tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87402872937335996112024-03-05T05:23:13.858-05:00A Soft Gentle VoiceRebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.comBlogger464125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-26781972015117692922021-03-13T18:59:00.000-05:002021-03-13T18:59:13.816-05:00Valleys of Sorrow and Peaks of Joy<div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0h0VTOzD_G8CBm_t1Tgj_oDSiRAacha5iw6iq0rtf_J3DvzAmmOUQQagqnb2pVkzeo5GoR-q1-fz1Malk3xoYfbWJKoJoVXHHNdY_Whfc6mz4v9MkRUHnyc9PP6kHPTvAtPdwZfiVjmQ/s2048/home+sweet+home+embroidery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0h0VTOzD_G8CBm_t1Tgj_oDSiRAacha5iw6iq0rtf_J3DvzAmmOUQQagqnb2pVkzeo5GoR-q1-fz1Malk3xoYfbWJKoJoVXHHNdY_Whfc6mz4v9MkRUHnyc9PP6kHPTvAtPdwZfiVjmQ/w480-h640/home+sweet+home+embroidery.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWkSdk5eNOq0grZ10SkIyVO6VjX-cpSKwwouRNOnhIEnq91_hdRVQzRKEfPhnlv_LGcRt4vKdTLAY2dJYaj0xE9bNPTlbtgnOc8DP3mJfEJvSTKV1PHCqhIQuCYmkeJyJ0_HwiSfoBPk/s2048/IMG_1662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWkSdk5eNOq0grZ10SkIyVO6VjX-cpSKwwouRNOnhIEnq91_hdRVQzRKEfPhnlv_LGcRt4vKdTLAY2dJYaj0xE9bNPTlbtgnOc8DP3mJfEJvSTKV1PHCqhIQuCYmkeJyJ0_HwiSfoBPk/w480-h640/IMG_1662.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div>I’ve lived more life at home this past year than ever before. It’s allowed for more solitude and stillness. I've been forced to slow down this year, and this carved out space is where loneliness tries to settle. I’ve faced impossible options and made hard decisions. I’ve meditated on truth that leads to life. I’ve prayed for more faith. I’ve ached for the grieving and grieved what’s been lost. I’ve finished the day weary and grateful that I was kept through the night. I’ve had to let go of my grip on temporal things and hold more tightly to things eternal.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqWsfsSNrT6i3jrA2iCGmMEvMGuFOnTVha2nfKCBABmPvaYo9xrNa0om7G82nmGFGPfVg6fNrGekJHLYRUGNOSIPQzjQtUpPG3kd1bAWLbLcOeWDPlj6BVOUUzyCAK1cqwLp5p0Gu07s/s4032/IMG_3631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqWsfsSNrT6i3jrA2iCGmMEvMGuFOnTVha2nfKCBABmPvaYo9xrNa0om7G82nmGFGPfVg6fNrGekJHLYRUGNOSIPQzjQtUpPG3kd1bAWLbLcOeWDPlj6BVOUUzyCAK1cqwLp5p0Gu07s/w480-h640/IMG_3631.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My heart has been broken at all the hurt and I’ve lamented as my patched up heart quietly fails and turns breathing into a conscious labour. As I’ve watched death aim to plunge through the middle of life, I’ve felt the ways we are no longer equipped to walk each other home. I’ve learned we don’t understand death even as it’s been poking around in our lives. I’ve watched humans put great effort into medical practice while our souls shrivel in misplaced trust.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I’ve been slow to speak and then I’ve spoken words I want to snatch back. I’ve heard silent voices make deafening noises in my mind. I’ve read varying opinions on life-changing measures. I’ve seen vastly different approaches to unknowns in life. I’ve observed we demand to be heard, and easily dismiss the hurting. I’ve witnessed humans bash each other and trash each other and we’ve all ended up crushed in the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8GG-Myh2B4HXmCfKRZzsAuVKYTHr3cWSX9iaDp7GortBWT4SvmM1oYnkVb6ElhRCLqzKQgTuVreFY4JviZhootG_vPeg8WLZHUSmmvvHT8lSBObzS8NlEHXkS4l8o__K7YaZZSYV9OY/s2048/IMG_2849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF8GG-Myh2B4HXmCfKRZzsAuVKYTHr3cWSX9iaDp7GortBWT4SvmM1oYnkVb6ElhRCLqzKQgTuVreFY4JviZhootG_vPeg8WLZHUSmmvvHT8lSBObzS8NlEHXkS4l8o__K7YaZZSYV9OY/w480-h640/IMG_2849.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I’ve noticed we’d rather be right in life than live life with empathy. I’ve wondered if our own rights matter that much after all. People talk about the end as though they know what’s coming. I don’t even know if tomorrow my heart will keep on beating. I’ve tasted soul-crushing sorrow and washed it down with sustaining sips of sweet joy. <br /><br />We don’t walk through trauma untouched. But, in our hurt, our pain, our grief, our sorrow, we can reach out to touch another. That’s where we pass around sweetness to swallow the sorrow. We don’t weep in the valley without mourning. In our breaking, our sickness, our sinning, we can look to Jesus. That’s where we know the highest peaks of joy and perfect peace that will protect our hearts and minds, body and soul. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido1dKlKpV2G499VrFRUD_D6Gbb5-5nL0jpv5ldX2kxyxxqiSEbwwhP847jMPajJ-wyHJWndP-5VnvkKVmVd2G4xXW97hi4B4MXX-OOyrFVFHA-mv2OsoL7MefNwXhi-hwzO3C1vLuamY/s4032/IMG_7498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEido1dKlKpV2G499VrFRUD_D6Gbb5-5nL0jpv5ldX2kxyxxqiSEbwwhP847jMPajJ-wyHJWndP-5VnvkKVmVd2G4xXW97hi4B4MXX-OOyrFVFHA-mv2OsoL7MefNwXhi-hwzO3C1vLuamY/w480-h640/IMG_7498.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br />This past year has awakened us to things long buried. We can pull back the shroud and see more than sickness and shadows. In the sting, there’s a superior Light ruling in these dark days. Instead of wishing to escape this life, we can wholeheartedly embrace a well-lived life. Instead of harbouring despair, we can dwell in hope.<div><br /></div><div>There is a refuge, a place of safety to let go of worries and fears when they overwhelm our souls. When we turn our eyes to the radiance of God’s glory—the Author of life who upholds all things by his power—our stories end with goodness tasted, love perfected, and hope fulfilled. </div></div></div><br />Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-75701972599205048762020-11-14T12:27:00.000-05:002020-11-14T12:27:29.801-05:00Deep Shadows and Golden Light<div class="separator"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoIBRV6dxYBaBJoWdtQrbyLrJjWY-DEzptnNZHX-Q7AdKlycfvgIW5nKTVJU3Ig8GqFsqwiNh_93ivZtrlqTCDEpdhrq_K5V1CGjSCZzpmkKFZiqwHkKsscySQo2DQKSIJV7Q_sNIEUQ/w640-h480/Golden+Light.HEIC" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br />The autumn sun drops swiftly through the naked trees and the golden light spills into our living room cutting shadows in the gold pooling on the floor. The day is stretching out, ready to tuck itself into the night as I hear the tick-tock of the clock -- another indication the day is almost done. Sitting in the silence in the golden pockets of light, the metal click of my heart valve ticks faster than the clock above my head.<br /><br />That heart valve that <a href="https://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.com/2015/03/an-open-letter-to-dr-david-top-heart.html">Dr David</a> put in six years ago, that was supposed to let my heart keep on pumping blood for decades, is tragically closing in with scar tissue. That’s what doctors believe is happening without actually cutting into my chest and handling my heart once again. No one can tell how long it will take before the tissue growth will make the hole so small it will be impossible for my heart to pump blood to get oxygen to the rest of my body. It is casting shadows in my life and it’s reminding me that my time here, well, it could almost be done. I’m collecting days like a string of pearls, every one precious.<br /><br />I turn the tragedy around in my mind like I try to patch up pastry that has too many cracks. The more I struggle to fix it, the more it falls apart in my hands. It will never look right. How can I process all the impossible choices ahead? Do I accept a rare complication or choose an irrational intervention? How do I hold it all together and stop the insides from pouring out making a mess of life? How do I dish out a sloppy attempt at living here when there is a glorious banquet already prepared in eternity?<br /><br />The darkness creeps in and makes me choke. It's an agony that I can't swallow. I don't want the darkness. So I keep looking because I keep learning that in the darkness even the smallest flicker of light radiates hope. It is in the darkness that light shines the brightest. I look for the light. I'm flailing in the darkness. I look to the Light. I don’t know where else to look.<br /><br />When you read the story of Scripture, when you crack it open right at the beginning, your eyes catch the first thing God created when He spoke into the darkness was light. And it was good. He separated the light from the darkness and “God called the light day, and the darkness he called night.” </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Genesis 1:5)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We are in the middle of the story right now. In the middle of the darkness and decay and death and we are all groaning. We are looking and longing for peace, for wholeness. We want all things to be made right. We don’t want hearts to stop and life to be taken too early. We agonize in the shadows. We rejoice in the glorious shining radiance of the Lamb who suffered and silenced death. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When you get to the end of the story, there is a final vision of that which is yet to come. It solves the riddle of life and death, of darkness and light. For all those who have looked to the Light of the world, turned and trusted in the Lamb who was wounded, “they will see his face . . . And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Revelation 22:5)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The hands that keep time have given me just over half the years we have come to expect. I don't know how many more I will get to string together. I desperately reach out to grasp more pearls, yet just like the night swallows up the sun every day, it feels like they are slipping through my fingers. I know God has all my days all numbered and one day I will see his face and night will be no more. Until He calls me home, to find my final rest in Him, I will keep looking for the light in this darkness. As I live in Christ, trusting his death was death to all death, the radiance of his glorious shining feeds my hope.</span></span>Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-20892388640243919762017-10-02T08:55:00.000-04:002017-10-02T09:04:55.116-04:00In the Potter’s Hand<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyiMbDEnp2CdNzOEqQNqdMpRqjZAmY8BIbKaEGEdr5rvAvJ2P-xCVLWho7P80EB3nGqRrdUn-bk257KDf3C5DcFEss7yeVgJhN0Y8Odl6H81Qqoaovwg95uawE4kbbU39B9TCTysLDWA/s1600/_DSC3726a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyiMbDEnp2CdNzOEqQNqdMpRqjZAmY8BIbKaEGEdr5rvAvJ2P-xCVLWho7P80EB3nGqRrdUn-bk257KDf3C5DcFEss7yeVgJhN0Y8Odl6H81Qqoaovwg95uawE4kbbU39B9TCTysLDWA/s1600/_DSC3726a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I took a lump of clay and held it in my hands. I slapped it down, aiming for the centre of the wheel and missed the target I had made. I gathered it up, and slapped it down again. I was closer, but still off. I placed it in the centre and then smacked it down hard to help the clay stick to the wheel. I pushed my foot down on the pedal and the wheel began to turn. I pushed it harder and the wheel spun faster and faster and the lump of clay flew right off the wheel. I started over and began to get a feel of the wheel, managed to centre the lump, and began to mould the clay as I pressed into it with my hands.<br /><br />It was the second time I had sat at a potter’s wheel.<br /><br />What I imagined my finished handiwork would look like was far more elegant than the final result. In a unique way, I saw the beauty in it. But, you can see that it was inexperienced hands that gripped the spinning clay, not the hands of a potter that has developed their craft and precisely guides the lump into exactly the masterpiece he has intended.<br /><br />As long as I relied on the experienced potter to give me direction and assistance, I was able to produce a lovely, modest piece of art. Left to my own, my lump of clay would have turned to a sloppy, wet, mucky pile of useless mess.<br /><br />The first time I sat at a potter’s wheel, I held back for not wanting to make a mistake. The second time, I was a smidgen more familiar with the wheel and the clay, and a little less inhibited by my own inner critique, but still hesitant to charge ahead with any creativity. <br /><br />I held on to that lump wanting to create something beautiful, but quite clueless as how to accomplish it. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy30pO1mOShxgHSsmN6BCJgcvEpl55PTs6X89Iz_ejTQOVgmsd6oMDxIBVWKby8LFci2rIVJpGOV7_GZV689mrjBjqlId5VnZ8wG7zcS4bzNbefoFWw8MRGiJd58PcsjofXnLVf80WSw/s1600/_DSC3694a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNy30pO1mOShxgHSsmN6BCJgcvEpl55PTs6X89Iz_ejTQOVgmsd6oMDxIBVWKby8LFci2rIVJpGOV7_GZV689mrjBjqlId5VnZ8wG7zcS4bzNbefoFWw8MRGiJd58PcsjofXnLVf80WSw/s1600/_DSC3694a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My first opportunity at a pottery wheel, I had intended to fashion a bowl, but when the walls began to break down, I reworked the clay into a small plate. Recently, I had this second opportunity, and I managed to form a bowl. Although it will be functional, a keen eye will easily detect it is not a symmetrical bowl.<br /><br />We laughed together as friends, as we took turns to sit at the wheel and watched each of our personalities wrestle with various aspects of the whole process. <br /><br />Both times I tried my hand at pottery, I have grown in appreciation for the skilled artist who crafts stunning artwork on the wheel; who takes a lump of clay and turns it into practical and exquisite handiwork.<br /><br />When I sit at the potter’s wheel, when I hold a lump of clay in my hands, I recognize that I have more in common with the lump of clay being transformed into something beautiful than with the potter holding the spinning clay with tender care and a gentle strength in his hands.<br /><br />I have had a taste of what it is to be a potter. As my friends gathered in the little pottery workshop we recognized, with gratitude, that we are the clay that is sovereignly held in the hands of the Potter.<br /><br />There can only be one potter at the wheel.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWc2lBdAvc3By0XRYeYmLvopXSNCBUb0j9qFEOnP_y4lYzvRlViKv-n5qmk5d5mt_nb-fgUs9c5LSQMJoZgtEI4DpH2Sp3-0y-46Akgba5OEqNw-fVsc3EoolmyaR6F8HKG8AQtO1sBM/s1600/_DSC3717a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWc2lBdAvc3By0XRYeYmLvopXSNCBUb0j9qFEOnP_y4lYzvRlViKv-n5qmk5d5mt_nb-fgUs9c5LSQMJoZgtEI4DpH2Sp3-0y-46Akgba5OEqNw-fVsc3EoolmyaR6F8HKG8AQtO1sBM/s1600/_DSC3717a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Several times in the Bible, God is portrayed as the potter to demonstrate His sovereignty. And we, his people, are the clay.<br /><br />In the book of Jeremiah, chapter 18, we see that God commands Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house. Jeremiah obeys, and finds the potter working at his wheel. We read in verse 4:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And in verse 6, we see the word the Lord delivered to Jeremiah and the prophet tells the people of Israel:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the LORD. Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidHRdIaI3Y4UyBmSKz4v-fw_eEpezmj1NHATuLVUE5Y5lFB5KfRdxEAO5cs_4To7mk2E81nvXgi6wOFI6sIHL7kVQl5RmqmCAhwIQ-E52cUXN_1xSyllGhVhf7lQQzHbofhjz-nLXszc/s1600/_DSC3732a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidHRdIaI3Y4UyBmSKz4v-fw_eEpezmj1NHATuLVUE5Y5lFB5KfRdxEAO5cs_4To7mk2E81nvXgi6wOFI6sIHL7kVQl5RmqmCAhwIQ-E52cUXN_1xSyllGhVhf7lQQzHbofhjz-nLXszc/s1600/_DSC3732a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The prophet Isaiah also calls the Lord, “our potter” as to demonstrate His power. In Isaiah 64:8 we read: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“But now, O LORD, you are our Father;<br /> we are the clay, and you are our potter;<br /> we are all the work of your hand.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And Paul, in Romans 9:20-24, says:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These truths are so magnificent that our human understanding falls short of being able to comprehend God’s ways. How foolish it is for the clay to contradict or talk back to the potter? <br /><br />In a song of praise, Paul writes in Romans 11:33:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We may at times think we are in the seat of the potter, fashioning a way for our selves, but don’t be fooled. God will do what is right. He will fashion the vessel according to his perfect will, just as He has done with the nation of Israel. And He will also build His church.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mO_A9rQAkwvZOphbfpqABYFgyO-OamuDYFjKsmAJjXjol5mpLIkEobTYW14oq0xK62UbGZ55U-KHYY-n9zZAD-4iBuhMykFtvdkMzYlUZFeMjvnfM4YD_3uJIXbG8Ki1_fDZ4e0ddFc/s1600/_DSC3761a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mO_A9rQAkwvZOphbfpqABYFgyO-OamuDYFjKsmAJjXjol5mpLIkEobTYW14oq0xK62UbGZ55U-KHYY-n9zZAD-4iBuhMykFtvdkMzYlUZFeMjvnfM4YD_3uJIXbG8Ki1_fDZ4e0ddFc/s1600/_DSC3761a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We may not understand it, but the truth is God is sovereign over all. He has a perfect plan for the world He made and the people He calls and redeems back to Himself.<br /><br />Surrender to the potter, and trust Him as He continues to demonstrate His power and sovereignty in your life and in the world around you.<br /><br />And join with Paul in Romans 11:36 with these words of praise:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”</span></blockquote>
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-82236391591977339612017-09-22T12:58:00.000-04:002017-09-22T12:58:10.932-04:00Don't Forget the Things Your Eyes Have Seen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kGG4D7PtJ3RgKuRIHlCM3GocF29zzJ7w7X5PMjYI3UxCOKz6ICj4R-IS63Avfdgjv97pv9zYUj2f2-8_PfV6XucuNIJx5CgQD56lLIpzugpVsq7mpdKNLGVEpKDqWPB01-U6IHV-zik/s1600/_DSC6563a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kGG4D7PtJ3RgKuRIHlCM3GocF29zzJ7w7X5PMjYI3UxCOKz6ICj4R-IS63Avfdgjv97pv9zYUj2f2-8_PfV6XucuNIJx5CgQD56lLIpzugpVsq7mpdKNLGVEpKDqWPB01-U6IHV-zik/s1600/_DSC6563a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was in a foreign land thirty-eight years ago when doctors discovered a sarcoma in me the size of a grapefruit. That is a big tumour for a slip of a girl about to celebrate her third birthday. My dad and grandfather rushed me to the emergency room because I had popped a penny in my mouth and swallowed it and it lodged in my esophagus.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When they scanned for the penny on the x-ray, they found more than they ever imagined. They left me in the hospital that night and carried the bad news back to my mom.<br /><br />I don’t remember swallowing the penny or spending the night alone in the hospital in England. I don’t remember flying home to Canada or meeting all the doctors that poked and prodded. I don’t remember being admitted to the Hospital for SickKids on that day in September.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don’t remember the surgery that couldn’t get all the cancer. <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWr5jZmfoNK6YTsM-TbFnGUJU0fe5CLT7f_-74r4GCTm0YsntW-w7lBUT3GbdE2Nt-osJ7swTD4eb30DnAD_2jMzOtovbhI5mjknjyG3KOqmcJtDAXkziFZ9cRFk2a5LV-9csIOHh5TyY/s1600/IMG_4539.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWr5jZmfoNK6YTsM-TbFnGUJU0fe5CLT7f_-74r4GCTm0YsntW-w7lBUT3GbdE2Nt-osJ7swTD4eb30DnAD_2jMzOtovbhI5mjknjyG3KOqmcJtDAXkziFZ9cRFk2a5LV-9csIOHh5TyY/s1600/IMG_4539.gif" /></a><br /><br />I do remember lying very still on a hard, cold table while the doctors blasted me with radiation. I remember months and months of chemotherapy.<br /><br />No one could say if all the treatment would even kill the cancer; a type of cancer that was so rare to even be found in a child. They drew up a plan for a three year old that was as aggressive as if they were treating an adult with a sarcoma.<br /><br />My mom, she refused to take me down for my first day of radiation, just weeks after my surgery. I can’t blame her. I’m not sure if I could have subjected any of my three year olds to everything my body has had to endure.<br /><br />My doctor called her on the phone and told her, if she did not bring me down to Toronto, I would not live. But, she had already been warned of the horrors of all the side effects. How do parents make a heart-wrenching choice like that?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Doomed if you do, but dead if you don’t.<br /><br />That first appointment was rescheduled. And every weekday for the next five weeks they put me on that cold table in a large room with a big machine killing things I knew nothing about.<br /><br />I still tremble when I think about that table. <br /><br />For two years, my fight with cancer continued. <br /><br />For the next thirty-six years, I have pressed on and I look back lest I forget what my eyes have seen.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF9179PHCI39mvBhae7DqfB5K2LMOR0YCuJFi_kZFQKn8-MCMo5L26EH0MJrhI_LebdO71NEwgp1KuvlNL07e8qEivLb7TbeZgu34OSBCA5xzVQSMUx5oyrtpZp8POxTXTtRofzpk-P8/s1600/_DSC0876a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuF9179PHCI39mvBhae7DqfB5K2LMOR0YCuJFi_kZFQKn8-MCMo5L26EH0MJrhI_LebdO71NEwgp1KuvlNL07e8qEivLb7TbeZgu34OSBCA5xzVQSMUx5oyrtpZp8POxTXTtRofzpk-P8/s1600/_DSC0876a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />No one knew back in 1979 that the radiotherapy they blasted at me as a 3 year old child would send me into advanced heart failure as a 37 year old mom of three young children.<br /><br />It had already destroyed a lung and so the open-heart surgery I needed was risky business.<br /><br />How can a body with 30% lung capacity manage on a heart-lung machine for over six hours? No one knew if it could.<br /><br />Stepping up on to that operating table was a step of faith. <br /><br />Faith perseveres by seeing “Him who is invisible” we are told in Hebrews 11:27.<br /><br />My eyes have never seen God. I have never stood before a burning bush or stood at the foot of a mountain and see it burn with fire or heard the voice of God. But, I have seen His wonders; I have seen His glory displayed in my life. I have known the truth He has revealed in His Word. <br /><br />I will give thanks to God for the great things He has done. <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsIlk54iu7kR8gPWX67wmLOynUDGuKIRWEzxwhkKytnnzRuhzCAHTzNYN_3RQCZnm-1cGjFMcHaXCfX0KoBWgf5jJQ6EsRJbZJxVL53aSyvYdCs2lZ1s4ReUJB9iEbcUOeeK1w4lqPJ0/s1600/_DSC1094a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsIlk54iu7kR8gPWX67wmLOynUDGuKIRWEzxwhkKytnnzRuhzCAHTzNYN_3RQCZnm-1cGjFMcHaXCfX0KoBWgf5jJQ6EsRJbZJxVL53aSyvYdCs2lZ1s4ReUJB9iEbcUOeeK1w4lqPJ0/s1600/_DSC1094a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In Deuteronomy, Moses exhorts the children of Israel to not forget what the Lord God has done for them. They are once again on the eastern border of the Promised Land. Moses was forbidden to enter the land and he would die in the land of Moab before God would tell Joshua to cross over the Jordan and take possession of the land He was giving the children of Israel.<br /><br />They have wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. And now, before Moses dies, he urges the people, with a series of sermons and prophecies, to obey the Lord God who is faithful, unchanging, and full of grace and mercy. God had demonstrated His power and love over and over and yet, it keeps slipping from their mind that He alone is God.<br /><br />What slips from our mind can never lead to gratitude in our hearts. You forget his wonders, and next you will be forgetting God.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-5VK73s1PSFuat6fO4GbllcvVOIofut-iS9tMARmSIr1yyd17i3EJuA6eO1qDx3c7CDm-ctDytbC1SXZ9LBHGIojJ54Pj_wd00ouA3PhReVDLMUiCx5Aoh2SvG_KOTqlNxBrvJFlAP8/s1600/_DSC9855a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-5VK73s1PSFuat6fO4GbllcvVOIofut-iS9tMARmSIr1yyd17i3EJuA6eO1qDx3c7CDm-ctDytbC1SXZ9LBHGIojJ54Pj_wd00ouA3PhReVDLMUiCx5Aoh2SvG_KOTqlNxBrvJFlAP8/s1600/_DSC9855a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In Deuteronomy 4:9, Moses tells this generation of Israelites:</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don’t forget! Don’t forget what you have seen God do. Don’t let it slip from your memory. Tell it over and over to your children. Don’t give any room for any idols in your heart. God is good and faithful. God is just and holy. He alone is God. Do you know it? <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvHciNmvhD-ahtm-Oq9bFgCubY1SNYBfO_oZhRRY2WO0dCrfXFzgy82dAlHPh9fn3vOxzwVt2B-VQjJnEyIpXwC4b9JRP86sKQSPXTHhxREHU8hm-rSd6kw9CSqBhij6VPz5SpduyNzE/s1600/IMG_3671a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvHciNmvhD-ahtm-Oq9bFgCubY1SNYBfO_oZhRRY2WO0dCrfXFzgy82dAlHPh9fn3vOxzwVt2B-VQjJnEyIpXwC4b9JRP86sKQSPXTHhxREHU8hm-rSd6kw9CSqBhij6VPz5SpduyNzE/s1600/IMG_3671a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />John Calvin, in his commentary on Deuteronomy, wrote:</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“the people must beware of shutting their eyes against the clear revelation of God's power, and therefore urges them to keep it in memory, because man's ingratitude is but too prone to forgetfulness."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We don’t know what we may have to face tomorrow.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We don’t know what the road will look like. It may look like the impossible. It may look like cancer or some other sickness, or a costly sacrifice, or persecution, or reproach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It may look like the Red Sea, or the wilderness, or the Jordan River. It may part and you will step out in faith on the dry ground able to endure because you are relying on God’s promises.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNtM_hueUesMtN4IamXMgC5io1heRbLKjRj8vmsZBisSphrra4g_mQOFckEXB0SZI-tb2cN684NB3YmrA4RuxJU3Gu6KGiU3rmn6WJgMUNQZTn-zvoIV6JyLbnWL0gCVfL8xQ_eLjhMs/s1600/_DSC9687a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNtM_hueUesMtN4IamXMgC5io1heRbLKjRj8vmsZBisSphrra4g_mQOFckEXB0SZI-tb2cN684NB3YmrA4RuxJU3Gu6KGiU3rmn6WJgMUNQZTn-zvoIV6JyLbnWL0gCVfL8xQ_eLjhMs/s1600/_DSC9687a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Thirty-eight years ago the doctors found a sarcoma right beside my heart. Three years ago doctors rebuilt my heart, but they didn’t think I would wake up that night after the surgery.<br /><br />For three years now my heart ticks loud like a clock in my chest. I can hear it keep time with a steady beat as if to remind me every moment of the day.<br /><br />Before God had created the world, He knew my every heartbeat. He knows my days. By grace, He has brought me back to Himself and with His steadfast love will lead me all the days of my life.<br /><br />I have seen God do great things. He alone is God. I will not forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I will tell them to my children and if it is God’s will, to their children.</span></div>
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-89451288399726572132017-09-15T11:35:00.001-04:002017-09-15T11:35:42.079-04:00Held in the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJo5WD88Rnh47Lk_MvRMLmqI1NyhUYKHNeyBSZKgkJLPq8N9DGVFstq-H8_TI2QjiB0jvbNFreQYwDjGE1Nj6VQv1rfcFAl3Xod1C-2YpI88zYNHjQkpAfqpIahitX2rKxvP-g27YV-0/s1600/_DSC8926a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJo5WD88Rnh47Lk_MvRMLmqI1NyhUYKHNeyBSZKgkJLPq8N9DGVFstq-H8_TI2QjiB0jvbNFreQYwDjGE1Nj6VQv1rfcFAl3Xod1C-2YpI88zYNHjQkpAfqpIahitX2rKxvP-g27YV-0/s1600/_DSC8926a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is after the storm passes. When the howling wind that pierced the heart hushes. The surging waves that smashed life to bits become still. And you realize you made it; you lived through it all. You survived. You are still standing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That is when it hit me. Before the wild storm I thought I had living figured out--until life was almost snuffed out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I fought and thrashed and floundered. Fought to live for my husband. Fought to live for my children. But when I had fought long and hard enough to keep on living, the frailty of life was too real and I became lost. Lost in the land of the living. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That is when I became afraid to live and scared to suffer anymore.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3HNLyKa3-HwDWUqyY2rNh25bJzLWMXBqPPSInQ5xXzSZNRFTeMNZlByZD3Pv2K_r_8A2J0_8n8fDKKyIg74KtIJ4m6dxshkeYW8d_tpLHGZelj5s_jAnljfbgiQmH1fr8HRz1m1ak8E/s1600/_DSC0048a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga3HNLyKa3-HwDWUqyY2rNh25bJzLWMXBqPPSInQ5xXzSZNRFTeMNZlByZD3Pv2K_r_8A2J0_8n8fDKKyIg74KtIJ4m6dxshkeYW8d_tpLHGZelj5s_jAnljfbgiQmH1fr8HRz1m1ak8E/s1600/_DSC0048a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDoNokmxzBZsKqYTFCvHOlfh7ueWl-_31BFJGgXxbekcQEtJNIeZzD-iJIm_g6Am4viG47miKUazd6xbbzO_EbStS0TH8HLqsUpbNCuZpDIl_sy3O2RydBmuU7PBrSCsIH9WVhNVvo-A/s1600/_DSC9975a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDoNokmxzBZsKqYTFCvHOlfh7ueWl-_31BFJGgXxbekcQEtJNIeZzD-iJIm_g6Am4viG47miKUazd6xbbzO_EbStS0TH8HLqsUpbNCuZpDIl_sy3O2RydBmuU7PBrSCsIH9WVhNVvo-A/s1600/_DSC9975a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They say open-heart surgery can send you straight into depression. I fell hard. Into the darkness. Alone. I sunk to a seemingly bottomless pit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I lost my way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I lost my words.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I lost the wonder of life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I became numb. Numb to the very thing I loved to proclaim: the goodness of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His grace was blazing like the sunshine splashing gold through the winter branches outside my window, but my eyes focused on the barrenness instead of the Light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“My hope is built on nothing less</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I dare not trust the sweetest frame,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdBmjQFpteczBBtFCe9PleXdu6qaGmknqoIokqW2BK1UrVQjFJ9rZeBcSRKHScl6NLoX20jwC0eyqV9qEhAFGopVwZXmY6l-t4wwqo_M7_1URj8CRwOtM0prDIFIWC6mZnrupb4RlfR4/s1600/_DSC9437a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdBmjQFpteczBBtFCe9PleXdu6qaGmknqoIokqW2BK1UrVQjFJ9rZeBcSRKHScl6NLoX20jwC0eyqV9qEhAFGopVwZXmY6l-t4wwqo_M7_1URj8CRwOtM0prDIFIWC6mZnrupb4RlfR4/s1600/_DSC9437a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And, looking away from the shining radiance, I began to sink, like Peter out on the turbulent sea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fear held me hostage. Fear does that. It will hold you back and make you withdraw. And you may wonder why God seems so silent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When Peter stepped out of the boat and fixed his eyes on Jesus he walked on the water. When he saw the wind, he was afraid. When he looked away from the Lord, he tried to flee the danger and ended up withdrawing from the very One who would reach out to help him. And he began to sink. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is faith that looks to Jesus. Peter had faith. And yes, Jesus reprimanded him for his “little faith”, but not until after He had reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. He held him secure and helped him to trust Him more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He had already told Peter not to be afraid. He had already told him to: “Take heart, it is I”. He had already bid him to “come”. He had already told him to walk out amidst the storm and trust him. And after Peter falters and flails around in the sea, after Peter looks to the waves and begins to sink, Jesus reaches out his hand and takes hold of Peter and they get back into the boat and the wind ceased. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His anchor held him--through the storm and after the storm. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgqKOjLI_SgAWo8Xf2zlXzx2s9NTQSOOhqBxPe4TF8NWyzDO1BOMk0o4fTtX97rLC26HPX3kHeJIoWovtSibB5SHwGKb-5CKhtZOC5jp725OR6hT2x1Mc0UrcjaNIicltSK_BUQoiqY4/s1600/_DSC6759a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgqKOjLI_SgAWo8Xf2zlXzx2s9NTQSOOhqBxPe4TF8NWyzDO1BOMk0o4fTtX97rLC26HPX3kHeJIoWovtSibB5SHwGKb-5CKhtZOC5jp725OR6hT2x1Mc0UrcjaNIicltSK_BUQoiqY4/s1600/_DSC6759a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"When darkness veils His lovely face,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I rest on His unchanging grace;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In every high and stormy gale,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My anchor holds within the veil."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, when fear grips us and we begin to sink, the Anchor holds us. He has gone before us. He will not let go. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever.” (Hebrews 6:20-21)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My eyes looked away. Depression clouded my sight. Fear crept in and all I could think to do was to flee, to withdraw. And I began to sink. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I cried out for help, like Peter floundering in the sea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And when I looked up away from my troubles and fixed my gaze on Jesus, I knew He never let go. He reached out and He took hold of me. The winds ceased. Life sails on. And, it is not a matter of if God is silent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He has spoken:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“ . . . in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high . . .” (Hebrews 1:1-3)</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDqPC00LenflGwsymPHgdK5lc5WUUO7Txe7WFvo_ylx0uxzZLETeFcerraG4ECzJ-kh3fO2TPSr-UOd8wPuSC_iaJp1qQgtMXZ01k4G7YXDClTmtY07ogLyObCbGyIvhebqHM-t1JBok/s1600/_DSC9184a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDqPC00LenflGwsymPHgdK5lc5WUUO7Txe7WFvo_ylx0uxzZLETeFcerraG4ECzJ-kh3fO2TPSr-UOd8wPuSC_iaJp1qQgtMXZ01k4G7YXDClTmtY07ogLyObCbGyIvhebqHM-t1JBok/s1600/_DSC9184a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The storms, they come. We have been battered and beaten. But, we have been held. He reaches out His hand and takes hold and gently nudges, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Don’t look to the waves. Look to the One who made the seas and who has power over the waves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“His oath, His covenant, His blood,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Support me in the whelming flood;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When all around my soul gives way,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He then is all my hope and stay.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And after the storm you realize, yes, you made it. And through it your faith is strengthened and your joy is sweeter. Fear turns to awe. The glimpse of the glory you saw, you can’t gaze on it, but you look to the King of grace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The wonder of His sovereign grace opens your eyes to see His goodness, the display of His righteous power stirs words of praise, and the eternal hope found in Him leads you home.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGjR8u9drLI9hREM7Esv81r8p_Y4j-9D5e2mJN8YV7MMxpI20Yx9uR699x8RwgHzOJGFlJ01vgR8chpVd9TiYk4mL1jKeohUvrgs-PIJKzGFetVIL5v3Tif_Gg7zpDSw6Ww5Q8kOJUrw/s1600/_DSC9767a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGjR8u9drLI9hREM7Esv81r8p_Y4j-9D5e2mJN8YV7MMxpI20Yx9uR699x8RwgHzOJGFlJ01vgR8chpVd9TiYk4mL1jKeohUvrgs-PIJKzGFetVIL5v3Tif_Gg7zpDSw6Ww5Q8kOJUrw/s1600/_DSC9767a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“When He shall come with trumpet sound,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh, may I then in Him be found;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In Him, my righteousness, alone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Faultless to stand before the throne.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All other ground is sinking sand.”</span></div>
<br />Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-37477600096168215882017-09-08T17:37:00.000-04:002017-09-08T17:37:14.243-04:00Cultivating a Life-Long Love of Learning (Part 3) ~ Education is a Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6dgzPFlNPkRKNIi23FnSOL45GJEEy04nJ1q38BFp2qdGmlAUtq8hQqAOGFekPi0ex4UjyiAcrwYWVJ0KDrP1u2uhgQHhbtvzUDYIHlwK1Shcitp8wo5UqVaJCCkQ1WaZQ0GHaUzR41E/s1600/_DSC2613a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6dgzPFlNPkRKNIi23FnSOL45GJEEy04nJ1q38BFp2qdGmlAUtq8hQqAOGFekPi0ex4UjyiAcrwYWVJ0KDrP1u2uhgQHhbtvzUDYIHlwK1Shcitp8wo5UqVaJCCkQ1WaZQ0GHaUzR41E/s1600/_DSC2613a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We spent the last week of holidays at the lake and tried to squeeze out every last drop of summer. The cousins drank it up like it would never come to an end. But, summer this year was vanishing as quickly as the mist on the lake in the early morning sunlight. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some of the maple trees have already begun their annual change from summer green to autumn gold; their leaves dappled with orange and blushing bright red. Evening is settling in earlier every day, like it is trying to tuck summer in before it’s ready. The brisk night air is warning of the looming changes ahead. Change will come, you can be sure of it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkqBG8JVVhMqUa92p-hsTLzxQ66qG7VajYMqIbx7HF4yhSSzBG_FKBngEESUJHV4vTTiX6SlLXY1Im4O21HyeRTUajgQffgZ0jwShoDinmT46jgz0J_e_RYjXMAU24V1eRwSkYKCVrf8/s1600/_DSC3162a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkqBG8JVVhMqUa92p-hsTLzxQ66qG7VajYMqIbx7HF4yhSSzBG_FKBngEESUJHV4vTTiX6SlLXY1Im4O21HyeRTUajgQffgZ0jwShoDinmT46jgz0J_e_RYjXMAU24V1eRwSkYKCVrf8/s1600/_DSC3162a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This morning our daughter walked down the drive as a round rosy sun snuck up through the clouds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Life, it seems, can sneak up on you like that. You come to the end of a season and you find that the next season has already sprinted off with the baton. You hardly recognized the transition zone. Life just keeps racing on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She walked down the street and vanished from sight. For twelve years, well, except for the one I was in the hospital barely alive after open-heart surgery, she has been learning at home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This morning, after I snapped a picture, she walked right into a new adventure—a change of atmosphere, so to speak, and I had to catch my breath and keep trusting the Lord.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1VE6KBAsItC3XLtBKOL5mkZJMQGoGa3Crh2a7l8XkVGSpCIwu5QeAIY53FeMYryDdz7j03yZvv-6but-3esueSYwpMAkJHty1oeE1-9e9WldDJGi4D0RrqFjgsAbxjv3B3Dzoz1xGGw/s1600/_DSC2524a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1VE6KBAsItC3XLtBKOL5mkZJMQGoGa3Crh2a7l8XkVGSpCIwu5QeAIY53FeMYryDdz7j03yZvv-6but-3esueSYwpMAkJHty1oeE1-9e9WldDJGi4D0RrqFjgsAbxjv3B3Dzoz1xGGw/s1600/_DSC2524a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE-kRXHSq8lXcsFBU7Ioj8Z58LgxmnYgFhccodeg-1KjJFewablrajTAXzKMY55KLT89XSAXUOxnrDur1QzZ2_ZVx5CfN1kLHi06rJubNmTlfTuOFkFzJ4NPsvIMHfVGIpfX_UW8LyPo/s1600/_DSC2900a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXE-kRXHSq8lXcsFBU7Ioj8Z58LgxmnYgFhccodeg-1KjJFewablrajTAXzKMY55KLT89XSAXUOxnrDur1QzZ2_ZVx5CfN1kLHi06rJubNmTlfTuOFkFzJ4NPsvIMHfVGIpfX_UW8LyPo/s1600/_DSC2900a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Her brother and sister, her Dad and I, stood with arms flapping our farewell and prayers lingered on our lips and my heart, it felt like it was getting silently squeezed right there on the driveway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We walked back in the house, I wrapped my fingers around my half empty mug of coffee—the one with ‘Joy’ inscribed on the front of it—and the rest of us, we settled back into old routines and new habits. We dug out old lessons to review and cracked open new living books to read. I sipped re-heated coffee and joyfully considered the year of learning ahead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For twelve years we have been learning that “education is an atmosphere; education is a discipline; education is a life”. It’s the philosophy of education Charlotte Mason advocated and we have been discovering.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU57Tu1vNr80W_s5g5yNh1onOODavg9SDpfdFHjahkkzxaAstraQZJpn-lFdWaNnUCtcZKbhqu6hDf0fB0ptsnz5xpOneBFRWeWh5ktNrvANBwR08CHTKux8fLN7dx28Bf-4f-6kd0cH4/s1600/_DSC3403a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU57Tu1vNr80W_s5g5yNh1onOODavg9SDpfdFHjahkkzxaAstraQZJpn-lFdWaNnUCtcZKbhqu6hDf0fB0ptsnz5xpOneBFRWeWh5ktNrvANBwR08CHTKux8fLN7dx28Bf-4f-6kd0cH4/s1600/_DSC3403a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These three instruments of education—atmosphere, discipline, and life—all braided together to weave a strong cord; each one as vital as the other to hold it all together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We build up an atmosphere—the thought environment—that encourages relationships where real learning takes place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Secondly, we diligently cultivate good life-giving habits in our children by laying them down rail upon rail, habit upon habit in which character is formed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Finally, we spread before our children a large and varied feast to nourish the mind. Just like we provide nourishing food for their bodies, children need rich ideas to feed their mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Charlotte Mason, the British educator who has greatly influenced many teachers, parents and students, wrote in the Preface of <i>School Education</i>: “The mind feeds on ideas and therefore children should have a generous curriculum.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPM_hmxAre77YD2EZXiJ2-9iOl7rjjTB07QNtJPhksFJM3got_oybusCcGq_89qmBpeF6Y8XVWbdFSwHaLcA956zoRrpdRJHtX43T0eJ2sgz8bZqBa3NR5th8yMUbuCTsGuzl5zQJhV8/s1600/_DSC3331a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPM_hmxAre77YD2EZXiJ2-9iOl7rjjTB07QNtJPhksFJM3got_oybusCcGq_89qmBpeF6Y8XVWbdFSwHaLcA956zoRrpdRJHtX43T0eJ2sgz8bZqBa3NR5th8yMUbuCTsGuzl5zQJhV8/s1600/_DSC3331a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNWCUx7QfxpgxmyM5UbLiWtgFGm33djy7umuqSp6mAkR3Kky-kjK-p-n_qipUL5QIrxGqdycQMNBwxhLDBnN2cyESZpD4HmcMg1BrkJ5YnAZJ73Ix4N1O24AdgjniuMc4WWlZ1axyJbA/s1600/_DSC3294a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNWCUx7QfxpgxmyM5UbLiWtgFGm33djy7umuqSp6mAkR3Kky-kjK-p-n_qipUL5QIrxGqdycQMNBwxhLDBnN2cyESZpD4HmcMg1BrkJ5YnAZJ73Ix4N1O24AdgjniuMc4WWlZ1axyJbA/s1600/_DSC3294a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is the academic instrument of education, yet it is not made up merely of dry facts, predigested tidbits of information and dumbed-down books, but rather of living ideas obtained from first-hand personal experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Education is a lifelong process of one’s mind feeding on ideas that originate from God. We are to learn about God and His world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mason submitted, children learn in order to grow, to get ideas and to gain knowledge. Children will fill their bellies with garbage if that is all that is available and they will fill their mind with the same. Mason believed that children are persons that need to grow in knowledge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the way we should do this, she advised, is to freely sow ideas in the fruitful soil of the mind. An <i>idea</i>, she wrote, is: “a spiritual germ endowed with . . . power . . . to grow, and to produce after its kind. It is the very nature of an idea to grow.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1C84BEibtxqXBTGqfZ6-WMh1bQ1MKun8IYDorWPshP4opH40pgU4Od3w355WwNY7o4GKVkzjrekrGBmGEBzCFh_3wgm75ayE_qS-MabF1m6nhjhXyia3lb2FGmDjSL5qv7ZNlKXPVJM/s1600/_DSC2965a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1C84BEibtxqXBTGqfZ6-WMh1bQ1MKun8IYDorWPshP4opH40pgU4Od3w355WwNY7o4GKVkzjrekrGBmGEBzCFh_3wgm75ayE_qS-MabF1m6nhjhXyia3lb2FGmDjSL5qv7ZNlKXPVJM/s1600/_DSC2965a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXoiFw_qj8ckV6RmJ1ydBspRLWBvEZ8GfF58zugQMzMXedCCVYuHX1QpqMLRZRx1l3r4hEJ7dUgZ5p9cGyArYpWsMhS-qmSTcfm4vXiodmLpcf6P7Dw0lspM_JEfMiZ2XrsCj1vs5ZX8/s1600/_DSC3308a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXoiFw_qj8ckV6RmJ1ydBspRLWBvEZ8GfF58zugQMzMXedCCVYuHX1QpqMLRZRx1l3r4hEJ7dUgZ5p9cGyArYpWsMhS-qmSTcfm4vXiodmLpcf6P7Dw0lspM_JEfMiZ2XrsCj1vs5ZX8/s1600/_DSC3308a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mason challenged: “ . . . give your child a single valuable <i>idea</i>, and you have done more for his education than if you had laid upon his mind the burden of bushels of information.” (Home Education, p. 174)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These ideas—the live things of the mind—are mainly passed on from one person to another, and when interwoven with experience and knowledge lead to growing concepts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Children discover ideas in living books—books written by one author who passionate for his subject and written in a narrative or a story form. Real learning begins to take hold as the idea sown in the story grows in the mind. Anyone who has become friends with a character in a book, or has had the subject matter spark a fire in the mind, knows what a living book is. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPuKRFrU1JgHPOMOfM84gGVK-GmUzeZSn_ANeMhCiw_DXynBXbNAMgoc-bzNln61ocRtMaHJViKFZDcYw0vXraJrD3hc3rqxXbMWroeB6rozyurkGrPWH1nOStaocBf5UCZrF3lgUfIw/s1600/_DSC9612a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPuKRFrU1JgHPOMOfM84gGVK-GmUzeZSn_ANeMhCiw_DXynBXbNAMgoc-bzNln61ocRtMaHJViKFZDcYw0vXraJrD3hc3rqxXbMWroeB6rozyurkGrPWH1nOStaocBf5UCZrF3lgUfIw/s1600/_DSC9612a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzfDaBk63vjx4BGNDYbAQ9ApLdLL0JnB12_Bkv8sHtihqM_Ty5U2plJ8JztL_AfBOd8z2kYXsJuGrk7cYHmMiCduApukAk9LADGhAABeao03gctQ2UAcCUnHLq1BcJ3TidQS1fZYY_AA/s1600/_DSC3299a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzfDaBk63vjx4BGNDYbAQ9ApLdLL0JnB12_Bkv8sHtihqM_Ty5U2plJ8JztL_AfBOd8z2kYXsJuGrk7cYHmMiCduApukAk9LADGhAABeao03gctQ2UAcCUnHLq1BcJ3TidQS1fZYY_AA/s1600/_DSC3299a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Children also discover ideas in an atmosphere that lets them wonder and lets them ask why and lets them see how. Children need to be outside in nature—there is a feast for the mind when a child stoops down to study an ant or spider on the walkway; whey they observe a tree change in the seasons, drink from a glacier-fed waterfall, walk through a wheat field, listen to the spring peepers, watch a monarch butterfly unfurl from its chrysalis, or wade in the ocean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Children digest ideas when they are given time to be silent and reflective on the living things they have read, given attention to, and handled. Let children be bored to allow time for the idea to germinate and grow. Let them run, and play unorganized sports, and invent games outside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Charlotte Mason recommended four tests to apply to their children’s academic diet:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“ . . . children’s lessons should provide material for their mental growth, should exercise the several powers of their minds, should furnish them with fruitful ideas, and should afford them knowledge, really valuable for its own sake, accurate, and interesting, of the kind that the child may recall as a man with profit and pleasure.” (Home Education, p. 176)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our children, especially today, need a nourishing feast set before them. The distractions are crushing, the amount of processed information is devastating, and all the while attentions spans are dwindling, and real learning is declining. It is up to us to present a feast, but it is the work of the child to deal with the idea.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyA8jw0HBdQvxkgi4gXagjR7ZPGbKo633hZ76aBtzhWi_VgbvyNMXwfij6m3huPxXHM9BlvN2JlbKIJBHh5YIOJiQV3cD6ntG6FEpcP-sirEnQHG3-DcHxr6DyLk2aA4RMCdqm8GIlts/s1600/_DSC3117a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyA8jw0HBdQvxkgi4gXagjR7ZPGbKo633hZ76aBtzhWi_VgbvyNMXwfij6m3huPxXHM9BlvN2JlbKIJBHh5YIOJiQV3cD6ntG6FEpcP-sirEnQHG3-DcHxr6DyLk2aA4RMCdqm8GIlts/s1600/_DSC3117a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We have work to do, a real labour of love. Mason encouraged mothers to seriously consider her children’s education. So, I challenge you today to ask yourself these same questions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“‘Why must children learn at all?’ ‘What should they learn?’ ‘And, How should they learn it?’” (Home Education, p. 171)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once you grasp that the mind has been created to grow and be renewed and that it feasts on living ideas that ultimately all come from God, you just may see that it is not so much what a youth knows when he has finished his formal education, but how much he cares. That is the learning that lasts a lifetime.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNIK405PsWyZN3murRTbk2tPp_WZl1SiX2Js2VpyJ1BvnAEA376oLVVRPylNt_NK5B00PJKI436xrqq8hOtUkdWuOTLAHHRY5d1MdYGTtaLGtFHGFMTJFZ-SyIt1arSy-HSXf9FRPus8/s1600/_DSC2978a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNIK405PsWyZN3murRTbk2tPp_WZl1SiX2Js2VpyJ1BvnAEA376oLVVRPylNt_NK5B00PJKI436xrqq8hOtUkdWuOTLAHHRY5d1MdYGTtaLGtFHGFMTJFZ-SyIt1arSy-HSXf9FRPus8/s1600/_DSC2978a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, no matter what road your child walks down one morning to set off on a whole new adventure, it should be our goal to set our children’s feet in a large room. Real learning in life comes from relationship; build up these relationships. Invest in the atmosphere in which your children live and learn, lay down the discipline of life-giving habits, and nourish your child’s mind with rich ideas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We need to set our children up to be life-long learners—to love to learn, to grow in knowledge about God and His world. This Truth will never vanish like the mist; it will not change like the seasons, it will stand the test of time and tradition and endure on into eternity.</span></div>
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-31893327014431956962017-09-04T12:55:00.000-04:002017-09-04T12:55:28.140-04:00Cultivating a Life-Long Love of Learning (Part 2) ~ Education is a Discipline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/cultivating-life-long-love-learning-part-2/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Join us at HopeStreamRadio</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/cultivating-life-long-love-learning-part-2/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">for the audio recording of this blog post.</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn44qpsz0cMGR5kHsAvqlnj69ol4R-6m6FRPCusWLGp1y8UL7so4y2n0ZvhYpyaaP9MMlKfkyOgvysO58BLzqHZnhQ5wUsSbSXH5UMVYMqV1i3IHpqPUscDnQomDkba8dSSC8kY92vFcc/s1600/_DSC5638a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn44qpsz0cMGR5kHsAvqlnj69ol4R-6m6FRPCusWLGp1y8UL7so4y2n0ZvhYpyaaP9MMlKfkyOgvysO58BLzqHZnhQ5wUsSbSXH5UMVYMqV1i3IHpqPUscDnQomDkba8dSSC8kY92vFcc/s1600/_DSC5638a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Admiral William H. McRaven delivered a commencement <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxBQLFLei70" target="_blank">speech</a> to over 8000 graduating students in 2014. Recently, a condensed video clip of his speech has been bouncing around social media. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You want to change the world? Admiral McRaven says you can do it by beginning with one small and simple task. He explains how each day of his six month basic Navy seal training began with an early morning inspection in the barracks. The mundane task he was required to perform was to be completed to perfection. Corners were to be square, covers pulled tight and pillow and blanket were to be neat and centred. The task he was to execute each morning: make his own bed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And, now, this edited version of Admiral McRaven’s speech has been floating around the internet three years later and viewers are commenting that they need to go make their bed so they can bring change to the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Everyone is eager to change the world with the hope of making it better. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0r4VML5hR993AplqvjLzBwWFeUNYY7tXcYonycfDwokbVis-RSPihnMCFkncqmcSQHWdCdxSSsOyGtl29LfgxNmKkd4j8LncFGnC3Xb-C2Cpt-OR1hNzZiJo4xF150EL-WDtpGutUQA/s1600/_DSC5559a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0r4VML5hR993AplqvjLzBwWFeUNYY7tXcYonycfDwokbVis-RSPihnMCFkncqmcSQHWdCdxSSsOyGtl29LfgxNmKkd4j8LncFGnC3Xb-C2Cpt-OR1hNzZiJo4xF150EL-WDtpGutUQA/s1600/_DSC5559a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But, you have to wonder, how in the world, have we arrived at this place that a short motivational speech on a screen is inspiring adults to go make their bed. In part, this challenge is just one of twenty clever metaphors being employed to influence the listener to go out and make a difference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But, the comments are telling. We have dropped the ball when it comes to completing simple and small tasks to perfection. We would rather accomplish great and noble things. Or maybe we just prefer to watch a five-minute video. How many of us begin each day with such a mundane task as making our bed? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Stop and think for a second, this task, although mundane and simple, is not insignificant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It has been said, “Sow a thought and you reap an action; Sow an act and you reap a habit; Sow a habit and you reap a character . . . ”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd4A5G3cEKo9OcACOvjtzBkD0hzShAyZZb51ZO_FDl8NKd70BusFmX7TkqctyzxkgWsSXwnZKdvGk-qadXVRtM2kb5znydcPfwMfe9QtqMqNfSYTwaC5gr4qb9OEU2pbJ4gEirAw03NI/s1600/_DSC5596a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd4A5G3cEKo9OcACOvjtzBkD0hzShAyZZb51ZO_FDl8NKd70BusFmX7TkqctyzxkgWsSXwnZKdvGk-qadXVRtM2kb5znydcPfwMfe9QtqMqNfSYTwaC5gr4qb9OEU2pbJ4gEirAw03NI/s1600/_DSC5596a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If the formation of character is the aim of education, then it must begin with building on the proper foundation with the right instruments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The first instrument of education, advocated by Charlotte Mason, a British educator at the turn of the twentieth century, is atmosphere. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The second instrument is discipline. As Charlotte Mason explained in her book, ‘A Philosophy of Education’:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “By ‘education is a discipline,’ we mean the discipline of habits, formed definitely and thoughtfully, whether habits of mind or body.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Charlotte Mason likened this instrument of education—this responsibility of parents—to the laying down of the rails for a train. Parents and teachers are to lay down lines of good habits on which the child is to run the course of his life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Charlotte Mason supposed in her book ‘Home Education’:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “This relation of habit to human life . . . is perhaps the most suggestive and helpful to the educator; for just as it is on the whole easier for the locomotive to pursue its way on the rails than to take a disastrous run off them, so it is easier for the child to follow lines of habit carefully laid down than to run off these lines at his peril.” (p. 109)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The habits sown in the child will reap the character of the adult. As parents and teachers we can permit or encourage habits that will either be life-depleting or life-giving. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCuKbdWEXVxTpbo7Qni3FLhNTXoZD874YGVKZ7o_5q_RQpnX95Ejr9AhfciTBZ0LS4MT8Lhjc1wdRyPp4PjFywg4BXmFnrUbir5ylF99b5A1TaV9GT_hspoW9K6i_GTdQPLR_I7ewXtI/s1600/_DSC5598a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCuKbdWEXVxTpbo7Qni3FLhNTXoZD874YGVKZ7o_5q_RQpnX95Ejr9AhfciTBZ0LS4MT8Lhjc1wdRyPp4PjFywg4BXmFnrUbir5ylF99b5A1TaV9GT_hspoW9K6i_GTdQPLR_I7ewXtI/s1600/_DSC5598a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPitcu4fHUowdVFcZi597AjHQPr2ovnJJC7eBWvjHWS4nBHkhwAqesVIxOI0BFSuUulQdV-Y6BtgpJQ2fH0s71epajs_E_L8JkxyP4rvWkqOv_t5QaLdSbN53sGDO4D1lb1irhZWOumrM/s1600/_DSC5604a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPitcu4fHUowdVFcZi597AjHQPr2ovnJJC7eBWvjHWS4nBHkhwAqesVIxOI0BFSuUulQdV-Y6BtgpJQ2fH0s71epajs_E_L8JkxyP4rvWkqOv_t5QaLdSbN53sGDO4D1lb1irhZWOumrM/s1600/_DSC5604a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The formation of life-giving habits has the power to raise a child beyond his or her nature without destroying his or her personality. Charlotte Mason maintained that children are born persons, created in the image of God, and every child has the potential to be a “person of infinite possibilities”. Yet, children are ignorant and need to grow in knowledge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These life-giving habits are tools in the spiritual, physical, moral and intellectual development of the child in the realm of relationships with God, others and oneself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is not new thinking. The apostle Paul exhorted in his letter to the Philippians that this is a life-long learning and practicing. He wrote:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“ . . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” {Philippians 4:8-9}</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The things we have learned—we need to practice these things. Lay down the rails and keep the train on the tracks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The discipline of habits is vital in the education of a child. Like a three-legged stool, the formation of habits nurtures the child toward growth along with atmosphere and feeding the mind with living ideas. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXj2VUL-KwJH-wiqtAsrBSsCJEfVXhIq05grgM9bi252tBFEECy86I4FDNkZob-Q5Eh1S7DmJdFNgeq5AfZhr5SmhVS6kqeaErdmeEc0wgMIIuWeJtcbEG1ZBonXgFaLRt0DVkOKQgmQ/s1600/_DSC5656a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXj2VUL-KwJH-wiqtAsrBSsCJEfVXhIq05grgM9bi252tBFEECy86I4FDNkZob-Q5Eh1S7DmJdFNgeq5AfZhr5SmhVS6kqeaErdmeEc0wgMIIuWeJtcbEG1ZBonXgFaLRt0DVkOKQgmQ/s1600/_DSC5656a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwONmX8ZJdf-cmjYEgzPFwz7h9PxcReznmv1D6Ejrl__tm_oITYskszcnpycNe03SXwfh7ZmRFn1qfY_HkDPXAnqXGnlUh1OUJsr1WboBcZVPlJe01Xnrnrfae5zUjMVH7AnT7POdcdI/s1600/_DSC6828a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwONmX8ZJdf-cmjYEgzPFwz7h9PxcReznmv1D6Ejrl__tm_oITYskszcnpycNe03SXwfh7ZmRFn1qfY_HkDPXAnqXGnlUh1OUJsr1WboBcZVPlJe01Xnrnrfae5zUjMVH7AnT7POdcdI/s1600/_DSC6828a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How do we lay down these rails on which the child can live out his or her life? How do the parent and teacher use the discipline of habits to encourage growth and development of the body, mind, and soul? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We start small and we build up. Miss Mason pointed to the three of the most vital habits to be learned: obedience, truthfulness, and attention. And we move on to respect, thankfulness, kindness, neatness, mental effort, imagining, thinking and more and more. Focus on one habit at a time and keep watch over the habits that have been laid down. When one section of the track is laid well, build on to the lines of habit to allow the child to grow with healthy progress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Next, we need to be diligent. This is a process that requires discipline in the life of the parent and teacher as much as the child. Pursue excellence in an atmosphere permeated with grace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Furthermore, we motivate the child with living examples of real people in his or her life or in biographical stories. Paul referred to an old proverb when he wrote to the Corinthians: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” The original Greek word translated ‘character’ suggests that character is based on or comes from habit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Additionally, we must allow for natural consequences. To develop a healthy growth mindset, a child must come face to face with failure as well as successes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Finally, it is essential we encourage rather than nag. Children need our loving affirmation, not false praise. Children need realistic expectations—not ones set too high or too low. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgklsBlhk2xHnnx83jsN3MmLqN-yIqX_UEm6Qn1x896931SFlcLryMR81Cgd6goCWXAD5qz9BoqSMJD-dWPzDLjAmh52TFsvUvLtuCHGWR9dL_g19gTNjrxsbAzam3CIU4PL47X780dZM/s1600/_DSC6779a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgklsBlhk2xHnnx83jsN3MmLqN-yIqX_UEm6Qn1x896931SFlcLryMR81Cgd6goCWXAD5qz9BoqSMJD-dWPzDLjAmh52TFsvUvLtuCHGWR9dL_g19gTNjrxsbAzam3CIU4PL47X780dZM/s1600/_DSC6779a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This is more than a metaphor in a motivational speech. It is wise to begin small by teaching a young child to make his or her bed, to pull the covers tight, to put their full attention to the task at hand. It is a simple thing, but not insignificant to lay down life-giving habits for a child to form the character of the man or woman he or she is becoming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So tomorrow, when you wake up to a new day, be sure you sow one small habit—lay down another rail in the education of your child—to reap a great character. Do not miss this opportunity to be a living example and invest in the life of a child—a person with infinite possibilities.
</span><!--EndFragment-->Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-17318574838025435812017-08-25T10:57:00.000-04:002017-08-25T10:57:39.222-04:00Cultivating a Life-Long Love of Learning (Part 1) ~ Education is an Atmosphere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Suitcases are coming home from camps and summer holidays stuffed with smelly laundry and souvenirs. While backpacks are getting filled with bright new binders, crisp white paper, and coloured pens. We are trading long summer evenings with cooler nights as the crickets’ chorus of chirping plays softly in the twilight. Children’s sandy toes and sticky fingers, sun-bleached hair and freckled faces will all get washed and scrubbed fresh and clean. Parents and children are all getting ready for the first day of school whether they want to or not. It’s that time of year. Pool gear will be swapped for school gear.<br /><br />Before we jump into another year of schooling, it is beneficial to scan our environment and examine our lives to ensure we provide a rich and nourishing education for our children.<br /><br />All around us children are craving knowledge. They have a natural curiosity that is evident in the endless ‘whys’ and ‘hows’. Children are born to learn and need to have their minds nourished as well as their bodies. This is an area that is near and dear to my heart.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have had the privilege and responsibility to provide and invest in the environment of my children’s education. Every year has presented new challenges, taxing obstacles, and demanding hurdles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every year we have learned in an atmosphere where mistakes are common, failure is a tutor, grace is poured out, patience is essential, forgiveness is continuous, and love is unconditional. Every morning, God’s mercies are new—they never come to an end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY5XCyFxsCXM6T1sV2N5CJ9HSTs3tqO_M1Sqh1RqIpNTJcgDe4RKhzBFQfVl4by30d4YlXgwWu2XMewPYCWavMQQiFPqB2bVQKLMYa7bdE6PN0YncilDl1fIYj9muL_fkt83mDC7083Y/s1600/_DSC2287a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY5XCyFxsCXM6T1sV2N5CJ9HSTs3tqO_M1Sqh1RqIpNTJcgDe4RKhzBFQfVl4by30d4YlXgwWu2XMewPYCWavMQQiFPqB2bVQKLMYa7bdE6PN0YncilDl1fIYj9muL_fkt83mDC7083Y/s1600/_DSC2287a.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX3DQ7gF0r0iGO1mi9V_PEzAYGIGAKber297k3hrtWG1S5i3frQCy2Ij3IVLLfmeOsTsaUgjrDh2SwfiC7SUOfrTMZ0YQkECQ7dDiPLTx6rgMfPBjyc7KV7Ld58ZTKoM2vh5vmnfqso4/s1600/_DSC5580a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinX3DQ7gF0r0iGO1mi9V_PEzAYGIGAKber297k3hrtWG1S5i3frQCy2Ij3IVLLfmeOsTsaUgjrDh2SwfiC7SUOfrTMZ0YQkECQ7dDiPLTx6rgMfPBjyc7KV7Ld58ZTKoM2vh5vmnfqso4/s1600/_DSC5580a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br />And so, we live and learn and love. Everyday learning alongside one another: learning to live an abundant life and needing every ounce of God’s grace that washes over us. <br /><br />As we head into another year of learning, I’ve been re-reading and reminding myself of the philosophy of education that has shaped our years of learning. The last few years of heart failure, open-heart surgery and a difficult recovery has left me depleted.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I need gentle rhythms and peaceful seasons to permeate our home where our children live and learn. It is time to go back to a quieter life: where we will have space to breathe and room to grow.<br /><br />Charlotte Mason was born in England in 1842 and died in 1923 and has become known as an innovative educator. Well ahead of her time, many teachers still use her philosophy of education today. She has been a mentor and has greatly influenced learning in our home as well as thousands of other families in the world. <br /><br />Miss Mason taught that there are three main instruments of education. She strongly believed that: <span style="color: #45818e;">“Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.”</span><br /><br />The first instrument in education is atmosphere. The atmosphere in education refers to the realm of relationships. Mason suggested, it is in the relationships the child has with God, with his parents, or her teacher, his peers, her learning, or with himself that real learning takes place.</span></span></div>
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In her book, “A Philosophy of Education”, (p. 158) Charlotte Mason wrote:</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Of the three sorts of knowledge proper to a child, the knowledge of God, of man, and of the universe, --the knowledge of God ranks first in importance, is indispensable, and most happy-making.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The primary focus of our children’s education is that the child learns about God and His world. This provides an atmosphere that does more than exercise the mind, but it nourishes the heart. This atmosphere is built up as relationships are built up. Charlotte Mason considered the atmosphere in education to be the “thought environment”.<br /><br />We build up this atmosphere—this thought-environment—by setting a feast before our children, but also by taking a back seat at the right time and getting out of the way of real learning that takes place because the Holy Spirit will guide the minds of the children into His glorious truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We, as parents, teachers, home educators, grand parents, have the power to help our children by investing in an environment that fosters questions, cultivates wonder, exercises the mind and nurtures the heart. If we have the power to help, we also have the power to hinder with an environment that stifles questions, chokes wonder, starves the mind, and damages the heart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Charlotte Mason further clarified what she meant by atmosphere in her book, “A Philosophy of Education” (p.94) when she wrote:</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“When we say that education is an atmosphere we do not mean that a child should be isolated in what may be called a ‘child environment’ specially adapted and prepared, but that we should take into account the educational value of his natural home atmosphere both as regards persons and things and should let him live freely among his proper conditions. It stultifies a child to bring down his world to the ‘child’s level.’”</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What is the atmosphere in your home? What rules your life? For what are you reaching? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We can invest in the atmosphere of our children’s education by eliminating stress, emphasizing co-operation, encouraging our children instead of nagging, motivating them with loving affirmation, and learning alongside our children. By investing in these ways in our children’s education we find that we are putting less emphasis on merely achieving good grades and making a living and place more importance on developing the character of our child and living a full life.<br /><br />Children need to learn respect, responsibility, and resourcefulness more than they need standardized testing. Children need to learn attentiveness, obedience, and truthfulness. Children need to become critical and creative thinkers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Their curiosity must not be squelched by boring lessons and long lectures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Children need to learn how to live in the world they are in by interacting with other people and things in their own environment with much time to play, be active outside, tumble, run, shout, and be encouraged to use common sense.<br /><br />Charlotte Mason, directs our attention to what our focus should be, in her book, “School Education” (pp 170-171):</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Our aim in Education is to give a Full Life. — We begin to see what we want. Children make large demands upon us. We owe it to them to initiate an immense number of interests. ‘Thou hast set my feet in a large room’ should be the glad cry of every intelligent soul. Life should be all living, and not merely a tedious passing of time; not all doing or all feeling or all thinking — the strain would be too great — but, all living; that is to say, we should be in touch wherever we go, whatever we hear, whatever we see, with some manner of vital interest . . . The question is not, — how much does the youth know? when he has finished his education — but how much does he care?”</span></blockquote>
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As the new books are cracked open and young lives are being shaped, it is time to once again examine if we are setting our children in a large room where life can be explored in a rich way, where the atmosphere is saturated with what is true, pure, lovely and of good report, and in which we are more concerned to ask of our child: how much does he care?</span><br /> </div>
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-60630159201015681742017-08-18T18:46:00.003-04:002017-08-18T18:49:49.371-04:00When the Knife of the Heavenly Surgeon Cuts Deep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/knife-heavenly-surgeon-cuts-deep/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">To listen to the audio,</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/knife-heavenly-surgeon-cuts-deep/" target="_blank">find the podcast here at HopeStreamRadio.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There is a brown box stuffed on my bookshelf in the basement that holds squares of paper with words of hope inscribed on them. Three years ago this month, one blistering Sunday afternoon, friends and family gathered together to remember the hope we have in Jesus Christ and to cry out to God for the will of the Lord to be accomplished in my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We prayed that we would decrease and that He would increase. We prayed for God’s glory to be revealed in my body in whatever he had purposed for me.<br /><br />This box was neatly tied up with a pretty white bow and given to me that day. Four days later, the day before my surgeon cut into my heart, I sat on the edge of a hospital bed and loosened the bow. In the box was a collection of verses that had been lovingly hand-written on blue and white cardstock for me. They were balm for my soul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They were words of truth that I had to unpack. They spoke of the hope that does not disappoint. I clung to hope like the anchor it is when the storm is raging and the night is dark. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On one card these words, spoken by David after he was rescued from the hand of Saul, and recorded for us in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2018" target="_blank">Psalm 18</a>, were scrawled:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2018" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> and I am saved from my enemies.”</span></a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In times of distress, upheaval, turmoil, pain and suffering the Psalmist knew where to go. David knew His God was His refuge and His redeemer. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pu_kq3qQt3d6vrU06c_SXjiOFawnFjbO_yxbJghpGQbKFN0qJfzXCSGh01X4JXvZe-0NWI37qmqhYtRsrL0dPYsfZPrr_kdDLDUju_kUhymsrbAfLd4pzeDlz7AW6intUWZiJL_ItZc/s1600/_DSC7776a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pu_kq3qQt3d6vrU06c_SXjiOFawnFjbO_yxbJghpGQbKFN0qJfzXCSGh01X4JXvZe-0NWI37qmqhYtRsrL0dPYsfZPrr_kdDLDUju_kUhymsrbAfLd4pzeDlz7AW6intUWZiJL_ItZc/s1600/_DSC7776a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Even as torrents of destruction charged at him and cords of death confronted him, he knew to whom he could run. David called upon the Lord. He cried out to God for help. And without a doubt he knew his cry had reached the ears of the Lord. <br /><br />David knew he could trust in God because He knew something of the majesty, the holiness, the justice, the mercy, the loving-kindness, the faithfulness, and the immutability of God.<br /><br />And in seeing who God is, he gained a right perspective on his situation and on his own self.<br /><br />On another card in my box, someone else had gracefully copied four more verses from the same Psalm:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2018" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“For it is you who light my lamp;</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> the LORD my God lightens my darkness.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> For by you I can run against a troop,</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> and by my God I can leap over a wall.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This God—his way is perfect; </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the word of the LORD proves true;</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For who is God, but the LORD?</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And who is a rock, except our God?”</span></a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">David, the Psalmist, again reminded himself of what he knew to be true about God and acted upon it. He held on to the faithfulness of God. He fixed his focus on the God who is faithful to do exactly as He has promised. <br /><br />When times are turbulent and trials rise up, look to God and His attributes. <br /><br />Three years ago, as I laid myself down on the operating table the cords of death confronted me. As I woke up from open-heart surgery, torrents of distress assaulted me. My heart had been broken. But, God was near.<br /><br />Charles Spurgeon wrote:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“The God of providence has limited the time, manner, intensity, repetition, and effects of all our sicknesses; each throb is decreed, each sleepless hour predestinated, each relapse ordained, each depression of spirit foreknown, and each sanctifying result eternally purposed. Nothing great or small escapes the ordaining hand of him who numbers the hairs of our head . . . The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Three years ago, I walked through the valley and narrowly escaped death. I walked through upheaval and God set it right. I walked in weakness and God gave strength. I walked through confusion and God brought comfort. I walked through loneliness and God was near. I walked through depression and God heard my cry. I walked through fear and God was with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“The knife of the heavenly Surgeon never cuts deeper than is absolutely necessary.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdOCgS3rmZaeOGRPuc9X-fuOZu_1jGkn5RyOvop405ig6Uhqy3sE6gsKMdJkDhsuBNW1E18qDs8swmmat1E4JMDQtwMQcUKZ-ADhKNZBCndZAIdSuxT-oV2IXZQCuCoiwbvwgwDQvcMI/s1600/_DSC7881a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdOCgS3rmZaeOGRPuc9X-fuOZu_1jGkn5RyOvop405ig6Uhqy3sE6gsKMdJkDhsuBNW1E18qDs8swmmat1E4JMDQtwMQcUKZ-ADhKNZBCndZAIdSuxT-oV2IXZQCuCoiwbvwgwDQvcMI/s1600/_DSC7881a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This summer, I rode up the side of a mountain in a gondola and climbed up to its peak. I sat there on the mountain, with an elevation of nearly 8000 feet, and was immensely aware of my smallness and in awe of the majesty of God.<br /><br />At that point I could say with David,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2018" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“He made my feet like the feet of a deer</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> and set me secure on the heights.”</span></a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God had brought me from a low, low point and had raised me up to see more of His glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhfgN3spEE4ULvWHI30L9L2Fa5G4j1WHTIj0ETThCcDDSUxz9GEmjsPoZ0uh-MswWZ8hWduUQbi5vWQGsTvIL4v0lKwogF73B_x9WXx8NImXCptZAcln6yTVG3pmocH2PlwDoeFe_NKE/s1600/_DSC7845a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhfgN3spEE4ULvWHI30L9L2Fa5G4j1WHTIj0ETThCcDDSUxz9GEmjsPoZ0uh-MswWZ8hWduUQbi5vWQGsTvIL4v0lKwogF73B_x9WXx8NImXCptZAcln6yTVG3pmocH2PlwDoeFe_NKE/s1600/_DSC7845a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I knew that day that you can't stay on top of the mountain, but the overwhelming grandeur of God's power and majesty leaves you wanting more. More of God, more of His beauty and mercy and grace. <br /><br />We came down the mountain singing “Amazing Grace” . . . “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.”<br /><br />God's grace leads us up the mountain and back down into the valley where we look up and remember where our strength comes from. <br /><br />It is the joy of the Lord that is our strength. It is the soul that sings with David at the beginning of this Psalm, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2018" target="_blank">“I love you, O Lord, my strength”</a> that will also say, “ . . . <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2018" target="_blank">I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name</a>.”<br /><br />Yes, there will be valleys to walk through. There will be trials to face and floods of wickedness will surround us. But, God’s glory shines bright in our dark days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />There is life to be lived, lessons to be learned, strength to be gained, grace to be received, and glory to be revealed.<br /><br />And, we will go on our way rejoicing in Him and His goodness for all of our days because He is our Redeemer, our Strength, our Rock and our Shield. <br /><br />This truth can’t just be boxed in with pretty white bows. It has to be unpacked. It has to be lived out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When you realize the truth about God and take refuge in Him, when He is your quiet resting place, when you hold on to the faithfulness of God, when you take what you know about God and apply what you know, then your faith is strengthened and God is glorified.</span> </span> Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-69975735324889289392017-08-11T13:34:00.000-04:002017-08-11T13:47:59.877-04:00The Tragedy When Children Fail to Grow into Maturity <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE1wpykS-y15iCvTR-mDurLu3j3pcl0_DBxlxiONPjZeEG86hza1QHIJxnEw-kzBZ1Xg1XQKzBskxnYAJrTdsPLwhZJ8U7N_oOlIoU076gJXSIQrm7q2H6GS3qx2o9_tRKp3i9jNN0ow/s1600/_DSC1998a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE1wpykS-y15iCvTR-mDurLu3j3pcl0_DBxlxiONPjZeEG86hza1QHIJxnEw-kzBZ1Xg1XQKzBskxnYAJrTdsPLwhZJ8U7N_oOlIoU076gJXSIQrm7q2H6GS3qx2o9_tRKp3i9jNN0ow/s1600/_DSC1998a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1ks9tS9XQFQwZo732YRnR_TVqtdagr-VIsPvRM9jtSIuWyLXYf2xoalFr_Ri6ZRvZFomRuXd9YuOgry1-H-NJLFdCmnF4R-HQv6re0dul3TNHlEhqGIBWKdORxvj5bnIbzZsW4OB2LU/s1600/_DSC5762a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1ks9tS9XQFQwZo732YRnR_TVqtdagr-VIsPvRM9jtSIuWyLXYf2xoalFr_Ri6ZRvZFomRuXd9YuOgry1-H-NJLFdCmnF4R-HQv6re0dul3TNHlEhqGIBWKdORxvj5bnIbzZsW4OB2LU/s1600/_DSC5762a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />A lovely dove moans outside my window. I hear the whirr of happy children as they race home from the park on bicycles. A trail of voices drift in as neighbors catch up on life.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I look through the window panes speckled with dried-water spots and the brightness of the sun shines down on the white cast iron bench and reflects a blinding glare that stings my eyes. My eyes flit over to the shadow lying on the grass beside the overgrown pine bush.<br /><br /> The sounds I heard a moment ago have faded. The dove is silent and sparrows chirp to each other now. A gentle breeze slips in my open window and I feel it cool on my bare arms. A white puffy cloud sailed across the blue skies, swallowed the sun, chased the shadows away and dimmed the glare. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The children have now clambered around the kitchen table and childish chatter fills the room as they gulp cold water and wait for grilled cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW6bkMEqGUJUuCvEZBVp5IrCgl7CmSrIEQou8ripYfaSMptz3iwbqIglSlbfSJYv3SP8bX0AEOe48dLwNs6iBnIGtdVA_Uy9N0nm1Y8yp4NtvHjXVPxwFk6UoJiej4T_Oo03nxQODp88/s1600/_DSC2067a.jpg" /><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY1EQjaEIZg2eCFHHqulG31H9HOdycIno3Cvowk5ddHLIdsM0-YFFlsr7rwM3OvFQxUQEbOqEuW4dN32aUXv46WAIoTWDe_DKl20NdlKjQMGRYxwaDbwdI6rrgb8efgUs7lfFphD6EYI/s1600/_DSC1894a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHY1EQjaEIZg2eCFHHqulG31H9HOdycIno3Cvowk5ddHLIdsM0-YFFlsr7rwM3OvFQxUQEbOqEuW4dN32aUXv46WAIoTWDe_DKl20NdlKjQMGRYxwaDbwdI6rrgb8efgUs7lfFphD6EYI/s1600/_DSC1894a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It’s the dog days of summer, when days are savoured, not spent. When children hunt for toads and stare at insects and when times of boredom make way for creativity and inspiration. When we can linger longer in the afternoon shade or under bright stars blinking in the inky blackness.<br /><br /> We watched a cicada crawl across the grass after it burst out of its old shell last week. Sadness hung in the air as we witnessed the struggle it endured to unfurl its wings and when the wings failed to stretch open we knew there was no way it could live without those wings taking flight. <br /><br /> “Mom?”, my girl queried, “can I take this old skin and put it on the nature table?” And she ran in and cupped it like it was costly treasure, with great care, she set it with other little marvels we have found in this great world God has made: shells, fossils, bark, big-leaf maple leaves and fungi, nests, and feathers.<br /><br /> As children, the world is full of wonder to be discovered. When the time and opportunity is given, children will explore the wonders all around them. They will grow in knowledge and in appreciation of the living things that are in their own backyard.<br /><br /> Children have a natural curiosity about their world. They want to dig, search, discover, climb, reach for the next level, and soar. Children want to grow and learn. They want to know they are loved and love in return. Spread before them a banqueting table and they will come and joyously feast.<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Dmetqbf36J5mdyINAhJym6YxgEhXOR-sWMtWv1VKT9Af_ax7t2s8hjIHMErPRI-joznRlmdO4TT-SOD8lY73sMPBHfw3JRkuz-tyjuwFi-5RtSW-Ja0QU5oyUZPz-eAz_t1Z4pMfENE/s1600/_DSC2054a.jpg" /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxDv8p8CvbcaRyIaxmuPk06ZLAhvAsoVVyO9N9soNIO_L6aHpO1Te6UQMbyCmYL-7WVNO0vqZsq9m6aGe2nbiWqVeBJt90udJRmavXJJbNxkEGzqeyE3nIsV5fuUVcEQr_yWcXi-RB8I/s1600/_DSC2106a.jpg" /><br /><br />Jesus’ disciples asked him:</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18:1-14">“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And Jesus called and put a child in the centre of them. He turned their focus to a child. It was humility to which he drew their attention. To be a follower of Christ is to humble self and trust Christ. A child is willing to come and trust.<br /><br /> However, as Don Carson explains in volume two of <a href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/tgc-documents/carson/1999_for_the_love_of_God.pdf"><i>For the Love of God</i></a>:</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“ . . . childlikeness is not childishness; simplicity is not simple-mindedness; humility is not servility.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If the child failed to grow, like the cicada that couldn’t unfurl his wings and fly away, it would be a tragedy, a travesty. When we are given faith to believe, that is simply the beginning. Our faith is to grow and be strengthened. <br /><br /> Yes, we are to come to Christ as children, but we are to grow up into maturity in grace, knowledge, faith, love, hope.<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrSjf2b8xL1ok_J83FeqoCaMKreMy85z8Hf0BwoidAV8ynWqc06lJJe7VGya5edIhiO7zvybgOc4szfTBhlwaVDQLl6kZqc4oc6fRKZyN-4pDl-u0DN7xL5IxB2YPepVTsjx4Vif0vKA/s1600/_DSC1930a.jpg" /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsAiItPqxD1WN2YtHl_ByR_2QVorxL8_DFN9zIwE5Dhgh64dvooA3pbbepeMO7Dfh_rZSVJnwtblnAPukS9qYIBOET4PV04az4N71CO7qJcQ5HFBMWZfCAKvLOihspqcwPAwKxdndm5c/s1600/_DSC1883a.jpg" /><br /><br /> Paul warned in his letter he wrote to the Christians in Ephesus: </span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/ephesians/4.htm">“ . . . that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ . . . ”</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the writer of Hebrews exhorted his readers:</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/hebrews/5.htm">“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And later in his letter, the writer urged:</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/6-1.htm">“Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity . . . ”</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These are the days we must dig deeper, look longingly, search diligently, rightly handling the Word of God.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL2EgZvPJlEmQuCIhyphenhyphenk4qynQJenWAqEbq-VeA2OuCsOJGYNv7z5fiF1a-nrZyv1kzSaXj8UcO4YHu4KyXAViJMhbe-llTu8Z4b42-R_Je0_gq7vQTJUfQRC-wY8iBjeInhqb3tUMszVQ/s1600/_DSC2075a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL2EgZvPJlEmQuCIhyphenhyphenk4qynQJenWAqEbq-VeA2OuCsOJGYNv7z5fiF1a-nrZyv1kzSaXj8UcO4YHu4KyXAViJMhbe-llTu8Z4b42-R_Je0_gq7vQTJUfQRC-wY8iBjeInhqb3tUMszVQ/s1600/_DSC2075a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Come child-like in humility and in wonder and grow up into maturity by growing in knowledge of God who is Creator and Lord of all. <br /><br /> We have a great feast to spread before us. We know we don’t live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.<br /><br /> Read His word. Meditate on His Word. Memorize it, chew it, savour it. Study it. Dig deeper and move on from elementary doctrine.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcby1Lo1uuc8TmAggwDGnESXHaarlWkXnD4d22Y4zeOTrJ7seFQzNSpw_FYEXW_h0IV8wgNzosXS1yoYF5eP8FJr5HHvz-XW9s_lNhh7EBjFT0Hsj9bKXXdEW7fUtjWpvGf_pa_4DTCU0/s1600/_DSC2176a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcby1Lo1uuc8TmAggwDGnESXHaarlWkXnD4d22Y4zeOTrJ7seFQzNSpw_FYEXW_h0IV8wgNzosXS1yoYF5eP8FJr5HHvz-XW9s_lNhh7EBjFT0Hsj9bKXXdEW7fUtjWpvGf_pa_4DTCU0/s1600/_DSC2176a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /> You will grow in love and in faith as you grow in knowledge of the Lord God. Let His Word be a <a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/119-105.htm">lamp to guide your feet and light to your path</a> in the midst of a dark world.<br /><br /> As it has been said, “Your heart can’t love what your mind doesn’t know.”<br /><br /> Know God. Come in humility, grow in grace. And your heart will want more of God and all His shining glory.</span></div>
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-87567879853838338472017-08-04T16:27:00.000-04:002017-08-04T16:27:38.699-04:00Resist Beginnings: Stay Steadfast in the Middle of the Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHQpNwq25lhYx_B1yBHudukfzhynIlp8uXKThCh18byu8d_qOQHvqyFV9G7-xf-gncDLIpsSOlrOCbG89epdbMkpp564ff4keRu6vkD0GSfB4BpjAGBAbf3dEUar2RpwWPOun3MYZ_qw/s1600/_DSC1570a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHQpNwq25lhYx_B1yBHudukfzhynIlp8uXKThCh18byu8d_qOQHvqyFV9G7-xf-gncDLIpsSOlrOCbG89epdbMkpp564ff4keRu6vkD0GSfB4BpjAGBAbf3dEUar2RpwWPOun3MYZ_qw/s1600/_DSC1570a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">“Resist beginnings.”</span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span>I read those two words in a book last week and I stopped short. It was the little book, “Follow the Lamb” that the poet, Horatius Bonar, wrote sometime in the middle of the Industrial Revolution. Back when the world was on a quest for radical change.<br /><br />I think about these words now, when the world is again striving for radical advancement. A world that is full of proud, arrogant, heartless, and reckless people who are lovers of self, seeking individual freedom.<br /><br />It is old advice and I’m not sure if that opinion would gain much popularity today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWNzASXMlsGXgWClA65jYVOXjT-SDSURFEUeyQuItV8hyphenhyphenzaoKsBGF0nBhP5o3OfMTE4imT6zsznYjw0YjASx8XvKZ7LqM3EhvIyDkXaJOrSn5Y9a1X-hOzNIJTtyLcSdD4Q2m3RW5m6s/s1600/_DSC1600a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWNzASXMlsGXgWClA65jYVOXjT-SDSURFEUeyQuItV8hyphenhyphenzaoKsBGF0nBhP5o3OfMTE4imT6zsznYjw0YjASx8XvKZ7LqM3EhvIyDkXaJOrSn5Y9a1X-hOzNIJTtyLcSdD4Q2m3RW5m6s/s1600/_DSC1600a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br />We love beginnings. We love to start new things. We want the next thing. We want it to be better, bigger. Beginnings are exciting and excitement is contagious. We think it is brave to begin. We think is it brilliant to begin. We want to build our Tower of Babel to reach the heavens.<br /><br />We grow weary of the ordinary, day in and day out, modest routines of our lives and we want something brighter, more enticing, more thrilling.<br /><br />We are willing to invest time, energy and resources into anything that will make life more captivating, more meaningful, more enticing. <br /><br />But, in reaching for the next new thing, have we traded in something more valuable.</span></span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JX6LUQtp8jR94Gaz12ZnAupX6ETaPxcSrSz7qcHkUy9cmXycD1mn5pAAA9dsxuHP00IzL26MC0EAFfQb2jvGqtUe4SdZGQjFximjbHWjE4otRqF5a-mEvlfl0yg3Fjg0rCvcsa8z4lw/s1600/_DSC1605a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JX6LUQtp8jR94Gaz12ZnAupX6ETaPxcSrSz7qcHkUy9cmXycD1mn5pAAA9dsxuHP00IzL26MC0EAFfQb2jvGqtUe4SdZGQjFximjbHWjE4otRqF5a-mEvlfl0yg3Fjg0rCvcsa8z4lw/s1600/_DSC1605a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /><i>What if we were a people who shrewdly resist beginnings and simply remain faithful?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is a way to move forward and progress has been good . . . in part. History has been a march of progress. But, it has cost us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />A wise man once said, there is nothing new under the sun, but we keep looking for something new. And then we are surprised when history repeats itself.<br /><br />No new thing, no matter how great, is going to bring greater happiness. The created can’t bring eternal joy. <br /><br />Change is necessary. Time and time again we need to make an about face and turn back and head in the right direction. Revolution means “a turn around”. Repentance means to have a change of mind and to turn from sin and return to God.<br /><br /><i>But, do we get so carried away with our cravings for new beginnings, we neglect to stay steadfast in the middle of the story?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i>Can’t you see it spread all over our lives? In our diets, our health kicks, our new years resolutions, our churches, our relationships, our politics, our social media. We are stuffing ourselves on beginnings and failing to thrive to the end. <br /><br />How many things have we begun that now hang limp or are tucked away or have been destroyed by the lust of a new beginning?<br /><br />Remaining faithful lacks the flare that a beginning delivers, but it is the soil where roots grow deep, grace is poured out, faith is strengthened, and where love will flourish. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qa-MZGhH3siX6J4D6YAn_QCB14rne7eBJM2xA0dP9h9rZUwVAJR3XM_sUoCkpLV_IZ2HqG6vppXVEQ-qbtLXTEDSrQXhFmTEcwB5ebURxs1pwbdI4ls_4bGTJMOodp5K-6cr4LBoMAs/s1600/_DSC1694a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qa-MZGhH3siX6J4D6YAn_QCB14rne7eBJM2xA0dP9h9rZUwVAJR3XM_sUoCkpLV_IZ2HqG6vppXVEQ-qbtLXTEDSrQXhFmTEcwB5ebURxs1pwbdI4ls_4bGTJMOodp5K-6cr4LBoMAs/s1600/_DSC1694a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />God had a plan before time began, before creation. Before the foundation of the world: God knew, God purposed, God loved us, God chose us.<br /><br />God, who has no beginning, set all things in place. God, who has no end, sees that all things will happen according to His plan. God, who remains faithful, set His plan in motion and will bring is to pass to the praise of His glory.<br /><br />God doesn’t need men and women to dream up exciting beginnings. He wants us to remain faithful. To continue, to press on, to persevere. <br /><br />Straight after Paul told Timothy to “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A12&version=ESV" target="_blank">Fight the good fight of the faith</a>”, he urged him to “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A12&version=ESV" target="_blank">. . . take hold of the eternal life to which you were called . . . </a>”<br /><br />With our eyes fixed on the eternal, strength and courage come so we can rise above the struggles of this world. Hold tightly to the prize of eternal life: that is how you will remain faithful in this life to which you were called.<br /><br />We need to remain faithful in the unseen things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKMMDZlHm6wvoXa6f4VgyQk5m6L5gNPppUuv9UcI7lyh_6vs3Owd95NDRCmwEko-QnE78VyJiEtq_reC05Gwjq22ge3Ndot0nFMDM2JXfKUZbWVIE7dy1-T6yAPpmZpNIOyOj2L3biY0/s1600/_DSC1827a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKMMDZlHm6wvoXa6f4VgyQk5m6L5gNPppUuv9UcI7lyh_6vs3Owd95NDRCmwEko-QnE78VyJiEtq_reC05Gwjq22ge3Ndot0nFMDM2JXfKUZbWVIE7dy1-T6yAPpmZpNIOyOj2L3biY0/s1600/_DSC1827a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Splashy beginnings draw much excitement at the outset, but these embers burn out. It is the steady stoking of the fire that keeps the blaze burning.</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Remaining faithful may never be popular. This world will go on looking or bigger and better beginnings to draw crowds, to reach new heights, to make progress, to go beyond our dreams, to find happiness and health and wisdom, and discover the unknown.<br /><br />Remaining faithful may never be comfortable. This world looks out for self. It tells us, if it doesn’t feel good, get out, give up, do whatever you need to find your own self. Well, referring back to the little book I read last week, Bonar wrote:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Denying self is the beginning, the middle, and the end of our course here, as followers of Christ.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Remaining faithful may never be easy. It is a fight. A fight that needs determination, endurance, and every ounce of perseverance a soul could hope for.<br /><br />And that is exactly what we have. Hope . . . Eternal hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WpQWaa2GArugMYQenCG5AYoYPb59IQONGukVKM7PqHPVfcdubh4hO0hjN79K5chibAzMWp-KwWpo0e3e25vKhA87QZvLVNs4iDORPKhaEcfPDF3pfDFXyvUP5k61cMHnvaeTWZ7nDxw/s1600/_DSC1653a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WpQWaa2GArugMYQenCG5AYoYPb59IQONGukVKM7PqHPVfcdubh4hO0hjN79K5chibAzMWp-KwWpo0e3e25vKhA87QZvLVNs4iDORPKhaEcfPDF3pfDFXyvUP5k61cMHnvaeTWZ7nDxw/s1600/_DSC1653a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br />We have been made to know God. We have been made to be in communion with God. Since the fall we have fallen short of His glory. God had a plan before creation to climb down into the world He spoke into existence to redeem us back to Himself. <br /><br />He has not left us alone. He has remained faithful.<br /><br />He has loved us and given us hope for a future.<br /><br />With hope like that, we can say, </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Quiet down, soul.</i></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">”</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br />Resist beginnings.<br /><br />Remain faithful.</span></span></div>
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-81794868125249720352017-07-28T15:26:00.003-04:002017-07-28T19:51:03.134-04:00The One Way To Get What Your Heart Desires<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/the-delight-of-my-heart/" target="_blank">To listen to the audio,</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/the-delight-of-my-heart/" target="_blank">join us at HopeStreamRadio here.</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFU0SMrq9fr9lGNUM2ICTeIM1-5lYWoxALFRoUHwobOHQyvGLDXEvNJ2mcc1hjEf2fdxpsfJfy2AJZ2DTtyj_R077MGxH5UkY45ukpzBkvfLiLacSl7kGYJy6-JILIVmFGY0hC07zC4M/s1600/_DSC3767a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFU0SMrq9fr9lGNUM2ICTeIM1-5lYWoxALFRoUHwobOHQyvGLDXEvNJ2mcc1hjEf2fdxpsfJfy2AJZ2DTtyj_R077MGxH5UkY45ukpzBkvfLiLacSl7kGYJy6-JILIVmFGY0hC07zC4M/s1600/_DSC3767a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was my grandma’s. It hung in her house for as long as I can remember. I carried it home with me from the nursing home, held it close to my heart, after her breath had rattled and hers days had ended and I said good-bye. <br /><br />It’s a piece of antique wall art, carved wood with gilded letters and pink roses, and in the midst of fresh grief, without much thought, I hung it on an empty nail in our ensuite. It hangs not so much for decor but more as a daily reminder. It has lost it’s lustre with old dust that needs to be scrubbed from the crevices, but the truth of those ancient words will never fade.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can pass down truth like that. You can cling to truth that steers your life into a life that is worth living.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN335Eb4I06ebv-Dy4w-HxnD-zpD8r0hMEHcMPxvM2HswKxywbG6M8oi891__ROrRgPskjOBScZUCdoV4C8h0gQxICkQtK62gmtlE6nizy5EfCTo9Nwu23ZMzYKW8wGtguNgFq8qXGnSA/s1600/_DSC8377a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN335Eb4I06ebv-Dy4w-HxnD-zpD8r0hMEHcMPxvM2HswKxywbG6M8oi891__ROrRgPskjOBScZUCdoV4C8h0gQxICkQtK62gmtlE6nizy5EfCTo9Nwu23ZMzYKW8wGtguNgFq8qXGnSA/s1600/_DSC8377a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />That old wall hanging, it won’t last. This life here, as we know it, it will pass. But, truth . . .truth is eternal. And the truth is, intimacy with God is what makes living most satisfying, most real, most true.<br /><br />The old-fashioned letters etched in the wood and covered in gold paint that decorate my wall are words quoted from a hymn, a psalm, a poem that King David wrote. They are words that come from an old man who has the advantage of looking back over many years and speaking wisdom to countless restless souls longing to find rest and peace. <br /><br />They are words for souls that need to be exhorted to “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37" target="_blank">Fret not yourself</a>” and instructed to: “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37" target="_blank">Trust in the Lord</a>”.<br /><br />These words are truth that nourishes souls that, all through the ages, must be reminded that the Lord upholds and will not forsake the righteous.<br /><br />We not only need these words as reminders, we need this truth that urges the faithful to patiently, earnestly seek the Lord with all your heart.<br /><br />David knew this truth and sang these words in his poem, recorded in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37" target="_blank">Psalm 37</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Delight yourself in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I look upon these ancient words day after day. There is much to take our eyes away from the beauty of the Lord. My heart needs to heed this message that is as true today as the day David sang it. There are fears, evil, injustice, and wickedness. But, the Psalmist presses in to deal with all those fears because He knows nothing can frustrate God’s plan. God doesn’t change. His truth does not change. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRV3w6vPwyymIlZERC6-rCHUGLu-ae6-7fpO2gyEbNzDn4hSKRROMkZ4rcmaqNN9wodTqgnZ0o-1Y1GdW73ZFuNW87ZatvxrkugNgabzCEtlQyeR1qqyqy6vZd9e8D9rjbxvyncnU53k/s1600/_DSC1506a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRV3w6vPwyymIlZERC6-rCHUGLu-ae6-7fpO2gyEbNzDn4hSKRROMkZ4rcmaqNN9wodTqgnZ0o-1Y1GdW73ZFuNW87ZatvxrkugNgabzCEtlQyeR1qqyqy6vZd9e8D9rjbxvyncnU53k/s1600/_DSC1506a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NDA2DXwRC8WAfzM3jEIAOInG98TDDp7re14C082ZvUlLS2sdJtJimAlattY-TZ1c28tzmGnpWHl9QXAJR_VpZizVK0Wfz7VXY4eQkM6tTwbPcUYqSDvOrsd3n8g9wNYAJQp6ilbx7AM/s1600/_DSC0142a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NDA2DXwRC8WAfzM3jEIAOInG98TDDp7re14C082ZvUlLS2sdJtJimAlattY-TZ1c28tzmGnpWHl9QXAJR_VpZizVK0Wfz7VXY4eQkM6tTwbPcUYqSDvOrsd3n8g9wNYAJQp6ilbx7AM/s1600/_DSC0142a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />It is the soul that delights in God that is fully satisfied. It is the heart that delights in God that finds true happiness.<br /><br />It is the heart that is soft and tender toward God that discovers that the ultimate desire is to delight in God and His glory. God will not forsake the righteous and will shape your heart to desire exactly what He desires you to have: more of Him.<br /><br />Charles Spurgeon wrote:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Make God’s glory your object in life; live in His sight; dwell close to him; seek for fellowship with Him; and thou has ‘godliness’”.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A life that makes God’s glory the object in life is a life that will know the joy of the Lord and that joy is our strength in the face of whatever trial or difficultly may arise.<br /><br />To delight in the Lord is not to live a life of ease or full of prosperity or free from challenging circumstances. But, God shapes your heart to desire the right things: to live a life that “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37" target="_blank">trusts in the Lord</a>”, “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37" target="_blank">commits your way to the Lord</a>”, to “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37" target="_blank">be still before the Lord</a>” and “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37" target="_blank">wait patiently for the Lord</a>”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the shaping, the Potter takes the clay and forms it with his hands to be fit for that which He has purposed.<br /><br />Look to the Lord. Make God’s glory the object of your life. Delight in the Lord. Make God be what your heart desires.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA8nMCdj6O1fTuxFvCOvdFd0HjxySoWYXbKrDcpAWSRjr639JVZFQvnd9kYAQn9zHKhQd7w_UHqvrgTEpQvJpRlH2yCyOwNvZIPs-4WC06tQyQVUTV0WVV8rUCzW5tQuQYCi0AWPeweA/s1600/_DSC1510a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA8nMCdj6O1fTuxFvCOvdFd0HjxySoWYXbKrDcpAWSRjr639JVZFQvnd9kYAQn9zHKhQd7w_UHqvrgTEpQvJpRlH2yCyOwNvZIPs-4WC06tQyQVUTV0WVV8rUCzW5tQuQYCi0AWPeweA/s1600/_DSC1510a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TfIx_-WnhxWs3YqEzXKEiPxdCq77tTx8FYhckigTFVJNgY5jF91cTlBcE4eY-XEW0qMhPuiA32vnu4nAwqSoDRM3qPdaCmOqqBqZrNn8sm7bwdMppLeknYY69b_XjQPtDvtxsh2Ihzs/s1600/_DSC8068a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TfIx_-WnhxWs3YqEzXKEiPxdCq77tTx8FYhckigTFVJNgY5jF91cTlBcE4eY-XEW0qMhPuiA32vnu4nAwqSoDRM3qPdaCmOqqBqZrNn8sm7bwdMppLeknYY69b_XjQPtDvtxsh2Ihzs/s1600/_DSC8068a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Make your living worth living.<br /><br />Horatius Bonar, a poet and hymn writer from Scotland in the 19th century, wrote a little book called “Follow the Lamb”. In it he encourages the young Christian:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Your life is a Book; it may be a volume of larger or smaller size; and conversion is but the title-page or the preface. The Book itself remains to be written; and your years and weeks and days are its chapters and leaves and lines. It is a Book written for eternity; see that it be written well.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A life written well is a life that can say my absolute delight is the Lord. A life that is truly living is one that my heart’s desires are met in God alone. God perfectly sets in place the desires of my heart and I find I am fully satisfied in Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuU4yYy-KjXqHD4pNjBuo2f27oazZCviy84nliyzU4ufzQCr39HrtQNQr7SgcPY5r_-ilWuY0WWOn6rVHbk0VRY5MdtS_amL6ztOnATO24Y_xMEiJi4wHtz4xEpV6AbwwXyZrept1JsQ/s1600/_DSC1476a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuU4yYy-KjXqHD4pNjBuo2f27oazZCviy84nliyzU4ufzQCr39HrtQNQr7SgcPY5r_-ilWuY0WWOn6rVHbk0VRY5MdtS_amL6ztOnATO24Y_xMEiJi4wHtz4xEpV6AbwwXyZrept1JsQ/s1600/_DSC1476a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />He gives us the desires of our hearts when the deepest beat of our heart is for Him alone.<br /><br />In the “Valley of Vision”, we have a prayer of a Puritan who prayed this prayer with this heartbeat:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“O GOD OF MY DELIGHT,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thy throne of grace</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">is the pleasure ground of my soul.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here I obtain mercy in time of need,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">here see the smile of thy reconciled face,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">here joy pleads the name of Jesus,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">here I sharpen the sword of the Spirit,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">anoint the shield of faith,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">put on the helmet of salvation,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">gather manna from thy Word,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">am strengthened for each conflict,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">nerved for the upward race,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">empowered to conquer every foe;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Help me to come to Christ</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">as the fountain head of descending blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">as a wide open flood-gate of mercy . . . </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Quicken me, stir me, fill me with holy zeal.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Strengthen me that I may cling to thee</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">and not let thee go.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">May thy Spirit within me draw all blessings</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">from thy hand. . . . </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Impress on my mind the shortness of time,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the work to be engaged in,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the account to be rendered,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the nearness of eternity,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the fearful sin of despising thy Spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">May I never forget that</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">thy eye always sees,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">thy ear always hears,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">thy recording hand always writes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">May I never give thee rest until Christ is</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the pulse of my heart . . . ”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-68877682782046866772017-07-21T17:38:00.000-04:002017-07-21T17:38:32.960-04:00When You Pass Through the Impassable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLrTBk6KkRqUJYjoW9wJaEyxtt33-RBXwrpmD5t9-CFcOILuD9_qd-PuA8TVdQ6ieUME02Kcvbj7dtzNGeZ7tPkr63qX2F3Pc_w3A8c1doulheYmI7EsJCrO4xeimVgWOrWKq_6zkx1c/s1600/_DSC9854a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLrTBk6KkRqUJYjoW9wJaEyxtt33-RBXwrpmD5t9-CFcOILuD9_qd-PuA8TVdQ6ieUME02Kcvbj7dtzNGeZ7tPkr63qX2F3Pc_w3A8c1doulheYmI7EsJCrO4xeimVgWOrWKq_6zkx1c/s1600/_DSC9854a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever come to the edge of an impassable situation?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When the circumstances that lie before you bring life to a frightful halt?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Somehow you must go forward, but there is no foreseeable way to get to the other side of the obstacle surging ahead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To do so requires more strength and courage than your weak body and weary soul could muster.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever stood on the brink of rushing waters with a longing to get to the other side, but with absolutely no sensible way to cross?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s easier to turn around and give up, give in to the cowardice that creeps in the corners of every heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo6O7RGVVuN83ttQC15PWuFsRmAU56eKdNYS6qsOW2zVdq_GBqqDusUv7KeIp9dzbK1XMLdclFtGQP19xuI97cTiH2oOaX7jshW51btOT8YZNGgg_FoON-62UG0GszYNkFlyzXlnvmtc/s1600/_DSC9947a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo6O7RGVVuN83ttQC15PWuFsRmAU56eKdNYS6qsOW2zVdq_GBqqDusUv7KeIp9dzbK1XMLdclFtGQP19xuI97cTiH2oOaX7jshW51btOT8YZNGgg_FoON-62UG0GszYNkFlyzXlnvmtc/s1600/_DSC9947a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But, there is hope. There is a sure way. There is obedience. There is trust.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is this way that quiets the cowardice and builds strength and brings forth courage. It is the way of obedience. It is the way of faith. It is the way one walks when the Lord your God is with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When you are sure of the presence of the Lord you will pass though the impassible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When you trust in the Lord God you will walk across your Jordon River on dry ground.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF76qkLRLwTESeuzSfoIMyiIx8rqBLoEzy7O1WXJpErJW7we68m3zddZl6ednzaK-LZ6G08OypX0onP08VWKc1lFKnAaoYZhu70i7OJe1FPDW7cmRI2wdV-CuXTS_Ne4UFNqD7v6lTfKw/s1600/_DSC9905a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF76qkLRLwTESeuzSfoIMyiIx8rqBLoEzy7O1WXJpErJW7we68m3zddZl6ednzaK-LZ6G08OypX0onP08VWKc1lFKnAaoYZhu70i7OJe1FPDW7cmRI2wdV-CuXTS_Ne4UFNqD7v6lTfKw/s1600/_DSC9905a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN-n5CY0N6v6R28IwNEWtuGF2vsbYqyZx0AL7Hqg9cHH10aky59LU0zxDd1SSZRddpb1JQtweZc1a2BstxUETFZiupsxkLKp1p0TauvdiOTqN4TKtoQyiZvI1t0BmCeK7ff46AlwRJYA/s1600/_DSC9873a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIN-n5CY0N6v6R28IwNEWtuGF2vsbYqyZx0AL7Hqg9cHH10aky59LU0zxDd1SSZRddpb1JQtweZc1a2BstxUETFZiupsxkLKp1p0TauvdiOTqN4TKtoQyiZvI1t0BmCeK7ff46AlwRJYA/s1600/_DSC9873a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After Moses died, the Lord exalted Joshua to lead His people to the Promised Land. They had to cross the Jordon River to get to their place of rest. God had promised that He would give them this land to possess and He had shown Himself faithful to them over and over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Lord said to Joshua:</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/joshua/1.htm" target="_blank">“Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you . . . Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Knowing the Lord is near kills fear and births courage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The assurance that the Lord is with you is the strength you need to walk in obedience and the courage to pass the impassible and come to the place of rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbGvSydZ_l6qklHjITpCBMOpaUwunQMcNYzurzEybFXgMcjH-ISKiXiEN-Tw9wLJ2OEqDLEQHaJmUJ3PkEMJjnA7viiJB8k5V40RIKdKqylBMdz98U6rT0uigwuo2bpDuf1w3aYdXUcs/s1600/_DSC9882a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbGvSydZ_l6qklHjITpCBMOpaUwunQMcNYzurzEybFXgMcjH-ISKiXiEN-Tw9wLJ2OEqDLEQHaJmUJ3PkEMJjnA7viiJB8k5V40RIKdKqylBMdz98U6rT0uigwuo2bpDuf1w3aYdXUcs/s1600/_DSC9882a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had come to an impassable place. I looked ahead and could not see a way forward. My body was frail. It had let me down. My mind was troubled. My soul was weary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was then that I longed to go clear across Canada to stand at the Pacific Ocean: the mighty ocean that means, “the peaceful sea”. Lying in the hospital in great turmoil, I wanted to feel the sand between my toes and breathe in the salt air and take our children across a beautiful land to show them all the mighty things God has done. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But, I couldn’t even walk to the end of a hospital bed. I could not breathe on my own and no one knew if I ever would again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My heart had to heal from surgery. And bones had to regrow and nerves had to repair. My mind had to be restored. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had to be strong and courageous. I had to stop the grumbling and see the good things God had done. I had to trust the Lord and know that He is with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He brings us to the brink of the Jordon to trust Him; to lead us to find our rest in Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDKnQL7N4p0ySOshASeeRnVVaI7NCjcHiL_ytdrlhtDGDUZhYflvvJcDnHllHghnmA2kZEyI7PvD08KZlnqKNFQNRf8TX1L-ENCWw95JItjn8Hl5e9jhmxhvzkhYkFSwuhXb6hfqhmLM/s1600/_DSC9917a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmDKnQL7N4p0ySOshASeeRnVVaI7NCjcHiL_ytdrlhtDGDUZhYflvvJcDnHllHghnmA2kZEyI7PvD08KZlnqKNFQNRf8TX1L-ENCWw95JItjn8Hl5e9jhmxhvzkhYkFSwuhXb6hfqhmLM/s1600/_DSC9917a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once the people of Israel crossed the Jordon, the Lord told Joshua to take twelve men—one man from each tribe--to take twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordon River and lay them down as a memorial. So that, in time, when their children would ask, “What do these stones mean?” they would say:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/joshua/4.htm" target="_blank">“‘Israel passed over the Jordon on dry ground. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordon for you until you passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, that you may fear the LORD your God forever.’”</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When we pass through the impassible, others see the mighty hand of God and we know without a doubt that it was God--and God alone--that brought us through. We are not to cower in fear at our circumstances, but we are to stand in awe of God’s majesty and acknowledge His goodness and worship Him forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whatever is looming ahead, God is with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whatever may seem impassible, God will make the way to pass through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5CasicgtRpBbywY1Nyvf9F4KsW0ZXWv-2oSM6VpFYLOAk1U_mcR5qRXcjRto9oJmNHlKiBeN-yExGK4xqEoADBUDx3NchYTRZSwfIHXxTrrrKSyxcY17KNCof8_ZTksMC2csLQCuIc4/s1600/_DSC9925a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK5CasicgtRpBbywY1Nyvf9F4KsW0ZXWv-2oSM6VpFYLOAk1U_mcR5qRXcjRto9oJmNHlKiBeN-yExGK4xqEoADBUDx3NchYTRZSwfIHXxTrrrKSyxcY17KNCof8_ZTksMC2csLQCuIc4/s1600/_DSC9925a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You must trust Him and obediently follow. It is a laying down of self. It’s the way of surrender. It’s the walk of faith.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That’s what I knew when I dipped my feet in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Vancouver Island on the last day of June this year--the year Canada turned 150. The icy water at Long Beach stabbed at my toes and the soles of my feet turned numb as the sea-water splashed at my shins. My family plunged into the salty cold ocean, tried to ride a few waves on their bellies and shrieked with stunned laughter as every inch of their bodies tingled from being alive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The wind whipped sand and strings of hair into my face as I turned out toward the vast ocean and knew that God, in His mercy, had brought me to this place. I can sing along with Horatio Gates Spafford:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“When peace like a river attendeth my way,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">when sorrows like sea billows roll;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“It is well, it is well with my soul.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">let this blest assurance control:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and has shed his own blood for my soul. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">my sin, not in part, but the whole,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">even so, it is well with my soul.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6VkboPoAPZGSFrhJcp5kSH6hVWjZcUXLyFMXg3hLnEL3Y0pO8JQTMNozZqz_wJkyseOuAesTus39AEWt0E63w0TmRfUXiT8U1mexysGOwykjR-IajvDTVCQwIUWUXPUzVn5x5zajgLE/s1600/_DSC9765a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6VkboPoAPZGSFrhJcp5kSH6hVWjZcUXLyFMXg3hLnEL3Y0pO8JQTMNozZqz_wJkyseOuAesTus39AEWt0E63w0TmRfUXiT8U1mexysGOwykjR-IajvDTVCQwIUWUXPUzVn5x5zajgLE/s1600/_DSC9765a.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By the work of Christ, He has brought us to rest in Him. We were without hope. We were without a way to pass through. But Christ has brought us back to Himself and gives us life, fills us with hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">See what the Lord has done? He brings us to the impassible and leads us to the place of rest. </span><br />
<br /></div>
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-53704305157303103832017-07-14T15:25:00.002-04:002017-07-14T15:35:38.450-04:00Learning From the Life of Hannah: A Woman with Serious Problems {Part 5}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/woman-serious-problems-part-2/" style="color: #bb5321; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">{To listen to the audio,</a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #bb5321;"><a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/woman-serious-problems-part-5/" style="color: #bb5321; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">join us at HopeStreamRadio.}</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">{This is Part 5 in a series on the Life of Hannah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/06/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with_16.html" style="color: #bb5321; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Click here for Part 1</a>.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For the last four weeks we have been examining the life of Hannah as told in 1 Samuel. As we come to the end of Hannah’s story today, we know God will be Eternally Glorified and we see that Hannah Erupts in Praise to the Supreme Ruler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The God who Sovereignly Governs over all, Providentially Guides all circumstances, Graciously Gives all things is Eternally Glorified and “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:16-18&version=ESV" target="_blank">we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:17-19&version=ESV" target="_blank">I consider that the sufferings of this present time</a>”, Paul said to the Romans, “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:17-19&version=ESV" target="_blank">are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh, He is worthy of our praise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In Romans, Paul said: “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:31-33&version=ESV" target="_blank">He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?</a>”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP0QtZLUR556zz4m1kcM-rhO-sqrhJwCCimpt5IB_bZKqZAfuIzPscCWiwZB7JP6FQTXOR5zGq7GmWP34p65kh0cfF9pmndC6KR104dMdyzgfVCDcfiwwuh_q2wXLvB6Wsuzd0CI0b3U/s1600/_DSC9319a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzP0QtZLUR556zz4m1kcM-rhO-sqrhJwCCimpt5IB_bZKqZAfuIzPscCWiwZB7JP6FQTXOR5zGq7GmWP34p65kh0cfF9pmndC6KR104dMdyzgfVCDcfiwwuh_q2wXLvB6Wsuzd0CI0b3U/s1600/_DSC9319a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL2UVwg36UvscQqqoSbv5Pw8WasTRoXG9jII9urdb_NiuIMMyMPfMFc_QksbjDv-LLzjVacYwYBLCH8dt09mGsGsw4UamJQurR4gH-WGhvxQSyFq4rfv4bsuSG3nvc0hfBHxr8f3CQT4/s1600/_DSC9301a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL2UVwg36UvscQqqoSbv5Pw8WasTRoXG9jII9urdb_NiuIMMyMPfMFc_QksbjDv-LLzjVacYwYBLCH8dt09mGsGsw4UamJQurR4gH-WGhvxQSyFq4rfv4bsuSG3nvc0hfBHxr8f3CQT4/s1600/_DSC9301a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah knows the goodness of God in her life and understood that there is no one like our God who will graciously give us all things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah’s heart erupts in praise to the Lord. She takes what has happened in her life and she breaks forth in magnificent descriptions of the character and goodness of God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Her joy is in the Giver, not the gift.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrzfMNe3mCrO1TXz_PqukNSb0lwjlQce2XRQZk1dXSJcnB5nciSk082KbPH-ewa6xbmsmech-L6gh2_7tOCCNlvSLXrGRo3ZI3lbZOACi_hNcPWl_fwK2MQJzc7CpDDgKnSWnOVnP-A8/s1600/_DSC9305a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrzfMNe3mCrO1TXz_PqukNSb0lwjlQce2XRQZk1dXSJcnB5nciSk082KbPH-ewa6xbmsmech-L6gh2_7tOCCNlvSLXrGRo3ZI3lbZOACi_hNcPWl_fwK2MQJzc7CpDDgKnSWnOVnP-A8/s1600/_DSC9305a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1 Samuel chapter two, we read Hannah’s prayer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In her prayer, Hannah meditates on the extraordinary goodness of God to her with all of who she is, she rejoices in the strength His gives. Her heart leaps for joy at his salvation; his deliverance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She proclaims his absolute holiness, and acknowledges there is none like Him. He is above all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah uses the metaphor of the “rock” and speaks of his majesty and might. She knows He is the safe dwelling place for his people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She speaks of His omniscience, His sovereignty, His omnipotence and His power over life and death. Hannah declares He is Creator and Sustainer of all. That He upholds all things and directs all things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He knows all things: He knows our heart, our thoughts, our actions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He is the Supreme Ruler. His plans will come to pass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She knows He is Just and merciful, gracious and faithful in His promises.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She tells of the promised Messiah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These are the things Hannah’s heart knows. Do you know God like this? Does your heart leap for joy the way Hannah’s did?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VMBrNqIakFh91Aui5wDVilH0R6_sgHnb_5Ot2VKq4n_QhAfm8Ktw5S9PEcfmoFmQrZh5x_SZBt8JyDLZZaG7z5UNJvADC61t7MsOGupj1c06rfFg2r_v_cd_futM8ju4qbFBgIUHHWY/s1600/_DSC9309a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VMBrNqIakFh91Aui5wDVilH0R6_sgHnb_5Ot2VKq4n_QhAfm8Ktw5S9PEcfmoFmQrZh5x_SZBt8JyDLZZaG7z5UNJvADC61t7MsOGupj1c06rfFg2r_v_cd_futM8ju4qbFBgIUHHWY/s1600/_DSC9309a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Hs6dr1pBTsMHEPnI2K4nhXEGHDEGvA5y7FwMGO93Ug5SHYywe-Ppb92yrT_N5NoBQP7am_11gXVUsCmcQUuW9O1lVNfMwLkFxNqnXI0amhlQBpff6HcfOvnDO3C2tylva1SnebkpEY/s1600/_DSC9323a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Hs6dr1pBTsMHEPnI2K4nhXEGHDEGvA5y7FwMGO93Ug5SHYywe-Ppb92yrT_N5NoBQP7am_11gXVUsCmcQUuW9O1lVNfMwLkFxNqnXI0amhlQBpff6HcfOvnDO3C2tylva1SnebkpEY/s1600/_DSC9323a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah’s tune changes from weeping over her problems with sorrow to rejoicing in the Lord with this song of praise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The book of Samuel begins with Hannah praying for the son that God would use to lead the nation of Israel from the time of the judges to establish the Davidic monarchy. God promised a Messiah through the line of David and to establish David’s throne forever. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, our Redeemer will reign forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nothing can frustrate God’s plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jesus Christ is the perfect substitutionary sacrifice and He bore the wrath of God for our sin that He might bring us to God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Supreme Ruler who Sovereignly Governs, Providentially Guides, and Graciously Gives, provides Hannah with three more sons and two daughters. Her future is secure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In every way His will must prevail.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWMb2JAXpE__BFEAZd0lUrskwN7U63Km92JanskEu0Oezu1r3MMj9nbvyd5tMDOOTQHWqMR2nrRWRcAzEtsrTYktaab8j5D3pRWYLKvNWf_6WT_JN1q6B8e5_qCfY-AiPYTlXZy4cRKw/s1600/_DSC9339a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWMb2JAXpE__BFEAZd0lUrskwN7U63Km92JanskEu0Oezu1r3MMj9nbvyd5tMDOOTQHWqMR2nrRWRcAzEtsrTYktaab8j5D3pRWYLKvNWf_6WT_JN1q6B8e5_qCfY-AiPYTlXZy4cRKw/s1600/_DSC9339a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzjGz6V5jtdz5m1jqP1qZvSDpD7PPSQdPVdor7QhFTAAAY_eFuc25Ij5KuNmAJ_5n8d7akrzMYE_e1TpalQLemoqEjRoWirhz8NC-plI37YRmVdoe5ODlKHnR8mo_tgBFFhdqfbAoUPo/s1600/_DSC9347a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzjGz6V5jtdz5m1jqP1qZvSDpD7PPSQdPVdor7QhFTAAAY_eFuc25Ij5KuNmAJ_5n8d7akrzMYE_e1TpalQLemoqEjRoWirhz8NC-plI37YRmVdoe5ODlKHnR8mo_tgBFFhdqfbAoUPo/s1600/_DSC9347a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You may be women with serious problems, but we have a God who is Supreme over all. Because of His love He will graciously give you all things to conform you into the likeness of His Son to the praise of His glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With all your afflictions, sorrows, and anxieties find your joy in the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God Sovereignly Governs, Providentially Guides, Graciously Gives, and is Eternally Glorified.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OK49KApcjoL5ycfu1BMHyYEtiICrhh7974afZRBRd7miUY_qqo4efyxSiycoVEuG-gnv68yEwYEp8iia8kdvrsvi0EEMDZW58JwXm_fHQimmTQla5eeHuvnLYPI5Zm6Y6n2vb7Og-Eg/s1600/_DSC9314a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OK49KApcjoL5ycfu1BMHyYEtiICrhh7974afZRBRd7miUY_qqo4efyxSiycoVEuG-gnv68yEwYEp8iia8kdvrsvi0EEMDZW58JwXm_fHQimmTQla5eeHuvnLYPI5Zm6Y6n2vb7Og-Eg/s1600/_DSC9314a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like Hannah, will you endure your problems, earnestly pour out your soul, entrust your Provider with all that He gives you and erupt in praise to your Saviour?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We have looked to the life of a woman with serious problems whose joy was ultimately in the Lord. We will conclude with these words Joseph Addison wrote in his hymn:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Ten thousand thousand precious gifts</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My daily thanks employ;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nor is the least a cheerful heart</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That tastes those gifts with joy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Through every period of my life</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thy goodness I’ll pursue</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And after death, in distant worlds,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The glorious theme renew.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Through all eternity to Thee</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A joyful song I’ll raise;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For, oh, eternity’s too short</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To utter all Thy praise!”</span></div>
<br />Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-73893475627124549152017-07-10T18:48:00.000-04:002017-07-14T15:28:00.396-04:00Learning From the Life of Hannah: A Woman with Serious Problems {Part 4}<div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">{This is Part 4 in a series on the Life of Hannah.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/06/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with_16.html" style="color: #bb5321; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Click here for Part 1</a>.}</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For the past three weeks we have been gleaning truth about God from the life of a woman with serious problems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah is a woman with serious problems whose joy was ultimately in the Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah knew the Lord sovereignly governs over all and providentially guides all circumstances. She also knew God graciously gives all things and we see that Hannah entrusted her son to her Provider.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God desires our hearts to be fully devoted to Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah has earnestly poured out her soul and promised her son. Eli, first misunderstanding her, stands corrected, and tells her <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+1%3A17&version=ESV" target="_blank">“Go in peace, and let the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.”</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah, the woman of grace, replies, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel+1:18&version=ESV" target="_blank">“Let your servant find favor in your eyes.”</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah knows God will pour out His grace. Her circumstances have not yet changed, but she went her way and ate and her face was no longer sad. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkI-a_BRBjNF1gBttbRVNZ4a0xnePBUt9Dhy07pf7XZPBaXkEI32QBfRSvVNiAJHJ8D1GAVWxZcUgZMzsGtxxXsch8CZ4uSUuHkNEzQz_G7Cn7_tKFMgmsmR4WyqAAxFEcwIwz3VWeoQ/s1600/_DSC9664a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkI-a_BRBjNF1gBttbRVNZ4a0xnePBUt9Dhy07pf7XZPBaXkEI32QBfRSvVNiAJHJ8D1GAVWxZcUgZMzsGtxxXsch8CZ4uSUuHkNEzQz_G7Cn7_tKFMgmsmR4WyqAAxFEcwIwz3VWeoQ/s1600/_DSC9664a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the Lord. They return to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife and the Lord remembered her: she conceived and bore a son and called his name Samuel. She said, “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel+1:20&version=ESV" target="_blank">I have asked for Him from the LORD</a>”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She sees how God graciously provides and she trusts in His faithfulness to be able to keep her vow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For all these years she wanted a son. He granted her petition and she would give him back to the Lord. He had given her a son; she could trust Him to secure her future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah doesn’t hold too tightly to what the Lord gives her. She enjoys the Provider more than the provision.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the joy of the Lord, Hannah finds strength to move forward in what God had purposed for her: to give her son back to God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Taking her focus off her problems and fixing her gaze on the Lord, Hannah trusts in the God who pours out His grace.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZSe9Fh7p6zfEd-uRhQqMNNc1IAkeuzNBFFIm5x3QQqNdOqNZHNUbrt0ucyW6nIn42i00NeyZFMSWF9VsOvHeBRa_eZ32ZTr6DqADKcl_KMDCuFR6oeUgT4VrA5IQPz1dtb_B3YwgT2k/s1600/_DSC8136a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZSe9Fh7p6zfEd-uRhQqMNNc1IAkeuzNBFFIm5x3QQqNdOqNZHNUbrt0ucyW6nIn42i00NeyZFMSWF9VsOvHeBRa_eZ32ZTr6DqADKcl_KMDCuFR6oeUgT4VrA5IQPz1dtb_B3YwgT2k/s1600/_DSC8136a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Do you remember these words?</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,<br />He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;<br />To added affliction He addeth His mercy,<br />To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we have exhausted our store of endurance,<br />When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,<br />When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,<br />Our Father's full giving is only begun. </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His love has no limit, His grace has no measure;<br />His power no boundary known unto men;<br />For out of His infinite riches in Jesus<br />He giveth and giveth and giveth again.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah knows God’s grace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah takes her son to minister to the Lord in a place where the priests—the two sons of Eli--were worthless men that did not know the Lord, doing evil things and their sin was very great in the sight of the Lord: they treated the offering of the Lord with contempt and they “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Samuel%202:22" target="_blank">lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting</a>”. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And this was where her boy Samuel would grow in the presence of the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Although this was the vow Hannah had made to the Lord, Elkanah went along with it telling her “<a href="http://to do what seems best to you" target="_blank">to do what seems best to you</a>.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So after Samuel was weaned, Hannah brings him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh and presents him there along with her offering. She has come back with an apparent peace offering and she presents the offering. She, who has known the peace—the wholeness of the Lord—, partakes of the feast now with praise and thanksgiving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah, a woman with serious problems, loves the Lord, surrenders herself to Him and He pours out His grace in her life and she finds peace and joy in Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXknnlFi6RWoJgIf0etcZdd0hFffEw5OhjT5bbXvnkwDhwzbPyubntlQp8iwKcf8LJWZOA7JXRI2G8xPVSGZxtj-jU1r_KLkYw3Nw9ouLO3BWliExXtBvGlqi9VED-Y7Igw0CnLTM5wmY/s1600/_DSC9610a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXknnlFi6RWoJgIf0etcZdd0hFffEw5OhjT5bbXvnkwDhwzbPyubntlQp8iwKcf8LJWZOA7JXRI2G8xPVSGZxtj-jU1r_KLkYw3Nw9ouLO3BWliExXtBvGlqi9VED-Y7Igw0CnLTM5wmY/s1600/_DSC9610a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God continually and graciously gives us all things to demonstrate that He is good and only in Him will our hearts truly find rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Take time this week and consider God’s grace in your life and come back next when we will conclude looking at the life of Hannah—a woman with serious problems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/07/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with_14.html" target="_blank">{Continue to Part 5 here.}</a></span>Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-88190631018923748182017-07-03T13:20:00.001-04:002017-07-10T18:56:35.872-04:00Learning From the Life of Hannah: A Woman with Serious Problems {Part 3}<div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">
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<div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">{This is Part 3 in a series on the Life of Hannah.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/06/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with_16.html" style="color: #bb5321; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Click here for Part 1</a>.}</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We have been learning from the life of Hannah as narrated in 1 Samuel. If you haven’t read the account recently, I encourage you to do so this week. In reading the account we see Hannah was a woman with some serious problems.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Many of us, it not all of us, can relate to such a woman. We will not escape problems in this life. There are hard roads to travel as we wait longingly for our eternal dwelling. We know that God sovereignly governs over all and we can rest in Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Come now and know that God Providentially Guides all circumstances and see how Hannah Earnestly Pours out her soul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1 Samuel, we are told the Lord closed Hannah’s womb.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Don’t think for a moment that God is blind to your problems. Don’t believe that He is not present in your suffering. The LORD of hosts is with us. Whatever problems or suffering God brings into your life, you can be confident that he has a purpose for it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygbCfw5ZXM2xixGobMGi0cP-3GznGCGPRJweM4Ds1G8cbShmNzmd70jFLSwg0PsI-Hn37WQ6Ol4Lp1-8gXMaKOSyoQWzCq8ZhkjyxSL5HHjP3vjX8QEOSbG3cbHcs9uZihuoS_4dVkC4/s1600/_DSC7845a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygbCfw5ZXM2xixGobMGi0cP-3GznGCGPRJweM4Ds1G8cbShmNzmd70jFLSwg0PsI-Hn37WQ6Ol4Lp1-8gXMaKOSyoQWzCq8ZhkjyxSL5HHjP3vjX8QEOSbG3cbHcs9uZihuoS_4dVkC4/s1600/_DSC7845a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our suffering is hard to bear, but God will use it to bring us to Him to find the solution that He had in mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And so after they eat and drink, while in Shiloh, Hannah rises and earnestly pours out her soul to the One who providentially guides all of life’s circumstances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">E.M. Bounds wrote: “ . . . none but the earnest man gets access to the ear of God.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In her distress, Hannah prays to the LORD of hosts. Not only has the nation of Israel reached its depths, she personally cannot go on without surrendering to the One who rules over all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God brought her through the suffering to bring her to the place to vow the vow we read in 1 Samuel 1:11:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At that time, if a woman vowed a vow, on the day her husband heard of it he could oppose the vow she uttered and void it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Eli, the priest could see Hannah as she prayed. But, she was speaking only in her heart. Her lips moved, but her voice was not heard, so her vow could not be voided.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, Eli misunderstood her to be a drunk woman out of control rather than a devout woman completely surrendering herself to the Lord.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhO-HUqBNSpMiXpdwRKmGrgn3clFW2fOD-qD7PbppwzzW9h47-N4PIgfwM-qa5dn1hdR_pcUWMYFvJoCMZvbIfLakLsOyCo9SBYpy79TmekJ1jiyQn9IwP4QqYGas-t8KZAN6g4Ue6ck/s1600/_DSC8937a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhO-HUqBNSpMiXpdwRKmGrgn3clFW2fOD-qD7PbppwzzW9h47-N4PIgfwM-qa5dn1hdR_pcUWMYFvJoCMZvbIfLakLsOyCo9SBYpy79TmekJ1jiyQn9IwP4QqYGas-t8KZAN6g4Ue6ck/s1600/_DSC8937a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She has come to the Lord as a troubled woman, in great anxiety and vexation. She couldn’t save herself from her affliction, but she could surrender herself to the author of her joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah’s barreness grievously distressed her. Hannah’s God graciously delivered her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In her affliction, Hannah felt forgotten. In his faithfulness, God remembered Hannah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If she had not had years of barrenness and suffering would she have so earnestly made this vow to the Lord?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah pours out her soul to the Lord. The Lord grants her petition to give her a son.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God brought suffering into her life to bring her to a place of surrender so she would be prepared to give him back her son. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06mZEHzfuSr-bKQsZniQRMCzziSVkWSYyLD4RRl78cUhdkXwuiCt1mKxFXuOb6wXZ-wr8-IZ9ufo0ptX5xUhDYhntR33fxMNVSCMXzo1rYCbgR9x_AkXKaP48hD_-Npxv7V4s0Fi1xlk/s1600/_DSC8330a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06mZEHzfuSr-bKQsZniQRMCzziSVkWSYyLD4RRl78cUhdkXwuiCt1mKxFXuOb6wXZ-wr8-IZ9ufo0ptX5xUhDYhntR33fxMNVSCMXzo1rYCbgR9x_AkXKaP48hD_-Npxv7V4s0Fi1xlk/s1600/_DSC8330a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God knows what it will take to bring us to the place of surrender and He will by His providence guide us right to that place. He directs all things to accomplish exactly what he has, in advance, purposed to unfold.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">William Cowper, a poet in the 1700’s, who suffered from grievous problems and sank into deep despair in his life, wrote these words:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“God moves in a mysterious way</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His wonders to perform;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He plants His footsteps in the sea</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And rides upon the storm.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Deep in unfathomable mines</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Of never failing skill</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He treasures up His bright designs</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And works His sov’reign will.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The clouds ye so much dread</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Are big with mercy and shall break</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In blessings on your head.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But trust Him for His grace;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Behind a frowning providence</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He hides a smiling face.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His purposes will ripen fast,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Unfolding every hour;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The bud may have a bitter taste,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But sweet will be the flow’r.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Blind unbelief is sure to err</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And scan His work in vain;</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God is His own interpreter,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And He will make it plain.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We are to be a people who earnestly pray. Prayer and God’s providence go hand in hand. The one who trusts that the Lord providentially guides stands on a firm foundation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah had a problem, but she turned to the Lord and trusted in His plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Whatever problem you may be facing in your life right now, will you earnestly pour out your soul to the Lord?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Come back next week as we learn from Hannah that God graciously gives us all things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/07/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with_10.html" target="_blank">{Continue to Part 4 here.}</a></span><br />
<br />Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-41971003838100626332017-06-23T10:53:00.000-04:002017-07-10T18:55:03.014-04:00Learning From the Life of Hannah: A Woman with Serious Problems {Part 2}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/woman-serious-problems-part-2/" target="_blank">{To listen to the audio,</a> </span></div>
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<a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/woman-serious-problems-part-2/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">join us at HopeStreamRadio}</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoW2yPPFPUi281Y61cuRHGJ96HprPmBXVquT0qeQlo-MdK764utQ2ebfCYZ_C7Vd9kxo9jfXvRF1ohtWT-NbUzElByrEujN5tzIwW8vqSWVcXHtN-WdwXGp9pKFPNd504Cp19z2airmG4/s1600/_DSC5788a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoW2yPPFPUi281Y61cuRHGJ96HprPmBXVquT0qeQlo-MdK764utQ2ebfCYZ_C7Vd9kxo9jfXvRF1ohtWT-NbUzElByrEujN5tzIwW8vqSWVcXHtN-WdwXGp9pKFPNd504Cp19z2airmG4/s1600/_DSC5788a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">{This is Part 2 in a series on the Life of Hannah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/06/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with_16.html" target="_blank">Click here for Part 1</a>.}</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/06/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with_16.html" target="_blank">Last week</a> we set the stage to learn from the life of Hannah as recorded in the book of 1 Samuel.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before we jump back in to the narrative, we first must understand that God sovereignly governs as we roll back the curtain and see a woman enduring Problems that fill her with Sorrow.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah is a woman who loves the Lord. As women who love the Lord, we are not going to escape problems in this life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God is God. All things are under His rule and control. He has the right to do all things according to His own good pleasure. That is essentially what sovereign means.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Charles Spurgeon said:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God's sovereignty.”</span></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SJLkz6KYCJePPmU7ocmEInUWwIVU-Jru3acTM9UO-R8NMuHBpbjQVpKK2eHG0EMEx1euRZoWKjtwRPpm-96NXW8xI7QxN9Hput2b_Z7_Ndyl8tgJ3O29yb0r9JbIZdD_rik1Ye7l-NE/s1600/_DSC5809a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SJLkz6KYCJePPmU7ocmEInUWwIVU-Jru3acTM9UO-R8NMuHBpbjQVpKK2eHG0EMEx1euRZoWKjtwRPpm-96NXW8xI7QxN9Hput2b_Z7_Ndyl8tgJ3O29yb0r9JbIZdD_rik1Ye7l-NE/s1600/_DSC5809a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah’s husband is Elkanah. In the first chapter of 1 Samuel, we read that he takes his wives up to Shiloh to present a sacrifice. They make a feast of the sacrifice, which would indicate that they present a peace offering; an offering of praise and thanksgiving.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, has a quiver-full to give thanks for, but Hannah remains empty handed. Peninnah provokes Hannah and uses this opportunity to drag Hannah through the wringer year after year.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The obvious love triangle is a heart-wrenching tragedy: Hannah wants what Peninnah has, and Peninnah is jealous of Hannah and wants what Peninnah has.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One has the love of the man and one has the children of the man. Jealousy for the husband’s love drives Peninnah to provoke the one who desires his offspring.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Elkanah loves Hannah even though the Lord has closed her womb and Peninnah grievously provokes Hannah because the Lord has closed her womb.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah is oozing like an open wound that won’t heal, subjected to the tender care from her husband as well as the cruel taunting from his other wife.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah means ‘grace’. Her rival, Peninnah, is understood to mean ‘pearl’, but as you consider the situation, you see that she is a lot more like the grit in the oyster before it becomes a pearl.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As much as Hannah is full of grace, Peninnah is like the grit that irritates and provokes her in her painful problem.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we are suffering, God uses the aggravating grit around us and pours out his abundant grace on us and a radiant pearl is formed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hannah is so heartsick she could not eat of the worthy portion Elkanah gives her. Elkanah attempts to console her, but fails to understand the depths of her grief. In his confusion, he questions (in 1 Samuel 1:8): “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad?” </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well, I think he should have stopped at that, but no, he continues, and he says: “Am I not more to you than ten sons?”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Oh, Elkanah!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I don’ think he quite gets it. The heartache a woman endures when she longs for a child or losses a child is intense. Other women wrestle when they are overwhelmed with an unexpected pregnancy. Ultimately, we realize we really don’t have a whole lot of control over our own wombs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For years Hannah has lived in a family without the joy of her own children. Month after month, her womb remains empty, while her husband received children from another woman.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Elkanah didn’t understand her loss, her grief, or her suffering. But, perhaps this is the last straw, and she had come to the end of herself.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And this is where God would have us to be: to give up everything. His purpose is to bring us back to himself, to conform us into the image of His Son for His glory and for our good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We will endure problems that will cause intense sorrow. God will bring us to these places where we are able to rest in the truth that God sovereignly governs over all of life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/07/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with.html" target="_blank">{Continue to Part 3 here.}</a></span></span>Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-85882973617777862017-06-16T09:20:00.000-04:002017-07-10T18:55:16.260-04:00Learning From the Life of Hannah: A Woman with A Serious Problem {Part 1}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Are you a woman with a problem?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps a serious, heart-wrenching problem that fills your life with grief. You know what it is like to drag yourself out of bed, go through the motions of the daily mundane, push food around on your plate, toss and turn in the night and feed on your tears when sleep won’t come? You know how it feels when it hurts to breath and your heart races and flutters when you just can’t reach out and touch that which is your heart’s greatest longing.<br /><br />Perhaps you are walking along side a friend who has a serious problem and you wonder how you can keep on encouraging her.<br /><br />Over the coming weeks, we are going to become a little more acquainted with a woman with a serious problem and how her heart leapt for joy in the Sovereign Lord.<br /><br />We will encourage our hearts with a narrative from the Old Testament that powerfully reveals the goodness of God in our day-to-day lives and his perfect redemptive plan for all eternity.<br /><br />We will see how God:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sovereignly Governs </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Providentially Guides </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Graciously Gives and is </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Eternally Glorified</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHDobORDVI7hREL0WXZ64vG-gAbeQRqORG0dy4QHyZdn1P8rZ8YnOV51c8xa_v2ARZy2gbMdcYf4_YGTZ2iAsulUivoiBgoPe4DEZaQrQUGJ67EPMoBZMWqim4RBLtBXb-2sFtfQiOv0/s1600/_DSC4996a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHDobORDVI7hREL0WXZ64vG-gAbeQRqORG0dy4QHyZdn1P8rZ8YnOV51c8xa_v2ARZy2gbMdcYf4_YGTZ2iAsulUivoiBgoPe4DEZaQrQUGJ67EPMoBZMWqim4RBLtBXb-2sFtfQiOv0/s1600/_DSC4996a.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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I am sure some of you are familiar with this woman and that your heart has gone out to her and at times you relate to her quite well.<br /><br />We are first introduced to her as a wife, a woman of grace, and for those with astute observation skills, we see a woman who has a serious problem. And her problem led to intense suffering that filled her with profound sorrow and great anxiety. <br /><br />She lived in Israel in the hill country of Ephraim, during the time of the Judges. She was married to a godly man who loved her dearly. However, her affliction overshadowed his love for her. She was so deeply distressed and that she could hardly eat.<br /><br />We get to know this woman in the first chapter of 1 Samuel. As we observe her life and how she responded to her problem, we can’t help but to examine our own heart.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9EvP7W_XOnSbb3yW2x1NVK8solCVRxWuk3PgrdvenTbLT_q6lSB3_I2bMuRj_oNQmoEDUoRYT0ggDDaEa13EA9Byx4bX42Va8jNnbUVv2lEFJ_HuvVveZ5BHQ6Mi6vwQ0KwfPiUwPAM/s1600/_DSC4913-1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9EvP7W_XOnSbb3yW2x1NVK8solCVRxWuk3PgrdvenTbLT_q6lSB3_I2bMuRj_oNQmoEDUoRYT0ggDDaEa13EA9Byx4bX42Va8jNnbUVv2lEFJ_HuvVveZ5BHQ6Mi6vwQ0KwfPiUwPAM/s1600/_DSC4913-1a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><br />We are turning back the pages of history to look at Hannah: the woman with a serious problem. <br /><br />Her problem was she had no children. This was a major problem in ancient Near East. Without a son her future was not secure.<br /><br />The problem was intensified for her because not only did she have no children her husband had another wife. And the other wife had given her husband children.<br /><br />Remember when <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+16&version=ESV" target="_blank">Sarai offered her maidservant, Hagar,</a> to her Abraham to obtain children by her. Once Hagar conceived she looked at Sarai with contempt and Sarai dealt harshly with Hagar.<br /><br />Then there was <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+30&version=ESV" target="_blank">great rivalry between Rachel and Leah</a> as the Lord opened and closed their wombs.<br /><br />So it wasn’t a unique problem only to her, but Hannah handles it with grace.<br /><br />Her husband had more than one wife—which was a direct violation of God’s command—and he subjects his family to painful consequences that were difficult to bear.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cHi0cDIooO123iReO3sq4CQ1dh27_PFFZ3eIAdlZmA-x_MVPcQ2RvP3sKkXAwmQvuL3Rb9EIHgT5rVtEcKhXdYfV-xIvcjayPvLWVp45C3BWnNneG3b2_JGlZkBRD5EwvDw2s_-YduY/s1600/_DSC5240a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cHi0cDIooO123iReO3sq4CQ1dh27_PFFZ3eIAdlZmA-x_MVPcQ2RvP3sKkXAwmQvuL3Rb9EIHgT5rVtEcKhXdYfV-xIvcjayPvLWVp45C3BWnNneG3b2_JGlZkBRD5EwvDw2s_-YduY/s1600/_DSC5240a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><br />During this time in Israel’s history, when the nation had reached its depths and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+21:25&version=ESV" target="_blank">everyone did what was right in their own eyes</a>, we meet a few godly individuals. The Lord was setting the stage for his plans to unfold.<br /><br />God required his people to go up to the house of the Lord three times a year. And so we meet Elkanah, faithfully going up to Shiloh, year by year, to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts. We see this nation was continuously unfaithful, the priesthood was corrupt, yet God Sovereignly governs over all. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmECBDaXpGGpQM02bBE1i2IMZM3nWfpRNnVy1eBYWK7a5KCm7avWZyJGIJ3YVii34j6v1dEwl6I4YoxPKE-rqbncwrpUO1PSjLv8ve9oeEjRLIlpEELLOqVK1Cqw10JzU8aUhN9n4x-II/s1600/_DSC5267a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmECBDaXpGGpQM02bBE1i2IMZM3nWfpRNnVy1eBYWK7a5KCm7avWZyJGIJ3YVii34j6v1dEwl6I4YoxPKE-rqbncwrpUO1PSjLv8ve9oeEjRLIlpEELLOqVK1Cqw10JzU8aUhN9n4x-II/s1600/_DSC5267a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />In 1 Samuel 1:3, we read the first occurrence in the Bible of the name: The Lord of Hosts, which means he is the LORD who rules over all.<br /><br />The nation was weak, the time of the judges was drawing to a close and God is the Supreme Ruler over all—over the stars, the angels, the nation of Israel, all believers. It is a military term that implies God will fight for his people and will win the victory. <br /><br />When you get to the end of yourself you will turn to the Lord of hosts, the name also translated: Lord Sabaoth.<br /><br />In his hymn “A Mighty Fortress in Our God”, Martin Luther penned these words:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Did we in our own strength confide,<br />our striving would be losing,<br />were not the right Man on our side,<br />the Man of God's own choosing.<br />You ask who that may be?<br />Christ Jesus, it is he;<br />Lord Sabaoth his name,<br />from age to age the same;<br />and he must win the battle.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the Old Testament we read over and over, as the Lord warned the nation of Israel of their unfaithfulness and His coming wrath, how the prophets repeatedly called on the Lord of hosts. <br /><br />When Paul, in <a href="http://biblehub.com/romans/9-29.htm" target="_blank">Romans 9</a>, speaks of the Gentiles that have attained a righteousness that is by faith, he quotes Isaiah: “And as Isaiah predicted, ‘If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.’” <br /><br />For those who “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A8-9" target="_blank">by grace . . . have been saved through faith</a>” we call on the Lord of hosts: Christ Jesus who has won the battle and reigns victoriously.<br /><br />Hannah prayed to the Lord of Hosts. She did have a serious problem, but she turned to the Lord and sought His help.<br /><br />Over time, Hannah’s circumstances changed, but the Lord does not change. Hannah’s joy did not come because her circumstances changed, but because she recognized God’s grace in her life. Yes, Hannah was a woman with a serious problem, but her joy was ultimately in the Lord God.<br /><br />Come back next week as we will examine exactly what Hannah’s problem was and how God sovereignly governs over all. In the meantime, whatever trouble you are walking through right now, look to the Lord of Hosts and, know that He is the same God today and “<a href="http://know that in all things [He] works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." target="_blank">know that in all things [He] works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.</a>”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2017/06/learning-from-life-of-hannah-woman-with_23.html" target="_blank">{Continue to Part 2 here.}</a></span></div>
Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-51666564417769817832017-06-09T09:50:00.000-04:002017-06-09T09:50:04.213-04:00Run Well While the World Rages On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fixed with determination, she placed her feet firm at the start line along side seven and eight year old girls. As the siren blew, she sprang forward with the participants, hustling for position. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By the first bend, her form and the look on her face were fierce. She charged ahead like a warrior. She fell into a steady pace, but then was set back in the transition station as she entered the cycling portion of the duathlon. She bent lower into the wind and embraced the challenge. It was as if she didn’t let the hindrance weigh her down. She pushed on toward the goal and with resolve she would reach the prize. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After she dismounted from her bike, she began the last, but most difficult leg of the race. She set her eyes on the finish line and with sheer grit she reached forward. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All along the sidelines spectators cheered on the athletes. The goal for every child was to finish the race well. As every runner crossed the finish line, a medallion was slipped over his or her head and shouts of ‘well done’ rang out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our community had come together for our annual dualthlon and encouraged active participation and a strong finish. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As the sun warmed up the crisp morning, there were false starts and strong finishes. Weary bodies rose up and soared to the end. Nervous energy and tears of exhaustion were exchanged for courageous endurance and cries of victory.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While the athletes cooled down they were handed nourishment and parents snapped photos, stole hugs and planted kisses on flushed faces.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The whole day was filled with contagious enthusiasm and at the heart of the event was the essence of community. Working together to offer encouragement to those around us to press on to finish strong.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJseIif8ftxfErfftu51QPoc8VMLBtjIZTfpfRHI2MkYJkvvAdk0QFQ9R8ajKp33VSpZE7gEIwA3fqh_e0jLcvQVJed1skatn8Hnf7LTF9AlQUDr7eyBU-tSmBT3G8EWFyntSnPxhTSFI/s1600/_DSC5101a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJseIif8ftxfErfftu51QPoc8VMLBtjIZTfpfRHI2MkYJkvvAdk0QFQ9R8ajKp33VSpZE7gEIwA3fqh_e0jLcvQVJed1skatn8Hnf7LTF9AlQUDr7eyBU-tSmBT3G8EWFyntSnPxhTSFI/s1600/_DSC5101a.jpg" /></span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf2snNejQzaxvzPWi_x5gW7DWdcRHiDNPnYSeWmlG7Zrgqqns7JpXvp0n2brqRz-0wV9i72dyrxGrw9gnnQDolyzOSJhFhdtAhuBfVOYAsWrcgh5Yjawibl5GGJoIinrhyphenhyphendI4FZO7v1A/s1600/_DSC5182a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOf2snNejQzaxvzPWi_x5gW7DWdcRHiDNPnYSeWmlG7Zrgqqns7JpXvp0n2brqRz-0wV9i72dyrxGrw9gnnQDolyzOSJhFhdtAhuBfVOYAsWrcgh5Yjawibl5GGJoIinrhyphenhyphendI4FZO7v1A/s1600/_DSC5182a.jpg" /></span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There are many things to hinder us in this race of life. We can be so easily weighed down and entangled.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When we take our eyes off the prize, we lose our footing. That is why we are told in the book of Hebrews to fix our eyes on Jesus. He is the founding leader and the finisher of our faith. He has pioneered and perfected the life of faith. He is the champion who rejoices to run his course to bring us back to God.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This world is aching and groaning. The horrific killings , devastating atrocities, the apparent lack of justice, the wickedness that makes our hearts heave in our chests. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are called to run this race with perseverance. And the only way to do that is to look to Jesus. The One who with joy set before Him endured the cross. The greatest atrocity that has ever taken place or ever will was when Jesus died bearing the sin of the world. It is also where the greatest victory was won. The head of the enemy was crushed; wickedness will not reign forever. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Psalmist sang: “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1) and yet mankind has stubbornly turned from God. And as Paul penned in the opening of his letter to the Romans: they have “exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:23)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They have “exchanged the truth about God for a lie.” (Romans 1:25) Paul continued: “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” (Romans 1:28)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Paul made it clear to the Roman Christians that we:</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“ . . . all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:23-25)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We do not run this race apart from the grace of God. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQD762ott09ufS2mMyMwGQ4R01GNtW7HYxKHhJyjiSG4FDR8gMBVOIKp-Jp5osQSlmA-xNoQvw8MaeobS_-rJAdOknSmNPbTd7ZNCDg00yK4-fSHoXuT6fhyphenhyphenTCmJDlaP1FuLCLL4mNDs/s1600/_DSC5168a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQD762ott09ufS2mMyMwGQ4R01GNtW7HYxKHhJyjiSG4FDR8gMBVOIKp-Jp5osQSlmA-xNoQvw8MaeobS_-rJAdOknSmNPbTd7ZNCDg00yK4-fSHoXuT6fhyphenhyphenTCmJDlaP1FuLCLL4mNDs/s1600/_DSC5168a.jpg" /></span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yes, we need to run with endurance. And, we need to fix our gaze on the glory of God and proclaim His name. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Bride of Christ does not need to wonder if God is good, she gets to be in awe of His abounding goodness.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Body of Christ needs to speak out that Peace only comes in the Person of Jesus Christ. And it is the peacemakers who “shall be called the children of God”. (Matthew 5:9)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Church needs to rise up, to suffer for doing good, to spur one another on to fight the good fight of faith, to speak the truth in love, to press on to the end, to reach forward for the prize of knowing Christ.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Church does not need to prove God exists, but she gets to pour out God’s love because “He abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Church needs to be exhorted with the message:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“ . . . that [we] have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another . . . By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:11, 16-18)</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Church should be the first to show up with love in our hearts, truth on our lips, and arms full of compassion, reaching out with kindness in one hand and care in the other for both the body and the soul.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pwhLIqufbsOd0m7nSVnCSjBjPdR6Se3nvI84m6U_7Ul6euajwrpf83GoA4lOTI6_hJ2W2q-2IMlsARef2GTOFtVuDMfJgVHCk0cigSEIdgVO8pDoQTjY6TpVFT5NKc2lsrS6Dpf0t4E/s1600/_DSC5107a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pwhLIqufbsOd0m7nSVnCSjBjPdR6Se3nvI84m6U_7Ul6euajwrpf83GoA4lOTI6_hJ2W2q-2IMlsARef2GTOFtVuDMfJgVHCk0cigSEIdgVO8pDoQTjY6TpVFT5NKc2lsrS6Dpf0t4E/s1600/_DSC5107a.jpg" /></span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Let us run onward with perseverance. Let us endure like the witnesses who have gone before us full of faith, and with fierce determination, but driven forward because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We have a race to run. Let us cross the finish line strong with our eyes fixed on Jesus and our hearts full of adoration for Him.</span></span><br />
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Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-72400723160253221772017-06-02T15:00:00.001-04:002017-06-02T15:00:04.190-04:00Living with Purpose in this World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjvRcbYCXFziAgUBKFfpVrWPZKnl2RtWl9zVcdW6nWOntK1Ci-hxs-dvOBWvRb8NP31blci5jI2eVaEWST8BNGDIZ-uLT7n3yTD3WZUPqg9iNgO_9XTbNHfTXR8Qt7horWzTqb-gxyak/s1600/_DSC9085a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjvRcbYCXFziAgUBKFfpVrWPZKnl2RtWl9zVcdW6nWOntK1Ci-hxs-dvOBWvRb8NP31blci5jI2eVaEWST8BNGDIZ-uLT7n3yTD3WZUPqg9iNgO_9XTbNHfTXR8Qt7horWzTqb-gxyak/s1600/_DSC9085a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I know it like the back of my hand. How life takes on a whole new sharpness when any day <a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2014/05/15-powerful-ways-to-encourage-someone.html">could be your last</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You savour the sweet pleasures and the bitter sorrows of life when your days may be short. You stay attentive to living, keenly aware that life is a mere puff of air. You lean into life, pressing in to squeeze every drop of meaning out if it. Suddenly you cannot get enough and you are stuffed to the brim all at the same time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">All week the clouds have poured down rain on the fading flowers. Tulips have dropped their petals and the cherry blossoms have blown away.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Smdlz8lEVZL06R-1CNn-KIRN-OriGB0xM4pyfmpjrc9mONuAIxchUdCx2lZdY_CkuoZC-vBO8MWUUr7s1b_gMiSbvn3kGBxHrQVpHjZF2D70PT5UTZJP0ztXVDW0bw3RS8rfee4bY6M/s1600/_DSC4973a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Smdlz8lEVZL06R-1CNn-KIRN-OriGB0xM4pyfmpjrc9mONuAIxchUdCx2lZdY_CkuoZC-vBO8MWUUr7s1b_gMiSbvn3kGBxHrQVpHjZF2D70PT5UTZJP0ztXVDW0bw3RS8rfee4bY6M/s1600/_DSC4973a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As quickly as the thunder rolled in, the sun chased the clouds away and we ran to scan the heavens for rainbows. We saw promises hung in bows across the sky and new life forming in the all small green cherries that have burst forth on the tree in the backyard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How does one take hold of each day that is strung together to span a lifetime that fades like a passing shadow? Here today, gone tomorrow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How does one measure one’s life?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvOtZcMXTksdm8vcUIIVd-5DYgI3dZxsgdWXugyMYkF7u_ecfDjcW82j5mXSQjgl7Sdqp304DnyGf2mVwVKxgbtuALujW4jpODsfI6-n2hhTPr0eKJQkDyNpb44r8x714AWJ5FXpZ7eM/s1600/_DSC4965a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvOtZcMXTksdm8vcUIIVd-5DYgI3dZxsgdWXugyMYkF7u_ecfDjcW82j5mXSQjgl7Sdqp304DnyGf2mVwVKxgbtuALujW4jpODsfI6-n2hhTPr0eKJQkDyNpb44r8x714AWJ5FXpZ7eM/s1600/_DSC4965a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Surely life is more than the length of days lived or the dash between two dates. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When you don't know if you will grow old with your beloved or watch your children grow up into adulthood every new sunrise becomes precious. I know about this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I know it’s hard to live every moment to the fullest. But do we open our eyes wide to every new day we are given while eagerly waiting for our future hope? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Try to hold a shadow in your hand. It is futile. But, cling to hope and hope never disappoints. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The way to measure a life is to know that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God. Our days are numbered but our hope is in the Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqtvTkwC2WY-6pXQ2xidt-peH6PJFVrtSsIn-zrirkdjrJWJ6zm1rGWtYoMTDXx9DIxOPS4U5CYhSiHeXHbGQlXNAu7rXjWV9wTMe5iyg7Wz4gOiLufA6e_IX-rpllVeUIi-1L_c_u8Y/s1600/_DSC4941a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqtvTkwC2WY-6pXQ2xidt-peH6PJFVrtSsIn-zrirkdjrJWJ6zm1rGWtYoMTDXx9DIxOPS4U5CYhSiHeXHbGQlXNAu7rXjWV9wTMe5iyg7Wz4gOiLufA6e_IX-rpllVeUIi-1L_c_u8Y/s1600/_DSC4941a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">C. S. Lewis, in his book, <i>Mere Christianity</i> wrote:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Made for another world. Made to find our rest in God. Made to enjoy God forever. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://asoftgentlevoice.blogspot.ca/2014/05/15-powerful-ways-to-encourage-someone.html">When dying young is a threat</a> in your day-to-day life, fear can grip you and ensnare you to waste moments and throw away opportunities to really live.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xyOqsz2buK6rB1ybVm6YpQwXh5_qNXX6pVHydE3-cQjz26bd58Xy8sJCH7S4Lp2jronSo_xzpeLIgd73qkk0nuSZIY6d-luRmC6GttM2ChU49sy1DBnIxBP5AF2iCyT8eS03Zebooe0/s1600/_DSC4803a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xyOqsz2buK6rB1ybVm6YpQwXh5_qNXX6pVHydE3-cQjz26bd58Xy8sJCH7S4Lp2jronSo_xzpeLIgd73qkk0nuSZIY6d-luRmC6GttM2ChU49sy1DBnIxBP5AF2iCyT8eS03Zebooe0/s1600/_DSC4803a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fear of the known as much as the unknown can keep you from living life to the fullest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We desire to live abundant lives but our lives are far from full when they are filled with fear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No one wants to live an empty life. Yet, we let fear tighten its grip on our lives and choke us until we fall silent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How do we loosen this hold that cages us into living pitiful lives?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we remember that our days are numbered and our time on earth is brief, that we are simply passing through, life is put into perspective.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, it is the present hand of the Lord in our lives that releases us from these pointed fingers of fear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The knowledge that the Lord is near is what allows you to live without worry, fear, and anxiety.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Right before Paul exhorted the Philippians to not be anxious about anything, he reminded them that the Lord is at hand.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">{Philippians 4:5-7}</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The way to overcome fear is to be confident that the Lord is near.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig40HzoZc3SqVi9F9yJH8zxyUxsD79J1ihbhyg2hzKS5NOiJa2ZvXH6CEyLRVoN1ex4JWkCNDilbs055QJUys7JhNgI2eewplORXRDiRn-TFhLHR0WFXKzY2VSO8pLG1YqXJ_PvvWtCk/s1600/_DSC4913a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjig40HzoZc3SqVi9F9yJH8zxyUxsD79J1ihbhyg2hzKS5NOiJa2ZvXH6CEyLRVoN1ex4JWkCNDilbs055QJUys7JhNgI2eewplORXRDiRn-TFhLHR0WFXKzY2VSO8pLG1YqXJ_PvvWtCk/s1600/_DSC4913a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fear subsides when you rest secure in the presence of the Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He is in our midst, a present help, and he is coming to make all things right again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The promise that He is coming again should make us live every day of our present lives ready for all eternity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">King David knew where his hope came from and it made him ready for his death at any hour. Psalm 39 records his words:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“O LORD, make me know my end<br />and what is the measure of my days;<br />let me know how fleeting I am!<br />Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,<br />and my lifetime is as nothing before you.<br />Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah<br />Surely a man goes about as a shadow!<br />Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;<br />man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!<br />“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?<br />My hope is in you.”</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The promise that the Lord is with us and is coming again empowers us to not be anxious about anything, gives us confidence to come before the throne of grace, and grants us a peace that surpasses all understanding.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">C.S. Lewis also wrote these words in <i>Mere Christianity</i>:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next . . . It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLfnbbqTugWfhuhk0v0moBabTy9IractwjBUWjdotf0UuMm0-oY_oNr76XtWlvyU3w-Qer_svFTGD_Ka_MbuqwSl6TYji7E-GMAk0WajDgunc8e8LdKG2pdnGYKT_Vmgjr1POolfpjcM/s1600/_DSC4411a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLfnbbqTugWfhuhk0v0moBabTy9IractwjBUWjdotf0UuMm0-oY_oNr76XtWlvyU3w-Qer_svFTGD_Ka_MbuqwSl6TYji7E-GMAk0WajDgunc8e8LdKG2pdnGYKT_Vmgjr1POolfpjcM/s1600/_DSC4411a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Let us ask ourselves: Do we desire to live abundantly while here on this earth? Do we wake every day with the resolve to live effectively in this present world? Have we set our mind on things above and fixed our eyes on things that are eternal?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Know that the Lord is near and you will be freed from fear and filled with the joy and peace of God as your shadow fades and your hope overflows.</span>Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-20015981036652714912017-05-26T14:48:00.000-04:002017-05-26T14:48:05.706-04:00What Motherhood Has Taught Me: When You Doubt There is any Purpose to all Your Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You may call it crazy. I prefer to call it curious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While anticipating the birth of my firstborn I was eager to fully know what it would be like to deliver the baby who had been formed in my womb. I was determined I would not dull the pain with medication during the blessed, rip-roaring event. I wanted a natural childbirth as far as I was able. I knew it wouldn’t last forever. And, besides, I have a strong aversion to needles. I’ll take a bit of pain over a poke.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But, here's the curious thing: I wanted to feel the pain of childbirth. I preferred to go through the whole labour and deliver and experience the excruciating pain and the exhilarating joy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, yeah, I guess you could say ‘<i><b>crazy</b></i>’.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Maybe the stranger thing is when I was in the family way for the second time, and I was fully aware of the pain that was ahead of me, but I was curious to know if it would be as intense as the first time round.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And by the time I was expecting my third child, you would think I would not need to wonder any longer, but my curiosity got the better of me. For the third time, I accepted the multiplied pain of childbearing that God spoke of to Eve back in the Garden of Eden. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I consider that bearing and bringing forth a child is a privilege and a blessing. Without any pain management medication, I breathed resolutely through clenched teeth and grasped the sheer strength and endurance needed to bring forth life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It really was an exhilarating kind of pain. It's true when they say you somehow forget the pain in those first moments when you embrace the invigorating joy of seven pounds of new life placed in your arms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCmpMaqpvL9JsYxRIwcIWKSqsCynIiFBYIKNQ0fS563kihw1NotFBIDafc5QIkjaxLaQcfKlCMfqgKzlMJG0OTPyfZo15LtGpG0I2A072745BmPFVp06hCyQbOaT4-DZDaYPqeQBQQww/s1600/_DSC8477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCmpMaqpvL9JsYxRIwcIWKSqsCynIiFBYIKNQ0fS563kihw1NotFBIDafc5QIkjaxLaQcfKlCMfqgKzlMJG0OTPyfZo15LtGpG0I2A072745BmPFVp06hCyQbOaT4-DZDaYPqeQBQQww/s1600/_DSC8477.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqUzpZCgygwaPSoNjzBdCwgCBJsgXtMw38lLJwf17mzjRojO0y1qMPYAst3aKvUXGY08Mg6YIbAp0K5h-EGzXMaMLoaDeuSDyPN8keyz8kbiyBVxOtHOivWrw11Pwdzzhq9GaKARtMfw/s1600/IMG_0559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqUzpZCgygwaPSoNjzBdCwgCBJsgXtMw38lLJwf17mzjRojO0y1qMPYAst3aKvUXGY08Mg6YIbAp0K5h-EGzXMaMLoaDeuSDyPN8keyz8kbiyBVxOtHOivWrw11Pwdzzhq9GaKARtMfw/s1600/IMG_0559.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It’s also true: we are often fearful of pain and suffering. If we can avoid it, we will. And I'm not talking about the punishment of pain in childbirth, but all suffering we endure for the sake of Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What does it look like to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've always been struck with Paul's longing that he expressed in his letter he penned while suffering in prison.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/philippians/3.htm"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His goal and aim in life was to know Christ in an intimate and personal relationship. The great apostle knew that to know the power of new life, he would have to taste suffering and become like Christ in His death. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Paul knew it's the one who suffers much that experiences the all-sufficient grace of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSS8kMZxIvngbETw5ckdS4eXS0UR_iaILhL8BGRd5_v1Vf3nb507xNGfBxII95-z4Wnv_7nqdwTgIc1_CH7nFMd2jNHxOgdYdwlrmzxEVJooM9ImsKkUOuZ7AB-KVGPcFRzkyEedkLzI/s1600/_DSC4860a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSS8kMZxIvngbETw5ckdS4eXS0UR_iaILhL8BGRd5_v1Vf3nb507xNGfBxII95-z4Wnv_7nqdwTgIc1_CH7nFMd2jNHxOgdYdwlrmzxEVJooM9ImsKkUOuZ7AB-KVGPcFRzkyEedkLzI/s1600/_DSC4860a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aw9MreRssgRifru5BJLy213b3K53F2lLLoi7gMzPA964ei6V136t7K3uCKJY1yWzTt4wxNyjL5hwkC-QAK1euCB9VnWi6Mr2xEsivF1TfDN6Ve6u19kvzMeK7hjTCDtjT6wHThzvEzs/s1600/_DSC8189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aw9MreRssgRifru5BJLy213b3K53F2lLLoi7gMzPA964ei6V136t7K3uCKJY1yWzTt4wxNyjL5hwkC-QAK1euCB9VnWi6Mr2xEsivF1TfDN6Ve6u19kvzMeK7hjTCDtjT6wHThzvEzs/s1600/_DSC8189.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In suffering we will experience the exhilarating joy of God's power at work in us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the storms of life we will see the lighthouse that stands firm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In pain our purpose is made clear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A life without suffering lacks the need to look unto Jesus, the One "<a href="http://biblehub.com/hebrews/12-2.htm">who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame</a>" and was raised to heights of Glory at the right hand of the throne of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Resist suffering and you resist seeing God's powerful hand at work in your life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Gratefully accept the thorns, the tremulous times, the troubles, and trials and God's power will rest upon those who gladly boast in their weakness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Suffer for Christ’s sake and you will know a Power that brings forth new life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This suffering brings us low. It hurts our self-glorification. The thorns press in and sting, but that is when God says, “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+12%3A9&version=ESV" target="_blank">My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness</a>.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In our weaknesses, the power of Christ rests upon us. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuG1tpvR6N5tP_SNKr70BECEeOq5XbL5FjnL0C1H7pvME3hW00nG_Kqt8kyonIGhjx-Xi_6FONetGVKSZ4_6A8eellpUKH3bJPyhVLlre2hZ0tKf___FqWfcMr-Y7gtSb7WPJ32jWOqg/s1600/_DSC4853a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuG1tpvR6N5tP_SNKr70BECEeOq5XbL5FjnL0C1H7pvME3hW00nG_Kqt8kyonIGhjx-Xi_6FONetGVKSZ4_6A8eellpUKH3bJPyhVLlre2hZ0tKf___FqWfcMr-Y7gtSb7WPJ32jWOqg/s1600/_DSC4853a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDfXXhb8w_4AYdtNlB_-RWYHwn6x6hSqoYXgamXpnDhnFWM4-WkcSgDQiWlcTOmrEjgx8_DZTYPSpNTPyckSey-w2mjb7O5avJFAti5PrUbvJEPn3pWD0hQ03lVB4fTb4RMajD1Nq5mc/s1600/_DSC8705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDfXXhb8w_4AYdtNlB_-RWYHwn6x6hSqoYXgamXpnDhnFWM4-WkcSgDQiWlcTOmrEjgx8_DZTYPSpNTPyckSey-w2mjb7O5avJFAti5PrUbvJEPn3pWD0hQ03lVB4fTb4RMajD1Nq5mc/s1600/_DSC8705.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Oh, we're not just talking about crazy or curious speculations in life, but the whole purpose of suffering in your life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:17-19&version=ESV" target="_blank">The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us</a>.” Paul said. The one who was shown he was chosen to suffer greatly for the sake of Christ. He was the one who learned to be content in whatever circumstance He was in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was Paul who said, “<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A13&version=ESV" target="_blank">I can do all things through him who strengthens me.</a>”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dare I say, 'bring on the pain'?</span>Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-90021579342113223862017-05-19T13:58:00.000-04:002017-05-19T13:58:54.338-04:00Even When Healing Takes Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/even-healing-takes-time/" target="_blank">{To listen to the audio recording,</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/even-healing-takes-time/" target="_blank">join us at Hope Stream Radio.}</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Three years ago my life came to a crashing halt. The heart echocardiogram on that warm May morning showed my cardiologist that my heart was in dreadful shape. His face was grim and his warning was urgent in that small examination room as he stood over me. I looked down at his shiny navy shoes tied with bright cobalt blue laces and choked back tears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Three months later, despite what he thought possible, I was split right open and a brilliant surgeon patched up my broken heart, held by God’s Sovereign Hand. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They all told me recovery would take time. Time. That’s all they would say. But, time ticks along like an old Grandfather clock that runs slow, when the days are hard and healing is long.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time, it seems is the antagonist in a story where immediate results would be more sensational. Who wants to put in the hard work of slow improvement when we can gratify our selves by indulging in instant success that will impress?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That first winter after open-heart surgery dragged on cold and harsh. We couldn’t see it, but hope was tucked deep in our souls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As the writer to the Hebrews said, “Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Spring did come as sure as new seasons always do. That long winter finally gave in to warmer days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As the spring flowers poked through the ground, I stood helpless as I watched wild rabbits relentlessly chew off all the young tulip shoots. Only a few tulips survived. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Flowers fade. Hearts break. Lives are laid low.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even when life doesn't turn up the way we plan, our hope is secure in the One who died, was buried and rose again.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, when the apples were red and ripe on the trees, I bought more bulbs to plant in the front garden. Time ticked on, a little steadier. Some days began to pick up the pace a little. I thought we were too late to put the bulbs into the ground—September had marched past and October refused to stick around despite my longing for more golden days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was early November before we had a chance to stir up the soil in the garden as the sun gently beat down on our backs like a warm embrace, and we planted.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The littlest one took hold of the bag of tulip bulbs. Her Daddy grabbed the garden tools and together we buried 50 bulbs in the dirt.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That same night my son, between bites of an apple--his second bedtime snack, recalled, "Mom, you how I said last week that I didn't miss you that much last year when you were in the hospital? Well, I did, but I think I was able to go on because God calmed me. If every day I thought about how you could die, I don't think I could have handled it—I wouldn't have been able to eat, I would have been exhausted. But, God helped me."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I knew what he was saying. Life is hard. Waiting, suffering, healing, yes they are all hard, but there is always hope. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Last week, another warm day in May, three years since my life was turned upside down, I had another echocardiogram to examine how my heart is holding up from the surgery. After I cleaned up all the cold goop used in the ultrasound I sat waiting in another exam room in the cardiac clinic. The resident doctor walked in with my medical file in the crook of her arm, a Starbucks Venti in her hand and bloodshot eyes. She worked in the cardiac clinic after a 26-hour shift because my cardiologist, she said, is a fabulous teacher. She scrolled over the latest results with me, and we compared them with the last few tests before the teacher-doctor joined us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">No change in the last year and the latest three echos is good news. Three years later and my cardiologist stood smiling down at me. He was taken back at how my children, who were hanging out in the waiting room, have all shot up. There has been a lot of growth in three years. I beamed with gratitude and the resident doctor, weary as she was, observed what hope does even when healing takes time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is no doubt that dark, uncertain days and hard, heart-breaking circumstances will come. Don't lose heart. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hold on to Hope. We read in the book of Hebrews that: “ . . . we who have fled to [God] for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” Jesus has gone before us. He is our hope. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In seasons of waiting, when pain and suffering press in, when time slows and days pass by long and trials are hard, you are never left alone in the darkness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hope never fades. And joy, well it is always right there rising out of hard places. Healing may take time, but God, He holds time in His hands. He, “who works all things according to the counsel of his will” is faithful to do just that. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My broken heart is still held together by our only Hope. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the rabbits still run wild all over our yard. But, for the second spring in a row, fifty bright red tulips stand stunningly in our front garden stretching black faces toward the sky, yielding as harsh winds blow.</span></span><br />
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<br />Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-24662360928952567092017-05-12T14:06:00.001-04:002017-05-13T08:10:36.612-04:00What Motherhood Has Taught Me: For the Mothers Weary from all the Voices<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">At the end of that day, I couldn’t rightly remember if I had actually swallowed the little blue pill. Every night at 6 pm my phone alarm plays the harp to remind me to take the blood thinner for my mechanical heart valve. I still can’t get over the irony that the girl with possibly the biggest rodent phobia ever has to pop a pill of rat poison every single day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But, it’s the kind of medication that I simply cannot forget to take. Without it, clots will form around the valve in my heart and will stop the valve from opening and clicking shut, preventing the blood to flow through properly. As annoying as the distinct clicking sound can be, it is a good audible indication that my heart valve is still working.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Six o’clock has become known in our home as Warfarin Time. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">So this night, I couldn’t remember if I really did swallow the pill. I remember the alarm going off. I remember pouring a glass of water and reaching for the bottle of pills, but then because of a distraction, I couldn’t recall if I followed through with this routine I have had for two and a half years now.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I didn’t even think about it until hours later when I found my glass full of water apparently untouched.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I asked if anyone happened to notice me taking my pill. No one had. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In the end, I had to assume that I did take it, despite the distraction, with the smallest sip of water leaving no visible evidence behind because overdosing on Warfarin is just as dangerous as forgetting to take it a time or two.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZPPUTAwdjiUI-sntcRP_nz2NI2V8O9yLQmXazbDwLoEJtHtAU53Tc07uExTC-iuCepL3FU__nTkzAm63kmRwm2gkJCpTHOxT-XLwJ9U9nJyx0-_Hylio5yIeqsjMrT1Bjooz6OZ1QNU/s1600/_DSC4272a.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxZPPUTAwdjiUI-sntcRP_nz2NI2V8O9yLQmXazbDwLoEJtHtAU53Tc07uExTC-iuCepL3FU__nTkzAm63kmRwm2gkJCpTHOxT-XLwJ9U9nJyx0-_Hylio5yIeqsjMrT1Bjooz6OZ1QNU/s1600/_DSC4272a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">But, as I was tucking my littlest into bed she became concerned about what would happen to me if I didn’t take it. I reassured her I most likely took it out of habit. She looked up and probed further.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Why do I need the medication?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What would happen if I just stop taking it?</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What if . . . ? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The question hung heavy in the room like a thick haze.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It hurts in the chest to breathe in the harsh reality that your seven year old has lived half her life aware she could lose her Mom and nearly has more times that I care to count right now. We haven’t hidden the truth from our children; we have walked alongside them with a fixed gaze, pointing them to Jesus.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">In the pause, she switched her thoughts and asked me why I have so many wrinkles. She’s an honest little soul, that one. And well, maybe not the most flattering thing for a woman to hear, those are way easier questions to answer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">She reached up to point them all out, maybe to smooth them or count each one, when I told her flat out those fine creases on my face are not wrinkles; they are beauty lines.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqs6aSlynryl9g39QYEy2xyzCCglCkNpj750MlRmTMpxALqFUXRgrJCRPyghEdMPkH9N7wpglXcJpI_sm-DodrU0EC8Plhv5vtMBdoHWvGYLKZOp_D1zKLrhmMbPprxykUYPsgnONkwM/s1600/_DSC4278a.jpg" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqs6aSlynryl9g39QYEy2xyzCCglCkNpj750MlRmTMpxALqFUXRgrJCRPyghEdMPkH9N7wpglXcJpI_sm-DodrU0EC8Plhv5vtMBdoHWvGYLKZOp_D1zKLrhmMbPprxykUYPsgnONkwM/s1600/_DSC4278a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">She turned toward the window that was veiled with the roller shade for the night and her eyes lit up as the sun was going down. She laughed with me and pointed her finger knowingly, charging me with the accusation that I just made that one up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I did, I confess. I made it up. But, beauty lines sound so much more graceful than wrinkles. She can run her finger along the furrows of my beauty lines and we can both be reminded that real beauty is more than skin deep. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">As I age, the more clearly I see the lines etched and stretched on my body are marks of beauty in life as they have come from the gift of living out many days. But they are fleeting. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Our hearts will stop pumping, our bodies will die, our wrinkles or beauty lines or whatever you call them, will fade. It’s souls that are left at the end our lives.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It’s the hidden heart that rests in God, the meek, quiet spirit precious in God’s sight that is unfading in beauty.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrbFLoEWvkT4BaifcYsjebswxm6BbV_eMObImW4x9u9bQ1uGyrI5PAliJ8AbkeruwaeONk9hRPgC1vqNNBh5-KxsLpwygX64P38UI0qvjM5beqZEAReAFndQRSxhLK8Kj7T45AnoeoMk/s1600/_DSC4262a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrbFLoEWvkT4BaifcYsjebswxm6BbV_eMObImW4x9u9bQ1uGyrI5PAliJ8AbkeruwaeONk9hRPgC1vqNNBh5-KxsLpwygX64P38UI0qvjM5beqZEAReAFndQRSxhLK8Kj7T45AnoeoMk/s1600/_DSC4262a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />In the sixteen years of being a mother I have learned a few things about motherhood. <br /><br />Maybe the biggest thing I’ve learned is that I have barely a clue of how a woman who desperately longs for a child and holds three close to her heart opens her hands up and gives them back to the Lord.<br /><br />Barely a clue. But, I’ve learned it comes with a breaking. It comes with the crucible. It comes with waiting and refining. It comes with denying self and believing God is the only One who will satisfy our hearts.<br /><br />It comes from the Giver of all good gifts. It comes from trusting in Him and believing that He gives us all things for our good and for His glory. And there is lasting, unfading beauty etched in all of that.<br /><br />The taller my children have grown, the more I have needed to get wisdom and understanding.<br /><br />The more difficult the lessons in life have become, the more I need the Lord to strengthen my faith.<br /><br />The louder the discord of voices have become the more they drive me to seek the voice of Truth.<br /><br />It’s those voices that haunt us as mothers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The voices that hurl all your faults in your face, so that your heart heaves and howls over all your fears and failures; these voices can make you bleed thin.<br /><br />The tormenting voices that stir up emotions in the stillness of the night lash out at you.<br /><br />The hostile voices that disturb the peace in the hidden places of the heart unsettle you.<br /><br />The deceitful voices that speak lies in the dark valleys of every life mess with you.<br /><br />The cruel voices that scream with comparison that you will never ever measure up can shred you up to smithereens.<br /><br />Honestly, how do any of us get any sleep the way the voices shriek in our secret chambers?<br /><br />How do we still these menacing voices as mothers?<br /><br />Maybe if we see that the seasons in motherhood are made up of so much more than countless diapers and cautious young drivers and curious minds earning degrees.<br /><br />It’s more than sleepless nights or childhoods zipping past way too fast. It’s more like the seasons are all the joys and all the sorrows that structure our lives. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxFKhrCZAuYTBEEpNsDmJ2RjYkdQQeudoXnrM5MKF42k5TDoGq2p8rrUavPVas-s9myLURyPU1_I99R6BwRvVDenI3UlvBGOWD7_CXUI-UEc_hFQD41ZMSXGGhkmvRncekl7GLL-HwKg/s1600/_DSC6703a.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxFKhrCZAuYTBEEpNsDmJ2RjYkdQQeudoXnrM5MKF42k5TDoGq2p8rrUavPVas-s9myLURyPU1_I99R6BwRvVDenI3UlvBGOWD7_CXUI-UEc_hFQD41ZMSXGGhkmvRncekl7GLL-HwKg/s1600/_DSC6703a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As mothers, our days are spent in soul-searching longing and heart-wrenching labouring. <br /><br />The times of waiting and of weaning, the receiving and the giving, the nurturing and the letting go, they don’t end in this life; they spin in cycles and wring us out of ourselves. <br /><br />Those seasons that burst forth with new life seasons and the seasons that squeeze the life right out of you are all apart of this life as a mother. <br /><br />Those who continue to long and those who live with the longing unmet mature in these seasons as well. We’ve all been made to nurture and receive and give back.<br /><br />For all of us this breaks us down to the very fibre of our beings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />The truth is we all call out in the night, at times our tears will be our food day and night, and we will grow weary from our wailing.</span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The many voices will trouble us, the fear threaten to choke us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, right there: be still and know that God is God. Rest in Him. Silence the lies and trust Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Motherhood has a way of stripping us down to grow us into women who hold children near to our hearts, but open our hands to give them back to the Lord.<br /><br />And when you can’t remember if you have done everything just right, run your finger along every good gift and count every grace that He has etched and stretched across every season of your life.<br /><br />We simply cannot forget. Our hearts need it. It is time to give God thanks in everything. Those voices will fade away as the One who is Truth quiets you with His love. </span></div>
Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-35011178747617393222017-05-05T14:05:00.000-04:002017-05-05T14:05:33.801-04:00When Life Hurts: Loneliness {And Fourteens Ways to Drive Loneliness Away}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_adhVr1i7cqLoi9Yrb3OufkbGEXjqOp71l5cPLpjUaF9QmQalFynrqVtPR5gvs_uN82G4mKC1k7H74jRY7yK5YwohNvHXBseTwv4Q9AidhJFzb_xLOwWTbu7GkbJogmHIi3Alu383fvc/s1600/_DSC9713a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_adhVr1i7cqLoi9Yrb3OufkbGEXjqOp71l5cPLpjUaF9QmQalFynrqVtPR5gvs_uN82G4mKC1k7H74jRY7yK5YwohNvHXBseTwv4Q9AidhJFzb_xLOwWTbu7GkbJogmHIi3Alu383fvc/s1600/_DSC9713a.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />No one escapes loneliness. It doesn’t matter how many friends you have or how much family surrounds you, there are times in all of our lives when we feel completely alone. <br /><br />I’ve known loneliness in my life. I’ve been lonely, as I’ve lived with the people who know me the best, as I have left large gatherings teeming with people, while sick and shut-in and while well enough to get out. <br /><br />I was so ill when discharged me home after three months in ICU, doctors warned us that we should do everything possible to not be exposed to even the common cold. This was necessary precaution, but it didn’t do any good for my basic need to interact with other people.<br /><br />My outings were limited to medical appointments, which only reminded me of how much I was shut out from the rest of the world. I was able to stay connected to the outside world through social media. While Facebook gave me the illusion of being connected, it left me more isolated and failed to make up for real life connection. <br /><br />They say we have never been more connected as a society and at the same time we have never been so lonely. Loneliness has become an epidemic problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmWTiawYYnksU6g_XCZPWLFLNLRJrQOTJ8bxY1jwZpZrl_n_3zaCqGTim2EI3ASK1oQdYaAT2YJs32qZvFHMXdb6lMzTcXeh_gVK7PRvlc4Z9TV1DNt90Vei53xihsX5rNkfAETjPOpA/s1600/_DSC4010a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmWTiawYYnksU6g_XCZPWLFLNLRJrQOTJ8bxY1jwZpZrl_n_3zaCqGTim2EI3ASK1oQdYaAT2YJs32qZvFHMXdb6lMzTcXeh_gVK7PRvlc4Z9TV1DNt90Vei53xihsX5rNkfAETjPOpA/s1600/_DSC4010a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtX1ik5oWbRbuf6njJCr_3KvVUQ58VymdwmRJLQ7zTj2CWR9VCpyUdNGHMAOwlpskVnTvjbp9dSxgyiSNKBzVMDEjAm5EfDypntBIGy4n0oSZVHMBkbaeOHYqGBeST8oiMIiF6AEEQ04/s1600/_DSC7760a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtX1ik5oWbRbuf6njJCr_3KvVUQ58VymdwmRJLQ7zTj2CWR9VCpyUdNGHMAOwlpskVnTvjbp9dSxgyiSNKBzVMDEjAm5EfDypntBIGy4n0oSZVHMBkbaeOHYqGBeST8oiMIiF6AEEQ04/s1600/_DSC7760a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We have withdrawn ourselves from one another. We keep ourselves busy and distracted. We say we have a lot of friends, but do we really cultivate deep friendships?<br /><br />We’ve made it more about width than depth when it comes to our social circle. We discard relationships as easily as clicking ‘unfriend’.<br /><br />I can tell you I know the bitterness of loneliness in our online world. But, I have also known the sharp sting of it in a real wide web of people.<br /><br />No one with a heartbeat will escape loneliness. And it will stab at your heart. There are seasons in life that will leave you more prone to loneliness. When death takes away loved ones, when health fails and leaves you shut-in, when children take wing and fly from the nest, when for any reason you are abandoned in a bustling civilization, loneliness hurts.<br /><br />But, even in your loneliness, don’t be deceived into believing that you are alone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM5ohAZA_P8ULwZZGpJ3Ewr1IpBx05qOAyVLoZyl_f2jSswZTyFydLu8oPdyiER7JKL7InOLEiztrKUi_HFJ8xg3BzMEmJuTUuDQavlfw6g4ujJ-2UdOJEXdkli32vVYPMVAHx5xtjNk/s1600/_DSC8659a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM5ohAZA_P8ULwZZGpJ3Ewr1IpBx05qOAyVLoZyl_f2jSswZTyFydLu8oPdyiER7JKL7InOLEiztrKUi_HFJ8xg3BzMEmJuTUuDQavlfw6g4ujJ-2UdOJEXdkli32vVYPMVAHx5xtjNk/s1600/_DSC8659a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />We do need to do better for one another. We all know how much it hurts so why do we leave one another in our loneliness?<br /><br />Are we keeping ourselves so busy and distracted to keep away from doing the real work of relationships? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahg-aZcxMg9TUsdbYFPOGTQt9FGqIMj4cw2Zzis6vtPIJZhO46nD_QC78Sy6L2FVepVTJjsX33vjPo5GC1hnrqVwq-WZ272ZxgZR_gf5KIPLw49kt_rH2GGsLOTsaUTa7wIPItxbQ7Ko/s1600/_DSC4363a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahg-aZcxMg9TUsdbYFPOGTQt9FGqIMj4cw2Zzis6vtPIJZhO46nD_QC78Sy6L2FVepVTJjsX33vjPo5GC1hnrqVwq-WZ272ZxgZR_gf5KIPLw49kt_rH2GGsLOTsaUTa7wIPItxbQ7Ko/s1600/_DSC4363a.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB5rmJhRS131D0-eM4fcAwJH0qdOYGgR5JCztd6TSpckso8IksK-5dB9xyPMH6hbFLckHECYL1DH4MPIWXiHQ6HVkenoWCXD8gNyRkE4FfJ4dXekwkSkH5VziMrqByTDpTWlGf5BxZbM/s1600/_DSC4197a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFB5rmJhRS131D0-eM4fcAwJH0qdOYGgR5JCztd6TSpckso8IksK-5dB9xyPMH6hbFLckHECYL1DH4MPIWXiHQ6HVkenoWCXD8gNyRkE4FfJ4dXekwkSkH5VziMrqByTDpTWlGf5BxZbM/s1600/_DSC4197a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />You stay busy with activity and you lose out on time to really connect by simply being together. It is happening in our homes, our neighborhoods and our churches.<br /><br />“What should we do about it?” we ask. <br /><br />There is no shortage of ways to drive away loneliness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYgVhEvzSlS_HZKYPKOu-gPgmcd9WDWFHGtLaYJ4MJ7mWF0f7ZS6HSeCXbCrAS42CqaqhkyNW248ppt0lDKITx4A_K4MGelgNUapbH6gWkDDgCOMzuRkeXU8CfdPNFebxjNK34uPqdgk/s1600/_DSC6271a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYgVhEvzSlS_HZKYPKOu-gPgmcd9WDWFHGtLaYJ4MJ7mWF0f7ZS6HSeCXbCrAS42CqaqhkyNW248ppt0lDKITx4A_K4MGelgNUapbH6gWkDDgCOMzuRkeXU8CfdPNFebxjNK34uPqdgk/s1600/_DSC6271a.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Think about one of these ideas:<br /><br /><b>Reach out to someone who needs you as much as you need him or her.</b> If you are lonely, guaranteed you can find someone else who is lonely. Make it a priority to care for others who are lonely.<br /><br /><b>Take a break from social media. </b>If you are on any social media, regularly evaluate the level of distraction it is for you and if it is hindering real life connections, step back for a set time.<br /><br /><b>Go for a walk with a friend. </b>Get outside, get some exercise, and do it with a friend. It provides opportunity to talk about life. <br /><br /><b>Invite a neighbour in for tea.</b> Sipping tea with a neighbor is a lovely way to develop a friendship. Whether it is in one of your homes or in the yard while the children run around with wild imaginations. Step outside of your comfort zone and get to know a neighbour.<br /><br /><b>Host a family game’s night.</b> Everyone bring treats and games and you are set for families to spend an evening together. Build settlements, yell “Pit!”, split your sides with laughter at the charades, and get sticky caramel sauce all over your chin. <br /><br /><b>Be vulnerable and invest deeply in friendship. </b>It takes time and faithfulness to stick closely to someone through thick and thin and build enduring friendships. The joy that comes from having a friend you can turn to at any time is worth more than any cost it might demand of you.<br /><br /><b>Visit a senior who lives alone.</b> Some of the loneliest people in our world are seniors who are living alone. Aging, health limitations, and busy families cause those who have celebrated many birthdays to be more prone to isolation. Let’s do better at making sure those who live alone are not so lonely.<br /><br /><b>Include a single person in your family’s activities.</b> Don’t be surprised when a friendship with a single person blesses your family just as much or more as your family may encourage him or her. Set another place at your family meal table, laugh loud with them as you play Dutch Blitz, be available to listen to their hopes and fears.<br /><br /><b>Plan a simple party in your neighborhood. </b> All you need are simple invitations and a neighbourhood. The party could include ice cream. Other ideas include road hockey, a community dinner, or picking up garbage on the side of the road.<br /><br /><b>Stay connected with family.</b> God places us in families and the joy that comes from family is as real as the heartbreak that can come from fractured relationships. Live with an attitude of humility with whomever grows up into your family tree. <br /><br /><b>Attend your church meetings. </b>Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Open up your lives and homes with those whom you regularly gather together to corporately worship the Lord. Grow in the grace Lord Jesus Christ together, pray together, sing together, exhort and build one another up. <br /><br /><b>Join a community of people with similar interests. </b>Pick up an old hobby or acquire a new one. Surround yourself with others that can help you develop your abilities. Support others to develop theirs. Always be ready to discover something new. <br /><br /><b>Get to know someone who is different than you. </b>Don’t close yourself in. We are all unique. Always appreciate those who are not the same as you. They can expand the world you live in and help you to develop compassion for those who suffer from things that are foreign to you.<br /><br /><b>Brighten someone’s day with a smile.</b> Just do it. A genuine smile can transform a person’s day. Be generous with your smiles.<br /> <br /><br /> </span></div>
Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8740287293733599611.post-77227318502760929632017-04-28T14:16:00.001-04:002017-05-05T14:06:18.504-04:00Hard Pressed Between Living and Dying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://hopestreamradio.com/track/hard-pressed-living-dying/" style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">{To listen to the audio, join us here at Hope Stream Radio.}</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Doctors dropped the dreaded C word on my parent’s ears the month I turned three. A diagnosis like that . . . well, it’s life changing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As a child I couldn’t comprehend how vastly it had changed my life. Before I could grasp what living meant, I faced my death. But, I didn’t really know it. I simply succumbed to the consequences of the ugly disease and then the horrific treatment and finally to the life-altering side effects. None of this was pretty. It mangled my body, my childhood, my adolescence, my family, my future. Nothing remained untouched.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Childhood cancer is an ugly cancer. You don’t ever get over childhood cancer. It changes you before you can even define who you are. But, you learn to fight, to persevere, to adapt, and to look at life through realistic lenses. If you, as they say “beat the disease” after it has thrashed you and busted you up, you live your life knowing that death is certain, yet confused because no one can tell you how much longer you have to live. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You become intimately acquainted with pain and suffering. You know what it is to be seen with curious and hurtful stares and hear insensitive and unkind words. You know what it is to ride on IV poles and scream at thumb pricks and cry out from a desperately lonely hospital bed in the middle of the night for your mom and dad who were kicked out of your room when visiting hours were over.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGGunMZbnHr9GihHufxgLU1pr966jpVz6wuVEtMbSF6nz585y46n8HjCgb4xseB51cW4AGFUFbFKoc7eZiihe0fYrChPtX2xK0FE5DN4522iU4VxwM4GNsXzkRYK3sLzN_vyQNN3a1vw/s1600/_DSC4155a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGGunMZbnHr9GihHufxgLU1pr966jpVz6wuVEtMbSF6nz585y46n8HjCgb4xseB51cW4AGFUFbFKoc7eZiihe0fYrChPtX2xK0FE5DN4522iU4VxwM4GNsXzkRYK3sLzN_vyQNN3a1vw/s1600/_DSC4155a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When the side effects of the treatment send you back to the operating table time and time again, you lay yourself down to keep on fighting to live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When you run out of all options but one, you take that one fighting chance and you hold on to it tightly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When the surgeon unzips you and peels back all the layers down to your failing heart and digs around all the cemented scar tissue from thirty-five years before and uses everything he knows to rebuild your heart and you barely make it off the table alive, you wake up not knowing how to go on any longer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JmfrgXOp-Ft8ZRhcJG5PN8WS6mytj3iQF7GEtGrLUn73Rt6BmvDvsD9oqPBpFlAeB7bYikqYNm9A6KYAohctGV5ELSJ6E7YpxXBmkgsNlRQkBozej8YohCOCwcPF8oh6LkgCBYE55Ho/s1600/_DSC3335a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JmfrgXOp-Ft8ZRhcJG5PN8WS6mytj3iQF7GEtGrLUn73Rt6BmvDvsD9oqPBpFlAeB7bYikqYNm9A6KYAohctGV5ELSJ6E7YpxXBmkgsNlRQkBozej8YohCOCwcPF8oh6LkgCBYE55Ho/s1600/_DSC3335a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For my whole life I had been trying to figure out how to actively live. When my cardiologist told me to stop doing everything so I could keep on living, I faced my own mortality. Being a good doctor he didn’t give me statistics or tell me exactly how long my heart would keep on pumping because he didn’t have any statistics and he didn’t really know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When my heart surgeon told me he would do everything he could to help me get back home to my family, I knew he wasn’t making any promises. Being a wise surgeon he didn’t give me statistics or false hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Being told your heart is failing and living through open-heart surgery is life-changing. Many times I was a hairbreadth away from my last exhale. I wasn’t afraid of dying. But, for the months I lived in ICU, I became terrified of living.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhh5aFpX0ceXk-kcoscqjdB0EsxpEcV7GEadNmHQ2a9nOY2MEL4F4EjQEDuAAWS3TyN5IHSBbe_Y_ad6eR2xtTfTBG4waJtL32m2c2-Tp6nkZQj5QuR3yQgbBG6TEYBcZWDQAP6hrzXc/s1600/_DSC4118a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhh5aFpX0ceXk-kcoscqjdB0EsxpEcV7GEadNmHQ2a9nOY2MEL4F4EjQEDuAAWS3TyN5IHSBbe_Y_ad6eR2xtTfTBG4waJtL32m2c2-Tp6nkZQj5QuR3yQgbBG6TEYBcZWDQAP6hrzXc/s1600/_DSC4118a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This world is a cruel place when you are teetering between life and death. It is hard work to live when a machine is keeping you alive. This world has nothing to offer when you are longing to be with Christ. Our living at this point is only for the benefit of those we love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Facing mortality helps you to live more fully. Fighting to live when life is so frail entices you to welcome death. When you don’t know how to go on, there is one thing to do, keep going on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Being healthy is prized in our society. Sickness is repulsive and for the weak. It makes people uncomfortable. I know how awkward it is for people to come sit with you in a hospital room when foul odors linger with pungent antiseptic. It is terrifying and confusing because we all know death is certain for anyone living. It is offensive and out of place when you should still have years of living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is even more uncomfortable to visit with someone who is broken in mind and spirit. We get frantic when left with the mere shell of the person. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM70i25Aw-Aqp9qnWY3NNjs70_yYqQvs_mzUU4d_w5pxIgKxSodkFybPw7d0GJxrBrGbjvNBAp_cNLIklu-5aDdSFyzUJKg0LGFalMOwa8iilwD6uAOtJgo-k-ETnG9PHkJgq_GGHaZG8/s1600/_DSC4188a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM70i25Aw-Aqp9qnWY3NNjs70_yYqQvs_mzUU4d_w5pxIgKxSodkFybPw7d0GJxrBrGbjvNBAp_cNLIklu-5aDdSFyzUJKg0LGFalMOwa8iilwD6uAOtJgo-k-ETnG9PHkJgq_GGHaZG8/s1600/_DSC4188a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We are all looking for purpose. Trying to figure out what our living is all about. Some of us are afraid of dying; some of us are terrified of living. The thing is none of us are very honest with each other or with ourselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I want neatly packaged answers and I keep unpacking hard to understand problems.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As joy is God’s grace recognized, living with joy is possible even in our suffering. I only see it that way if I believe in God’s sovereignty, and that His providential hand will bring all things to pass to complete the work in me that He has begun.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLaakkpRMYkveMyD7nVMYnEWMCAnXmzGCBzC6Rn1J8nF_MHP5gWOVyZJlWUcuh21bRnVc303ED4OFKfBp3RYoIj9e3QD6Wxz2H9nFxNZrjJS88d28WJfUDiBymydNiR5_-y6CM0qBgwQ/s1600/_DSC4139a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLaakkpRMYkveMyD7nVMYnEWMCAnXmzGCBzC6Rn1J8nF_MHP5gWOVyZJlWUcuh21bRnVc303ED4OFKfBp3RYoIj9e3QD6Wxz2H9nFxNZrjJS88d28WJfUDiBymydNiR5_-y6CM0qBgwQ/s1600/_DSC4139a.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It appears to many as though I have recovered. I am back to my family, back to a full schedule and actively living. The reality is, you don’t ‘get over’ a diagnosis and disease—you may live through it, but you come out changed. So changed you don’t even know who you are anymore. And once you think you have it figured out, you discover you don’t, so you keep on looking to recognize God’s grace even in the pit of confusion and valleys bleak with shadows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I strap on a breathing machine every night and power up the ventilation treatment for whenever I sleep. My body is still frail, my breath still short. The sobering thing is, this is as good as it is going to get for me on this earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Many days I wake up and wonder how I will go on. But, I will. I will keep on searching what living really means until one day, the day God has planned for me, when I won’t. For now, to live is Christ. That day, to die will be gain.</span>Rebekah Hugheshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03315668456717101082noreply@blogger.com0