tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71336232493539391002024-03-14T02:14:50.341-04:00in spirit and truthliving a life of worshipRosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-56528862998986860592010-09-10T15:49:00.001-04:002010-09-13T09:50:56.639-04:00prince poppycock<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_i28h0u1-IrBUajcQjYIbpxa16JkdBR9_nX11nvPVIkPg8JBa79w6L7fTZpLfG7uo93tzd0yZLovW_pE-fLRt90Fd8xZC9QEzyBd9hf366gjFUwQFybgz8U0HuBeUgzzoDgxpSLOVvyG/s1600/prince-poppycock-300x267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_i28h0u1-IrBUajcQjYIbpxa16JkdBR9_nX11nvPVIkPg8JBa79w6L7fTZpLfG7uo93tzd0yZLovW_pE-fLRt90Fd8xZC9QEzyBd9hf366gjFUwQFybgz8U0HuBeUgzzoDgxpSLOVvyG/s200/prince-poppycock-300x267.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>america <em>does </em>have talent! though i may not agree with his personal choices or world views, i cannot deny that he is gifted - and his stints on america's got talent have returned our attention to, and increased our appreciation of, operatic voices, theatrical staging, acting, and showmanship.<br />
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prince poppycock has a show that keeps people talking about it, which makes me wonder ...<br />
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what can believers do for the kingdom of God that will keep people talking? what will capture the interest of not only america but the entire world? how can we show the world that Jesus loves them? by how we live our lives and relate to others, definitely. but what else can happen through the Spirit of God in us?<br />
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any ideas? feel free to share ...Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-78945809055486698412010-09-10T13:26:00.000-04:002010-09-10T13:26:34.237-04:00weekly gem #5"yesterday is gone. tomorrow has not yet come. we have only today. let us begin." <em>Mother Teresa</em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad5_8ASOkjziqLN1OO7Q2C8foQyhFgZWZktF9-_YWeGByJ4hjg0d4zkt_ooxZETQqAs__k0F4s4RSUp0rWW8yyxPLolWLX6Jo4HOPz473NG_FIjhWiGmuhb6s_Om5bBHSOidQ4A0aOMrY/s1600/sapphire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhad5_8ASOkjziqLN1OO7Q2C8foQyhFgZWZktF9-_YWeGByJ4hjg0d4zkt_ooxZETQqAs__k0F4s4RSUp0rWW8yyxPLolWLX6Jo4HOPz473NG_FIjhWiGmuhb6s_Om5bBHSOidQ4A0aOMrY/s200/sapphire.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>my weekly gem comes from God's continual reminder that i must choose to follow Him <em>today </em>and, as stated by mother teresa, for me to <em>begin</em>. while God calls me to choose each day whom i will serve, He also is looking for the results of that choice - which is shown in my actions. it's easy to say, "i choose You, Lord." but too often my lifestyle says, "i choose me." <br />
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i've been reading deuteronomy 11, which you can read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+11&version=NASB">here</a>. this chapter talks about the rewards of obedience. verse 8 especially hit home, which says, "you shall therefore keep every commandment which I am commanding you today, so that you may be strong and go in and possess the land into which you are about to cross to possess it."<br />
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God has made promises to me. there are lands that i need to cross into and possess. there are those predestined appointments that i have with others who need to know the love of Jesus. but if i'm not always paying attention to what God is asking of me, i may miss out on what the Spirit is doing. what a waste!<br />
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so God, help me to be looking out for Your, to choose Your will, and act upon it. help me not to be distracted by yesterday, tomorrow, or anything that steers me away from you today. let me begin ...Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-13408373095224026672010-09-01T16:08:00.001-04:002010-09-01T16:09:02.607-04:00weekly gem #4"<em>The church is never a place, but always a people; never a fold but always a flock; never a building but always a believing assembly. The church is you who pray, not where you pray.</em>" Anonymous<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlXAWtzg1P8O4RH-kGH-IF0O0CHPrClYLAVcKLdkwLuCyaxfR5BTy76icgevJdgIt8r14UKxg6QPwRE40ICG7akpaAwzRH9Bf0W0gdnHCet6Ojl32DBdgnFR86IQXeATGWAj-tRMj472G/s1600/heart+gem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlXAWtzg1P8O4RH-kGH-IF0O0CHPrClYLAVcKLdkwLuCyaxfR5BTy76icgevJdgIt8r14UKxg6QPwRE40ICG7akpaAwzRH9Bf0W0gdnHCet6Ojl32DBdgnFR86IQXeATGWAj-tRMj472G/s200/heart+gem.jpg" width="200" /></a>The gem that God has given me this week is a reminder of the importance of regularly gathering and worshiping with other believers. For various reasons, I have been unable to attend church for the past few weeks. What I miss the most are not the various aspects of the service, though I love to worship, hear the Word, tithe, etc., but the <em>people</em>. <strong>We</strong> are the church. <strong><em>I</em> </strong>am the church.</div><br />
Sometimes it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that my presence in church doesn't matter that much - that things go on just the same without me being there. There is some truth in that statement, but it does not take into account what God says about the importance of fellowship.<br />
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We read in Acts 2:42 that the early church "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Further into the New Testament, the church is compared to the human body. You can read about it <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+12&version=NIV">here</a>. While this scripture talks about spiritual gifting, it also speaks of how we need one another - that we are a unit who, together, glorifies God. Every part of the body, every person, has his or her own job to do and each one is significant. <br />
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When I am absent from church on a Sunday morning, I am not merely missing a service. My absence takes away from our church body. I am not there to pray for and with others. I cannot weep with those who mourn or dance with the joyful. My voice is not lifted up in agreement with those of my church family while bringing praise and glory to God. I do receive the fresh message God gives to us. Even if I "listen to the tape" during the week, it does not compare with <em>being there</em> to experience the moving of the Holy Spirit.<br />
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God specifically asks us not to neglect meeting together as believers. In <u>Hebrews 10:19-25</u>, it says:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwLdN3a83lJVXekEjzVlPltIE45ZRhdI2Dy7XAhBVNSTapyOjAdmO-iTmZZI7ily1BtmbjxFHeKPAprEo1BWhsuDXz1nfUAmAoVSm225LMVpxWJxQxnaFdAsk1KGmrKP8YafF7F_652oW/s1600/inGODsHouse.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwLdN3a83lJVXekEjzVlPltIE45ZRhdI2Dy7XAhBVNSTapyOjAdmO-iTmZZI7ily1BtmbjxFHeKPAprEo1BWhsuDXz1nfUAmAoVSm225LMVpxWJxQxnaFdAsk1KGmrKP8YafF7F_652oW/s320/inGODsHouse.gif" width="228" /></a></div><em>"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."</em><br />
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What better place to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds" than in God's house?<br />
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And so I look forward to this coming Sunday not only as a person who is hungry for <em>more</em> of the life God gives freely to me, but is also hungry to see more of His life and light in everyone else.Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-78969469458422752402010-08-25T11:27:00.001-04:002010-08-26T14:28:25.384-04:00weekly gem #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofK9JVRhfpYMW1HETps252y5enybD7F1zGFYAEDBYZel-z8BAjd6imtts8j78wMH1XuWT-8MfHz7oxel5dJmuf6inqjciek14FeCN_TLTf-93cMHce6zNKvRtjobPoipqc1tE0hOWBauR/s1600/ruby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofK9JVRhfpYMW1HETps252y5enybD7F1zGFYAEDBYZel-z8BAjd6imtts8j78wMH1XuWT-8MfHz7oxel5dJmuf6inqjciek14FeCN_TLTf-93cMHce6zNKvRtjobPoipqc1tE0hOWBauR/s200/ruby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>"<em>but <u>godliness</u> with contentment is great gain</em>." 1 timothy 6:6.<br />
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i've found myself thinking about this passage of scripture a lot this week. you can read it <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Timothy+6&version=NIV">here</a>.<br />
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this chapter of the bible talks about our lot in life. am i satisfied with what God has provided? how often do i cry, "foul!" because i am not happy with how my life is going? is it God's fault or <em>my</em> fault? will having more money (or more of whatever - you can fill in the <u> </u> as it applies to you) "fix" things for me or truly improve my situation? it's so easy to think that sometimes!<br />
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there are truths contained in this chapter of timothy that are quite common. i bring nothing into this world and can take nothing out of it. the <em>love</em> of money is the root of all evil. "stuff" won't make me happy. but what often is overlooked - what <em>will satisfy me</em> - is also stated when timothy says: "<strong>pursue righteousness</strong>."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz8ATmSJcUAHglpPswee8HdADuOoReNJeeGWSu3p3Is3DfgvItfsXtTsL0E-pNDIR6-tFAfeb-n-ht3fUhqfAInwKQZGZ89-xjJgw5y-B0VdoIOp7c5DLQ2SRvKylCDQNb4gx-OZfEuJx/s1600/man-studying-bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz8ATmSJcUAHglpPswee8HdADuOoReNJeeGWSu3p3Is3DfgvItfsXtTsL0E-pNDIR6-tFAfeb-n-ht3fUhqfAInwKQZGZ89-xjJgw5y-B0VdoIOp7c5DLQ2SRvKylCDQNb4gx-OZfEuJx/s200/man-studying-bible.jpg" width="165" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>pursuing righteousness is where the blend of godliness and contentment mingle to create an existence that is not satisfied with just <em>being </em>- but having a life filled with both purpose and meaning. <br />
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when my sight is set on God and living according to what He thinks is best, i am satisfied. i don't worry about what i don't have. i can see that God is in control of the circumstances of my life. when i hurt, i can rest in Him and allow Him to comfort me. God fills my cup until it overflows. why does He do this? not only for my benefit, but that i can reach out to others. to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." (vs. 18)<br />
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this is only possible because my needs are met in God. what i offer to others is not <em>me</em>, but <strong>God</strong> <strong>living</strong> <strong>inside of me</strong>. as i pursue Him, He can, in turn, work through me to love others. how awesome is that!<br />
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don't be satisfied with material contentment ... go for godliness! amazing things will happen ...Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-50903728968877733372010-08-18T23:45:00.001-04:002010-08-20T08:25:23.587-04:00wednesday check in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjoivxERTW4ZoUR7s-9tk1kCj3DtuXc71jugjnKnCAove65IA80stqu7CXJxpt4pEhpCtBXPvvti4bKgkiO8I9OQZ8I5uHz14le2W0lNTgPcluMUdwdZ_Tl4h2B9-0xMR9vhLxG3aAI54/s1600/hand-of-god-image1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjoivxERTW4ZoUR7s-9tk1kCj3DtuXc71jugjnKnCAove65IA80stqu7CXJxpt4pEhpCtBXPvvti4bKgkiO8I9OQZ8I5uHz14le2W0lNTgPcluMUdwdZ_Tl4h2B9-0xMR9vhLxG3aAI54/s200/hand-of-god-image1.jpg" width="200" /></a>sunday's gem has been most helpful so far. looking for the "hand of providence" is a full-time job because God is EVERYWHERE!!! how wonderful is that, eh?</div><br />
meanwhile, last week's gem is still living and active. though my bathroom <em>still</em> needs my undivided attention, i have been straightening up other areas of the house. why am i avoiding something i actually like to clean? i know that i am often afraid to achieve goals. it's an area i hate to struggle with, but it's funny because many times i will accomplish so many other things while avoiding what i <em>should</em> do. procrastination? yes, unfortunately.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>i think i get in the mad rush to do other things because it makes me feel better about myself while giving in to the fear of doing the thing that needs doing. i set a goal, but instead of embracing my inner nike to "just do it" (which isn't always easy, but cleaning our bathroom certainly is) and work through the fear, i scurry to do many other "good things" and say, "whew! at least i'm getting stuff done."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc4Fb3iHgeD9b_JW_zScYT0c_yv_D-EqJUlbUnDMrs2Ni1Qe0OsCRJsApqgQsgq1SGWQMmg6Shuilx8jvWWCWm79DWnIt2KkgLzeBARDRvCtBwc20tDf0SNlk5sotdzByqAlpZxIUaSJ0/s1600/sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc4Fb3iHgeD9b_JW_zScYT0c_yv_D-EqJUlbUnDMrs2Ni1Qe0OsCRJsApqgQsgq1SGWQMmg6Shuilx8jvWWCWm79DWnIt2KkgLzeBARDRvCtBwc20tDf0SNlk5sotdzByqAlpZxIUaSJ0/s200/sunrise.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>there is light on the horizon because God is faithful! each moment i have a choice to follow Him - and i'm <em>always</em> glad when i do, even when the going gets hard. i'm glad God understands me perfectly - so much more than i understand myself! His hand will always be there for me to hold ... to receive His strength. can't do <em>anything</em> without it!!!<br />
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His mercies are new every morning. God, help me to obey as i follow You - now and always.Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-8897491991839070652010-08-15T14:23:00.001-04:002010-08-15T14:26:01.250-04:00sunday gem #2though unable to attend church today, God is <em>always</em> faithful! my gem from this morning comes from a book i've been reading: "guide to domestic happiness." as a new collector of unique books, i'm happy to say that this book was written some time during the mid-1800's, which well explains the title! :^)<br />
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what i love about reading books from this period is that the author's words are filled with scriptural references, acknowledging a real and necessary reliance on God. for example, this observation is given to a man named philetus who has questions about how to marry a suitable wife:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">"<em>every serious and considerate man must trace the marks of an invisible hand in all the variegated paths of life. he must acknowledge that it is not in man who walketh to direct his steps; yea, he will rejoice to find they are ordered by the Lord, who delighteth in his way. and were we more observant of the hand of providence, many of our inquiries would be needless: we should see the path marked out before us; and if at any time through mistake we should turn either to the right hand or to the left, we should hear a still small voice whispering behind, 'this is the way, walk ye in it.'"</em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16FJydlUhR6WKnp-Ofu-bcnnavZBQL5plLYarJQdA28kbpuusGgWSmungpBsV0664IjVHM9pNuEK0gtL3TxlB4yzULCpsZZfpUnrSQMVZwZ4Yaa0vfr6FL2BtkgOFbJEWtJadIamCrI1x/s1600/gam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16FJydlUhR6WKnp-Ofu-bcnnavZBQL5plLYarJQdA28kbpuusGgWSmungpBsV0664IjVHM9pNuEK0gtL3TxlB4yzULCpsZZfpUnrSQMVZwZ4Yaa0vfr6FL2BtkgOFbJEWtJadIamCrI1x/s200/gam2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>what a gem! not only the reminder that our steps are ordered by God, but to note "<em><strong>and were we more observant of the hand of providence, many of our inquiries would be needless</strong></em>."<br />
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how many times does God guide me with His hand and i'm simply not paying attention? more often than i'd care to confess. sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in circumstances and become distracted by feelings, wondering what my next step should be. all the while, in reality, His hand is upon me - holding me fast - waiting for me to look and listen to Him.<br />
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God, help me to daily look to You and pay attention to all the ways in which You guide me! just think of what i could do with the time i'll save by not engaging in "needless inquiries."<br />
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i <em>could</em> clean the bathroom, which, as you know, was my goal for last week. what a step that will be toward domestic happiness! i didn't do it last week ... instead, allowing myself to remain caught up in other things. but God's mercies are new every morning, and our bathroom awaits ...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyBLqe7l9kWuA53T330fF4ZbJ7JXhq3WBArn-7-jZgAnjzosUENbudnDEn_uL6-seHxUVMqpiaNv9SPKRaEjCb49DqV6Y-Iz2Miaa9htSaOzLFLj4tLDSs9vAl44Kpx8USjVA9LOWQY2h/s1600/dirty+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyBLqe7l9kWuA53T330fF4ZbJ7JXhq3WBArn-7-jZgAnjzosUENbudnDEn_uL6-seHxUVMqpiaNv9SPKRaEjCb49DqV6Y-Iz2Miaa9htSaOzLFLj4tLDSs9vAl44Kpx8USjVA9LOWQY2h/s200/dirty+bathroom.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT our bathroom! for illustrative purposes only.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-63299542796825416362010-08-13T11:50:00.000-04:002010-08-13T11:50:23.605-04:00the top 7 answers are on the board ...<strong>confession: </strong><em>i love to play games.</em><br />
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of course, i mean this literally. chess, checkers, parcheesi, dominoes, cards. you name it and i'm up for it. unfortunately, playing games falls into the "<em>i'm the only one who likes to play</em>" category in my circle of family and friends. years ago i would watch jeopardy and wheel of fortune regularly, but really ... who wants to arrange their schedule around watching television? not me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDHvWUqK6vSDg-gp7MCYQEFHJHpjtnADeqPWjyFd5Aq9huo1YFYwA_mragSKWLxIwGfVJ9rZr_x32TsL0Ly_rKiNH2cjDKnwCqUsx13P45yZ6y4HXm1Y1j7abtnYsj50xweboka67Nbh2/s1600/family+feud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDHvWUqK6vSDg-gp7MCYQEFHJHpjtnADeqPWjyFd5Aq9huo1YFYwA_mragSKWLxIwGfVJ9rZr_x32TsL0Ly_rKiNH2cjDKnwCqUsx13P45yZ6y4HXm1Y1j7abtnYsj50xweboka67Nbh2/s200/family+feud.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>but thanks to the world wide web, and particularly facebook, i am inundated with more games than i will ever have time to play. one of my recent faves is family feud. if you are unfamiliar with it, you can read all about it <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_Feud">here</a>. (what would i do without wiki?)<br />
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i was playing last night and, for the first time, i was stumped by a question. out of seven answers, i wound up with a big, fat goose egg. zippo. nada. <br />
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what was that tough question, you ask?<br />
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<strong><em>"name a secret that you should always keep from your spouse." </em></strong><br />
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huh? whajasay?<br />
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i sat perplexed, not knowing what to type in response. it was the wording of the question that baffled me. i can't imagine anything that "i <em>should</em> <em>always</em> keep" from gary. why would i? he's my husband. he's my best friend. we've been married for almost 16 years. why would i <em>want</em> to keep something from him? the thought is ludicrous - it's like saying, "it's okay to be dishonest." <br />
<br />
finally, i gave it my best guess: "a surprise party." i thought that had to be one of the answers. nope.<br />
<br />
the "correct" answers included, "<em>weight, affairs, spending habits, dating history, </em>and <em>real age." </em>the other two answers were so bizarre that i can't even remember them. people really think they need to hide this stuff? out of all the answers, there wasn't one that i haven't shared with gary. (of course, "<em>affairs</em>" doesn't apply!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqhxAIV0dQqB4weAsAeWPFjEvwJTRL4wUCjYvFfuaOxqtulKcisWXQE1g4ChlcgPUNHk6rPLG_Eme10uuo13d7yyNJJnLPK9O6ZBaz5s_aMW3a267eNFQC0Lvsdx0F1Ksnlk2sA9mYi2f/s1600/secret2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqhxAIV0dQqB4weAsAeWPFjEvwJTRL4wUCjYvFfuaOxqtulKcisWXQE1g4ChlcgPUNHk6rPLG_Eme10uuo13d7yyNJJnLPK9O6ZBaz5s_aMW3a267eNFQC0Lvsdx0F1Ksnlk2sA9mYi2f/s320/secret2.jpg" /></a></div>then i felt very sad. sad that couples would feel the need to hide things from one another. sad that the world thinks it's <u>okay</u> to be dishonest with the people who love you ... with those that we are bound to love - especially in marriage, "in sickness and in health, for better and for worse." <br />
<br />
even if a mistake is made (i.e., <em>i couldn't resist buying those clothes on sale!</em>), isn't it better to 'fess up and deal with it? and, tragically, if an affair <em>were </em>to happen ... you "<em>should</em>" keep that from your spouse?!?!<br />
<br />
if you can't trust your husband/wife, who <em>can</em> you trust?<br />
<br />
would i want my husband to keep any of those things from me? never!<br />
<br />
the game moved on to the next round and so did i. but my prayers remain for those who are deluded in our fallen world where lies are treated lightly as game show fodder. that is the <u>opposite</u> of the truth setting us free, which is what God wants for all of us.<br />
<br />
in reality, we all sometimes feel like this ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL9g4fS7AmfEKY0b2Nu0O5K_8VwG3JjanTvX8BxerHLHwItT2QDTWnBJiBU1EmTuKPbtpo1-FNVFtIXVohnQrzynv-nkpab1TSsaOcAjqFHeCRBLHbqZyNPUEvozedsOi5Gz0RHShYeui/s1600/secrets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL9g4fS7AmfEKY0b2Nu0O5K_8VwG3JjanTvX8BxerHLHwItT2QDTWnBJiBU1EmTuKPbtpo1-FNVFtIXVohnQrzynv-nkpab1TSsaOcAjqFHeCRBLHbqZyNPUEvozedsOi5Gz0RHShYeui/s320/secrets.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... and we find, in God and in the people He places in our lives, that not only do they "not run away" - but they draw <em>closer</em> to us and help bring us freedom from the secrets hiding in the dark. once someone is exposed in God's light, they find out a glorious truth: there is <em><strong>nothing</strong></em> that needs to be hidden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">maybe the "secrets you should always keep" mindset is part of the reason <em>why</em> families feud?</div>Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-34661559840279927622010-08-11T23:06:00.000-04:002010-08-11T23:06:48.615-04:00wednesday check-in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lxFwmPXy-OUDljzdnno1SvI7GPCxfAGqtpp-zIZWBwD-uBJR1SFqosQaH0uKX47dbOeN934Nvvo-NOHEADQFWe6zXvUd6ysYHL7WD-A4dpr9PtUS-v3R2dDXQICwxPO5mdmZP0u1vCEf/s1600/diamond+in+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lxFwmPXy-OUDljzdnno1SvI7GPCxfAGqtpp-zIZWBwD-uBJR1SFqosQaH0uKX47dbOeN934Nvvo-NOHEADQFWe6zXvUd6ysYHL7WD-A4dpr9PtUS-v3R2dDXQICwxPO5mdmZP0u1vCEf/s200/diamond+in+box.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>well, it's wednesday and how am I doing with my sunday gem? so far, okay. i've been moving my piles into the office and going through the mail at a good clip. have not yet cleaned the bathroom, but that's one of my goals to achieve before the end of the week. <br />
<br />
God has been making real to me the truth that He is my refuge and strength, an "ever-present help in trouble." that is the first verse of psalm 46, which you can read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+46&version=NIV">here</a>. <br />
<br />
one message that was drilled into me in my youth was that there <em>was</em> no help and that i was foolish for needing/wanting it. in a strange way, it fostered feelings of independence and competency that, over the years, have become more of a positive than a negative. a good example of how God can redeem and use the tough things in our lives for good.<br />
<br />
however, feeling alone also bred a heart hindered by fear and a lack of trust. i became accustomed to finding my own way instead of simply asking God to show me <em>His</em> ways. when trouble comes calling, my instinct is to figure a way out of it on my own instead of listening to God and finding out what He wants me to do. my prayer is to learn to go to Him first - and always. <br />
<br />
<strong>the truth:</strong> <em>when I know God is "ever-present," it's easier to call for the "help in trouble." </em><br />
<br />
how do I remember that He is always here? i read His Word - the bible - and talk with Him frequently. my inner radar is tuned in to God, eager to know what He's saying and doing. i keep physical reminders (photos, quotes, stones, etc.) around at work and at home that remind me of reality: God is here! always accessible. He never gets tired of me coming to Him. He doesn't look down on me for needing Him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEl-2RmsHtpSa2zpwE9IAZ5KmAcr1Rjo6I-meD20Xd0HR5e0Xixg5KDmG1YRRkEQkKfRwqCCCKCwCsnvonGEW_CVXBYNVrhM9BLnbSXvj9r8NTpFRtWM9twSNPATrsDB_CIhwtnUCIn0n/s1600/earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEl-2RmsHtpSa2zpwE9IAZ5KmAcr1Rjo6I-meD20Xd0HR5e0Xixg5KDmG1YRRkEQkKfRwqCCCKCwCsnvonGEW_CVXBYNVrhM9BLnbSXvj9r8NTpFRtWM9twSNPATrsDB_CIhwtnUCIn0n/s200/earth.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>so, my Father God, i thank You that we can call for Your help, trust that You will answer, and rejoice in knowing that You are <strong><u>always</u></strong> with us! All of us - simultaneously - everywhere - which is REALLY cool! <br />
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what do you do when you're in trouble? who do you turn to? no matter who or where you are, God is waiting for your call ...Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-75504073126689823412010-08-08T21:24:00.003-04:002010-08-08T22:00:20.051-04:00sunday's gemover the years, i've heard a lot about how to prepare myself for church on sunday mornings. being physically present is not enough - it's being <em>ready</em> ... prepared and paying attention to what God is doing that is critical. <br />
<br />
every sunday, without fail, God shares Himself with all of us corporately and individually. what sinks into my heart, mind, and soul depends on how much i allow myself to be open with Him. when i pay attention and am open, God <u>always</u> shares one thing during the service that speaks to me - an <em>ah-ha </em>moment of sorts. it resounds in my spirit and switches on that light bulb in my brain that says, "whoa! i gotta remember this!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw35r3R3zgakhRj117I8MHxzCk-1vr5cON9imAokPB0EMU-Gwz26Z1Itt5IM3WkZSOxqBZnROCCc4MsgzfEvvs7EtyBEIawz1H8Dy_qibk7xPZo5LtsEztVMSFEANZRguOxGVoyARLTb-/s1600/lightbulb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLw35r3R3zgakhRj117I8MHxzCk-1vr5cON9imAokPB0EMU-Gwz26Z1Itt5IM3WkZSOxqBZnROCCc4MsgzfEvvs7EtyBEIawz1H8Dy_qibk7xPZo5LtsEztVMSFEANZRguOxGVoyARLTb-/s200/lightbulb.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br />
i believe that if i don't come away from church with that "gem" of truth from God, then i wasn't ready to receive it - and THAT'S a bummer! i hate when i waste an opportunity to receive something from God, and am <em>so</em> thankful that He continues to love me and speak to me anyway ... waiting for me to catch up. :^)<br />
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(i'll tell you a secret: God is <em>easy</em> to catch. just tune in. talk to Him and listen ...)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_6r4dPSFxm6UyzkGObYdMNaFT8KdzKaDTWCeosVUUBvsL228rVi5ALqrNgX0LNqT8S5aHnRTJ2x8-zHx4z6AozQpG03_ud-lqkVeSQXv00qXL3ENeN1f0L32xxwBklLUhZu6Pw0bZjWB/s1600/diamond+in+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_6r4dPSFxm6UyzkGObYdMNaFT8KdzKaDTWCeosVUUBvsL228rVi5ALqrNgX0LNqT8S5aHnRTJ2x8-zHx4z6AozQpG03_ud-lqkVeSQXv00qXL3ENeN1f0L32xxwBklLUhZu6Pw0bZjWB/s320/diamond+in+box.jpg" /></a></div><strong>my gem for today:</strong> "<u><span style="color: cyan;">when the house is orderly, the atmosphere is more enjoyable</span></u>."<br />
<br />
that speaks to me because, first of all, i'm not much of a housekeeper. my virtual world is meticulously neat and kept up (like most techies), but my physical world tends to get messy - and i'm not quick to clean any of it up. sadly, i'm okay with that to an embarrassing degree.<br />
<br />
but this morning i thought, "no <em>wonder</em> having piles of this and that around the house drives my husband crazy! i see those piles as items in transit that haven't completed their journey. he sees <strong>A MESS</strong> - and no wonder he's not happy when it seems like the house is shrinking as the piles grow." i really don't think about atmosphere. it never occurred to me to see it that way.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7d38CO5Bixo4gj6zz5WNk83GPPWjaqWQ-mD1JlGpyIa9XtcpwLfsDqDqgmRftdVPfpdBTZ2s_BKlDsxkeI9vSFVl9kuf8drDYuECTt0w1kwaU_Tg5M9uPtrKm0dELKICQR5X3sbcpVFjC/s1600/Cartoon+1761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7d38CO5Bixo4gj6zz5WNk83GPPWjaqWQ-mD1JlGpyIa9XtcpwLfsDqDqgmRftdVPfpdBTZ2s_BKlDsxkeI9vSFVl9kuf8drDYuECTt0w1kwaU_Tg5M9uPtrKm0dELKICQR5X3sbcpVFjC/s200/Cartoon+1761.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">gary can't enjoy a messy home. i'm willing to settle for a mess. and God says to me, "hey, rosie, you can love your husband in a brand new way if you help keep the house clean. do some laundry. put some away. pick up your piles of books and place them on your bookshelves. go through the mail and throw the junk away. file the papers you have to keep. put things in their place and enjoy your home with your husband."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">i see the sparkling gem of truth before me. how am i going to respond? am i willing to deal with my own issues: fear, laziness, selfishness ... and do something different?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>with God's help, i can and i will. i'll check in on wednesday and let you know how i'm doing. i may have to spend less time behind this keyboard ... and more time cleaning the bathroom. (i actually <em>like</em> doing that!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HKM4arnSHXFyZ6gZC2J7bzYLt6SXVMmEXxSCiwmP9YHXyWh5PsZNK5DAiKzqLZdUFAeReGDTGHIwLFOYRcuvIG84NO9-BzZ1lBBteuvVsuh7ptqRecmDa2JRbrw8G72JTk-pTvYbohAk/s1600/pinkglovesdominopostiglione.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HKM4arnSHXFyZ6gZC2J7bzYLt6SXVMmEXxSCiwmP9YHXyWh5PsZNK5DAiKzqLZdUFAeReGDTGHIwLFOYRcuvIG84NO9-BzZ1lBBteuvVsuh7ptqRecmDa2JRbrw8G72JTk-pTvYbohAk/s320/pinkglovesdominopostiglione.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-37344962875709774132010-08-07T18:33:00.003-04:002010-08-07T18:37:34.792-04:00sacrificeone of my favorite artists is marc chagall and this is one of his paintings:<br />
<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEjHExJXxbnjC_CNY_KCkDcd3v8q-aywZuOJOuvcpChXm9cj9M_exKniU1TacHWzyGOdCEwNYqE0seuMrBcG3JfU5rHjhVFVjsHeQBcMERkUY4ZhovXfLh6Regrl8IiO_v8_H_0opvZFKJ3X/s1600/marc_chagall_binding_of_isaac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHExJXxbnjC_CNY_KCkDcd3v8q-aywZuOJOuvcpChXm9cj9M_exKniU1TacHWzyGOdCEwNYqE0seuMrBcG3JfU5rHjhVFVjsHeQBcMERkUY4ZhovXfLh6Regrl8IiO_v8_H_0opvZFKJ3X/s320/marc_chagall_binding_of_isaac.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> th<strong>e binding of isaac</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
one of the things i have always wondered is what went through abraham's mind after God asked him to sacrifice his son, isaac, at moriah. (if you are unfamiliar with the story, please read it <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22&version=NIV">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
isaac lived and he sacrificed the ram God provided together with his father, but abraham didn't know that's how it would play out. as he held the knife to slay isaac, his mind was focused on obeying God and trusting Him with the outcome. <br />
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there is much that can be said here, but my thoughts today are simply this: if God asked me to lay down my "only son" - the thing/person most precious to me here on earth - and give it up forever ... would i do it? could i do it? <br />
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my prayer is that i will trust and obey God no matter how the situation appears and have confidence in knowing that the future is always in His hands.Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-3865353891817249142010-08-06T18:00:00.000-04:002010-08-06T17:48:42.322-04:00free to do what i want to?<strong>confession:</strong> i was a wee bit of a headbanger as a teen in the 80's.<br />
<br />
as eclectic as i've always been musically, in that era i preferred the music i listened to on my cassette tapes LOUD and STRONG. (yes, <em>cassette tapes</em>. all you young'uns can laugh now! but at least i don't quite make it back to 8-tracks ...)<br />
<br />
and so i drifted from classical to pop to jazz to ... <strong>STRYPER</strong>. (if you are not familiar with this awesome group, take a few moments and google them now - you'll either be glad or sorry you did!)<br />
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after all, i <em>was</em> a Christian teen - or, at least, tried to be - and needed to have some Jesus-like representation in my musical mix. as i rocked and worshiped with their albums, i eventually came to the following song (to get the full experience, turn the volume as far UP as it will go!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwEn8rFrlDM0ZwVZhV-wO5es1cKxZmB3cKpHRjfd36_DhbdvrwuB3w5hDChiwTZcR6HFUq7Ls8mMQt9cGBY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">while others my age were still fighting for their right to party like it was 1999, i was dumbstruck with the idea that i was free to do what i wanted to do - especially in my relationship with God.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"free to open up and believe?" "free to simply ask - AND receive?" no way. i lived in an environment where it was <em>give up, put up, </em>and<em> shut up</em>. not a semblance of freedom to be found. what was this group yelling about? i couldn't be free. i didn't feel free. people told me i wasn't free. what kind of God was this?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
sometimes i wish i could reach back in time to give myself a hug and say, "listen! what you're hearing is real. that still, small voice is God telling you that you are able to choose Him. He's there for you! your destiny is determined by Him, not by what anyone else says or does. you <strong><em>can</em></strong> open up, believe, ask, and receive."</div><br />
i daily choose my destiny. sometimes for good, sometimes not. but every moment, my Father God is <em>with me</em> - even when i think He isn't. He gently opens me when i am frightened and closed. He helps me to believe truth instead of lies. He gives generously to me before I can think to ask anything of Him. i receive so much that i cannot begin to describe or keep an account of it. my future is in His hands. my destiny will always be found in Him.<br />
<br />
i am free because God is <em>for</em> me - Jesus has made it all possible - and i choose to live by His Holy Spirit. <br />
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free to do what i want to? you bet! <br />
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how about you?Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7133623249353939100.post-6555401360287942042010-08-05T17:00:00.001-04:002010-08-06T18:21:37.922-04:00the whiteboard of forgivenessi love dry erase boards, especially when they are new. i also love ye olden faithful boards of slate that require squeaky chalk and puffy erasers. but those pristine white boards call out to me. the best part? they are snazzy and a snap to clean! compare along with me.<br />
<br />
<strong>chalkboard</strong>: a chokey dust covering the board in filmy white or yellow. haul out the sponge, make sure it's good and wet, and mop over every bit of the board. if you want to keep your board <em>perfectly </em>clean, you would need to go through this procedure every time you use it. (and don't forget to clap the erasers outside to get out as much chalk dust as you can, but once used, they will never be pure again.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/images06/ChalkBoard01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="240" src="http://www.fnal.gov/pub/today/images06/ChalkBoard01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong>whiteboard</strong>: having used your especial markers, the board is filled with many colors - but too heavy on the black! oh, no!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://williamkaminsky.files.wordpress.com/2006/06/whiteboard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="240" src="http://williamkaminsky.files.wordpress.com/2006/06/whiteboard2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">no worries. whip out the dry eraser, swipe away, and before you know it, the board is dazzling white once again. quick and easy, with ... and this is the best part ... no residue.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">a chalkboard is how i see maintaining a holy life. as i live my life and it is recorded on the tablet of my heart, i find so much each day that grieves both me and my Lord. i try to "be good," do everything right, follow all the rules, but still the markings of my humanity remain.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">so i try to erase them in order to make myself clean again. i scrub the slate, soak the sponge, blow off the dust, and clap those erasers until my eyes water - and, still, with all that hard work, evidence will remain.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">but with a whiteboard ... <em>scribble, swipe, scribble, swipe, scribble, swipe </em>...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">i keep one in my office to remind me of how God chooses to forgive me after i've scribbled my messy sins (especially in black) all over His holiness. Jesus comes along and swipe ... it's gone ... as far as the east is from the west. as my prayer reflects my repentant heart, swipe ... it's gone. quickly, i can be pure once again. dazzling white!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://whitakernetworks.com/images/Whiteboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="213" src="http://whitakernetworks.com/images/Whiteboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>with no residue.Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13093409914601324423noreply@blogger.com2