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June 2015
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August 2015

Clear Purpose

 

This one thing I do.  Philippians 3:13

 

Where there is no clear purpose there is no strength of character. Where there is no strength of character there can be no success.

We must have a clear purpose and then live our lives around that purpose.

The difference in a life with purpose and one without is bound volumes and sticky notes; a growing tree or a brush pile.

We decide.

 

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Fresh Find: What a great book!

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First Hand Knowers

 

Some people like to find their places above others and poop on the ones down under doing the work. WAIT! Do we really know that? Do we know their intentions? Why do we stop and waste energy on what the wire sitters think? Maybe they want to be asked to join in? We should never assume another's heart unless we are first-hand knowers.

 

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Fresh Find: Nice men's silk camp shirt.

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Reach

 

In my living the plan of God for my life, I am reminded of the beauty and service found in the different and the uncommon; simple but strong. 

 

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When God brought this plant to my attention, I was amazed at its beauty. It reaches towards the sun. I reach towards the Son. In the odd we find the extraordinary beauty in God's creation.

 

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I read a quote this morning at church by Benjamin Franklin. When I looked it up online, I found it interesting that the last part of the one sentence and the following sentences are left off of most all of the quotes listed which changes the context.

Here is the full paragraph of his speech to the founders of our country: I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.

God had me thinking. What do I reach for? If I don't maintain a strong foundation, then I can't build. He uses those who desire to be used, and often feel unworthy at best.

I'm going to continue to pray.  It is very personal to me. I'm going to continue to grow in my faith. My foundation is secure.

Like this beautiful and unique flowering vine that is Jack and the Beanstalk worthy, I'm going to reach for the growth resources that only God can provide.

 

 

Fresh Find: Cute onesie!

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Key Ideas

 

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I love this picture. It represents key ideas of my thoughts...

 

Lady Liberty is a universal symbol of freedom; the land that I love. The veteran's flag and the POW flag represent the freedom that men and women fight to protect. Thank you.

The bars remind me that God sets things into action to protect me. The clouds reflected in the windows remind me that God created it all. The cross represents the freedom that comes through the relationship with Jesus Christ. The green light means go...move it...don't just sit there!!!

 

Fresh Find: What a fun chicken coop!

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Encounter with Grace

 

I've heard a lot lately from people who criticize Christians who have gone wrong, even momentarily. The world is full of damaged souls who, unfortunately, run into Believers at their worst. 

In my opinion, the world gives Christians, as a whole, a bad rap. 

It brings the thought of a man named Malchus to my mind. Know of him? 

In John 18:10 we read, "Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus."

The facts...Peter, a follower of Jesus, cut off his ear. Jesus put it back on (I think the only recorded external wound Jesus healed). It might be the end of the story, but it wasn't. Malchus had to make a choice. Remember, he was the servant of the high priest, Caiaphas. He was most likely pretty important. I bet people listened to him. It would be easy for Malchus to criticize, spit on, even laugh at Peter's untimely sword swinging. Or, he could choose to feel the touch of Jesus and know his compassion and power. He had an encounter with grace.

The scripture doesn't tell us anymore about Malchus. We don't know the choice he made for sure, but for all four gospels to mention the story and John to mention his name makes me think that Malchus made the eternal life choice. I think I will meet Malchus in Heaven one day.

Peter made a mistake in this emotional moment and Jesus disciplined him. Jesus did not want anger as his message. He wanted love. I think he made it clear that the servant was important to him, too. Malchus witnessed a faulty Christian but was touched by the Living Christ.

Certainly, the world is quick to point out our errors when we have a 'gone wrong' moment, but we must remember that the wisdom of Christ in what follows the emotion is what we want the Malchus' of the world to see; an encounter with grace.

 

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Proverbs 15:31 "The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise."

 

 

Fresh Find: Fun real flower terrarium necklace.

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'the draw'

 

When I was young we played in what we called, 'the draw' just east of Thomas Blvd. You can barely see the deep crevices that have filled in over the years there. They were deep and way over our heads. We never worried about snakes much back then. I wonder why not. Hmmm, kids!

 

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These gourd leaves and mini daisies I remember well.

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And, this windmill has been out in this area quite a long time, too.

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Fresh Find: What a beautiful 'slice' ring!!!

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