCnshPDO8Ck-pY1-xqsQgDODu/s1600/Crack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjINQAfECPlaGgTxo3fQkAsOIUDGG5PDHFJ15VTgFXz_3CgdqKgM_u0rDXhZVf5tIThjVUH3QnmsQzS_MDndW-7gJkB2yuKyG6C51D3NQKq1DGs4UGY0BMCnshPDO8Ck-pY1-xqsQgDODu/s1600/Crack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cWVt4dzqgT_mSpMMseUwLbX-MLTz1SCH-rHEWCGSsA7FDRCd2n8JJxVsTDBiL1-FlPL1Q35sdQcYiuyUWdQQT8x5NLr7irMk7A2e1I4P4Fwyp84PbRg6LuTfo35nt7NJcntPBa_lR11_/s1600/KorrieKoriGramma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cWVt4dzqgT_mSpMMseUwLbX-MLTz1SCH-rHEWCGSsA7FDRCd2n8JJxVsTDBiL1-FlPL1Q35sdQcYiuyUWdQQT8x5NLr7irMk7A2e1I4P4Fwyp84PbRg6LuTfo35nt7NJcntPBa_lR11_/s1600/KorrieKoriGramma.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And THAT, my friends is a successful Doctor Who/Sweet
Sixteen Party!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMVG0HmcK02OrrkIwAJtUu05zc3Kv00OtvpuRYERyE-KcI8T1eZlM-2NpHPwX7QMyeq1CUc1MTUeOa2z5FpUkX7mGgotkjOOIfy09aL6aQvcJ_qHtr922vWnatIk0v2m3z10pseWi23pf/s1600/KorrieFriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMVG0HmcK02OrrkIwAJtUu05zc3Kv00OtvpuRYERyE-KcI8T1eZlM-2NpHPwX7QMyeq1CUc1MTUeOa2z5FpUkX7mGgotkjOOIfy09aL6aQvcJ_qHtr922vWnatIk0v2m3z10pseWi23pf/s1600/KorrieFriends.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Agency FB","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-67433869160422933572013-11-01T14:14:00.000-07:002013-11-01T17:36:53.901-07:00Is Jesus Christ God?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYA81oYyhWviOaqeiLIllllm6zgk88nW6hPaanz3ndqilkmKg8LPNkugS9KNb_Xx5TRXnVCDikY4Mhu7Gdlqe7DUIcYFnl0vQyxERXgpxrZvMoMuLsnfrk-HUF01-PkjcyCAhxn4MWP_RS/s1600/I+AM_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYA81oYyhWviOaqeiLIllllm6zgk88nW6hPaanz3ndqilkmKg8LPNkugS9KNb_Xx5TRXnVCDikY4Mhu7Gdlqe7DUIcYFnl0vQyxERXgpxrZvMoMuLsnfrk-HUF01-PkjcyCAhxn4MWP_RS/s640/I+AM_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">There is much debate and
confusion regarding the identity of Jesus Christ. This confusion is not limited
to nonbelievers, but extends to Christians as well. Was Jesus a prophet? Was He
the messiah? Was He God Himself? Let's look at a couple scriptures and attempt
a clear answer to the question- <b>Is Jesus Christ God?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">After leaving Egypt, Moses is
in the desert and sees a bush consumed with fire but not burned. From the
bush, God Almighty instructs him to return to Egypt and free His people- the
Israelites. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">'Then Moses said to God,
“Indeed,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">when</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your
fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">is</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">His name?’ what shall I say to
them?”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
<span id="en-NKJV-1594"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you
shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span></span><span id="en-NKJV-1595"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Moreover
God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">God of your fathers, the God of
Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">is</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">My name forever, and this</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">is</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">My memorial to all
generations.’ Exodus 3:13-15</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Here, God
proclaims His unique name to Moses. God calls Himself <b>'I AM.'</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Now
let's go to the book of John, written by the Apostle John; the same John who
wrote 1,2,3 John, and The Revelation of Jesus Christ. In Chapter 8, Jesus is
questioned about who He is. He responds with an interesting statement: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">"Your
father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." Then the
Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen
Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before
Abraham was, I AM." John 8:56-58<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><b>Here Jesus
gives Himself God's name.</b> The name given to Moses in the desert- <b>I AM.</b> The Jews
reacted to this proclamation strongly by attempting to stone Jesus (verse 59).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><b>Is
believing that Jesus is God required for salvation?</b> Let's look again at John
chapter 8. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Starting
in verse 24, Jesus says, "Therefore I said to you that you will die in
your sins; for if you do not believe that I am <i>He</i>, you will die in your sins."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">The
listeners respond by asking "Who are You?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">And
Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning… when you lift up the Son of Man, then you
will know that I am <i>He</i>…" John
8:24-28.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">In
verses 24, and 28, we see the words 'I am <i>He</i>.'
However, the word <i>He</i> is italicized,
which means it has been added and is not in the original language. What Jesus
actually said in these two verses was "I AM." Jesus calls Himself
God, and tells them that unless they believe Him to be God, they will die in
their sins. This leaves us with the obvious answer- <b>Yes, believing that Jesus
is God is required for salvation. </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">How do
His hearers respond to this? Did they understand the significance of His
statement? We see their response clearly in John 8:59: 'they took up stones to
throw at Him.' <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Let's
look at another usage of this Name by Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">In John
chapter 18, 'a detachment of troops and officers from the chief priests and
Pharisees [show up] with lanterns, torches, and weapons.'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">'Jesus
therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said
to them,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“Whom are you seeking?”</span> </span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">They
answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“I am</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">He.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.200002670288086px;">”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Again,
the word <i>He</i> has been added. How did
the troops bearing weapons respond? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Now
when He said to them,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“I am</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="woj"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">He,</span></i></span><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">” </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">they drew back and fell to the ground.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Had
Jesus simply stated, Yes I am Jesus of Nazareth, would the entire fleet of
troops had fallen to the ground? Why did they fall to the ground? Because Jesus
called Himself God. <b>Because Jesus proclaimed to be the I AM.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: center;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">For it is written:</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="oblique"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">“</span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">As</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="oblique"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I live, says the L</span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-variant: small-caps;">ord</span></span><span class="oblique"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">,</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />
<span class="oblique">Every knee shall bow to Me,</span><br />
<span class="oblique">And every tongue shall confess to God."</span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span class="oblique"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><i>Therefore God
also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> which is above every name,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"></span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span id="en-NKJV-29402">that at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span></span><span class="text"></span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span id="en-NKJV-29403">and</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">that</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">every
tongue should confess that Jesus Christ</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">is</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.</span></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.200002670288086px;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><b>Did Jesus' disciples believe He was God?</b> We
find an answer in the book of John. (Don't you just love John? That man had a
clear message to share with us!) After Jesus died on the cross, and then rose
from the dead, we find Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples doubting the resurrection.</span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">"Unless I see in His hands the print
of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand
into His side, I will not believe." (John 20:25)</span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Eight days later, Jesus shows up, and says
to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your
hand <i>here</i>, and put <i>it</i> into My side. Do not be unbelieving,
but believing." And Thomas answered and said to Him, <b>"My Lord and my
God!"</b></span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">Jesus did not rebuke Thomas. Jesus did not
correct Thomas. Instead Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen
Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and <i>yet</i> have believed."</span></div>
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><b>Jesus proclaimed to be God, and His
disciples believed Him to be God.</b> Is it enough to simply believe Him to be a
prophet? Can we merely accept Him as a great teacher or even the Son of God,
and not believe Him to be God Almighty? C.S. Lewis offers an answer better than
any I've heard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really
foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a
great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one
thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus
said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the
level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil
of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of
God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you
can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call
him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his
being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend
to.” ~C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white;">
</div>
<div class="chapter-2" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"><i>Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-33166890469594541452013-09-06T11:11:00.000-07:002013-09-06T11:11:23.954-07:00RED {Five Minute Friday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeSKWMk5DHYAv2rL37tNyUvSlu3K9-W2tu-Hr9ZNKP37h8h-ooCNcZ1qUtIULR4b4RSYLIotGYknJcKBR9mJCnDuiJ38WNIrAW0SCe4vtAbca9fW1O1pD6HiMveKoRbOHS3QyPuTAYyGW/s1600/RED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOeSKWMk5DHYAv2rL37tNyUvSlu3K9-W2tu-Hr9ZNKP37h8h-ooCNcZ1qUtIULR4b4RSYLIotGYknJcKBR9mJCnDuiJ38WNIrAW0SCe4vtAbca9fW1O1pD6HiMveKoRbOHS3QyPuTAYyGW/s640/RED.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">She gazes at the
crisp white sheet as if the rest of her life depends on the next twenty
minutes. Her heart is heavy and self expectation high- too high. It's a simple
math test. She knows all the concepts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">What she fears more
than anything is my response. What will the teacher's red marks reveal? Do they
tell her she's approved? Accepted? Rejected? Stupid? Unable? Not good enough?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">She misses a minor
step here, and forgets a label there. I attempt to put small check marks with a
bright red pen, hoping she will receive it as a learning opportunity. Not a
reason to doubt. But the tears come and the insecurities take over. She didn't
get 100%. She's not good enough. She's less than perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">I guide her to another
red. <b>There's this crimson red blood
offering freedom through words of red.</b> Red inscriptions from the Good Teacher.
Marks and letters, messages written in scarlet speaking the only truth. The one
truth she must regard more than anything; more than my plastic ball-point-pen
could ever speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">He says it simply
and profoundly: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">Come to Me. I will give you rest. Learn from
Me. I am gentle. You will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy. My burden
is light.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;"> <i>Follow me.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">That's all He
requires. That's all He expects. That's all He asks. Come to Him. He expects no
perfection, just holy intention. He knows your weakness, struggles, shortcoming,
and insecurities. He's created you for good works and written it all in RED. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">Joining hundreds of
Jesus lovers who just write, not worrying if it's just right or not over at
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/09/five-minute-friday-red/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo's space</a>. This week's prompt- RED.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7IaeJcOFlDMRxY7fs_FGhbjRs-Dkjuz9usupeWD1NVmlVmLDTNn9Vm5Wj-VsyiV2dBy7HeHbmy5cRuBnUsYHvZCdZEoMmZJiVU0M2PKw6f6J30N7OOw2_qiTSs_BhIJ2sC3D_eoFGOfp/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7IaeJcOFlDMRxY7fs_FGhbjRs-Dkjuz9usupeWD1NVmlVmLDTNn9Vm5Wj-VsyiV2dBy7HeHbmy5cRuBnUsYHvZCdZEoMmZJiVU0M2PKw6f6J30N7OOw2_qiTSs_BhIJ2sC3D_eoFGOfp/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Aparajita;">Follow me on
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-25334291056621671482013-08-16T07:06:00.002-07:002013-08-16T07:15:50.639-07:00Small {Five Minute Friday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjXBq3_SqrBwr6Cjvvg69lT_aMi7cGX3q2hpIgckFxTVPzyRX6RUiFLpQAUZ7tepxTR114oEPTZ-VsaIQZWMrINmECh-UTGmiJ08puoRpbgoH92wwBq2pXzK0gwcKJBKZkB-psg-RX6jI/s1600/bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjXBq3_SqrBwr6Cjvvg69lT_aMi7cGX3q2hpIgckFxTVPzyRX6RUiFLpQAUZ7tepxTR114oEPTZ-VsaIQZWMrINmECh-UTGmiJ08puoRpbgoH92wwBq2pXzK0gwcKJBKZkB-psg-RX6jI/s640/bridge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes the day drags on and I find myself doing
nothing more than entertaining or being entertained. Friends on Facebook are cooking and canning
and cleaning and making schedules and checking off items on their to-do list.
Me? I'm trying to decide at 7:30pm what in the world we will have for dinner. I
need to be more like them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then she calls and says those words to me-
"my son thinks your family is the standard. He thinks he should have just
as much time on the video games each day as your son." And I'm feeling
even smaller than I was a minute ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I sit with a friend on my deck. We sit out here because
inside the house is plastic and plaster and wet paint and too much
reconstruction. I wanted to tell her not to even bother- please choose another
day. But this couldn't wait. She is more important than my mess and she really
doesn't even care what the house looks like. Or if I have cabinets sitting on
the floor waiting to be installed and groceries on tables covered by sheets.
What she needs is a listening ear and a prayerful friend. What she needs is a
repentant daughter and a God that saves to the uttermost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And
my small heart is undergoing a little reconstruction of its own. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/08/your-life-is-over-my-story.html" target="_blank">Today we celebrate sixteen years of marriage</a>.
Sixteen years! It feels huge to me, but then I see those other women and how
they've survived unspeakable battles and decades of motherhood and married life,
and my story seems small and insignificant again. It's only sixteen years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/08/your-life-is-over-my-story.html" target="_blank">But, it is our sixteen years.</a></span></b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> And we are headed away for the
weekend to enjoy a break, to enjoy each other, to escape a half-finished
kitchen, and remind ourselves of the small things- the things that keep us
going and keep us looking up. Happy 16th Anniversary to my best friend! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6JHrMGlws80_wYvXXwxrM0dE_BD1Lw8Fhtl1d2-ZI5J9Hf6ourBEnXLYVceSAfKsGS545fnPCR_GtoHUOfMJ47rjteCygHaihyYkAQiWw6oBSWB6oz0EHNYohyW-WY5sJIt4lS18msy_/s1600/Us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6JHrMGlws80_wYvXXwxrM0dE_BD1Lw8Fhtl1d2-ZI5J9Hf6ourBEnXLYVceSAfKsGS545fnPCR_GtoHUOfMJ47rjteCygHaihyYkAQiWw6oBSWB6oz0EHNYohyW-WY5sJIt4lS18msy_/s640/Us.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Writing today with the community at <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/08/five-minute-friday-small/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo's</a>
where we love to <i>just write</i> without
worrying if it's <i>just right</i> or not.
Set the timer for five minutes and write on this prompt- Small. Then come
share with us.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWflb9bwev05xddmDV-pcRUkcwrUVUjFYFxC_B-ywaw8o9nCdTMBjeBThfh_phfGpLtu2qoKTKMVfWN73luLvF7SmRI8ufE5kBNObcE1KYhbrcMVg74SegXt2yCdYla7cnBRjjK3eaYCVe/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWflb9bwev05xddmDV-pcRUkcwrUVUjFYFxC_B-ywaw8o9nCdTMBjeBThfh_phfGpLtu2qoKTKMVfWN73luLvF7SmRI8ufE5kBNObcE1KYhbrcMVg74SegXt2yCdYla7cnBRjjK3eaYCVe/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-40236836546717578402013-08-16T06:30:00.000-07:002013-08-16T06:30:02.058-07:00Your Life is Over- MY STORY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4fONGoxmtEDphShowoU_LnD_ejak9nlDvepZhuFlw1lBHlNqQfpb1p2Fw6vIRxgXfN-Wf-ls2xreS-d45yx490E4fVkfhwl8ub1L0ucHhZUvaf0KlhUn5COOgs_tiWoHJi9h29NOW4fQ/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4fONGoxmtEDphShowoU_LnD_ejak9nlDvepZhuFlw1lBHlNqQfpb1p2Fw6vIRxgXfN-Wf-ls2xreS-d45yx490E4fVkfhwl8ub1L0ucHhZUvaf0KlhUn5COOgs_tiWoHJi9h29NOW4fQ/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxe5K3AHc3GiQXRfKtMZyx1qPROuBZ0Llztn7HDytkkJN8Wc4PnHjkhG8epI86LlX-BXZmoMdvr4Y1JosgVSU4HIk0UKM30KiE3krCzw7W0MbaCMop4I9AYb8YQw8aO28w2Jd7leFeKJj/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxe5K3AHc3GiQXRfKtMZyx1qPROuBZ0Llztn7HDytkkJN8Wc4PnHjkhG8epI86LlX-BXZmoMdvr4Y1JosgVSU4HIk0UKM30KiE3krCzw7W0MbaCMop4I9AYb8YQw8aO28w2Jd7leFeKJj/s640/36.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Using the mall restroom
has never been the same. Not since that day in June of 1997; three days out of
high school and barely eighteen. The instructions said results would take a few
minutes, but those bright lines gave no breathing room. Instantly they screamed
the truth I refused to believe- <b>your.
life. is. over.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And then it was THAT
LADY. The one dressed in fancy clothes voicing my <i>options</i> and encouraging me to take the <i>easy way out</i>. She was the <i>professional</i>;
she knew more than me. Consumed by the unknown, my head spinning in a fog,
baring nothing but worldly wisdom, confusion, and dread, it happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Perched side by side,
eyes piercing the wood planks of my bedroom wall, it was time to have our first
real conversation. Neither wanted to accept it. Neither knew how to address the
issue that would forever change our lives. I attempted strength, but strained
voice and dampened cheeks betrayed me almost instantly:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“James, I’m pregnant.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Well, you know what I want to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I dreaded hearing what
he’d <i>want to do</i>. I feared the worst- <i>termination</i>. But he threw me completely
off my already unstable foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“I want to get married.”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Married? Did he really
just say THAT word? He wants to marry ME? We’d barely been together six months!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Six months. Half a
year. Hardly enough time to talk futures and expectations. He was the sweet one-
the type your girlfriends confide in; the one they called 'teddy bear' and shared
struggles with. This was the guy I asked to prom on a foolish, drunk dare. The
guy I never imagined would be father of my child; wearer of my ring. It was all
so far from romantic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR22dwKB17COSF03lfN4eHIt9R7nTn2QerXWn1lsoC4dYgS4tnuUPqGABx_Y4DEgtuBtTYvkaUYKPAy0InodJ6AcVbt1L1BOYJtHyBM4dGPmd2q6g1DF9W4KJxtxqzN-D8uVfXuzp1PWwc/s1600/5-5_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR22dwKB17COSF03lfN4eHIt9R7nTn2QerXWn1lsoC4dYgS4tnuUPqGABx_Y4DEgtuBtTYvkaUYKPAy0InodJ6AcVbt1L1BOYJtHyBM4dGPmd2q6g1DF9W4KJxtxqzN-D8uVfXuzp1PWwc/s640/5-5_1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A simple country
wedding in a small A-frame church. Wearing hair plastered high and a deceptive white
gown, I slowly treaded that shag red carpet. We stood eye to eye- me in satin
slippers, he in shiny rented shoes. His uncle recited the words- words heard
wedding after wedding:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> "<i>It is not good
that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him… Therefore a man shall leave his
father and mother and be joined to his
wife, and they shall become one flesh… Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate… And I
now pronounce you husband and wife…"
(Genesis 2:18,24, Mark 10:9 NKJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We made promises to
each other and to a God we didn't know. We danced to country love songs, feasted
on homemade dishes, and opened Tupperware, cookware, silverware, and glassware.
It was all so surreal and sudden. It was all so necessary in the mind of an
eighteen-year-old, because when you get yourself pregnant, wedding bells are
expected and inevitable. I did things
wrong, and I would make them right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On August 16<sup>th</sup>,
1997 the wayward Jehovah’s Witness, and the naïve people-pleasing-teen walked
down that isle, exchanged overpriced rings and meaningless vows, then attempted
to play <i>‘the happy married couple with a
bald, yet beautiful new baby.’</i> Most mocked and questioned our future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8M_VdaQv9ySeabKMEvUWc_kjKZqRAUXD4JhMHeu54Pah8_rQjpHVcCCiAc2pZmRnkcZIj8rLDGXXLvwMTXdEtiWr4by-h2e_-z5QGq7Mtc9B1yvPIblMXkG2cnx3SB9AX_Rob4e2JtL8/s1600/11-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8M_VdaQv9ySeabKMEvUWc_kjKZqRAUXD4JhMHeu54Pah8_rQjpHVcCCiAc2pZmRnkcZIj8rLDGXXLvwMTXdEtiWr4by-h2e_-z5QGq7Mtc9B1yvPIblMXkG2cnx3SB9AX_Rob4e2JtL8/s640/11-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Have you any clue what
a stubborn teen does when doubted and ridiculed? She fights back and she fights
hard. Once a carefree, vibrant, loving-my-life-teenager, now a married mommy
coping unsuccessfully with fat rolls, dirty dishes, piles of
soiled-puked-on-laundry, and a husband I barely knew. I refused to be the next
statistic. However, as desperate as I was to <i>prove them all wrong</i>, my good intentions were nothing more than
exhausting failures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">AND IN MY WEAKNESS, HE IS STRONG. AND IN MY FAILURE
HE IS GLORIFIED. AND IN MY DOUBT, HE IS FAITHFUL. AND IN MY DESPERATION, HE IS
DESPERATE FOR ME. MY GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">He used faith full
followers to reveal a faithful Father. He turned an unwanted pregnancy into a
welcome eye-opener. This Mommy heart was head-over-heels, smitten, infatuated by
a babe who could do little more than eat, sleep, and need me. Through soiled
diapers and sleepless nights, He showed me the affection of a Savior toward
imperfect children. It was in the ugly, the dirty, the difficult that I saw a
beauty full God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I was given a Bible and
an invitation to fellowship. It was a tiny body with wide open doors and even
larger hearts. I was drawn to women having something I didn't; something I
craved. They were lights illuminating the way to the only One who could right
my wrongs: Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">He beckoned me. He lavished
me with His presence exposing sin and offering grace. He was patient, yet
persistent.<i> </i>He washed me in His Word,
in His blood, and in His overwhelming love. He led me to repentance and to
prayer: prayer for forgiveness, for my daughter, and for my Jehovah's Witness
husband. And then He called my husband
to Himself; to the true Jehovah God, and the living Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> "Wives,
likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be
won by the conduct of their wives, when
they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear." </span></i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">(1Peter 3:1-2 NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In 16 years of
marriage, we’ve experienced uncertainty as our time as missionaries expired,
doubt as foster children happily returned to bio-parents, and fear when our
home schooled kiddos were thrown to the wolves. We’ve had seasons of fruit, and
seasons of drought. We’ve known abundant blessing and sudden loss. We’ve stood
strong and fallen weak. Through it all, one thing has remained- <b><i>WE</i></b><i>. We are His, we are each others, we are
vessels, and we are a work in progress.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The question was no
longer- <i>What good could possibly come
from a wayward Jehovah’s Witness and his naïve-people-pleasing wife, </i>but
rather- <i>What would God do with the
willing heart of weak vessels? <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Your. life. is. over. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I may have been young and lost in a world of apprehension.
I may have been over dramatic and self focused, but those words rang truer than
I could have ever known. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">My. life. was. over. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Because He was calling me into death and offering <b>New Life</b>. A life of surrender. A life
of love. A life of service. A life of blessing with my best friend and husband.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Not approving of my
choices, He approved of me. Despite His hatred for my rebellion, He adopted,
redeemed, saved, and sealed me with His Holy Spirit. I am His, and I choose to
honor Him with my life and my story; His story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tOQg9cnxpnz_zXe8SMfhm6goOJQN5pUIZ9NFHZyzMj9kNxfoMhCIAxhWXi8lG8ZN_mgxYIJtdDOwVBOMq4TmypiMhq6sBQi7ySnt0LEXt-56egYKI9OgLYTkTOCyNAKPG_CQ-GGXqBRB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tOQg9cnxpnz_zXe8SMfhm6goOJQN5pUIZ9NFHZyzMj9kNxfoMhCIAxhWXi8lG8ZN_mgxYIJtdDOwVBOMq4TmypiMhq6sBQi7ySnt0LEXt-56egYKI9OgLYTkTOCyNAKPG_CQ-GGXqBRB/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-36285163344056826132013-07-23T15:06:00.000-07:002013-07-23T16:14:44.684-07:00Royal Son<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySDU_j5wrH2KQv9WJOI_L-GqvCUv4DO7yKM2lXptAsyI4WYSd_XslS5REwRHSz7MMyAXqD4Rsm-mNngZBz6la1ZxOm_-dRjhqg8g0ZIQf8Z-W1dRFyU82NKLE-PqeEfqEoKVILycK5WvX/s1600/Joe3_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySDU_j5wrH2KQv9WJOI_L-GqvCUv4DO7yKM2lXptAsyI4WYSd_XslS5REwRHSz7MMyAXqD4Rsm-mNngZBz6la1ZxOm_-dRjhqg8g0ZIQf8Z-W1dRFyU82NKLE-PqeEfqEoKVILycK5WvX/s640/Joe3_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A Prince was born and it's all over the news. It's
captivated America and taken over media headlines. He's third in line to the throne. His future
holds titles and responsibilities: Son of a Duchess, Head of State over
numerous nations, Supreme Governor of an entire country's church. Just days old
and his future is planned. No questions asked. No earning the titles or losing
the status. This Prince was birthed into it like you are birthed into air. It's
in His blood. Royalty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And countless mothers stare in awe at this Majestic
Mama- What must it be like- to be her- to birth him. How will she raise him? Will
she participate in his schooling? Will she use positive discipline, behavior
modification, emotion coaching, or just a royal butt woopin? Will she make him
meals or teach table etiquette? Will she share her faith and train him in God's
Word and ways? Will they read bedtime stories together and bend the knee to
pray each night? Will he call her Mom, Princess, Duchess, Madam? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What a mighty responsibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It all seems like a fairytale and we're thankful
it's her story, yet we crave the happy ending; the once upon a time beginning. We
exhale with thanksgiving that the expectation's on her, not us. The eyes of the
world look and watch, question and consider. He's a Prince and she's his Royal
Mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But what I may not know, what I might have
forgotten, what this Mama is reflecting on today- I'm royal too. My son, he's
not just any boy. He's the child of a King. Son of a princess. His future is
written in stone- his works fashioned before time began. I bore this boy
through water, and God bore him again in the Spirit (John 3:5). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I coddled, cleansed, and
kept him safe. I prayed with him. I interceded for him. I taught him grammar,
math, manners, and a myriad of dos and don'ts. I've appealed to him with
bribes, and beaten him with rods. I've rubbed his back, tickled his pits, and giggled
over toots and poop and life's mysterious sounds. And smells.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUgNHtkMPJwHqH-HCU1z895mldcU-CZ0_vMy2qbn0urBeIP-fpSmvzq0R3oSFhSQMvI1zsmzzzEvFJ321Tlca21frymIHuA_0S1xxuAa1vcSPWQ5Rvrxd5Q2fAy493KMY7_WSRJmk33IY/s1600/Joe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUgNHtkMPJwHqH-HCU1z895mldcU-CZ0_vMy2qbn0urBeIP-fpSmvzq0R3oSFhSQMvI1zsmzzzEvFJ321Tlca21frymIHuA_0S1xxuAa1vcSPWQ5Rvrxd5Q2fAy493KMY7_WSRJmk33IY/s640/Joe4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvoqImlF5F7wGdG4IKFgh8syY3K1_FJybgXoSRe9eloYH96w3mD0PV4Fkzlm8zFMVneepyUZYhqp2e6VLCEPqUemrYEJIY4IPPMg3B4OCZL_xgY-G71Ryd86zVhX6hqaN2iNrq0kW7sDM/s1600/Joe1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHvoqImlF5F7wGdG4IKFgh8syY3K1_FJybgXoSRe9eloYH96w3mD0PV4Fkzlm8zFMVneepyUZYhqp2e6VLCEPqUemrYEJIY4IPPMg3B4OCZL_xgY-G71Ryd86zVhX6hqaN2iNrq0kW7sDM/s640/Joe1_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX0WxopifrRzrezdwOxsoj8NFzLfraBJGrRszR4zQC6I8zT_rN7wkUPPF4d8eyOsiqbtSaJKr6s6tQgNQjJfAbc8Qo0xNxXwnVj-WOoCZTGDxHuz8xBERNuC4kYGRelphY7lEKFVQKTHA/s1600/Joe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdX0WxopifrRzrezdwOxsoj8NFzLfraBJGrRszR4zQC6I8zT_rN7wkUPPF4d8eyOsiqbtSaJKr6s6tQgNQjJfAbc8Qo0xNxXwnVj-WOoCZTGDxHuz8xBERNuC4kYGRelphY7lEKFVQKTHA/s640/Joe4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ATrMdSv2eibverYcnHalEKnlAqxz_3wJtlbQES6dLhjQOhRnKtGonPrroxTGzIh1Kw6CV9zTkjHCNrLKWBBQH39-Wt3PvyLqzC_6p6fc-ZAWavkJOFdktYKstRTYMsjeBqX-kbp02pDW/s1600/Joe2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ATrMdSv2eibverYcnHalEKnlAqxz_3wJtlbQES6dLhjQOhRnKtGonPrroxTGzIh1Kw6CV9zTkjHCNrLKWBBQH39-Wt3PvyLqzC_6p6fc-ZAWavkJOFdktYKstRTYMsjeBqX-kbp02pDW/s640/Joe2_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">More than 6,000,000 minutes in my care. Over 4,000
days under my responsibility. 12 years for me to show him love. To teach him
truth. To lead him to Jesus. And watch Jesus have His way with a boy named
Joseph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My son is a prince and an heir to the throne.
God's throne. An eternal throne. Once upon a time, twelve years ago, he was
born. And he will live happily ever after in the presence of God and the hands
of his Savior. And what happens in between? This royal Mama lavishes him with
affection and dramatic adoration. She corrects him and cries with him, while
the Author fills in the gaps. Gaps only He can perfect. Making wrongs right and
walking a prince to the door of His courts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">He shaped his inwards parts
and covered him in my very womb. That tiny frame was never hidden from God when
he was made in secret, skillfully wrought by the Master Maker. His substance was
seen before that little face was ever formed. And there's a book. A book
containing all his days; fashioned for him when as yet there were none of them
(Psalm 139:13-16). The words within speak of my son- that he's of a chosen generation,
of a holy nation. Yes, even a royal priesthood! That he's a special person (1
Peter 2:9). Yes, that's my boy. No earning the title or losing the status. My prince
was birthed into it like you are birthed into air. It's in His blood. It's
through His blood. It's a Royal Blood-Line and an eternal Life-line.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Want to get
into God's Word? Go <a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/05/dwelling-among-men-bible-study.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-seat-of-mercy-bible-study.html" target="_blank">here</a> and dig into my bible studies!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/2013/07/the-power-of-a-partner-better-mom-mondays-link-up/" target="_blank">TheBetterMom</a> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YRw2_-mEI97GtY7MeMdkD_SxatMlIcfpLUqU_xRgj89oMZ7b_Ju7FViSLNZxtPT_914Kop8E1gii2OR9Xz4pRa1Men0mUvhOHxbW682l6WAyg7289dYixXk-VVKfL1f0dQkUl0kho2AT/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YRw2_-mEI97GtY7MeMdkD_SxatMlIcfpLUqU_xRgj89oMZ7b_Ju7FViSLNZxtPT_914Kop8E1gii2OR9Xz4pRa1Men0mUvhOHxbW682l6WAyg7289dYixXk-VVKfL1f0dQkUl0kho2AT/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-84997081047669376132013-07-19T10:30:00.000-07:002013-07-21T08:33:40.069-07:00Belong {Five Minute Friday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_-usdowM3wnAS6ISecvuutekmsks9XMZRLZZ9XMM3WFvVV0rH_1dD93EDv59T1xRCKaFQ6vVRRo_uLvSox3CU-VJ9l4deoCI_ebuBqUNwIHD-tY_L3WcmxnAVwmBCSjOVaU7tnxMpYff/s1600/1.2(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_-usdowM3wnAS6ISecvuutekmsks9XMZRLZZ9XMM3WFvVV0rH_1dD93EDv59T1xRCKaFQ6vVRRo_uLvSox3CU-VJ9l4deoCI_ebuBqUNwIHD-tY_L3WcmxnAVwmBCSjOVaU7tnxMpYff/s640/1.2(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkRRxa2JqHW4aWtc_IBBbr9RBhLAOjUlxUpZ_Z-xhUgjg-cXZlBwQkoWx9e2pj8kdMyyEp_8YggPNVHab8ydkp2-N0P2ueNRi54N7AN3L_xtzmCeK2rGH2P28eo7guTGUvZ6rJcTFmGsj/s1600/1(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkRRxa2JqHW4aWtc_IBBbr9RBhLAOjUlxUpZ_Z-xhUgjg-cXZlBwQkoWx9e2pj8kdMyyEp_8YggPNVHab8ydkp2-N0P2ueNRi54N7AN3L_xtzmCeK2rGH2P28eo7guTGUvZ6rJcTFmGsj/s640/1(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIJWtqCL_49lJQXf_LJ-C_-ttSbj0YQByU6kIJT_ny_WDobZEJPYT0hn2re6ctPLgG0RGFHkuZSsu3rQkpHZYKYBTYD4dk3fpfPPP_3Tp5b4itP92w2vIDcm4R_cfudhtiv4PK34hAPTF/s1600/1.1(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIJWtqCL_49lJQXf_LJ-C_-ttSbj0YQByU6kIJT_ny_WDobZEJPYT0hn2re6ctPLgG0RGFHkuZSsu3rQkpHZYKYBTYD4dk3fpfPPP_3Tp5b4itP92w2vIDcm4R_cfudhtiv4PK34hAPTF/s640/1.1(2).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From the big city to to country living. I didn't
belong and they put spotted owls in my locker- making sure I knew it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From heathen background to country church. I
belonged to no one but my foolish ways and sinful flesh. They welcomed me and
made me theirs. Then His.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2011/12/to-everything-there-is-season.html" target="_blank">From homeland to foreign land</a>. My skin was white
and theirs was not. We stuck out and we struck out learning the language and
taking chances. But He sent us there and we were about His business; <a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/07/beauty-full-business.html" target="_blank">Beautiful Business</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We returned to our home, but something was just
not right. Something was different. We were different. And again, we just
didn't belong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Home schooled kids feel left out and alone. They
don't belong because this- this is not the way of things. This is the way of
shelter children and the 'un 'un-socialized.' But He surrounded us with others
who didn't belong, and finally we found our nitch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Babies that didn't belong at home because drugs
and addiction kept mom from showing love. They came to our home. They slept in
our rooms, ate from our table, sat in our laps, laughed at our jokes, lived in
our lives, fellowshipped in our church, learned about our God. But they didn't
belong because their hearts yearned for home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And none of us really belong because this a
temporary place. We long to fit in and we long to be longed for. And on that
day, we will belong, dear one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">WE. WILL. BELONG.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Writing
today with the community at <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/07/five-minute-friday-belong/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo's</a> where we love to <i>just write</i> without worrying if it's <i>just right</i> or not. Set the timer for five minutes and write on this
prompt- Belong. Then come share with us.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZNV2XwFxez_tctMCIidnIw1apPTmvadZXZsUlEPajJE-rPOn5VLHGabC5ksEIrArRn-UXGJOP5CZ3ebITQ3YuVuPY4Eu_VXZ6jsvFXiewVG2YsGpojoHCUjtU8QYfB0xQrrXCMLT6Hpl/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZNV2XwFxez_tctMCIidnIw1apPTmvadZXZsUlEPajJE-rPOn5VLHGabC5ksEIrArRn-UXGJOP5CZ3ebITQ3YuVuPY4Eu_VXZ6jsvFXiewVG2YsGpojoHCUjtU8QYfB0xQrrXCMLT6Hpl/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Powerfull-Word/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Craving a good Bible Study? Go </span><a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/05/dwelling-among-men-bible-study.html" style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">, and </span><a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-seat-of-mercy-bible-study.html" style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">! Promise you won't be disappointed :)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-21591004080876791602013-07-05T09:52:00.000-07:002013-07-21T08:33:14.852-07:00Beauty-full Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl20YrSA_rkVPT_qkYdT2WAmRWxvjg6rEQKjwmPNPlvkHrkxLAQp4z2svFvBGyMjfBWavWMVYU6MqNhYOL-qQfoRM2uudnhykRAIcUfKSLnJtsOkBhaE9GvQzkOgwuVoXA7OwxZNGFURm5/s1600/Beauty+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl20YrSA_rkVPT_qkYdT2WAmRWxvjg6rEQKjwmPNPlvkHrkxLAQp4z2svFvBGyMjfBWavWMVYU6MqNhYOL-qQfoRM2uudnhykRAIcUfKSLnJtsOkBhaE9GvQzkOgwuVoXA7OwxZNGFURm5/s640/Beauty+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I expect the beauty to be in the finished product.
After you've scraped the popcorn from above, and torn down walls from places
uninvited. After the new paint is rolled on, and the shiny counter tops glisten
brand new.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I expect the beauty to be seen in the healthy,
happy life of marriage and family. When all is well and all are laughing. These
things- they are good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But I saw the beauty in the midst of the ugly. I
saw one after another come into that hospital. Into the cold, stale, stench of
sickness. They came, they prayed, they anointed, they blessed. This is the work
of a beautiful God in an ugly world. And He's at work all around. All the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I see the beauty of tearing down walls and
scraping old mud. Breaking through layers and layers of colors and years. There's
a story behind each one. Many stories. Each one beautiful, because even in the
trials and storms, difficulties, and take-my-breath-away failures, He is
beautifying His people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whether it's plowing into drywall, or plowing into
my comfortable little life with plans supposing to go just so, beauty is within
and beneath the plastic paint and layers of cover-ups. And sometimes He allows
us to be broken up a little or a lot. Either way, there's beauty in there. And
this is His business. This is Beauty-full business. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(Writing today with the community at <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/07/five-minute-friday-beautiful/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo's</a>
where we love to <i>just write</i> without
worrying if it's <i>just right</i> or not.
Set the timer for five minutes and write on this prompt- Beautiful. Then come
share with us.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3_qF38QFdPw-7bGpSdTHJDCSVFc0-2EsjL1ALy_1VF73p1aIJOBaw8nMxzRwqRaxxK-b-wyVQ9klREUorpGdvP-ALevLw61Yr2rl4fUie1HdhQhcWFH4PEQplVg_mi6mYQNHVBxVk637/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3_qF38QFdPw-7bGpSdTHJDCSVFc0-2EsjL1ALy_1VF73p1aIJOBaw8nMxzRwqRaxxK-b-wyVQ9klREUorpGdvP-ALevLw61Yr2rl4fUie1HdhQhcWFH4PEQplVg_mi6mYQNHVBxVk637/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Craving a good Bible Study? Go <a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/05/dwelling-among-men-bible-study.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-seat-of-mercy-bible-study.html" target="_blank">here</a>! Promise you won't be disappointed :)</span></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-52850781459448294782013-06-22T16:24:00.000-07:002013-06-24T13:20:17.486-07:00DIY Custom Wall Art- 10 Easy Steps<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once in a while I get all inspired and form crazy creative
ideas of being talented and artistic. To be honest, my siblings are incredibly
creative and clever. Me, not so much. However, I'm a pretty quick learner </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> So, I began
my Saturday DIY living room photo project. And here begins the start of an
ongoing living-room-kitchen-make-over. And isn't that what summer breaks are
for?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICfmZxau5g3ChD76qzaviKcwVQUcIn68k7Z3sYabQaqwz3nkfmyxcRprVydeNrCitrw6gNt_UYhvGt36-Wtyg1g-p7vsR0h1KN7zONoR-r-6tIyfYx6kLIWUPZ8v1xy0-i1vibGd_O7Ie/s1600/IMG_0066_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICfmZxau5g3ChD76qzaviKcwVQUcIn68k7Z3sYabQaqwz3nkfmyxcRprVydeNrCitrw6gNt_UYhvGt36-Wtyg1g-p7vsR0h1KN7zONoR-r-6tIyfYx6kLIWUPZ8v1xy0-i1vibGd_O7Ie/s640/IMG_0066_1_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
1-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Go to San Francisco and take too many photos of
the Golden Gate Bridge than any person could ever use or want. Ok, you can skip
this step, but we were there, so I utilized the opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MH4DFc09BwLwriU2hklv7ss_950c02XOKoyp0crYED4F3P1wSPFVpLY13suRAsNMJGMVhTg4OOiCa1GWDJG4sqk_l_FICuAcFICjTMjgXoWNpFT9xUFQ2jlnqTbHv3IncCpxX80EH2Kh/s1600/Untitled-1+copy_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MH4DFc09BwLwriU2hklv7ss_950c02XOKoyp0crYED4F3P1wSPFVpLY13suRAsNMJGMVhTg4OOiCa1GWDJG4sqk_l_FICuAcFICjTMjgXoWNpFT9xUFQ2jlnqTbHv3IncCpxX80EH2Kh/s320/Untitled-1+copy_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
2-</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Purchase/gather supplies:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Foam Insulation Board from either Lowes or Home
Depot<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Elmer's Spray Adhesive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Acrylic Paint (I used black) and Paint Brush<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Duct Tape and Twine (for hanging)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
3-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Choose that perfect photo and turn it black &
white. I use Adobe Photoshop Elements. Once you've cropped and edited, go to <a href="http://staples.com/">Staples.com</a>
and choose <a href="http://www.staples.com/sbd/content/copyandprint/engineering-prints.html" target="_blank">Engineer Prints</a>. (It's important to decide what size you want your
finished print to be before the editing process.) My local Staples offers these
prints in 18"x24", 24"x36", and 36"x48". I chose 36"x48", downloaded my print,
and picked it up just a few hours later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzRsqTcujDsVZ4ydLdvpKTjnsYK_hQfve4eh0A22hx9WitKCU8em5CDCEPikBprFjU6bb0dOry-DojxHgYjwWzF7esB2AtnQyiBE7SPWeaGA481ONIr2TMWQrmwDrS9a5frXE2jIKOwsl/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzRsqTcujDsVZ4ydLdvpKTjnsYK_hQfve4eh0A22hx9WitKCU8em5CDCEPikBprFjU6bb0dOry-DojxHgYjwWzF7esB2AtnQyiBE7SPWeaGA481ONIr2TMWQrmwDrS9a5frXE2jIKOwsl/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
4-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cut your foam board to fit your large print using
a utility knife. I cut it slightly smaller than my print so I could wrap the
print around the sides of the board, leaving crisp, clean edges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
5-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remove the sticker from the front of your foam
board and spray, spray, spray. Use lots of spray glue to ensure a secure bond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
6-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now this is the tricky/difficult part. Carefully lay
your print on your sticky foam board and press all bubbles and wrinkles out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
7-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Spray the edges of your board and wrap each side,
pulling as tightly as possible to get that crisp edge. I then put Duct Tape around the edges to
ensure years of security </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
8-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Using your acrylics, paint the edges of your
photo. You can paint around the side edges only, or bring the paint to the
front as well to give it a fun, less crisp look. I used black, but any color
would add character to your photo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjis6BjN6IbxvlYhQ0yvAcCtDDOrSxCFeTCNZHOCDu2-Q1zbgSSYWAgJi_VcNnO7jyotCxwkJdExcHNmwMn114ApS8hkbN6UHrT5ZdbPaqmzfoHtfG-BxqeEjZBzTqpuQ6-rpkO5hG8DnM/s1600/IMG_0056_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjis6BjN6IbxvlYhQ0yvAcCtDDOrSxCFeTCNZHOCDu2-Q1zbgSSYWAgJi_VcNnO7jyotCxwkJdExcHNmwMn114ApS8hkbN6UHrT5ZdbPaqmzfoHtfG-BxqeEjZBzTqpuQ6-rpkO5hG8DnM/s400/IMG_0056_2.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08e99QVbyvV2SZyyvzeOq7rLxu9njO5QrJlBEJoeXPt1gaV-hjC02AgJg5OzfoX5rzq0oC8QIVwahzPprC7532RfS5yLgimUjjOgB705jFqIvvUQN9z4kZuAKR7ulg_eFhi0vOsdTisWo/s1600/IMG_0058_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08e99QVbyvV2SZyyvzeOq7rLxu9njO5QrJlBEJoeXPt1gaV-hjC02AgJg5OzfoX5rzq0oC8QIVwahzPprC7532RfS5yLgimUjjOgB705jFqIvvUQN9z4kZuAKR7ulg_eFhi0vOsdTisWo/s400/IMG_0058_2.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
9-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After the paint is dry, flip your photo over. Now
make your beautiful portrait ready to display by using your twine and duct
tape. Use lots of tape so your twine doesn't slip out.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0gA9tKDte9VRKjXUPhvLZCCKBWB832VD3C7VwDXFzbGFi8xESn8egHy61eCA_IWOfwKCNEKcKfSZzzeXoiKi8hzbg0apUpwNxKBrwIFVwW4Gb0muwlzcoHxj-30adAy6RZR9fwvoI9Dq/s1600/3_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0gA9tKDte9VRKjXUPhvLZCCKBWB832VD3C7VwDXFzbGFi8xESn8egHy61eCA_IWOfwKCNEKcKfSZzzeXoiKi8hzbg0apUpwNxKBrwIFVwW4Gb0muwlzcoHxj-30adAy6RZR9fwvoI9Dq/s640/3_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Step
10-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Flaunt your enormous wall hanging for all to enjoy
</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqGJT-_xwNd9XYRQFgCV40yq2rAakAD-ENw-9xl-a6VzjVsptE95WPLwbhPzXqoQiILZsryjj6t2LF2gh9UpRfAAL-brP9lKI1nUsz641xSbvEme_VpqGHLYCw0YbrvlgpPtq7I1M34tb/s1600/8_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqGJT-_xwNd9XYRQFgCV40yq2rAakAD-ENw-9xl-a6VzjVsptE95WPLwbhPzXqoQiILZsryjj6t2LF2gh9UpRfAAL-brP9lKI1nUsz641xSbvEme_VpqGHLYCw0YbrvlgpPtq7I1M34tb/s640/8_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is the first one I made for display in my
classroom. You can see I brought the black paint onto the front of the photo, giving
it more character. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dtLJH7wWfisH2Ul8klFNcbaUpiAFOAClarPZlMHR114MyHM6wWVKCa4-oV47Zp7znlR0n3d1d5ZA9eiYWQgegIshWYQqfJQbVqxupp96coQxtX-0TwMAJgIj7-1zyatxsI5n3VrLyP8M/s1600/6_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dtLJH7wWfisH2Ul8klFNcbaUpiAFOAClarPZlMHR114MyHM6wWVKCa4-oV47Zp7znlR0n3d1d5ZA9eiYWQgegIshWYQqfJQbVqxupp96coQxtX-0TwMAJgIj7-1zyatxsI5n3VrLyP8M/s640/6_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These were made by printing color 8½" x
11" photos from my home printer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9D-J2wrEOz-RbLTFAoxg80waHMidesFIRmDs7ejkrFH1Y40kHBLmKzdjaalfuTHw2PAFUhtGkg-c4lYVhK007YkW12f8Z54UA4gohbj9CXIb8jgpaRWO0Kt2NJbLrgOCekMY-9gEhocr/s1600/5_1_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA9D-J2wrEOz-RbLTFAoxg80waHMidesFIRmDs7ejkrFH1Y40kHBLmKzdjaalfuTHw2PAFUhtGkg-c4lYVhK007YkW12f8Z54UA4gohbj9CXIb8jgpaRWO0Kt2NJbLrgOCekMY-9gEhocr/s640/5_1_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is next on the DIY list! The docks of San
Francisco with Alcatraz in the background.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKK-XjSsryiL8etVjX_covqj4DCRFx1VQFWad1dXmAEGx1Zkv6UQJlkOP7rdPdLzFilRDIogcBShy0yl6X1SW7dNY3GsChAHCCUz7tCPgZcTSjdF2KIauv643RuOhnXpZU8UqSkjylAPC/s1600/10_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKK-XjSsryiL8etVjX_covqj4DCRFx1VQFWad1dXmAEGx1Zkv6UQJlkOP7rdPdLzFilRDIogcBShy0yl6X1SW7dNY3GsChAHCCUz7tCPgZcTSjdF2KIauv643RuOhnXpZU8UqSkjylAPC/s640/10_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you have a DIY project to share? Would you
leave your link here for us? Thanks for visiting!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/2013/06/the-prayer-box-better-mom-mondays-link-up/" target="_blank">The Better Mom</a>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRXhY_69wfZG3mbhT0zHIpN4LqOhHIE-frjUrhN1q1Zu3B0yNQoKKVEPIruXsFs1iJpwGjyxjexo9GFZ_MpJ4KJYgrxUb0mHwJf3dPjr_w22YBasGZzvjfY9GzlXflsoAYZilti6vcCei/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRXhY_69wfZG3mbhT0zHIpN4LqOhHIE-frjUrhN1q1Zu3B0yNQoKKVEPIruXsFs1iJpwGjyxjexo9GFZ_MpJ4KJYgrxUb0mHwJf3dPjr_w22YBasGZzvjfY9GzlXflsoAYZilti6vcCei/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg" /></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-17124068085512226262013-06-20T22:20:00.000-07:002013-06-21T16:28:10.679-07:00Shedding Tears and Sin {Five Minute Friday}<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/06/five-minute-friday-rhythm/#comment-112178" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo</a> offers the challenge week after week: take a measly five
minutes and write. No over thinking, no backtracking, no ‘wait, that’s not
spiritual enough, and I can’t share that in cyber city’ mentality. Only
writing. Writing for five minutes and risking the outcome.</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <i>{and don’t forget to spend some time commenting on the
post of the person who linked up just before you.}</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This week's prompt-</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Rhythm</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GO<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It's been a week of exhaustion and exaltation.
We've welcomed little ones and walked them right up to that cross. They drew a
little picture, wrote their name on that print, and marched one after another.
"Jesus is calling you by name." I tell her. She looks at me, eyes
wide and full of wonder. "He loves you and He wants to wash away your sin.
Put that sin right there on that cross. Right there where Jesus' blood poured
out."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yClcSH9dSRWpfcf6Ge9qxkqOeK-77biMbV789bbFASeysUieKRJUNUTqVkjiMVD5uXnP__j1aPRZLh53BTY3FNFCKrsFaLiVkOnDCHDZzxIDvXN8kOzGJYxjhgLTOkGW7qu4sLkAFhN3/s1600/cross2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yClcSH9dSRWpfcf6Ge9qxkqOeK-77biMbV789bbFASeysUieKRJUNUTqVkjiMVD5uXnP__j1aPRZLh53BTY3FNFCKrsFaLiVkOnDCHDZzxIDvXN8kOzGJYxjhgLTOkGW7qu4sLkAFhN3/s640/cross2+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXasaNsCJmre_Ap-6iJkKH5zXg_aXBI0VcpgGuTm26xmDSH2AAanZ5NhupoA8HQStQyjFdv6rgA23gyEFJbYyQQlriEN8NC0bWL7Zc_PXA59dEwZZCQlKL525EW2Rl70Fut6EzlSVinfH/s1600/19+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXasaNsCJmre_Ap-6iJkKH5zXg_aXBI0VcpgGuTm26xmDSH2AAanZ5NhupoA8HQStQyjFdv6rgA23gyEFJbYyQQlriEN8NC0bWL7Zc_PXA59dEwZZCQlKL525EW2Rl70Fut6EzlSVinfH/s640/19+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And I see the tears. This isn't a game to her. She
knows she's a sinner and she knows Jesus is here. Now. I hug her and she walks
away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They come one after another. "Jesus loves you
so much, and He's calling you by your name." I fear it's too repetitive,
but I know the words are true. The first time and the hundredth time. And the
words aren't my own but they are life and they come from the Life Giver. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One after another. Coming to the cross and
shedding the tears and the sins and the life they lived this morning in their
living rooms and at their kitchen tables with Mom and Dad and neighbors who
watch from across the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTowWSIeBHP5tmx1DR1BVz7GYLr2T102e6FJw1Wc62DXv7huBluF23vfetUnhvLFdxrTAwX_opM38YIQpdiKYMYBBTrJ1ZUutC9XOBBKtoRCphdK-PPmIVqkSf9dLfGuN22Kf10a_f_8NQ/s1600/2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTowWSIeBHP5tmx1DR1BVz7GYLr2T102e6FJw1Wc62DXv7huBluF23vfetUnhvLFdxrTAwX_opM38YIQpdiKYMYBBTrJ1ZUutC9XOBBKtoRCphdK-PPmIVqkSf9dLfGuN22Kf10a_f_8NQ/s640/2+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It's more than words. It's the rhythm of a Savior
and the power of the Holy Spirit working through the heart of servants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">STOP<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It's been an emotional experience of Vacation Bible School
at our church this week. Would you pray for God's little ones tomorrow? And for
His big one's sharing Christ's love, forgiveness, and merciful grace? Their
hearts are raw and ready. And Jesus is calling each one by name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjdPRFt5jtbGcRR3rrzi7XU9Eg7VMP5KhG_NTmx9kXbFNUzO5LPTOYrLda_e7J4o4hBCU2phz2omCfqUAvvGWkET0bj6N1tLAUYO-_Mp3-NOW3iyRUz6DPstL94GhmsLNRPtjaNSgPcMR/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.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/AVvXsEiSjdPRFt5jtbGcRR3rrzi7XU9Eg7VMP5KhG_NTmx9kXbFNUzO5LPTOYrLda_e7J4o4hBCU2phz2omCfqUAvvGWkET0bj6N1tLAUYO-_Mp3-NOW3iyRUz6DPstL94GhmsLNRPtjaNSgPcMR/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Now head over to <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/06/five-minute-friday-rhythm/#comment-112178" target="_blank">The Gypsy Mama's site</a>
to visit other 'Five Minute Fridayers.' Be amazed at where one word can take a
community of writers and Jesus lovers, and leave some encouraging feedback.
Most importantly, it's your turn, go fall onto a chair, and let your
thoughts fall into a keyboard. Then share them with us. </span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-32896978646617836532013-06-07T08:06:00.000-07:002013-06-07T10:48:46.206-07:00Fall {Five Minute Friday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDgB0osjpyhXcRK8erZwjjcR-efKqd_9AK-RZ5svr9XZGUV0Ri2pSAjVYgy_Ybqb5jaTFsUqgeLenqbe7e4SAECmlylre8umgDuLHYMz7tLVv0HIpFvmkrKHJUE2PXhhuGye4mEthJl4_/s1600/Falls+Blogging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDgB0osjpyhXcRK8erZwjjcR-efKqd_9AK-RZ5svr9XZGUV0Ri2pSAjVYgy_Ybqb5jaTFsUqgeLenqbe7e4SAECmlylre8umgDuLHYMz7tLVv0HIpFvmkrKHJUE2PXhhuGye4mEthJl4_/s640/Falls+Blogging.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/06/five-minute-friday-fall/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo</a> offers the challenge week after week: take
a measly five minutes and write. No over thinking, no backtracking, no ‘wait,
that’s not spiritual enough, and I can’t share that in cyber city’ mentality.
Only writing. Writing for five minutes and risking the outcome. <em>{and don’t forget to spend some time commenting
on the post of the person who linked up just before you.}</em><em><b><o:p></o:p></b></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">This week's prompt- <i>Fall</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I first glanced at the word, I was reminded
of last <i>fall</i>. A handful of grown-ups
all trying to heed God's call took in a school full of children. Children that
loved Jesus, even in all their awkward worship and insecure prayers. Last <i>fall</i> we welcomed them. In nine months we <i>fell </i>head-over-heels for them. Yesterday we said
goodbye. And next <i>fall</i> we'll start
again, just a little more wise, and lot more like the Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then last night my son came in to hug me, and we marveled
at just how God knit and fashioned us- to hug neck to neck, face tucked into
shoulders, <i>falling</i> into one another
just so. He's still eleven, and he never ceases to tell me he <b><i>loves
me more</i></b> and offer remindful embraces. I'd <i>fall</i> in love with him over and over, this boy of mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then there is the <i>fall</i> of course, and the only way to battle that dilemma is to <i>fall</i> head first in love with Jesus
Himself, the one who <i>fell</i> to the
ground and died that we might live. The One who lost His life and then took it
up for eternal life. For yours and mine. The one who gave up all and became the
Perfect Man, defeating death by his own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And don't be ignorant concerning those who have <i>fallen</i> asleep, lest you sorrow as others
who have no hope. Because those who are alive and remain until the coming of
the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. And I am reminded of
<a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-god-of-all-comfort.html" target="_blank">Nancy</a>. And of the family left behind, left to continue living this life. And I
pray they too have <i>fallen</i> for the
"<a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-god-of-all-comfort.html" target="_blank">only One worth living for</a>," and are comforted by the God of all
comfort and the Father of mercy. That they would see their loved one again. That
they would not <i>fall</i> into temptation,
but be delivered from the evil one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5w0B-tv10GhO6VOyy6TUM6LspFpEMfAQ1iG5Nyf6vrIK90bwUD5TU7fYGJdJL8J08nARuPjzRH8tSoYp5mA_SWknPBB_70yrzrL78hmhL4FEZP0J5x3DBtSka3lHq5s68l_cnaJibeKY/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.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/AVvXsEhF5w0B-tv10GhO6VOyy6TUM6LspFpEMfAQ1iG5Nyf6vrIK90bwUD5TU7fYGJdJL8J08nARuPjzRH8tSoYp5mA_SWknPBB_70yrzrL78hmhL4FEZP0J5x3DBtSka3lHq5s68l_cnaJibeKY/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now head over to <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/06/five-minute-friday-fall/" target="_blank">The Gypsy Mama's site</a> to visit other 'Five Minute Fridayers.' Be amazed at where one word can take a community of writers, and leave some encouraging feedback. Most importantly, </span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.399999618530273px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">it's your turn, go </span><i style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.399999618530273px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">fall</i><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.399999618530273px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> onto a chair, and let your thoughts </span><i style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.399999618530273px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">fall</i><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.399999618530273px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> into a keyboard. Then share them with us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.399999618530273px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.399999618530273px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-61837286945078761902013-06-05T06:56:00.001-07:002013-06-05T06:56:10.287-07:00The God of All Comfort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs5KPUdpWeithF_KQQ6dCOhQOc98TCwvWm28evoM291hzgDNXUzL5Riet9EBG2pqdwv-f1Xcp15cSK5kktfztbuvOnMMvqf9uQLSW3HIFwBGU-wVCswzP4LdFoUJ5rhqP9OxUo4PRkBAw/s1600/Corinthians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXs5KPUdpWeithF_KQQ6dCOhQOc98TCwvWm28evoM291hzgDNXUzL5Riet9EBG2pqdwv-f1Xcp15cSK5kktfztbuvOnMMvqf9uQLSW3HIFwBGU-wVCswzP4LdFoUJ5rhqP9OxUo4PRkBAw/s640/Corinthians.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She started out as our neighbor; the woman with
the big blonde hair and bright blue eye shadow dwelling across the street. It
wasn't long before my sister made herself known and developed a new best
friend. The woman with all that hair, living across the street, was no longer
just a neighbor. She was my sister's best friend's mom. As typically happens,
the years flew by and my sister was married. She became one with an annoying
neighborhood kid. Not just any neighborhood kid, the brother to her very best
friend; son to the woman with the big blonde hair. And this woman morphed into
someone so much more; more than just a neighbor or a good friend's mom, she was
now my sister's mother-in-law. She was now <i>Nana</i>
to my niece and nephew. Our families were bound to be connected, we were
destined to share lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And yesterday I had the opportunity to glimpse a
little more into the life of this woman. She lived a bountiful one with three
kids and four grandkids. And then she passed away. A few shared their stories
of her. Some laughed, some cried, some simply sat, listening. It was her own
sister, and then her preciously aged mother that broke my heart. It's the thing
siblings and parents never anticipate- attending the funeral of a sister. A
daughter. Everyone who ever lived has or will die. But we never expect it to
happen to the ones we love so dearly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Rejoice
with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And then that pastor shared from the Word. His
crazy passion for Jesus and zeal for the scriptures saturated that room and
filled every heart. He exhorted us with God's comfort, and compelled us to live
for Jesus, <i>"the only One worth
living for."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"<i>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in
all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any
trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.</i>"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"You
know, this word comfort…"</span></i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> He began to
proclaim. <i>"It's not just any
comfort. This is an uninterrupted kind of comfort."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And he shared with this family. He spoke directly
to my sister, to my brother-in-law, to my niece and nephew, and then to
everyone in that church. He exhorted us, and he reminded us. Isn't that what
funerals often do? Don't they frequently turn back the clock? Reminding us of
times back when, and of lives we've left behind? We are forced to take a few steps
back and evaluate this world. Our world. What am I doing with myself? And where
is Jesus in all of it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"You
remember your baptism?" </span></i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was all wound up
over this long ago memory. <i>"Remember
how badly your back hurt? Remember the pain? Oh yeah, I remember. And I
remember you saying this 'There's nothing that will keep me from getting baptized.'"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We all left that place feeling like there was <i>hope</i>. And I think Nancy, the one I
remember from the age of seven, the one with the fancy blue eye shadow and memorable
blonde curls, would have wanted it that way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Because
Nancy loved Jesus!" </span></i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He reminded anyone who dare
forget. <i>"And we WILL see her
again!" </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you love Jesus? Are you comforted by Him with
an uninterrupted kind of comfort? When you leave this life, as we all must,
will you wake to find yourself in His presence? Will your loved ones find hope
and consolation on that day, knowing you will spend eternity with the Savior?
Because <i>"He's the only One worth
living for."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-73052349382075828922013-06-01T16:17:00.000-07:002013-06-01T16:39:44.259-07:00The Seat of Mercy {Bible Study}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiihDaW2T-vPgBO6lXuLevix69AbPXAJU7bMIXiaUg0kEV83F2ThSgBLgAdDt8R0P-VEG-r7iLw01-zg0T9ucMWuVVeIdzPpvdCnY_W_q4IxTuDBDg_FYrxpyWtYSHq5fYFX7Q5HN-huk/s1600/Romans+15.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiihDaW2T-vPgBO6lXuLevix69AbPXAJU7bMIXiaUg0kEV83F2ThSgBLgAdDt8R0P-VEG-r7iLw01-zg0T9ucMWuVVeIdzPpvdCnY_W_q4IxTuDBDg_FYrxpyWtYSHq5fYFX7Q5HN-huk/s640/Romans+15.4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh ladies, I'm so excited about this one! If you
are one that stays as far away from the Old Testament books as possible, always
flipping to the last three-quarters of the Word, you are not alone. Honestly,
it's tiresome and tedious work- perusing through exhaustive genealogies, gruesome
battles, endless laws, and difficult commands. It makes a girl grow weary. And goodness,
don't we all want to open the Word and be inspired and encouraged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, if that's what you are seeking- inspiration
and encouragement- then you MUST turn to the book of Exodus. Yes, I realize
it's an Old Testament writing full of stiff-necked broods, but you absolutely
must go there! Treasures await you!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please start by reading Exodus 25:18-22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We covered this a little in my last (and very
first!) bible study on this blog, <i><a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/05/dwelling-among-men-bible-study.html" target="_blank">Dwelling Among Men {Bible Study}</a></i>. If you haven't completed that one, then go there
now. Otherwise press on, sisters! It's a long road, but I promise you, the
result will be worth the tedious journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Exodus 25, God is giving Moses precise
instructions on constructing the tabernacle- specifically the Ark of the Covenant.
God's purpose for this divine declaration was simple, yet profound: The God of
eternity desired to dwell among sinful men of flesh. That's you and me, girls! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let's look at a couple other <b><i>arks</i></b> in the scriptures.
Read Genesis 6:17-19, and Exodus 1:22, 2:2-3. Now look again at Exodus 25:16. What
were these three <i>arks</i> used for?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The <i>arks </i>were
created to <i>preserve and protect </i>God's
precious cargo. God established His covenant with Noah by preserving him, his
family, and selected beasts of the earth from the destruction of floodwaters
with the shelter of the <i>ark</i>. Jochebed
fashioned an <i>ark</i> of bulrushes for her
son, safeguarding him from Pharaoh's slaughter. Eventually the one sheltered in
an <i>ark</i> would be given orders to assemble
another kind of <i>Ark</i>; an <i>Ark</i> that would preserve and testify
unlike anything else of its kind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moses wasn't instructed to build just another <i>ark</i>. In fact, the word for <i>ark</i> mentioned in Genesis 6:17-19 and
Exodus 1:22, 2:2-3 is the Hebrew word <i>tebah</i>
which simply means <i>box or vessel</i>.
However, the word for <i>Ark</i> used for
the <i>Ark of the Testimony</i> in Exodus
25:16 is an entirely different Hebrew word: <i>arown</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Genesis 50:26. Read it a couple times if
necessary to decipher how the Hebrew word <i>arown</i>
is used in this passage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You guessed it! It's used in reference to a <i>coffin</i>. In fact, this is the first usage
of this specific word in the scriptures and refers to Joseph's coffin. The <i>Ark</i> <i>of
the Covenant</i> was in actuality a <i>coffin</i>.
In the <i>King James Bible</i> this Hebrew
word is translated as <i>coffin</i> one time,
<i>chest</i> six times, and <i>Ark</i> one hundred ninety-five times. And this <i>Ark</i>
always refers to the <i>Ark of the Covenant</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to Hebrews 9:3-5, what was eventually
placed inside this <i>coffin</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This <i>ark</i>
or <i>coffin</i> contained some very specific
and meaningful items: the golden pot of manna (Exodus 16:33-34), Aaron's rod
that budded (Numbers 17:1-10), and the tablets of the covenant, also known as
the ten commandments (Exodus 25:16).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ladies, these items illustrate a glorious revelation
of the work of Christ! Stay with me here. Don't quit now! We've only looked at
the <i>coffin</i> and its contents. Let's
not stay in this place of death. Flip back to Exodus chapter 25. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to verse 10, what were the measurements
of the <i>Ark</i> of acacia wood? <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">___________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What else did God command they make and what was
its measurements according to verse 17? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Through the Levitical Law, God gave Moses the purpose
and instructions for the <i>Mercy Seat</i>. It
was to be the exact same dimensions as the <i>Ark</i>,<i> </i>and was placed upon the <i>Ark </i>as a lid, or covering. The High
Priest, the only one given divine permission to enter into the Most Holy Place,
was to come before the <i>Ark of the Covenant</i>
on the Day of Atonement and sprinkle
blood from a bull and a goat onto the <i>Mercy
Seat</i>. This would make atonement for himself, for his household, and for all
the assembly of God (Leviticus 16:17).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What do Colossians 2:16-17 and Hebrews 10:1-4 teach us about these Old
Testament laws and regulations? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who does Luke 24:44 tell us the Law of Moses teaches
about?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The writings of Moses, the Old Testament Law, and
the tabernacle regulations and requirements all pointed to one gloriously
magnificent Being- Jesus the Christ. The Lamb slain before the foundation of
the world. The One who was and is and is to come. The Almighty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So what is this <i>Mercy Seat</i>? The more accurate question might be WHO is this <i>Mercy Seat</i>? Let's look more closely at the
Hebrew word for <i>Mercy Seat:</i> <i>kapporeth</i> meaning <i>covering</i>. We've seen it as a lid placed on top of the <i>coffin</i>, or <i>Ark</i>, containing holy Old Testament items. However, the <i>Mercy Seat</i> represented much more than
this. The <i>Mercy Seat</i> represented the
coming <i>Mercy Giver</i>-Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Open up to Hebrews 9:1-5 to find a New Testament
reference to the Old Testament <i>Mercy Seat</i>.
What were the cherubim overshadowing according to verse 5? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Please read Romans 3:24-25. What did God send Christ Jesus as, according to
this passage?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some translations use the words <i>sacrifice of atonement</i> or <i>sacrifice for sin </i>in verse 25, but most translate
it as <i>propitiation</i>. <b><i>Christ
is the Propitiation</i></b>. I can't help it. I have to go to the Greek definition again, and I think you're going to enjoy it as much as I did! Ready
for it? This Greek word <i>hilasterion</i>
means <i>an atoning victim</i>, or <i>the lid of the Ark</i>, or the <i>Mercy Seat</i>. Did you catch that? The word
for <i>Mercy Seat</i> in Hebrew 9:5 and the
word for <i>propitiation</i> in Romans 3:25
are identical. They are one and the same. Christ is our <i>Mercy Seat</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Old Testament <i>coffin </i>depicted a New Testament death. The covenant of death, the covenant
that could save no man, the covenant that brought only condemnation- this
covenant was placed into a <i>coffin</i>, sealed,
and covered by the <i>Mercy Seat</i>. Over
one-thousand years later, Jesus Christ, our <i>Mercy
Seat </i>came to cover sin by conquering the death of the grave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let's close with one last magnificent Old
Testament , New Testament correlation. I pray this leaves you just as awestruck
as it has me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Look closely at Exodus 25:18-20 and answer the
following questions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where were the cherubim to be precisely placed?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What did these cherubim look like?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Verse 20 tells us specifically what direction they
faced and exactly what they were to look upon. What was it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now turn to John 20:11-12. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where is Mary looking in verse 11? ___________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What did Mary behold in verse 12?
___________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where exactly where these angels seated? ______________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you fathom it? I wonder if Mary envisioned the
<i>Mercy Seat </i>at that very moment. I
wonder if she imagined the implications of what had taken place, of what she
was witnessing. Do you think she grasped the sum of it all? Certainly we
cannot, as even the apostles couldn't speak in detail (Hebrews 9:5). But put yourself there for just a moment and
visualize those angelic beings. Can you imagine one at the head, and the other
at the foot of the place where the perfect, yet crushed body of Christ lay?
Wings outstretched above that <i>Mercy Seat</i>,
touching one another and protecting the <i>Propitiation
</i>with every ounce of authority bestowed upon them. Their eyes never left the
Appointed One. And then He rose. They couldn't keep it to themselves, but shared
with any who dared approach, <i>"He is
not here, He is risen!"</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He's risen, ladies! The One who poured out blood
and water, the One who lay in a tomb for three days, the one who showed His resurrected
Self to over five-hundred at one time- He lives! He's living as your <i>Mercy Seat, </i>covering your sins, making intercessions, having
abolished death. This <i>Man of Mercy</i> is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Now it's your turn. Go spend time with the <i>Giver of Life, Grace, and Mercy. <o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Write your prayer to Him here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-71700068246934403022013-05-28T23:39:00.000-07:002013-06-01T16:48:31.239-07:00Dwelling Among Men {Bible Study}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KCYWHklbDLuKrWTzT_adki6-yWxJfN9OC1zBWdcjIloQ7uSrYkmWoZ3YEmuGtwk3XmMpUQ1LKDSGDNO7dQvUOtsD_QIdWyiSf9b7_bbNpz8sixWMMHCOk3MSfAnBqdNTMxYr57NBLNTW/s1600/Exodus25+8_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7KCYWHklbDLuKrWTzT_adki6-yWxJfN9OC1zBWdcjIloQ7uSrYkmWoZ3YEmuGtwk3XmMpUQ1LKDSGDNO7dQvUOtsD_QIdWyiSf9b7_bbNpz8sixWMMHCOk3MSfAnBqdNTMxYr57NBLNTW/s640/Exodus25+8_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God's Word absolutely amazes me. There's nothing
more I can say except that. Some days I just sit absorbing it, and for no
reason at all am overwhelmed. Maybe it's the Spirit of the Word ministering to
my spirit in a way I cannot comprehend or grasp. Maybe it's a whispering taking
place between my God and my soul that penetrates on a level my mind cannot wrap
itself around, yet my senses are completely aware of and stimulated by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever experienced the Word penetrate and
pierce your innermost being, but have no mental perception of what's occurring?
You know there's a stirring, and you want to seize it, guard it, and then
enlighten everyone else with it. But you can't. Because you have no concrete understanding
of what's taking place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I crave and savor these moments with this living
and powerful Word that <i>pierces even to
the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner
of the thoughts and intents of the heart</i>. The things the Word does within
us, no one can understand. And it's the jewels of the Word that leave me
awestruck, humbled, and not only craving more, but longing to share with you.
Treasures! And who doesn't enjoy a good treasure hunt? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are a few of previously dug up gems that I hope
to somehow impart to you! Grab your map, detective cloak and hat, and a magnifying
glass and let's get diggin! You may also want writing utensils for taking
notes. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Palatino Linotype"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the book of Exodus we observe God calling Moses
to the top of Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:20). Here He gave him the Ten Commandments
and numerous other laws concerning servants, animals, property, feasts, etc. In chapter 25, God gets more personal in His
instructions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Exodus 25:8. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What did God command they
make?__________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to this same verse, what was the purpose
behind this construction? _______________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Prior to God giving Moses these instructions, what
do we find the Israelite children repeatedly doing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Exodus 14:10-12
_______________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Exodus 15:22-24
_______________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Exodus 16:1-3 _________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Exodus 17:1-4
_________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do all of your answers have a similar response?
This multitude indeed was a stiff-necked people! Who could possibly please
them? And why would God desire to meet personally with them? Not only did He
want to meet with them, Exodus 25:8 tells us He wanted to <b><i>dwell among them</i></b><i>.</i> This Hebrew word dwell is <i>shakan </i>and literally means <i>to lodge, settle down, abide with, reside
with. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Did He fully understand how truly wicked these
people were. Maybe after calling Moses upon the Mount, He came to His senses
and changed His mind. After all, they did fashion and worship a golden calf,
proclaiming "<i>This is your god, O
Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!</i>" (Exodus 32:4). Sisters,
our God is a God of covenants and promises; the same God that ministered to
Abraham's mistress in her distress (Genesis 21) and forgave an adulterous woman
(John 8:11) caught in the act of sin. God knew exactly what He was getting
Himself into desiring to dwell among sinful men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Is there something keeping you from dwelling with God?
Even following such acts of idolatry and wickedness God still desired to live among
His people. No matter who you are or what act you have committed, nothing can
separate you from God's love, and His desire to be with you. Jesus left throne
and glory to meet with wretched men and women. What is keeping you from Him?
Seek God's magnificent face. Ask Him to search you and know you, to see if
there is any wicked way in you, and to lead you in confession and cleanse you
with forgiveness. Write out your prayer and confession to Him now. __________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now Read Exodus 25:1-9. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When God met with Moses, He gave him precise
instructions on constructing the tabernacle. Within these commands were clear,
specific details regarding design, size, colors, materials, and placement. He
even declared who would be responsible for what concerning carving, sewing, and
building. The tabernacle would not be a simple tent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">According to verse 2, where did the materials come
from that would be used to construct the tabernacle?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read Exodus 12:35-36<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After four-hundred and thirty years of bondage,
God loosed His people from slavery (Ex 12:40). According to these verses, what
did the children do on their way out of captivity? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What kinds of gifts did God grant His beloved, yet
stiff-necked children?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Exodus 28:3
__________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Exodus 35:30-35 ______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 105:37
_________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What has God given us who call on His Name today? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ephesians 1:3
________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Psalm 112:3
_________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Proverbs 3:16
________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These gifts were not limited to physical items
stored on shelves and fingers. God's gifts are also given as talents and skills.
And the Gift Giver continues to shower these gifts upon us today. The Bestower
of gifts is in the business of blessing His beloved bride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Besides the ones
listed above, what are some other gifts God commits to His children? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Romans 12:6-8 _____________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Corinthians 12:8-10
_______________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Corinthians 12:28
_________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ephesian 4:11
______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To be loosed from the bondage of this world and
become a slave to the Perfect Master is another study for another day, but know
this- <b>Just as the Israelites were released
from the oppression of Pharaoh and Egypt, so God liberates His people from the
bondage of sin and death. And with this liberation comes treasures and riches
only a King can bestow.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What did the Israelites do with the riches God
gave them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Exodus 32:2-4
______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Exodus 35:5,21
_____________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God blessed the Israelites abundantly as they
danced out of Egypt with Egyptian jewels and gems. Casting off their yoke of
oppression, they replaced it with another burden: golden rings and glistening riches<i>. Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above and comes down from the Father of lights</i>. We have choices to
make with these gifts, ladies: bless God by using them for His purpose and
glory, or waste them through fulfilling our own selfish lusts and desires. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What are four purposes God has for bestowing Gifts
to His people?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Matthew 7:11
______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12 ____________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Peter 4:10-11
_____________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Exodus 25:2-8
______________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God grants His children riches and precious gifts most
importantly, because it pleases Him. It is His character to give good things to
those He loves; it is His nature to bestow blessings on His precious children.
He showers us with gifts so that we may Glorify Him, edify one another and the
entire body of Christ, and offer them back to Him for the purpose of meeting
Him face to face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What specific gifts has the Father of lights given
you? Don't be general here ladies, but give precise answers. Some of your gifts
will replicate another's, but God gives each one as He sees fit- you being the
eye, while your sister is the hand, and your daughter the ear (Romans 12). List
your numerous and unique God given gifts here: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, dear sister, what are you using these gifts
for? Spend some time seeking God and asking Him bluntly. Are you using them for
any of the four reasons listed above, or are you selfishly wasting them on your
own pleasure and gratification? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 18.66666603088379px; line-height: 21.33333396911621px;">__________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God gave Aaron a gift of leadership. I'm going to
go out on a limb here and say I believe He also bestowed on him an artistic
gift. How else could you throw gold into a fire and miraculously get a golden
calf out of the deal (Exodus 32:24)? This man had talent! However, Aaron used
His unique gifts to lead thousands into idolatry and wicked rebellion. Oh that
we use God's gifts for their intended purpose! Search them out, sisters, and
use them to Christ's satisfaction! Because <i>the
gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable</i>! You never know, God may meet
you face to face through your obedient usage of His bestowed gift!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Still hungry for God's bread? Thirsty for His Living water? Go <a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-seat-of-mercy-bible-study.html" target="_blank">here</a> and be fed! Allow yourself to be washed in His Word.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>(Ok, this is my first 'bible study format' post.
Please give some useful critique and feedback. Also, please, even if you already
know everything there is to know in the Word, take the time to go through these
scriptures and answer the questions. You may be surprised at what God through
His Holy Spirit shows you! And then please, please, please come back and
share!)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span>~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-85444397133527715122013-05-24T12:34:00.001-07:002013-05-24T17:54:01.738-07:00Tornadoes this Side of Oklahoma<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZWBwcqrD1VeuAMDStsb2IBtBB6MNHIXLcXmEpC4titn9y8LyJSMBgc4LUASqW0obwC2I6zsZCPpPVymVwse5JOAFRCaJpjGldUYEBX7sfyu7WJOLTOs9Ul-dWiiy3FPvohC1IyR6ua_B/s1600/Tornadoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZWBwcqrD1VeuAMDStsb2IBtBB6MNHIXLcXmEpC4titn9y8LyJSMBgc4LUASqW0obwC2I6zsZCPpPVymVwse5JOAFRCaJpjGldUYEBX7sfyu7WJOLTOs9Ul-dWiiy3FPvohC1IyR6ua_B/s640/Tornadoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Trial and tribulation doesn't always come in the
form of tsunami waves and tornado winds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the world we know as <i>real-life</i> and <i>day-to-day monotony</i>,
our struggles and strains are the simple <i>moment-to-moment</i>,
<i>breath-by-breath</i> ordinary <i>what's-the-big-deal </i>issues. They're the
little irritants that side swipe us throughout the day one-by-one with no
respite in between. And some of us simply call them <a href="http://sharppaynes.com/on-monday-struggles-and-gift-giving/" target="_blank">Mondays</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1.
running behind schedule<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2.
arguing children in the backseat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3.
a long evening of homework<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4.
one too many grocery store stops on the list<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5.
a depleted bank account<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6.
that stack of unpaid bills<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7.
unfinished chores<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8.
clogged sinks and hair filled drains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9.
unbearable physical ailments<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10.
minor aches and pains <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">11.
the coffee pot overflowing at 5:30am<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">12.
that phone call from the school<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">13.
a flashing red engine light<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">14.
the almost empty, out-of-date milk jug in the midst of preparing mac-n-cheese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">15.
four bald tires<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">16.
the report card<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">17.
an eleven-year-old growing too fast and all of a sudden having nothing to wear
Monday morning (and his nothing to wear is far unlike my nothing to wear)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">18.
a vacuum cleaner that blows dust about the house<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">19.
the drawer that needs fixed- for several months now<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">20.
a job that just keeps taking more than it gives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">21.
poison oak<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">22.
waiting expectantly for a missing cat to come home<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">23.
a bad hair day (admit it, it's distracted you more than once)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">24.
the number on the scale or the size on the tag<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">25.
ph levels in the pool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">26.
a rebellious child<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">27.
dusty book shelves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">30.
failing at people pleasing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">31.
far away family slowly losing a loved one<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">32.
a hubby who works graveyard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">33.
and then volunteers during the day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">34.
and then thinks he can survive off of 5 hours of sleep<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">35. a small list of discouragement that could continue
endlessly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But
praise God it doesn't!!! Seriously, I had to make myself stop. It was getting
depressing. Because honestly everything on this list I've either experienced or
am experiencing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Did you feel like some of them weren't worth
mentioning? I did. Number 11? Really? Does it truly deserve a place on the
list? YES! Because if you're up at 5:30, then I know you need coffee. And if
the coffee pot overflowed all over the counter rather than into the pot, then you
know you needed coffee to fix the coffee mishap. But you didn't have any coffee.
Because it overflowed all over the kitchen. And now what? Can you really read
your devotional, and intercede without a cup-a-joe?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And then we turn on the radio. It echoes of school
shootings and school buildings collapsing on helpless children. We feel guilt
and shame. We experience anger and mull over questions. <i>Why are those parents being subjected to this? Why them and not me?
What if it were my child? Lord, help me to be more thankful!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And our trials begin to look so insignificant and
selfish. We place them next to the worst of tragedies and what appeared overwhelming
is only a minor diversion; a small distraction compared to the grandest of nightmares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But is our nightmare any less frightening simply because
another's is more terrifying? Does one mother's plea in childbearing pain lessen
another's merely because her pain cuts deeper? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The struggles and wrestlings you are going through
do not evaporate when devastation hits on the other side of the country. You
are a mom going through trials of your own. She is a mom facing heartache you've
never been asked to bear. Both are moms. Both are struggling. One mama's unbearable
anguish doesn't lessen another's. It only reminds us that life is hard in
Oregon, Oklahoma, India, and in the seats of our own kitchen tables and
minivans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
you ever noticed what Jesus said would choke the Word He puts in us? Is it the
devil? No- "the cares of this world." It is always our little
worries.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We watch the storms of the desert roll on in
gruesome destruction while stumbling over the bumps of Oregon's dirt roads. We
walk them and run them, and we trip over them. They're not being torn up by
raging wind, but they're tearing up the knees of moms falling face first over
misplaced Legos and piles of clean laundry thrown into careless heaps on the
floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And when we <i>can't</i>
pay that water bill, we <i>can</i> remember
the God who separated the sea and split the rock. Seriously, water has never
been an issue for the one who spoke it into existence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Casting
our care upon Him because He cares for us</span></i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is knowing <b>He's mindful</b>. <b>He's paying attention</b>. <b>He's
thinking and considering </b>your anxieties and apprehensions. He's aware of
the unemployed one feeling rejection after rejection. The one wanting only to
give up and believe the lies. And massive tempests and colossal currents do not
lessen His thoughts toward you. Our God is never so engaged with another's
affliction that He disregards your distress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Take it to Him, sisters! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Lamb who died to save is the Shepherd who lives to care for us. ~Our Daily
Bread<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-79838736456259592722013-05-15T21:27:00.001-07:002013-05-15T21:27:09.230-07:00Broken Bread and Poured-Out Wine<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCdiTdnMMvlnqGQnSIidvEkLV9eiTnvKpny7wbxD3nFrKLb4j_g7rLvPyzGryuZmR3lK87jO37pHqWAVNRBiYr0gyrkfeyg9mfGrxoJq9I89-yHeu0jWp7YAz56BA7T29nN1wmnMmZB_c/s1600/Sift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCdiTdnMMvlnqGQnSIidvEkLV9eiTnvKpny7wbxD3nFrKLb4j_g7rLvPyzGryuZmR3lK87jO37pHqWAVNRBiYr0gyrkfeyg9mfGrxoJq9I89-yHeu0jWp7YAz56BA7T29nN1wmnMmZB_c/s640/Sift.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Simon,
Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I
have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have
returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." ~Luke 22:31-32<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He told Peter that Satan had asked for him. He
said he wanted to sift him; to try his faith and make him waver. In fact, he
wanted to sift them all, but it was to Peter that He offered comfort. However,
it wasn't the comfort Peter may have anticipated. He offered the hard kind of
comfort. The comfort that isn't visible until the folding back of time and the
looking through eyes that see the end from the beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus knew the outcome. Jesus knew Peter's heart.
He knew this one was a rock, and He trusted this friend of His. Peter indeed
would be sifted because the Father would allow it, and not even the angels
could prevent it. But even in this- even in the sifting and the testing, Jesus
lived to intercede. <i>"But I have
prayed for you."</i> And what other comfort is there? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do I need deliverance from the fire if Jesus has
already prayed me through the flames? The Beloved Son- He gets what He wants!
He makes His requests to the Father, and the Father hears His every word. <i>"But I have prayed for you, that your faith
should not fail."</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He didn't pray that Peter would not fail. Peter
had already failed and Peter would fail again. And again. He was just a man
after all. No, He prayed that Peter's faith should not fail. <b>To look away from the Strong Man is to feel
the depths of raging storm and waves.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What does this do to a fearful, failing, flailing
follower? Sinking, and stumbling, saying what you shouldn't say, and thinking
what you shouldn't think. It leaves a man broken, beaten, and defeated. <b>But maybe it's through the failure of a
weak and weary follower that we see the power and faithfulness of an
ever-present God. In the midst of deep water, we experience the salvation of
those arms; arms that are not shortened. Arms that can save even to the
uttermost.</b> Peter came to understand
what Jesus does with such a man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That
the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that
perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory
at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ~1 Peter 1:7<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And Peter came to know the danger of the devouring
enemy; an enemy that seeks to destroy. An enemy that asks for us by name, and
accuses us night and day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring
lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing
that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But
may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle
you. ~1 Peter 5:8-10<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And who doesn't want to be perfected, established,
strengthened, and settled? <i>Everyone wants
to go to heaven, but no one wants to die. </i>I'd add to that- everyone wants
to be holy but no one wants to experience the refining process. Just as gold
must be immersed in harsh chemicals and put through extreme temperatures in
order to remove all its impurities , we too must face difficulties and trials
because it is the testing of our faith that produces patience. And when
patience has its perfect work in us, it produces perfection and completeness,
that we may lack nothing. (James 1:3-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"But
I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have
returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Is there ever reason to doubt the purpose behind
the sifting? Satan asks permission and our Protector either grants him a short
leash or all together refuses his request. In the end, when the impurities are
expelled, and the surface reflects the Son, will we strengthen our brethren?
Because every temptation is common among men. When we've been through the
sifting, we will find that <i>"…He may make us broken bread and
poured-out wine with which to feed others." </i>We become the one our sister
needs for holding up weary hands while the battle rages on in bloody uncertainty.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So beloved sister, don’t think it's strange that
you are being tried in this fiery furnace. Don't look at it as some strange
thing that is happening to you and you alone. Rather, rejoice! Rejoice that He
gave Satan that short leash and remember that leash is never longer than His
strong arm. Delight in the knowledge that He sees fit to immerse you into the
depths of pain, uncertainty, and doubt. Not because you are able, and He only
gives you what you are capable of enduring. No, delight that you, the one weak
and incapable, will be strengthened by the One who is <i>adequately sufficient to supply all your need.</i> Because when the
temperatures reach their peak, you, yes you, shall come out as gold. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…though
He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And
having been made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who
obey Him… ~Hebrews 5:8-9<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And while you are being made perfect, and your
faith is growing ever stronger, because He lives to plead on your behalf, you
may not even be aware of the outward change that is occurring. And the reflection
of His Glorious Son shall shine as bright as the stars making some coward in
your presence- because His presence has taken up residency. Don't cover it up
as Moses did. Let the sifter sift, the impurities recede, and the Sufficient
One satisfy your holy need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Should the Lord say to our enemy… <i>"Behold, all that he has is in your
power; only do not lay a hand on his person."</i> …will we trust our
Protector's perfect plan?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But now, thus says the Lord, who
created you, O Jacob,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And He who formed you, O Israel:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"Fear not, for I have
redeemed you;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have called you by your name;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You are Mind.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And through the rivers, they
shall not overflow you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you walk through the fire,
you shall not be burned,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nor shall the flame scorch you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~Isaiah
43:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-13500973321860977052013-05-11T12:43:00.002-07:002013-05-11T12:43:29.415-07:00To be Judge or Judged {Are you a Subject or a Predicate}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqeKnd-0p5G6lmajIIFh40TjrCoGyB98qqSgntmySqjSSUK0TTS1ZnAzTSDba3nbKVR_tUXQwDqgAkaOkSs14pAcJt4CnqShem1GuF696cv0TsboffGJx9FjtsTyq1DS3j2lTde9TSaWy/s1600/Judging+the+Judge2+Used.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqeKnd-0p5G6lmajIIFh40TjrCoGyB98qqSgntmySqjSSUK0TTS1ZnAzTSDba3nbKVR_tUXQwDqgAkaOkSs14pAcJt4CnqShem1GuF696cv0TsboffGJx9FjtsTyq1DS3j2lTde9TSaWy/s640/Judging+the+Judge2+Used.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If I sit as an observer, watching the unfolding of
a court case, and witnessing the final verdict offered by the judge, I am nothing
more than a spectator. If I then go and tell others of the outcome, sharing on
the judge's final ruling, I have become a reporter to some degree. When I begin
sharing the judge's conclusion and offering my opinion on the verdict, I then
make myself a critic of the judge himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There's a misconception in our society today. There
are those who suppose that individuals merely reporting what the judge has
already ruled are actually making themselves a judge. This is simply not so. To
judge and to report on a judge's ruling are two entirely different deeds. As
Christians, we believe that our God, the Righteous Judge, has already ruled and
therefore judged sin and sinners. He has proclaimed what is and isn't right or
wrong. When we, observers of His Ways and His Word, share with others that
which He has already judged, we are in no way making ourselves judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking back at my original example of an observer
in a court hearing, it wasn't until I began evaluating the judge's final ruling
that I began evaluating the judge. And when I began evaluating the judge, no
doubt it was at that moment that I put myself in the place of judge. Not only did
I put myself in the place of judge, but I put myself as judge over the original
judge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And so it is in our society today: rather than be
judged by a Mighty and Perfect Judge, we have attempted to place that Judge on
trial and begun to judge His final verdict according to our standards of moral
right and wrong. We, merely spectators and reporters, nothing more than the
dust of the earth who are here today and gone tomorrow, are weighing the motives
and intentions of the only True Judge; the creation has begun judging the
Creator of all we are and see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who do we think we are to even consider judging
such a Judge? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqYTiBsQl94xQbbYI-ngBfhAUU_kpXXlgsRVLUBfvLpiAN9XSZVjKhkqM9SMNtkOoyg0j0tIzOR_s2Vd8-AZmJXOJAokGbQ4t9UXlVGbKpiFFxwiHXdBl1nIte5ZD-xyRSnuqdufjldR7/s1600/Judging+the+Judge+Used.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqYTiBsQl94xQbbYI-ngBfhAUU_kpXXlgsRVLUBfvLpiAN9XSZVjKhkqM9SMNtkOoyg0j0tIzOR_s2Vd8-AZmJXOJAokGbQ4t9UXlVGbKpiFFxwiHXdBl1nIte5ZD-xyRSnuqdufjldR7/s640/Judging+the+Judge+Used.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"The
ancient man approached God (or even angels) as the accused person approaches his
judge. For the modern man, the roles are reversed. He is the judge: God is in
the dock… the trial may even end in God's acquittal. But the important thing is
that Man is on the bench and God in the dock,"<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">~C.S.
Lewis, God in the Dock<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-74925416685937630782013-05-09T21:05:00.001-07:002013-05-09T21:05:26.006-07:00Classroom Conversations<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These last nine months I've had the opportunity to
have some interesting conversations with my students. I wish I could write them
all down and never forget a moment or a word! Here is a glimpse into my 4th and
5th grade classroom!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSl0sBNNFQQVEpSGyZbUM-khtLCkeHy9_2u6ao5kK52jRcof0yr8CKBGsRkasvhS5hVYkyzdbXj5d_nynZcBkJeXSw3J0AGIYRka32acqXvvr4s8mbGI_drlROYfJITCQb7aIW5d-Pdbm/s1600/912197_10200280190461044_684568103_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSl0sBNNFQQVEpSGyZbUM-khtLCkeHy9_2u6ao5kK52jRcof0yr8CKBGsRkasvhS5hVYkyzdbXj5d_nynZcBkJeXSw3J0AGIYRka32acqXvvr4s8mbGI_drlROYfJITCQb7aIW5d-Pdbm/s640/912197_10200280190461044_684568103_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~~~~
The Empty Sacrifice ~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #1- <i>"Mrs.
Stephanie, if someone didn't know Jesus, but they did a really amazing thing by
saving someone else's life, and dying themselves instead, would they get to go
to heaven?"</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #2- <i>"Well,
what does 1 Corinthians 13 say?"</i> (We just finished memorizing this
chapter as a class)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #1- <i>"So
yes, they would go to heaven because they were showing love to the other person
by dying for them."</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"But
what does the Bible say about getting to Heaven? Can we get to Heaven by the
good things we do?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #1- <i>"If
we are showing love, yes."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"If we could go to Heaven by only doing
good things and loving others, why would Jesus have needed to come and die for us?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #2- <i>"Ahh!
'And though I give my body to be burned…' that's what that verse means…"</i>(And
this teacher's heart is overflowing with pride because yes, they are hiding His
word in their hearts! It's coming to mind in uncertain situations!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"Exactly!"
You can do amazing works and good deeds and love people like no one else, but
without Jesus as your savior you cannot go to Heaven. It is only by His death
and resurrection that we get to go to Heaven."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #1- <i>"But
1 Corinthians 13 says the greatest of these is love."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me-<i>"Yes,
and it's talking about God's love. We cannot have God's love if we do not have
God in our lives."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #1- <i>"That's really, really sad."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- </span><i style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"Yes,
it is very sad. There are a lot of really great people in this world who spend
their lives doing selfless things for others but do not know and follow God and
will not be able to spend eternity with Him. This is very sad."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The reality of Hell is no joke. Even 4th and 5th
graders can feel the weight of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAID5FdVq34NL-Iv2oSC1fMD5n8izXwrrCY4pb37zIFXjQJDA2il0JiidbiaMilRwXZBKwpaEC3xZ71pOhau78pOxkgBrVwYThNF8Prh6ScX5AsDdP2l2vNiphi-gB6KGxn_8O_sWrRIE/s1600/961114_10200280193061109_1913868493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAID5FdVq34NL-Iv2oSC1fMD5n8izXwrrCY4pb37zIFXjQJDA2il0JiidbiaMilRwXZBKwpaEC3xZ71pOhau78pOxkgBrVwYThNF8Prh6ScX5AsDdP2l2vNiphi-gB6KGxn_8O_sWrRIE/s640/961114_10200280193061109_1913868493_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~~~~
Who are they Worshiping? ~~~~</span></b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While reading about Hudson Taylor (missionary to
China), we found him before a temple, overwhelmed as he watched devoted
Buddhists worship deceased ancestors and images of stone. Hudson was astonished
at the sincerity with which they worshiped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me-<i>"What
does it mean to worship deceased ancestors?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #1- <i>"It means worshiping your dead
relatives that have become angles."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"Really…
so do you think when we die, we all become angels?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #1- <i>"Yes.
We wear white robes and have wings."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me-<i>"Hmmm,
I wonder why people think that. Let's think about Genesis and when God created
the earth. Did Satan already exist, or did God create him when he created Adam
and Eve?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #2- <i>"I think he already existed."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"I think you're right. And what is
Satan? What was he before he rebelled against God and was cast out of
Heaven?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #3- <i>"He was a beautiful angel!" <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"Yes, he was! And he became very proud
and wanted to be like God. The Bible says that when Satan rebelled against God,
many, many angels decided to follow Satan instead of God. What do we call those
angels now?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #4- <i>"Demons?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"Yes. They are demons. Satan and the
demons sinned against God didn't they. Do you think Satan and the demons can
get saved and follow God again?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Student #2-</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><i style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">"No..."</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"I think you're right. I don't think
they can either. You see, God sent Jesus to die for our sins, but not for the
sins of angels. This shows us that we are a different creation than the angels
are. Angels cannot be saved like we can, can they? Do you think angels are
mighty and powerful?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Students- <i>"Maybe…" </i>(Now they're starting
to doubt what they know to be true.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"Yes, they are very mighty and
powerful. Every time we see an angel
appear to someone in the Bible, that person becomes very afraid! I think angels
must be amazing creatures! One angel even binds Satan for a thousand years
during the reign of Christ." </i>(The students begin talking about their
many eyes, wings, and different faces.) <i>"These
angels are amazing creations of God, but for some reason God didn't send His
Son to die for them. They cannot get saved. God sent His Son to die for us. He
must love us so much! It seems like He chose us over even the powerful angels!
And He sends His angels to minister to us and sent them to minister to Jesus.
So, what happens when we die now that we know we don't become angels?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Students- <i>"We
either go to Heaven or Hell."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"That's right. So when Hudson Taylor
saw these people worshiping their ancestors. Who do you think they were really worshiping?
Can we worship and talk to people who have died?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Students- <i>"No
because they're not here. Maybe they are worshiping no one."<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Me- <i>"That's right. Or maybe they are
worshiping demons. When people talk to dead spirits, they are definitely not
talking to people that used to live on this earth. Remember, evil is real.
Satan is real. The demons are real. But God created them and He is more powerful
than they are. They cannot do anything without His permission. We should not be
afraid of them, but we should always remember that they are real and they are
not on our side. And never forget that God loves you more than even the most
powerful angel!"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJKNdXspkEp2CzdqmWiW8TVXsz7Up9AQADL9HtuftOK9T99QiYZAob4zMxXrg1t2XsRd1FpLXOwwhCVlBMwKfWFrKurrnBu1mSmWR0pOckC_KiyKr5Hu8kcrHH7kpaiTEjQVFIC6mSIZL/s1600/Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJKNdXspkEp2CzdqmWiW8TVXsz7Up9AQADL9HtuftOK9T99QiYZAob4zMxXrg1t2XsRd1FpLXOwwhCVlBMwKfWFrKurrnBu1mSmWR0pOckC_KiyKr5Hu8kcrHH7kpaiTEjQVFIC6mSIZL/s640/Class.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-83190578473228302552013-05-03T08:10:00.000-07:002013-05-03T08:21:32.232-07:00Brave ~Five Minute Friday~<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXP8TYtb6FTOC7Zt5k-5IqaiDzTNNqdV7pS5G0aZnbfAcvL3bKqpH3X_TUdOLicEhEajVhK7w03BcFh0-IcNfUES1yMQ3p5hT0pup9b4JRjMG9wICx_UBSNFZ0kzrRzkdGUJs1T4TwStDv/s1600/Gifts+FMF+Used2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXP8TYtb6FTOC7Zt5k-5IqaiDzTNNqdV7pS5G0aZnbfAcvL3bKqpH3X_TUdOLicEhEajVhK7w03BcFh0-IcNfUES1yMQ3p5hT0pup9b4JRjMG9wICx_UBSNFZ0kzrRzkdGUJs1T4TwStDv/s400/Gifts+FMF+Used2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
God has not given us spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">sound
mind. ~2 Timothy 1:7<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hear this verse often in Christian circles. I
quote it myself for encouragement and reminders that our God is big and we
shall not fear. What I hadn't realized is the context of this particular verse.
Do you know what the one directly preceding it says:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Therefore
I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">through the laying on
of hands. ~2 Timothy 1:6<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Paul is
speaking to Timothy about spiritual gifts! And this is something I'm still
thinking on. Here's a confession- ever since posting my <a href="http://stephaniewafer.blogspot.com/2013/05/rejecting-and-returning-gifts.html" target="_blank">thoughts yesterday about gifts</a>, I've been considering going back and deleting that last part- the one
that says <i>'God has given me a gift to teach others with His Word.' </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why is it so hard to confess a gift to others? Why
do we acknowledge the gift and then turn around and deny the gift? Do we think
accepting and sharing and using the things God purposefully gives us is some
sort of prideful act? Why do we think that way?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I give my children and gift and they actually
use and share it- do I conclude they are being prideful and selfish? Sometimes,
yes. And that must be our problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are sinful people who have issues with
accepting that what God gives us is a gift of grace and not something we
deserve or have earned. This includes our spiritual gifts. I'm pretty sure He
even gives us gifts we're not capable of using. Gifts we must stir up. Gifts
that require His hand in helping us build.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have a suspicion that God gave Aaron, Moses'
bother, a gift of leadership not because he earned or deserved it, but because
God chose Aaron. Simple as that. I also wonder if He gave Aaron and artistic
gift, which was in turn used against God and for the worshiping of an idol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But since God's gifts are simply God's grace given
to His unique created people, there can be no room for pride or self exaltation.
And the fears we may have are that of
becoming boastful, discovering we were wrong about our gift and embarrassing
ourselves, or being rejected by others
as we step out in faith believing God in His gift. Because ultimately it really
is His gift meant to be used for His body and His glory. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It takes a brave woman to trust God and others
with your precious gift. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/05/five-minute-friday-brave-2/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo</a> offers the challenge week after week:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
<img alt="" class="alignleft" height="180" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; height: auto; margin: 0px 15px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%;" title="5 minute friday (1)" width="179" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.<br />
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.<strong><em><br />3. <strong><em>And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.</em></strong>.</em></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
Oh and Ahem, if you would take pity and <strong>turn off comment verification</strong>, it would make leaving some love on your post that much easier for folks!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:<span style="color: white;">::</span></div>
<h1 style="background-color: white; color: #6e3c28; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.25; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #993300;">Brave…</span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(I always edit. I'm a terrible typer. Maybe a little prideful too.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <b><i><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a></u></i></b>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-20324863459233323832013-05-02T20:18:00.000-07:002013-05-02T20:28:11.932-07:00Rejecting and Returning Gifts<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfmboa8OfW5CuL6zpG_cabkQfyfJp1N8vclFZYWtcKTNq_lxGB5SyxhU9BCV0pjUqUQZtwpNc3RHhtBzB6EiaNzsVQFvwDdHOrNsCoWh2aAiK9V2adNqHtkxPJMM4Yse2Ap0_NadRxCPx/s1600/God's+Gifts+Used.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfmboa8OfW5CuL6zpG_cabkQfyfJp1N8vclFZYWtcKTNq_lxGB5SyxhU9BCV0pjUqUQZtwpNc3RHhtBzB6EiaNzsVQFvwDdHOrNsCoWh2aAiK9V2adNqHtkxPJMM4Yse2Ap0_NadRxCPx/s400/God's+Gifts+Used.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently I was reflecting back years and years
ago. You know those memories that haunt; the ones that leave your cheeks bright
red and make you feel guilt over something long ago forgotten by everyone but
you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was Christmas. I was maybe seven or eight, and
I wanted one thing and one thing alone: <i>Chrissy</i>.
She was a '<i>My Size Baby'</i> and there
were none quite like her. I tore into boxes and packages wrapped in Santa
Clause and snowflakes. Disappointment followed disappointment and eventually it
set in- there was no life size doll under the tree for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was a child I spoke as a child, I
understood as a child, I thought as a child. I returned every gift that year
simply because I didn't get the one gift I thought would turn my world upside-down.
What a childish child I was. I can't even recall what I did with the money I
received from my returns, only that I didn't come out with enough to buy that life
changing doll. I would be miserable for the rest of my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How and why did my parents put up with me? What in
the world were they thinking? After all the searching through ads, standing in
lines, deciphering this gift or that- and I simply turned up my nose and
rejected the many gifts purchased and wrapped just for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How disappointing that morning must have been for
them. They sat there anxious to see the expressions, hear the squeals, and
catch the moments in pictures that would bring back memories for years and
generations. Instead they saw dissatisfaction and ungratefulness; felt
frustration and rejection. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As
each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">of
the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">oracles of
God. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">supplies,
that in all things God may be glorified through</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus Christ, to whom belong
the glory and the dominion</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">forever and ever. Amen.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~1 Peter 4:11<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God has carefully and meticulously bestowed spiritual
gifts to each and every one of us. These gifts are unique, and they are necessary
for the entire body of Christ. He has intentionally given you gifts that are
unlike my gifts. Do we turn our nose to the gifts God has skillfully woven into
our being because we see another gift? Are we looking at something more useful
or satisfying; something grander and greater?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If God is a God that can feel disappointment and
rejection- and surely He is- does He not ache as we carelessly cast aside the unique
gifts He offers us- the unique gifts He offers his children? I've been on both
ends of the equation. I've been the rejecting receiver and the rejected giver.
I've disregarded the precious gifts along with the heart of the beloved giver.
I've also labored exhaustively in search of the perfect gift- needing to show
through my giving how cherished, treasured, and special an individual is, only
to have my intentions and thoughts tossed aside like soiled rags. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you seen the joy and surprise on the face of
a loved one because of your gift? Have you experienced the satisfaction of
watching that loved one use and share that gift? Nothing compares to those
emotions. How fulfilling. How gratifying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To even attempt rejecting God's gifts to us, as I
did my parent's gift to me as a child, in search of something more fulfilling,
is nothing less than telling God His gift to me is worthless and useless. <b>To reject
His perfect gift in search of a greater gift is to reject the perfect God in
search of a greater god.</b> <b>What foolishness this is and fools we are. In refusing
our gifts, we come to find we have nothing left, and the gift we are striving
for will always be out of reach and unattainable.</b> We will be left miserable for
the rest of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">receive from Him
the little things?</span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~Dietrich Bonhoefer</span></i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What has God gifted you to do? Are you called to
encourage, lead and guide, discern and teach, labor through servant hood by
reaching out to widows, opening your home with hospitality, feeding the hungry,
going as a missionary, sending missionaries, receiving missionaries, ministering through music,
offering words of wisdom or discernment? Not only do we disappoint and reject
Him by casting aside our gift, but also by neglecting to recognize that gift.
Seek out and ask for your gift! Obey and glorify God through the usage of an irreplaceable
gift He has placed in you and you alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now's your time to share with me. Let's stir one
another up and share one another's gifts. God has given me a gift to teach others
with His Word. What has He gifted you to do? Walk in obedience!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, "Because
I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body?
And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the
body," is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye,
where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the
smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just
as He pleased. And if they were all one member where would the body be? But now
indeed there are many members, yet one body. ~1 Corinthians 12:14-20<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <b><i><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a></u></i></b>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-5182273126410204872013-04-26T09:24:00.002-07:002013-04-26T09:24:38.105-07:00What a Friend<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxCSPmilk4Wj-7YSYg-l7hBUMWpx_jJaPyTlOqZQEItFkwxlIxHtd6to_fgUyClpeTU2Mn8j4rZeVuNOrsarPELl7sw8aVgsK_peY11n_gnjBQaa8x6nQFrpwFL9VC9ypSgY6jhWPyPbh/s1600/MS_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxCSPmilk4Wj-7YSYg-l7hBUMWpx_jJaPyTlOqZQEItFkwxlIxHtd6to_fgUyClpeTU2Mn8j4rZeVuNOrsarPELl7sw8aVgsK_peY11n_gnjBQaa8x6nQFrpwFL9VC9ypSgY6jhWPyPbh/s640/MS_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have this friend who is unlike any other. She
has a birthday tomorrow and yesterday I considered writing a post all about
her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This friend has been such a blessing in my life I
felt that you all needed at least a piece of her. The problem I encountered however,
was my lack of ability to truly represent her before you. There is so much to
be said about my friend, and I knew I could never share her with you in words
alone. So I scratched the idea and decided to just enjoy her myself this
weekend surrounded by thousands of women being washed in the Word together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And then I stopped by <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/04/five-minute-friday-friend/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo's Five Minute Friday</a>. And what do ya know… today's word- FRIEND. I'm working on hearing God's
voice and knowing when He prompts. I think this was a prompting. Several
promptings actually.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, Five minutes writing all about my friend,
Tresta- here goes-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It all started when I was nineteen, newly married,
and a confused, lost, lonely new mommy. By miraculous happenings, I went to
church. It was a teeny tiny little body but the people who filled it had large
hearts with wide open doors. And she was one of those people. I knew she had
something I didn't. Something I needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Flash forward to months in Mexico and returning
home with nowhere to live. We were 'missionaries' and God was calling us back.
There she was again- welcoming us in like we were a part of her family. She
never wavered in opening her heart and her home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I struggled to homeschool and knew I was
incapable, she reeled me in, ministered to me and helped me minister to my
children. She taught me to teach and she listened to my fears and doubts. She
cried with me and prayed with me. She was a light that lit the way to the One
who could really strengthen and guide me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today she is a mom, wife, friend, and disciple I
look up to and praise God for. She's the kind of woman that you get to know
intimately- to know the real behind the outside shell- and come to love more
and more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I don't get to see her enough, but I follow her
written thoughts regularly and never cease to be blessed, encouraged, and challenged
by her thoughts and convictions.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That was five minutes, and I was right- I cannot
do this friend justice with keyboard and simple words. I think she'd be okay
with that though, because she's a simple girl herself and wouldn't want me to
spend more than five minutes shining the spotlight on her. Please visit her at
<a href="http://sharppaynes.com/">SharpPaynes.com</a> and be filled! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9Xqh_2kaqtyGMkGftGOj9U1Vi_QJZOG3Z_jw5ThDNBYjgzFTe2f5UT0q709m2c7ujn2afgN9HtoKRklj8Zjb6z0hyphenhyphen9Ay78IR__fD2PTjIHz4GZehyphenhyphenXFR_YMmQcyDois8Nz4ncxLV6Elr/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9Xqh_2kaqtyGMkGftGOj9U1Vi_QJZOG3Z_jw5ThDNBYjgzFTe2f5UT0q709m2c7ujn2afgN9HtoKRklj8Zjb6z0hyphenhyphen9Ay78IR__fD2PTjIHz4GZehyphenhyphenXFR_YMmQcyDois8Nz4ncxLV6Elr/s1600/Five+Minute+Friday.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo</a> offers the challenge week after week: take
a measly five minutes and write. No over thinking, no backtracking, no ‘wait,
that’s not spiritual enough, and I can’t share that in cyber city’ mentality.
Only writing. Writing for five minutes and risking the outcome. <em>{and don’t forget to spend some time commenting
on the post of the person who linked up just before you.}</em><em><b><o:p></o:p></b></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658459903386219997.post-22240881768884846912013-04-23T23:11:00.000-07:002013-04-23T23:11:00.100-07:00Writing When It's Not Worth Reading<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKpRubXsHq8I4p5qELmlXNkwsIjUIx3wvwJePPN7__FqnAwt_bJVzRgRAno518_19A1faMcAu6M5f7P42UZjwXEfN9SVt22Ng6EPuyLmng8yn-hLrXXXiJuutB0wg6-6dy7pl7QiJstgw/s1600/Be+Yourself+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKpRubXsHq8I4p5qELmlXNkwsIjUIx3wvwJePPN7__FqnAwt_bJVzRgRAno518_19A1faMcAu6M5f7P42UZjwXEfN9SVt22Ng6EPuyLmng8yn-hLrXXXiJuutB0wg6-6dy7pl7QiJstgw/s640/Be+Yourself+Final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have such a need to reflect on my thoughts, chew
them up for a while, think on them some more, and then spill it all out here
somehow. My intent is for you to consider with me. My desire is that everything
rolling around in my thoughts will pour out perfectly through fingers and
keyboard, inspiring you to reflect, think, think some more, and then come back
and converse with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The problem is, I'm never completely settled in
these random thoughts of mine because I'm constantly learning and deciphering,
and changing my mind, and then forgetting and having to learn again. So I set
myself down intending to get bare before you; to be raw and real, but then I
realize the issue isn't quite right within myself and <b>the thoughts I thought I needed to share are only half thoughts and not
really worth sharing at all</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And then there are the <a href="http://sharppaynes.com/" target="_blank">other bloggers</a>. You know
the ones! They take something as meaningless as a lifeless stick, or the
neighbor's ugly cat, and turn it into life changing words that convict the
heart and speak to the soul. Their poetic language produces emotions within us that
we're not quite sure how to manage. They reveal truth to the reader unlike anything
else could. They leave us feeling refreshed, refined, replenished, and somehow
hungering for more all at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Between my struggle to take a thought and stick
with it long enough to form a solid conclusion, and the knowledge that there
are thousands of other bloggers out there with infinitely more wisdom than I,
it is impossible to deny my discouragement and lack of ability. I simply cannot
compete and honestly, I don't want to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And that's the whole point. This is not a
competition. <b>This whole site and writing
thing is for the purpose of glorifying God and sharing simple things that He
bothers to share with me</b>. I want to look back and remember where He took me
and how we got there. Together. I am not here to exalt myself or cause anyone
to think I am something great or someone other than me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“You will never make a good impression on other
people until you stop thinking about what sort of impression you are making.
Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be
original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring two pence
how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become
original without ever having noticed it... Give up yourself, and you will find
your real self.”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">― <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/801500"><span style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
I've been successful in sharing only two simple things on this site, let it be
that He is everything and I am nothing</span></b><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. I will continue to
seek His face, meditate on His Word and His truth, sporadically share my inconclusive
thoughts, and pray He blesses others with my dull, unoriginal words. I will persistently
set myself before a computer screen intending to share a particular idea, and
watch the whole jumble of words morph into something entirely different,
wondering all the while how and why this is happening. But I will write
because, as Peter and John would say, <i>for
I cannot but speak the things which I have seen and heard</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
appreciate all of you who faithfully read and offer encouragement!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for
blessing me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Follow me on <b><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fingerprint-of-God/155540984547112" target="_blank">Facebook</a></i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
~Stephanie Waferhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16150778217259431061noreply@blogger.com2