tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8612190511508312292024-03-13T11:19:23.451-04:00mismatched socks, burnt toast and Jesus.Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-84581132334175564832013-09-27T11:51:00.001-04:002013-09-27T11:51:18.876-04:00Big news! Hey! How are you? Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to stay awhile and read, but I have moved! You can find me now at www.lynnettecretu.com I will be posting over there from now on. So, hop over and check out the new place! Make sure you subscribe there, so you don't miss anything important.<br />
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See you there!<br />
<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-90473153040227118662013-09-19T17:08:00.000-04:002013-09-19T17:08:57.323-04:00Are you a chicken or an eagle?About a year ago, I was sitting in Bible Study listening to my friend Heather talk about eagles and chickens. "God created you to be an eagle not a chicken," she exclaimed. Chickens live cooped up, never flying, eating their own waste. They tend to be irritable and get into squabbles with one another (eating your own waste would do that to you). Eagles, however, are strong, wise, discerning and they have incredible vision.<br />
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How many times have I been content in my little part of the world, doing the safe thing?<br />
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How often have I wanted to stretch my wings and fly, but through my fear, I talked myself out of it?<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-NIV-18452" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">but those who hope in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">will renew their strength.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">They will soar on wings like eagles;</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">they will run and not grow weary,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">they will walk and not be faint.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Isaiah 40:31</span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-size: small;">God intended us to live </span><i style="font-size: medium;">this</i><span style="font-size: small;"> way, through Him and his Son.</span></span></span><br />
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This verse and God's intention for our lives led me to create my latest painting.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/163219271/mixed-media-8x10-matted-art-print-he"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N_KrVuIzfOE/UjiyYc-HmJI/AAAAAAAAAYw/0O8DGdGjIaQ/s320/wings+2+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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God has a huge heavenly purpose for you! God does not want you to be content with the chicken life... confined to a coop and being irritable.<br />
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Open your wings today and soar on His strength and power.<br />
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God and I both believe in you!<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-63304500376334435992013-09-11T07:47:00.001-04:002013-09-12T10:36:14.122-04:00You are treasured!I read <a href="http://givenbreath.com/2013/09/03/fyi-if-youre-a-teenage-girl/">this post</a> last week, and as a mom of a boy, I cheered. Thank God there are families in this world teaching good moral character. They are taking a stand and saying this is what we believe, this is what we are looking for and we will not put up with anything less.<br />
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... and... as a mom of a girl, I wanted to cry. What are we teaching our girls? Are we telling them how wonderful they are because of who they are in Christ? Do they know there are boys who are looking for good, nice, modest girls? Do they understand that not all attention is good attention?<br />
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I have seen some questionable pictures and frightening comments. I wish I could talk with each of these girls...<br />
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"Do you know how special you are? God created you just the way you are. He knit you together just the way He wanted. You are His masterpiece. He has a wonderful plan for you and your life. I know that life is hard sometimes. Not everyone is going to like you all the time and that is ok. Sometimes it is more important to stand apart from the crowd than it is to blend in. There are people who will love you for who you are, and you won't need to compromise your morals for them."<br />
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I can't speak with each of them, so I created art instead.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-91DElQCeGVo/Ui93h8qPpwI/AAAAAAAAAYI/qf18x9oGAyY/s1600/IMG_2409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-91DElQCeGVo/Ui93h8qPpwI/AAAAAAAAAYI/qf18x9oGAyY/s320/IMG_2409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBhChRYcdwc/Ui93jq5EnOI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/U3f8lXURi1k/s1600/IMG_2413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBhChRYcdwc/Ui93jq5EnOI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/U3f8lXURi1k/s320/IMG_2413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NpCJoiD47zg/Ui93l5fUdMI/AAAAAAAAAYY/ltyyhX4NGTY/s1600/IMG_2414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NpCJoiD47zg/Ui93l5fUdMI/AAAAAAAAAYY/ltyyhX4NGTY/s320/IMG_2414.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5YGOtGrRqc/Ui94YiknXDI/AAAAAAAAAYg/MEvXDPW4GA8/s1600/IMG_2420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5YGOtGrRqc/Ui94YiknXDI/AAAAAAAAAYg/MEvXDPW4GA8/s320/IMG_2420.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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You are precious.<br />
You are beautiful.<br />
You are adored.<br />
You are a masterpiece.<br />
You are royalty.<br />
You are victorious.<br />
You are free.<br />
You are treasured.<br />
You are His.<br />
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They will be available with different girls and customized with names.<br />
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I would love to hear your thoughts!<br />
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*** they are up on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/162390695/you-are-treasured-matted-and">my etsy shop</a> now *** order yours today ***<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-8114543872147860112013-07-25T08:32:00.000-04:002013-09-12T10:37:25.138-04:00Keep your faith!Hello friends! I just finished creating my last art piece. I took pictures along the way to show you the process. Enjoy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8yZh94asjA/UfEYdbmHlwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/jY6UoZjBBqM/s1600/IMG_1994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8yZh94asjA/UfEYdbmHlwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/jY6UoZjBBqM/s320/IMG_1994.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My workspace before</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vjIQaJ7q5o/UfEYg6hwFJI/AAAAAAAAAW4/XQa_s085058/s1600/IMG_1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vjIQaJ7q5o/UfEYg6hwFJI/AAAAAAAAAW4/XQa_s085058/s320/IMG_1996.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sketch -my inspiration</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnlVqiNaPcM/UfEYdgY8KnI/AAAAAAAAAWo/AiJtIRpWanI/s1600/IMG_1998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnlVqiNaPcM/UfEYdgY8KnI/AAAAAAAAAWo/AiJtIRpWanI/s320/IMG_1998.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Encouragement from friends!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiECEtw0fVk/UfEYgil-ohI/AAAAAAAAAW0/dhUq4kb9H7s/s1600/IMG_1999.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FiECEtw0fVk/UfEYgil-ohI/AAAAAAAAAW0/dhUq4kb9H7s/s320/IMG_1999.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSL_xD4PB7I/UfEYhQ-LGWI/AAAAAAAAAXE/bJ2HTBPdhOU/s1600/IMG_2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSL_xD4PB7I/UfEYhQ-LGWI/AAAAAAAAAXE/bJ2HTBPdhOU/s320/IMG_2001.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like Superman ice cream!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3sTCRcAvsE/UfEYjwDCoxI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yatvLi-317E/s1600/IMG_2002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f3sTCRcAvsE/UfEYjwDCoxI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yatvLi-317E/s320/IMG_2002.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting messy, means progress</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS_kcDNTNt8/UfEYn2gIZtI/AAAAAAAAAXc/T4u6k32V9aA/s1600/IMG_2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BS_kcDNTNt8/UfEYn2gIZtI/AAAAAAAAAXc/T4u6k32V9aA/s320/IMG_2004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfgHoGP8FL0/UfEYlpqYiAI/AAAAAAAAAXU/2bGuk__5cE4/s1600/IMG_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VfgHoGP8FL0/UfEYlpqYiAI/AAAAAAAAAXU/2bGuk__5cE4/s320/IMG_2007.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So not feeling the sky, so I covered it up!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMhWfSa8avI/UfEYo43liAI/AAAAAAAAAXk/BaUUb0ABnRk/s1600/IMG_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMhWfSa8avI/UfEYo43liAI/AAAAAAAAAXk/BaUUb0ABnRk/s320/IMG_2008.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov-jx3J47Qc/UfEYpNnW8GI/AAAAAAAAAXo/fGwR7civHNI/s1600/IMG_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov-jx3J47Qc/UfEYpNnW8GI/AAAAAAAAAXo/fGwR7civHNI/s320/IMG_2009.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My workspace after</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATiHSORTFdo/UfEY1WWvhPI/AAAAAAAAAX0/tWA5AWKdaX0/s1600/IMG_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATiHSORTFdo/UfEY1WWvhPI/AAAAAAAAAX0/tWA5AWKdaX0/s320/IMG_2011.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final piece. This is available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161774641/harvest-8x10-matted-mixed-media-art?ref=shop_home_active">my Esty shop</a>.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-57939702623304550962013-07-19T08:31:00.000-04:002013-07-19T08:31:03.544-04:00i believei believe...<br />
i can do all things through Christ who is my strength<br />
courage means standing even when your knees are shaking<br />
i am more than a conquerer<br />
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i believe...<br />
wisdom is given every time we ask<br />
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i believe...<br />
you reap what you sow<br />
laughter is cheap medicine<br />
happiness is an inside job<br />
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i believe...<br />
Joy is a daily choice, a gift<br />
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i believe...<br />
i am a child of God, so is everyone i meet<br />
i am worthy of honor and respect {from myself & others}<br />
love others as you love yourself includes loving yourself<br />
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i believe...<br />
Jesus, family & friends {in that order}<br />
being a mom is the most important job i will ever have<br />
faith is the greatest gift we can give our children<br />
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i believe...<br />
love covers a multitude of sins<br />
nothing can separate me from His love<br />
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i believe...<br />
it's about Him not me<br />
He has a plan & it is good<br />
Thy will not my will<br />
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i believe...<br />
change is good<br />
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i believe..<br />
every rainbow needs rain<br />
streams can flow in the desert<br />
great things take time<br />
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i believe...<br />
all of creation praises the Creator<br />
the mountains and hills burst into song<br />
the trees of the field clap their hands<br />
even the rocks will cry out His name<br />
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i believe...<br />
art is your soul on display<br />
colors are meant to be bright<br />
patterns are made to be mixed<br />
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i believe...<br />
everyone is creative<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a><br />
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This was a real learning experience for me. I would love to hear from you, what do you believe?Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-10732788118921725352013-07-11T14:00:00.001-04:002013-07-11T14:00:53.759-04:00What's next?I was thinking about my blog title this morning. Mismatched, socks, burnt toast and Jesus. I know it was a gift from God. A title He gave me a few years ago, when I first started blogging.<br />
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There are three parts to my silly title.<br />
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First, the mismatched socks. One day, my daughter completely ran out of socks. I was doing laundry on a regular basis, so how could she be out? I decided to start sock-hunting while she was at school. I was shocked and appalled to find 27 socks stashed around her room- tucked into every corner, left under the bed, in the closet- socks everywhere! I remember calling my friend Gidget in order to get some moral support with my latest child-rearing issue and her response was, "Why does she have so many socks?" I can laugh now, but at the time I was irritated by the whole thing!<br />
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Second, the burnt toast. We have this awful toaster that does not work! The bread either comes out lukewarm or burnt beyond recognition. At the time I named the blog, it was a brand-new toaster and a gift, so we just dealt with it's inadequacy and the game it provided each morning... what kind of toast are we having today?<br />
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Finally, Jesus. Through it all, He has been there. My calm in the storm. My sanity. My hope. My wisdom. My voice of reason. He has carried me on the days I couldn't find my way. I am grateful. Because of Him, I am able to look at these situations and laugh.<br />
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I love that our God has a sense of humor. This morning He and I laughed about the blog title and the fact that I can no longer eat toast.<br />
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In December of 2012, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Gluten Intolerance. Experts may argue which came first, sort of like the chicken and the egg, it doesn't really matter to me, I have both and my life has changed because of it. No more toast for me!<br />
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So, I asked Him, "What is next? Should I change the name of the blog, since it no longer fits?"<br />
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To be honest, I'm not sure. Perhaps it is His reminder to me that His ways are higher than our ways and thoughts. Instead of trying to figure Him out, I just need to enjoy spending time with Him and experiencing the blessing of today. I know He has a plan for me and it is good, and my human brain is not able to see all of my life at once. I only need to trust Him moment by moment, knowing He is with me and watching and helping.<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a><br />
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What is God teaching you today? I would love to hear from you.Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-16283174994990280452013-02-22T15:41:00.001-05:002013-02-22T15:41:33.703-05:00Wow! Time flies!Hi everyone! I can't believe it has been almost a year since posting. I have lived, laughed, loved and cried. But, I am here trying to figure out where to go next. I am praying, listening and working on steps of obedience. Here is what I am working on now:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xA1hjcPKAVg/USfX6fle0uI/AAAAAAAAAVA/yIXS36tQW3s/s1600/walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xA1hjcPKAVg/USfX6fle0uI/AAAAAAAAAVA/yIXS36tQW3s/s320/walk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-34964760057173700562012-03-28T15:36:00.000-04:002012-03-28T15:36:34.200-04:00Checking in!Hi everyone! It has been a busy month, sorry I haven't been around much. I think of you often and I have been busy! I am taking an online art class and I am working around the house painting, refinishing furniture and sewing!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNzvb2gAB-0/T3Nn5VKDFXI/AAAAAAAAAUc/HkfQso1lGhY/s1600/texture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNzvb2gAB-0/T3Nn5VKDFXI/AAAAAAAAAUc/HkfQso1lGhY/s320/texture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-10276211245570021802012-03-05T07:27:00.000-05:002012-03-05T07:27:14.545-05:00Memory MondayHappy Monday Friends! I couldn't decide which one I liked better, so I have the same verse written two different ways. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-34105777307628935452012-02-22T06:00:00.000-05:002012-02-22T06:00:13.680-05:00The Whole Truth<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17</span></i><br />
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I am a Bible Study nerd! I confess that I love sitting down and reading the Word, searching for new ideas or thoughts. I look forward to learning something new each day.<br />
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When preparing to study, there are a few things I must have:<br />
- my Bible (of course)<br />
- reading glasses for the small type<br />
- my journal<br />
- a cup of coffee<br />
- my little black bag, which includes hi-liters, pencils, a few different pens and post-it notes<br />
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I always thought I was thoroughly prepared for my study time.<br />
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My study right now is <a href="http://www.theholeinourgospel.com/">The Hole in our Gospel</a> by Richard Stearns, President of World Vision in the US. It is a life-changing book. It is really challenging my view of the world and the way I live.<br />
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One of the things Stearns mentions is taking scissors and cutting out all of the parts of the Bible that we don't believe or choose to ignore. Our Bible would then be full of holes! This is an echo for me. My Dad has talked about using a Sharpie to cross out all of the Scripture that we don't really believe.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. -Psalm 139:16b</span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11</span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">...you are precious and honored in my sight, and I love you -Isaiah 43:4a</span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14</span></i><br />
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We have a decision to make. We can believe God and His Word as the Whole Truth or we can treat the Bible like a buffet; picking and choosing what to believe and what to ignore.<br />
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I am trusting God on this... He is much smarter than me!<br />
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So, this morning I added a Sharpie to my little black bag, just as a reminder.<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-2956302502718614912012-02-15T06:00:00.000-05:002012-02-15T06:00:04.693-05:00Milk Messages from God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So many times, we have said to our kids "the effort you put in, is what you get out". Whether it is sports, homework or friendships, our effort in, equals the value gained. I knew the kids weren't "getting it." So one night, I prayed and asked for wisdom.<br />
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The next morning, before breakfast, I wrote <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Effort</b></span> on the side of our milk carton. As we sat down to our cereal, I asked the kids, "what is effort?" They both responded and we came up with an acceptable definition. I showed the kids that for the morning, our milk would represent our effort. I poured a splash of "effort" into each cup. The kids glared at me... quite upset with their lack of milk. "I only put a little effort in," I said. "When you only put a little in, you only get a little out." Then, I asked them to think about something they had to do that day.<br />
Little Miss responded, "I have a fact quiz."<br />
"How hard are you going to try?" I asked.<br />
"I'm going to try like always," she decided. So, I filled her cup half-way with milk.<br />
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Mr. D said, "I have music today."<br />
"And are you going to be a good listener and sing your best?"<br />
"Not really," he said laughing. I gave him another little splash of milk. He wasn't happy with me.<br />
"If you aren't going to try, you aren't going to get anything out of music today. You only get out, as much as you put in" I added, trying to help him understand. "What else do you have?" I asked him.<br />
"I have hockey practice and I am going to try super-duper hard!" he said, grinning. I filled his cup to the point that the milk almost spilled over. The kids were both shocked by the almost overflowing cup, but they got the message.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you -James 1:5</span></i><br />
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What are you trying to teach your kids today? Ask God for wisdom. He created your kids, He knows exactly what they need to hear and how to reach them best.<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-9888378432427114532012-02-09T11:02:00.000-05:002012-02-09T11:02:27.062-05:00Dirty WindowsI lingered at the breakfast table this morning, enjoying my coffee and the rare Michigan sun. I listened to the chatter of Mr. D and Little Miss, as they anticipated the day ahead.<br />
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I broke into their conversation, "You two need to stop drawing on my windows!"<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-gGxlQ-Iy0/TzPtdyFlUNI/AAAAAAAAATE/HWJKey4FZgk/s1600/dirty+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-gGxlQ-Iy0/TzPtdyFlUNI/AAAAAAAAATE/HWJKey4FZgk/s320/dirty+window.jpg" width="320" /></a>That rare sun I had previously been enjoying, caught and magnified the artwork made by food-covered fingers. Before my negative thoughts could whisk me away to that solitary island where my work is never appreciated, God whispered, "those fingerprints will be gone soon."<br />
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I stopped. <i>Oh Lord, You are right.</i> My sweet children are growing up before me. The preschool toys are slowly making their way to new homes and the days of full-day school are in sight. It won't be long before they stop asking me to play with them or read to them. Too soon they will want to spend their time talking with friends instead of me. It is ok, I know that is part of the process, but <i>God, help me appreciate this time and this moment</i>.<br />
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"I guess it doesn't bother me that much" I said, "I like your drawings, no matter where they are." Mr. D replied, "Mom, even when I'm 18, I will still draw on your windows." I laughed, I won't let it bother me... at least for today.<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-34861480472524623782012-02-03T14:54:00.001-05:002012-02-03T14:54:38.280-05:00My to do list won't let me sleep!<div style="font: 16.0px Verdana; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I looked at the clock, the bright red numbers glared back at me through the darkness... 4:35. I had been awake for hours tossing and turning, never finding rest. I could not shut off the voices, the worry, in my head. "Please God", I prayed, "let me sleep."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As I have <a href="http://lynnettecretu.blogspot.com/2010/03/close-encounters.html"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">mentioned before</span></a>, I tend to seek perfection from myself. I want to please everyone. I want everything right. There seem to be so many tasks calling for my attention right now. So many things unfinished. Rather than picking one and getting to work, I find myself paralyzed. "If I can't do it right {perfect} I'm not going to start it."</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I know this is not healthy thinking. I know I need to do the tasks God has given me and not worry about others opinions. After all, I am only trying <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%201:10&version=NIV"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">to please Him</span></a>, not myself, my husband, my kids or my friends.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And then, His Word comes to me and speaks softly, reminding me. </span></div>
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<span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Verdana;">Photo by <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=851"><span style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Danilo Rizzuti</b></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16px;"><i>Father, help me, teach me your way. I have been trying to do things on my own again and I am not doing very well. Please give me discernment to recognize the tasks you have asked me to do and the burdens I have placed on myself. I am weary. I need you. Jesus, give me rest from my striving, Amen. </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-84780244759075121192012-01-31T07:55:00.000-05:002012-01-31T07:55:01.289-05:00Memory VerseIt's not Monday, but here is a new memory verse for you... Happy Tuesday!<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-68118278418232944682012-01-26T09:11:00.000-05:002012-01-26T09:11:33.129-05:00Thankful Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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81. the smell of turkey dinner</div>
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82. a friend who sends a prayer through email</div>
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83. memories of past Christmases</div>
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84. a house full of laughter</div>
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85. the soft glow of Christmas lights</div>
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86. fresh snow</div>
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87. coffee with a dear friend</div>
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88. family party at the Rec center</div>
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89. cozy couch time</div>
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90. squirrels playing tag</div>
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91. picture perfect sunsets</div>
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92. a full golden moon</div>
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93. death is not final</div>
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94. thoughtful gifts</div>
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95. new dreams... what is next?</div>
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96. massage!</div>
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97. quiet dinner with my husband</div>
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98. Parents who want to see my kids</div>
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99. new Bible</div>
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100. the smell of home </div>
<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-53427520213476377432012-01-12T06:00:00.000-05:002012-01-12T06:00:09.617-05:00Thankful Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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61. Trying new things- glass blowing<br />
62. stretching in faith<br />
63. stepping out on faith<br />
64. trusting God completely<br />
65. working together to clean house<br />
66. Protection for D&D<br />
67. the ability to create<br />
68. knock knock jokes<br />
69. family time around a campfire<br />
70. kids making up "shows"<br />
71. learning new words<br />
72. God speaking through friends<br />
73. lazy movie days<br />
74. dedicated teachers<br />
75. not because of what I've done, but because of who you are<br />
76. I am yours<br />
77. quality time with friends<br />
78. baking with the kids<br />
79. Mr. D's b-day party with family<br />
80. babysitters worth their weight in gold<br />
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Please leave a comment and let me know what you are thankful for today.<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-48843109538990734892012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:002012-01-11T09:06:52.345-05:00Wednesday Wisdom<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am pleased to introduce another of my She Speaks sisters. Kimberly Rae is an encourager! She is always quick to respond with prayer, optimism or Scripture. She has a big heart and I hope you enjoy her responses as much as I did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"> 1. What is your life verse? What does it mean to you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah%203:17&version=NIV">Zephaniah 3:17</a> This verse changed the way I saw God. I used to worry all the time that I was disappointing Him, but when I read this verse, especially the part about Him singing over me, I finally really recognized His beautiful, unconditional love. Mothers sing over their babies as they rock them to sleep—those babies that have done nothing for the mother as of yet, those babies that are loved beyond all reason simply because they belong to that mother. God loves me like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I think it was the first time I felt a baby moving inside me. It was such a light touch, like butterfly wings, but every time I felt it, it reminded me that my life was changing forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">3. I know now, but I wish I knew then...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">That my worth isn’t based on what or how much I do. I don’t need to prove myself all the time—in fact, everybody is better off when I stop stressing myself out doing too much, and instead rest in the Lord enough to be content and at peace. My whole family benefits when I stop trying to prove myself and let some things go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">4. What is one thing you do just for you to relax and refresh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I write. Maybe years down the road that will feel like work, but for now, being a stay-at-home mom, getting away for an evening to write is a real break for me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">5. By now, I thought I would...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Be thriving on the mission field, involving my kids in our work, having a biography-worthy life in ministry. Instead, I have chronic health problems, am a stay-at-home mom (and writer on the side) in the US, and I’m going to Emory next week to talk with a neurosurgeon about brain surgery. Not what I’d expected, that’s for sure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">6. In the midst of the chaos a special trick that helps me cope...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Getting outside somewhere where all I can see in every direction is God’s beauty (nothing man-made). It’s a visual way of getting myself back into God’s perspective and timing, not the rush and harshness of man’s world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">7. If I could go back for one day...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I’d go back to Bangladesh, find my friend who lived on the side of the road with her baby girl (I found out later the woman was a prostitute) and, knowing now that I’d never see her again, I would give her the Gospel in her language so she could read about God’s love for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">8. The best advice I ever received about being a Mom...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">I am responsible for training my kids for adulthood and for eternity. That certainly puts things in perspective! I’m not just training and disciplining them to keep my household controlled today—there is much more at stake here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Anything! The God of the universe loves you so much He knows how many hairs you have on your head. If He keeps track of a detail as tiny and insignificant as that, we don’t need to worry about any small or big thing in our lives!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">10. A perfect day for me...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Oh, wow, what a question! I have to admit what comes to mind would be waking up after brain surgery and finding out that the health problems I’ve had for the past 15 years are over, that I’ll be able to go hiking in the mountains again. And hey, since we’re dreaming, I’d add a nice long backrub from my husband, dinner out to a great restaurant, and those last 8 pounds I’m trying to lose magically falling off me without effort!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">The spiritual side of me says a perfect day would be finding out that our Muslim friends around the world turned to Jesus for salvation. That would top being healthy, or skinny, any day.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v87FrO3DMRA/TwxK6jbt4jI/AAAAAAAAASk/Hhx4GW5xs4I/s1600/author+photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v87FrO3DMRA/TwxK6jbt4jI/AAAAAAAAASk/Hhx4GW5xs4I/s200/author+photo+6.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">Kimberly Rae has lived in several countries overseas. She has been published over 100 times, has rafted the Nile River, and has eaten cow brains just to say she’d done it! Her first novel, <i>Stolen Woman</i>, about international human trafficking and missions, was released this summer. Find out more at <a href="http://www.stolenwoman.org/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.stolenwoman.org</span></a> or visit Kimberly’s blog at <a href="http://www.stolenwoman.blogspot.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.stolenwoman.blogspot.com</span></a>. </span></div>
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-49684374303825515322012-01-10T06:00:00.000-05:002012-01-10T09:32:04.495-05:00I dumped my resolution!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzsbRi6qw18/TwuabO81LfI/AAAAAAAAASc/ALy9Pk9S3Zg/s1600/2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzsbRi6qw18/TwuabO81LfI/AAAAAAAAASc/ALy9Pk9S3Zg/s320/2012.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2024">Stoonn</a></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">I don't make New Year resolutions. There are many reasons... I never know how to pinpoint the change I want to make. I get overwhelmed by the vast possibilities. I'm not sure how to go about the changes. I have trouble following through on them and then I feel disappointed with myself for failing. Many years ago, I decided that avoiding resolutions altogether was the best option for me.</span></div>
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Last year, however, I heard about an alternative to the traditional resolution. It is called <a href="http://myoneword.org/">My One Word</a>. This organization encourages focusing on one word rather than a list.<br />
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I like it! I think I could actually follow through with one word.<br />
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So after praying about it, "Love" became my one word for 2012.<br />
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At first, I felt like this was a rather simple word. The more I thought about it, however, the more complex it became in my mind. I really feel that God is leading me to love people the way that He loves them. To look at others beyond what is seen or first appears and to look deeper.<br />
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God reminded me of this verse<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><i> A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. </i></span>(John 13:34)<br />
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So I wondered, how do I go about this? It goes against my human nature to love others completely and unconditionally the way God does. I turned back to God's Word and our friend Paul for more direction.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><i>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.</i></span> (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7)<br />
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This simple recipe for loving others is something I can do. Not through my own strength, but with God's help. I know I will have good days and bad. But I also know I will become more like my Father through this year and that is my ultimate goal, even beyond 2012.<br />
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I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment. What are you hoping to do in 2012? Share your resolutions or perhaps your word...<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-53093279124784892022012-01-09T08:53:00.000-05:002012-01-09T08:53:14.458-05:00Marvelous Memory MondayHello Friends!<br />
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Happy Monday, I can't believe it has been a month since I posted. I have missed you, but I enjoyed focusing on my family and the holidays. I hope you were blessed!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jis8fXGhOXQ/Twrw_w7xSLI/AAAAAAAAASU/kW9J7sumJTA/s1600/Scripture+card+1%253A9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jis8fXGhOXQ/Twrw_w7xSLI/AAAAAAAAASU/kW9J7sumJTA/s320/Scripture+card+1%253A9.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-43754360549627584862011-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:002011-12-06T06:00:04.407-05:00How many shopping days left?<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I sat in the crowded waiting room and checked my list for the second time in an hour. It was the end of November and I already felt behind and overwhelmed by the Christmas list before me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I needed more ideas for my kids. What could I possibly get for them that they didn't already have? Deep in thought, I overheard one of the moms say "our kids only get three gifts each. If it was good enough for baby Jesus its good enough for us." A wave of peace swept through my spirit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I soon left the waiting room, but I couldn't let go of her statement. Could it really be that simple? Why not? That year our kids received three thoughtful gifts and there wasn't one complaint. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">That was four years ago and we haven't changed that tradition. Apparently we aren't the only family to switch to this philosophy. Two years ago I read an article about another family doing the same thing. Each of their gifts were based on the original gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">I did a little research, and our gift philosophy developed further!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Doing a quick Google search will allow you to read about <a href="http://www.magi-gifts.com/significance.html">the significance and history</a> of each gift.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So now, we have:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gold, a big gift</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Frankincense, something for the spirit </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Myrrh, something for the body</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This has simplified our gift giving and it has also been fun to think about what gift could fit in each category.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also have more time to focus on the real reason for Christmas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What do you think?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I would love to hear from you and some of the traditions you have. </span><br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-28309328905846367282011-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:002011-11-21T06:00:02.482-05:00Marvelous Memory Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPRukTJNQbU/Tsls0IOw_AI/AAAAAAAAASA/5cwcwB_4sLc/s1600/Scripture+card+11%253A21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPRukTJNQbU/Tsls0IOw_AI/AAAAAAAAASA/5cwcwB_4sLc/s320/Scripture+card+11%253A21.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-55462878876484310172011-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:002011-11-18T06:00:07.464-05:00Fun FridayMy new obsession is <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. I could spend hours there! After pinning and pinning, I decided it was pointless to pin without actually doing anything. So, I made this...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KIWp1ThP68/TsXCV4gZjjI/AAAAAAAAAR4/UVBsVHRFd1g/s1600/dry+erase+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0KIWp1ThP68/TsXCV4gZjjI/AAAAAAAAAR4/UVBsVHRFd1g/s320/dry+erase+frame.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are the <a href="http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/04/craft-room-part-3.html">instructions</a>. It is just a standard frame and you use dry erase markers to write messages or quotes. I love it!<br />
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We recently celebrated Mr. D's 6th Birthday. Every year, since the kids were old enough to respond {we started at age 2} I interview the kids on their Birthday and write down their answers {word for word}. Some of the responses are quite funny and our extended family always looks forward to reading the latest edition. I save them with their special papers so we can look back and remember. I reformatted the layout this year and decided to share. Here is a new printable for you!<br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/73080450/Birthday-Interview" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Birthday Interview on Scribd">Birthday Interview</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_94529" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/73080450/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-2fj6mny6d4gotphu7i2x" width="100%"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">
(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();
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Christmas is just around the corner! I am offering a coupon in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GemsFromHisCrown?ref=ss_profile">my Etsy shop</a> to all of my blog readers. If you are looking for a special gift please take a look. All of my jewelry is Scripture based and I am adding new items all the time. The coupon code is TOAST and you will receive 10% off of all items purchased in November.<br />
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One last thing, I was a guest blogger at <a href="http://www.faithinbetween.com/1/post/2011/11/wise-women-wednesday-with-lynnette-cretu-practice-makes-perfector-does-it.html">Faith in Between</a> this week. Please hop over and visit.<br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-67857476475130571772011-11-16T07:43:00.001-05:002011-11-16T16:37:05.355-05:00Wednesday Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi friends! I've missed you! Just back from Disney.... it was wonderful and I am exhausted. Glad to be home, but trying to get back into the swing of things. </div>
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Here is some Wednesday Wisdom for you....</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Mortals make elaborate plans, but <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> has the last word. </i> Proverbs 16:1 (MSG)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For all of you early shoppers, I added a coupon to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GemsFromHisCrown?ref=ss_profile">etsy shop</a>. All November orders are 10% off with the coupon code TOAST. </span></div>
<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-85889078562774339902011-11-04T07:14:00.001-04:002011-11-04T07:15:29.487-04:00Are 'ya new here?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hHSZrG3eHs/TrPIKWGZfAI/AAAAAAAAARw/mXWwHRTUifE/s1600/ashamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_hHSZrG3eHs/TrPIKWGZfAI/AAAAAAAAARw/mXWwHRTUifE/s200/ashamed.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2664">Stuart Miles</a></td></tr>
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"Are you new here?" As the words left my mouth I could feel the heat rise from my neck to my face. In my excitement to be helpful, I let the words escape without thinking. "Um, yes" was the hesitant response.<br />
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God has been working on me to open my eyes and really see. I know He wants me to look at the things around me instead of keeping my eyes on the sidewalk while life goes whirring past. I have been making an effort to do that, but I seem to be tripping over this new task ... just call me Grace.<br />
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We attend a VERY large church. It can be intimidating to walk in the door. I can remember the first time we attended, I felt like we had entered a maze. Nothing looked familiar, no faces stood out, I didn't have any "land" marks to tell me I was going in the right direction. The greeters and ushers were very helpful and were more than gracious to get us where we needed to go. Since then, I have tried to direct others if I sense they are new or lost.<br />
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So, as Dan and I sat in our seats one morning waiting for worship to begin, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation that was going on directly behind us {a.k.a- eavesdropping}. The little boy was asking his parents, "where are all the kids?" I'm sure his parents were just happy to be in their seats after successfully conquering the parking lot and finding the auditorium, they had not noticed the absence of anyone under the age of 13. The family began wondering, out loud, where all the kids were. This is the point in the story where I decided to be "helpful" and stick my nose in.<br />
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I eagerly turned around, happy to help and said, "Are 'ya new here?" My tone was less than helpful and the phrase is something I say to my kids when they forget one of our set-in-stone rules. Not the best impression for a new family. I tried to recover, telling them about the great children's programs and how safe it is. They were kind and said thank you.<br />
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I turned to face forward in my seat and replayed the conversation in my head. Ugh! Nice choice of words. Nice lead in. I should have offered to walk them out to the child check-in area.<br />
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Excuse me, I think my mismatched socks are showing.<br />
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<i>Thank you Lord that You are a God of second and third and fourth chances. This isn't easy! Please help me to be kind and welcoming. Please open my eyes to see what is happening around me. Teach me how to reach out to others with grace and mercy. Remind me to slow down and depend on your wisdom, not my own. Amen.</i><br />
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<br />Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-861219051150831229.post-87308523628418741352011-11-02T09:47:00.002-04:002011-11-02T09:47:59.791-04:00Wednesday Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4>
Proverbs 2</h4>
<h5 class="passage-header">
Moral Benefits of Wisdom</h5>
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16435" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">1</sup> My son, if you accept my words<br />
and store up my commands within you,<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16436" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">2</sup> turning your ear to wisdom<br />
and applying your heart to understanding—<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16437" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">3</sup> indeed, if you call out for insight<br />
and cry aloud for understanding,<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16438" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">4</sup> and if you look for it as for silver<br />
and search for it as for hidden treasure,<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16439" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">5</sup> then you will understand the fear of the LORD<br />
and find the knowledge of God.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16440" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">6</sup> For the LORD gives wisdom;<br />
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16441" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">7</sup> He holds success in store for the upright,<br />
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16442" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">8</sup> for he guards the course of the just<br />
and protects the way of his faithful ones.<br />
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<a href="http://s1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/?action=view&current=toastsigtra.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j380/lbcretu/toastsigtra.png" /></a></div>Lynnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06471038819243597351noreply@blogger.com0