tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763382697241101762024-03-12T20:14:38.345-04:00It Crossed My MindSteffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.comBlogger446125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-67410457773274855102021-08-16T17:02:00.001-04:002021-08-16T17:02:22.501-04:00New blog site<p> We’re under construction and moving to a new site. Please update your bookmark. Click on this link to get there. You may continue to come here for previous posts. Thanks for making the change with me. Again, this is brand new and will take a minute for me to figure it all out design wise but you should be able to connect and comment easier in the future #goandgrow</p><p><a href="https://steffaniehruss.wixsite.com/steffaniesporchtalk">https://steffaniehruss.wixsite.com/steffaniesporchtalk</a></p><p><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-10133189416132258942021-08-16T10:03:00.008-04:002021-08-16T10:42:52.439-04:00Blessed Are Those<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVX0ARTh44M6vx6z8tF1baHN2NFw9Fe2D8K4jCEjphTxJ-Cm28OlgeFiSIXH4hgdzwzR1TOGVqwa1OsYGbLXnLBhAKRWRHDrwq4p44SHbwRlw2su8lO4wAqPgI09oXn3YP91QH-RYJTFv/s4032/F264B576-D3B6-483E-8513-F3B4DB67F301.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVX0ARTh44M6vx6z8tF1baHN2NFw9Fe2D8K4jCEjphTxJ-Cm28OlgeFiSIXH4hgdzwzR1TOGVqwa1OsYGbLXnLBhAKRWRHDrwq4p44SHbwRlw2su8lO4wAqPgI09oXn3YP91QH-RYJTFv/s320/F264B576-D3B6-483E-8513-F3B4DB67F301.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2">*This post is concerning those who grieve. If you would rather not read about it, please wait until another post. I’ve just got to write this one out though for those who are hurting today. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">We wonder how many “firsts” there can possibly be in a life after loss. Just when you think there can’t possibly be any more, another one catches us off guard and causes a unforeseen meltdown. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I’m experiencing the effects from another tsunami grief wave which took place this weekend. The particulars aren’t really important; we all arrive from different roads. Our experiences are as different as the routes we may take to get from our homes to the beach. The one thing that’s the same is the pain and hurt we must deal with before becoming stable once again. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I’ll share my story for an example: </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">For me, it was simply a voice. It was exciting because it was a new voice which usually doesn’t take the lead; but for me the voice sounded like my Steffan. Nobody on the platform had a clue what was happening inside of me in the beginning. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’d venture to say, at first, I didn’t even know where the sudden gush of hot tears came from. However, in an instant I was reeling like a rubber raft in the middle of tumbling, white waters. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Although the tears fell involuntarily, I continued to play and sing — until I couldn’t. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You see, that voice soon combined with my now “oldest” son’s, Rustin, in a duet and that seemed to be the breaking of the dam for me. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Sometimes we experience the </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">what should or could have been </span><span class="s2">moments. Those cause the pain we carry in our hearts to erupt like a volcano spewing lava everywhere. So, I gave myself grace to bail out on practice and space to take refuge in my office alone where I wailed and groaned until I thought I had it all out. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">The truth is, sometimes we don’t overcome and rebound in a single day. We have to learn to become okay with that no matter what though. Although we may manage to pull ourselves together, like I did for service yesterday, just underneath the surface is a turbulence which won’t be denied. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Our hearts continue to spasm in pain, almost literally at times it seems. The longings are insatiable. The tears seem to keep falling because they have nowhere else to go. In spite of it all, it’s a wave we are required to ride out. We must. And it’s exhausting. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">God oversees it. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">That sounds ridiculous to some, others who know Him personally know that He’s our only and best hope for getting back to the shore safely. He carries us gently back to shore. He tends to us in those tender, aching moments. Sometimes He comforts us in private, while at other times He sends those, like the Good Samaritan, who stop to offer a prayer, a hug, a tissue, or a shoulder to cry on. Indeed, it doesn’t always immediately take away the pain, wounds take time to heal, but He’s always there in the midst of it giving us much needed peace. Yes, we can have peace in spite of the visible tears just as we can experience joy without a smile on our face. It’s inward work, God designed to help give us the strength to make it through. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">This we have probably all experienced if we’re walking this journey together. It doesn’t go away in a year, five, fifteen or probably even fifty years; its here to stay forever. Our </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://itcrossedmymind.blogspot.com/2021/08/lessons-learned-from-unwanted-gift.html?m=1" target="_blank">Unwanted Gifts</a></span><span class="s2">. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Grief is a result of having loved. We still love, even after our losses. Love is as ever present as God, because God is love. So grief can be good even though we feel we’d be better off without it being a part of our lives. This is the painful side of grief, you see. The flip side is that it won’t last always. Yes, while in this life it will always be an ever-present companion, God holds the keys and will one day wipe it all away. Until then, He weeps with us and binds up the broken-hearted and ministers through His hands and feet. People can’t “fix” our broken hearts but God has made it possible for them to bring comfort and to love on us during our moments. What a blessing!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Hope this brings you courage if you’re reeling in pain today. Weeping may endure right now, but joy cannot be denied just as our tears cannot. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted...it’s right there in His words. Just as real as we hurt, there’s a God who sees, weeps with us, and collects every single tear we cry. I can say this with assurance, and with a presently aching heart. We’re in good hands, in spite of our pain. Hang in there, the waves will calm in a little while and we’ll be standing on the calm shoreline together again. Be comforted today, in Jesus name. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">If you’d like to leave a comment or share a snippet of your story, feel free to do so. There is a comfort in sharing. </span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-10891097660718081092021-08-09T10:00:00.002-04:002021-08-09T10:00:49.641-04:00Use Your Gift<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytrLcD1EdB6KweH8Oh6SPAmfGvHO6EUT1dWAIqnCyrWaemCIrLYPDap-w_xt9r-hhk9a-3NffxhCTLDHW0DIwwk7u0fIPziy66Ac3Jyqj-9TiYxWpAoX0RnKH4QBfIZebI7-KoC5pOt3k/s2048/0A058CA4-39AF-4AF9-AA13-A0B3F6D4D8DA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1399" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytrLcD1EdB6KweH8Oh6SPAmfGvHO6EUT1dWAIqnCyrWaemCIrLYPDap-w_xt9r-hhk9a-3NffxhCTLDHW0DIwwk7u0fIPziy66Ac3Jyqj-9TiYxWpAoX0RnKH4QBfIZebI7-KoC5pOt3k/s320/0A058CA4-39AF-4AF9-AA13-A0B3F6D4D8DA.jpeg" width="219" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2">“</span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.</span><span class="s2">” </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2">Matthew 25:15</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I’m thinking about the old fashion, coin operated, candy machines that used to be — the ones where you had to be sure your hand was in just the right position so you’d be certain to catch every piece coming out. Remember those? We sure didn’t want to chance losing any on the floor, did we? Well, that’s kind of what I’ve felt like this morning as I’ve had my alone time with God. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Thankfully there’s usually always something to write on and with close by when I pray. Today, I felt like I paused to write every few minutes. I love it when God begins to drop those delightful, colorful, confetti pieces into my heart. I don’t want to miss a single one, although I admit there are times when I do.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I always feel closest to God when I write. Actually, whomever I’m writing to feels extra close in those private moments of writing. That’s the way God wired me. I’m learning to enjoy this gift more and more as I grow. I know we don’t all have the same desire or ability to write, understandably, we aren’t clones. God made each of us uniquely and wonderfully different. I ask you though, when do you feel closest to God? What brings you right into His presence without much effort? What comes naturally for you There’s really no wrong answer to that question; I just want you to think about it. God has called each of us to serve Him - and others - with the gifts He’s given us. Isn’t that amazing?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">We already have what we need to serve. It’s God given!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s5" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Sure, we may have some work to do to make our gift more workable. For example, I just finished a three day virtual writing retreat last week. It was marvelous and fed my desire to encourage and serve with the written word. Others take extra schooling in order to learn to be better listeners and counselors. Others may read a lot more on a particular topic than others would. No matter what our gifting is, we are always expected to embellish or grow it. It’s kind of like putting a coin in the candy machine slot and twisting the knob. God expects us to do our part. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">My mind goes back to the parable of the talents. God gave them all different amounts. The ones who grew them where considered wise, resourceful and to have done a good job by the master. The one who buried it for safe keeping wasn’t so much the same. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This has been on my heart a lot lately. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s6" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Don’t bury your gift! No matter what. </span><span class="s7" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">God expects us to use what He’s given us to serve Himself and others. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s5" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Let me encourage us all to get ourselves in position to catch every bit of goodness we can from the spout of God’s gifting. Yes, you will probably have to insert a coin. We can’t expect to grow in our ability without it costing something from or of us, but it’s so worthwhile. Again, it will look different for each person, but don’t lose any on the floor. Don’t waste an opportunity, or more importantly, hide your gift. We are relying on you to do you! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It’s your turn — insert a coin, turn the knob and serve. </span></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px; min-height: 32.2px;"><span class="s8" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-56963861165063963492021-08-06T09:23:00.001-04:002021-08-06T16:57:46.633-04:00Lessons Learned from an Unwanted Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjYvPFoPIrBJ24t5ToOhtQNB0BH15_-nfaPHWJ2WlSTvpfJ3u2O4XLhkks54bspNDhV51yeK6hwkcZ4LeCUXUiSsAS59Dt5zKd1WGP94PO-MGukE1GTOvTrwN2YrhqQnJAcGBXXiea8zk/s2048/8EDF58C4-1027-4169-9276-8EE35CD1F77B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1593" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjYvPFoPIrBJ24t5ToOhtQNB0BH15_-nfaPHWJ2WlSTvpfJ3u2O4XLhkks54bspNDhV51yeK6hwkcZ4LeCUXUiSsAS59Dt5zKd1WGP94PO-MGukE1GTOvTrwN2YrhqQnJAcGBXXiea8zk/s320/8EDF58C4-1027-4169-9276-8EE35CD1F77B.jpeg" width="249" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s3">2 Corinthians 12:9</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">A beautiful morning to be </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">porching </span><span class="s3">with a warm cup of Bengal Spice; so I thought I’d take advantage of the cooler, sixty-six degree moment to sit and share with you. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I’ve already allowed the Lord to feed my soul this morning and I’ve taken care of feeding the deer and birds. Oh, and my grand girl too. Now, all is quiet and I only hear the chirping of birds and crickets and an occasional squawking from those fat, pesky squirrels which I enjoy watching - as long as they’re not in my bird feeders that is. Then, there is the sound of an occasional vehicle passing by. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Peace. I’m so thankful for mornings like these. I find myself basking in the goodness and creativity of God - and to know He made me in His image. I wonder, after creating the world, how He felt when He declared it all good and took a day of rest? Somehow, I see Him taking pleasure and enjoying it just like I am, except all was perfect on that day. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I’d say everything is pretty perfect for me today for the most part. I have a roof over my head, I awoke with strength in my body and in my right mind, I have transportation, food and clothing, I have family and friends...and last but definitely NOT least, I have a loving God above it all. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Sounds pretty positive, huh? Even amazing! All is well. Yet, I know every day is not as lovely to me as today is. Some days the only thing I’m positive about is that the holes in my heart are seeping and it somehow finds its way to my eyes and runs down my face. Positive? Yeah, I’ve had to learn a whole new way of being positive. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">You know, sometimes things just don’t happen like we expect them to and it’s necessary to learn a new way to be positive and at peace. I’ll be the first to admit it’s not simple or easy. I think of Paul and how he said he had learned to be content in all things. My friend, I can almost assure you that he didn’t learn it overnight and with ease. Sometimes I think the people in the Bible just had it all together and I fail to realize that just because they’re in the Bible that they’re not to be compared to super heroes. They were normal, just like you and me. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Paul was a well-experienced man when it came to troubles. In 2 Corinthians 11, he tells us, </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">“Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Talk about a list! Mine doesn’t quite compare, maybe I should never complain at all. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I guess we do fall into that trap though, don’t we? I’m so thankful the Lord is long- suffering and has an abundant supply of grace and mercy, what about you?</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">In the next chapter, number 12, Paul also talks about a “thorn in his flesh” and how he asked the Lord to take it away but God said no. Paul pretty much said that this </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">condition</span><span class="s3"> kept him humble and reliant upon God. Which is a good thing, right? He referred to his condition as a gift. Wow! Mic drop!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I’ve been on the wheel as God is patiently and consistently restoring my heart piece by piece, and somehow I’m learning to be okay with the </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">thorn in my flesh </span><span class="s3">- dealing with grief and the emotions that come with it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not okay with losing my son, but I’m learning that that part of my life is a blessing in that it keeps me very humble and reliant on the Lord. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">You see, some days I seem to have it all together like today. Yet, other days I’m a complete and total mess. It’s pretty ugly sometimes! I can make a mess of things rather quickly; but God. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">These are things I’m “positive” about though:</span></p><ul class="ul1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li2" style="font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">God is with me</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">God is never surprised, not even by sudden death</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">God is helping me through each and every day</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">God holds me close when I hurt</span></li><li class="li2" style="font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"></span><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold;">God works all things together for our good</span></li></ul><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">How? For the good, you might ask? </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">My friend, I can testify that our loss has pushed me closer to the Lord, it’s given me more compassion and empathy for others, and it continues to keep me relying on the Lord’s strength as I admit on those “bad” days that I’m not so okay. Above all, I know without a doubt that God is overseeing my restoration. That is my hope. My positive! Things I have gained that I wouldn’t have otherwise. This. Is. Good. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Again, just like Paul, it won’t happen overnight, but God will make everything beautiful “in his time”, just keep giving Him the reigns. He is ever faithful! </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">My porch time is almost over now, and I know this has been lengthy (thanks for sticking around til the end), but I hope as I’ve shared this that you’ve thought of something in your own life - an unwanted gift. Maybe this can help shift your perspective about the hard things in your life, the stuff you wish you could erase from your story. God can make it positive IF we will continue to search for it as we draw closer to and with Him. Lean in close and hear His gentle assurance, “I am with you always.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Be encouraged!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">If this has touched you, please share it with someone and help me grow my blog community. I’m not really one who is good at self promoting, but a book is in the making and I want to share my story. Growing this blog will help me get the word out. You, my readers, are a blessing to me. Thank you for stopping by my porch. Please feel free to leave a comment. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-13302474415576895302021-08-03T08:10:00.000-04:002021-08-03T08:10:04.905-04:00The Longing To Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvk59gcGuEzH9KnvvAZOthHHLLDEJ-EbrK4lvUnLep9jlDSmZsMYoSoNcNwkLui64jz4BIZS1W5-eHc3JzMwILcDwHULqtSHDLXm0aRdq-Qpk7s_qtHmb4n8vJx1SFeXbBqScEUSQSAZZ/s2253/870F9350-2FC3-47C7-9AA4-8AE8CEDBFED8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2253" data-original-width="1909" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOvk59gcGuEzH9KnvvAZOthHHLLDEJ-EbrK4lvUnLep9jlDSmZsMYoSoNcNwkLui64jz4BIZS1W5-eHc3JzMwILcDwHULqtSHDLXm0aRdq-Qpk7s_qtHmb4n8vJx1SFeXbBqScEUSQSAZZ/s320/870F9350-2FC3-47C7-9AA4-8AE8CEDBFED8.jpeg" width="271" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s3">Hebrews 11:16</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: 27px; font-style: italic;">What if what we’re feeling is just us truly longing to go home?</span><span class="s3"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I’ve heard statements from others, and have even made them myself the last couple weeks. It seems we’re all just a bit tired and burned out, we’re stressed or busy to a breaking point, and we just desire a break from it all. I thought about how popular vacations are these days. Yes, I just returned from one; but that’s just it. We feel we need a break from it all, a change of environment, or simply a change of pace. Sure, time away is always nice but we </span><span class="s5" style="text-decoration: underline;">always</span><span class="s5"> h</span><span class="s3">ave to return. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">So I ask this simple question in my heart, “Lord, is this just You getting us ready to go home?” Because seriously, what else will it take to make us tired of living in this world? What will it take for us to finally pray for Jesus to return for His bride and take us out of here? That’s besides the fact that our hearts will only be at home with Him. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I know the longing is in us all, to be present with the Lord; for He placed this desire within each of us. Think about it, it’s one thing to say it, yet another thing entirely to believe it and live it out every day. I’m guilty! I think maybe we get used to “this is just how it is” and we succumb to this norm instead of seeking after something better and choosing to remember constantly that He could come at any moment - in a twinkling of an eye. It’s true, His Spirit is with us right here, right now but one day we will be with Him. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I get frustrated with life and just want to quit or take a break, or I want the obstacles and all the heartache, weariness and disappointments go away. Maybe that’s not the right approach or perspective either. Yes, we all get it wrong occasionally. Resting in God shouldn’t bring about these feelings, should it? Aggravation seems logical, but in the grand scheme of things, maybe I’m just tired of living in this fallen world. My soul, and most likely yours too, longs for HOME. That should be the norm!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Please know, I’m not glossing over our struggles and dismissing them as unimportant. They are! I hear you, and I get it...or at least I try to. I have a list too. Life is hard and God never meant for it to be this way. He knew we’d become frustrated and fed up with it all too, so He made a way for us to escape. He never misses anything, does He? He is growing us daily, true, but He made Heaven for us too. Until we get there He is with us and only He will satisfy our souls desires. We can rely on and rest in Him when life gets overwhelming. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">If you’re feeling a bit agitated and ready for things to get better, if you’re ready for unnecessary pressure to ebb away, if your heart is hurting or you’re longing for more...pause, take a deep breath, and be encouraged today. Jesus could come in the next moment! Maybe this is the tug in our hearts - what we’re really longing for is home. Peace. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Heaven. What a day that will be! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 says, </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">“Then we which are alive, and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. </span><span class="s6" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Wherefore, comfort one an other with these words.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Join me and let’s begin to purposefully watch and wait for this day to come. Be encouraged and uplifted today. And, from the words of some old hymnals: this world is not our home, we’re just pilgrims passing through, our treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue, angels beckon from Heaven’s open door, I can’t feel at home in this world anymore...Jesus is coming soon morning, night or noon...I’ll fly away. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Soon and very soon, we’ll be caught up to meet Him in the sky and that longing will be finally fulfilled and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Forever. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Amen!</span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-36318854335543549072021-08-01T21:33:00.005-04:002021-08-01T21:41:50.282-04:00I’m Almost There!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NUwhRbxEEfQKSqJJyq-UndMlKXz0-4hE0HV6Q-AIcHEWHHzVF9rAERct9oPu8aaLL6CnjPcLgsSTCkzjL-Iv-X36H4oRYWyXySK9-spoCVJzOpoGrjA6Q_ImwgEaUJLyrbHt-R6ViQBp/s2048/A4CD2C5C-F961-4BD7-95BC-AF77B4F8CBAB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NUwhRbxEEfQKSqJJyq-UndMlKXz0-4hE0HV6Q-AIcHEWHHzVF9rAERct9oPu8aaLL6CnjPcLgsSTCkzjL-Iv-X36H4oRYWyXySK9-spoCVJzOpoGrjA6Q_ImwgEaUJLyrbHt-R6ViQBp/s320/A4CD2C5C-F961-4BD7-95BC-AF77B4F8CBAB.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: large;">Off we went, down the dirt path which lay ahead of us. Nothing but nature surrounded us. No cars. No businesses. No people either at that point. We began our hike under a canopy of green leaves with only the sound of our footsteps and the occasional whistle of a bird here and there. </span></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2">We had walked a little ways along, </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">downhill</span><span class="s2"> mostly I might add, when we saw an elderly couple walking the path toward us. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2">Oh, there’s an important factor which I forgot to share with you. This hike was a mile and a half in and then back out. No big deal, right? Yet, it was also labeled “</span><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold;">strenuous</span><span class="s2">” on the information sign at the head of the path. Only us. </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxyMAla1P7p59bu2iHE6_L4iD3oTlutUBKoBMB9GW1U2CpkiIkCGRl51h0aWNJYl7tFrqYe-y7o0b-jwIHHNBf_jCrGTjLkU_-V3rxo6L7yZK_79FU74OM4IExn9h53YkgUcP6dBW9apM/s2048/D801807B-A98A-4E3C-9EF5-DE2FFE4F5708.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxyMAla1P7p59bu2iHE6_L4iD3oTlutUBKoBMB9GW1U2CpkiIkCGRl51h0aWNJYl7tFrqYe-y7o0b-jwIHHNBf_jCrGTjLkU_-V3rxo6L7yZK_79FU74OM4IExn9h53YkgUcP6dBW9apM/s320/D801807B-A98A-4E3C-9EF5-DE2FFE4F5708.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2">So, back to the couple walking our way. I looked at them, then to my husband and said, “Whatever!” You see, in my mind I was thinking </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">if they can make it, this will be a piece of cake for us. </span></span><span style="font-size: 21px;"><span class="s2"></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: large;">We continued on. All was well. We crossed a cold, bubbling stream by stepping strategically across some foot-sized rocks, made our way over some thick roots, and through some sloshy mud too. What an adventure we were having in the mountains. </span></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQw_j0UGaTW_-9_8hJwUwlkvXZaB8b0wQakxwVjvCRNt5vJKFuIR7XYEcdVbpfmrkdrVvGaBHx4cXy9lNQMnws2Jx7rDa-ylpY2ddaCDUHUPCxvLXZz_OwcZslgT0JtrFSJ3eGYuVutZZ/s2048/2A52A6AF-9534-4757-994B-8563F8272E1D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQw_j0UGaTW_-9_8hJwUwlkvXZaB8b0wQakxwVjvCRNt5vJKFuIR7XYEcdVbpfmrkdrVvGaBHx4cXy9lNQMnws2Jx7rDa-ylpY2ddaCDUHUPCxvLXZz_OwcZslgT0JtrFSJ3eGYuVutZZ/s320/2A52A6AF-9534-4757-994B-8563F8272E1D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2">Then, along the way, I began to breathe a little heavier, beads of sweat began to erupt from my pores, and my heart began to pound as we began our incline up the trail. </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">Yeah</span><span class="s2">, I thought to myself, </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">this isn’t supposed to be a walk, this is a hike; it’s to be expected that it will be difficult. I got this. </span><span class="s2"></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2">I began to think about the elderly couple. </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">Surely they hadn’t come this far! </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: large;">The further we went, I had to stop more often so I could catch my breath and regroup. A little further and I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest. My breathing was too shallow, but I was doing my best to breathe correctly.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">I’m almost there!!!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: large;">Along the path, we had met another couple and had talked with them while taking a breather. The elderly couple we’d seen earlier? We were able to tell this sweet couple that their friends had made it safely back. Come to find out, she had a bad hip and they had had to turn around. The other couple had continued on. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6kkOjb5Vo60J5PxxVe0UbhgcRYkZ95-isVHtqyqXyDNCxubIulKuiyyiluf1x3INhAMJwAeqbIDIh4q6c1gLbqogcSJK6DjylTPtFrPg4Ir6ShYgTq5Bo3I0QgbMWC3EJxqJTadaihph/s2048/A92CDBA0-D69E-4AF3-9423-4832484E098A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6kkOjb5Vo60J5PxxVe0UbhgcRYkZ95-isVHtqyqXyDNCxubIulKuiyyiluf1x3INhAMJwAeqbIDIh4q6c1gLbqogcSJK6DjylTPtFrPg4Ir6ShYgTq5Bo3I0QgbMWC3EJxqJTadaihph/s320/A92CDBA0-D69E-4AF3-9423-4832484E098A.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><span style="font-size: large;">We continued on for a ways. Then, I had to stop again. I thought I was going to melt down the side of the mountain. Then, about 200 yards away, with roots and a steep incline ahead, I began to get dizzy and nauseous. My dear hubby offered for us to turn around, but I decided I had come too far for that. I came to see the falls at the end of the trail! I was determined. He stayed right with me, watching over me and being sure I was alright. Yes, I have a good husband! And, for the record, I didn’t melt down the mountain.</span><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">I’m almost there!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: large;">I sat there for quite a while trying to pull myself together enough to continue on. People passed us by coming and going. The ones returning from the falls would tell us, “You’re almost there. It’s worth it!”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">I’m almost there!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: large;">Indeed it was worth it, I finally made it to the top and the falls were absolutely breath taking. Again, God’s handiwork is amazing. I was so glad I’d determined to make it to the finish line. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: large;">You might know where I’m going with this, but my thoughts turn to this spiritual walk. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I have to regroup and take a rest before continuing on, but that’s alright. There will be people who pass me up, but the race isn’t given to the swift but those who endure til the end. There will even be times when I might think I want to give up and turn around, but if I keep my eyes on the finish line and my mind on the goal, I will keep on keeping on.</span><span style="font-size: 21px;"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3YRLsFR1Qo4IotJQqpUg6gH7UV9Gpo98j1tkgxUgZ59RxK293-U8smWRi7FNk7iLwkKXbhVrVEcXt1YlqfB9YdFALTLFZuFcu7adwGa8CfUJ9r74ZoSyDVCkskq6zSokt1ld0yhkmrMb/s2048/382EC2CD-4E3F-43CA-A2DE-B082AF1999DF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3YRLsFR1Qo4IotJQqpUg6gH7UV9Gpo98j1tkgxUgZ59RxK293-U8smWRi7FNk7iLwkKXbhVrVEcXt1YlqfB9YdFALTLFZuFcu7adwGa8CfUJ9r74ZoSyDVCkskq6zSokt1ld0yhkmrMb/s320/382EC2CD-4E3F-43CA-A2DE-B082AF1999DF.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2">We all experience this type of stuff, don’t we? This walk isn’t for the faint of heart. STRENUOUS! It’s going to take all we can muster up of our own strength and also relying on God’s power too, but we got this. We may look at others like I did the elderly couple and those who passed us by, but we truly don’t know what they’ve been through to get this far. We all get tired and weary at times. We all need a breather at one point or another, don’t we? We all get discouraged and experience times when we need refreshing. But...</span><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold;">Heaven is just around the corner</span><span class="s2">. And, just like my sweet hubby, God is there overseeing every moment of our walk. </span></span><span style="font-size: 21px;"><span class="s2"></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">I’m almost there! And so are you. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: large;">Let’s encourage one another to make it to the end and hear our Savior say well done, enter in. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">“</span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.</span><span class="s2">” </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"> 2 Timothy 4:8</span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-68436995929327569062021-07-29T22:52:00.000-04:002021-07-29T22:52:03.516-04:00What a Wonder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvPVcKbkZ-S1PHetWRBVxhiipr4uMcguZv5QKYOsORjL8whX5nJq95gFDYulpgMINdDqbmC20aJMhHnOfw1QIt6t_tX51wxUZy82QbVsDtKa-cx8iM1i6fvsl5q9BFjfKMQRA4xgBcC9e/s4032/237370B2-AFB2-419B-9975-5D955F6B822D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvPVcKbkZ-S1PHetWRBVxhiipr4uMcguZv5QKYOsORjL8whX5nJq95gFDYulpgMINdDqbmC20aJMhHnOfw1QIt6t_tX51wxUZy82QbVsDtKa-cx8iM1i6fvsl5q9BFjfKMQRA4xgBcC9e/s320/237370B2-AFB2-419B-9975-5D955F6B822D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2">Psalm 8:3-4</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It’s been a wonderful week of </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">out of the norm</span><span class="s2"> for my husband and myself. A wonderful anniversary week for certain. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;">We’ve done all sorts of things. </p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;">Our trip to the Carolina mountains has been refreshing and I find I’m not quite ready for it to end yet. The beauty of Gods creation is always amazing to me. So inspiring and calming. <span class="s2"></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_w_DJuwMkb5dZBqZg7DJYhHqKM1Xkh6cO9tsrdAnm1ECPY-EoF0JA6mFf9vfWev7uOxKw4hqyX9L8XHSAPDgv2nA11Phm4g0EU4ktiodb0Gaf7slh4gSI4VNJ5kZuqebSW3yiWoEIZ7K/s2048/1FE5CDC4-9AD4-4446-95FB-4AB250B067B7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_w_DJuwMkb5dZBqZg7DJYhHqKM1Xkh6cO9tsrdAnm1ECPY-EoF0JA6mFf9vfWev7uOxKw4hqyX9L8XHSAPDgv2nA11Phm4g0EU4ktiodb0Gaf7slh4gSI4VNJ5kZuqebSW3yiWoEIZ7K/s320/1FE5CDC4-9AD4-4446-95FB-4AB250B067B7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">As we’ve casually strolled down pebbled river walks, the touch of God’s hand is in everything we see and touch. From witnessing a tiny, frisky chipmunk darting across the path in front of us, to feeling beautiful, velvet carpeting of moss beneath our feet, I find God’s touch to be everywhere. We’ve watched slow, drizzling rain as well as a full-fledged storm with the low, rumbling claps of thunder followed by bright flashes of lightning. We’ve hiked up mountain trails through the woods and across babbling brooks, we’ve listened to the sounds of wildlife as we’ve made our way to the end of the trail to take in majestically flowing waterfalls. We’ve had the privilege to watch falls from a distance and also walk behind them and take in the power behind the waters that cascade from far up above. </span>We’ve stood on the bank of a lake watching the rippling of waters and splashed cold mountain water on our flushed faces. I could go on and on, God’s handiwork is so inspiring. </p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzjcqxBv2jeNRjyXP5rYPnQOpI-NYaG3fJSs3ZPMlpODomPhR8Uqal7zUwS9yFthzoOc3QiPesHAhyphenhyphenLottaZBmVOm-9E-fDiv76mYlf4NO9MGapZd7AJV8ujcYeWPspIMEF8vVeFA2XLg/s2048/CC32D7B1-03A8-4BF4-B27C-9C14B3EBF650.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzjcqxBv2jeNRjyXP5rYPnQOpI-NYaG3fJSs3ZPMlpODomPhR8Uqal7zUwS9yFthzoOc3QiPesHAhyphenhyphenLottaZBmVOm-9E-fDiv76mYlf4NO9MGapZd7AJV8ujcYeWPspIMEF8vVeFA2XLg/s320/CC32D7B1-03A8-4BF4-B27C-9C14B3EBF650.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">There’s something about nature that touches my very soul. It is calming and brings me back to the realization of how small and insignificant my life is. There is so much out there that is so much larger. At the same time it serves as a reminder to me just how big my God is. It humbles me to know that a God of that magnitude and with those abilities takes time to see about me and desires to know me. What wonderful reminders I’ve had this week. Refreshing. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Maybe you’re not smitten by nature like I am. I’ve snapped many pictures trying to capture the pure awesomeness of it all. I told my husband over and over that a picture cannot properly capture the essence of actually being there real time. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslJefgz8CW30rRIWtYfyPwPjHFq_ZvBa-piTK6J-9NziDqka544qN4mLw1VIMCu0TygNh3lqKIKMhwAwnUNNJbQF2KTcgsasvXBv2P0io9r0FYDBk95gdJMwIa6z8nxC4nT-HQ3wsRTXr/s2048/0CAE152B-18F3-4FED-A2E6-239FC0A2BFA5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslJefgz8CW30rRIWtYfyPwPjHFq_ZvBa-piTK6J-9NziDqka544qN4mLw1VIMCu0TygNh3lqKIKMhwAwnUNNJbQF2KTcgsasvXBv2P0io9r0FYDBk95gdJMwIa6z8nxC4nT-HQ3wsRTXr/s320/0CAE152B-18F3-4FED-A2E6-239FC0A2BFA5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;">Kind of made me think about my spiritual walk too. I can see the pictures in my head from Bible stories, but there’s nothing like walking thru seasons and situations in real time with God. Why would anyone want to do life without Him? I never want to try. I’m so glad He wants to walk with me and that He will never leave my side no matter the day or obstacles I may be facing. </p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">He is a guide like no other. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I’ve observed tour guides this week and have stood by listening to them give history about sites and instruction on how to move through trails. Again, I think of my own personal Guide who is leading me through this life. I am blessed. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-hLlWP4kSwO6KtQXP3JI5oufKBAgyar_Axt58ZQLvVt8y3P_XJDNatY4qoKNbEzRyYJD3I_tigZYHlxPq49OoJCzyU55iYrQMkvqMXUnk4g4npvs-vrNlwG8dAq79FkzE5-mjO4ZEn4o/s2048/1E0DFFCC-CD7F-40F1-87F6-42CA1BBDACD9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-hLlWP4kSwO6KtQXP3JI5oufKBAgyar_Axt58ZQLvVt8y3P_XJDNatY4qoKNbEzRyYJD3I_tigZYHlxPq49OoJCzyU55iYrQMkvqMXUnk4g4npvs-vrNlwG8dAq79FkzE5-mjO4ZEn4o/s320/1E0DFFCC-CD7F-40F1-87F6-42CA1BBDACD9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Who am I? Who are you? My dear, we’re part of God’s handiwork too. Small and insignificant yet significant and incredibly desired by our Creator. What a wonder! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Hope you’ve enjoyed a few of the pics I captured this week in hopes of sharing this experience. Be blessed, my friend. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfm6HGtB6h9M37ilJx1tTRzfPbup3lBCsb0poy6AWZ-mCWX2Syvqx-YU3QwzxcjozvdtVEzwETxbH6Q1ixdCSgXQxKvNb0uUqJJTC5V-wSYCXmCMOAxmjHoe8wA7mv4PesZtWjXbMFFJk/s2048/D41CE53F-725B-4529-B12B-7570EB3D3D14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfm6HGtB6h9M37ilJx1tTRzfPbup3lBCsb0poy6AWZ-mCWX2Syvqx-YU3QwzxcjozvdtVEzwETxbH6Q1ixdCSgXQxKvNb0uUqJJTC5V-wSYCXmCMOAxmjHoe8wA7mv4PesZtWjXbMFFJk/s320/D41CE53F-725B-4529-B12B-7570EB3D3D14.jpeg" width="268" /></a></div><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-48352472393115403462021-07-27T11:19:00.002-04:002021-07-27T11:19:48.419-04:00A Special Moment in Time<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IOKn2HGTfg7DbXDKu0r0F4RjkqNSeG9aqjN8aDKRep00tpkVyo5fWEdxGjSSgfBAf8wmf2SKwlqjX7q4CD_MMuuF7UqtizqD1Ql_CuNcjQxgYye11ni2C37nNu5RZjOfFjpQVSd01nbT/s2048/548F0A05-4FD0-4A8E-AF77-7847857C90F3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1711" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IOKn2HGTfg7DbXDKu0r0F4RjkqNSeG9aqjN8aDKRep00tpkVyo5fWEdxGjSSgfBAf8wmf2SKwlqjX7q4CD_MMuuF7UqtizqD1Ql_CuNcjQxgYye11ni2C37nNu5RZjOfFjpQVSd01nbT/s320/548F0A05-4FD0-4A8E-AF77-7847857C90F3.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;"><br />“What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” </span><span class="s3">Mark 10:9</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Today, my hubby and I celebrate our 30th anniversary. Seems impossible! We’re enjoying our time away in the beautiful Carolina mountains and making more memories together. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">My heart is grateful, I know I am super blessed, and I don’t ever want to take our marriage or this occasion for granted. I realize a lot of people never make it to thirty years together for one reason or another. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">We’ve been through a lot in thirty years, I won’t pretend it’s been nothing but moonlight and canoes; but God has been faithful and has held us together through each and every obstacle we’ve faced - the biggest, I think, being the death of our son almost four years ago. I didn’t want to take time to search for the statistics but I’ve read in the past that the death of a child is extremely hard on a marriage and they often end in divorce. Just one more reason to be a little more thankful for our union and the glue that holds us together. God. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">So, today I’m thankful. I’m also heading into today looking forward to our next thirty years, if the Lord tarries. We married young, eighteen and nineteen, so we’ve grown up and together. I’m looking forward to growing old(er) together too. What an adventure!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Happy Anniversary to us! We are blessed to celebrate this milestone together - and that we still enjoy each other’s company after all these years. </span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-51978041881201270652021-07-18T07:13:00.001-04:002021-07-18T07:13:10.830-04:00It Is Well: from my Cuppa Nest<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4X-uGEd0tb_8Oo3yPosATw6W0fdvRHBwbELvGFMsl7ds_UPWnhrOgahOcwnw5kFMlV5pCo_Srk66_zOHb74Z3fB_CGvG7KzNZyRh9OYdht554twnrK1fanrDjLlJnTXYO9QBaYls6dYO/s2048/D7BEE6B9-D3D9-4B36-A296-5F480276CBDD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1589" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4X-uGEd0tb_8Oo3yPosATw6W0fdvRHBwbELvGFMsl7ds_UPWnhrOgahOcwnw5kFMlV5pCo_Srk66_zOHb74Z3fB_CGvG7KzNZyRh9OYdht554twnrK1fanrDjLlJnTXYO9QBaYls6dYO/s320/D7BEE6B9-D3D9-4B36-A296-5F480276CBDD.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">“Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.”</span><span class="s2"> Psalm 25:1</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">My cuppa nest. It’s now filled with four, tiny, squirmy baby birds. Yes, the little white and brown speckled shells have found their way to the bottom of the nest. These fragile, protective coverings have served their purpose and now the babies are taking one day at a time - blind and helpless, but with their mouths wide open in a weird sort of trusting way. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">They rely on their parents to bring them nurturing, for protection and to see that they are thriving until they are ready to leave the nest in another week or so. A time and season for everything, right?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">When I snapped this pic yesterday evening, I had a strange sense of satisfaction. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As I neared the cup and turned my flash on, they raised their heads and opened their mouths wide to receive something. Oh my!! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I know, maybe it seems odd but my sore heart leaped within me and I immediately paralleled how much I can relate to these little creatures. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">There are times when I feel pretty helpless, blind and needy. I guess we all visit that place sometimes, don’t we? After all, we’re all kind of made up of the same stuff and tend to trip up occasionally no matter how much we’ve grown up until this point. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Yet, as I observed these eager, wide-mouthed, baby birds in my cuppa my soul cried out within me “It is well!” Deep within my spirit, there was a desperate cry and longing for my mouth to be filled - to be nurtured. Although my worn down body wanted to lay down and rest, I also longed to lift my head high, to trust, and be filled. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I imagined God caressing me safely under His wings, caring deeply for me and seeing to my every need. I was stirred within to give up, lift up my head and trust Him to provide and work everything out. If His eye is on the tiny birds, I can have confidence He will see about me too. His Word says so! And...that’s gotta be enough for me. Why should I need more?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">So, today I’ve awaken with the hope and eagerness of those little feathery wonders. My heart is filled with hope, trusting the Master, eager to see and feel Him in my day, and to allow Him full reign in my life and restoration. I want to practice this more, in this season - and every. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It’s a journey, we only get there one step at a time. Learning and growing daily, experiencing seasons which can be hard but profitable for us if we can all just lean in a little bit more to Jesus. If we stop striving to be enough and simply strive in His purpose for our existence. To be His. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It’s a simple example but it sure got my attention. No matter where we are in our seasons of life, we are seen, cared for and can take great hope in knowing He will be faithful in His promises to us His children. What blessed rest we can know by leaning on Him and simply trusting Him with it all. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Let’s lift our heads up and unto the only One who can satisfy and refresh our souls, spirits and body with exactly what is needed - every time. Rest well. Trust. Wait upon the Lord. I know I needed this today and hope you’ll be encouraged and blessed too. Great is His faithfulness! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">From my front porch - and heart - to yours. It is well!</span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-61338141900574629622021-07-11T13:09:00.003-04:002021-07-11T13:09:48.123-04:00Ruts, Detours & Deep Holes<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwRTaUJkCA9ucuVqFIT8kFVeA_QY8k7jB7MY9H6fSvAzo7PTBe_lUQOBaN_zyzKw3q0ZWeOswIm7VEK9uCA1Dgq8MTLDF9dRiXosTrV3hRNBbP2qOzxNmQVLpeBEVL0YO7Cv-QjFJVOCj/s1266/CCA42806-15EF-40C6-85FA-0025F909EFEC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="585" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwRTaUJkCA9ucuVqFIT8kFVeA_QY8k7jB7MY9H6fSvAzo7PTBe_lUQOBaN_zyzKw3q0ZWeOswIm7VEK9uCA1Dgq8MTLDF9dRiXosTrV3hRNBbP2qOzxNmQVLpeBEVL0YO7Cv-QjFJVOCj/s320/CCA42806-15EF-40C6-85FA-0025F909EFEC.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;"><br />The picture of this little guy touched my heart, brought tears to my eyes, and a little joy to my heart too. What a hope to know we can find our way back to the top with God’s help and in His time. Nothing is impossible! </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">And we know, all things work together...how many times have I quoted this passage of God’s Word in my lifetime? I cannot begin to count the times; but I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes I quote it without much thoughtfulness. You know how we sometimes quickly use those go-to verses when it seems appropriate enough. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">True story. </p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Sometimes I become stuck in a deep, dark hole of my own making. Yeah, it’s true. I do good for a while, then life happens and I begin to spiral and lean toward what has become my “go to.” I’m sure you’ve heard the concept about ruts being made in our brains, which then become the roads well traveled. The easy way. Yeah, we’ll, I’m not the best new-road builder and often need help getting out of “the stuck” - the deep ruts I’m accustomed to traveling in. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Anyhow, I had to be rescued from an all too familiar rut recently. I was digging in a little deeper and deeper with each passing day. (Just being honest in hopes of giving someone else hope of getting out.) The crazy thing is, I didn’t really want to be there, I just got there without thinking about it. Everything just began to spiral out of my control until I felt impossible. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">There’s a danger in going through life haphazardly - we can quickly end up in “the stuck.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Think about it this way, and be honest, how many of our thoughts throughout the day are positive ones? Even though Paul tells us to think on certain things, our brain seems wired or determined to do the exact opposite, doesn’t it? Again, I ask why? All I can come up with so far is that we are imperfect humanity living in a fallen world, and striving for Heaven. That’s good enough for me. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Whenever someone gets sick, don’t we automatically wonder if they’ll end up in the hospital or worse? If they are diagnosed with cancer, will they beat it or experience the alternative? When we run short on finances, do we think about God providing without consciously guiding our unruly thoughts in that direction? I could go on and on, but do you get what I’m saying? We remember much more of the bad in life than we do the good, don’t we? Or maybe I’m out here on my own. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">With some help, I realized exactly what was happening and how I had unconsciously responded to my dilemma. Same old rut! That’s disheartening to be reminded yet again that I’ve failed. I was a bit embarrassed and ashamed, <b>cause that’s what the enemy does.</b> He wants us to believe - we’re hopeless failures. Impossible. Worthless. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">However, in the middle of the process, God opened my eyes to some things I hadn’t previously been aware of -<b> because that’s what He does for us.</b> So, we shouldn’t be disheartened by our weaknesses and failures; we would do better to see them as opportunities. Even Paul struggled and had a thorn in his flesh, but He allowed God to use it. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">It takes failure and weakness in order to see growth and strength unveiled. God takes our “mess ups” and works through them...for our good. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Sure, there are easy paths (ruts) to follow in; after all, I’ve been making these ruts for years. On the other hand, God showed me that even though I had </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">messed up </span><span class="s3">(my words, not His), that He had a plan and is in the process of turning my weak moments into something useful and good to help me grow. He specializes in turning out ALL things for our best interest! He doesn’t condemn us, He seeks to make us better. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">My mind and heart were stirred and I was reminded of a phrase that’s been ongoing in my life for a few months now, “If you’ll let Him, He will...” </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">God desires to work ALL things together for the good, but we have to allow Him to. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">It’s going to take a lot of work to build a new and improved road (rut). I was thinking about detours when roads are being built and bridges are being repaired. It’s inconvenient and awkward. It looks a lot like a chaotic mess and sometimes takes years to accomplish. Right?</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;"><b>It won’t be easy; after all easy doesn’t produce champions nor life changes.</b></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s5" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">So, I’m not expecting an easy task; it’s </span><span class="s6" style="text-decoration: underline;">hard</span><span class="s3"> work, BUT it is doable with God’s help. Not my willpower, but God’s supernatural power. I must choose to take one moment at a time and when I fail, I should extend grace to myself instead of trying to whip myself into shape. That is a weakness of mine, but it just makes for a deeper downward-spiral and struggle. Learning. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">God wants to help us grow but if we never mess up, we’d never grow into all He has for us nor allow Him the opportunity to work things together for our good. So, messing up and being weak isn’t an out or a good excuse, but it is an opportunity for Him to perfect His desires for us. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s5" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">All things are possible with Him. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It takes more than just quoting, gotta believe and act on it. So, here I go again. Round #1,689 - ding, ding. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">If you find yourself in a hole or rut, I encourage you to join me on a road rebuilding adventure. The beautiful thing is we don’t have to make it happen, we just allow Him to keep working within us, and keep walking with Him. Some of our ruts have been formed from years of life events, choices and responses. What peace and rest in knowing “if we’ll let Him, He will.” </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Be blessed and encouraged today, He sees right where we are and He is not discouraged but rather excited about our purpose being fulfilled and us becoming more. Let’s not allow a rut to hold us captive. Go and grow. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I leave you with the words to an old song I’m reminded of. It’s an old song I loved to sing in my youth: <i>I’ll be up again, just you wait and see, rough times won’t get me down, they’ll just send me to my knees. And there while I’m in prayer, God will give the victory song. I’ll be up again where I belong.</i> </span>Amen!!! You can be too. </p><p><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-22285554547170411912021-07-07T15:21:00.000-04:002021-07-07T15:21:10.186-04:00Hi!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAgadrmkdeCfrTvq5dDhsxwMi43RoYI31d-dmRum2s977NKndu3hHoBJAIM778Bz_2KtdHoUkMCWbGtC4Ot1MUXr_QZvgJ2bPr-YvHN388OmnUqjAfXyUrbdvZT1erb5AoQKP5FtUl31J/s1690/0D01BFCD-5A5B-43BC-A6C8-F162E2AEEF06.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1690" data-original-width="1267" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAgadrmkdeCfrTvq5dDhsxwMi43RoYI31d-dmRum2s977NKndu3hHoBJAIM778Bz_2KtdHoUkMCWbGtC4Ot1MUXr_QZvgJ2bPr-YvHN388OmnUqjAfXyUrbdvZT1erb5AoQKP5FtUl31J/s320/0D01BFCD-5A5B-43BC-A6C8-F162E2AEEF06.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I’m still here - just short on words presently. There are over 400 posts to take in here though, so I hope you’ll keep coming back and browsing through older posts until I have words again to share. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">For a gal who loves written words, it’s quite strange when there are none to be found. Sometimes it happens though. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">God bless each of you and remember to be aware of what’s going on in and around you each and every day. It matters. </span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-23938618576067432002021-06-28T00:06:00.001-04:002021-06-28T00:06:23.780-04:00A Little of This & That to Enjoy<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ_69YOjUJv2mtZpsp3Fx651wZ9-vX9AUXgWMzoNpGw9R3Frb8dKTo7kwkoMztKzt1mfxLJabGSEBKu_2EtVRkiOJh9zgC9mT7k77T3_uD3V4khpmUuxWocxILhu2PxoMzwCOacNYosAt/s2048/0FA5F153-248E-4AE5-8644-0C5B3B755DD3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ_69YOjUJv2mtZpsp3Fx651wZ9-vX9AUXgWMzoNpGw9R3Frb8dKTo7kwkoMztKzt1mfxLJabGSEBKu_2EtVRkiOJh9zgC9mT7k77T3_uD3V4khpmUuxWocxILhu2PxoMzwCOacNYosAt/s320/0FA5F153-248E-4AE5-8644-0C5B3B755DD3.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px;">And...then there were three!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I hope you’re not tired of hearing about my cup of nest. For each of the last three days, an egg has been laid. I read that there are normally four to five eggs laid so I’m interested to see what tomorrow will bring. I feel like a youngster looking for Easter eggs!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Then, this evening, from our kitchen window, my husband and I watched a deer munching on some corn in the backyard. I didn’t know this until tonight, but sparrows like corn too. And, I think the small creatures might be a bit on the greedy side too! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">As we watched the deer eating, I noticed a sparrow which appeared to be harassing it. The tiny bird would lunge toward the deers head or at its legs. The deer didn’t seem to mind or be bothered much by the nagging; it was quite comical to us though. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">So, I suppose I’ll continue to watch for the end of the “egg laying” session, then in ten to fourteen more days, we’ll have a nest of baby birds singing their song unto the Lord. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">This evening we also enjoyed taking inventory of our pepper and tomato plants. Tiny buds have now grown into recognizable Romas and long slender Cayennes. It’s all amazing!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;">On another note, when I arrived home on Saturday, I found a box on my front porch steps. Immediately I wondered what I had “forgotten” that I had purchased from Amazon. Oops! Anyone ever had that experience? I opened the box and was totally surprised by a delightful bird house from a friend. I was so surprised! You know who you are, thanks for making my day and for thinking of me. </p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IPEjv72m3CNawjgNLqLr7CP0hLat4QohnRJlWQ8TBI7VlGz47l8AJ7gZzFXKz5xINZnJjMztI9IgZ0juGPKRVFUZfPSj6G4XkQZKNEU3Ke3RGWg_6wuXFd42wL3xmCFhO6WN1l3yPaFa/s3617/A891F851-1713-414F-84DA-56FDA1B47D78.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3617" data-original-width="2917" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IPEjv72m3CNawjgNLqLr7CP0hLat4QohnRJlWQ8TBI7VlGz47l8AJ7gZzFXKz5xINZnJjMztI9IgZ0juGPKRVFUZfPSj6G4XkQZKNEU3Ke3RGWg_6wuXFd42wL3xmCFhO6WN1l3yPaFa/s320/A891F851-1713-414F-84DA-56FDA1B47D78.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;">It’s the simple things, folks. </p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Hope you can find something simple to take pleasure in today. Keep your eyes and heart opened wide to receive whatever it is. We never know what God might have planned for our day. Oh, how He loves us!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-67629563915286609702021-06-25T19:54:00.004-04:002021-06-25T19:56:27.147-04:00Lessons from My Cup of Nest<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_TlySTpjUUAb3bKwzZAzbuxtl2KUo_ZdgoCfMuiLDfDlQBJczOlA0sSgRA7uTR7anEuSb6YH63anN92erKHBf8Girg6od9T-kAKHlLESu7GrVsvWNl-VFyzTVTR34QdczDbKTkrDRXBX/s2048/9B424626-F3B5-405B-867B-0B4656EED081.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_TlySTpjUUAb3bKwzZAzbuxtl2KUo_ZdgoCfMuiLDfDlQBJczOlA0sSgRA7uTR7anEuSb6YH63anN92erKHBf8Girg6od9T-kAKHlLESu7GrVsvWNl-VFyzTVTR34QdczDbKTkrDRXBX/s320/9B424626-F3B5-405B-867B-0B4656EED081.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” </span><span class="s3">Matthew 6:26</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">So, this morning I peeked inside my “cup of nest” and spotted this tiny little egg. Yes!! So excited! I quickly and quietly made sure there was fresh seed in the bird feeders and new water in the bath. Gotta be sure everything is as right as I can make it for the little, feathery mama. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">I know, God sees to that. Yet, I can’t help but want to help too! </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Then, I thought about how eager God must be to provide for His children. For me. For you. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">What a thought. What a reality! </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">For the days we feel like we’re not of much value, let us remember that in His eyes we are priceless. He never forgets or forsakes us. He provides and wants to take care of us if we’ll allow Him to. He rejoices and sings over us and gave His very life for our salvation. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">No matter what our or anyone else’s opinion of us may be, let us always come back to this truth. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I think this was a great reminder to me today that as excited as I am about what’s taking place in my little cup of nest and as eager as I am to do my part to help, God is probably even more excited about each of our lives and eager to help us grow and become victorious. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">What a hope and promise we have!</span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-35462385234209621802021-06-23T12:54:00.000-04:002021-06-23T12:54:00.672-04:00Normal Stuff...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqnj3i4yzb9jqOrshW1GeSh9WFvdzHoFzoSTZMV8ZdtDV3bsjXmcNZX0pK2TNk6F9zf1NhiK1DqPZAueJxswhSrFr8GMdYiTMbUUlimPJulDrjl2FxKbb39wUArJT78s3WZI0tuRGefPi/s3389/CE544D4E-394D-4AFD-946B-63AFD25B62B3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3389" data-original-width="2790" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqnj3i4yzb9jqOrshW1GeSh9WFvdzHoFzoSTZMV8ZdtDV3bsjXmcNZX0pK2TNk6F9zf1NhiK1DqPZAueJxswhSrFr8GMdYiTMbUUlimPJulDrjl2FxKbb39wUArJT78s3WZI0tuRGefPi/s320/CE544D4E-394D-4AFD-946B-63AFD25B62B3.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320;">“But this </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320;">I say</span></i><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320;"><i>, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”</i> 2 Corinthians 9:6</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">So, you’ve heard stories from my front porch before. I’ve “staged” it, you know, I’ve </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">set it up, </span><span class="s2">as a gathering place of sorts. Even though it doesn’t often happen in the literal sense, my front porch is a constant reminder to me of my desperate need and desire for deep connection. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">*If you ever want to come sit a spell, I’m sure I’d enjoy that and you’re welcome just about any time, just give me a shout out ahead of time. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">So, yesterday when I came home completely soggy from the downpour of rain we’ve had here the last several days, my eyes caught sight of something a little “un-staged”. You can see in the picture that a little bird has decided to build its nest in one of my “cozy” cups. I was amazed and surprised and delighted all at the same time!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I woke up this morning, and as I lifted the shades, I noticed the little bird had been hard at work in the early morning hours. Much progress had been made and the cup was almost completely filled and embellished with what appears to be the start of a small opening which will serve as a doorway. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">God’s creation. Amazing. God’s ways. Inspiring. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I never expected the cups to be used in this manner, in fact, I wanted to use them to create a moment of relationship with another human, but God always knows just what we need to bring joy into our hearts. And when. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">The tiny bird has no clue of what delight its bringing to my world today, its just doing what God created it to do. Normal stuff!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">And so it is with you and I, my friend. We often have no idea the delight we may be bringing to God or to someone else we may correspond with in our day. We don’t always have to know either; we only need to focus on doing what God has created us to do, maybe even something seemingly mundane and normal, and it will happen. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">We don’t know the impact we may make on a discouraged soul. We may not know the effect our words will have on a weary, worn-down stranger. We might not have a clue how bad a friend or companion’s heart needs to feel loved. We might not even realize it’s happening, all while we do the </span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">normal stuff</span><span class="s2"> God has created us to do. Sowing seed is normal stuff, maybe even mundane, but if we do it bountifully, the Word says we’ll reap bountifully. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">This is why we should strive to do all that we do “as unto the Lord” because we never know what He’ll turn our normal stuff into. We’ve all heard stories about learning, when we get to Heaven, of how our lives affected someone and how our simple acts of normal stuff was huge in their life. Sometimes we even find out in this lifetime and we’re shocked by the simplicity. We weren’t trying to do anything big or impressive, just the normal stuff...which God created us to do. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">If I remember correctly, while Jesus was on this earth, He was always taking normal stuff and turning it into extraordinary stuff. For example, He turned two fish and five loaves of bread into a buffet for many hungry listeners. At a wedding, He took normal, every day water and made delicious wine which surprised everyone. He also took a normal, foul-mouthed fisherman and turned Him into a mighty man of God who preached the salvation plan boldly on the day of Pentecost. Normal stuff turned extraordinary!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Let me encourage us today to do our normal stuff, sowing seed, as unto the Lord and allow Him to turn our normal into extraordinary. It might seem like we’re not making a difference, we might not feel any different and may never even know in this lifetime; but God can take our normal stuff and make it monumental. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I’m sure you’ll hear more in the days to come about this little “cup of nest” but today I am inspired by it to do my normal stuff as unto the Lord. I pray I’ve inspired you to do so also. We CAN make a difference with the tiniest acts of our normal stuff...</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Be blessed~</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Here’s a quote I found and wanted to share:</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); color: #111111;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">“God didn’t add another day to your life because you needed it. He did it because someone out there needs you!”</span></i></span></p><p><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-67871027925264787382021-06-15T19:30:00.000-04:002021-06-15T19:30:50.235-04:00Positioned: For Such a Time As This<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU86aBW8Z0tVn0Yg5eWhoBZ3nig9wL2s-ma5xc-xT2snbMsk38LDwUhaOfY-a_tDdrujY9h-SEIFSIT6UqmEtRUdJPOce6VP3F2s1-NGzDx2q1bnhWsxjcGVMyMlRcAt5BYNT1KPXTj5Md/s2048/C724227E-2CE3-4B8E-AF11-305491C8D8FC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1918" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU86aBW8Z0tVn0Yg5eWhoBZ3nig9wL2s-ma5xc-xT2snbMsk38LDwUhaOfY-a_tDdrujY9h-SEIFSIT6UqmEtRUdJPOce6VP3F2s1-NGzDx2q1bnhWsxjcGVMyMlRcAt5BYNT1KPXTj5Md/s320/C724227E-2CE3-4B8E-AF11-305491C8D8FC.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">“... and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”</span><span class="s1"> Esther 4:14</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I’ve been studying about Esther lately in my spare time. I’ve even got a book I’ve had for several years but never read...until now. Guess what it’s about? Esther. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">It still amazes me how God lines up every detail of our life, all the way down to “when” we should read a certain book. (Maybe you don’t consider God to be that “into” your life, but I believe He is - and wants to be. Nothing is coincidence or luck.) There are other details surrounding all this too, but maybe I’ll share them at a later time. Right now, I’m just hearing the words of Esther’s Uncle Mordecai as he encouraged her and said those well-known words about her coming to the kingdom “for such a time as this.”</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">God is sovereign. Period. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I don’t imagine Esther understood exactly why she was chosen to be Queen in the beginning. I’d even venture to say that Mordecai didn’t have the exact answer either, He just trusted God. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> I’m sure t</span>he king didn’t really know the true reason she was in the palace either. He thought it was because she was his choice, beautiful and pleased him. Friend, he didn’t have a clue! God was lining up </span><span class="s3" style="text-decoration: underline;">all</span><span class="s1"> the details which would lead to a great victory for the Jews and He would need Esther in the proper position to bring it to pass. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">Sometimes we don’t have an inkling of what is going on, and sometimes we think we “get it” but don’t have a clue; yet, we can be sure God is </span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">always</span><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;"> working in the background. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">All this makes me wonder if I’m in the proper position for God to do something extraordinary. Esther wasn’t just in the proper physical location, she was in the right position spiritually. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">As I’ve read this book, I’ve thought about how humble, consistent and meek Esther must have been. She was submissive enough to go to the palace in the first place, obedient to her uncle in keeping her nationality hidden, persistent enough to remain faithful to her beliefs in spite of her surroundings, respectful to the king as her husband, kind to the man who had sealed her and her people’s fate, and had a good enough reputation and character for those around her to fast along with her. Can you imagine? Now, that makes me see Esther as extraordinary even though she was an average gal. She was IN the right position and being prepared FOR the right purpose. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">And so I’ve been thinking a lot about what position I am in. What might God be preparing me for? In everything that seems to be going on in my life, what details is God working together for me? What position am I in not only physically, but spiritually? What fruit am I bearing? </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">What about you?</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Am I displaying all the fruit and qualities I need to possess in order to be here </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">for such a time as this</span><span class="s1">? That’s something we probably all could “chew on” for quite a while, huh? Let’s take inventory. Is the proof of God’s fruit prevalent in my life? Is He getting me ready through all the current situations which look overwhelming to me? For something extraordinary?</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Hold on, my friend. Step back. Take a deep breath. Do inventory. Let’s allow God to stretch us. I know it’s uncomfortable but will be so worth it. Remember how Esther called for a fast? Sometimes we have to stretch our spiritual muscles to uncover what seems to be hidden. He’s at work. Let’s get in the right position. Give Him space, time and fruit to work with. And who knows, we could be called and prepped for such a time as this. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Be encouraged~</span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-16646216895725508272021-06-14T12:03:00.005-04:002021-06-14T12:03:29.741-04:00Peaches & Cream Days<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5FEsFs1JxSRLTiPIag6Xi9S_93YnOFdzuADb9CBCRGDNlq9orBUjdyqr3HKeclQfrV8n-vXdHAinRy0t-d46DXSEho3zzkZxl2-4UF9m7ESFXM4aScDyIFxJhR2n_t6xiekPmzhmNdEE/s2048/AE7F41BA-14B3-4C48-9879-3BA53AF7E4A5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1740" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5FEsFs1JxSRLTiPIag6Xi9S_93YnOFdzuADb9CBCRGDNlq9orBUjdyqr3HKeclQfrV8n-vXdHAinRy0t-d46DXSEho3zzkZxl2-4UF9m7ESFXM4aScDyIFxJhR2n_t6xiekPmzhmNdEE/s320/AE7F41BA-14B3-4C48-9879-3BA53AF7E4A5.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”</span><span class="s2"> Colossians 1:17</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">And...some days are like peaches and cream; some days are just plain ole lemons. That’s just the nature of life. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I like peaches and cream, sort of. I like lemons, especially in a perfectly blended mixture of Publix blueberry-lemon ice cream. Oh my, a new found guilty pleasure. Simply delish!!! You see, I like to eat nice things containing these ingredients; but to have days described by them is quite different. You know, when life gives you lemons...</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">When the heat gets turned up, or when things go sour in a hurry, the peaches and cream part of our days can quickly get lost in the mixture. Some days are just like that, huh? This is no surprise. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It’s amazing how all can be well, we feel refreshed and excited about the day, only to have that zeal come abruptly to a halt. You know, the day was just peachy, then all the sudden it wasn’t? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Merry go rounds are fun and adventurous - until you’re suddenly thrown off or nauseated beyond belief. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Old fashioned roller skates are a blast - until you’re laying on the pavement with skinned up knees. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I guess what I’m trying to say is that there are pros and cons to everything that happens in life - every single day. That’s because we live in a sinful, fallen world. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">We’ve all heard the phrase: “This isn’t what I signed up for.” Well, God didn’t want us to live this way either!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">He didn’t sign us up for the negative either, He created a perfect scenario. Imagine that!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">However, in our world we must deal with negativity. A given. It’s going to be there. It’s how we deal with it that matters. I’ve always struggled with this, but God continues to work in and with me. I haven’t conquered it but I’m a far cry from where I used to be. That’s what growing in Christ is all about. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It’s coming slowly, but I CAN find something positive now when a day seems mostly negative. When I’m being dogged by someone who has it out for me, I know God is for me. When things don’t go my way, I stop and recognize God might have something better. When I lose, I realize God will give me peace. When I struggle, I know God will fight for me. Get the picture? This is the lesson God is trying to get me to ace. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">See the recurring, obvious common denominator in those sentences? GOD. That, my friend is how I can find positive when the day goes from peaches and cream to lemons. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">That is walking in the spirit. Seeing God in every situation. That is where I want to walk. No, it’s not turning a blind eye to bad events or situations, it’s choosing to redirect my focus much higher than my situation. It’s soaring above normal. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Maybe you’re struggling today, can I invite you to change your focus for a moment? </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are sometimes so blinded by what is right in front of us that we forget Who is right beside us. In us!</span></i></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">We become angry or disillusioned or whatever our thing is, but there is another way. Notice where God is and what He’s saying in your situation today. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Let’s look for Him and trust that He is there </span><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">even if </span><span class="s2">we can’t see Him and all looks bleak. He is present and will hold us together...right there in the middle of a day gone sour. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">We can have it all in a day, and be okay! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">That is a promise! Peaches and cream, anyone?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-89434149597019092952021-06-11T01:40:00.002-04:002021-06-11T01:44:02.895-04:00 Instant: Cucumbers & Faith<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhFV-LoyqzEVqNu4I7pwAAYx5b3hkg1l5AnqO-WLZKX3YmzDzCA3-hn8KNv1DWBphV6ylyAv5iKp_QP_U9SfoTj8d8YaPdSDXVmyhyA2_S8wgp7hsNNf90nFLobys1MDOIPwA8izj7PhD/s2048/D5C4EFD7-0808-4165-BB4D-490C92744C98.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhFV-LoyqzEVqNu4I7pwAAYx5b3hkg1l5AnqO-WLZKX3YmzDzCA3-hn8KNv1DWBphV6ylyAv5iKp_QP_U9SfoTj8d8YaPdSDXVmyhyA2_S8wgp7hsNNf90nFLobys1MDOIPwA8izj7PhD/s320/D5C4EFD7-0808-4165-BB4D-490C92744C98.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”</span><span class="s3"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>1 Peter <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>1:7</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">So, my garden is beginning to produce. Cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, okra and peppers of all kinds. Oh, and there’s a grape vine loaded down with perfectly placed tiny, green spheres. I can hardly wait! </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">We planted everything from tiny plants instead of seeds so we’ve been able to watch the growth continually. Side note: you do that whenever you don’t want to “wait around” for the seeds to die and then make their grand entrance; because aren’t we all about instant gratification? Microwave culture. Have it now. Ok, off my soapbox. I’m guilty at times too, you see.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Anyhow, the tiny plants started out barely two or three inches above the garden soil and grew a little bit each day. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">So, I waited. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Then one day little, yellow blooms appeared. Boy, was this girl more than a little excited!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Unfortunately, my plants didn’t instantly produce mature, eight inch long cucumbers nor three inch round tomatoes. If only! They began as <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>quite miniature versions instead, and I had to wait some more as they grew a little bit more every day. However, the little, undeniable </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">signs</span><span class="s3"> I saw helped me remain confident that one day I’d be eating and sharing the ripe, luscious goodies...if I kept waiting. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">There’s NO “instant” in growth...it’s a process. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">One day, I asked my husband what he thought would increase our faith more - for God to answer prayers instantly (like giving me a mature cucumber over night) or for Him to just do it little by little, kind of growing it like a plant. He looked lopsided at me for a second and smiled. He knows that’s just the way God wired my brain to work. Always thinking. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So we discussed it for a few minutes. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">In my opinion, I think what we learn during the process of waiting out the growing periods produces stronger faith and makes our roots grow deeper daily. I’m not saying I don’t appreciate instant answers or growth; but maybe while instant answers to our prayers would be nice on one hand, they might produce some pretty shallow roots too. God grows stuff deep!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Have you ever sat back and kind of put all the pieces of the answered prayers puzzle together? The little signs here and there - tiny blooms, then miniature versions - prove to us that He’s putting all the pieces together just right - working it all together for our good - this encourages us to hope and to exercise our faith. And, what is exercised always grows and gets stronger.</span> </p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">With every phase of our journey, God sends small glimpses to us that prove He is working on our behalf and is in control. We just have to be looking for the signs. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">God didn’t give me a mature cucumber, He gave me a bud. He didn’t perform the big miracle I’ve been praying for, He just provided a little glimpse of hope for what is to come. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>This, my friend, will keep me praying and growing my faith until it finally happens. It will work for you too! Keep watching. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">The trials and trying of our faith along the way build a beautiful, mature version of ourselves. In the process, we are encouraged to hope and exercise our faith in the Lord until we see the answer unfold. Instant cucumbers aren’t a thing! We aren’t instant versions either, it takes the waiting, trying and fire to produce spiritual maturity. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Watch and wait as the Lord does His thing, working all things together for our good, making all things beautiful in HIS time, for our good and His glory. Our mature faith is a reflection of God’s growth within us. By the way, that’s better than any cucumber or tomato too. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Who needs instant anyhow?!</span></p><p><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-77132264110670046812021-06-07T14:44:00.007-04:002021-06-07T20:14:27.691-04:00Weariness Isn’t the Winner<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MHz6kqnEk8GdtMYfl82sn8JGSC3jMhEUK6c_cYAVGuTYNFLSrQW2-mYWv40ThpDrvyaoVke1Ngb7NssVzVDmYkqwrj6BM3rYwZ2w6jkU1vpFdpwJT5N6gdj8t6xWYZ79fEghlMubALYE/s4032/6C76A8C5-302A-4E2E-8DDE-CEE9C8A22801.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MHz6kqnEk8GdtMYfl82sn8JGSC3jMhEUK6c_cYAVGuTYNFLSrQW2-mYWv40ThpDrvyaoVke1Ngb7NssVzVDmYkqwrj6BM3rYwZ2w6jkU1vpFdpwJT5N6gdj8t6xWYZ79fEghlMubALYE/s320/6C76A8C5-302A-4E2E-8DDE-CEE9C8A22801.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint</span><span class="s3">.” Isaiah 40:31</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I need to share with someone who is low in their faith today, weary and struggling with God’s timing and ability. If this is you, please read on, God sees right where you’re at and is working on your behalf. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Honestly, I have been struggling for a while with this certain situation in my life and have been acutely aware of much needed direction. I was kind of weary with trying to figure it all out. So, I asked the Lord to please show me what to do and how to handle the situation correctly, not as I would in my flesh, but as He would have me do.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I was amazed at how God set things into motion and answered my prayer. I will tell you, the situation is still present, but I do have peace and the direction I asked for. That is what I prayed for. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Obviously, I had to wait for this to happen, but God was orchestrating it all for me before I was aware of it. I can share this with you now — on this side. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">You see, we all know God doesn’t work according to our timetable, He has His own. His ways and thoughts are much higher than ours are. I’m sure if I could see from God’s perspective the process began way before the point where I, in my finite human thinking, can even begin to imagine; but indulge me for a moment: </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Once upon a time, someone shared something on social media, which afterwards (I don’t know how long passed between this happening) this dear person in my life read. God turned their thoughts to my husband and I and asked them to share it with us. Then, in response, this person asked God for the </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">perfect timing</span><span class="s3">, to be able to share - when both my husband and I would be together. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In God’s omniscience and perfect planning, He used the opportunity of me getting weak and nauseated enough to leave a flea market where my husband and I were enjoying our weekend day together, to totally change our plans, and travel to another location across town. It was then and there that this person met up with us and during our conversation, God presented the opportunity, nudging the person to share at just the right time. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I know God can do these things, and yet every time He does it, I am awed. He is working things out when we don’t even see Him moving anywhere. Yes He is! He is on the move when we cannot feel a thing. He sees us when we are desperately crying out for help and direction. Hold on!</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">My thought turned to the garden. My lovely cucumber plants take lots of water and sometimes I don’t water them thoroughly enough. In the heat of the day, the leaves shrivel up and look quite hideous - like they’re going to melt right off the vine. I’m always disheartened by the sight, but I know exactly what they need regardless. More water. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">I don’t know who you may be or what you’re enduring and battling through today, but God wants you to know nothing is impossible with Him. He sees right where you are, and knows exactly what you’re in need of. His purpose can and is being fulfilled in your life. It might take a moment for you to recognize it for what it is, but keep believing and trusting. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">Answered prayers occasionally take time and perseverance on our part. By God’s design...on purpose. </span></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 32.2px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Just as it disheartening for me to see my cucumber plant in the shape it gets in on those hot days, God does not like to see His children in despair. We should never doubt He is at work. When we don’t feel like we are able to carry on, when we feel shriveled up and seemingly going under, remember God is in control. He knows exactly what you need and what it will take to get you through. He won’t leave you! He’ll turn it around for you, in His time.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3">Wait upon the Lord and He will renew your strength. Hold on! You may be weary, but you have a promise. Weariness isn’t the winner!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3"><i>*Just an afterthought I’d like to add here, it’s okay to get weary, we all do at some point. In the middle of it, let’s remember that God is in control and knows just what we’re feeling and experiencing. He will bring us back to restoration. Be blessed and encouraged!</i></span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-77880811596467796012021-06-02T13:02:00.002-04:002021-06-02T15:03:14.697-04:00Red Bird Moments<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rLjf8LUy6-wQFKzK7ZcG_UOw_E-DsHgx1xO96WxbISULK-bYyPhaEiEjE3ltEnOs5RdinBTEJDFi9H1_sEOmY1g88qhR_MNsbaCdxQnIWJdNa4ixknU0djjv_Fi6fkGQS1u8h2UcfgU0/s2461/9309A0E7-6B8D-4DF0-803D-40F8AFD83FDA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2461" data-original-width="1945" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rLjf8LUy6-wQFKzK7ZcG_UOw_E-DsHgx1xO96WxbISULK-bYyPhaEiEjE3ltEnOs5RdinBTEJDFi9H1_sEOmY1g88qhR_MNsbaCdxQnIWJdNa4ixknU0djjv_Fi6fkGQS1u8h2UcfgU0/s320/9309A0E7-6B8D-4DF0-803D-40F8AFD83FDA.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">“Who comforteth us...that we may be able to comfort them...by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” </span><span class="s2"> </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"> <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>2 Corinthians 1:4</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I’ve written many times about sitting on my front porch enjoying nature and the beautiful red birds which visit our home. I was told after Steffan died that when God sends a red bird, it’s a visitor from Heaven. Normally, when I see a red bird I think of my loved one, have an overwhelming sense of love, and pause to treasure the memories I’m left with for a few moments. Today, I had a totally different experience. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I filled my watering spout with fresh water and headed out to my front porch for morning watering before the sunshine got too steamy. I opened the door to step out - and almost collided with a red bird which decided to fly through the breezeway at the same time. I jerked back quickly, being momentarily shocked by the happening. That was a first! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">After I recovered, finished and was back inside, I thought about the incident being a literal, played out version of what sometimes happens in my world. I haven’t written about it in a little bit, but that’s a good representation of how grief works. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It’s been a little over three and a half years now since tragedy struck our family and we lost our son in a motorcycle accident. At first, the grief was overwhelming, as anyone who has experienced a loss can testify. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Today, the grief is just as intense, just not constant. A normal day for us still <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>usually consists of a underlying, nagging sensation of knowing our family isn’t whole - the last several days have been on the harder side for both myself and my husband. Some days are just like that. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">However, we can be going about our days doing life “as normal” when a sudden grief wave slaps us in the face out of nowhere - kind of like that red bird incident I was telling you about. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It catches us completely by surprise and off guard. It can be the simplest things too! I don’t know if that will ever totally go away - or if we would even want it to. This is a journey and we’re still learning as we go along.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">That’s part of my story. I’m sure you have your own story of grief you could share, whether the loss be temporary or of the permanent sort. And, of course, we are all aware we cannot begin to compare losses. They’re each unique, personal, and touch us differently. I’ve learned that in the last few years too as I’ve also experienced empty nest and lost a set of grandparents and my mother. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Grief will either make you turn inward or outward. I’ve had my share of inward moments - and still do. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sometimes I just have to. I have no explanation for that yet. However, the beautiful thing I’ve found out about grief and loss is the opportunity it presents to take the compassion I’ve gained and the experiences I’ve had and turn outward. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It’s so much easier and real when we minister and serve through our pain and out of our brokenness. Although we’ll never fully understand another’s loss, we can relate if we’ve had a similar losses. Grief presents a gift that we must </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">choose</span><span class="s2"> to open and share with others. God will always be there to help us along, but it’s our choice. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Jesus showed us how to grieve when Lazarus died. He cried. He grieved. Then, He ministered. When John died, He even went away to be by Himself. Then, He ministered. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I’ll be the first to admit I don’t get it right every time, and there are those times I turn inward because the pain seems unbearable even now. Yet, there have also been times when I’ve felt the honor of using this “expensive” gift to be a blessing in another’s life. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic;">No, I wouldn’t choose this journey, however, I wouldn’t take anything for what I have gained from losing. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I don’t know where you may be in your journey either, but I encourage you today to keep walking, experiencing, learning, and when you’re able, ministering to others who are also hurting. I’m so grateful for and have been blessed by those who have shared and reached out to minister to me. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Just as surely as you have experienced your own grief, I’m sure you have your own red bird moments. Now, what will we choose to do with them? It’s up to us; today I’ve chosen to share. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Wherever and whomever you are, be encouraged and blessed. </span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-65346002784644549952021-05-29T17:01:00.002-04:002021-05-29T19:28:27.672-04:00News flash! King of the Hill<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-UgpBj_t3CZSFxcFzoGiMcNsWgbk2AcSALnEmcQN4YIck9jDu3k26aLEKND3mmNTtm3PpaPCxGH6gqA8sYvhM8YyKUT9YSMRQrLbNS9ORm42BnLQPUzhSZeGDP6Ls7wfhPYpSMIQbDsS/s693/6ACE53DC-FABD-4CFD-AEED-B12BF095B70E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="693" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-UgpBj_t3CZSFxcFzoGiMcNsWgbk2AcSALnEmcQN4YIck9jDu3k26aLEKND3mmNTtm3PpaPCxGH6gqA8sYvhM8YyKUT9YSMRQrLbNS9ORm42BnLQPUzhSZeGDP6Ls7wfhPYpSMIQbDsS/s320/6ACE53DC-FABD-4CFD-AEED-B12BF095B70E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” </span><span class="s2">Isaiah 41:10</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I know we’re grown ups now, but do you recall the game most of us played as children, King of the Hill? You know, it’s the one where someone stands on top and others try to knock them down and take their place as king. Remember? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I have breaking news in case you missed it...are you ready? Here goes: <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">we still play King of the Hill as adults quite often.</span><span class="s2"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">True, we’re not standing on a hill somewhere outdoors shouting that we’re the champion; however, we sometimes think we’ve conquered a situation or our reactions only to be knocked off our proverbial mountain. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I spend a lot of time writing and sharing what the Lord has given me, then sharing it here on this blog. As much as I’d like to say that I’ve conquered every single concept, or even half of them...here’s yet another news flash for you: </span><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I HAVE NOT!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s4" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I’m attempting to “get it right” just like you are. One day at a time. One opportunity to respond correctly at a time. One mistake followed by a chance for a comeback. One fall after another, but always rising to get back up again. You too?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Of course, we want to stand on top of that hill. We want to get it right. - every time and sooner than later too. Succeed. Pass the test. Be victorious! We don’t want to be knocked off the hill!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I thought of this game when my friend sent this picture to me. King of the Hill. That bear looks pretty in control and comfy up there, doesn’t he? Doesn’t look like he’s even worried or concerned in the least bit that something might be try to take him out. I sighed as I thought about how that might feel in my own life. What if we didn’t have any enemies or obstacles? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">My heart pounded a little harder when I processed yet another picture within the recesses of my mind. Another King, another hill. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Jesus. Golgotha. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic;">He took that hill for me and you! For our sins, failures - and comebacks. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Because of Him, because He is King, we can be weak and still be strong. We may fall off our mountain but that doesn’t mean we’re not losers. You do know that, don’t you? Not by our own might or power, but through His. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I may stumble after </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">learning</span><span class="s2"> a concept; you see, sometimes I’m a slow learner. Sometimes I have to go back through this blog and be reminded of lessons I’ve been introduced to before. I have to remind myself that I’m a work in progress, that learning is a process, and we don’t master all the lessons immediately. Another news flash - nor are we expected to by our Savior. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">We go to twelve years of school to attain a diploma, don’t we? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s5" style="font-style: italic;">Why would we think learning to live victorious spiritually would come in an instant? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Yes, I have to remind myself of that too. What about you? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I want to be like that bear one day. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Until then...I turn to my King of the Hill. He has already won all the battles and He wants to see me and you standing victoriously on a hill too. We can all be winners when we’re on His side, because He has already won the battle and we are His. News flash!! Our enemy is ALREADY defeated. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Let’s keep climbing and getting back up again and again. Jesus fell on His way up the hill too - God manifested in flesh needed help. Someone else had to help carry His cross. WHY? Here’s a final news flash for you: because He is our example! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I leave you with that today...press on. The King of the Hill is fighting for us! Be encouraged and blessed ~</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-79160359172267121252021-05-26T11:24:00.002-04:002021-05-26T11:38:11.728-04:00Words to Live By<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDyptRKaf3uxY34JzaihgSEJR3AAtoaegfI_LmlBzA8mgGmVJ-jMnS-dF7Zxjx2zTUs-GBysccTOnHxXdemBzzO57Gdsf2_7LChLRkjfXEazwLbwYJj_g3e93eaY8Z-XuxAm8PWGotAsp/s1550/3A474F93-B0EA-41A4-AA11-41DD39608DAA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDyptRKaf3uxY34JzaihgSEJR3AAtoaegfI_LmlBzA8mgGmVJ-jMnS-dF7Zxjx2zTUs-GBysccTOnHxXdemBzzO57Gdsf2_7LChLRkjfXEazwLbwYJj_g3e93eaY8Z-XuxAm8PWGotAsp/s320/3A474F93-B0EA-41A4-AA11-41DD39608DAA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Encouragement & scripture for the days we live in: </p><p><br /></p><p>The Lord is coming soon! Rev. 22:12</p><p>God loves you and has a purpose for your life. John 3:16</p><p>Love God with all your heart and strength. Luke 10:27</p><p>Live holy, as unto the Lord so His light will shine thru and spill out to others. Heb. 12:14</p><p>Love others, and be constantly on guard against any spirit of division and offense. We fight not against flesh and blood! Eph 6:12</p><p>Do everything as unto the Lord, with a cheerful heart - even if and when you’re weary. He sees. Remember His goodness and the testimonies made in your own life. Gal. 6:9</p><p>Reach out, give and plant good seed every day. You reap what you sow. Psalms 1:3</p><p>The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy, and is the father of lies...BUT...</p><p>Jesus came that we could have life and have it more abundantly, and spend eternity with Him. John 10:10</p><p><br /></p><p>Be encouraged and find someone to encourage today, and every day. Our time is running short...soon and very soon...the trumpet will sound. </p><p>I want to be ready, watching and waiting...and serving while I wait. </p><p><br /></p><p>Need to get ready??</p><p>1. Repent</p><p>2. Be baptized in Jesus name</p><p>3. Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in another tongue</p><p>4. Live a righteous life. </p><p>Read: Acts 2</p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-80087980162567188992021-05-24T14:59:00.129-04:002021-05-25T07:53:10.189-04:00Daily “Bread”<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR07txHMFWwO6s-pQkCybjuSUHiTrTINFlmZw5zOp_OrGfJY4YCVeQzvwGr_c98V-L2OCxpQOyybxIebBJu496tIt9lrLN1xBRUx8-37OLImxq5gaS0GlpILS_Rkb08F0a2UaS8wtJF8x/s1945/5311B559-9622-49D9-80BB-5D5712BF3376.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1945" data-original-width="1459" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR07txHMFWwO6s-pQkCybjuSUHiTrTINFlmZw5zOp_OrGfJY4YCVeQzvwGr_c98V-L2OCxpQOyybxIebBJu496tIt9lrLN1xBRUx8-37OLImxq5gaS0GlpILS_Rkb08F0a2UaS8wtJF8x/s320/5311B559-9622-49D9-80BB-5D5712BF3376.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 21px; font-style: italic; text-align: left;">“Give us this day, our daily bread.” </span><span class="s2" style="font-size: 21px; text-align: left;">Matthew 6:11</span></div><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">We’ve probably all quoted it, maybe even uttered something pertaining to it in our prayer rituals over a meal. It’s popular. Used often. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold;">Which is why it </span><span class="s4"><b><i>screamed</i></b></span><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold;"> at me one day during prayer time. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I’ve always looked at it as God supplying my daily needs. Food, water, provision, etc. However, I’ve been desiring more in different areas lately. You know as well as I, there is more to life than nutritional substance. I think I recall a verse mentioning something about us not being able to live by bread alone anyhow.</span> And so, what else do I need God, my Provider, to bless me with today? Who wouldn’t want a “special order” cooked up by our Lord and thrown right smack into the middle of our days?!</p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">What does God need to drop into your day so we can get through it, shall we say, </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">victoriously. </span><span class="s3">Because you know there are some days we will feel we’re not winning</span><span class="s3">. I realize too, that we must be thankful and content with where we are in life, but we don’t have to be stuck there. That’s not God’s intention either. We’re supposed to be living abundantly. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Yes, I know we need the basics. Food, shelter, clothing. Maybe even a running vehicle and a little extra money after bills are paid too. But, is that all He can and will provide for us? After all, He’s so much bigger than we can imagine. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">I recall sitting at a booth in a Mexican restaurant a few weeks ago, a conference in Florida, and in a Subway last week. Sure, it was the physical food - a sandwich or combination #3 with rice and beans - but those meals weren’t supplying the thing I so desperately desired and felt like I’d die without. (Yeah, I know it’s drastic!) No, the food wasn’t anything spectacular; it was the smiling face of the precious person(s) sitting on the other side of the booth that I needed so much. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">In this season of life, I’ve been keeping my Grand-Diva. She’s almost two and keeps me on my toes. It’s usually just her and I during the days until my hubby comes home from work. We are either “playing” at home or running around keeping up with life. That’s a little different for me. As much as I enjoy her company, sometimes I long for more. </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">Adult interaction</span><span class="s2"> you might call it. Yeah, the empty nest thing sometimes still gets the best of me some days. I also need more than baby talk on some days. I hope that doesn’t make me sound like a bad Noni! </span><span class="s2">Mind you, I’m NOT one for being around people </span><span class="s5" style="text-decoration: underline;">all</span><span class="s2"> the time, but sometimes this girl needs a good ole fill-up! </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">This is just one example of God supplying a need in my day. It gave me strength and added a little extra sprinkling of joy too. Even grandma’s like sprinkles on top occasionally, right? It could be something a little different every day. Aren’t we glad God takes time to know us like that? And cares?! What about you? What is it that you cannot go days, weeks, and months without? What is it that has you feeling a little more needy lately?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2">So, I packed us up and unloaded us at the restaurants. It’s a lot of work hauling all the things that come along with babysitting...as well as my own things; but we did it. Excitedly! There were also many interruptions during our </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">adult</span><span class="s2"> conversations at each meal and a little messy too, yet I left each lunch filled - filled to the brim and satisfied with so much more than the food I’d digested. </span><span class="s2"></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Thank you, Lord!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">My heart was grateful that God saw I was in need of something more, and provided. True, it wasn’t actually </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">food </span><span class="s2">but it was certainly necessary for my life! In fact, I cried on my way home and humbly thanked God for providing something I </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">needed </span><span class="s2">so desperately</span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">. </span><span class="s3">(Oh, and you should hear that little diva pray with me!)</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">It sounds so simple. And. It. Is. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Now, these days I pray for God to bless me with the </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">daily bread</span><span class="s2"> I need. He knows if I need food or the company more, if I need time alone or if I am starving for fellowship. He knows if you need a special moment in your day too, a simple word of encouragement, or just an extra laugh in your day. Yes, we might have to put up with a few distractions too and it might normally be less-than-ideal, but it only helped me appreciate the moment a little bit deeper. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">And, my outlook has kind of shifted too since He showed me this. I wonder what God will see fit to bring into my life each day. What does He think I need most? Will we be on the same page? What will He surprise me with today that I hadn’t penned into my calendar already? Sure, you and I know what we </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">think</span><span class="s2"> we need, but He knows us so much better than that...and will provide if we’ll ask and wait. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Some things we cannot provide for ourselves; they must be God-supplied. </i></span></h1><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Does this mean I (or you) will never feel needy again? Does this mean we’ll never be lonely? Does this mean we’ll never be frustrated? That there will be no more “bad” days? No, my friend, that’s just life in a fallen world - we’re not in Eden anymore where all is perfect. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Here’s the truth though: God </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">will </span><span class="s2">supply our deepest needs, our daily “bread.” What is it that you’re in need of today? Nothing is impossible for Him!</span></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-19268217549664993702021-05-19T08:11:00.001-04:002021-05-19T08:12:26.545-04:00You Matter to Me<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVco0pRUm79gSwQ95zBo8eI9AuBp0R0XEs8JoO90pt3EZ_BP3hFkaFGKeM-p_RQ4d3AxLOrjsuuQ_NDkEWADeq9N6oNiCvVRoBXJ-Lbw6lSihWPg4RaMJcu0FxZkfcSl0AZXGRJHIAezXw/s2048/EC56BC44-346B-4326-A5B0-20F47532A373.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1744" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVco0pRUm79gSwQ95zBo8eI9AuBp0R0XEs8JoO90pt3EZ_BP3hFkaFGKeM-p_RQ4d3AxLOrjsuuQ_NDkEWADeq9N6oNiCvVRoBXJ-Lbw6lSihWPg4RaMJcu0FxZkfcSl0AZXGRJHIAezXw/s320/EC56BC44-346B-4326-A5B0-20F47532A373.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">To my cheering squad,</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Writing is something I love to do. Of course I do or you wouldn’t be here today, right? It takes a lot of work, thought and time to scribble down or type out the words. Some days the words flow freely, then sometimes they can’t be found for the life of me. Some days it’s encouraging to have such a gift, then, some days it’s equally challenging. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">That’s where you come in, my friend; and the reason for this post today. We have all kinds of people walking in and out of our lives daily. They each bring something to the table too. Whether it’s for a blessing or to learn a lesson, each individual has purpose. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">So, to those of you who are always there cheering me on, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. You make this girl’s heart thump loudly and help to boost my resolve on the hard days. You keep me going when bouts of discouragement poke holes in my can-do. When I’m ever so vulnerable, your kind words are a healing salve. I am so thankful for you. Did you know you are of great importance in my life? </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Not only that, the fact that you encourage me to keep using the gift God has given me is priceless. It helps me grow. It helps me keep my gift in tip-top shape. You keep me on my toes and accountable; because more than anything, I don’t want to bury the talent and be a bad steward of what God has endowed me with. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">So, thank you! For every word of encouragement you pour into my life. Every text, email, phone call, handwritten note (my fav) and for every prayer - and share. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My life is enriched because you are here. Every writer needs a team behind them and I’m glad to have you on board. You’re more important than any editor, publisher or distributor. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Today, I just wanted to send out a little extra “thank you” for being in my corner. You’re a blessing to me! Thanks for being on my team and God bless you today and always. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2"></span><br /></p><p><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-76564509075452655052021-05-12T09:07:00.006-04:002021-05-12T10:24:52.848-04:00Joy In a Box, Delivery on Time<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5IqkinI-pkUiA3ueXXt3c5sE4SWOV2OgnAPPsHcpaln_zNgeNuXqsF8PejmYu7EGrIwmQRL2s_XpoRJQwRTbSCRHpEWdgMAZyImpiatpBXZa_juRvQmBTj_eeNfa_77YEuzTYI8gj0Bv/s1546/35147D40-1A2B-469E-B00F-AF1068A54EDB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="1085" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5IqkinI-pkUiA3ueXXt3c5sE4SWOV2OgnAPPsHcpaln_zNgeNuXqsF8PejmYu7EGrIwmQRL2s_XpoRJQwRTbSCRHpEWdgMAZyImpiatpBXZa_juRvQmBTj_eeNfa_77YEuzTYI8gj0Bv/s320/35147D40-1A2B-469E-B00F-AF1068A54EDB.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><i>“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” </i>Neh. 8:10</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 19, 32); color: #001320; font-size: 17.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Sometimes the darkness is overwhelming and seems like it will never be daybreak, doesn’t it?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I recall going hunting with my dear hubby. I must tell you that he likes to get in the woods at “pre-dawn thirty” - by that I mean a couple of hours before daybreak. On the other hand, 30-45 minutes before daybreak seems just perfectly timed and fine to me. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Perhaps I’m not correct in my thinking and I’m completely fine with admitting that, but on occasion it has felt like the darkness which enveloped us would never lift. It’s eerie to hear coyotes screeching in the darkness, not being able to see your hand in front of your face, and just the whole idea of waiting. It seems like an unproductive waste of time to sit there any longer than necessary. Again, my opinion. I guess this may disqualify me from having avid hunting blood running through my veins, doesn’t it? I’m completely okay with that. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">However, when the darkness begins to fade away, the warmth and welcoming glow of the sun is so lovely and much appreciated. My hubby often says he enjoys the woods </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">coming to life. </span><span class="s1">I certainly get that!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Most mornings begin with a soft, beautiful sunrise which makes everything it touches seem to be wrapped up in a soft pinkish-orange hug. Then, the birds begin to chirp and flutter about as they begin their day. We often here the raspy cock-a-doodle of a rooster as it crows somewhere nearby. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">Everything changes with the morning as we welcome another day - even us. </span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 32.2px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I don’t know about you, but I’ve experienced nights I thought would never end. Whether it be with sickness in my body or someone in our family, or waiting on teenagers to make it safely home or to their destination, or maybe just a sudden storm provided by Mother Nature. They always seem to be never ending under the cover of darkness. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I cannot count the number of times that I’ve muttered to myself, “If I can just make it to daybreak...” and held my breath in anticipation. Can you recall such an instance in your own life? The darkness can be lonely, frustrating, and just downright scary at times. The waiting seems unbearable. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Then morning comes. A chance for a brand, new start. A fresh day bathed in light, in which we can think more clearly, walk forward boldly, and see things from a different perspective. Isn’t morning lovely!? Even if you’re like me and not a morning person, morning can still be delightful in our eyes. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Morning brings with it joy. Not the happy, giddy, giggling type of joy necessarily; it brings about joy in the form of hope and promise. The joy that we have because we have a God with an impeccable resume. You know, kind of like: <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">I’ve made it through the night, now I know I can make it through the day! God is with me. The joy of the Lord is my strength. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">My friend, no matter the darkness of your night, no matter the storms which threaten to take you out, or the fear and uncertainty which may grip your heart, hang on. It’s not over. Sometimes we go through </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">night seasons</span><span class="s1"> which last even longer than just an 8-10 hour span of darkness. Again, let me encourage you to hold on. The darkness cannot last for ever! </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s4" style="font-weight: bold;">Hang on. Press on. Lean on. God.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">As we begin our day, let’s take a moment to grab a cuppa and thank God for another day, knowing He is on our side and giving us strength to make it another mile. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">Without Him I can do nothing, but by His strength I can do anything. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Hang on knowing that joy isn’t actually what we may be feeling during the darkness, but rather the result left behind because we held on and trusted that God is in control and by our side all the while. He saw us through! Joy is knowing when morning comes, we’ll still be standing here, with Him by our side. What a consolation.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">It’s kind of like waiting on that package from Amazon to arrive. You know for sure that it’s shipped, you have a tracking number, it even says the package is out for delivery. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Keep watching and waiting - even through the night - we have a promised delivery - joy in the morning. For sake of remembering this more vividly, let’s think about </span><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">Joy in a Box. </span><span class="s1">It’s on the way, keep watching and waiting...even through the night...delivery set for in the morning. Right on time. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Be encouraged and blessed today~</span></p><p><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-676338269724110176.post-28132441060193013162021-05-06T12:11:00.002-04:002021-05-06T14:09:36.131-04:00Pass the Sugar, Please!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDcFL67xUuP9qglP7IZtFEpgzajeKZliPqgEDAQvZIsnEN5yLOZ5_9fdgVRuqrCsVC3-rGFPnDhUTLO_eM7aB1WgNP-eyc2BSMMMtUUpOMMBzBdT2tzn6BAFG_CTSslAGNLFBwIF6HfXd/s3745/87A6D44E-4DA1-4B3A-8DB5-209A2047671B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3745" data-original-width="3021" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDcFL67xUuP9qglP7IZtFEpgzajeKZliPqgEDAQvZIsnEN5yLOZ5_9fdgVRuqrCsVC3-rGFPnDhUTLO_eM7aB1WgNP-eyc2BSMMMtUUpOMMBzBdT2tzn6BAFG_CTSslAGNLFBwIF6HfXd/s320/87A6D44E-4DA1-4B3A-8DB5-209A2047671B.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">“More sugar, please!”</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">I grew up drinking unsweetened iced tea. Yeah, somebody pass the sugar, please. But, back then I didn’t know better. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Until, I tasted sweet tea...and...well, tea without sugar became a thing of the past for me. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">If it isn’t sweet enough, grab another spoonful and stir it in. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">You know what? Here’s a little secret I’ll share: <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I often wish I could add some more sugar, please, to life’s unsweetened or bittersweet moments. You probably do too, don’t you? Mother’s Day is just one of those moments for me. I’ll be dipping my spoon deeply into the sugar bowl though. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 4px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;">O taste and see that the Lord is good!</span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 27px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 32.2px;"><span class="s2" style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">For every bittersweet moment in life, we have the opportunity to go back for more </span><span class="s3" style="font-style: italic;">sugar</span><span class="s1">. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">It doesn’t work like adding sugar to a glass of tea; but I can turn to the One who has an endless supply of goodness, mercy, grace, hope, peace and joy. The sweet stuff! All these sweeteners don’t change the situations I face, nor do they take away the pain, but they do allow me to savor God’s nearness, goodness and provision along the way. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">So, on the difficult days when all the sweetness seems to be squeezed dry from what should be happy moments, I can dip my proverbial spoon into God’s sugar bowl and find that I can draw extra strength, encouragement, and whatever else I may need to see me through. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">“Pass the sugar, please.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Just to share a funny moment from back in the day when we were children, here’s a bit of humor for you: </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">my sister and grandmother were going back and forth at the dinner table one night. I don’t remember exactly over what, but my grandmother warned my sister that if she didn’t stop, she would pour her glass of tea over my sister’s head. Well, my sister didn’t believe her and kept up her antics anyhow. All the sudden, a fountain of tea came out of nowhere. We all gasped in shock (before we started laughing) as the tea flowed down her head and dripped from her nose. What a sight and memory!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">It can be easy to push the glass away because we don’t enjoy the taste of the contents inside - unsweetened tea. Ick! However, when we are able to add some peace, when we can add an extra dose of mercy, when we spoon in an extra lump of encouragement, the taste changes. Suddenly, we’re able to tolerate what was once labeled “unsweetened” because we’ve tasted of the Lord’s goodness. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Here’s another secret: Once we’ve tasted, we’ll <u>always</u> go back for more. Unsweetened is a thing of the past - you know, before we knew better. Now that we’ve tasted and seen...suddenly we’re not satisfied with anything less. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">“Pass the sugar, please!” And thank you, Lord, for making every situation we face bearable and useful in our lives. Thank you for always being enough. Thank you for the benefits of serving you. Thank you for satisfying our deepest soul needs. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Who wants to join me for a glass of refreshing sweet tea? Anyone need more sugar? Here’s an extra spoonful for you. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">May you be blessed and encouraged today~</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 21px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 25.1px;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></p>Steffanie H Russhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14269218767637824953noreply@blogger.com0