tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52144581796071017692024-03-05T03:04:07.446-08:00Thoughts with the Courage to Take FlightThis is where I share what is on my heart and mind with those of you who stop by and share some of your valuable time with me. I will continue to share thoughts that are on my heart with you monthly and sometimes weekly. Depending on where my heart is taking me, my thoughts may be shared as prose, rhyme, or short opinion pieces. I welcome your comments and thoughts as well. Please share, like, and subscribe to receive new content as I publish it. I sincerely thank you for stopping by my site!Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-82116890270322505272022-08-14T20:24:00.002-07:002022-08-14T20:24:38.912-07:00Holding Back… What am I so afraid of?!<p>Here I sit…</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Once again on
the edge of a precipice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And I am
finding that there is the thing… <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">This thing
called fear…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And it’s
holding me back<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It’s real, but
yet again it’s not<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>False evidence
appearing real!!!<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And I’m so very
sick of it!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Hate might not
be too strong of a word…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It has governed
my actions for far too long. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sick and tired
of being sick and tired, the fire in my heart is rising up. I want so badly to do
more than survive… I want to truly live and thrive. I want to live courageously
and like the heroes in the stories I love, I want to slay the dragon!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">You see I’ve
been realizing that my own faith in Christ is weak. Under trial I have found
myself lacking.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But you see
there’s a trap here. Especially as a man. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I want to fix
things. I want to go solo. I want to go it alone…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And that is
where we all fail isn’t it?!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We cannot do
these things without Christ! We can’t. It’s not possible… though I tell you, Satan
will try and convince you that you can.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">The scripture
says that I (we) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (us).<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Don’t try and
go it alone. You will fail. And we weren’t meant to anyway. Christ said that “My
yoke is easy and my burden is light.” We are supposed to work in tandem with
Christ… together!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">The days are
dark… I can’t candy coat it. We live in perilous times. We live in a time when
the truth and the lies are mixing together in ways that I could never have
believed in my wildest imagination. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">There is no way
t navigate these days and the deceptions that are growing every day… without a
connection to the Way, the Truth, and the Life that is Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Back to it… my
fear…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I have this
overwhelming desire to speak… not for myself mind you… but for those who are
lost<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I want to offer
perspective… to offer clarity… to point the lost and questioning<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">To the only
answer… Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">There is no way
to overcome all that this world is screaming at us collectively without a vital
connection to God through the salvation that is offered to us through Christ
and his death on the cross of Calvary over 2,000 years ago.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">No other
religion, way of thinking, system, organization, political ideology will ever
get you there.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus said that
he is the only way to God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And you must
deal with that. We all must deal with that.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus was
either a liar, a lunatic, or… he was/is exactly who he claims to be. The Son of
God…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our Lord and
Savior.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Though I have
failed innumerable times in my life, I declare to you that Jesus is my Lord
& Savior. He is the one and only Son of God. His is the Alpha & the
Omega…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And though I am
weak… He is, as he promises, Strong.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I can depend on
Him and so can you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am letting
you know that I believe that our time here on Earth, as the church, is growing
very short.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Persecutions
are growing exponentially every day all over this world and people in general
are no longer able to reason.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Anger,
dissension, laziness, division, anarchy, rebelliousness, selfishness, sexual
perversion, murderous violence… these are the signs of our age and the endgame
of humanity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We should not
be surprised by it all… scripture says that these will be signs of the end of days.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But we should
not despair. We should not live as those with no hope.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Instead, we
must shine the light of Christ all the brighter. We must commit to stand
strong. We must commit to stand in faith. We must commit to lives of purity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We need to
anchor our hearts to Christ… spending time in His Word, the Bible. Spending
time in focused prayer that seeks to crash the gates of Hell and Death.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We must
remember we are in a battle, and we are all expected to fight the good fight,
putting on the full armor of God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Don’t be fooled
anymore. Ask for God to open your spiritual eyes and to grant you the gift of
the Holy Spirit so that you can be fully aware of the battles going on all
around you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus already
won the battle for your heart on the cross, but you must take up the cross
daily and crucify the old self, the fleshly self, each and every day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, after all
of this, that is my prayer for you, my prayer for me… to wake up each day and
to ask what God would have us do to expand His Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let’s commit to
do as I said… to crash the gates of Hell and bring back some prisoners… to
bring them before Christ and pray that He might deliver them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Seize the day my
friends!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">In Christ, Mike
<><<o:p></o:p></p>Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0Leander, TX 78641, USA30.567713 -97.858152330.331366035459684 -98.132810503125 30.804059964540318 -97.583494096875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-12279930210496385332022-07-25T11:43:00.000-07:002022-07-25T11:43:03.872-07:00The Broken & Shattered<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So here I sit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Hands in my lap<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Staring at the
broken<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Tears falling
on the shattered<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Why do we do
these things<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Lord how are we
so deceived<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Confused by our
free will, <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We think we’re
in control<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We make our
many plans<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We dream<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Until we don’t<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Paths to dead
ends leading<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes, dear Jesus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I still have
hope<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Still cling to
faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But then there
are…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">My doubts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, I look in
the mirror<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Finding my own
Thomas<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Staring back at
me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Longing to
touch<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Your scars<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Is that wrong<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Is my honesty
weakness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">My lack of
faith<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Smaller than a
mustard seed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Knowing my
righteousness<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Is truly rags<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Understanding
my sin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Is at war in my
flesh<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">My repentance
like rain<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Pours from a
shattered heart<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">My longing for
peace<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Carries me back<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">To where You
Dwell<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So Dear God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I ask for
another gift<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">The fire of
your Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Cleansing and
renewing<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">To be used by
You<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">A tool in your
Hands<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Accomplishing
Your will<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Growing Your
kingdom<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Don’t leave me
unchanged<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">For you
promised<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">To never leave
or forsake<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And I’m
clinging to that<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So as I sit
here<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">In these
healing tears<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">My hands are
lifted<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Giving back all
I have<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">This broken
fragile life<o:p></o:p></p>Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-80872217621749798392022-06-12T20:19:00.001-07:002022-06-12T20:19:40.078-07:00Leaving the Land of Promise<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, this week I
was serving at an event.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Looking back to
last Fall (2021), I heard of a new ministry starting up at Celebration Church,
Georgetown, TX. The ministry is called “Endeavor” and for me, it is answer to
prayers that I have both whispered and sometimes even shed tears over.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Simply
described, it is a ministry centered around the fact that work is something
created by God, and it is in fact, or was meant to be, good! And as a ministry,
we seek to invite God back into the workplace. And that was in fact a very
simplistic way of viewing it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Because at it’s
heart work and workplaces are very different, aren’t they? Each company created
and developed in its own unique way and directed by people how they envision
it. So as individuals we experience work and the workplace very differently.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And yet, work
was made by God, and it was meant to be good. It doesn’t matter what we do for
work because as parts of the body of humanity and the body of Christ, we have
each been ordained with skills and gifts that when we properly perform them, we
fulfill some of the purpose that God has given us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Here’s the
thing though… the world is a fallen place and sin has twisted that which God meant
for good and managed to create a flawed and misguided construct.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We recognize
though that the brokenness of the workplace isn’t God’s fault and that the only
way we can see the workplace healed involves two things: 1) We must invite God
back into the halls of our businesses; and 2) We must seek God in prayer and by
the power of the Holy Spirit, we must proactively take back the ground that our
ancient enemy has stolen from us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And by taking back
ground for God, we impact our world at its core and we plant the seeds of
revival!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I don’t want to
oversimplify this, nor do I want to usurp or take credit for the prayers and
hard work of others in this movement. I am deeply moved at moments when looking
from the outside looking in at what’s happening here. There is a movement of
God in this.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let that sink
in. I know this because many of us who are giving our time and gifts to
Endeavor are seeing, feeling, and caught up in a move of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And it is both
inspiring and humbling. God is using willing hands to make a move.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, we come
around to why I am writing this little blog piece tonight.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I don’t want to
forget a moment in my life where I saw God moving, where I felt the tingle and
the catching of my breath as I knew God was using me, not for my own glory but
His, to reach into someone else’s life and speak hope to a hurting soul.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">A speaker this
past Thursday was discussing many particulars on how to bring a gathering of
Christ followers together within a company while overcoming any objections and
stumbling blocks that might occur.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">After asking
those of us in the room where we saw ourselves in knowing how to go forward in
starting something at the company we worked for, I ended up in a small group
that was either undecided or just not certain how we would begin such a
movement within our corporate structure.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It was at the
end of the evening when a gentleman sitting to my left spoke to me after
everyone else had left our table. He asked about my thoughts on the whole
Endeavor movement and what things looked like at our company. I explained that
there are many outspoken followers of Christ including our current CEO. I went
on to say that there are some that even have held events where they explained
how they had invited Christ into their agencies and seen Him do great things
through their willing hands.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It was then
that he said in apparent confusion, “Mike, then why are you at this table of
those who don’t know how to begin something where they are at?!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">After
explaining that I was simply not understanding how I could start something here
locally in Central Texas with the individual agencies located here, he began to
understand and then the conversation moved to himself.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Instead of
writing the short novel that would be needed to discuss every aspect of the
ensuing conversation, I want to share what I view as the most important things
we talked about and how Endeavor had impacted him that evening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">He began to
explain who he was and the job he holds but quickly came around to his mindset
and heart space where he was as he arrived that evening.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">He explained
that he was in a place where he had just about given up hope on our country and
its spiritual state currently. So much so that he wanted to take his family and
move to another country where he imagined it was headed in a better direction.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">He explained
then that he was having a change of heart after hearing the speakers that
evening and after my own testimony about how I was seeing God make amazing
moves through Endeavor already.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I could go on
to tell you about the deep pain that was confessed to me because of what the
enemy had attacked him personally with over the years. I will keep that in
confidence. But all that to say that we in this Endeavor movement are already
venturing into the territory that the enemy arrogantly believes is his and lost
to God. If we allow God to use us, I firmly believe that God will take back
ground and make it holy again. I believe that God can bring the revival that
many of us have so longed for and prayed over.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We win one
battle at a time. We win when we invite God into the battle and follow His
lead. We win when we link arms and stand together with the Holy Spirit guiding
us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am so
thankful that I stayed at that table the other night. I just felt the gentle
tug of the Holy Spirit asking me to sit a while and just open my mouth and
letting Him speak through me. I’m nothing special but like many of you I just
want to be available and used by God to do His good will however that might
look.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Be encouraged.
We are in the middle of a move of God. Of this I am convinced.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Be open to
God’s still small voice and go seize the day my friends. Let’s go together and
take back some ground from the enemy and let’s bring back some captives with
us!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">In Christ’s
love,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Mike Meehan
<><<o:p></o:p></p>Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0Leander, TX 78641, USA30.5788055 -97.85306862.2685716638211559 -133.0093186 58.889039336178847 -62.6968186tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-2177013389063343542021-08-23T19:12:00.006-07:002021-08-23T19:12:56.695-07:00Peace in the Valley<p> Let me tell you
a story</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">You see if you
live long at all you will experience mountains. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And you will
most certainly experience valleys too.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Long story
short, I and my family are in a deep valley right now. I could write a novel
and trust me; it would fill multiple volumes. Truthfully.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But this story
isn’t a tragedy though. It’s a comeback story. Don’t you love those?! I do to.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And that’s at
the core of this story. It’s a comeback story. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let’s go back
just a little while…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">A number of
years ago my oldest sister faced a terrible battle with cancer. After a long
time of struggle, God had tremendous mercy and he healed her! As of today, she
is over 18 years in remission.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But, then
several years ago my dear Mother was diagnosed with a similar metastatic breast
cancer. After several years of hard fighting, on Christmas Eve, 2018 my Mom was
taken home by our Savior Jesus. She was healed of her pain and suffering but we
were left behind to grieve and miss her every day. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Also, several
years ago (more than 5 now as I write this), my sister Colleen was also diagnosed
with a metastatic breast cancer as well. She continues to courageously fight
this terrible disease. We pray often for her and long for her healing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And if that
wasn’t enough, my youngest sister has also been diagnosed with a terrible cancer
that appears like the others. We are shaken I must admit and our courage and
hope sometimes lay battered and bruised on the floor.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But… I assure
you our faith in God and the promises that He has given us through His son
Jesus stays strong!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But, there is
more. As I write this, my father lays in a hospice bed in Arizona fighting the
last hours and moments with a cancer that I only know as a Giant Cell Sarcoma.
A very rare disease and one that people generally don’t survive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">There is always
more even than what you are given in any story and even in this one, these are
just the highlights (lowlights really). But you get the picture now right?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">How many body
blows before we go down?! How much grief and heartache can the human soul take
before we crawl into a hole?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Honestly, I don’t
know. Maybe I’m jaded. Maybe like the rest of my family, with all of this, we can’t
process all of this, and could it be that we are checking out… mentally,
spiritually?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am going to
say it… I don’t think so. You see, there is a common thread here. And it’s not
the cancer or the suffering. We each go through our battles as individuals and
each of us is experiencing these things separately. So, we have mercy and
empathy because we don’t walk in each other’s shoes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">What lies
beneath all this suffering and sickness is that each of us has given our hearts
to Jesus Christ. We sought Him in prayer, and we invited Him to dwell in our
hearts. And He does dwell in our hearts. He is the reason we can get up every
morning and still be grateful, still put a brave smile on our faces, still laugh,
still participate, and still tell others of the hope He has planted in our souls.
He continues to transform us into a reflection of Himself and we are grateful
for that.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, what am I
saying?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am saying
that because of our hope in Jesus, though we are battered and beaten on all
sides by pain and trials, our roots and our anchor lies deep in the heart of
God and in Him are immovable and unshaken. When we are weak, He is strong as
the scriptures tell us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Would I have
all of these circumstances be different? Would I wish that none of this should
have happened? In my humanity, of course that would be an emphatic YES!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But, knowing
that God can use our trials, our sufferings, our weakness as a catalyst for the
good that He wants to accomplish in the world is a comfort is it not?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I mean, think
on this for a minute… If Christ had not gone through his great suffering and
death on a cross, where would we be now?!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I don’t make
light of my family’s suffering and trials, I am instead trying to encourage you
to see your suffering, your trials, or your persecutions as a way for God to
accomplish seeing other’s lives saved as they observe Christ’s great work in
us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">No, this is not
an easy truth to take in. No, it doesn’t relieve the current pain of grief,
suffering and death but, if we understand that God’s promises to us are real and
dependable, then we know our current suffering is temporary and in the case of
my Mom and soon, my father there will be a great rejoicing in heaven as my
father enters into God’s glory and heaven!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">What a sorrow
for us that wait, but also a peace that does in fact pass all human
understanding because there is so much beyond the transition that is our human
death. We have real hope and His name is Jesus!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Do you believe?
Have you committed your heart to Jesus and invited Him in to dwell with you?
You can.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">If you give
your heart to Jesus, I will promise you that you will experience peace that the
rest of the World won’t understand but it is there, and it will allow you to
withstand the strongest storms this world has to offer, and it will not
disappoint!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Don’t waste
another day living in fear, living in doubt, living in the unknown. Ask Jesus
into your heart today!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Because of our
hope in Christ, we can have peace in the valley!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Love, Mike
<><<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Seize the Day!!<o:p></o:p></p>Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-58243857745348682732021-07-30T10:20:00.004-07:002021-07-30T10:20:55.135-07:00Look Around You<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #001320; font-family: Roboto;">“Make the most of
every opportunity in these evil days.</span>” – Eph 5:16, NLT<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">As I was
reading my morning devotional today, I was struck by something that was said in
it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">“People don’t
need the light of our devices to shine on them. What they need to see is the
light of Jesus shining through us!”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I would go farther.
People don’t need our non-professional advice, they don’t need our political
opinions, they don’t need our contrived empathy and they don’t need our
insincere speech about how we’re going to pray for them when we have no real
intention to do so.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">If you are a disciple
of Jesus, you probably have had the Holy Spirit quietly prompt you to speak to
someone before. You may have acted on it or maybe you didn’t but I’m pretty
sure that if you are a follower of Jesus that you have experienced this.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We have all
been commissioned to spread the Gospel of Christ, but sadly many of us have
fallen into a belief over the years that somehow this is the church’s role, or
our pastor’s role or the paid Christian professional’s role.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Have you ever
asked God to provide you with daily opportunities to reach others for Christ or
to be an encouragement to someone?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I have become
more and more aware that we must be intentional if we hope to be of use to the
Lord and His work. We cannot drift through life hoping that a happy accident
will occur at any given moment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We cannot
afford to be Sunday only Christians. The local church cannot survive as an
inward focused entity. We must always be looking outside ourselves for ways to
serve the Lord by serving others. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And this doesn’t
have to be during any specific time of our days. We can be this way at play, at
rest or at work. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Again, this
doesn’t just happen by accident, it happens by intention. And that intention
must be transferred and transformed into action. Look carefully in scripture to
see what Jesus did as he went about his days. He encountered people sometimes
during the most mundane of moments (like the woman at the well) and he turned
them into eternity changing moments by pushing into those moments and getting
involved.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Now you may say
to me, “Mike, that would be an interruption to my day. It would take me away
from whatever else I was focused upon.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I must ask you.
I must ask myself. What deeper and more meaningful purpose do we have as followers
of Christ than to spread the good news?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our lives on
this big blue ball we call Earth are so very short and this thing called life
is obviously terminal so why do we play with this thing called Salvation?!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It’s high time
that we, the Church, stop playing nice when it comes to the consequences of
sin. I have said it many times lately… It’s time we crash the gates of Hell and
take by some prisoners for Christ!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">My
encouragement for you and I today is this. Go out into your day with
intentionality. Ask God to bring people across your path that need to hear from
Him through your obedience to the calling we all have which is to share the
Good News! I believe God will faithfully do exactly that and send people your
way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Seize the day!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Mike <><<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-87782547701308577172021-07-20T14:52:00.003-07:002021-07-20T14:52:38.353-07:00When the Words Come Hard<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Dear God<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">You know right
now<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Well, the words
come hard<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">And I guess
that it’s ok<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Because you
never said it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">You never said
we wouldn’t suffer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">In fact, you
said the opposite<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">You said that
we would share<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">We’d share in
your suffering<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">For the sake of
the cross<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">For the sake of
your love<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">For the sake of
the lost<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">But we are so
fragile<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">And our hearts
are so weak<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">We want these
cups to pass<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">But it’s your
will we seek<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">So, I ask that
you’ll forgive me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">When I
sometimes lie here in my tears<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">When I am drowning
in my sorrows<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">When I’m
running from my fears<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">I thank you for
all you’ve blessed me with<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">And I know down
deep you’re in control<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">But it’s so
easy to get distracted<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">And so easy to
try and usurp your roll<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">So easy to
become a prodigal<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">So easy to
become a rebel soul<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">But I’m making
my way back to you<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">To the only one
who can make us whole<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Dear Lord thank
you for your Spirit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">The one who
voices our groanings<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">The one who
interprets our tears<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Who lovingly
intercedes when we fall mute<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Because of you
I wake each day<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">And even when I
have no words<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Because of you
I can still speak<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">So, thank you
God for our Helper<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Now when the
words won’t come<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">I’ll rest
silent and with confidence<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">Because even
though I am weak<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">In your
strength I am still heard<o:p></o:p></p>Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-3455848402239578162021-04-29T15:19:00.000-07:002021-04-29T15:19:10.784-07:00Vent #...<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Ok yeah, you
spotted my title.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Don’t let it
scare you off.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I promise. It
won’t be what you’re afraid of.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So much has
been on my mind lately. Some of you know what a few of these burdens are. And I
am not alone. Many of you who are reading this even now have burdens so much
heavier than my own. Understand that if I’m aware of your burdens, you are
loved and my heart as well as my prayers are with you too.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">This past year
or so has been a valley that even though some of us possibly saw coming, we
weren’t prepared for the challenges it has brought us. Not even close.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And just
because some of us saw it coming hasn’t made the reality of it any easier.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Know too,
nothing that has happened, is happening or will happen is a mystery to our God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">He may be
grieved by it or He may hurt with us and it’s impact on us but, it’s no
surprise to Him.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Now, on to my
point in this writing.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Suffering…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Why would a
loving God allow it? How could He allow it?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Oh, my dear
friends. Now, that is a question. And, as easy as it is to ask the question…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">There aren’t
any easy answers to it. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Additionally,
just as each of us is a unique creation of our Father, the answers for each of
us are as different and numerous as the stars in the heavens.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">To even begin
to answer this question, we must look back to the beginning when God created
Adam and Eve. Suffering and pain. Sin and evil. These hadn’t entered the
picture until that fateful day when Eve gave a listening ear to our great
enemy, Satan.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And before any
of you men start wagging your fingers about how Eve was somehow responsible,
remember that Adam sat silent and said nothing. He just partook of the fruit
because Eve handed it to him. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Oh, and the
fate of that day. One sin began it all. Death and evil entered this world and
like a flood it has filled the existence of all who came after our ancestors. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Suffering
entered our world, and it has never been again what it once was. What it was
meant to be.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But. Thank God
that was not the end. God did not then choose to wipe us out entirely and
forget us for eternity. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Instead, He began
writing a love letter to all of us. And He came up with a plan that would not
only save those who would accept it, but it would also defeat the very evil
that had entered the world so long ago once and for all. A plan that would turn
suffering into the fertile ground in which He could plant seeds for our
redemption.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">God has
released the floodgates of His love and provision through the death of His Son
Jesus. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Scripture says
that we are more than conquerors. We can crash the very gates of Hell to take
back those who have been imprisoned by the lies of our ancient enemy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">God also said
that He will take us just as we are and where we are at. We don’t have to clean
up first. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But, be assured
He won’t leave us where we are. His great love and His presence in our lives
will inevitably transform us into the image of Christ. As our selfish selves
are crucified daily, we become a reflection of Christ and His light can lead
others to the foot of His cross which continues to do it’s work across the
ages.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’ve been
confronted with this truth more and more recently:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><b>Why do we sometimes witness
those we consider to be doing God’s will and who seem to be pillars of faith
and light, suffer?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes, why?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Even I am not
immune to this question. To this seeming paradox.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It is a hard
truth. And it comes with some answers that in the here and now… well, they
hurt.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’m beating a
dead horse here and I won’t apologize. – we were given a great and terrible
gift, we humans. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We were given
the most monumental pandora’s box…. Free will.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We can choose
to accept or reject the love of God.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And just
because you accept God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ does not
exempt any of us from suffering in a fallen and sin filled world. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is not the
world that we are destined to live in. This world, like our lives is terminal.
It’s ending is on the horizon and God has said as much in scripture. No amount
of conservation or any other plan of humankind will ever save it. Its
destruction is a fact of the future.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Of course, none
of this brings any comfort, does it?!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yeah, I
understand that. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It doesn’t fix
the pain and suffering of those who battle diseases, hunger, brutal abuse or
neglect.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">No, it doesn’t.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But a loving
God has said to us that for those who love Him and are His disciples, we have
been told that all things work together for the good of those who are called
according to His purpose. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Jesus suffered
and died a death that none of us has experienced or could fathom to pay the
debt to a Holy and sinless God so that we are freed from paying that debt in
eternity.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I think many of
us have not pondered this enough, if ever.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But Mike, you
say. You haven’t really answered the question about why those who we view as
saints or really wonderful people, are allowed to suffer.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">No, you’re
right.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Are you ready
for it though? Are you sitting down?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I don’t have an
obvious or clear answer or an easy answer. I have my own questions regarding
some people that I know and have known and the suffering that they are or have
endured. And I wish I completely understood the why’s and for what reasons. The
point is that I don’t.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">But before you
walk away disgusted with me or scratch your head and wonder if I haven’t lost
it somehow…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Maybe,
sometimes, some of us are allowed to suffer because God sees that with His help,
we are strong enough to walk these valleys. Maybe He can use how we conduct
ourselves through them to lead others to the foot of His cross. Maybe these
times are for our faith to be made so much bigger than a mustard seed. Maybe
they allow our failing spark to become the flame that sets other hearts ablaze
for Jesus.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Too often we
spin our wheels blaming God for what we perceive that we think He should be
doing rather than asking Him to reveal to us what He would teach us or how He
would carry us to the other side of the battlefield.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">The scriptures
are clear that for those who would take up their crosses and follow Jesus, that
we will share in His sufferings. Look carefully as scripture and as how many of
Jesus’ disciples actually lived into old age.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">My friends. It
has been said that wide and easy is the way that leads to destruction. But
narrow is the way that leads to an eternity with God in the place Jesus left to
make for us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Life is a journey,
and I can tell you that at 57 years young I don’t have that many answers that
would satisfy those who question the will of God. But I know this… to whom will
you go if Jesus isn’t the answer? To the government? To a philosophy or an
idea? To your pastor? To your friends or your loved ones? I can promise you
this; all of them but Jesus will leave you unsatisfied and without any answers.
You will be left at the end of your days with nothing but regret and fear because
anyone that tells you that there is nothing after your life is a liar and all
lies find their root in the father of lies, Satan.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">A relationship
with Christ is the answer. For He said it Himself… that He is the Way, the Truth,
and the Life. He said that nobody can come to the Father (God) but through
Christ.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">God’s Kingdom
purposes are way bigger than anything that we can dream up, create, or write
down. And though we may not understand the suffering in the here and now, we
must remember that God said in His great love letter to us that all things work
together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His
purpose. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let your anchor
be set deep in the Rock that is Jesus. Let your questions become that which
drives you to your knees at the foot of His cross daily. For by no other name
but the name of our Lord Jesus Christ is salvation found. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let your
suffering and that of those around you be the thing that drives you to love
more and more. To unselfishly give back the gift that has been given to us. Now
that is true worship, isn’t it?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Be the light in
this dark world and never relinquish the hope we have in Christ!!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Seize the day
and crash the gates of hell to see those imprisoned there while they still live
here!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Mike
<><<o:p></o:p></p>Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-15596913532192039692021-03-27T15:02:00.001-07:002021-04-01T14:49:11.998-07:00Won't Apologize<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yeah, I was
born white<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Lived my life
as is<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Won’t apologize<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It’s who I am
alright<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">You were born
black<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Or yellow, red
or brown<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Some have
plenty<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">For some,
there’s lack<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">What do you
want<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Me, to rewind
time<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Me, to give it
all back<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Don’t repeat Satan’s
taunt<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">…That we’re not
enough…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Sucking down
worldly lies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">God speaks to
the deaf<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Spirit whispers
to the dumb<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Something
within dies<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Division, the
enemy’s word<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Unity what
Christ prayed for<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And we the
catalysts<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Spirit on our
hearts poured<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Unity comes at
a price<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Prayer with our
action<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Talk being
cheap<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Are we warriors
or mice<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Forgiveness a
costly gift<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Christ our best
example<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Can we demand
less<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So our crosses
we lift<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">What do you
want from me<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am what God
made <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">You, a precious
creation too<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Open your heart
and see<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am no more
and no less<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We should be
brothers<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We should be
sisters<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">This issue we
must address<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">No walking away
this time<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Our Jesus
prayed for this<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">The time is now
my friend<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Wouldn’t peace
be sublime<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">A world where
love reigns<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Mercy our first
thought<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Kindness
guiding our hands<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">As we walk
life’s hardest lanes<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let’s love like
our Lord<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let’s let go
the past<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let’s cheer for
each other<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And put down
this sword<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Time is short
can you feel it<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let’s be found
being faithful<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Turn our back
on the world<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Hearts ready
when trumpets hit<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">For our Lord is
coming soon<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Creation’s call
getting louder<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Rocks and
stones crying<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Can you hear
heaven’s tune<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">So I won’t
apologize <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And really
neither should you<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We exist as God
made us<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">And for Him I
will proselytize<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Let us reason
together<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Finding common
ground<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Linking arms
and moving forward<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Then life’s
storms we can weather<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-64935081684233092442019-10-04T00:18:00.001-07:002019-10-04T00:18:25.657-07:00So, California, This is See You Later<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, California, this is see you later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I didn’t actually find myself lucky enough to call you the state of my
birth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Nope.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That would be Idaho.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yep, I’m actually a potato head. Just in case you were wondering.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And California, though I was fortunate enough to call you home for
around 51 years of my life, I’m not so loyal a fan that I can’t change my
allegiance to another state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I met the love of my life in the great state of Arizona, so a piece of
my heart will always feel a bit of love for it even if I don’t actually call it
home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You have been the place where my roots have grown deep though.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I went through school here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I found God here and gave my life to Christ here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I went to Summer camp here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I had my first crush here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I graduated from grade school here and college too…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I learned to drive here and I learned to surf here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My discoveries of love and passion for writing and photography occurred
here as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I picked up my first job here and I spent the majority of my working
life here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I found out what the word infertility means here…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I found the joy of adoption here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I experienced what it meant to be a husband here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, I stepped into the adventure of fatherhood here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have been blessed to find myself invited into innumerable and
precious friendships here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have had to give friends back to the Lord here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dear California, you have blessed me with sunrises and sunsets that
breathed joy into my soul.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You have shown me wonders uncountable that confirmed to me the handiwork
of the God I love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But California, you have also shown me pain and sorrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In your soil, you hold the memories of many of those that I have loved
and had the privilege to know in my short life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You gave me employment and you took it away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You saw my accolades and my promotions, my trophies and my abused
emotions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You oversaw the days where truths were spoken, but you also stood silent
when I was the recipient of others lies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You gladly accepted the days of my service on your behalf and yet you
jealously held back your best care when I like so many others needed to be
supported.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You accepted the service of lesser men and in violation of what’s right
stole from me (and others) more than your fair share of the fruits of my labor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You have changed from a land of plenty to one that like some ancient
vampire continues to drain the life from the very ones who have made you great
in the first place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, California, I have mixed feelings for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Though I have much to be thankful for in having lived here so very
long, I also have much that I will not miss.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Traffic… smog… crowds… ridiculous taxes… Socialists… Leaders that
aspire to be dictators… Santa Ana winds… earthquakes… and expensive gasoline!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, dear California, I will probably miss a lot more than I won’t…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will miss your mild weather, your amazing sunrises and sunsets, your
beaches and the waves that I so enjoyed riding, your mountains that were so
near I could be in the ocean in the morning and the mountains in the afternoon,
your incredible diversity and the cultures that I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t
introduced us, your love of the arts that assured that I’d come to love writing
and photography, your overabundance of attractions that I could get to by car
in a matter of minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But above all California, you were the cradle that held much of my
family. You are a place that houses so very many people that I care about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I leave this great state, I leave behind many that I love and care
about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But this is not goodbye forever, this is just a heartfelt “see you
later!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, Dear California, I leave a piece of my heart here. I have roots
planted deep that will not easily be transplanted elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will look back with fondness and I will certainly shed some tears as
I start my journey to the new adventure that is Texas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As the years flow by and the new adventure becomes the new normal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As new friends and new experiences come, I pray that the lessons
learned from days gone by in my fading memories of California, I will be filled
with thankfulness for the times spent in the warm sunshine of the golden state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
See you again someday California…<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-37414485197810431952019-09-15T00:58:00.001-07:002019-09-15T00:58:38.708-07:00This Hope is Not Dead!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Erosion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wind. Rain. Heat. Cold.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The forces that beat against this frail structure…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My soul…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes, I feel them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yes, sometimes, I falter and stumble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I do not walk in these storms alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For you oh Lord have promised to be there in life’s storms with me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Never to leave nor to forsake.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Even to carry me when I’m too weak to carry on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I admit it… sometimes these mountains before me make me tremble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes I am overcome with my fears…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, fear is a natural response and I am not alone in these battles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And my Savior whispers into my ear… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I will go before you and defeat your enemies!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And He whispers again… “Do it afraid!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, I push into these fears and I choose to act.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Afraid? Yes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But moving forward anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I want that to be my story… “He did it anyway.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so I tell you… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don’t confess to understand the why’s of my life every time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I sometimes know the how’s for sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Without the risk of failure, how could winning ever be as sweet as it
is?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
To never fail is to never try and that is not the stock I am born from.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I pray that it’s not the stock you’re born from.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, this hope of mine is not dead, though sometimes it may be frail and
weak.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The anchor I cling to is not weak, nor does it ever fail to sustain me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so I choose this day and each new one yet to be, to live in hope
and in the fearless shadow of the Lion of Judah!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seize the day!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike <><<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-15247019375154641872019-08-28T23:15:00.001-07:002019-08-28T23:15:47.740-07:00Your Unique Fingerprint<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The light rushes in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It fills our eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We’re greeted with unfamiliar noises.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Including our own cries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
On the day of our birth, we enter this World with nothing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
No clothing. No toys. No pets. No jewelry. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, we bear the fingerprint of our Maker.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We reflect the image of the one and only God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Somewhere along the path of life, we fall into forgetfulness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our mind and soul sometimes feel the ache though. We sense something is
missing. We catch glimpses of this hole in the middle of our being.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then begins the quest. The quest of our lifetimes. And, a great many of
us struggle in that quest, never quite coming to grips with an answer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some of us are fortunate and are pointed in the direction of the answer
to filling the hole in our souls. We encounter someone else who having found
the solution to filling the hole, have a sense of mercy and a desire to pass on
what they have found to us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A commission of sorts… to plant seeds and guide lost souls…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The great commission… the mission given to us by our Savior.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So…, don’t keep it a secret… go share what you have been given freely.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Pass on what you have learned about The Way, The Truth and The Life…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">His name is Jesus…</span></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-29427619803938895802019-08-21T22:37:00.003-07:002019-08-21T22:37:18.527-07:00You Banned God! How’s that Working for You?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I am the Lord your
God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have
no other gods before[a] me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the
form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters
below.” Ex 20:2-4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nowadays, I really don’t enjoy politicizing things very much. I
don’t have a desire to draw a line and then have to be talked down to,
patronized because of my perceived bias or white privilege, disallowed an
opinion for any number of newly coined reasons that typically are tied to not
my ancestry, but rather skin color. Or, maybe it has something to do with my
political views, my Christian World view, or my intolerant, homophobic,
misogynistic, capitalist, racist, or blah.. blah.. blah views. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’ve lost my patience for anyone that tries to put me in a box and
dismiss my views as irrelevant, antiquated, or counter to their group-think
(read mob) mentality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For goodness sake people… think for yourself for a change!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The other side now almost always seems to roll down this
ridiculous slippery slope filled with unsupportable non-facts and weak
arguments that sadly (for them) all seem to lead to one conclusion…
“never-Trump”, he’s not my president, “Impeach!!!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What the other side often can’t hear coming from me or any other
reasonable conservative, due to their incessant screeching and attempts to
drown us out, is that many of us don’t exactly love Trump, nor agree with his
often loose lips… both in front of a mic, or on social media (in particular,
Twitter). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">However, they also foolishly write we conservatives off because
they miss many (any?) of the accomplishments that “our president” has managed
to broker during his hotly contested presidency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now, that was a very convoluted and rabbit trail sort of thing to
do when I just want to address something that I heard the lieutenant Governor
of Texas speak about the other day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now this truly is a dead horse that I’m beating here… Truly…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Guns… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">People… People… People…! They are not the problem folks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s the person standing behind the gun. The person pulling the
trigger. It’s their heart condition. It’s their mental condition. It’s their
spiritual condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If you do not address the people problems that lead up to these
tragedies, then they will never stop and they will only continue to increase in
their frequency and the body count.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The lieutenant Governor of Texas made a lot of statements on a
news program that I saw a clip of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The gist of what this gentleman was talking about centered around
what has become like a tragic comedy of political posturing and over
politicizing every time one of these mass shootings occurs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The political bantering and in-fighting is just a giant and
irresponsible waste of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though there may be a better way to enforce gun laws and a better
way to control background checks and how the findings in those checks are used
to determine a person’s eligibility to purchase a weapon, all of the checks in
the world aren’t enough to guarantee that a person who buys a gun in all ways,
legally, won’t later snap mentally and commit a crime with that gun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The core argument of this man was this though: Our media has so
attracted our young people and so glamorized violence and killing, that when
many of them choose to play video games (for instance) rather than going to
meet with God at church on a Sunday, then what result do we actually expect to
occur in our society?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My observation is this: We gradually spiral out of control. We
give up just a little more of the good that dwells within humanity, because of
the image of our creator that we bear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As a nation, we have allowed God to be kicked out of our schools,
thrown out of our halls of justice and just about any other place where He
could have a positive influence on our behavior. We cannot expect that we can
maintain any long-term hope of positive change through legislature alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You cannot legislate nor regulate the human heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">God has said that our hearts are ultimately sinful (we miss God’s
mark). In other words, our hearts are wicked and drawn towards evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are in need of a savior and His name is Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There is no victory over the evil in people’s hearts without God
in the solution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can disarm this nation and remove every privately owned gun
and people will still find ways to commit these evil acts of violence on each
other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Only with God’s help, intervention and intercession can we ever
hope to win the war against gun violence in our nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">"The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately
sick; Who can understand it?” Jer. 17:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We cannot trust to our own hearts or our own understanding. We
must go to God for His guidance on solutions to reducing gun violence in our
nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As followers of Christ, we must all seek to become His hands and
feet to serve humankind around us each and every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We must be the light and the salt to a lost and misguided world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, dear old World… you may choose to ban God in many of the
venues that you think you control, but I have news for you. Your control is an
illusion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The more you attempt to push God out… the more that those who love
Him will seek to shine His truth and love for all others to see and experience…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Seize the day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="hang-3" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mike <><<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0Eastvale, CA, USA33.952463 -117.5848025000000233.741768 -117.90752600000002 34.163158 -117.26207900000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-3964167561359715402019-08-12T00:45:00.002-07:002019-08-12T00:46:35.482-07:00Letting Go<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I was sitting there… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Listening to our pastor this morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And, to be fair to our pastor, I was listening and enjoying what he had
to say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, during one part of his talk this morning, my mind drifted and
I realized with some great sense of loss, that my family and I are in a season
of letting go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I won’t go into all of the specifics, but several times this past week,
we each had to give up something that we didn’t necessarily want to give up, but
we did it anyway because sometimes in order for us to move on to something
better, we’re required to leave something else behind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have found in this life that it is extremely rare that we can keep
everything from the past and still get to move into something new and
beneficial.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This year has had its joys. It’s had its sorrows. And, it has seen us
leaving much of what we thought was not going to change, behind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not sure where each of you is in your journey through this life right
now, but I can assure you that if you have not experienced the loss and the
sorrow of giving up things that you thought were good and had benefits for you,
you will one day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And, when you do reach that point of letting go… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You don’t have to walk through that fire alone. Jesus stands ready to
walk through it with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, He may not answer your prayers the way that you thought that he
should, but he’ll answer them just the same. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We often make the mistake of thinking that just because God did not answer
our prayers the way we thought He should have, that somehow our prayers have
gone unanswered. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That is simply just mistaken. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have found that God always answers us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes though, we just fail to see it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You see, a “no” as an answer to our prayers is still an answer just the
same.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, there is a question that begs to be asked by you and I when the
answer from the Lord is no.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Will you still follow Him? Will you still bow before Him and
acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior when He has not removed the cup of your
sorrow from you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My prayer for you at this wee hour of the morning is this: “That no
matter what answer you (or I) receive from God, that we will still bow before
Him and acknowledge Him for our Lord and Savior no matter what answer He gives
us regarding our current trials.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stand strong in your faith, knowing that we can depend on God and His
love for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seize the day!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mike <><<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ll leave you with the following verses for your encouragement today:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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13Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14and Nebuchadnezzar said
to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my
gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15Now when you hear the sound
of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are
ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not
worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what
god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
16Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar,
we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17If we are
thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from
it, and he will deliver us c from Your Majesty’s hand. 18But even if he does
not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or
worship the image of gold you have set up.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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19Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego,
and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times
hotter than usual 20and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to
tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.
21So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were
bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22The king’s command was so urgent
and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took
up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23and these three men, firmly tied, fell
into the blazing furnace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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24Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked
his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the
fire?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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25He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound
and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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26Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and
shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come
out! Come here!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27and the
satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw
that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads
singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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28Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach
and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in
him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives
rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29Therefore I decree
that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned
into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">30Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:13-30 NIV</span></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-61902081451524756372019-06-28T00:27:00.001-07:002019-06-28T00:27:38.207-07:00Knowing the Future is in God’s Wheelhouse<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here I am again…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s late at night and I find myself feeling restless… sleepless…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My mind has no brakes and my brain is often in overdrive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Such is my life and I understand that often this is the life of a person
who lives with ADD, ADHD.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And even though life is not perfect, it’s my life and I’m Ok with it.
God’s got this. God’s got me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Does He have you?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Lately I’ve been pondering about my life. About who I am. About whether
I seem to fit in any particular place in this World.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have often felt adrift in this life. I have many times felt that I
either had no defined purpose or that I just didn’t understand my purpose. My
why…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, I’m not saying that I have now had some epiphany or a revelation…
but… on the other hand…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe I’m beginning to get a glimpse… a foretaste… of just what it
might mean to accept myself… flaws and all. To love myself just a little. To
forgive myself for not being perfect. And, to realize that our God never asked
us to fix ourselves before we came to Him and asked for Him to come dwell in
our hearts with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
__________________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Did He not say in scripture:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<b>Romans 5:7-11 The Message (MSG)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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6-8 Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and
doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial
death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves
ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do
anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we
can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless
sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in
sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
9-11 Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial
death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being
at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on
friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we’re at
our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his
resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship
with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing
and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
______________________________________________________________________________<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Understand that I am not suddenly and in a bombastic or prideful way
saying that I deserve God’s forgiveness nor am I cowering in some false
humility or insincere crocodile tears to gain your sympathy regarding how I
somehow ought to be welcomed into God’s kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rather, I am acknowledging that after much prayer these last several
months, I am beginning to comprehend that because of God’s love for me when I
was completely broken and far from able to even begin to understand the extent
of His grace in my fallen state, I can now begin to accept myself, my
uniqueness and the gifts God has bestowed on me for His glory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You must understand that nobody more clearly sees their flaws and
shortcomings than I do. I’m sure that some of you can relate to being your own
worst critic. I’m not proud of it. It’s just a fact.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We must ask God for the insight to see past the sometimes-obvious
challenges that we face in being who we are and just love ourselves for the
unique people that God formed us into.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, this is not to say that we don’t seek to improve those areas where
we have shortcomings, but rather, this is to see the difference between a
weakness of character and the unique personality traits and giftings that He has
granted us to add salt and light to an often dark and flavorless World. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am more and more through each passing day finding that in helping
others and making a positive difference in their lives, I find my purpose. I am
finding the little ministries that my heart longs for. And I am content when
through me, God is able to lift someone else’s spirits and fulfill their needs.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When we find ourselves useful and being used as a tool in God’s hands,
it becomes much easier to look in the mirror and to realize that we’re Ok and
that God loves us. We can find contentment even when our life is not perfect.
Even when the circumstances of our lives right at the moment aren’t fitting the
picture that we had in mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So my prayer for you…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For those who were brave enough to read this far into my blog…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I pray that God meets you right where you’re at and that He turns the
mirror to your face… to your soul… and that you catch even just the briefest glimpse
of the person He sees. The very much-loved son or daughter that He uniquely
crafted and gifted for great things to do on His behalf in this World.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
May your purpose be revealed. May your Why become clear. And, may you
be used as a most effective tool in the loving hands of the One who breathed
life into your lungs and sustains you each and every precious day of your life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Go and live your best life. Start today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In Christ’s love,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mike <><</span></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-49272425732957308552019-05-11T23:52:00.001-07:002019-05-11T23:55:44.069-07:00A Joke as a Weapon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I wandered over to my Instagram feed this evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mostly to review any new and fabulous photos that may have been posted
by the many photographers that I follow throughout the day today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My eyes and heart were confronted by what someone in my growing group
of people that I follow and some who follow me…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
…by…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A picture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
From my perspective, a picture that I thought was rather innocent and
quaintly honoring to mothers. Mothers who in relationship with their God, spend
time on their knees in prayer for their families, their friends and the world
at large.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I would not have even thought to make an ugly, perverse or otherwise
dishonoring joke about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, this person certainly did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Most of the time. Especially nowadays, I usually just would have made a
comment to myself about people being… idiots, jerks, perverts, over-indulged
and irresponsible brats… and then let it go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, this time I didn’t. This time I waded in and said what was on my
heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not close to this person and I cannot claim any particular
friendship, but because of family connections, I would call them… extended
family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, for that reason, as well as the fact that this person is young
enough to be my own child, I chose to call them out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You see, we live in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to
people of faith… people who claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And, no, I don’t expect everyone to believe as I do, or to accept what
I say at face value. I know very well that I am imperfect. I know very well
that my tongue and my pen and my computer can and have gotten me into trouble. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ll say it again… I’m not perfect… but God is perfecting me. I’m a
person who is not without sin and I need God’s help every single day to live as
I ought to. And, I don’t always get it right. This side of eternity, I don’t
expect I will. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All that rabbit trail being said, I forgive this person for their
rudeness and thoughtless use of an off color joke to make fun of those of us
who put our faith into action through prayer… and yes, sometimes physically on
our knees in reverence and humility before the God who created us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are fighting battles you see. Battles for our world that many others
don’t ever witness. Battles for our loved ones that go unnoticed and
unappreciated by those that may even be the subject of those very prayers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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They don’t understand. Maybe they never will. But God does. And He
notices. And He hears.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I chose not to call this person out here. And I won’t. I did call them
out on Instagram. And though it may temporarily earn me some grief from them or
the others who joined in the “ugliness” in mocking those of faith. I won’t take
back what I said. I said it in a certain sense of humility, and I told the
truth. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We’re not expected to crawl in a hole when the truth needs to be said.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And, we don’t have to pretend that we approve of someone else’s bad
behavior. Sometimes it needs to be called out, even at the risk of our becoming
a target of further bad behavior.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nobody who’s called out for doing wrong will react very well, at least
not initially.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But, we cannot, must not, live our lives in fear and act like it’s ok
for those who do not believe the way we do to mistreat us and pretend that it’s
ok.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What will happen tomorrow when this other person sees what I wrote? I don’t
know.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I do care. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because ugliness. Whether it’s disguised as a thin attempt at humor or
not… is just ugliness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I encourage you today and every day to honor those who go before you. Those
who have fought battles on their knees in prayer for you and others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Honor your Mom today and every day. After all, it’s Mother’s Day isn’t
it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As always… Seize the day!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mike <><<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against
the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but
against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's
darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
13Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes,
you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.… Ephesians 6:11-13<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-88327221676732503272019-05-10T01:16:00.000-07:002019-05-10T01:16:44.867-07:00Living with Our Weakness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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I know…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You read the title of this piece and you’re going… wait… wait just a
minute Mike!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mike are you suggesting that we just curl up into a fetal position and
accept our frailty and inadequacy to the point where we don’t even try?!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, … ye… No! Of course not!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But I am going to say that in being human, there is an inherent frailty
and weakness that is just reality. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We are finite. We are flesh and blood. We are susceptible to illness,
disease, accidents, old age, violence and the collateral damage of war. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Argue with the facts all you want but life is in fact a terminal
condition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Until God fulfills the events of the book of Revelation, we are all
subject to death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now you’re saying to yourself that I must be losing my mind. I mean,
why would Mike travel this road? Why would I write about something this
depressing or morbid?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Because it’s just reality. And at some point, you will be confronted
with the realities that surround the final moments of this fragile, precious
thing called life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unless we live long enough to experience the Rapture of the ones who
love Jesus and we are carried away in an instant to be with Christ, we will all
experience what it is to breath our last breath here on Earth. We will
experience the surrender of the bonds that bind our souls to our bodies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have only really experienced this twice in my lifetime personally.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And, I can tell you that this process of our dying will never be easy.
It can seem peaceful depending on how we physically leave, but it can also be
very traumatic and even violent. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you understand though, that death was brought about because of the
curse that is original sin?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The sin of Adam and Eve has passed on to all of us that are their
distant relatives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But of course, there is hope for us. And this hope has a name… His name
is Jesus. We cannot save ourselves from death. We cannot do much more than
sometimes prolong our inevitable end through medicine, through surgery, through
radiation or dietary treatments. Prolong life yes, but prevent our eventual
demise, absolutely not.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, the question then becomes, how will you or I confront our
mortality? Our date with destiny?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will we do all we can to run from the reality of our passing? Or, will
we confront the inevitability of our coming date with destiny and instead savor
the precious time we have left here and invest our moments wisely in the others
around us, especially our loved ones? <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s your choice you know.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You see, God gave us our free will, and we can always choose how we
react to a situation. Yes, we can definitely make a choice in regard to how we
approach death. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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However, please understand this. I’m not remotely suggesting that death
is easy, or that you are somehow messed up because you haven’t handled it the
way that thought you would. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Death is actually pretty hard. It’s painful and it’s traumatic. It’s an
experience from the perspective of those left behind that will rock your world
and leave you changed. Because it in fact leaves scars for those left behind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Even Jesus carry’s scars from death.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But His scars are different than ours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Our scars are the scars of separation and sadness. His scars are ones
that speak of victory and hope!<o:p></o:p></div>
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You see, whether you accept this or not, Jesus’ scars speak of the
conquering of death. For Jesus did not remain dead. He rose from His grave and
stepped from death and it’s supposed victory over Him (and us) into new life.
Eternal life!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Most of us will experience death here on Earth. Whether it is our own
or that of another, we will go through the valley of the shadow.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But the question remains. Will you experience death as the passage from
this life into a beautiful new existence through Christ and eternity with Him,
or will you experience the painful passage from this great struggle of life
into the darkness and separation that is judgement and hell?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You see, our weakness and frailty is just a given. It is a part of our
human condition and existence. In accepting this weakness and turning it over
to God, we are promised that our weakness will be made a strength. And I believe
that the strength we can experience is that of our Lord Jesus living in us and
enabling us to walk through whatever trials that life may throw at us. Even the
greatest trial which is our journey from death into eternal life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May each of us find on that coming day, the strength that can only come
to us through our Savior Jesus Christ!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Go boldly into the new day my friends!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Seize the day!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Mike <><<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is
perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my
weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the
sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in
persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.…” – 2 Cor
12:9-10<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-26757751793355210382019-04-21T00:58:00.001-07:002019-04-21T00:58:14.551-07:00It’s Never Easy, but it Will Eventually Get Easier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So, it’s the eve of Easter, 2019.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And here I am finding it once again a little hard to fall asleep on this
night.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My thoughts are swimming and I find myself dwelling on the very recent
loss of a new friend. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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No death is every really easy. No death is leaves us completely at
peace. There is always going to be grief.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And so it is with the passing of this recently acquainted friend of
mine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I spoke with him and had some really great conversation on a Tuesday
evening and looked forward to a group get together later that week.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Less than 48 hours later I received a text that he’d gone home to be
with Jesus late the night before.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This was one of those passings that was just so unexpected and tragic that
it left me. Yes me…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Truly speechless…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I told Julie the news, she actually cried out… a raw moment of
anguish… we just couldn’t believe the news.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I remember immediately going to God in prayer and both of us struggling
just to produce any words.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometimes the passing of a friend or loved one will hit you that way. There
are just no easy answers. There’s just not any cliché that would ever bring
real comfort.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For those who loved this man, I can speak of God’s love for him. I
could speak of God’s peace and comfort for those who mourn. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And, don’t hear me wrong or misunderstand me when I say that I fully
believe that God can bring His peace that passes all understanding during these
moments in our lives. Because He does…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have personally experienced His peace at times of great personal pain
and anguish…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But, despite my previous personal experience, I cannot write off or
diminish the very real pain that this man’s long-term friends, his loved ones
and his co-workers are now feeling…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There’s no easy nor cliché answer to those who have prayed prayers over
someone for deliverance, or healing or some kind of rescue when it does not
come. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m going to say something here. I’m not sure if it will offend anyone
or make you think any less of me, but here goes…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are times and there are circumstances where we simply may not be
given an answer or explanation by God for why something plays out the way that
it does. We may never know this side of eternity why something happened here in
this life the way that it has.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not even sure that God owes us any explanation for what He allows
to happen in this world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And no, none of that brings any easing of the pain and loss right now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Despite the pain that I feel right now in the passing of my friend, I
am placing my confusion, my momentary feelings of anger (I’ll explain that in a
minute), my frequent moments of grief, at the foot of our Savior’s cross.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have no answer for why this happened. I am comforted that God is
walking with us (with me) through this time. I am comforted by that fact that
He has promised to never leave nor forsake us. I am comforted by knowing that
when grief is just too much, that He will carry us while we don’t have the
strength to face our sadness and loss.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, I mentioned anger… yes, anger regarding this loss.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And, this is not the first time I’ve experienced anger in my grief.
Anger is a natural part of grieving. We (I) feel the sting of our lost
relationship with the passing of our loved ones. We feel robbed of all the
potential of what the future could have been had they stayed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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All that to say, that God is not afraid of our anger and our questions.
He understands our grief and how we experience life better than we do ourselves.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So I say to you. When you are feeling all the many aspects of grief and
sorrow, go ahead and share those with God. Pray through your thoughts and feelings
and you may start to find that God will bring the peace and comfort you seek
whether we receive answers to our lingering questions or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m not going to lie… the tears have flown today. A couple of times and
somewhat unexpectedly too. Grief seems to be that way. It comes and goes in
waves. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s Easter time. And our pastor reminded us tonight that the cross,
though it is certainly a symbol for what Jesus was willing to do to free us
from the bondage of sin, it may not be the most important symbol regarding our
faith and hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Our pastor argued that really the most important symbol regarding our
faith is this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That our Jesus did not stay dead… He rose on the third day and the tomb
was left empty!! Hallelujah!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So the biggest symbol of our faith is just that… the empty tomb and a
risen Savior!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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With that, I leave you with this…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Grief will never be easy… I’m pretty sure that it shouldn’t be easy either.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Could it be that grief is yet another experience by which God ensures
that when we weather the storm of grief, that we are refined and become
stronger and better people, better reflections of His love to the World around
us?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After all, we like diamonds cannot hope to become what God intends us
to be without fire and pressure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, my prayer is this, that as we go through the many griefs that will
assuredly come into our lives, that we go to our God in prayer daily and ask
Him to carry us, especially when we are filled with confusion, anger and the
roots of bitterness. Jesus was and is well acquainted with grief and can come
alongside us to provide all that we need so long as we are prepared to receive
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are going through a time of grief right now, I pray that you can
come to a place of comfort and the peace that passes all understanding despite
that knowing that right now there are no easy answers as to why your loved one
was called home so soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s my prayer now that God will bring you an extra measure of peace as
you read and reflect on what I’ve written here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In Christ’s love,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike <><<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Isaiah 53:2-4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He grew up before
Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately
form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. He was
despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one
from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely
He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows..”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-54805700703086257152019-03-26T00:12:00.003-07:002020-06-08T13:17:28.267-07:00Why I’m Not Ok with Being White<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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Ok, so…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My title is <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Provocative…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Inflammatory…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe. Or maybe it’s just hiding the truth out in the open.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Out of the blue, I received a phone call. And, it showed on my phone as
being from New York.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The voice was definitely Filipino, and she was actually rather
disarming.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A good thing too, because I was of course assuming that this was yet
another one of the dozens of cold calls that I (like many of you too, I’m sure)
receive every week now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m never all that happy to get them but sadly I’m getting used to them
and I often play a game and turn them around on the caller… Often now I try to
prospect them as a client or recruit into my own business…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But I digress…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You see, it was a CBS News poll, calling of all things to ask me many
detailed questions on my opinions over the now complete Mueller probe regarding
President Trump and his alleged collusion with the Russians and the last
presidential election.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I won’t bore you with any of the details or my rather obvious
conservatism or right wing Evangelical Christian world view…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh no, some of you might actually be offended.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Please don’t be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m just a man. And, I follow Jesus Christ. I’m not perfect. I’m not
infallible. And, I actually do love people. I don’t always agree with them. But
I do love them. I’m called to love them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Again, I digress.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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At the end of the poll, I was actually asked about whether my views
could be construed as Evangelical and Christian. Asked whether these views
affected the way that I vote?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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That was interesting for sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I wondered afterward, if they ever asked if a person was an atheist, or
a luddite, or a socialist etc…?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why was I targeted and how did they even know to ask those particular
demographic questions?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But, here is the real kicker. And, for some of you, maybe you would
have let it go or brushed it aside as if it didn’t even phase you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Needless to say, it phased me. And, I had to call out the elephant in
the room. I wasn’t going to just ignore it. Not any longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The interviewer asked me, “Do you identify as any of the following
races: Blah, Blah, Blah… “White?””<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I blew out a little breath and chuckled.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I said, “You know, I really don’t like that.” … awkward silence…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She says, “You don’t like what?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I don’t like being thrown into the, let’s face it, category of just
being white. I mean, if it’s not good to do that to anyone else, then why is it
ok for me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Understand, that I was chuckling as I said this. I was not attempting
to be inflammatory or disrespectful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She got it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I said, “Hey, is it ok if you write something in for me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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She says, “Yes, of course sir.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I say, “Can you write in for me, “Irish American?””<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Of course sir. She says”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Needless to say, I’m always happy to register my opinions or provide my
thoughts when the interviewer is respectful and not mechanical in their
responses to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
She seemed amused and refreshed by my attitude and she indicated that
she was actually taking note of my request and in fact wrote in “Irish
American.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You see, I absolutely respect the idea that many of us want to be
identified as the race that God made us. I respect that maybe you and your
family. You and your community. That, you and these others want to remain
segregated into an identifiable people group. That is a space of belonging that
sadly many of us have gradually lost here. A sense of heritage and history. A
story of our past and how we came to arrive in this place and time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I get that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But, how is it that these selfsame people would have me be shoved into
a mold and homogenized into nothing more than a color, not a distinct people
group? They would be and are frequently incensed and even enraged when they are
forced into a corner and given a color label. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Two wrongs don’t ever make a right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let’s agree to disagree on a lot of things. I’m ok with that. Hopefully
you are too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, let’s agree here and now that it’s not ok to place labels on each
other that disrespect our diversity and heritage, even if it’s what we often
hear from the mainstream. Just because a majority says or does something often,
does not inherently make it correct or right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, I’m actually not white as a race. That’s just my skin color…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am a proud Irish American.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let’s decide today to respect each other and to at least attempt to
understand where the other is coming from…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Small inroads like that just might get us headed in the right direction
again. As a people, and as a nation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As a P.S., the lady I spoke with this evening asked if I was ok with an
actual reporter possibly calling me back in the next 48 hours to interview me
further…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I guess I was a little more interesting to interview than their average
cold call…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have a blessed week, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<><<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-68973437691540012542019-01-31T00:09:00.002-08:002019-01-31T00:09:56.847-08:00A Still Small Voice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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Some of you are not going to like this…</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Heck, I don’t even like the idea of talking about it. But, silence =
apathy and I can’t stomach the idea of being quiet. Not now. Not over this.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m going to get right to the point. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let’s talk about what happened in New York last week. Ok?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We’re talking about abortion, so if this offends you,… well, sorry, but
it ought to offend you.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sorry, not sorry.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let’s look at this from my perspective… not the typical news hype
perspective, or the radical, rabid response from some erstwhile “activists.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You see, I am an adoptive parent. And yes, that gives me just a little
right to be angry, heartbroken and even sickened by those who defend the “right”
to abortion.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not here to discuss those rare cases where many of us would come
up with what seems to some at least, a potentially reasonable cause to abort a
pregnancy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you understand the sheer magnitude of how many lives have been
snuffed out since just 1980 alone worldwide? The number should stagger you! It
should make your knees go weak…</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">1.5
Billion plus!!! – </span>more than 3,000 just in the time that I wrote this</b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just today alone, there have been more than 108,000 babies killed and
discarded for not much more than the inconvenience that they posed to the ones
who might have taken care of them.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am not here to make a judgment on any individual; however I have to
ask…</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When did human life become so cheap to us?! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You see, from my perspective, an adoptive parent… these poor little
souls may not have been wanted by their would be families… but I can guarantee
you that they were wanted by someone.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There are many, many families that would love to open their homes and
their hearts to what for some was an unwanted child. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God says in scripture that He knows us from the time we are being “knitted
together in secret.” </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God and heaven weeps over our calloused choices here on Earth. These
children cry out before the throne of God for justice.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is mercy available from God for those of us who have made the
choice to abort a little one, however it is my firm belief that God’s patience
with us is wearing out. The actions recently in New York and the completely
horrific ways that these decisions were made and openly celebrated I believe
will be punished by God.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, the coming judgment will be unfortunately deserved.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If abortion was not bad enough before, it has been made that much worse
by the murderous choice to allow an abortion literally up until hours before
the baby’s birth.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why oh why can the population of this country, maybe even the World
call it a double murder when a pregnant woman is killed in a homicide, and yet
we now make it legal to kill that same child in the womb when the child is completely
able to survive outside the womb. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That my friend is still murder.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We were all once children, were we not?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God has a purpose in creating all of us and now we are in the business
of deciding on our own to snuff out the potential, the gifts and the future of
a little child.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All scientific definitions of life are met in a child, all throughout
their development.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Abortion and the defenses that surround the massive majority of all
abortions are all based on abject hypocrisy by those arguing for them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There is blood on the hands of all of us…</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For those who wrote and voted for the legislation that approves of
these acts. For those that have used these acts as a way to deny the future of
the unborn and for those of us who have sat silently by and by our apathy let
these acts continue for many decades.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thank God for the few that have had the courage to carry their babies
to term and take responsibility for the choices that they made leading up to
the pregnancy and then sought help in either raising them or making an adoption
plan for them.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For those who became pregnant against their will (sorry, these are
statistically very few – just 744 from rape and incest this year), you have my
utmost sympathy, but I will never believe that God cannot redeem these precious
little lives no matter how they came to be here. God has a purpose and a plan
for all of us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As a nation and as a world, we must take responsibility for our
behavior that leads us down these paths.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
They are not tissue, they are not choices, they are babies and I
believe we are going to (again) see tremendous judgment by God over this,
because the deaths of all of these children were not only preventable, but
absolutely unnecessary. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
May God have mercy on us in the coming days and may those who wake up
to the vile evil that we have (many of us that is) let overtake our land.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You may have your own opinions. And, I respect that, so please be
respectful of mine to. If you want to discuss those opinions (civilly that is),
please DM/PM me rather than attacking me. If you choose to be rude, I will
remove your comments from my pages.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #0a0a0a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“For You created my inmost being; You knit me
together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was
not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven
together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the
days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.”
(Psalm 139: 13-16)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #0a0a0a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Please understand that I wrote this out of
the deep ache in my soul that I feel for the loss of children that will never
know the precious embrace of love from either their own birth mother or an
adoptive one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #0a0a0a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #FEFEFE; color: #0a0a0a; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mike <><</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-38392587926683789092019-01-20T00:27:00.000-08:002019-01-20T00:27:34.690-08:00Toxic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The world has lost its mind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You may still be living in a fantasy… or maybe your head is in the
proverbial sand.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The world has definitely lost its mind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I could monologue about a whole lot of trivia… or a whole lot of
tragedies… or a whole lot of the good that goes unreported by a media machine
that largely gorges itself on everything that is wrong in the world and then
pretends that they do it for our good… instead of the ratings that keep them
swimming in loot.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, as always, I’ll just focus for this short while on one topic that
seems to be getting an inordinate amount of attention lately.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, I’ll out with it now:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Toxic Masculinity… oooohh! (cue dark clouds, lightning, thunder and the
gasps of the victimized masses)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, please don’t get your chonies all in a wad… at least not yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I want to go on before you tune me out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is a segment of our society that just can’t seem to deal with
reality anymore. They can’t stomach dialog, nor discussion, nor argument
(productive argument), nor negotiation or compromise. It would seem that the
days of agreeing to disagree and living in peace are no more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I cannot speak for any one of you and I would not condescend to do so
anyway. I am only speaking for myself. You can hate me or call me names or categorize
me or write me off, but ultimately I don’t care. I’ve made up my mind that
there are some in this world who simply don’t want peace. Some people simply
want to rule the rest of us and would attempt to force us into a space where
tolerance doesn’t exist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Instead, these people want us to accept whatever their momentary,
relativistic views are. They want us to say that lies are the truth and that
the truth is a pack of lies.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One lie that is now being told to the males of this world… yes, in fact
there are still males out there. And yes we’re males because God made us that
way. We in fact have the… ahem! (cough!) … plumbing that proves it. (Contrary
to those who falsely claim that gender is in the mind, not the body)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This new lie is that we males and the behaviors and idiosyncrasies that
define us as males are somehow messed up and that ultimately we need to be a
whole lot more like females in order to fit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I would refer to that as emasculation now, wouldn’t you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, before you blow a gasket because this monologue is making you mad,
please read on…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is something in this fallen world that some of us know as sin.
Yes, sin. According to Jesus, we have all fallen short of God’s expectations of
us (Sin by the way is an ancient archery term that refers to the archer having
missed his/her mark (target)) If you don’t believe in sin, then I hate to be
the bearer of bad news for you but there’s not much hope for you then, because
that leaves you having to define all the evil that people do based on a
completely fluctuating and indefinable behavioral target. If you won’t
acknowledge evil, or sin, then you also cannot identify or accept hope.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Relativism ultimately leads you to anarchy and a world with no hope.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There is only one true lasting and overriding hope that sin may be
overcome and His name is Jesus. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus knew that the heart of humankind could not be trusted. That is
one of the core reasons that he had to die on the cross and take on all of
humankinds sin. The sacrifice for sin had to be made by one who had lived a
sinless life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All that said, I, like all men am not perfect. I have sinned many times
in my life. And, I have had to go before God and confess those sins and repent
of them. Remember what Jesus said though, that we have all fallen short.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will not defend the actions of men that have taken advantage of
women. I will not sit here and say that “boys will be boys” and act as if we
should not work to make the world a better, safer place for the women and
girls. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, I will also not be categorized once again and shoved into a
corner where we men either kowtow to the me too movement as if we are all
guilty, or be forced to sit down and shut up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Simply put, there have been, are now and will be many great men in this
world. We come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are average and ordinary.
Some of us join the military and go off to defend those who need defending or
destroy those who are committing all sorts of evil against the weak. Some of us
are first responders, running towards danger or disaster to stand in the gap
for those who need help. Some of us lead honorably from wherever that position
of leadership takes us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many, many men are honorable, trustworthy and reliable people that
contribute greatly to our world day after day. And, we men, we men of honor
when confronted with the evils that other men do will (as always) come to the
defense and aid of the females around us when the need arises.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We will not trivialize nor defend the actions of the victimizers that
we have seen very much in the public eye lately in areas such as the
entertainment industry, sports, politics, our places of worship or in our
schools. Many of us already take an active role in ensuring that the other men
around us are called out or corrected when they are behaving badly or defending
those that do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In conclusion, if the powerful women in this world want to take an
active role in ensuring that the men who behave badly are held accountable,
then I and many other men do support that. However, once again we seem to have
a movement that wants to hold an entire group of individuals somehow
responsible for the actions of a select few. I won’t buy into that and a great
many men that I’ve spoken with do in fact take offense at that. If you alienate
those that you want to help further your cause by insulting them, berating them
(unfairly) and lumping them in with the actual offenders as if all men and all
male behavior was inherently bad, then you have contributed once again to yet
another societal divide in both our country and the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God does not categorize sin. He says that it is all worthy of death.
Our only hope is in his ability to transform hearts. If women want the men who
behave badly to change then that change has to occur in the hearts and minds of
those men through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. If the women who
want this transformation in men to occur would just realize that they need to
enlist the help of the good men around them, then those of us who are being led
by God, would be more apt to listen and more apt to get involved with being
active participants in helping guide the misbehaving men around us into
cleaning up their acts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Blessed are the peacemakers…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seize the day and go do your part in transforming the world into a
better place!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike <><</div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-17994766172728442552019-01-02T19:13:00.002-08:002019-01-02T19:13:16.871-08:00I Miss You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Momma, I miss you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It’s just that simple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You never realize just how much someone means to you until you’re
separated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But there are differences in separation. Aren’t there?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Separation can be across the room. It can be around the block. It can
be across the country. It can be across an ocean.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, then there is separation across the greatest divide. When our
loved ones pass across the barrier between life and death, that barrier is
insurmountable from our human perspective.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some have said that after Christ beat death at its own game that, “Death,
where is thy sting?” But Despite death having been defeated on the cross of
Christ, there is still the reality of grief and separation. That is real… and,
that is where my family is right now… My Dad first and foremost, and then for
all of my Mom’s children second, and then lastly, her friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are hurting. It’s just reality. It’s just where grief takes you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where the lie of grief comes in is this: Nobody else is feeling this
pain. Nobody else can relate to this pain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our Savior Jesus knows exactly the pain of our grief. The scripture
explains how.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus wept.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Many of us have read this verse. Many of us have seen it and not put
ourselves in that moment. We haven’t let the circumstances of that moment
connect with our hearts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jesus wept.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God understands our pain. He understands it and His promises are a part
of our healing should we choose to accept them and believe that they are so
very true.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have chosen to believe in Christ as God’s only son and my (our)
Savior. His death and His payment of the price for our sins gives us the grace
and mercy that it takes for us to arrive at eternal life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, in that eternal life there are promises that He has gone before us
to make us a place in which to live out eternity with Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Eternity is a place that scripture says will not be a place of
suffering, tears or pain. We will dwell with our creator in restored eternal
new bodies and we will praise Him for all He has done for us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We will be reunited with those that we love that have also given their
hearts over to Him as their Lord & Savior.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our hope is not in medicine. Our hope is not in government. Our hope is
not in mortal men or women that have claimed some false godhood or immortality.
Our hope is in the only person who lived a sinless life. Our hope is in the
only one who has defeated death and been raised back to life and that as life
eternal!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Praise God for His son, Jesus Christ!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, yes, I grieve the passing from this Earth, my dear mother. Even
today, I am still shedding tears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will miss my Mom until the day when I too will let go of this mortal
tent that I live in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until then, I will honor the life she has lived and the legacy that she
has left us. I am confident that when she entered into God’s presence that she
heard that which we all long to hear… “Well done my good and faithful one.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I know that she was embraced by the Savior that she loves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I know that she was surrounded and embraced by many loved ones that
have gone on before her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And she was also surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses that cheered
her entry into eternal life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
May we all run this life’s race as well as she did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That is my prayer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Give your heart fully to God and go out to seize this day!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sincerely, Mike <><</div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-38949807678356794892018-12-21T23:46:00.002-08:002019-04-01T23:26:44.748-07:00May We Be Found Ready<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dear Lord I know you’re near</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">You promised you would be</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Near to the broken hearted</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And you’ve never failed me</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Though I would pass this cup</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know Earthly life has an end</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It’s just a fact that I can’t deny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life is a gift that you only lend</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’m afraid that like so many</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I’m prone to take for granted</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This precious gift you’ve given</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Each of us a seed you’ve planted</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">All of us loved and valued</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Each endowed with gifts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">A lifetime to unwrap them</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Living our purpose our soul lifts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And so I ask dear Lord</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For an extra portion of grace</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pressed down and overflowing</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So that we can finish this race</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For our lives are so fragile</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And good health does leave</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We fight and struggle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">But one day we all grieve</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So when that day comes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">And you call out our name</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I pray we’ll be found ready</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hearts afire with Jesus’ flame</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When our final breath we breathe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whispering our last farewell</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">May an escort of angels carry us</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">To heaven where You dwell<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-28319938218195268172018-10-20T16:54:00.000-07:002018-10-20T16:54:31.696-07:00I’m Not Burying My Head in the Sand… However…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, here is how the story goes…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A factual account…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
News Flash!! … I have political opinions… oooh! Big deal right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Everyone does. Don’t they?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, I’ve made a decision for the time being…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m done with political talk on my social media platforms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I know, I know… It’s about time I shut up right?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I mean I’m so darn ignorant and never cross examine the issues, or look
into fact checking sources… etc.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am a human being as are you and yes, I am subject to failings such as
bias, prejudice and stubbornness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But, to be fair, aren’t most of us like that at least some of the time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All that to be said, I still have opinions and if prompted I still don’t
mind debating an issue (face to face) so long as the other party in the debate
agrees that it is ok to have our minds changed through discussion, presenting
of evidence as to the contrary points of our opinions and just realizing that
we overlooked some facts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will keep said opinions still, but I pledge to keep them to myself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
However, don’t expect me to bury my head in the sand. Don’t expect me
to just accept a lie. Don’t expect me to kowtow to “expert” opinions without
solid fact to back them up. And probably more importantly to the current
environment, don’t expect me to accept anyone rewriting history (ugly or not)
and in that atrocity to forget the lessons that factual treatment of said
history can teach us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There are those in this current moment in history (mid-terms, 2018)
that would like me to believe certain things that I know to be nothing more
than propaganda by the current power wielders in our once great state. I know
that their stated facts are just repeated (cut & pasted) dialog taken
straight out of messages put forth by the current political powerbase.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don’t respect borrowed opinions.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The last word I have for you has been repeatedly spoken by me over many
years.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just go vote ok?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Read up on the propositions. Read up on the politicians. Weed through
the diatribe and cliché to find what facts are available and make your best
educated picks on the ballots.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you do that then, whether we agree on the issues or not, you’ll at
least have the kind of respect that is given to someone who I observe has made
an attempt at educating themselves before deciding.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
True tolerance can only exist where we can agree to disagree and still
treat each other civilly and maybe even remain as friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I foster no illusions that we live in probably the most divided and
divisive times that I have ever observed in my lifetime. And with that
happening I don’t foster much hope for recovery without God’s intervention in
the hearts and minds of those on each side of the divide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But it is in the hope in the one true God, a God of reconciliation that
I do not give up hope because I know that He has overcome the World and He has
already conquered death and hell. So, I still retain hope that He will make all
things right in their time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, consider this my last hurrah on social media at large.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I want to be a catalyst for positivity, hope, love, forgiveness, peace
and compassion. I don’t think that there is a law against any of those.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Peace!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seize the day!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike <><</div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-89153672673320168572018-08-28T17:03:00.000-07:002018-08-28T17:03:08.326-07:00Shame<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I found myself in an awkward position this week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Don’t feel sorry for me. Trust me. In the end I don’t feel all that
sorry for myself since I am the one who stuck his hand in the proverbial
hornet’s nest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It seemed so innocent at the time. I just wanted to point out that so
many of us these days like to rewrite the rules to fit our own perception of
how things ought to work.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You know. They should always work in our favor right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
No?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let me just explain and maybe you’ll either feel sorry for me or you’ll
side with my worst critic at the time. I don’t know. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our daughter just started High School in the last few weeks. Her school
does not offer bussing, so the children either make their own way home, or a
parent has to come pick them up. Unfortunately, the way the world is nowadays,
there is no way we’re letting our 14 year old daughter walk the mile or so home
all alone. Not happening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So depending on which one of us, my wife or I, is available, we drive
over to the school around dismissal and wait for her. It so happens that the
place I wait for her has an area of the street in front of a residential
neighborhood that is painted in very large words, “KEEP CLEAR.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well after a few trips over I began noticing that this one particular
gentleman would come basically every day and park in that painted area to await
his child’s arrival. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Two things, 1) In most respects I couldn’t care less about this
person’s behavior individually. I mean, he, like everyone else has the right to
make whatever decisions he wants to so long as he is not physically hurting
someone. 2) It was not my goal to get this person in trouble and I deliberately
avoided providing any personal details when I did what I did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Probably on the say fourth time this guy parked in front of me, I made
the decision to discreetly take a photo with my camera phone that captured a
small corner of the driver side rear of the car and the words “KEEP CLEAR”
painted on the street clearly shown. I then posted the picture on a Facebook
crime watch page for our city and basically pointed out that so many of us
these days only obey the rules when it suits us. We often turn a blind eye to
rules when they cause inconvenience or seem silly to our own way of seeing
things. I didn’t even call it a crime, I just pointed out that many of us just
don’t feel any compelling reason to obey the rules much anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Again, I made an effort to not show the car’s license plate, the
person’s face, or even any street signs. I just called on those who are part of
our community to maybe think about more than just themselves. To respect the
law and how what they do affects the other people around them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, for a little while, the responses on Facebook were in agreement,
sarcastically humorous or curious as to whether this person’s behavior was
really all that egregious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then a couple of people came on. Trolls I assume.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And, it got ugly. Way ugly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
They told me that I ought to get a life, punctuated with a few really
choice 4 letter words. They schooled me on my being a dirtbag for Facebook
shaming this person. And… it went on… and on… and on.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until I decided to take down my post. I took it down after it had only
been up for maybe 30 – 40 minutes. I took it down because I realized that
pointing out other’s thumbing their noses at the rules wouldn’t really change
anything. I realized that when people say, “If you see something, say
something,” it did not refer to a minor traffic violation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I mainly took it down because these other Facebook users had shamed
me to the point that it really stung.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It stung no matter what my intentions were.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It stung even though I was very aware of the irony of someone severely
Facebook shaming me in front of my whole community.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is what we’ve become, a society of anarchists. We write our own
rules and laws and stuff our little personal constitution into the back pocket
of our mind to be whipped out viciously at the slightest provocation. We won’t
let anyone or anything cause us to place into question our personal beliefs or
our actions. It jeopardizes our core beliefs not only about ourselves, but
about our own worldview.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Don’t you judge me!!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We’ve truly lost our way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Folks, this is what anarchy looks like.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
All of us thinking that nobody has any right whatsoever to call us out
for anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We make the rules or at least decide when it’s ok to cross a boundary. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And many of us wonder why our politicians feel so empowered, especially
here in California to ignore us. To enact laws and taxes without providing us
with our right to vote on their decisions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It’s why they no longer truly punish those who commit crimes in
California, at least if the monetary value is under $1,000. It’s why those who
run our state keep creating new laws that protect the “rights” of criminals and
not the victims.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our country and our state are increasingly divided because those who
rule over us do not enact justice on those who should have incurred it. We have
one side who worships their false god of the “honorable thief.” A person who
does not exist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Victim’s blood cries out from the ground and these days only God hears
them. Our rulers do not. And, our rulers don’t have any courage or desire to
stand up to the criminals in this country and truly bring justice by executing
harsh punishments that would truly bring back deterrents to future crime. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It’s as if they were not afraid that a civil war could come again. I
know many in this state and in this country who would not be afraid to enter
into a civil war if that’s what it took to bring back a respect for the rule of
law and a respect for our country’s constitution. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As for me, I stand in the middle of that great divide. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I believe that we need to be willing to have dialog between all
parties. I believe that we need to be unafraid to compromise where something
could be given up that is less important. However, I also believe that we
cannot live under delusions that freedom comes without cost. We equally cannot
delude ourselves that big government and unsustainable programs that ride on
enslaving us to unreasonable taxation in order to feed the machine are good
either. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Free is a myth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, I learned a small but valuable lesson earlier this week. Don’t
sweat the small stuff, but be ready to defend myself when a real threat occurs
because there are apparently many around me who don’t believe that there are
solid lines defining right and wrong anymore, nor are there many who believe
that the rules should apply to them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
So for now, I’ll keep watching my back. Doing what God says is right
and letting Him deal with those doing wrong around me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have a blessed week.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike <><</div>
<br /></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5214458179607101769.post-47980152670883794572018-08-12T23:28:00.000-07:002018-08-12T23:28:26.451-07:00Judgment. Is There Anything Worse?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There’s something I’ve been pondering recently.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
In a modern Western world such as ours, we tout our ability to have
near instant news and communication, but we are finding that in that space
there is a serious flaw.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are often shouting into a hurricane… into a vacuum… into our own
ears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are being ignored.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Social media and the internet with all of their greatness have
ultimately betrayed us and left us empty, lonely and unheard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is possible to speak our thoughts and opinions and make them
available to hundreds if not thousands of people in an instant, but we are
faced with a painful truth that no one is listening. Or maybe no one cares or
worse yet… both.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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Some say that we have all become armchair quarterbacks or judges.</div>
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That’s a huge turnoff right?</div>
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To be judged.</div>
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It’s strange though. The judging. </div>
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It would seem that from listening to most everyone, that all judgment
is wrong. </div>
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Is it though?</div>
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I have to ask this. If you don’t practice judgment, how can you move through
your day? Your life?</div>
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The scriptures would seem to indicate that if we do not exercise
judgment, good judgment, then we are foolish. Fools.</div>
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If you were a father like me. And, maybe you are. Or a mother. Would
you let your child date just anyone?</div>
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If you said yes, then I have no doubt you’re lying.</div>
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You would do many things to ensure this other person was an acceptable
companion for your child. You would in fact judge them. </div>
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If you hired someone to come into your home and clean it, you would
want a background check to have been performed on them as well as obtaining
good references regarding their current and past clients. You’d exercise good
judgment. </div>
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And, if you became aware that these people were not who you thought
they were. Criminals, delinquents, liars or rebels, you would let them go from
employment or stop the relationship with your child.</div>
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You would. If you were a good parent, or a good consumer or business
owner, you would send a person like this on their way.</div>
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It’s just good common sense. It’s just exercising good judgment.</div>
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I understand fully why we often rebel at the thought of someone judging
us, judging our actions or judging the things we say. But, in many cases,
whether it’s painful or not, if it’s done in love or with good intentions,
having our failings or shortcomings pointed out or brought into the light is
what sets us back on the path to becoming a better version of ourselves.</div>
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If it’s done in love…</div>
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You see, this is where we fall into error… if our good intentions aren’t
tempered with love.</div>
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I’m not going to lie to you though. No matter how good your intentions
may be and no matter how you try to soften the blows of leading someone to
understand that they have strayed off the straight and narrow path to a life
rightly lived, many of us having been corrected will not respond well.</div>
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To be corrected is painful. It’s potentially humiliating. It can
provoke us to anger or violent outbursts where our ever so sharp tongues can
wreak great destruction on anyone within hearing distance.</div>
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Judgment and the correction of those who have strayed in life will
never be easy or pain free, so there begs a question.</div>
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Do we avoid making judgment and living in silence just to avoid the
potential pain of rejection and anger directed at us?</div>
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Or…,</div>
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Do we in careful consideration and prayer, seek God’s guidance and
wisdom to risk rejection as we seek to lead another human being into examining
their own behavior, their actions, in light of God’s commands about right
living?</div>
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It has become cliché to cop out by saying something like, “don’t judge
me!”</div>
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If we truly love each other, we cannot afford to let one another
stumble through life without taking the risks involved to help guide each other
back onto God’s narrow road.</div>
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And, the only way to do this my friends…</div>
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Is judgment…</div>
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Good judgment.</div>
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Judge well my friends.</div>
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Seize the day!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mike <><</span></div>
Migikahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13487704698648148093noreply@blogger.com0