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Showing posts from November, 2017

BROKEN week 48

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“The  Lord  is near to  the brokenhearted      and saves  the crushed in spirit.”  (Psalm 34:18, ESV). REFLECTION John 14:27 Voice "My peace is the legacy I leave to you. I don't give gifts like those of this world. Do not let your heart be troubled or fearful." IMAGINE THIS Have you ever felt broken?  Like your soul, your heart , will not, indeed cannot, ever be the same? Lately, I’ve been feeling like that - a lot. It may have something to do with our oldest daughters divorce. It may have something to do with betrayal of family values by someone I don't feel I know anymore. It may have something to do with leaving a church family that we love. It may have something to do with a change in my routine.  It may be a combination of all the above. But whatever the reason or reasons, I feel broken. Yesterday afternoon, I was waiting in line at a pizza place and I felt tears well up. I wanted nothing more than to have a good cry...right there in Little Caesa

Packing Heat vs. Peace Be Still

Is it just me or has the whole world gone crazy?  For some reason lately, I’ve been waking up early - really early - like 2 or 4 AM early. This morning, Thanksgiving morning, my favorite morning ever - is no exception. But instead of the peace I normally feel on this day - I wake up thinking about guns and God. In our nucular family alone, each adult has something to “pack” and I don't understand it. I mean, I get that we are living in a time in history where evil seems more pronounced - but personally, I think social media ( no offense blogger ) has simply magnified its presence.  From the beginning of time, evil has been present and walking around just waiting for someone to embody.  This morning, laying on the couch at 0330, I started thinking about the division, anger, hurt, and deception that has invaded  my family. Then I started - for some reason - thinking about the guns that will come into this house today - and it occurred to me that the weapon I carry is God’s  W

God's Branches week 47

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"God's Branches" Beyond the Mirror Week 47 “You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit could last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.” (John 15:16, CEB). REFLECTION 1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 I

FILTERS week 46

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Beyond the Mirror week 46 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) REFLECTION I studied the angle of the daisy, Noting droplets that had pooled on its petals. Its rain washed color so vibrant, it almost looked fake. I steadied the phone and lined up a perfect shot. With a smile, I headed inside to edit and upload. Coffee and phone in hand, I sat oohing and awing over Instagram filters, Showing John first one then another. I smiled when we were in agreement: The natural, unfiltered, unaltered shot was our favorite. It was the one to share with my Facebook family. Who needs filters anyway? IMAGINE THIS Other than the Bible shot, this cover is a collage of the same photo. One shot, lots of filters. I took a brilliant orange daisy and made it appear white, ye

beyond BEAUTIFUL week 45

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Beyond the Mirror Week 45 "A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls."  (Proverbs 31:10 AMPC) REFLECTION: Beyond the Mirror is a beautiful woman.  She may be funny. She may be shy. She may be confidant or uncertain at times. Beyond the Mirror is a woman who knows her value. She plans her days for the benefit of her family. Her desire is to reflect His light. Created in His image, with a heart full of love, she learns to look beyond the mirror. For she  knows that beyond her mirror, truly, she is "Beyond BEAUTIFUL." IMAGINE THIS Proverbs 31. What an amazing chapter for us women to study this week. Within it are listed characteristics that define a truly beautiful woman. Within the Mirror lies vanity and deception.  But beyond it, staring back at us from the depths of our soul, is the woman God created us to be...a Proverbs 31 woman of G