tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6470529278185384922024-03-05T19:15:03.306-05:00 Tammy Van GilsEverblooming Hope BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-88216924894505954382022-01-09T05:17:00.016-05:002022-01-09T05:17:00.163-05:00Friday Loss & Sunday Blessing<div class="MsoNormal"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tfFU1CVccoEAqqeAvojReLtebZcPo1C1GlCMXMcoKRep0NxkVvdbdzCvHYLXu5C5M3UMgHE2wE8f9k-AGTTc72R4cYGybfmQyA1aoiA2ohLKWA-iBEJN7aTd8qwKCQgIqdVZy2O2nel8/s1600/hands-578917_1280.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tfFU1CVccoEAqqeAvojReLtebZcPo1C1GlCMXMcoKRep0NxkVvdbdzCvHYLXu5C5M3UMgHE2wE8f9k-AGTTc72R4cYGybfmQyA1aoiA2ohLKWA-iBEJN7aTd8qwKCQgIqdVZy2O2nel8/w517-h214/hands-578917_1280.jpg" width="517" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Late one January night, I sat beside the hospital bed with my right hand clasped over my mouth. Tears flowed. The moment I dreaded was imminent. My beloved grandmother fought for every single breath. This ending had been developing over the past week, so it wasn't a surprise, but now I wondered how I'd live without her.</p><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">We'd always had a special bond. I never questioned her love for me, not even the one time we didn't speak for several months because we were angry at each other. I knew we'd make up soon enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">She wasn't perfect. Truthfully, she'd never be nominated for mother or grandmother of the year award. Yet she was my greatest cheerleader growing up and even as an adult.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Tearfully, I watched my frail grandmother pause between shallow breaths. I prayed, "God don't let her suffer. Take her to live with you." About fifteen minutes later, she breathed her last. I left the room to find the rest of my family with my heart pounding in my ears.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">In that instant, I regretted that prayer. I wanted her back for five more minutes. I wasn't ready to let her go.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN24wRvqQ4SNp4TfnUmjNq023rzqCHn8O4AHiQFSBReMH8WUqXS9W7c-5oNrhlB2GmAySkCOtEaCF0fgVVVcz2NWTE_9yjTUmlNMOboavu2mGli6Ey6H6CqBnwon3tZLWww3_Xz9cryZbQ/s1600/emotion-556794_640.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN24wRvqQ4SNp4TfnUmjNq023rzqCHn8O4AHiQFSBReMH8WUqXS9W7c-5oNrhlB2GmAySkCOtEaCF0fgVVVcz2NWTE_9yjTUmlNMOboavu2mGli6Ey6H6CqBnwon3tZLWww3_Xz9cryZbQ/s320/emotion-556794_640.jpg" width="216" /></a><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I'd never lost someone so close before and the grief overtook me like a dark, oppressive shroud. I resumed living my life—raising my two boys, work, college classes—all the normal routine, but my heart burned to see her again. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I called my mother about a month after her death. "I'm going to take a teaspoon and go to the cemetery and dig her up. I know how crazy that sounds. But I know God loves me. He knows how much I miss her. After I dig her up, I trust He will work a miracle and give her back to me."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Needless to say, that freaked my mom out. She made me promise to give up that idea. I did, but every time I thought I'd reached the bottom of despair, it moved deeper. I prayed over and over for relief from the darkness of grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Then one April day, I changed the station on the car radio and heard a man's voice preaching a simple message.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><i><b>It doesn't matter what you're going through, it's Friday but Sunday's coming. Christ hung on the cross on Friday, but rose on Sunday. So in the midst of life's pain and suffering, remember it's Friday, but Sunday's coming.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I smiled. Not just on my face, but I felt my heart smile too.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagG7E9ZkCyb0bBJS60njydl5uDtbX0h4by-BFW2PYi6u_jEK7C41imif9_bjHlgjGc_ZG_CdW6GYQybUdR36sbzN5dPNKzlYZD1l2525uO_H2fuTzBjogaVXl61dwlb4G26DSQVGTa0nY/s1600/heart-1616504_1280.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagG7E9ZkCyb0bBJS60njydl5uDtbX0h4by-BFW2PYi6u_jEK7C41imif9_bjHlgjGc_ZG_CdW6GYQybUdR36sbzN5dPNKzlYZD1l2525uO_H2fuTzBjogaVXl61dwlb4G26DSQVGTa0nY/s320/heart-1616504_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You see, Grandma and I are now living a "Friday" separation from each other—but I believe to my core—our "Sunday" is coming. We'll have eternity together. Those simple words lifted the black shroud and I felt God's light flood my soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">To this day, I believe He inspired the preacher with such a profound message, He arranged for me to hear it, and He healed my wounded heart. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">That very night, I had the sweetest dream with my grandmother standing in her kitchen—young, healthy and beautiful—smiling as she buttered a homemade biscuit. Neither of us spoke. We just grinned at each other, both released to find joy while we wait for our "Sunday" reunion.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">What about you? Have you lost someone and believed you'd never recover? Are you in the midst of a "Friday" loss, waiting on a "Sunday" blessing? Please share.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11Ashland, VA 23005, USA37.7590318 -77.479983699999991-8.8830181251155835 -147.7924837 84.401081725115588 -7.1674836999999911tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-75972196897475704142021-06-01T00:00:00.028-04:002021-06-01T00:00:00.240-04:00Surviving Pain<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have a disclaimer before I begin this post. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Please turn your imagination ON and picture this scene.</span></p><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb3KjJltoLYsy-puLCsBTnmBsFfNtgeXfIXN3t0oL8QpZbrD4-192IHdYPfcRI9iKnpgbatPKhAmrv1CvpNFmlXBK2dVR9iVErDS3MBx2XmQYLGh7j0Kwb7gnTWNzBZtnJyKnY83aLTMQ/s1600/Maine+7-10+109.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb3KjJltoLYsy-puLCsBTnmBsFfNtgeXfIXN3t0oL8QpZbrD4-192IHdYPfcRI9iKnpgbatPKhAmrv1CvpNFmlXBK2dVR9iVErDS3MBx2XmQYLGh7j0Kwb7gnTWNzBZtnJyKnY83aLTMQ/s320/Maine+7-10+109.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="line-height: 18.4px;">You are standing on a vast beach on a sunny and breezy day. The waves steadily pound the shore as the seagulls fly gracefully overhead. You see a child's red sand bucket sitting atilt. You walk through the warm sand to see what's inside. And it's full of sea water. And you look out to the horizon, and feel like you can see forever. Nothing but ocean, Majestic, powerful, and endless.</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="line-height: 18.4px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;">The red sand bucket is my knowledge. The vast ocean is God's.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><o:p></o:p><br /></span><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2JNE1bqfgyTjs_nV2Et1VTb3_zRsVH-GLLGNC8urI7DWErPNtu9ZASy-1bf2eb9M8MKubWoe_RqouOq97QSTKeBVa8U67pyeYtUlzCRmr1fp30MXXkDB8zNiGyzFXu-RMVHSogS52_ri/s1600/heart-239668_1280.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;">I have some friends who are going through tough stuff. Incredibly tough. Like drop to your knees and feel you will weep forever. I know a couple of friends who are struggling and I don't know exactly what's going on, but I can tell they are in pain.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2JNE1bqfgyTjs_nV2Et1VTb3_zRsVH-GLLGNC8urI7DWErPNtu9ZASy-1bf2eb9M8MKubWoe_RqouOq97QSTKeBVa8U67pyeYtUlzCRmr1fp30MXXkDB8zNiGyzFXu-RMVHSogS52_ri/w619-h145/heart-239668_1280.jpg" width="619" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pain is the human common denominator. We've all felt sucker punched by life. We've all been betrayed by someone. We've found ourselves in agonizing situations and wondered, "</span><i style="font-family: verdana;">how did I get here?" </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;">Most people—even those who are believers—blame God. Like He sits in heaven and zaps us poor souls here on Earth. But then, when good comes into our lives, we don't credit Him for that. But the blame game, we have down pat. That can be traced back to the Garden of Eden.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="line-height: 18.4px;">Remembering the disclaimer, I want to share what I've learned.</span><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pain happens for many different reasons. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes, it's caused by others, but at our expense. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes, it's the natural consequences of our poor decisions. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes, it's the tragic result of previous generations. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes, it's the way we process a situation incorrectly.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: verdana;"> The reasons are many, the results the same. <span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>PAIN</b>.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;">But none of the above reasons are God's fault. Oh, I know He could have intervened and prevented it from happening. After all, He's the infinite ocean. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;">So why doesn't He? That's the question that haunts everyone in pain. Why…Why me…Why now…If He loves me, then why?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NBQpEeZjLwDfFt9wRUS4XIYbVrRio8q44hn1ptoszTKWesoQhTnPV7jedKcCE_A8ZI5ZOVNNYFO81RHC_gizBhX2JhUZMBCY8aUlmAJvZwLhII8mPAqU7Q2DEYrP9waCSAnZBfB5dqsx/w320-h240/woman-687560_1280.jpg" width="320" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NBQpEeZjLwDfFt9wRUS4XIYbVrRio8q44hn1ptoszTKWesoQhTnPV7jedKcCE_A8ZI5ZOVNNYFO81RHC_gizBhX2JhUZMBCY8aUlmAJvZwLhII8mPAqU7Q2DEYrP9waCSAnZBfB5dqsx/s1600/woman-687560_1280.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NBQpEeZjLwDfFt9wRUS4XIYbVrRio8q44hn1ptoszTKWesoQhTnPV7jedKcCE_A8ZI5ZOVNNYFO81RHC_gizBhX2JhUZMBCY8aUlmAJvZwLhII8mPAqU7Q2DEYrP9waCSAnZBfB5dqsx/s1600/woman-687560_1280.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></a><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;">Now here's my red sand bucket philosophy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">I believe God <b>allows </b>pain to come our way. Before it hits our calendar, He knows the desired lesson for us. He is shaping us for what lies ahead. After all, He allowed Job to experience great loss and suffer incredible pain. He allowed Peter to be sifted. He allowed Thomas to doubt. He could have intervened but chose not to. Each grew in wisdom and faith from pain. </span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">And so can we.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">When I look back, I realize that every painful situation taught me a valuable lesson. More faith. More patience. More compassion for others. More perseverance. More wisdom. More love.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">When pain enters my life, I begin to look for the lesson to be learned. After all, before it hit me, it came before God and He allowed it to come my way. So the "why" doesn't really matter. Even when it hurts so badly I can barely breathe, I have faith that since He allowed it; I will survive like many other times in my past.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">My desperate prayer goes something like this. "Lord, even though I don't understand or like this pain, I'm going to trust you. I know you love me and are here with me in the midst of this unbearable situation. So I'm depending on You to get me through. I believe in You and Your timing. If it's in accordance with Your will, help me to see why You allowed this in my life. And please help this to pass, the sooner the better. In Jesus Name, Amen."<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="line-height: 18.4px; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Now I know that’s rather bold. The red sand bucket strongly pleading with the powerful ocean. But He respects the honesty of a broken heart. <i>1 </i></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><i>Samuel 16:7 tells us, "For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;">I believe He honors those sincere prayers, opens my mind, and helps me see with clearer eyes. The awareness of the lesson comes. I learn. I grow. I deal with the situation even if it's only acceptance. I move forward. And the pain eases. To Him be the glory!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-family: verdana; line-height: 18.4px;">What do you believe? What helps you to survive and thrive through the pain? What advice do you give someone going through a tough time? Thanks for sharing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6United States37.09024 -95.7128918.780006163821156 -130.869141 65.400473836178847 -60.556641tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-72418308408723669542020-09-15T00:00:00.009-04:002020-09-15T00:00:02.173-04:00Journeys and Endings<div class="separator"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu75NBh9je_zJsiCC829ZIG2GuVMAcwcIX-v6br-7B_9dNtSLHTxjHxNR18RMdIk0OskcicFnDMCv5krl6-HfVicFXod9GA7Y3NWhbHdsGihlggzW19MDrc6xyqQIQnDB74i292Bs0BgS6/s2048/picmonkey_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu75NBh9je_zJsiCC829ZIG2GuVMAcwcIX-v6br-7B_9dNtSLHTxjHxNR18RMdIk0OskcicFnDMCv5krl6-HfVicFXod9GA7Y3NWhbHdsGihlggzW19MDrc6xyqQIQnDB74i292Bs0BgS6/w500-h375/picmonkey_image.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Do you have a favorite saying?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of mine is--</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">"Life is a journey with an end, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">but it is the journey that matters in the end."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The reason I've always loved this is because as a busy-beaver-always-working-on-projects type of person, this quote would remind me that the journey is more important than the end result. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">You know, to stop and smell the roses along my journey of life. I can certainly use that reminder several times a day as I am checking off the to-do list. I so intently zone into my project at hand that I forget there is anything else happening like the sun shining, crickets chirping, or even the need to get up and stretch. In the past, this spoke to me mainly about the importance of the journey.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">But recently, I had a new epiphany about that quote that sent my brain reeling. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>The end does matter. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>What we persevere and accomplish matters.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Why we bother to finish matters.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>How our attitude is at the end of the journey matters.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm saying the journey is important but equally the end matters too.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a Christian, this is especially true. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Why and how I chose to live my life matters. I can either be a good witness for Christ or I can distract and lead others away from Him. I can edify and build up or I can criticize and tear down. I can love my neighbor as Christ instructs or be a part of the cultural depredation. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And all these decisions not only affect my journey, but the journeys of others. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One day when the trumpet calls and He appears in the clouds to call His bride--the church--to leave with Him, I will end this earthly journey and begin my eternal existence with Him. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The end of one journey and beginning of a new one. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQev3GalDjuNYkeZ7nlZG92a63JberNw9RjYoe_m4cW9vulI0UHyMzCT9vCFwnViDGHLYf44xdLlNwUbX47FO913wjqHnhQmU3NZNL0AqaRglP2kx6zXeze71aiEBIKLy5BqFHLaM-pRi8/s1280/woman-571715_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQev3GalDjuNYkeZ7nlZG92a63JberNw9RjYoe_m4cW9vulI0UHyMzCT9vCFwnViDGHLYf44xdLlNwUbX47FO913wjqHnhQmU3NZNL0AqaRglP2kx6zXeze71aiEBIKLy5BqFHLaM-pRi8/s320/woman-571715_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>But I'm also aware that will not be the case for everyone. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some will miss His appointed evacuation plan. They will remain here on their journey, still waiting for their earthly end. I believe those will be extremely tough times for all. The Bible tells us in Romans 1:25, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--whoever is praised, Amen." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My prayer for these dear souls is that their hearts will be softened, the scales will fall from their eyes, and their minds will be opened so that the Creator will march in and reveal truth and His real love. May they develop a passion for Him and abide in His grace and mercy. May they persevere and follow Him as the book of Revelation unfolds. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who knows, just maybe one of them will come across these words written here and receive real freedom from an extremely hot eternity? Maybe they will find a Bible or a wise Christian ministry online (<a href="https://www.davidjeremiah.org/" target="_blank">David Jeremiah</a> would be a great choice), or seek other folks who are searching for the true God. Maybe they will stop worshiping created things and seek the face of the Creator. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That is my prayer. For all of us.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">May we enjoy our daily journey and still keep persevering toward an eternity--hopefully one filled with joy and smiles and not agony and pain. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So do you have a favorite saying and why is it special to you? Have you had any epiphanies lately? Let's share the lessons learned on this journey called life.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6United States37.09024 -95.712891-41.48274075419301 123.66210899999999 90 44.912109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-39990691082250129752020-02-14T09:19:00.000-05:002020-02-14T09:19:52.823-05:00A Lucky Brooder?<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt-IluTmg3u4OQQoda45LGB5EwbPLEAJG9yHaZ2JLoiczro5PLNnVVHFN9Hs_10npq9eoO7nHEVp-c8Bcz95938p50awa8knRFMW97Brtn_qX-Zqc0wSCDa2XZW99fHp5aPw-FThOiVHj/s1600/hen-lying-down-2678608_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGt-IluTmg3u4OQQoda45LGB5EwbPLEAJG9yHaZ2JLoiczro5PLNnVVHFN9Hs_10npq9eoO7nHEVp-c8Bcz95938p50awa8knRFMW97Brtn_qX-Zqc0wSCDa2XZW99fHp5aPw-FThOiVHj/s640/hen-lying-down-2678608_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is NOT actual Lucky. I had her permission to tell her story but not share her picture during brooding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About nine months ago, we added a new girl to join the Bloom
Girls. We call her Lucky, because she is or at least, was lucky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, she must have ran away from her home and hung out at
the end of our street with the group of mailboxes. For several days, our
neighbors called to inform us that one of our girls had escaped. But all our
girls were safe and sound in their run. After about five days, Hubby went and
brought her home. We were amazed she had made it that long by a busy road and
with wild critters who would have loved to eat her, hence her name "Lucky". We should have put her in
quarantine to protect our flock but didn’t. We opened the door and put her in
the run with our thirteen other girls. We knew this meant she would be picked
on since she’s the stranger (I guess chickens do the whole “stranger danger”
thing) and because she was smaller than our girls. So Lucky began her journey
as a Bloom Girl at the bottom of the pecking order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My daughter-in-law told me she is a Buff Orpington . My
girls are Red Comets and kind of a rusty red but she is more like a orangey
red. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She adjusted well to her new life
over time and became accepted. Now she is the biggest girl we have, although
she is occasionally reminded that she is not the top chicken in the hen house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, about three weeks ago, Lucky’s luck changed and she
started brooding. She is our first broody hen. Maybe this has been bred out of
the Red Comets, I’m not sure. But what a pain! Brooding is when a chicken
decides to sit and hopefully hatch eggs—and it doesn’t matter to her if they have
been fertilized or not. This instinct must be so strong because she will sit for days
and barely eat, drink or leave the nesting box. And if you push her out of the
box, she does like a growl and will peck you. Obviously, she is not a happy
camper. Poor girl!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this morning she pecked me as I picked her up and put her
in their backyard. Her feathers were all ruffled and she just sat there like
how did I get here. This brooding is almost like a trance state. Again so sad
for her. Now I happen to be on the phone with my son who has more experience
with chickens and has had brooders before. And then it happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other girls started to peck Lucky. At first, I thought
that was their way of saying, “Snap out it! Get off that nest. Raising chicks is
not in your future.” But my son quickly set me straight. “While she’s brooding
and away from the others, she’s lost rank and now is back to the bottom of the
pecking order.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">OH NO! This is not good—to be demoted in the chicken house.</span>
Lucky ran back into the coop and back to the nesting box. I again put her back
outside, hoping she would run away from the others and snap out of brooding.
But I quickly realized, she’s better off in the box and away from the other
girls. She’s not so Lucky these days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My son says this will past in a few weeks and she will go
back living normal again but she will have to earn her way back to her old,
normal life with the others. My goodness, who knew being a chicken could be so
hard? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But then it made me wonder if any of God’s critters have it
easy all the time. We humans don’t. I bet the slug doesn’t as he crawls over
sharp areas. Or the skink who is dodging birds or cats. I recently learned in a
Bible Study, that we would stay weak if we didn’t have struggles in life. And
that is so true. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish I could explain this to Lucky. How she will be a
better stronger chicken after this season passes. But for now, her experience
is a reminder to hang in there. This too shall pass. If there is one thing
about life I’ve learned—change is just around the corner. So flex your muscles
and smile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You are stronger today because of yesterday’s struggles and today’s
pain will one day make you more resilient and smarter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And be grateful. At least you are not a brooding chicken!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What epiphanies have you had lately? What has life dished up
and thrown your way? How has it changed you? Curious minds want to know and
learn from others!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-84027691106368308872019-12-31T14:28:00.000-05:002019-12-31T14:28:52.251-05:00Rocking the Clock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoZzm5t4OeJQURjY5DTjk9VjG6SXFw-Rom3vjSFHdC3rMDyXa-BuK6pBnYxEs973s9RYUoRBGwv-GgZs2qEUHFAWi9KoSCc0cjlgkoofNG50ixkd5xplfxYXh0pL5d0bLZDsImXRPlPR8/s1600/time-3222267_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoZzm5t4OeJQURjY5DTjk9VjG6SXFw-Rom3vjSFHdC3rMDyXa-BuK6pBnYxEs973s9RYUoRBGwv-GgZs2qEUHFAWi9KoSCc0cjlgkoofNG50ixkd5xplfxYXh0pL5d0bLZDsImXRPlPR8/s640/time-3222267_1280.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, allow me to apologize for being MIA for so long. I guess time has been fleeting this year. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2019 was a great year in many ways. Do you remember last years resolutions and dreams? How did you do? I bet like me--you nailed a few and failed at a few too. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is one area where I nailed it. I started a new business and launched a new website, <a href="https://tammyvangils.com/">Your Business Ally.</a> I bet you didn't know I sold real estate years ago and actually am a graduate of the Realtor's Institute. A Realtor asked if I'd be their transaction coordinator since she had a super busy spring and summer ahead. I agreed. And wow, I really like it TONS. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One reason is that the real estate business is never boring. Every deal is different--personalities, conditions, locations, problems. That keeps things interesting and gives you something new to learn on every transaction. I also enjoy helping folks through the process--the agents but also the clients. I discovered that my experience as a small business owner, bookkeeper and writer have given me added skills to fulfill this new role. Late this past summer, I added another team of agents and am grateful for this new friendship and partnership in closing deals. (By the way, if you know of any Virginia agents looking for a TC, please pass my name on. I could use a few more agents now that I have my systems working well).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One area I failed at is staying true to a strong muscle-building workout. After a busy week in July, I discovered I had a torn meniscus. The good news is that physical therapy and time relieved the pain and I'm back to normal. But once again, life has taught me the importance of having strong muscles to protect my bones and joints. This is an area I hope to improve in 2020.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Halfway between "nailed it" and "failed at it" is my battle with the scale. Yes, I lost more weight and ate better for most of the year, but when I fall off the wagon, it takes me way to long to get back to eating right. Believe me, carbs and sugar are my achilles' heel. I' will admit it. My name is Tammy and I'm addicted to sugar. This is another area I hope to improve next year.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A new 2020 goal of mine is to reduce the use of single use plastics in my life. You know, like straws in restaurants, disposable plastic cups, and water bottles to name a few. Even if I reduce by fifty percent over the course of the year, our planet will benefit. Why don't you join me? We can share ideas how to do this and limit plastic waste in the landfills.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now it's your turn. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about you? Where did you nail it? And since confession is good for the soul, where did you fail? What are your goals for this year? Let's take this awesome opportunity God and time are giving us--not only a new year but also a new decade--and rock this journey called LIFE. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nQISCaQFgm6uTZvBEyIJubHrh0W23XqciSoaBOG6WZZDLM3ZOeYdJsKOb5Nia4Kk-NAQru0GnxWZc66uYRN68Le7dG5S9NGo-X3ZnXj0Rzp0Yye5oRPiHaqSoCcRrgxRwLLTcGLIPwlY/s1600/people-821624_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nQISCaQFgm6uTZvBEyIJubHrh0W23XqciSoaBOG6WZZDLM3ZOeYdJsKOb5Nia4Kk-NAQru0GnxWZc66uYRN68Le7dG5S9NGo-X3ZnXj0Rzp0Yye5oRPiHaqSoCcRrgxRwLLTcGLIPwlY/s640/people-821624_1280.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The journey is always better when you have someone to share it with. I'm grateful you are there and that you take the time to read my thoughts and words. May you find EverbloomingHope in 2020. God bless you and the New Year! </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-8222499720059439672019-11-25T00:30:00.000-05:002019-11-05T15:54:21.520-05:00Thanksgiving in the Center of the Universe <div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zL-5Gbk7tlnl9SPJjVXLbXennJD9O_YpS1RTZwuCt_tHY4VXJdDtB9bjpTMclqTYzXR3SRYe-qCZrEffQ4FqdeOUX_inunNeLZP2yv6FvCL4hyphenhyphenxv3-vrUKppzTUQsepuT4KYSZKx5sgc/s1600/piano-1039450_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zL-5Gbk7tlnl9SPJjVXLbXennJD9O_YpS1RTZwuCt_tHY4VXJdDtB9bjpTMclqTYzXR3SRYe-qCZrEffQ4FqdeOUX_inunNeLZP2yv6FvCL4hyphenhyphenxv3-vrUKppzTUQsepuT4KYSZKx5sgc/s320/piano-1039450_640.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can you believe the Free Ashland Community Thanksgiving Dinner is twelve-years-old?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you're interested in how it all began, check it out <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-thanksgiving-seed.html?spref=pi" target="_blank">The Thanksgiving Seed</a> and <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-thanksgiving-need.html?spref=pi" target="_blank">The Thanksgiving Need</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blessings abound every year from our guests and our servers. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like the woman in a red Christmas sweater who requested permission to speak. She thanked those who had prepared and served the meal and then sang <i>Silent Night</i> a cappella. Several of us had goose bumps. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Or like the woman who asked to play our piano while we cleaned up. Of course, we agreed. Her fingers glided over the keys and I can't tell you if it was Bach, Mozart or Chopin, but incredible melodies rang through the fellowship hall. And never once did she look at a piece of music. What a gift!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhzAmLAF5cuZIZDS-kjru7qmmH0zUid7DjPwPV4aBIQgwRk1EU1z0xoX7oI-oWSNpYIOTxgIleBdBVp_9mvMLnOxpb7aoJsTUkSaujDIqQKxEFD84KZ4Qlc1frfemdl4yszxjdjMen-kq/s1600/people-1010001_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhzAmLAF5cuZIZDS-kjru7qmmH0zUid7DjPwPV4aBIQgwRk1EU1z0xoX7oI-oWSNpYIOTxgIleBdBVp_9mvMLnOxpb7aoJsTUkSaujDIqQKxEFD84KZ4Qlc1frfemdl4yszxjdjMen-kq/s320/people-1010001_640.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Or the homeless people who come. One elderly man walked almost a mile to attend in freezing temperatures. Some folks live in the woods and if they're lucky, one of the local hotels. Words fail to describe the look in their eyes and depth of gratitude as their plate is heaped with hot, freshly prepared food.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My husband enjoys working in the kitchen with the other servers. He loves the smiles on the faces of those serving and our guests. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My mother greets our guests. She appreciates the shared love as they are welcomed into the warm church. Over and over, she feels blessed by their humble and sincere hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My step-father will tell you that his favorite thing about Thanksgiving is doing God's work, seeing the delight in the faces of others, and playing a small role in their happiness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And for me,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8H8TU5y6yCdTLzKdAOVLDsgXJEAiONDD48RDlkVnSH1Y8RkPbynBCntInlcVpg1iqsnvdWbkr3XqeIXXwHPuXke3X5wZgADJhZcRtOIyFDHdSSPqT3lYZ94JEyrxO7Y_Hg63Jdc2QZR7/s1600/kid-677098_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8H8TU5y6yCdTLzKdAOVLDsgXJEAiONDD48RDlkVnSH1Y8RkPbynBCntInlcVpg1iqsnvdWbkr3XqeIXXwHPuXke3X5wZgADJhZcRtOIyFDHdSSPqT3lYZ94JEyrxO7Y_Hg63Jdc2QZR7/s320/kid-677098_640.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amazement at our awesome God. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because He chose a fertile heart and planted a small seed. Then He provided good deeds to meet the needs through local businesses, churches, and volunteers. </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm humbled every year in the Center of the Universe because only the <b>Creator of Universe </b>could take our meager efforts and bless so many folks. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>To Him be the Glory.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What's your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? What's your favorite food on the table? Please share and let's be grateful together. Happy Thanksgiving!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tammy Van Gils</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2016/10/sprouting-words.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">plants words and grows insightful stories blooming with hope.</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> She is a thriving survivor of abuse,
abandonment and adversity. How? By the Master Gardener's grace, the Vine's
love, and the Advocate's renewal—emotionally and spiritually. She is sowing
life with her husband of 35 years, a Yorkie Poo named Moose, and a dozen
chickens. </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> She's honored to be a guest blogger and
also a contributor <i>to </i></span><a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Wonders-Nature-Devotions-Celebrating-Gods/Worthy-Inspired/9781617958595?id=6818983966223" target="_blank"><i><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Wonders of Nature Devotion Book</span></i></a><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (Dec
2016) </span></i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-God-Made-Dog-Devotions/dp/1683970268/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506529569&sr=8-1&keywords=so+god+made+a+dog"><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So God Made a Dog </span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">(July 2017), <i>Worthy Inspired</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-30177145587891044122019-11-11T00:30:00.000-05:002019-11-05T15:55:31.412-05:00Cooking Up Love<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUtfmD6t0B6cQ_RmEf53XNawlRz-vtC99T_b4a1NIuOqfy4bSiz-H_MtGd_LWbGkeTmj6tR-Vl2EYDWD_4ZJ2cmCKU00mqzF9i-fXlDVuz57ZFJvoegHtDjebCJGb2AQqTRF9G-zEh6mE/s1600/unnamed+%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUtfmD6t0B6cQ_RmEf53XNawlRz-vtC99T_b4a1NIuOqfy4bSiz-H_MtGd_LWbGkeTmj6tR-Vl2EYDWD_4ZJ2cmCKU00mqzF9i-fXlDVuz57ZFJvoegHtDjebCJGb2AQqTRF9G-zEh6mE/s400/unnamed+%252814%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"That's
not fair." Those words escaped out of my mouth, but I wished they'd stayed
in my head.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't
you hate it when you do that? It feels like the brain mouth connection are
lacking an important item—the filter that polishes up disappointment and
delivers kinder messages. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I
had stopped a dear friend in the church hall and offered to bring her a meal
after her upcoming surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled
sweetly and said, "Thanks, but that won't be necessary. I'm cooking up a
storm and freezing meals ahead of time."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then
I blurted out. "That's not fair." And wished I had a net to scoop up
those three word-escapees.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She
blinked and took a step back.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Wait,
let me explain." I paused. "You are the first person to sign up and
bring a meal to someone in need just like you did after my surgery. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is that?" I waited for her to think
about it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Because
I love to cook and love helping someone in need." She grinned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"So
you love being a blessing to others." I nodded. "But you aren't
giving me a chance to be a blessing to you. That's not fair."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
grin vanished and her brows furrowed. "You are right. I'm robbing folks
that have a desire and gift of helping others from blessing me with homemade
love. Instead I've been feeling bad about wasting people's time. But that's not
how I feel at all when I'm cooking for someone in need." The grin
returned. "I'd be blessed if you'd bring me dinner. Thanks." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After
ironing out diet restrictions and food preferences, we embraced and went on our
way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A
few weeks later, I delivered a hot meal to her house and we enjoyed a short
visit. A double blessing for each of us—in a casserole dish. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I understand
my friend's first response. Most folks don't want to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bother others and we pride ourselves in being fully
capable of planning ahead to care for our own needs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And
I understand the tremendous blessing of helping someone with a hot meal
especially after surgery when we are helpless to alleviate pain or hasten a
quick recovery. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
take-away is that it's wonderful to be the bless-er and an honor to be the
bless-ee.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I see it this way. When we are the bless-er,
we are being the hands of Christ helping someone else. And when we are the
bless-ee, we are the feet of Christ having expensive perfume poured over us.
Both are win-wins accomplished with love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Each
of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful
stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 NIV.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">May
God bless you with opportunities to be both this week—the hands and feet of
Christ—and with a heart full of love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What
about you? Do you have a hard time letting others bless you with kindness? What
has helped you overcome and allow someone else to serve you? I'm all ears.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tammy Van Gils</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2016/10/sprouting-words.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">plants words and grows insightful stories blooming with hope.</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> She is a thriving survivor of abuse,
abandonment and adversity. How? By the Master Gardener's grace, the Vine's
love, and the Advocate's renewal—emotionally and spiritually. She is sowing
life with her husband of 35 years, a Yorkie Poo named Moose, and a dozen
chickens. </span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">She's honored to be a guest blogger and
also a contributor <i>to </i></span><a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Wonders-Nature-Devotions-Celebrating-Gods/Worthy-Inspired/9781617958595?id=6818983966223" target="_blank"><i><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Wonders of Nature Devotion Book</span></i></a>,<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Let-Earth-Rejoice-Devotions-Celebrating/dp/1683970306/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513965642&sr=8-1&keywords=let+the+earth+rejoice"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let the Earth Rejoice Devotions</span></i></a><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/So-God-Made-Dog-Devotions/dp/1683970268/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506529569&sr=8-1&keywords=so+god+made+a+dog"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So God Made a Dog</span></i></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, Worthy
Inspired<i> </i>and </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Short-Sweet-Too-Small-Thoughts/dp/1604950315/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1513965971&sr=8-14&keywords=short+and+sweet+book"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Short and Sweet Too</span></i></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">, Grace Publishing</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-24901547460709793842019-06-29T13:24:00.000-04:002019-06-29T13:24:10.793-04:00Dead Wrong<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq54twUpfFlhy_q_Fw0FMnj3Uritxhz8fmGKg1axDoHHa340Z0yE_ZboQed85iQzJdbQ6OOO8OM6ZUgM7rlnCx6OnBI-tcWqxZkjIAbqc_6k75bF0gD_SM8fhfDp0QRKYKRC6axeOO_SDL/s1600/flowers-3453729_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq54twUpfFlhy_q_Fw0FMnj3Uritxhz8fmGKg1axDoHHa340Z0yE_ZboQed85iQzJdbQ6OOO8OM6ZUgM7rlnCx6OnBI-tcWqxZkjIAbqc_6k75bF0gD_SM8fhfDp0QRKYKRC6axeOO_SDL/s640/flowers-3453729_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Rose handed the flower vase to her sister Ivy and wiped her eyes again. The dated funeral home room had striped grey and white wallpaper
and dark blue carpet. Flower arrangements brightened the room and released the fresh
aroma of a spring day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her niece, Fern,
entered, rushed over, and extended her arms to embrace the newly widowed Rose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span> “Aunt
Rose, I’m so sorry about Uncle Charlie.” She sniffled and squeezed her aunt’s shoulders
tighter. “He was a great man. I can’t believe he was fine one day and gone the
next.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> “Thank
you, honey.” Rose pulled away and wiped her eyes. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Fern
cast a glance over her shoulder and ignored her mother standing less than five
feet away. “At least Uncle Charlie is missed. Your grief is written all over
your face. That’s more than I can say about my own Dad.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Ivy
stepped closer. “How can you say that, Fern” The bud vase in her hand shook about
to spell the water on the floor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rose rescued the glass vessel and
sat it on a table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Easy.” Fern squared her shoulders
and raised her chin. “You didn’t mourn my father one bit. Admit it, you know it’s true.”
She rubbed her baby bump and tightened her lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“No, it’s not.” Ivy crossed her
arms. “You have no idea how much I’ve grieved. It started when he had a hard
time finding his words and couldn’t remember the simplest things. But the day I
found the chain saw oil in the frig, I wept bitterly. And when the shovel
showed up in our shower. You don’t know how it hurt to hide the car at a neighbor’s
house because I didn’t have the heart to tell him, ‘No more driving, dear.’ Or when
he looked at his fork like he’d never seen one before…” She choked back tears. “Or
when he finally believed me to be his mother, not his wife of sixty years.” Putting
hands on her hips, she swallowed hard. “I grieved every single day for eight
years as I watch my beloved husband change right before my eyes. You misread the
peace I have over the end of his suffering like I’m happy he’s gone. You are
dead wrong. We wanted to grow old together and be grandparents…” She looked at
Fern’s belly and put her hand over her mouth. Tears overflowed their lids and
streamed down her face as she turned and darted out of the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fern turned to her aunt. “Now I’m
not sure which is worse. Mother grieving for eight years while my father still
lived or you losing Uncle Charlie so unexpected.” She looked at her bulging
belly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Once again, you are dead wrong.” Rose brushed
Fern’s long hair over her shoulder and then pulled her chin up. “You see, honey. It’s not a competition. They are equally painful. We
both lost the man of our dreams. We will never have the future with our
husbands we hoped to have. We can’t exchange laughter or knowing glances with the
one person who knew us better than anyone.” She smiled. “No one to open the mayonnaise
jar, cut the grass, or hold hands with.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rose
patted Fern on the cheek. “Remember this experience young lady. You don’t have
the right to be jury and judge over someone else’s life when you haven’t walked
in their shoes. Losing your soul mate after sixty years of marriage makes
childbirth and raising kids look like a walk in the park. Maybe you can muster
up some mercy for your mom by giving up your bitterness over something you
completely misunderstood. Your mom and I are waiting to see our men again when
we get to heaven. Having peace in the meanwhile is not easy and takes faith and hope.” She smiled.
“Think about it, okay. I’m going to check on my sissy.” She kissed her young
niece on the forehead and left the room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you remember a time when you were dead wrong? Did the lesson change your approach to life? Let's learn together on the life journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-4958283421351668802019-06-11T18:08:00.000-04:002019-06-11T18:08:18.223-04:00#ChooseKindWords<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVfgf15V8Hlh9UHJwVTMk5o0tboimqaZjJ3rxS4crwPN_xAzy9CjONu_V9Ay5AEDHk4mPnUhtmKWScyhp_swSL6PSzp-8e-pVpNJo37LxtTsk72YV2KxDI9wyQhuUzBXED0tNiccpzj3c/s1600/kindness-1197351_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVfgf15V8Hlh9UHJwVTMk5o0tboimqaZjJ3rxS4crwPN_xAzy9CjONu_V9Ay5AEDHk4mPnUhtmKWScyhp_swSL6PSzp-8e-pVpNJo37LxtTsk72YV2KxDI9wyQhuUzBXED0tNiccpzj3c/s640/kindness-1197351_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again life has served up an important lesson. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently, someone told me of an event that took place about
six years ago between two people I know very well. And it wasn’t pleasant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An unkind comment—actually a negative opinion—was given from
one person to another. This mean interchange hurt the feelings of a young
person I care about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I also know the offending critic closely too. My bet
is the unruly remark came out without any fore thought. I would hope there was
no malice intended, only harsh words escaping out of their mouth. This
individual probably is not even aware of hurting the other person. And I also
know the offender is a sensitive type of person who should not want to hurt
another person due to personal experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve been there too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once I said an unflattering statement to a dear friend and
the look in her eyes let me know I had offended her. I apologized and she forgave
me but I could still see pain on her face. I felt absolutely horrible and
repented over and over for forgiveness from her and God. This experience taught
me to try to control my mouth and not let it run off without my heart and mind
engaged in the interaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another time, someone I love very much said a mean-spirited
thing to me. I can still recall the sting of their words—like a hundred bumble
bees stung my heart. Only time and a lot of self-talk helped to heal the
festering wound. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So here’s the point. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’ve all probably been on both sides of this experience—the
offender and the wounded. We’ve wished we could suck those lose words back into
our mouth and erase the hearing of them. And we’ve wished we were made of
rubber and those mean words just bounced off us out into oblivion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The truth is
words can really hurt a person’s soul. Finding out about this recent event shows
how the pain can linger and still cause dissension in the present.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I wish I could wave a magic wand and pull up a list of
all those I’ve hurt with my callous words so I can apologize and mend fences. Since
that’s not possible, I’m going to really focus on this important lesson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">BE KIND! ALWAYS.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we practiced this every moment of every day, we wouldn’t have
regretful words or hurt feelings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How different would our world be? Would there
be more peace in our hearts and bounce in our steps? Could our lives have more genuine
relationships filled with hope and love? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don’t know but I’m going to give it a try. Want to join
me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-10873959640446943992019-05-06T15:03:00.001-04:002019-05-06T15:03:39.101-04:00Hullabaloo in the Hen House<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLW5rxLnEgY75kPmyo-ixiTXMFjb8AIxht2SMWWxr2s6Oz2VMybsz3q34c2qyGrZMNZxz-sKyBL2vv4Xi13ZpL_LO_mXI6PeYB_YNVXUgfftSPeMasDBKPjnB7gaLn1RCRNM29_bpiJUh/s1600/IMG-4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLW5rxLnEgY75kPmyo-ixiTXMFjb8AIxht2SMWWxr2s6Oz2VMybsz3q34c2qyGrZMNZxz-sKyBL2vv4Xi13ZpL_LO_mXI6PeYB_YNVXUgfftSPeMasDBKPjnB7gaLn1RCRNM29_bpiJUh/s640/IMG-4214.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Blue"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again, there’s a hullabaloo going on in the hen house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2018/06/a-bonafide-farmer.html">Bloom Girls</a>
have been passing on due to old age and until Saturday, we only had four girls
left. And just for the record, we have let them live out their lives naturally.
Some people like me who don’t have the heart to eat their old chickens, put them for sale
on the internet knowing they will be someone else’s dinner. Not our girls. I believe
they have done their part providing us eggs all these years so they deserve a happy
retirement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last Saturday, we purchased ten more pullets (teenage girls).
We let the old girls (OGs) out to free range and then put the new girls in the
run. They aren’t use to people yet and run away from us. After we train them like we did the OGs to come running
when I shake the meal worm container, we will let them free range often as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But first we have a big hurdle to cross. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we put the OGs back into the run after several hours,
the hullabaloo started. Squawking and bellyaching. Stretching tall and flapping
wings. Running the new girls back near the coop if they dare come close to the OGs
side of the run. My OGs are not happy campers to say the least and you’ll never
guess who the ring leader is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, this isn’t our first rodeo with squabbling. I
shared our disappointment when we went though <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2018/06/chicken-squabbling.html">this the
first time.</a> And poor Blue was the girl obviously on the bottom of the pecking
order. Her poor tail feathers had been pulled out and she had a sore from being
pecked often. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But now she is the most vocal and aggressive with the new
girls. She has barely taken a break from her bellyaching clucking. I’m not sure
if she’s warning the new girls who’s the boss or if she’s complaining to us for
adding to her brood. Apparently, she has finally risen to the top of the
pecking order. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have to admit I’m disappointed a little. Of all the OGs,
she should be the one to be the most welcoming. After all, she knows what it is
like to be bullied. Either she has forgotten that or is relishing the fact she
can now run the show. Nonetheless, there is no peace in the hen house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish I could wave a magic chicken wand and restore
harmony. Or I could put Blue in a timeout and adjust her attitude. Or somehow
remind her what if feels like to be bullied. But only time will solve this
problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the meanwhile, I let the OGs out in the afternoon so the
new girls can get a break, eat, and take a dirt bath. And when the OGs go back
inside, Blue starts her squawking / clucking all over again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes the only cure for life’s woes is the passing of
time. And once again I’m gratefully reminded of the old saying, “This too shall
pass.” I just wish I could explain this to the new girls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you had to settle for the passing of time for harmony
to be restored? Or for a season to pass and hope to be reestablished? Please join the conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="14.4840087890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d;" textlength="466.09204864502" x="72.275993347168" y="-705.3759765625">Join me on the journey and subscribe to this blog under my pic on the right.</text><text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="14.4840087890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d;" textlength="459.732002258301" x="72.827995300293" y="-688.575988769531">I'd love to connect and share life's epiphanies, my love of nature, chickens,</text><text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="14.4840087890625" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d;" textlength="151.859977722168" x="72.6359939575195" y="-671.776000976562">and Everblooming Hope.</text></span></o:p></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-40454755347311505842019-03-08T00:30:00.000-05:002019-03-08T00:30:04.791-05:00Meltdown Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwSCwjKDNSUpdsYJLYq-iSVGnMFxXc2n8bV-KdXRwxfTz0PE_vIxoT8PqQgKVhsfC9MI4OV0WbROCQRM-QPiSAFRYiUPXBPhKsbVaGwj_Z8D4p3VcqgDKQfBW3d8ZnlTtVMlPiJV4egcl/s1600/child-652552_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwSCwjKDNSUpdsYJLYq-iSVGnMFxXc2n8bV-KdXRwxfTz0PE_vIxoT8PqQgKVhsfC9MI4OV0WbROCQRM-QPiSAFRYiUPXBPhKsbVaGwj_Z8D4p3VcqgDKQfBW3d8ZnlTtVMlPiJV4egcl/s640/child-652552_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sometimes this world is NOT fair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The reason why I make that statement isn’t as important as my unflattering meltdown that ensued. Anger, sadness, and disappointment accompanied with tears and verbal-venom spouted out of my mouth. I raved on and on—bombarded by deep emotion and even deeper questions. Believe me, it wasn’t a pretty sight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The image of a two-year-old in the middle of a temper tantrum isn’t far from my pitiful reaction, only the adult version. Now before you think, I’m spoiled rotten and get everything I want, that’s nowhere near the truth. I just had my fill of unfair situations and all that ick exploded from within. I, too, was shocked at my reaction and all the drama.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So why am I telling you about it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because the longer I live, the more I realize we have more in common than we believe and maybe you too have been shocked by your reaction to a situation or a problem. And if you’ve never felt like the adult version of a gasket-blowing toddler, I’m jealous. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’m convinced my DNA includes a specific gene that demands organic, genuine interaction between my feelings, thoughts, and response. So it’s super hard for me to fake happy when sad, or calm when mad. Oh, believe me, sometimes life demands I veil those raw emotions and I do give it my best effort. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But here’s the takeaway—I don’t regret that embarrassing hour. </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, it was raw and painful. No, it didn’t fix or change anything even though it was honest and overdue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Being an adult requires we do lots of things we’d rather not do, deal with stuff we wish didn’t exist, and be full aware that life is about change and it’s not all good. And the world is NOT fair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sometimes we need to call a spade, a spade and acknowledge the obvious. </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maybe we can accomplish that with a whisper or maybe we express it during a meltdown. How we do it is not what matters. As long as we don't hurt someone else while raging and in the privacy of our own home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Being real is what matters.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Letting go of decorum can be liberating and wash the soul of pent up frustration and unrealistic expectations.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Adulting is hard. Dealing with life is complicated. Once in a while it’s beneficial to be real, shed a few tears, and spout some venom. Not at another person, but to this unfair world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It probably won’t change anything, but it may free space in your cluttered, over-burdened soul. And maybe that is what you need to restore your smile and find hope once again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What about you? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tell me I’m not alone. Have you ever shaken your fist at life and been completely real? Did you glean a lesson along the way? Please join the conversation and share a comment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you’re interested in receiving these posts by email, please subscribe in the box under my picture in the right sidebar. Thanks for sharing a few moments of your precious time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-55739864338122095902019-03-01T14:12:00.000-05:002019-03-01T14:12:36.557-05:00A Repurposed Love Legacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWYjdI8ij9DWX4D3fa311dpDF4UQtWycHkQCKTCF-DbL4FRsvcAGKK7eIqByXs-HpulBspPc7xQTuAoM7usQUiugd37VMLmBlY2qR4xHe7_7p72DJEIoFZJNNKLDofYk-KAnwwIPyMgOF/s1600/IMG-4134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1600" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWYjdI8ij9DWX4D3fa311dpDF4UQtWycHkQCKTCF-DbL4FRsvcAGKK7eIqByXs-HpulBspPc7xQTuAoM7usQUiugd37VMLmBlY2qR4xHe7_7p72DJEIoFZJNNKLDofYk-KAnwwIPyMgOF/s640/IMG-4134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently, a sewing project stirred up thoughts about my legacy--mainly the memories I will leave behind with my sons and grandsons. But before I explain why, let me tell you about the project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in the 1980's, my beloved grandmother took a quilting class with her sister. But making quilts wasn't her thing so she made tons of quilted pillows with ruffles like the ones pictured here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the years, many of these pillows made their way to me. I planned to combine them and make a quilt but never could get excited enough to begin. Then finally I had a great idea. Why not repurpose those squares into tote bags and give them to my mother, two aunts, two sisters and cousin? So that is what I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I believe God allowed my grandmother to direct my steps and help me. I mean, when I got my sewing machine down, I had to look at the book to be able to thread the needle and fill the bobbin. I made mistakes along the way and had to rip out a few times, but overall, I am pleased with the results. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvsrGhUonl4PLUCle56ud6UvFCPs8aBGgJKJWMCBHBOhbZ27aOCwyxe-3QwRQrKWVL-OrybtiRYnfqlaf5u_DDvEcLrti8xl6PAkT0bFLzXqJFmfBskWvt7vfuxa9Cw1S9sduSJ7Er8XD/s1600/IMG-4138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvsrGhUonl4PLUCle56ud6UvFCPs8aBGgJKJWMCBHBOhbZ27aOCwyxe-3QwRQrKWVL-OrybtiRYnfqlaf5u_DDvEcLrti8xl6PAkT0bFLzXqJFmfBskWvt7vfuxa9Cw1S9sduSJ7Er8XD/s640/IMG-4138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the legacy piece to the story. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I pressed and worked with the squares, I realized my sweet grandmother's hands had been the last person to touch the wrong side of the fabric. My fingers walked where her's had many years ago and that brought up many memories--some wonderful and a few, I wish didn't exist in the dark corners of my mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, this is the grandmother I had a hard time losing back in 1991. <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2017/01/friday-losses-sunday-blessings.html">You can read about that here.</a> And although I loved her deeply, she left most of us with painful memories. It would be accurate to say she was a party girl which led to some pretty terrible decisions that left deep wounds, sad memories, and even bitter feelings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please don't think I'm throwing her under the bus. I do have some wonderful, beloved memories too. And I can't wait to see her in heaven one day. But her legacy is bitter-sweet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And that's when I began to think about my legacy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What memories will my family recall? Will it be my hot temper? The lousy, hurtful words that sprang from my mouth in the midst of anger? How clumsy I am? How hardheaded or opinionated I am? OH, I HOPE NOT! Lord, bleach away those memories, please.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead, I pray they will remember the good and fun events, the times they felt loved by me, and the wisdom we gleaned along the way. I hope they laugh about my quirkiness, recall my love of writing and learning, and embrace my passion for emotional and spiritual growth. May they think often of me, like when they eat dark chocolate, or drink tea, or smell bacon. I hope they recount the days at the beach, Christmas get-togethers, and serving Thanksgiving meals to the homeless. And most of all, I hope they will smile when these thoughts flash through their minds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is what I chose to do as Grandma and I worked on the tote bags. Embrace the good and not dwell on those tough memories. None of us are saints. We all will probably leave some icky memories with our loved ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope these legacy thoughts will stay fresh in my mind as I spend time with my family. Because I need to be more intentional in how I love and cherish these dearly loved ones. You see, one day I want their minds to reflect on my love legacy and then be encouraged to build a love legacy for those that will remember them. Maybe then, each future generation will leave behind a blessed, love legacy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What about you? Do you think of your legacy often? How do you want to be remembered? Please share a comment.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-52750650121940387332019-01-25T00:30:00.000-05:002019-01-25T00:30:05.611-05:00A Curse with a Blessing
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HllyTc-KXIhCTKt03ufX-y2DuHuIyjco4COQOuYPP140hgO7aujfoZwh_krs1hH9GM3o0_m9hROv5NXdK80YF1eQf1EyPXjJrJOScGf-oE_pMUCnb290KAs-65vKokyc4_PP8_xocOG9/s1600/apple-2010660_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1356" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HllyTc-KXIhCTKt03ufX-y2DuHuIyjco4COQOuYPP140hgO7aujfoZwh_krs1hH9GM3o0_m9hROv5NXdK80YF1eQf1EyPXjJrJOScGf-oE_pMUCnb290KAs-65vKokyc4_PP8_xocOG9/s640/apple-2010660_1280.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Once again, I’ve been pondering the beginning, Genesis that
is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I’ve blogged before about golden awareness nuggets, aka epiphanies,
that God has revealed in His Word to demonstrate His perfect love. (Check them out here- <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2016/02/holy-cpr-perfect-placement.html">Holy CPR</a>, & <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2017/10/garden-of-eden-wisdom-nuggets.html">Wisdom Nuggets</a>.) And once
again I’m amazed and overwhelmed at how complex and determined He is to save us
from evil even when it disguises in the form of a serpent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Before I explain, allow me a little wiggle room to use my imagination.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We are told in Genesis 3:1, “Now the serpent was more crafty
than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made.” And then the temptation of
Eve begins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When I try to imagine this scene in my mind, I’ve always pictured
a sneaky snake approaching Eve. But now I believe the serpent must have been
different than what we now understand as snakes because in verse 14, God curses
the serpent, “So the Lord God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this,
cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl
on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It wouldn’t have been a curse if the serpent was already crawling
around on his belly, right? So, God must have changed the wicked serpent’s
anatomy and hence, his visual view of the world from that moment. Honestly,
when I get to heaven, I’m going to ask to see the video so I can see what that deceitful
creature looked like before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But onto the new epiphany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Verse 15 continues the serpent’s curse. “And I will put
enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers: he will
crush your head and you will strike his heel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now we know the “he” is Christ who defeated Satan when he
rose from the dead. One act of sacrifice from the Father and obedience of the
Son opened the way for us to be justified from Satan’s evil attempt to bring
Adam, Eve and their descendants down. Jesus crushed the head of Satan. Once and
for all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And Satan did all he could to prevent Jesus from ever
breathing air. One example in the Old Testament Book of Esther is when he tried
to have all the Jewish people killed. And in the New Testament when he had
Herod kill all the Jewish male babies under two years old hoping to kill the
Messiah. Of course, Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness three times in order
to try to persuade Him from staying obedient to the Father. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Multiple failed attempts at striking Christ on
his heel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But here’s the point—as God cursed the serpent, He bestowed
a blessing. Synchronized curse and blessing. </span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Satan led the woman and man astray and thought he doomed
mankind forever, but after God zapped the serpent on his belly eating dirt, He
set in motion the way for us to be saved from death and despair. Jesus- the Way,
the Truth, and the Light. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tucked deep inside the curse, the Creator blessed mankind
with one blow to the head of Satan through Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now that puts a smile on my face as gratitude flows from my
heart. Snake cursed and I’m blessed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">To God be the glory!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Had any epiphanies lately? Let’s learn and grow in wisdom
and hope as we walk this journey called Life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-88394637738694119602018-12-20T12:30:00.000-05:002018-12-20T12:28:40.032-05:00A Christmas Epiphany<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiXb1JqvNv5uj2_CJ9KkII0vOIQDsHtGtK9pqJgLWGFb4WaP_ltsD7HRqckKuIVxm-icoEdIiPNrXPdj9EZXCV-Q6TkIqQ4nZYTYBHFde5xQO7Dva54nTCouf5ihu_a17RC7R30bPrPE0/s1600/grinch-1038238_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="422" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLiXb1JqvNv5uj2_CJ9KkII0vOIQDsHtGtK9pqJgLWGFb4WaP_ltsD7HRqckKuIVxm-icoEdIiPNrXPdj9EZXCV-Q6TkIqQ4nZYTYBHFde5xQO7Dva54nTCouf5ihu_a17RC7R30bPrPE0/s320/grinch-1038238_640.jpg" width="209" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What would Christmas be without traditions? Like eggnog, the Grinch</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, and <i>The Little Drummer Boy. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Christmas morning, my husband makes oyster stew for breakfast. My grandmother handed this tradition down to me and so every year the hot stew is served. Baking cookies, tacky light tours, and watching Christmas shows are traditions that deliver memories and warmth to the season.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many years ago while watching <i>How the Grinch Stole Christmas,</i> God revealed a Christmas epiphany to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Grinch's life-changing transformation emulates Saul's conversion on the Damascus road. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you ever considered how much they have
in common? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saul hated and stoned Christians. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Grinch hated and tormented the Whos.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saul's eyes were
opened.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Grinch’s heart grew.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christ's encounter with Saul transformed the direction of his life. The </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Who's joy transformed the Grinch's comprehension of Christmas true meaning.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Saul became Paul, the great apostle. And<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the Grinch became a good Grinch who served the roast beast.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tucked inside the children's story are golden nuggets of truth.</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We can be wrong one minute and made right the next. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Often we aren't looking for transformation when it happens.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are changed and then begin to comprehend our God-gifted potential.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our new life choices will brighten the lives of others. </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Christmas is about celebrating the best gift ever given--the birth of Jesus. He came to transform our eternal destiny, conquer death, and renovate our souls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzOXixBKdpB2tenSHDQK3OBpFWDD5mpfTHrbaRdRuqQU_N5F2Er6FuQ6Vf7O9WGhKyNJ6TVZlQvy1i7NF-r6Y40bhxV_FelIwfoIwHZrMdFSbYZujA9rXF6qFczMBZ-bLHq0_0sengAi-/s1600/christmas-1812692_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="640" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzOXixBKdpB2tenSHDQK3OBpFWDD5mpfTHrbaRdRuqQU_N5F2Er6FuQ6Vf7O9WGhKyNJ6TVZlQvy1i7NF-r6Y40bhxV_FelIwfoIwHZrMdFSbYZujA9rXF6qFczMBZ-bLHq0_0sengAi-/s400/christmas-1812692_640.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">May our eyes and hearts be open and transformed by the beauty and true meaning of Christmas. And w</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hether it's oyster stew or roast beast, I pray your new and old Christmas traditions will deliver joy, love and hope. Merry Christmas!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What are your favorite traditions? Had any new epiphanies lately? Please share.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tammy Van Gils</a></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> </span><a href="http://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2016/10/sprouting-words.html" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;">plants words and grows insightful stories blooming with hope.</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> She is a thriving survivor of abuse,
abandonment and adversity. How? By the Master Gardener's grace, the Vine's
love, and the Advocate's renewal—emotionally and spiritually. </span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-9037277357990795352018-09-18T14:25:00.000-04:002018-09-18T14:25:19.753-04:00A Wisdom Flashback<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bn-aWAux-5PBFenE4vIOwHGQzTNAHvrNiMhN-5OjxSNADLccAWREog9yl5HKLIt9q9j0EadaYyNCuTlDMSMXC5LyfPxRIIDS9BCmgip_NZ4e4UhPKU5JQDzNEEQ0LT0gqiHPDI-_aMWA/s1600/unnamed+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="800" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Bn-aWAux-5PBFenE4vIOwHGQzTNAHvrNiMhN-5OjxSNADLccAWREog9yl5HKLIt9q9j0EadaYyNCuTlDMSMXC5LyfPxRIIDS9BCmgip_NZ4e4UhPKU5JQDzNEEQ0LT0gqiHPDI-_aMWA/s640/unnamed+%252810%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recently,
I had a chat with myself. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Actually,</span> my
thirteen year-old-self. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That
age was extremely difficult for me. My life took one of those roller coaster <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">twists</span> that created havoc and tons of pain. To
this day, I credit my survival to that strong-willed, don't-mess-with-me,
bully-girl and the Lord who loved her in spite of her attitude. And through it
all, she kept her grades high and never blamed God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even
now when life is chaotic at times, I feel that teenage girl's dander rise. A
deep sense of apprehension looms while she waits for the other shoe to drop.
Because it always did. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
I sat and wrote her a letter to share some wisdom. Here are a few highlights-- <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes
when things are crazy, I can tell it makes you uneasy and sometimes downright
scared. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But remember, a messy house, loud kids having a good time, and butting
heads with someone are all a part of life. Know that life is loud, messy, unpredictable, sad,
hard and chaotic at times. Today you have me and Hubby and most of all, God
on your side.</span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">You've been through a lot since thirteen—some good and some not—but
that's true for everyone, cause that's life.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
know you like to have a plan so you can know what's coming, in order to prepare.
Just remember, sometimes life doesn't follow our plan <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">and</span> that's okay. If you survived thirteen, then you can handle when
life goes all helter-skelter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remind yourself- one moment at a time. This too shall pass. Breathe. </span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before long, life
will calm down and you can regroup.</span></div>
</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And
most of all, look back at the times God has leveled your path, defended and
protected you from danger, and grew beauty from the midst of ugliness. He loved
you then and loves you now. So smile. Rest. Be happy. He's got you in the palm
of His hand—then and now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To
my Father in heaven, I'm grateful and blessed by Your love of this troubled girl and for
giving her hope for the future, but also hope in the past which reveals Your mighty
hand at work. To Him be the Glory, forever. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
about you? Did you have an extremely hard patch growing up? Have you chatted
with yourself over the remnants left behind? Did it help you find hope? Please
share what helped you heal—the details of that time aren't what's important—how you overcame
is. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd love to send my posts to you by email. Please subscribe on the right, just under my pic. Thanks a bunch!</span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-62596500459659064382018-08-30T10:53:00.000-04:002018-08-30T10:53:27.314-04:00Garden Rebels<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMz5CanDMhWRMTwCyDDzv19BReEg5LjyoY8d5IU18TbeydgIW-NcQYt7MPVuKDI8EqQyOytMyq4vjOIoRGNjT3H6erDdeVsAmV2yPkbC7_8F4xYqe0QrykIaAKOU_YFM_Z3ZtsCqbH8ok/s1600/IMG-3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFMz5CanDMhWRMTwCyDDzv19BReEg5LjyoY8d5IU18TbeydgIW-NcQYt7MPVuKDI8EqQyOytMyq4vjOIoRGNjT3H6erDdeVsAmV2yPkbC7_8F4xYqe0QrykIaAKOU_YFM_Z3ZtsCqbH8ok/s640/IMG-3771.JPG" width="480" /></a><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year, I strolled through my garden and
found the strangest thing. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Right in my barrel of mint grew a rebel tomato
plant. And this year, I had another rebel. A sunflower plant.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now I didn't plant either so how did they manage to appear in such an
unusual place? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I do use my homemade compost in my vegetable beds so
maybe a tomato or sunflower seed survived the heat process and grew among my mint or
maybe a bird or squirrel left a seed behind. I will never know for sure, but I
chose to leave the rebel plants alone and see what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both rebels seemed out of place. One year tiny green tomatoes adorned the vines above my mint and this year, a beautiful, yellow sunny flower.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My rebel plants made me think about my own life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How many times has an unexpected event happened and
turned out to be a blessing in disguise? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How many times have I ended up in such a strange place, only to find out it's exactly where I
needed to be?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just like the tomato or sunflower growing in the mint barrel. God
has a way of turning the simplest of events into tremendous blessings. Or
opening doors where we don't even see doors. Or guiding us to the exact place
we need to be, even though we didn't know it existed. He is after all, our
infinite loving Father. </span></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So the next time life plants me in an unusual place, I'm
going to remember my rebel plants. And dig my roots deep, take in a
little sun and rain, and GROW. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You just never know what God has in mind. I just may
produce the first minty tomato. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What about you? Have you been "planted" in an unexpected place or circumstance lately? Any rebels growing in your garden? Please share.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by. If you'd like to join the Everblooming Hope journey, please subscribe right under my pic on the right. I'd love to cultivate a friendship and hear about your journey. </span></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-16747336692868498982018-08-23T11:16:00.002-04:002018-08-23T11:16:31.737-04:00The Butterfly Epiphany<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2dQO5EQL3sDO_4QTq4-fxoywKsCW16iLE8n0x7Xc7Kx3cQTy_WGSJlOVcs4YY7nMb8P01SnXkPhq5M9CuZZh6IzjN9V5OcR4bKMlM6YwGByo0BKFp844u-V7Rw62Bv_fdpHSUfRr4_ub/s1600/unnamed+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="800" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2dQO5EQL3sDO_4QTq4-fxoywKsCW16iLE8n0x7Xc7Kx3cQTy_WGSJlOVcs4YY7nMb8P01SnXkPhq5M9CuZZh6IzjN9V5OcR4bKMlM6YwGByo0BKFp844u-V7Rw62Bv_fdpHSUfRr4_ub/s400/unnamed+%25289%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
butterfly landed on my brick stoop and slowly fluttered his wings. After I took
this picture, my eleven pound Yorki-poo pup, Moose, finally zoomed his attention on
the tiny-winged critter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Growling,
he wagged his tail. Oblivious, the butterfly kept exercising his wings in the
sun. Deeper growling, faster wagging. Then Moose began the alarm-barking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Moose,
it's just a butterfly." I said. "Do you know how crazy you look
barking at something so harmless?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later
I conveyed the scene to Hubby and he looked at Moose and said, "Buddy,
you've lost all credibility with me. What guard dog barks at
butterflies?" <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Funny.
But Moose was quite serious about that waving beast on the brick.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then
later the butterfly epiphany hit. </span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
bet God looks down on me and thinks how crazy I am to be fretting over stuff in
my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like
the over abundance of rain that messes up our work schedule or the never-ending
drama from Washington DC or why my scale won't reflect lower numbers no matter how
hard I try to lose weight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can't
you see God rolling His eyes and looking up? Does He shake His head and wonder,
"My child, don't you know how silly these things are? When will you learn
to rest in Me and watch the beauty around you instead? Calm that racing mind
and just trust Me." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like
Moose, I can growl and gripe, mull over and agonize over many things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe
the epiphany was God's way of reminding me, He has the ultimate vantage point
and perspective. After all, He is the Great I AM. He's seen it all, sees it
all, and knows what will come. And He's been faithful every step of the way.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">James
1:17 tells us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down
from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting
shadows." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He's
never let me down. Not once. And He's not about to change now. If only I could
remember this the next time I go off barking at things in life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instead
of shaking His head, maybe God will smile and say, "My child, you finally get
it. It's not about the butterfly but how you respond that matters. Focus on Me
and have faith."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
love that He reaches down and teaches lessons from everyday life experiences
like when a crazy pup wages war on a beautiful butterfly. The simplest moments
become profound and meaningful. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To
God be the glory!</span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
about you? Have you had any epiphanies lately? What's the craziest thing you've
seen your pet do? Please join me on the journey and share a comment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>And
if you would like to receive my post by email, please subscribe on the right in
the box below my picture. Thanks for sharing a few precious moments of your
day. God bless! <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-20620853562099257882018-08-13T16:09:00.000-04:002018-08-13T16:09:02.176-04:00The Pursuit of Balance<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlX3HmWmhrLa4oCgxgTufkF9lhWgLgqfOC44Bq2dYtW8pBNNhqMgL8atx-PNvPZfUTONIrwzwVFgs1MabMWgEe3ycsrv4dJGwcRShWBVbnZ8rpmny1YrCO3dmoIThpXGxyWsDOif9ovPrh/s1600/unnamed+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlX3HmWmhrLa4oCgxgTufkF9lhWgLgqfOC44Bq2dYtW8pBNNhqMgL8atx-PNvPZfUTONIrwzwVFgs1MabMWgEe3ycsrv4dJGwcRShWBVbnZ8rpmny1YrCO3dmoIThpXGxyWsDOif9ovPrh/s640/unnamed+%25288%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please
don't laugh at me. I've had one of those realization moments that left me
feeling kind of stupid.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let
me explain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've
always longed for a balanced life. Work, play, projects, educational pursuits, exercise,
creative expression, gardening, housework, spiritual growth, and family
responsibilities. I'm sure you can relate. There are numerous directions and
opportunities to consume our waking hours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now
I used to have this belief that if I could just find the right time management
program or the right way to carve up my time or if I could ever get caught up
on projects, then some magical event would happen and BALANCE would enter my
life—forever. My mental picture is like the inside of a windup clock mechanism—all
the springs and gears would miraculously hit the sweet spot and time would
become my friend and balance would forever reign supreme in my world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
know that sounds silly. Remember, don't laugh. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
have no idea where that notion came from or when I started to believe it. But
lately, I heard something that completely changed my view of balance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Balance
requires effort on our part. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
mean, we have to work at it to achieve it. No balance genie is granting me a
wish and setting my life in order. No time management program could ever
schedule those unplanned crises that life sometimes delivers. The hands on the
clock aren't going to mysteriously add hours to the day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Think
about it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of the good things in life come at a cost. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lessons learned.
Overcoming additions. Changing our stinking thinking. Those are just examples
of good things that require an investment on our part. We make the decision to
achieve our latest goal, decide how to proceed, get ourselves ready, and advance
forward determined to be victorious. That requires a ton of effort on our part.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So will
balance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
must reevaluate how I view and chase after balance. What does a balanced life
look like? Does it even exist? I mean, we've all had those out-of-the-blue life-curve-balls
thrown at us. How do we fit those into a balanced life? How do we manage life's
have-to activities with our want-to dreams?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
wish I had all the answers to those questions. I wish I could wiggle my nose
like Bewitched and bring balance into my life and yours. Now, I finally understand
that's impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Balance
demands effort, evaluation, and flexibility. And lots of practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>So I'm trashing old notions, rolling up my
sleeves, and setting a new course. I'm excited and a little scared to see
the lesson balance intends to teach me. But at least I'm not still stuck inside a magical
windup clock. Instead, I'm moving forward with an open mind and fresh hope in
pursuit of new balance insight.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
about you? Do you struggle with balance? What lessons have you learned? I
promise not to laugh. After all, we're on this same journey called life. Thanks
for sharing a comment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Please join the journey and subscribe to this blog in the box under my picture on the right. I'd love to share everblooming hope with you via email. Thanks.</span></span></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-83926326511492324342018-08-04T13:51:00.000-04:002018-08-04T13:51:07.688-04:00A Blanket-Bomb Ambush<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8-lJquQ3KTIIz4T0wNFOE6UORf9sUdNvblJuOwOUVWGaxg6nbIr9lkZVFa8fDOkLqS6KtStM2ITYv5wSlqzaTsRiuL9wC33_ckhHt4PRduhi6nlPRWNXqEGubVe12dLEYrmQlHfcWSfd/s1600/unnamed+%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="800" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8-lJquQ3KTIIz4T0wNFOE6UORf9sUdNvblJuOwOUVWGaxg6nbIr9lkZVFa8fDOkLqS6KtStM2ITYv5wSlqzaTsRiuL9wC33_ckhHt4PRduhi6nlPRWNXqEGubVe12dLEYrmQlHfcWSfd/s640/unnamed+%25287%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Turn
on your imagination and join me on a walk.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
day is crisp and clear. An occasional puffy cloud is scattered on a blue sky.
The woods path is wide and mostly shaded. An earthy smell blows in the gentle
breeze. Ferns and bushes dot the landscape under the tall oaks and evergreen
pine trees. Birds chirping and frogs croaking are heard in the distance. And
yes, a few pesky gnats fly in your face sporadically and the path offers a few
muddy spots. But no big deal, you easily maneuver down the path.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suddenly
out of nowhere, a heavy, damp burlap blanket drops from the sky and lands on
your back. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You try to shed it, but no luck. Instead, it becomes heavier and the
moldy odor assaults your nose. Now
hunched over from the cumbersome load, you have to watch your footing even more
closely. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You slow to a snail's pace and wonder how far you can go with this
burden on your back. So you try to distract yourself and try to find the beauty
of the sky, or the sweet melody of the birds, or the peace of the landscape,
but to no avail. All you see is your shoes trudging along the dirty path while
the itchy blanket weighs you down. You miss the carefree walk of before, even
the pesky gnats and muddy spots would be welcomed right now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
what happened? Good question. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
"walk" is your life. The "path experience" is the life you've
carved for yourself. It's not perfect. Every life has pesky everyday gnats and
muddy spots. The "burlap blanket" is those unforeseen times when life
sucker punches you in the gut leaving you feeling oppressed and hopeless.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That
is exactly what happened this past week to someone in my life. One minute
walking the path fine and the next hunkered underneath a burden-filled blanket.
Shocked. Afraid. And feeling hopeless.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've
all been there. You know, one of those times when life threw a curve ball or
pulled the rug out from under you. We each probably have a mental way of seeing
or feeling these terrible times. You just read the image I had in my head this
past week—a heavy, damp burlap blanket-bomb burdened the backs of my dear one's
family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of
course, we prayed for God to rescue the person, the situation, and restore life
to normal. And yes, we questioned why it happened at all. We agonized how to
resolve the situation. We lamented over the time being wasted over finding a
solution. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But
this I know. Whoever or whatever brought this evil blanket into our lives is
smaller than my God. And if my God allowed this to fall into our path, then He
has a reason or a lesson for us to learn. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whatever the outcome, I know God will
be there too—even if we are upset by the results. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do I know this? Because He's always been
faithful in the past and He does not change. He's not about to abandon us in
our time of need. So I prayed for His perfect will in this situation and
trusted Him to the outcome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It
may have only been forty-eight hours of burden, but it felt like a month. We
huddled up and made a plan. We prayed and executed the plan. And within a few
short hours, the blanket-burden lifted and a clear path returned. Mere words cannot
convey the freedom we felt. Once again, my Mighty God stepped in and delivered
as only He can. Perfectly and completely. Way to go, God!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
today, the pesky gnats and muddy spots seem less bothersome, even welcomed.
We've lived through the heavy burden once again and are better equipped the
next time the sky opens and drops a blanket-bomb. In the meanwhile, I'm
determined to have everblooming hope. Because in Him, I always will.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To
God be the glory!</span></span></h3>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Join
me on the journey and subscribe to this blog under my pic on the right. I'd
love to connect and share life's epiphanies, my love of nature, chickens, and
Everblooming Hope. </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-7640984882924872212018-07-27T00:30:00.000-04:002018-07-27T00:30:17.879-04:00A Reality & Dream Collision<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglN16oyQjRM4-VduDnNLusjn4Z2-E_vCDW7W5kOB-zdFIrerUnWeXT5qOgKtBt0ONpwvC4A4QXtR_bJz0p9l_dwyZNv9TvwZM36zACn2PJxhxxPz9tvDM9VEu4PAm2JY3WTpRJgzVjUfJp/s1600/unnamed+%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="800" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglN16oyQjRM4-VduDnNLusjn4Z2-E_vCDW7W5kOB-zdFIrerUnWeXT5qOgKtBt0ONpwvC4A4QXtR_bJz0p9l_dwyZNv9TvwZM36zACn2PJxhxxPz9tvDM9VEu4PAm2JY3WTpRJgzVjUfJp/s640/unnamed+%25286%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes
reality and dreams collide without any rhyme or reason.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
walked down the hall and saw an open office door. The person behind the desk
waved me over and gestured toward the chair in front of his desk. I sat and
listened to the conversation between him and another person. I quickly realize
he is a publisher receiving a pitch on a book idea. He requests a proposal and
then looks at me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
I pitch my book.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He
listens. He asks questions. He rubs his chin. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
hand over a one sheet and first chapter. He reads. He smiles. He asks more
questions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
answer short, succinct answers. I've done this before. I'm nervous on the
inside, but project confidence of my story and its two sequels. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally,
he stands and says, "I like your book and want to present you with a
contract." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
too stand. On the inside, I'm jumping up and down—thrilled. But on the outside,
I smile and shake his hand. "Do you like spicy food?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He frowns,
cocks his head to the side, and nods. I guess that's not the response he
expected.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
reach into my bag and give him a jar of homemade hot pepper relish. "My
husband loves this. Hope you like it too."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He
holds the jar up and looks at the multi-colored pepper and onion mixture.
"Thanks. Now let's go get that contract." He leads me out of the room
and down the hall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's
when I woke up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Receiving
a contract has been a DREAM for a long time. Making 33 pints of hot pepper
relish is recent REALITY. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even
as I slept last night, my house smelled of relish and left me craving a hot
dog. In the last couple of weeks, I've been sending off my final manuscript,
proposals, and queries. I'm thinking my sub-conscious took recent realities
adding my deeply-desired wish and produced the cool dream above. It still makes
me smile. Maybe one day it will come true. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If
it does, I doubt I have a jar of relish in my bag, but one thing for sure there
will be a smile on my face and gratitude in my heart. And maybe a hot dog for
lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
about you? Have you had a reality-and-dream collision before? I bet so. Care to
share? Thanks!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-51831803209841014552018-07-20T11:34:00.000-04:002018-07-20T11:34:52.948-04:00Another Garden Epiphany<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PLlCOD2mkK8iH-sEwZMOIYBGzeIq8vP0mG7xPtumBApYJyceiQoHk9cYK7vS0JHJJKE6oiSc54McAv9CYEU9V6KIiq6Io3Fj0Q5iHFJUmC4B_xhAUekf8d2o1VhDEL5NVeSdEbjWKlrD/s1600/unnamed+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="800" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PLlCOD2mkK8iH-sEwZMOIYBGzeIq8vP0mG7xPtumBApYJyceiQoHk9cYK7vS0JHJJKE6oiSc54McAv9CYEU9V6KIiq6Io3Fj0Q5iHFJUmC4B_xhAUekf8d2o1VhDEL5NVeSdEbjWKlrD/s640/unnamed+%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
love to garden. Fresh vegetables are reason enough, but it also reminds me of
my grandfather who taught me when I was a girl. But the main reason is because that’s
where God seems to send epiphanies my way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
Master Gardener has inspired many blog posts through the years like why I
believe <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2017/10/garden-of-eden-wisdom-nuggets.html">God
loves gardens</a>, or <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2017/09/living-garden-life.html">How do
you view life?</a>, or <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2017/06/epiphanies-confessions.html">Confessions
about Sacrifices</a>, or <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2016/01/life-seeds.html">Our Soul Seeds</a>,
and even how <a href="https://tammyvangils.blogspot.com/2016/10/sprouting-words.html">Writing
is like gardening</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today
it happened again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSYnXXjyggyBguoncvu9e9-ps6YMqd_tQ3OfPo_i4V3MBmW3QRDhX4VehfItHGMQfcwQXcPsMHtKNL50TQMybpe3hzFpdFn4ZPiSrGzsR7SIm7HZyITgdNPIrkDcdtoTiQtzE9KOkl6_J/s1600/90306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="915" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSYnXXjyggyBguoncvu9e9-ps6YMqd_tQ3OfPo_i4V3MBmW3QRDhX4VehfItHGMQfcwQXcPsMHtKNL50TQMybpe3hzFpdFn4ZPiSrGzsR7SIm7HZyITgdNPIrkDcdtoTiQtzE9KOkl6_J/s400/90306.jpg" width="227" /></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
found this caged tomato plant blown over on its side. This is a dilemma. If I
pick it up and try to restore it tall and straight, it may break off at the
roots. You can see this plant is full of green Hanover tomatoes which I don't
want to lose. So Hubby and I decided to leave it alone and let it keep doing
its thing horizontally instead of vertically. Not the most ideal decision but we
believe it's the best way to keep the plant productive. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As
I stood and looked at the misaligned plant, God inspired my next garden
epiphany—LIFE is like this. One minute everything seems fine and the next your
world has completely changed. This happened recently to someone I love. One
minute—vertical and normal—the next horizontal with a face-plant-fall he never
saw coming. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now
this person is a deep person of faith and has taken this in stride. That's not
always easy to do, but he understands God allowed this to happen even though he
wishes God would have prevented this hardship. And while he is dealing with
life from "horizontal," he is remembering his witness still matters
even while working on restoring "vertical" again. I've heard him
share with many people since his life changed how God has looked out for him
from the moment he went "horizontal" and that he knows God will never
stop doing so. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
is a great reminder-lesson from my tomato plant and my loved one. It's not
where we are planted that matters or even the view around us, but that where ever
we are, the Master Gardener is there hoping we will be productive bearing fruit
for Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And
truly, does it get any better than that? Bearing fruit and bringing Him glory in
the midst of our hardships—whether vertical or horizontal. Because He's there
in the midst of it all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
about you? Have you had any epiphanies lately? Any recent heart breaks that rocked
your world? Please join me and share lessons learned and give hope to others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you'd like to subscribe to my blog, just fill out the box right under my picture to the right. I'd be grateful and honored to connect with you. Thanks!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-49354008954192004832018-07-13T14:21:00.000-04:002018-07-13T14:21:11.177-04:00The Never-Ending-Adventure-Vacation-Homecoming<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72CSSS6J4YFQpwtK_Ib-0xrGgN2PjwJ9DlDxZOvbUzfyjyqArqjqcfDle7iZZl61O-qmV6JC0VU9ePUfyFRj_B6PaJgRkvo6ZckaKX3j1k4hXC7Q5vIloC2_B5Mc6Ph2I2lT35Wv0IWDb/s1600/unnamed+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72CSSS6J4YFQpwtK_Ib-0xrGgN2PjwJ9DlDxZOvbUzfyjyqArqjqcfDle7iZZl61O-qmV6JC0VU9ePUfyFRj_B6PaJgRkvo6ZckaKX3j1k4hXC7Q5vIloC2_B5Mc6Ph2I2lT35Wv0IWDb/s640/unnamed+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've
missed y'all.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've
been on vacation and playing catch-up so I haven't had time to write. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX70EVvM20yQtiOFqhXkpt7-F590yiA-5ChT4cs2Zyur8qUTFR_7xqJKlTV-mVmPRTT_CkNhreDeoGubtK9xy9UFy0SYiaatKVucGYg2oW6bpJRRVYg014fVkm3_d_nbZ3UB1srfKc6Vr/s1600/IMG-3838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBX70EVvM20yQtiOFqhXkpt7-F590yiA-5ChT4cs2Zyur8qUTFR_7xqJKlTV-mVmPRTT_CkNhreDeoGubtK9xy9UFy0SYiaatKVucGYg2oW6bpJRRVYg014fVkm3_d_nbZ3UB1srfKc6Vr/s320/IMG-3838.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Friends Fountain in Central Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do
you know the best time to travel by car through Washington DC? July 4th. We
never hit any traffic and made great time to our destination, the Jersey Shore.
We stayed at a <a href="http://www.atlanticviewinn.com/">great B & B </a>in Avon by the Sea. The owners were super accommodating
and the view of the ocean across the road was fabulous. I met a new friend. We
have so much in common that my hubby said, "Y'all are like sisters from a
different mother." My heart smiles when I think of our brief time together
and I look forward to staying in touch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHwO3gm5LtkTwzU2UklyRI5vHH8BydU-Hl0mPArhLCuMlgVr4FfJBomdVBf-4gb1A60j2mH17hlrBbtF2h6Xn6CZHHlERvFoYMucuyaFSKw5_6feMWPdMsqopUVfvkkVSLDOvJzEjzg1d/s1600/IMG-3821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHwO3gm5LtkTwzU2UklyRI5vHH8BydU-Hl0mPArhLCuMlgVr4FfJBomdVBf-4gb1A60j2mH17hlrBbtF2h6Xn6CZHHlERvFoYMucuyaFSKw5_6feMWPdMsqopUVfvkkVSLDOvJzEjzg1d/s320/IMG-3821.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinatown, New York</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
next day we headed to Long Island for a family wedding and met lots of nice
folks. It was so great to catch up with family members who we haven't seen in a
long while. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday morning, we made our way to NYC and hung out for the day. We
went to the Chelsea Market, walked around the 911 site, toured St. Paul's
Church, visited China Town, and Times Square. But my favorite was the Central
Park Pedicab tour. Our guide was super informative, had a great sense of humor,
and even took decent photographs.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXMNbZqsNxElYB-t1viy0U-uxrr-JFH-gwIZ8FJkDav4v1eExLaNLnuHk5F6gRI1QacSZ0x_E_VmpWdDQbATXj10AuePZrTFwdIg-jKzxi3zppX8G5MkV8OXrXkZywM3DuSvG3jgInjBX/s1600/IMG_1181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXMNbZqsNxElYB-t1viy0U-uxrr-JFH-gwIZ8FJkDav4v1eExLaNLnuHk5F6gRI1QacSZ0x_E_VmpWdDQbATXj10AuePZrTFwdIg-jKzxi3zppX8G5MkV8OXrXkZywM3DuSvG3jgInjBX/s320/IMG_1181.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
time away was awesome. But Dorothy was right—there's no place like home. I
missed my Moose pup, the Bloom girls, and my bed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While
traveling, I pondered the human spirit and how some of us like to go to new
places and do new things. We enjoy seeing how others live, eating new foods,
and trying new adventures. And then we are fortunate enough to come back home
where familiarity rules and the mundane refreshes us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
is how I imagine it will be when we arrive in Heaven. New and exciting—but also—a homecoming of sorts. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why? Because we will be reconnected to Him who
breathed the breath of life into us. We will be safe and secure. Loved and
accepted. Peace will rule in our hearts. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heaven. Just imagine. No traffic, no GPS, no aching feet. Only the never-ending-adventure-vacation-homecoming with the King of Kings. Home, at last. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now
it's your turn.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How's
your summer going? Have you had any time off or been on any trips lately? Do
you have any planned? Please leave a comment and enjoy your summer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-76299311027201856272018-06-21T00:30:00.000-04:002018-06-21T00:30:04.336-04:00Chicken Squabbling<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltZ39tHZND3soqGNaGbgOovTxMFB_TvdOh-asQbDjGB0WqPwkB84jPm_RPJlTix2AKWNuWwOFWx1rQN5_YVgPfa1jMZ4KoMed1Am4-S3uztBD7hV3ulaPaMefu4kqFvINeU-zIWrV9mSQ/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltZ39tHZND3soqGNaGbgOovTxMFB_TvdOh-asQbDjGB0WqPwkB84jPm_RPJlTix2AKWNuWwOFWx1rQN5_YVgPfa1jMZ4KoMed1Am4-S3uztBD7hV3ulaPaMefu4kqFvINeU-zIWrV9mSQ/s640/IMG_2110.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you ever wonder about the origin of words? Like the
word—Squabble. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It's a funny sounding word, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">but</span> one day when I was working in my <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">garden,</span> I heard a squabble in the chicken run. I bet that word's origin is from when someone heard chickens <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">harassing</span>
each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We had purchased ten Golden Comets in May 2016 and lost
one during the winter. So in May of 2017, we purchased three more girls to give
us an even dozen. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">After the other girls had gone
to bed on their roosting pole, we opened the coop and added the new girls right
beside them. We did this in hopes the old girls would not realize the brood had
changed and that 70% of the time this method worked. But not in our case.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since we were new to raising chickens, we never
expected to encounter our sweet girls bullying the new girls. Of course, if I
was <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">near,</span> I fussed at them and tried to
intervene on behalf of the newbies. I called my hubby and told him what was
happening. He didn't seem overly concerned until he saw it first hand a couple
of days later. Then <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">he</span> fully understood
how <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">aggressive </span>our older girls could be.
His disappointment did make me smile though. It's as if he felt we were bad
chicken parents raising tyrant chickens. Oh my, where <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">had we</span> gone wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We nicknamed one of the new girls—Scaredy Cat—because she
wisely kept her distance from the others and another we called—Blue. She seemed
to be the one who wanted to be accepted and tried to submit to the old girls, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">but</span> that resulted in her being the one who had
tail feathers plucked out. The medicine we use on her looks like dark blue ink,
hence the name Blue. To this day, she is the one who gets picked on the most. I
guess she's at the bottom of the pecking order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The day I heard my first squabble, I had an epiphany
right in the middle of my butternut squash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm simply the owner and caretaker of the Bloom Girls, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">but</span> I became quite concerned and upset at the
turmoil in the chicken run. Now I understand animals have their peculiar ways
like establishing <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">a pecking</span> order, but it
still bothered me to see how <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">vicious</span> they
could be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But what about God? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He's not an owner<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">. He's</span>
our Creator and Heavenly Father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How does He feel when one of His children hurts
another? Or we wrongly judge each other and treat each other with indifference?
Or we <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">despise</span> someone because of their
political or religious views? Can you imagine how heavy His heart is when He
looks down on earth and sees all the squabbling going on? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wonder if He looks at Jesus sometimes and says,
"Why can't they get along? Why do they have to be so hateful to each
other?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now I can't change the fact that chickens establish a
pecking order <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">any more</span> than I can change
how people treat each other. But I can try to treat others with respect and
dignity and not <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">judge others by my imperfect
standards. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">You see, I</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">
don't want to be the one causing the squabble in this run, we call life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My prayer is for my Heavenly Father to open my
eyes, <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">so</span> I see others the way Jesus sees
them—as the child of God they are—loved deeply by the Creator of the universe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe if we all tried to do <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">this,</span> there would be no pecking order or any squabbling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 John 3:1a, MSG. "What
marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called
children of God! That's who we <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">really</span>
are."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What about you? Have you
had any epiphanies lately? I adore these wisdom bombshells of great insight.
Please share and let's <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">everbloom</span> with new
growth.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-73697015460370566692018-06-14T11:17:00.000-04:002018-06-14T11:17:16.655-04:00A Bonafide Farmer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZLJJs_ubNQvR0mYqWQJdL74UEvN8gx5jlB7OiD5MqH2MhTTsTDe6MCAC0wfhjIlyCI0-jN05uYbQA6KC3bMgMFVxpWXRNwQsS_ZlgWACgCUUWCeUXL39oYEIsQ3XyQ77yhqKGXNzsypR/s1600/unnamed+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="800" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZLJJs_ubNQvR0mYqWQJdL74UEvN8gx5jlB7OiD5MqH2MhTTsTDe6MCAC0wfhjIlyCI0-jN05uYbQA6KC3bMgMFVxpWXRNwQsS_ZlgWACgCUUWCeUXL39oYEIsQ3XyQ77yhqKGXNzsypR/s640/unnamed+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Currently,</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"> I have nine Golden Comet chickens all named after
flowers—Erica, Forsythia, Gardenia, Honeysuckle, Ivy, Jasmine, Kalanchoe, Lily,
and Magnolia. (Sadly, Alberta, Buttercup, Camelia, and Daisy have passed.) My
aunt fondly named my brood, the Bloom Girls. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We
prepared for our girls by reading books, talking to other chicken owners, and
building a sturdy and safe run attached to the Amish made coop we purchased. We
don't worry about any critters getting in or them escaping out. And yes, they
are spoiled by organic chicken feed and the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">occasional</span>
homemade treats like strawberry hulls or creamed corn frozen into ice cubes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
admit I was scared of them back in May 2015 when we first brought them home. I
feared they would peck me or I would hurt one when I picked her up. But that
soon went away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Within a day or <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">two</span>, most
of them would eat feed out of my hand. They do peck—ever so lightly—at my
diamond rings. Seems even chickens like sparkly things. I guess it's true—Diamonds
are a <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">girl's</span> best friend. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They
do the cutest thing when I walk up to them. They squat down and slightly spread
their wings. It looks like they are bowing so I can reach and give them a pet
or pick them up. Maybe it's a sign of submission or even out of <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">reverence</span>—hoping I won't step on them by
accident. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
first time we let them free range in the yard, a plane flew over, and I noticed
the girls ran to hide under a bush. I guess their instinct warned them it could
be a hawk or another predator bird that could snatch them up. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Actually,</span> it's pretty smart since <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">that's</span> how Daisy met her demise recently.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
have the <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">utmost</span> respect for farmers. Honestly,
I'm kind of jealous of their role in our world—growing crops and caring for
critters that produce food for us. But I'm not into <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">weeding</span> or <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">insects</span> or
cleaning up poo so I've never aspired to be one. But the very first time I
cleaned the chicken coop, I felt like a bonafide farmer as I <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">shoveled</span> out the dirty bedding and replaced it
with fresh. And even now I still feel the same way when I <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">occasionally</span> reach under a girl to collect
eggs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes,
I'm pretty partial to my girls. I believe almost every home should have
chickens. The Bloom Girls <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">are easy to care for
and after the initial investment of a coop and run, they produce not only eggs
for us but also for a few neighbors. In other words, they earn their own money
to buy their food especially their beloved meal-worms. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The girls have exposed valuable epiphanies since their
arrival but that will have to wait for another blog. So if you want to hear
more about my girls or the lessons they've taught me, please subscribe (right
under my pic on the right).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">Next time you eat an egg, be grateful for the feathered bird
who laid one of the </span><a href="https://www.eatthis.com/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-eat-eggs/"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">healthiest
foods in the world.</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"> Oh, and the Bloom girls said hello!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">What about you? Have you ever owned chickens? Has the
critters in your life taught you lessons? I promise to share your comments with
my girls. </span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-647052927818538492.post-30635552471047928132018-06-08T00:30:00.000-04:002018-06-08T00:30:00.721-04:00Time Snatchers<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKuuVHKsfHhlA86UgEo6v0KMRu_li2PNkhBcM_Oj3-qpmKabFSezx3ogYKY2afWPZ-Fu50Y3yCU1CarCujJlF7pCvqsqK2-PmjoJGunFLVSq-8AbJ0JOUHSxJuFd3UttphulXPxfhj21U/s1600/unnamed+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="800" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKuuVHKsfHhlA86UgEo6v0KMRu_li2PNkhBcM_Oj3-qpmKabFSezx3ogYKY2afWPZ-Fu50Y3yCU1CarCujJlF7pCvqsqK2-PmjoJGunFLVSq-8AbJ0JOUHSxJuFd3UttphulXPxfhj21U/s640/unnamed+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Slightly
ahead of me, a red car had just exited I-295 but stayed in the entrance / exit
lane. From the center lane, I merged directly behind and wondered if they were
from out of town and made a wrong turn. Once we arrived at the top of the ramp,
I merged left into the empty lane heading west, but the red car stayed in the
right lane and again exited the interstate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>What was going on? Why would a person get off and back on the
interstate over and over? Curious minds wonder about the strangest things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe
they were lost. Maybe they were distracted on their cell phone or with a child
in the back seat. Maybe their GPS was playing tricks on them. But the answer I
settled on was this—they were deep in thought and mindlessly driving without
focus. Just doing loops—on and off the interstate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Haven't
we all done something similar? </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Driven somewhere and not remember the drive at
all. Or walked into a room to grab something but then can't remember what. Or
told yourself, "Don't forget to call Serena." And when you have time
to make the call, you can't remember who or what was so important. Sort of
like, your brain took a break or a nap without clueing you in.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
are the mindless traps you fall into? Where do you lose or waste time the most?
When is your brain most likely to snooze and not be engaged when it should?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watching
television is my first answer. After a long day, I like to escape into a good
movie and stop thinking about my to-do list. I admit I should do less of this.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Checking
social media is my second pitfall. Yep, look at my Facebook feed, then
Instagram posts, then look at emails, then play Words with Friends. Next thing
you know, I've wasted twenty minutes or more.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fretting
over how I'm going to get it all done is my third time-snatcher. If I stopped
pondering the huge list over and over, I would have more time to actually
accomplish something on the list.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Time
doesn't care how we use it, whether it's haphazard and mindless or efficient
and focused.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span>It's a choice we make whether we realize it or not. Even when we waste
time, we're squandering those minutes—as if they washed down the drain into an
irretrievable abyss—gone forever. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now
I'm not criticizing movie watching or social media, nor time resting and having
fun. I'm just saying it takes a focused mind to garner the best life has to
offer, whether we are on a mission to accomplish something or just hanging out
and smelling the roses. And yes, losing time will happen. It's a part of life
like feathers on a chicken but maybe with awareness, we can waste less.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's choose to live a life of intention. And
do fewer loops on the exit ramps of life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"So
let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for
us." Philippians 3:15 MSG<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
about you? What is your greatest time snatcher? How do you stay focused?
Curious minds want to know and learn. Thanks for sharing.</span></span></div>
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