tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58702934859095752252024-03-13T06:14:58.607-04:00The Daily WeavingOne woman's tapestry of lifeamyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-40474615671308781522020-12-02T21:55:00.001-05:002020-12-02T21:59:54.931-05:00A new trail to follow...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3NBSJ1gmzsU" width="320" youtube-src-id="3NBSJ1gmzsU"></iframe></div><br /> A joyful hello to anyone who may find their way to this page... Here is an intro to my new space, a YouTube Channel called, “The Good Path”. It’s a place to share my hikes and all the wonder I find along the way. God is so good.<p></p><p>This is my take on the popular trend of Vlogmas ❤️ </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>If you enjoy, please subscribe to my channel and leave a comment; I love hearing from you.</p><p><br /></p><p>To God be the glory for all things † </p><p><br /></p>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-68439679285333644292015-07-22T08:41:00.000-04:002015-07-22T08:41:43.113-04:00Sex is Sacred: the Soft Path of Tolerance<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Christians are so condemning! I hate their intolerance towards homosexuals and transgender people. They are supposed to be a religion of LOVE and yet, they are the most critical people in America. Why can’t they just live and let live? It is US, the non-religious and open-minded Christians who welcome these souls into our loving embrace. We care about them. We understand them. We want them to feel loved and accepted and we will stand before them with a shield in the face of such ignorant chastisement. We care about such injustice as shown by narrow-minded so-called followers of Christ.”</i> ~ Spirit of our Age</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fascinating to note that those who prescribe their branded morality appeal to a sense of justice unquestioned. To “love” undefined. If justice stands as a pillar to a morally sound civilized culture, does it not beg the question of origin? Atheists and secular humanists loathe to contemplate the trivial matters of definitions and paradigms. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">What does it mean to love our neighbor anyway? Spirit our our Age riding on his black horse says with a swing of the sword, it means to “harm none” (by his definition of harm), to mind your own business , to refrain from judgement (by his definition of judgement) and believe truth is relative. And the only Absolute Truth is that there are no absolutes. It embraces sinfulness in the name of Tolerance. Loving means standing for nothing and accepting everything.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">How vastly different to glimpse love as defined by God: selfless, patient, kind, long-suffering...true love would lay down it’s life to protect another. Love upholds Truth. Jesus Christ is the supreme example of love, as He illustrates time and again in Holy Scripture, when he heals the lame and restores the broken...and yes, even as he condemns hypocrisy and criticizes the righteous. He showed love when he turned over the money-changing tables in the temple because the sacredness of God’s house was being defiled. Christ never rejoiced in sin; on the contrary, He came to free people from sin. Remember His words after he healed, restored, forgave? “Go and sin no more”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fast forward some two-thousand years to see the freedom loving culture of America in struggle over what it means to love, to hate and to judge. Our government has officially proclaimed its love of sin and destruction by legislating morality in the name of “progressiveness”. Definitions of life, marriage, tolerance and hate are being morphed into products of the state; how surprising to see the willingness of proclaimed followers of Christ to embrace the Spirit of our Age. My theory is that too few Christians actually know how to defend their faith... fewer still who care.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">To take a page out of Ravi Zacharias’ book, I would ask those supporters of same-sex marriage to tell me why it would be wrong to alter a person’s race. What has one to do with the other you ask? One idea is “bad” but the other is “good”... What is so inherently wrong about Hitler’s notion to create a super race? It has everything to do with a little word embracing a cathedral size meaning: Sacred.<span id="goog_1542710451"></span><span id="goog_1542710452"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">A person’s race is sacred. To defile that would be akin to blaspheming God, as a person is created by God with His divine Image upon him. Likewise, to the orthodox Christian, indeed, to mankind, sex is sacred. It is a blessed gift of God between a man and women in holy matrimony; anything that deviates from that is to profane a gift of holiness. The union between a husband and wife in marriage is a rare gemstone in American society; it resides on the opposite end of the spectrum from the grossly amputated sex culture. In all forms --from using long legs and cleavage to sell a product to the deviant and violent porn industry, each semblance of tickling our collective fancy - in reality- serves to deaden our senses, weaken our spirit and lead us away from the purity and blessedness of heaven. It is the difference between solid gold and a cracker jack prize. The trinket appearing as gold, the soft path seeming right, madness manifesting sanity, these are the ways of malevolent demons.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">I wonder, with America’s embrace of the transgender movement, shall we next see surgeons altering bodies to </span><a href="http://cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/johns-hopkins-psychiatrist-transgender-mental-disorder-sex-change" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e7cc3;">satisfy the anorexic</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">? Because a person believes in their mind in one way -- the biology must follow, eh? This is the fallacious - the dangerous- reasoning of our age. I wonder how far away the medical community is from aiding bestiality tendencies? and the government from sanctioning the pedophilia populace. After all, our natural born inclinations provide the grounds for morality, right? Only where man is god and the soft path of tolerance is walked by those who should be guardians of Truth.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Does it matter to Christians what Christ actually said and did? Or are we looking for a christianity that fits our own belief system? Do the souls of our brothers and sisters on this earth really matter to us? What if I told you that transgendered people have a suicide rate 20 times higher than non-transgendered people? We need to decide if we are going to proclaim Christ and Him crucified or be accepted by popular culture.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can justify to ourselves whatever we want to believe... but the real question is, can you defend it rationally, on the bedrock of God, the Author of this world? </span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you prepared to give a reason for the hope you have in Christ? 1 Peter 3:15</span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-44170678840432522412015-04-26T21:24:00.000-04:002015-04-26T21:24:56.547-04:00Salvation<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.uncutmountainsupply.com/" target="_blank">Crucifixion, 13th century, Athos </a><br />Interestingly, in most Orthodox icons of Christ on the Cross<br />his face is peaceful, not in anguish. </td></tr>
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"Save me from what?" my friend asked when discussing Christ and his death on the cross, some 2,000 years ago. "Sin" was my abrupt answer, knowing full well what<i> I </i>meant, but not understanding in the least how that answer rested in my friend's mind and heart. <br />
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Reading about Christ's crucifixion, having discussions about it and singing those old familiar hymns about <i>power in the blood</i> left me somewhat confused as a teenager. I accepted that Christ died for me, yet I often envisioned a mad Father, full of wrath being pleased by nothing except the spilling of his Son's blood. The full story, as told in light of the glorious Resurrection, did little to ease the stomach turning aspect of that ransom-- that human sacrifice to appease an angry Father because of the sin of mankind. <i>Is this what love looks like? </i> I wondered. <br />
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It was this particular aspect of Christianity that was a continual stumbling block as I tried to share my faith with others. Reiterating the same lines about Christ atoning for the sin of man did little to answer the particular questions from nonbelievers. Questions like, "Why did it have to be so brutal? Couldn't God - in His all powerful way- concoct a scheme of redemption a bit more peaceful? Couldn't He just open the doors of heaven to those who would believe in Him without a bloody sacrifice?" or the more poignant, "God desires pain to save us from pain, doesn't He?"<br />
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God <i>desires</i> pain? God's wrath would not be assuaged except by a gruesome crucifixion?<br />
How would I ever be an effective witness if I couldn't wrap my head around this dichotomy of a loving God and the crucifixion of Christ as "payment" to that same loving God?<br />
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Years of reading and asking questions about salvation to the wise eventually led to the discovery of ancient Christianity. Not just the history as recorded in Scripture after Pentecost, but the following early centuries of Christians and their understanding of salvation; in particular, the Celtic people and monastics of the Egyptian desert. In these early writings, nowhere did I find language that referenced a legalistic framework<i> </i>for understanding Christ's sacrifice. Instead, I discovered the view of a victorious Saviour in the midst of barbarity; God incarnate coming to reconcile creation to Himself. A God who heals the brokenness caused by sin.<br />
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I began to see Christ's death as a rescue mission, not a payment for a debt incurred at birth. Christ came to rescue me from the bondage of sin, not as a legal settlement to ease God's wrath. God isn't holding us captive, sin is. That pervading sickness that affects us all... not just the druggies, the prostitutes and murderers, but the liars, the hypocrites, the self-righteous and those who live with lust quietly enveloping their hearts. No one is free of sin and all need the blessed love and redemption of Christ our Lord. <br />
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The brutality of the crucifixion had to be the means by which Christ conquered; He used the greatest weapon of the enemy -- torture and death -- to defeat the enemy. Destroying death <i>by death</i>. It is the greatest story ever told! <i>He led captivity captive</i>... one of the most powerful phrases from Scripture alludes to the smashing open of hades by Christ; death could not contain Him for He is the source of all Life. This is the earliest understanding of Christ's redemptive work on the cross and one of the reasons I am an Orthodox Christian.<br />
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The image of the Cross -- that implement of death and destruction by the mighty Romans became a symbol of victory because of the Author of Life. We must remember that Christ was God incarnate -- with legions of angels at His command. How perplexed these heavenly beings must have been to see the King of Kings willingly hanging on a tree and forgiving the filth of men who nailed Him there. <br />
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We serve a loving, compassionate and patient God. A God who provided for our broken communion with Him when sin entered the world. Like the story of the Prodigal Son, God awaits our return to Him through repentance, an acknowledgment of sin and how it wounds us. Glory to God for all things † Glory to His third day Resurrection and praise Him for the gift of salvation †amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-82244303103813638322015-03-14T08:57:00.000-04:002015-03-14T08:57:45.069-04:00Friday the 13th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not really superstitious, not in the pure sense, but I did joke yesterday that I was experiencing a day reminiscent of the fabled occasion. But today, looking back at the events of yesterday in better perspective, I'd like to share with you the many blessings God granted.<br />
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When my tire blew out on the way to work in the pre-dawn hours, it was merciful that I was located very near to a Go-Mart where I could safely call for help. And Susan, the manager at the convenience store could not have been more helpful. She sympathized with my situation and helped to make a connection with the tow truck that would arrive later in the morning.<br />
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My co-workers, too, are a kind and loving bunch of people and quickly made a plan for someone to pick me up...even though this meant a 30-35 minute out-of-the-way trek. My delay also meant my 7:30 a.m. patient would have to reschedule for a later time; he was most understanding. In fact, when I was able to see him later that afternoon, he said with a smile, "it was no problem at all [to reschedule] I am just glad you are ok." How's that for a blessing?! Such a generous heart.<br />
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At noon, when the tow truck brought my vehicle to our office, I quickly realized I would need to purchase a new tire. The do-nut spare would not be sufficient to make the hour and half trip to my daughter's basketball tournament after work. I had to scramble during my lunch hour and was dismayed to learn the first two tire stores I called were so busy they had no time to help. And then I spoke with Wayne - at the tire store closest to our office - who was very calm and understanding. He told me that although he didn't have my exact tire, he was certain they could find something that would be suitable- and most importantly, in a time frame that allowed me to make it to my daughter's final game of the tourney.<br />
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All told, three different colleagues drove me around yesterday, getting me to and from the tire store, waiting on me, going out of their way ...and all with a smile and patience. I am so blessed to work with these people.<br />
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By 6:30 pm I arrived at the basketball tournament to see the Patriots in full defensive mode just before the end of the first half. My daughter was on the court, face red and eyes alert -- giving it her all. I sighed with delight just to be there. After only 10 minutes or so, my bliss was interrupted when I realized I didn't have my car key. It wasn't in the usual place in my jacket pocket nor in my purse. Maybe I left it on the table when I paid my admission? I quickly walked back to that area and asked the attendants if I had left my key. They said they hadn't seen it, but the warmhearted gentleman offered to help me look for it. I felt panicked.. did I drop it somewhere in this packed stadium or dark parking lot?<br />
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Retracing my steps to the front door, within minutes, I saw my key laying on an empty table by the entry. Someone obviously found it laying on the ground and put it there where it might be discovered. The gentleman smiled and we both chuckled at Providence granting this mercy.<br />
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The girls went on to win a very hard fought game and I was there to see my girl make two baskets!! Worth the struggles of the entire day. <br />
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Coming home that night under heavy rain, I was thinking of the many people who brought compassion and a measure of God's grace to my trying day. And, it isn't lost on me that these petty struggles are nothing compared with the suffering of others that involve much more serious life events. That perspective is a gift from above. And one that sustained me through the night... even when I was nearly run into the side of a bridge by a speeding tractor-trailer.<br />
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I have never been so happy to see the cozy interior of my home and receive the unconditional love of our fur-kids. My anger, too, was short lived when I saw the trash strewn all over the kitchen floor by those same two faithful companions. C'est la vie.<br />
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I will recount my blessings and remember the important stuff of life, like relationships, how we treat one another, patience and knowing that God bestows grace through those that love Him. Behold the rose, not the thorns. Thank you Alicia, Bob, Jamie, Sherry, Wayne, Della, Susan, Amy, Melody, Eric, John, Kindhearted Gentleman for lifting me up on a day that was pulling me down. May God shine His face upon you!<br />
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<i>Glory to God for all things †</i></div>
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<br />amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-43206962538672418672015-03-09T17:49:00.000-04:002015-03-09T17:49:51.412-04:00A Review of John Howerton Honda in Beckley, WV<br />
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John Howerton has been our "Honda home" since 2012 when we purchased a 2012 Odyssey van. We had a good sales experience then and more recently, in January of 2015 when the van needed some repair work on the piston rings. Thankfully the repairs were covered under warranty. The service staff was excellent. From the first time I called to make an appointment for the problem I was having, I was met with professional courtesy. The issue took longer to repair and test than I expected (nearly a week in the garage) and even though I grumbled about having to rent a vehicle, the service department did everything within their power to explain what the trouble was and to offer a helping hand in renting a car and giving me a ride to Enterprise-Rent-A-Car. <br />
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I picked up my van on a Saturday and by the following Monday, my service engine light was flashing again. I immediately took it back to J. Howerton Honda. Once again, the service department was courteous, moving me to the front of the line and taking my van in right away to evaluate the problem. Since it was going to be more than an hour wait, they also offered a vehicle to me to complete my errands that morning. That considerate gesture went a long way to make the extended wait worthwhile. Upon returning, it was discovered that I had a loose wire related to my fuel emissions. It was fixed and I drove away without further issue.<br />
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February 2015 brought heavy snowstorms to our area and I revisited the idea of trading the Odyssey for a 4WD Honda Pilot. I was happy to learn that a white Pilot was available at another dealer and that John Howerton Honda could obtain this for me. I spoke on the phone with the sales rep several times over a week to work out a deal agreeable to both of us and exchanged text messages to confirm it. <br />
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On a Monday morning I went first thing to the dealer to check out my new ride. It looked great and as promised. We spent a long time going through all the preliminary paperwork such as settings for the vehicle, license and insurance info, etc. I'm sure you know the drill. After nearly an hour I was presented with the legal financial documents which did not show the agreed upon purchase price. I stated the amount was wrong and showed them my text messages with the sales rep. Thus began a 30 minute or more haggle over the price and down payment. I should have walked away, but I didn't. I took the offer closest to the originally agreed upon purchase price. I paid more than what was promised.<br />
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I filed a complaint with the BBB, not just because they did not honor the previous agreement, but because they attempted to place the "misunderstanding" on my shoulders rather than acknowledge their fault in promising one thing and delivering another. <br />
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So, all in all -- if you need service for your Honda, I highly recommend John Howerton Honda service department. If you're looking to make a purchase, I suggest you deal elsewhere. I hope my experience can help you.<br />
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<i>"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from poor judgement."</i></div>
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<br />amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-67067443852093208172015-02-02T12:39:00.000-05:002015-02-02T12:47:50.515-05:00A Blessed VisitYesterday my daughter and I did something I've wanted to do for several years now -- we finally made a visit to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Beckley, WV. What joy! Except for the beautiful gold onion dome and cross, it is an inconspicuous brick building tucked between other brick and stone buildings in the older section of Beckley, near the courthouse/ historic district.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eUNBuMpavQ_pb7Ifp1X3OIwOBLr9N0gB-83uIriEEj8-9olimZCaWvwErFExvE4FJdo53fPR9EjtcKn2Ade3dqXajjU2Smojj4uli1ftpgMkCKph4cX-qzW1CBwXLwv69TceL7FQxPY/s1600/St_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_Outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eUNBuMpavQ_pb7Ifp1X3OIwOBLr9N0gB-83uIriEEj8-9olimZCaWvwErFExvE4FJdo53fPR9EjtcKn2Ade3dqXajjU2Smojj4uli1ftpgMkCKph4cX-qzW1CBwXLwv69TceL7FQxPY/s1600/St_Nicholas_Orthodox_Church_Outside.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Beckley, WV<br />
Photo from www.orthodoxbeckley.org</td></tr>
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We arrived just before the 10:30 am Divine Liturgy and upon entering the front door, the lovely waft of incense filled our senses. <i> I am home </i>I thought as I took a slow breath to inhale that familiar fragrance. We walked up the steps toward the sanctuary and became aware of melodic voices chanting in English, both male and female. I stopped at the narthex to light a candle, say a prayer and venerate the icon of Christ and the Blessed Theotokos. This is the area of quiet preparation for entering the nave, the place where the faithful gather to worship God. Joining the congregation, we found the space full of peace and the walls graced with numerous icons. A soft visible blanket of incense hung in the air, making the iconostasis with its vigil lamps seem otherworldly. It truly is heaven on earth. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaSv2yY5GZsxuyG6C7_lWSESPqIbzVAd-jb6lFKAoSnuwZpIFs26wAOmm1I3xFj-v7FbUxtiBurikHyLem_5F-aNgALxpUzevwhPZElfGeO_u9FujrOAHyVRvvzcwz8-BaTiA_HW_mDI/s1600/100_0261-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaSv2yY5GZsxuyG6C7_lWSESPqIbzVAd-jb6lFKAoSnuwZpIFs26wAOmm1I3xFj-v7FbUxtiBurikHyLem_5F-aNgALxpUzevwhPZElfGeO_u9FujrOAHyVRvvzcwz8-BaTiA_HW_mDI/s1600/100_0261-1.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, nave<br />
Photo from www.orthodoxbeckley.org</td></tr>
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As we stood at our pew, I took in the numerous icons on each wall and large stained glass windows- some of which were donated by people I knew from our St. George family. A sense of warm welcoming came over me as I noticed many familiar icons, such as St. Mary of Egypt , St. George the Trophy-bearer and the enormous Christ Pantocrator adorning the ceiling. Kind of like peering into a photo album and seeing familiar faces, it gives a sense of belonging - of knowing- that I too am part of the family of Christ.<br />
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I had met Fr. Samuel Haddad on several occasions in years past, but never had the pleasure of hearing his homily until yesterday. It was the Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican and Fr. Samuel spoke about these two men and their prayers as found in Luke 18:10-14. Interestingly, he pointed out their prayers from the viewpoint of God... Is God <i>pleased</i> with one prayer over the other? Is it a matter of behaving in a certain way so as to <i>appease</i> our Father in heaven? The reality is, as Fr. Samuel went on to say, is that God knows exactly what we need -- humility that begets repentance. A "heart cleaning" in other words. When we pray, and ask forgiveness, it is not that we are trying to please God by our actions, it is that our inner sin and darkness needs to be swept clean to allow humility, forgiveness and love to take root and grow. <br />
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The choir gathered in front, on the right side of the church and we were blessed to hear their sweet voices praising God and offering responses during the Liturgy. There were children, teenagers, young adults and some older adults too completing this dedicated group. I quietly sang along with them a few times.<br />
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The people at St. Nicholas' could not have been more welcoming to us. It was a perfect way to usher in the Feast of St. Brigid, my patron saint. Radiant faces and pleasant greetings met us upon dismissal and we both knew with certainty that we would be back to visit again very soon. If you are in the area and interested in the Orthodox Church, please stop for a visit sometime; I'm sure Fr. Samuel would be delighted to meet you. You can read more about the church and their service schedule here: <a href="http://www.orthodoxbeckley.org/" target="_blank"> St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church</a><br />
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<i>Glory to God for all things †</i></div>
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<br />amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-85778132328210085182015-01-07T09:30:00.000-05:002015-01-07T09:30:27.716-05:00Unbroken: A Book Review<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Unbroken</i>: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By Laura Hillenbrand</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Paperback, 528 pages (2014)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Published by Random House </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My daughter gifted me with this book for Christmas and as soon as I opened it’s pages, couldn’t put it down. <i>What an incredible and inspiring life Louis Zamperini lived! </i>Hillenbrand’s meticulously researched story was years in the making; her rigorous efforts and gifted writing style have resulted in a national treasure. She has brought to light not only one man’s journey through WWII, but raised a nation’s awareness of an often hidden reality: POW camps, the depth of man’s depravity and the inner battle to overcome the lasting effects of traumatic experiences for men at war. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This book is liberally sprinkled with wonderful photographs and illustrations to document the tale; it’s easy to be swept up in the sunshine and sand of the Pacific Islands in the 1940’s... equally thrilling and heart-pounding to be aboard a B-24 with Louis and crew, so skilled is Hillenbrand at her craft. I laughed, I cried.. I was awestruck reading <i>Unbroken</i>. As a Christian, I found the complexities of war, of evil and suffering to bolster my faith. Maybe it’s because when honor, strength, miracles and sacrifice are contrasted against such a bleak canvas, truth and light are most clearly seen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Stories of survival have always piqued my attention, and this one is no different. It’s the essence of man at his most extreme moments that fascinates me. How does one respond physically and mentally in history’s bleakest hour? What drives one to survive under extreme conditions? And how does man cope mentally to overcome his witness to horrific crimes...? Answers and insights are given to these types of questions by sharing in the life of Louis Zamperini. The reader is truly left feeling amazed, inspired, even empowered by learning the life lessons this man has to offer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Skip the movie, read the book.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Five stars.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am not attemptin</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'courier new';">g to give medical advice. I am only sharing my experience and some things I’ve learned about my own health with hope it may benefit another.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wonder how many Christians know this verse and yet continually struggle to overcome the anxiety and overwhelming feelings that this world can produce? Since I receive hits every week in response to my series on women’s health related to hormonal imbalance, I felt it was time for a follow-up. If anyone can benefit from the experiences of my life, it is well worth the time to share. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anxiety was never an issue for me until about 4 or 5 months ago. Sure, I had times of worry and stress like most people, but what a wake-up call to have my first anxiety (panic) attack! I had heard my mom and cousin relate to me in years past about their own experiences with anxiety-- the rapid heart-rate, sweaty palms, and lack of focus, but I never expected to experience it myself. Panic attacks are frightening because even though your head may be telling you it’s only temporary-- to just hang on--the body feels like it’s revved up like a jet engine with nowhere to go. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is most strange to me is that panic attacks come out of the blue. We’re gifted with that “fight or flight” adrenaline rush when in a stressful situation to save our hides, but when this same rush comes over you while in a business meeting or at a hair appointment, well.. it’s frightening and embarrassing. My panic attacks started coming more frequently in the last 6 weeks and increasingly limited my daily activities. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There’s plenty of research out there regarding the causes of panic attacks, my personal opinion is that -for me- it has much to do with heredity, chronic stress, personality type and not enough exercise. When I do exercise (2 or 3 x per week) it is by walking or hiking, involving a mild cardiovascular work-out. I always feel better after exercise, but it wasn’t enough to keep the stress and panic attacks at bay. When the body experiences periods of chronic stress, cortisol (produced by the adrenals during increased stress) levels become high and when those levels are sustained, it has damaging effects on the body as a whole. Effects such as weight gain, suppressed immune function, high blood pressure & cholesterol and accelerated aging. Couple that with the fact that I’m in my fourth decade and experiencing changes in body and hormonal levels and, well, it’s like setting the conditions for a perfect storm. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">During lunch at work one day, I spent the hour researching holistic remedies for anxiety. I had already explored what the western medical community offered (Zoloft, Birth Control Pills for regulating hormones, multi-vitamins, checking Vit. D and calcium levels) and was still in need of answers and help for my overall health. I stumbled upon some very interesting remedies from “alternative” sources. As a caveat, that’s such a funny moniker to me...shouldn’t “alternative” actually be “original” ? After all, people through the centuries have relied on remedies from nature much longer than they have relied on allopathic medicine. And please don’t misunderstand me. I understand and accept the place of traditional medicine and practices. I’m just saying in my case, what they offered left me in need of something more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I discovered from the holistic side of treating anxiety, were main ingredients that seem to help people in a variety of supplemental forms. Those ingredients are:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">L-Theanine</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bacopa Leaf Extract</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">L- 5 Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Magnesium </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Schizandra Berry Extract </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ashwagandha Root</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I could write a blog post on each of those ingredients separately as there is so much to learn about each one. If you’re looking for help for your anxiety, I would encourage you to educate yourself about each component, realizing the diverse opinions and studies of both traditional and holistic practicing medical professionals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After discovering these key ingredients, I went directly to the Healthy Life Market at our local Drug Emporium after work and asked for help finding a supplement with at least some of these ingredients. The very informative Darlene, brought Redd Remedies to my attention, specifically, their product labeled,<i> At Ease</i>™. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At Ease™ contains the following ingredients:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Vit. B-1</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Vit. B-6</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pantothenic Acid</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">L-Theanine</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bacopa Leaf Extract</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">L-5 Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Schizandra Berry Extract</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Darlene was very informed about this product and we talked for quite a while standing there in the store aisle. I bought it, came home and began researching Redd Remedies as well as reading more about each ingredient. I don’t have a good track record when it comes to medications so I’m very particular about what I put into my body. I fully realize that just because something is natural or holistic, that doesn’t mean it’s naturally safe. There are plants in nature that can kill you, too, so be sure and do your homework!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I am MOST pleased to share with you is how effective At Ease™ has been for me. I began by taking 1 tablet (recommended dose is 2 tablets) on a Saturday afternoon. After a few hours had passed without any adverse feelings or stomach upset, I took the second tablet. That day was bliss. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The package says: “At Ease™ is relaxing but not sedative. We call it “Alert Relaxation”.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And that’s exactly right! That is precisely how I felt that entire day... calm, alert, clear-headed. I have followed the prescribed dose of 2 tablets per day (taken together in the a.m.) for two weeks now. Happily, I have not had a panic attack during this time and thankfully, have had no ill effects from this supplement. It feels like a miracle to me to be comfortable in my body once again. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was so impressed with how well At Ease™ worked, that I called the company to ask additional questions. To my surprise, a real human voice answered the phone and cheerfully discussed with me about the history of the company, manufacturing procedures and duration of use for their products. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.reddremedies.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Redd Remedies</span></a> is worth looking into. If you’re struggling with anxiety, be assured that there is help. You should always consult your doctor about taking any supplements, particularly if you are taking prescription medications. Some supplements can interfere with prescription medications, so educate yourself. You can’t be “talked out of worry and negative thoughts” (as those may say who have never experienced anxiety) when the actual factors involve restoring neurotransmitter balance and adrenal health. Sometimes it’s matter over mind. Redd Remedies has been an answered prayer for me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Glory to God for all things †</span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-48287629211028985342014-03-26T09:25:00.000-04:002014-03-26T09:25:27.157-04:00Seasons of Dryness<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s been a while since I’ve visited this space. It’s been too long since I’ve come home to my words. So much is going on in my life... as with everyone. We all have our struggles and triumphs. Life flows at that rapid pace and it seems like a miracle to enjoy moments of peace. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s no surprise to me that since the beginning of Great Lent, I have felt tested on all sides. Those who seek Christ are an abomination to satan; his fiery darts are plentiful toward souls aware of sin. St. John Climacus said, “Let them take courage who are humbled by their passions. For even if they fall into every pit and are caught in every snare, when they attain health they will become healers, luminaries, beacons and guides to all, teaching about the forms of every sickness and through their own experience saving those who are about to fall...” If he’s right, maybe I’ll have something to offer others someday. That IS an encouraging thought. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The process of being humbled by passions is really ugly. It involves violence against the soul and not only the one humbled by such passions, but others in their wake. Passions are hot and furious and invoke haste which most often leads to folly. They are my downfall and yet I’m so slow to recognize and destroy it. In fact, sin is often welcomed and justified. Yet, if I don’t have internal peace, am I really free? Can there be true joy apart from God? How is it that saints could enter the violence of ancient Roman colosseums singing praises to God, while I - who have so much - can be despondent, lacking joy and contentment?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So far, this Lenten experience has brought a time in the desert for me. A season of dryness; a glimpse into the abyss of my heart with no reprieve. A time when I wonder where God is and if He will ever grant mercy and grace to my troubled soul. I’ve been depressed and angry and frustrated and I realize my complaints are nothing when viewed from a world perspective of what others struggle with --- things like hunger or abuse, persecution & civil war. And that makes me feel guilty and ridiculous on top of it all. Who am I to complain about a bump in the road of life when others are just trying to <i>survive</i>?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Trust & Obedience are the companions pulling me through right now. When periods of loneliness come, I take heart in Psalm 23, trusting that God is there as my Shepherd, as He has proven to be so many times in the past. I’m trusting that this trial is temporary -and beneficial- and continuing in my prayers and fasting. I’m holding onto James 4:8 which tells me to draw near to God and He will draw near to me, realizing that this dynamic relationship with the Creator always involves my humility and repentance. I'm going with what I know to be Truth, in spite of feelings that tempt to lead me astray. </span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-5478922248547400592014-02-08T00:03:00.003-05:002014-02-08T00:06:56.695-05:00Abolish Apathetic Men<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">BAM!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a female who speaks on human sex trafficking, I wholeheartedly agree with this no-holds-barred article. Kudos to you Mr. Ortiz. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.pravmir.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="A Russian Orthodox Church Website"><img alt="A Russian Orthodox Church Website" border="0" src="http://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/themes/newswire_v1.2/images/pravmir-logo-fc.jpg" style="border: 0px;" title="A Russian Orthodox Church Website" /></a> </div>
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<tr> <td><img border="0" src="http://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/themes/newswire_v1.2/includes/timthumb.php?src=http://www.pravmir.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/artlib_gallery-50824-b.jpg&h=100&w=100&zc=1" style="border: 0px; float: left; padding: 0px 15px 5px 0px;" /> </td> <td><a href="http://www.pravmir.com/men-can-end-abortion-slavery/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> <strong style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold;">Only Men Can End Abortion & Slavery</strong> </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pravmir.com/men-can-end-abortion-slavery/" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Andres Ortiz</a></div>
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What I have found working with different ministries fighting human trafficking and the slaughter of the unborn is that the majority of the staff making up these organizations are women. Every... </div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-52783805539600608612014-01-29T11:35:00.000-05:002014-01-29T11:35:13.340-05:00Good Tilled Earth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyX5ShZ34YgV4EKK6LDBU_QX1exeKMMTFv9hqPdynY1kAkIcF041cOqonAOsQDU6q9wruE3mBpxzZvvLaRYmXa3r2G6e9DD_Dk6VIqMh0OmiFbon8Pz0_zj7EIOfHmAUKAtWZCEX-3OE/s1600/1524838_10153703299070363_622533876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyX5ShZ34YgV4EKK6LDBU_QX1exeKMMTFv9hqPdynY1kAkIcF041cOqonAOsQDU6q9wruE3mBpxzZvvLaRYmXa3r2G6e9DD_Dk6VIqMh0OmiFbon8Pz0_zj7EIOfHmAUKAtWZCEX-3OE/s1600/1524838_10153703299070363_622533876_n.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Ron McGinnis Photography. Used with permission.</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s not only Hobbits that appreciate the good earth and green things that grow. The smell of sunlit earth in spring brings with it promises of harvest to come. It’s a slow and meticulous work to prepare that soil, making certain to remove the rocks and release the dense ground. But what joy and thanksgiving await as reward for the toil.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus’ parable of the Sower, found in the Gospels of St. Matthew, Mark and Luke, compares the seed being sown in good earth to the Word of God being sown in the human heart. We’re reminded that not all who hear the Gospel will produce the fruit of the Spirit, as some seed will fall by the wayside, some will fall on rocky ground and not take root. Some will fall among thorns and be choked by weeds, but yet other seed will fall on good earth and yield a crop. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is one of the few parables where Jesus explains the meaning. He tells us that anyone who hears the Word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the wicked one may come and snatch away what is sown in the heart. This is the seed by the wayside. He who receives the seed on stony places, this is the one who receives the Word of God with much joy, yet he has not root in himself and endures for only a short time. When trials and tribulations come, he immediately stumbles. The one who receives the Word among thorns is the one who hears, but the cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches choke the truth in the heart. But the one who receives the Word on good soil, this is the one who hears and understands and bears fruit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Taking root. </i>What can we do to prepare our soil, our hearts, to receive the Word of God so that we can produce fruit? What can we do so that <i>others</i> may prepare good earth?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is only by the grace of God that we are enabled to till the heart, to make it ready to hear the Word and take root in Christ. The Christian life is dynamic, one of growth and abiding in Christ, being renewed by Him on a daily basis. It is about prayer, surely, most all Christians would agree with that. But it is also about discipline...<i>podvig</i>, the ascetic spiritual struggle that helps us to become closer with the Lord. It’s about nourishing our spirits with healthy things, like reading the Word, the lives of the saints, other spiritual writings or church history to increase our understanding of the faith we hold. It’s about giving without expecting something in return, loving our enemies. It’s about fasting and removing empty things in life that vie for our time and energy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve been a Christian for over 30 years and I continue to learn so much. I feel like an infant most of the time, with my struggles, asking God to mature my spirit. I can share one thing though, that I’ve learned beyond doubt: </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The more “fluff” I remove from my life, the more clearly I see. By “fluff”, I mean television, radio, internet, shopping and anything else that fills my eyes with advertising, pointless chatter, gossip columns, etc. Empty things. The more these weeds are removed from my life and nourishing things added in their place, the closer my walk with God, the more wisdom and discernment I have. Solutions to problems often become crystal clear.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we’re evangelizing to others, let us remember to share Christ in a loving and humble way. Remember to pray for that person, as well as yourself, that God would be merciful and grant grace to open hearts to His Word, to make blind eyes see... to make hearts like good tilled earth. </span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-78476654183801192732014-01-13T11:16:00.001-05:002014-01-13T11:17:10.706-05:00Suspended in Air<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ever had something like this happen to you?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have. On more than one occasion during my student years.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're a young Christian heading soon to college and the realm of "higher learning", be prepared. There's a very good chance this type of scenario will confront you, too. Or perhaps you've already encountered it in high school? Were you prepared to give an answer?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Peter 3:15 says:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>But sanctify the Lord God<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-30440a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter%203:15&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-30440a" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> in your hearts, and always <i>be</i> ready to <i>give</i> a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">That word "defense" , in the original Greek translated <i>apologia, which means to defend, or a speech in defense. </i>So, contrary to a prevalent Western understanding, Christian <i>apologia,</i> or apologetics is a formal defense of the faith, not an expression of regret.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">St. Peter, the rock upon whom Christ built His church, implores us to stand firm and to be ready when questioned about the faith we hold. But how many of us can do that? How many are even <i>interested</i> in doing that?! Are your beliefs just suspended in air or do they have a firm foundation? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are two reasons why this should matter to you as a Christian: 1) If you have a heart for Christ and desire to fulfill His commandment to spread the Gospel, then you need to know what you're talking about. And 2) because without this firm foundation, you are in danger of blindly accepting another worldview because it's the latest trend...it's "common sense" you may say. Or collective ignorance. So, at least be honest with yourself and be able to defend whatever view you hold. Facts are stubborn little things.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why do I bring all this up? Well, because I have my finger on the pulse of our young generation. I pray for them, I speak to them and encourage them whenever I can. I see a need for critical thinking skills, for our youth to be proud of their Christian beliefs rather than cowering to worldly voices.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know several teenagers who have abandoned the faith of their upbringing in order to espouse an "enlightened" worldview that sees Christianity as fairy tales and secular humanism as their new salvation. They would never identify humanism as religion though, because they think they can escape definitions and paradigms with which to view the world and make their moral choices. It's a fascinating study, human nature. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In my case, those years ago in the classroom, I made my case for Christ to my professors because I'm a loud mouth and don't ever mind to share my opinion. I rather like confrontation when it involves Truth. But I've learned a lot since that time and am now embarrassed at some of the things I said. Well, a little bit.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">For example, it doesn't do much good to say "Because the Bible says so!" if the person you're speaking to doesn't believe the Bible to be true. You must be able to explain the Bible itself ... it's history and why you believe it's accuarate and authentic. This involves evidence, historical data, corroborating facts. When someone says, "religion is just a crutch" it also doesn't help to point a finger at their addictions as their own "crutch" to get through life. Lord have mercy. Apologetics should never involve barbed wire.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're someone interested in Christian apologetics, let me share a few nuggets of wisdom that I learned the hard way:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Not everyone is a Truth seeker; don't assume they are. You can waste a lot of time and energy on someone who just wants to debate at best and ridicule you at worst. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- As follows the above, to give Truth to him who does not love the Truth is only to give more reasons for argument.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-Debate is healthy and follows logic; it's adherents can agree to disagree peaceably. Arguing can lead to anger and violent tempers; Truth is tossed to the wind in these cases.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- In the case where debate turns to arguing and anger, shut up and ask God to forgive your unbridled tongue.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- The Christian religion is a historical one. That means you can do research on it's claims outside of the Bible.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- The study of Christian apologetics is rewarding -- it will undoubtedly increase your knowledge and quite possibly facilitate a measure of wisdom. All the while increasing your faith.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Do not make judgements about those with a different worldview. There are many good and intelligent atheists out there, for example, and some of them genuinely do want to understand why you believe the way you do. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - Always separate the human being from the worldview they hold; criticisms should remain on the theological plane. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I encourage you, Christian, to be able to give a defense for the faith you hold, remembering the words of Scottish author and minister, George MacDonald: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"It is often incapacity for defending the faith they love which turns men into persecutors."</i></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Water is on our minds these days in West Virginia, as you’ve probably read about the chemical leak that is now preventing some 300,000 households from clean drinking and bathing water. It’s an inconvenience to be sure, but as Fr. Stephen reminded us at Liturgy this morning, ‘be mindful of the millions of people throughout the world who never have access to clean drinking water. We are inconvenienced by driving to Kroger to buy bottled water.’ </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our family is fortunate; we live a distance away from the chemical leak and obtain our water from a different source. We’ve offered to help where we can. Thankfully, the people we know have plenty of water to drink. It’s a process and I fear it may be a few days yet before our neighbors will have access to clean tap water in their homes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">All this talk and reading about water has got me pondering more on my favorite Gospel, that of St. John and Christ’s famous words in chapter four:</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>14 </b>but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is part of the conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well. He makes a distinction for her between temporal water and the waters of eternity, the joyful spring that flows from the Holy Spirit. The waters of eternity that not only satisfy and quench, but creates in the person a <i>well i</i>n which to draw toward eternal life. I delight in this encounter with the woman of Samaria; it's full of hope and promise. Her amazement at meeting Jesus is palpable, not just because of the words about the water He gives, but he goes on to tell her all things she had done in her life. She is so astonished she leaves her water pot at the well to go running into town. There she beckons her friends to come and meet the Christ!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is just one of many references in the New Testament to the life giving water of God. Today this passage provided a much needed reminder that I am to seek God for that Living Water <i>continually</i>. It is a spring, ever flowing and regenerating and yet I endeavor to find in the world what I believe to be nourishment. This happens because I am lazy; indulgence brings fog as C.S. Lewis said. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I tend to look for nourishment in relationships and material things. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t as though those things are bad in and of themselves. It’s just that one can place unreasonable expectations on those things when we look to them to satisfy the desires of our heart. The purest desire of the human heart is a longing for love --an unconditional, all encompassing love and acceptance. God is the source, the origin of that love. We are told on more than one occasion in the Good Book that if we seek God, we shall find Him. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I plan to do more seeking in 2014... to draw nearer to God and exclude frivolous things from daily living. For the grace that He gives is everything that I long for. I must stop believing the lie that satisfaction and harmony can ever be found in this world apart from Him. </span></span></div>
amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-19926041081197684172014-01-11T12:44:00.000-05:002014-01-11T12:44:53.136-05:00Crackling Fire<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The aroma of burning wood fills this air of my underground work space. I love the coziness of our fireplace contrasted against the cold and wind just outside our door. Indeed, this is one of my favorite things about winter; finding solace in quiet, unhurried moments -- a suspended schedule that only seems to occur in these cold months. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is something most civilized about a fire, the way it centers and calms and fills the senses. In fact, a great many things that I hold dear in life are associated with fire. Scent has memories attached; it often happens that a whiff of wood smoke may call up a remembrance of friends gathered about a campfire, laughing, sharing stories and enjoying fellowship. Or a memory may be triggered of making s’mores with our girl scout troop or of dad’s snow-laced work books trekking through the rec room in order to set more firewood upon the hearth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we were kids, my sister and I, there were occasions of extended power outages in winter that necessitated gathering around the fireplace for warmth -- even cooking, at times. These are fond memories because, as kids, we weren’t concerned about work or the condition of the roads (except for sledding purposes!) or any of the other worries that plaque parents. We just knew how good it felt to be together... to be warm.. to have enough. Honestly, looking back, it was the epitome of love in my small mind-- that feeling of warmth and security. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s no small wonder that I most enjoy writing, reading, movie watching or editing photos in this underground abode when a bright fire crackles happily at my hearth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">May peace, contentment and the love of Christ be yours in this new year.</span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-55056333890175584002013-12-05T22:35:00.000-05:002013-12-05T22:35:25.991-05:00Being Good vs. A New Creation<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> "...that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">new self</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness </span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">and holiness of truth.</span></i><i style="color: #990000;"> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><i>"</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, isn't Christianity all about following rules and being good to people? Do unto others and all that jazz? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If that were the case, we wouldn't need the christian church at all; we'd be like the atheists building their churches across America to worship themselves because they are good people. As we were reminded at church recently, Christ did not die on the cross so that we could belong to a special group, nor did he die so that we could be good and follow a set of rules for living. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>He died so that we could be restored to our likeness of God, our Creator!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is only by the grace and mercy of Christ that we can "put off the old self" as St. Paul describes above and be renewed in our spirit. In the most simple terms, think of the difference between showing kindness to someone who has showed you the same and showing the same warmth and love to someone who has wronged you. It's a conversion of the heart.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's the kind of change that brings people to their knees at the foot of the cross... that restores human beings and allows them to see their own sinfulness and need for salvation. That brings peace and healing to shattered souls. Souls like Brian Welch, of KORN fame, who shares his profound transformation as part of the <a href="http://www.iamsecond.com/" target="_blank">I AM SECOND</a> ministry. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In his own words: <a href="http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/brian-welch/" target="_blank">Brian Welch</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a transformation that the darkness cannot comprehend. </span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-84063771417396550422013-12-02T12:48:00.000-05:002013-12-02T12:49:43.483-05:00Mysterious Visitor<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday at church we had an unusual guest. He appeared scruffy and tired, wearing dark, worn, ill-fitting clothes. His hair was disheveled, refusing to stay put even after his repeated attempts to pat it down. His face was creased with lines of care, the brown eyes tucked under a heavy brow. I believe everyone noticed him, not necessarily because of his appearance, but because he brought so much baggage with him. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">He carried a large black backpack slung over his shoulders and another duffle bag in tow - the kind that maybe you’d pack to spend a summer away. It took him a while, but he made his way down the long aisle in order to sit in the front pew before the altar. Another man from our congregation came to his aid after a few moments, helping to seat him and find space for his gear. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have to admit, there was a bit of quiet buzz before worship, with several of us wondering about the unusual man. He seemed a little disoriented; maybe he was drunk? Maybe he is ill? I started to silently pray for the man in the front row pew. And I’ll admit something else... something shameful. Fear crept into my thoughts as I began to wonder, <i>what exactly does he have in those bags? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Images came to mind of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in the middle east...of terrorists and Boston and innocent people being killed. Lord help me with my fears in this world. I glanced over at our guest. He was kneeling in prayer with his arms extended over the pew railing, his hands clasped. I felt ashamed to be doubting this man and asked God to take captive my thoughts... to purify my heart. And very soon my thoughts did a 180º, stirred by the remembrance of St. Matthew 25. Jesus Christ has told us to love others, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked... to show hospitality to strangers. <i>Lord have mercy on me, a sinner. Have mercy on our church and allow us to respond to this man in a Christ-like way.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">God blessed Khouria Eva to sit beside our guest yesterday. She is always hospitable to our visitors and this man was no exception. I noticed as she moved closer to quietly welcome the man, to guide him through our service book. His face seemed to soften in gratitude as he looked at her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our guest seemed very pious..humble and prayerful. He was thoughtful and giving, too. I saw him actually wave down the tray collector, who had passed by, in order to give his coins. Only God truly knows what led him to worship with us yesterday. Some said he mentioned being in the military, in the gulf war...something about friendly fire and seeking forgiveness. I wish our guest had stayed to fellowship with us afterwards at our coffee hour. But he left after communion... he left before we could ask about his needs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">As they were so near to us, I watched the gentleman from our church help our guest again with his large bags. I don’t know what was said, but just from observing their body language it seemed to me that our church member was asking our guest if he couldn’t stay... if he really wanted to go. Our guest smiled and patted his heart, as if in assurance, and then he departed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe he had received exactly what he came for. The Church is a hospital for our souls... the wounded, the weary, the self-righteous, the judgmental, the broken... all of us sinners. Maybe he wasn't there to receive anything at all... </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">...perhaps he was a gift to us to remind us what it is to love our neighbor. † </span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-56956178159896734782013-10-30T10:32:00.000-04:002013-10-30T10:32:10.860-04:00Unstoppable by Kirk Cameron: A movie review<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><script src="http://www.godtube.com/embed/source/wwkgylnx.js?w=500&h=255&ap=false&sl=true&title=true" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WWKGYLNX">Unstoppable - Kirk Cameron</a> from <a href="http://www.godtube.com/hisgraceamazesme">hisgraceamazesme</a> on <a href="http://www.godtube.com/">GodTube</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Earlier this month I took the kids out of school in order to see Kirk Cameron’s documentary, “Unstoppable”, at a theater not-so-near to us. My sister and niece joined us to make the three-hour round trip because we had seen the trailer (watch it above) and thought it would be worth the time and expense. It was.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kirk Cameron has said of this film, “this is the most personal project I have ever made regarding my faith”. It was prompted by the death of a close family friend and in it, he seeks to tackle the monumental questions, ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?’ and ‘Why does God allow evil in this world?’ The kind of questions all people of conscience ask at some point in their lives. Kudos to Kirk for his integrity, inspiration and strength in creating a documentary that rips across the current of feel-good, shallow secular humanist films that are typical of Hollywood. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The film wasn’t exactly what I expected, but yet I wasn’t disappointed either. I had expected more interviews and insights from others, but this is very much Kirk Cameron’s take on Holy Scripture, beginning with a recreation of Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden. This was well done, discreet and thought provoking; I was given pause to consider how Adam may have viewed the earth in those first days. The depiction was even more beautiful as Eve beheld Adam for the first time. As a side note, I thought how this imagery is missing from modern films -- the notion of subtlety vs. explicit images, of male, female and agape love. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The youngest of our crew is in 6th grade and, although this film is unrated, it does contain some graphic scenes relating to Eve’s creation and the murder of Abel that may be disturbing for a young audience. In fact, the brutality of Cain is my only criticism of the whole documentary. I thought the scene of Abel’s death was too long and gruesome... but then again, perhaps the idea was to emphasize the life force in the blood. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cameron isn’t seeking to answer these tough questions in a simple, concise manner. Rather, he utilizes story telling from modern experiences in view of God’s Word to prompt the audience to consider God’s response to evil since the creation of the world. It worked for us; we’re still talking about it four weeks later. The soundtrack is stirring, too. I was introduced to Warren Barfield’s, “The Time is Now” and my daughter has added several of the songs from Unstoppable to her ipod. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The highlight for me was being allowed a glimpse into the humanity of Kirk Cameron. It takes an enormous amount of strength to live our Christian life in this world-- maybe even more so for those who command a spotlight based on American pop/entertainment culture. The insight I gained into his humility leads me to believe that he is a genuine Christian man with a fierce love for God. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you’re just hearing about Unstoppable for the first time, it’s too late to see it at the theater. It showed only twice (and grossed $2 million on 700 American screens ~ wow!) and will be made available in January 2014 on DVD for home use. I’ll be purchasing this as well, as it really is a very thought provoking, useful way to share our Christian faith and promote discussion about the tough questions of life and death.</span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-71044351634958708742013-10-23T11:14:00.002-04:002013-10-23T11:14:38.942-04:00the Facebook Fast<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I used to feel THIS way about Facebook:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ou know, all warm and fuzzy and sipping my cup o joe and looking at the photos posted by my friends...laughing, ooing and ahhing at peeps who are venting anger, "tellin' it like it is"...clicking my "likes" to let others know 'hey! I agree with you!'... or finding those rare gems of theological discussion/debate that I could put my .02 into. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Lately, I feel THIS way about Facebook:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ou know, icky and disturbed at the plethora of statuses - stati? , the images and news shared. The news that makes me spend countless hours reading related articles to determine the veracity. T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he constant ads (why does facebook want me to hook up with singles in my area? don't they know I'm married?)...the waste of time and then to realize that - I - am a part of that at some level. I mean, don't I post stuff to boost my ego? to see how many peeps will "like" what I say? Ugh. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The longer I stay away, the less I want to return. So, I'm doing the Facebook fast. It's having a positive effect on me spiritually -- and, by turning my attention <i>here</i>, where I can sit quietly and pound out my thoughts in a therapeutic way, that beneficial effect is doubled. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've been checking in every few days to see if I have a private message on FB, but that's it. So, for the few peeps who read this, you know where to find me ; ' ) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Blessings to you as you find your own peace and resources for spiritual growth! </span><br />
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<br />amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-89846557799016363382013-10-22T11:16:00.000-04:002013-10-22T11:16:27.950-04:00Spiritual Fitness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">Ever since Fr. Olaf, our priest, delivered his homily on spiritual growth a few weeks past, his words have remained with me. I wish I had the quote from the desert father he used to share, but alas, I didn't make note of it. The essence of his sermon was this: when we spend years on our education, grade school through high school and then embark upon college and graduate years in order to obtain the knowledge and skills we need to begin a career, why do we think that spiritual growth/education comes without study? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;"> "Do we assume this education comes to us by osmosis?", Fr. Olaf asked. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">You could also liken it to an athlete. Why do we easily see how endurance training and eating properly and lifting weights contributes to a fit body and successful competition, but we fail to see how training in the spiritual realm benefits our soul?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">We could spend a lifetime training for spiritual fitness. Reading Holy Scripture, praying, fasting, and reading the lives of the saints are great places to begin. Making these things a part of every day, whether we feel like it or not, has great benefits for the soul! Who <i>doesn't </i>want to be stronger in this regard? To be a great oak that others may lean on in times of trouble, or an anchor among friends going through traumatic circumstances... being a source of peace and able to share the light of the Kingdom of Heaven.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee;">And something I've noticed about myself: the more time I spend on strengthening my spirit, the less inclined I am to succumb to temptations. It takes EFFORT, just like training for our business, academic or athletic goals. An effort that, toward the end of our days, will prepare us to share in the sentiments of St. Paul when he said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."</span><br />
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<br />amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-1745526449192475202013-10-10T12:32:00.000-04:002013-10-10T12:32:33.358-04:00Unlike the Whitewashed Tombs...<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We, as Christians are called to be full of Truth so that our outward appearance of serving Christ matches the inner reality of honestly serving Him. We have a high calling in this life! We, the Church, are the Bride of Christ and called to holiness, to be light in this world... to be a beacon on the hill. (St. Matthew 5)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am feeling very blessed today, very humbled and profoundly grateful for the events that have come my way in the past three weeks. For more than a year, since learning about human sex trafficking, I have felt compelled to do my part in stopping this horrific crime - to raise awareness, to pray for captives and encourage others to do the same. At times I’ve felt despondent, even angry with God for not showing me what to DO with all the STUFF welling up in my heart. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are so many lessons to learn in our journey with Christ on this earth, not the least of which is from Isaiah 30 - to wait patiently upon the Lord. All things come to us for our salvation and He grants us blessed freedom in how we respond to all situations. We have a God of justice and he hears our cries, he works all things for good according to his purpose for those who love Him. (Romans 8) </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes I understand the answer to a particular prayer through a gradual unfolding of events... the words of a friend or certain passage in Holy Scripture or other spiritual writing. Sometimes I understand answered prayers because of healing or joy -- but in this recent case, the answers came like a BOLT of lightning to my soul: resources that I needed came abounding, people came into my life (very unexpectedly) who have the same desire of heart, and doors have opened... hearts have opened; prayer warriors have come forth. I am renewed in my faith and that’s why I’m sharing this with you.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bahtaxi.com/tree-of-life/" target="_blank">Tree of Life, Bahrain</a></td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do not be weary, do not give up ~ you will reap a harvest when the time is right! (a paraphrase from Galatians 6:9) Like a tree during seasons of drought, the roots are made stronger by digging deep for nourishment... so is our faith made stronger by waiting upon the Lord. Be faithful to Him Who created the world and holds us in His mighty Hands, do not fail the test given to you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Know this: when you are doing something to advance the Kingdom of Heaven, be prepared for attack from our enemy. It is precisely those who are on God’s path that the enemy wishes to strike down; be prepared for battle. Yes, that whole Ephesians 6 thing. The spiritual armor spoken of there isn’t literary eloquence, it’s quite literally the shield of the human race. Remember this when doubt comes... when your ideas are opposed by mediocre minds..when depression seeks to rob your joy. Remember that the enemy wishes to overwhelm you, to render you numb and voiceless. Remember the flaming darts of the enemy are extinguished by faith in our risen Savior, Who has overcome the world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Higher ground in the spiritual life is not achieved by comfort, when life is sterling. It’s achieved by digging in, by doing what’s difficult, standing firm in your faith when prayers are dry and answers seem hidden. .. it’s achieved by seeking humility amid anger, discouragement and fear. It’s achieved by obedience to God.</span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-52415385880133290152013-09-22T19:12:00.000-04:002013-09-22T19:12:29.104-04:00Amos 5:24<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a message no one wants to hear, few want to talk about..</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">but one I'm called to deliver.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please pray for me.</span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-33585234550846243952013-09-03T10:35:00.001-04:002013-09-03T10:35:26.089-04:00An Open Letter to Dana Brunetti, E.L. James, et al<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To Dana Brunetti, E.L. James, cast members and supporters of Fifty Shades of Grey, both in print and film:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am just wondering if you are the same people who responded to the national news when Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were freed from slavery? Did you shed a tear over the inhumanity or did you pull up a seat, grab the popcorn and take notes for your thriller? Are you aware that Ariel Castro was addicted to porn and sought to live out his sex fantasies on his victims? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You represent the moral sewage of this nation, among others, who seek to glorify the dehumanization of our culture, our race. Are you aware that we have over 200,000 American children being exploited through pornography and prostitution? Are you aware that your "work" fuels the demand for men who pay to rape women and view children being sexually abused? *</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps you think the mighty dollar can cushion you from the ill effects of this global crime. Perhaps you do not have children that are "throw-aways", who are preyed upon by your fans. Maybe you think it's simply giving people what they want -- <i>that</i>, after all, removes any moral conscience from you, eh? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a shame, Mr. Brunetti, that along your career path from Covington you chose to prostitute yourself to the world, giving to men what "they want to see" without any regard to those whose lives and spirits you are destroying. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope your efforts fail. I can only hope that sadism, sexual torture and all the vile images you wish to bring to the big screen will be rejected by people of conscience .... people who wish to bring light into this world.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* <i><a href="http://sharedhope.org/" target="_blank">Shared Hope International</a></i></span><br />
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<br />amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-72485993408891762552013-08-27T14:01:00.000-04:002013-08-27T14:01:12.957-04:00Women Who Want to be Devoured<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-YXm84TGh5dV61pjTcR8O4dSKAtKyyoUN-WXyxUcAe9dZwPziCWcmR9YecYJvU6oyJnVunikntih1xb6Hxma6NeKey4cxo308TF8-xXadB8e3iEYEVXWrKQtZcnQ9X2EnlDeCkCjncA/s1600/tears3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-YXm84TGh5dV61pjTcR8O4dSKAtKyyoUN-WXyxUcAe9dZwPziCWcmR9YecYJvU6oyJnVunikntih1xb6Hxma6NeKey4cxo308TF8-xXadB8e3iEYEVXWrKQtZcnQ9X2EnlDeCkCjncA/s320/tears3.jpg" width="219" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">All news of Miley Cyrus aside, I’ve devoted a lot of hours reading about women who have been saved from the porn industry and prostitution. Their stories fascinate me on a psychological level, wondering how it is that they could ever rationalize selling their bodies - over and over and over - and the toll that must take on them emotionally and spiritually. What happens exactly when a person’s spirit is broken? And how can they be healed? How do you help a person whose sense of “normal” includes abuse and drugs? and how can you let them know they are valuable beyond the scope of this fallen world? I plan to devote future posts exploring these questions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">Their stories fascinate me on a spiritual level because many of these women are now followers of Christ, after encountering His love and holiness for the first time. Some christian organizations have as their evangelical focus, porn conventions. And many women are brought to Christ through their efforts. Shelley Lubben is one such example, a former hard-core porn star now Christian activist speaker. She works with her state legislature on measures to tax the porn industry and has spoken to members of the US House & Senate on the brutal effects on the body and mind from her years in the porn and adult entertainment industry. She describes the making of hard-core porn films as “mechanical and beastly” as men do “degrading acts” to the women. She reiterates a common theme among others who have former porn-star status: the industry is rife with drugs, alcohol, porn addictions and suicides. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">So one may ask, what woman would ever do this to herself <i>willingly</i>?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">I believe there’s a percentage of women who go into the industry with eyes open, thinking themselves on the road to fame and fortune, only to encounter a prison a short time later. I can’t help but think of the words of George MacDonald describing the nature of immorality: “All wickedness tends to destroy individuality and declining natures assimilate as they sink.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">There’s an even larger percentage of women & children who are coerced into this dark underbelly of American culture.. but that’s a whole other post I plan to write soon.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Brittni Ruiz is another former porn star who has found God. In several online articles I’ve read, she describes her descent into drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the personal chaos and emotional emptiness she felt after filming multiple sex scenes per day. In The Blaze article, Brittni states:</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #ff8000;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">“I never found love in my life and was looking for it in all the wrong places … I have finally encountered the unconditional love of God, and I will never go back.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">I have a compassion for these women... I wish they all could encounter Jesus Christ and feel loved and whole. I hope they can someday know the beauty and worth of their soul. For all of them desire love - genuine love - and acceptance above all else. Isn’t that the fiction of fame? Isn’t a promise of lights and cameras and adoring fans, photo opts and cash that sell these young girls? They are convinced that their only worth is the dollar their flesh can be traded for. It’s not too hard to convince young girls of this; the media beast delivers a constant barrage of these messages every second of every hour...on television shows, films, advertising, social media, make-up, fashion/design.. the list goes on ad nauseam. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">Isn’t it truly a yearning for love that makes women want to be devoured by the world? to give over their body and every intimacy gifted to them by God?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What a grand deception of our enemy! Isn’t it time for the Church -across the board - to speak up on these issues? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to educate our young generation about love, sex and purity of heart according to Christ, our Saviour? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Exposure to pornography and the "adult entertainment industry" doesn't just happen "over there" in another location of the village...in a strip club in the red light district. It's here. It's IN the church, it's a click away on your child's iphone. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">God have mercy on Christians everywhere who stand against this destruction of humanity and minister to those ensnared by it.</span></span></div>
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amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5870293485909575225.post-90648228076764631922013-08-13T14:41:00.000-04:002013-08-13T14:44:59.930-04:00Jar of Earth<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36TbDrKX4BxSbbfOhZ14j-n0BLxKf_ORGO0UQsnw8ScjQXYRUO8L-2Y0-h_b_uUrfDrniPnDzZYo9vB7T42UP5UMwlAtR06o7ehw9H_fsOQBryBnHGpiSr3maFUJ6_QiTGS__4r8GY1o/s1600/earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36TbDrKX4BxSbbfOhZ14j-n0BLxKf_ORGO0UQsnw8ScjQXYRUO8L-2Y0-h_b_uUrfDrniPnDzZYo9vB7T42UP5UMwlAtR06o7ehw9H_fsOQBryBnHGpiSr3maFUJ6_QiTGS__4r8GY1o/s320/earth.jpg" width="224" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The idea has come to me from several pious people, the notion of keeping a jar of earth on my desk to remind me of my eventual death.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morbid?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't think so, even though our western minds are conditioned in such a way. Consider how you might live if you knew your time was up tomorrow. Would you not make the effort to correct a wrong? to seek forgiveness or to grant it? to make peace in a challenging relationship? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you not speak loving words to your family and friends? Have you ever heard the painful plea of someone who has abruptly lost a loved one and wished for just one more moment to speak to that person?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Viewing our lives through the prism of death, knowing that our time on earth is just temporal, can give us a much needed perspective in this noisy modern age. And what's more - so much more- is knowing that through our lives, that soul-filled garden, God may nourish others by his abundant grace.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> *<a href="http://dailyweaving.blogspot.com/2008/10/nasdaq-broker-turns-to-orthodox-monk.html" target="_blank">A related post</a>.</i></span>amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07418701204573873745noreply@blogger.com0