tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285090422024-03-12T22:05:05.584-07:00One Step Furtherdebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-27308342916482258462014-12-15T07:38:00.001-08:002014-12-15T07:53:17.268-08:00Watch for the LightIt's an early morning in December, still dark outside. I curl up into the overstuffed couch, wrapped in my pink fleece robe. Efforts to get up and be productive are more of a challenge these days with cold, gray mornings and frigid temperatures icing the windows. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZ1fqpIf_pM7c1bjrIopj3K_DJigD2mCNHxGSdA5b-tvoUNR56ARFyKkp2Vz5Aos4U508lBV1JlHCaBKPvyh8vx9u3EXfKqS0flKcZYpgZ88f1iGBVFP2RUG21kWATNfquNMk/s1600/51uQRu0RFNL._AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZ1fqpIf_pM7c1bjrIopj3K_DJigD2mCNHxGSdA5b-tvoUNR56ARFyKkp2Vz5Aos4U508lBV1JlHCaBKPvyh8vx9u3EXfKqS0flKcZYpgZ88f1iGBVFP2RUG21kWATNfquNMk/s1600/51uQRu0RFNL._AA160_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>I force my sleep-fogged eyes to focus on what I'm reading. Moments of quiet before the day is off and running are an antidote for the winter darkness. In addition to reading my Bible, I'm also reading <i>Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas. </i>I'm so pleased that I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review. I find myself looking forward to quiet moments each day. I don't even mind that it's still dark!<br />
<br />
At first, I thought this book would be a more typical seasonal devotional--short, meaningful stories with a takeaway biblical principle. Though I always enjoy a good devotional book, <i>Watch for the Light</i> is different. This book is a collection of readings from a wide variety of classic and contemporary sources: C.S. Lewis, Dorothy Day, Philip Yancey, T. S. Eliot, Annie Dillard, Martin Luther, and many others. There's a selection for each day of the Christmas season, starting with the last week of November through the first week of January.<br />
<br />
These writings are no-fluff. Some are poems, some are longer essays, but rich in meaning and well worth taking time to read and ponder. I've decided I'm not in a hurry to complete this book on schedule, though you could easily read individual selections when you have time--and still find it valuable. <br />
<br />
I'll probably be reading <i>Watch for the Light </i>into January. It will be meaningful to consider the thoughts and inspirations of these novelists, poets, theologians, and composers from long ago and from more contemporary times. I'm reminded in these dark days preceding Christmas, to <i>watch for the light,</i> the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. If you were going to add one book to your Advent and Christmas reading, I highly recommend this one. As the editors point out, "it will give new meaning to the phrase 'holiday preparations.'" <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-54793652746354295302014-11-20T14:16:00.001-08:002015-01-09T12:14:11.461-08:00Be a Burden BearerWhen I was 33-years old, I slipped on an icy sidewalk and fractured my knee cap. Ouch! I never dreamed how much something that looked like a simple "skinned knee" could impact my life. In an instant, I had been sidelined. It was as if God had grabbed me and said, "You, Deb. Time out. You're benched until further notice." I had an inkling that I'd been hiding <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qejhiw_n9LXEaPHunJhdDx793ji6LVkGO_vAC4J5dWwl48iIZRCo-gvmSjUsvDlyDg-lzDsVeHxjQ6y_5kmTNIaZhdvps2Og-Y1RYvWAQhL8bZREu5nNmWem2Ag3XVEYlKU0/s1600/Burden+Bearers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qejhiw_n9LXEaPHunJhdDx793ji6LVkGO_vAC4J5dWwl48iIZRCo-gvmSjUsvDlyDg-lzDsVeHxjQ6y_5kmTNIaZhdvps2Og-Y1RYvWAQhL8bZREu5nNmWem2Ag3XVEYlKU0/s1600/Burden+Bearers.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
from my emotional pain. The reality that my husband Randy was an alcoholic lurked in my thoughts. But if I stayed busy enough, I could avoid the truth that was too painful to confront.<br />
<br />
I spent weeks on the couch, my leg in a huge plaster cast from my ankle to my thigh. I couldn't run away--even if I wanted to. Instead, I had a front row seat to observe what was happening in my marriage--and it wasn't pretty.<br />
<br />
A friend had told me about a Christian counseling practice in Seattle called Burden Bearers. She encouraged me to call and make an appointment. I remember the day my friend loaded me and my crutches into the backseat of her Ford Pinto, my bulky cast propped on the console. She drove me to my first counseling appointment at Burden Bearers--an important step on my journey toward healing.<br />
<br />
A burden bearer was exactly what I needed--and what Jesus commands us to be for others, like my friend was for me.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Galatians 6:2 tells us: <i> <b>Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. </b></i></blockquote>
<br />
It's true that sometimes we feel too weak and overwhelmed to carry another person's burdens. That's when God sends people to help us. Since my knee injury, I've had many opportunities to help someone else who's carrying a heavy load. It's usually in an area where I've also walked and learned and grown--and experienced God's faithfulness and mercy.<br />
<br />
I love the story from the book of Mark, about the paralytic man who is carried to Jesus on a mat by his four friends. They're convinced Jesus can help him. When they can't get close enough to Jesus because of the crowds, they take matters into their own hands.They climb up on the roof and make an opening so they can lower their paralyzed friend down --right in front of Jesus. That took some boldness. I probably would've said, I guess we aren't going to see Jesus today...and resigned myself to that. But these friends were determined. They were desperate to help their friend. We <i>will</i> get him to Jesus--no matter what! These friends are burden bearers in every sense of the word.<br />
<br />
So what does it mean to come alongside someone in a time of need? How can you be a burden bearer?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> <b>Be Available</b></li>
</ul>
You don't need all the answers or a degree in counseling. You need to be willing to listen and offer support. Let your friend know she isn't walking this road alone. Sometimes your quiet presence means everything. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> <b>Be Bold</b></li>
</ul>
<b> </b>Be a "roof ripper," as a friend of mine described the actions of the paralytic man's friends. Step out of your comfort zone. Send the note or email. Even better, make the phone call. Offer to be a burden bearer. <b> </b><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Be Compassionate </b></li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It's easy to get caught up in our daily routines and not be aware of others who are hurting. Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, said: <i></i></blockquote>
<b> <i>Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God. </i></b><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> </i>And then help me do something about it. Take action. Get beyond my own self-centered thinking. <i>Lord, help us be connected with others so we'll know when there's a need. </i><br />
<br />
Our world is filled with hurt and pain. You don't have to look far to find opportunities to reach out to others who are struggling. I can hardly imagine where I'd be today if I hadn't had friends who came to carry me through some tough times. I am so grateful for the opportunity to pass this comfort on to others. <br />
<ul><i>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. </i>2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 <i></i></ul>
<ul><i><br /></i></ul>
<ul><i><b>Who is in your life who needs a burden bearer? </b></i></ul>
<ul><i> </i><i> </i><i> </i></ul>
<ul> </ul>
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-19100674385794396732014-09-13T17:45:00.000-07:002014-11-20T14:23:40.923-08:00After the Firestorm: Finding Out What Matters Most<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw7cIm-0ZoG8__E7ilY9nRDUcXnRiKZ53VWqI2_HoqBslGLk132nuJ4re0KG12zqmuSWpgGxkXapLuSsHcC4UqudxaBWUEtwnE-1Agc60WOAaUYqzfPss1gdSGrVrJ2sN8G16/s1600/WP_000456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw7cIm-0ZoG8__E7ilY9nRDUcXnRiKZ53VWqI2_HoqBslGLk132nuJ4re0KG12zqmuSWpgGxkXapLuSsHcC4UqudxaBWUEtwnE-1Agc60WOAaUYqzfPss1gdSGrVrJ2sN8G16/s1600/WP_000456.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our house on July 17, 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've never been so happy to turn a calendar page as I was at the end of August. I flipped the page from August to September, breathing a guarded sigh of relief. Our world has been rocked by the firestorm that blew up on July 17. During the summer and early fall, wildfires are part of life here in hot, dry north central Washington. We've seen the mushroom-cloud smoke plumes that tower skyward. We've witnessed hillsides burning in the distance. The Thirtymile Fire in 2001 seemed relatively insignificant until it raged out-of-control, killing four young firefighters. I remember the somber gathering held at our local high school gym where we paid our respects. This heartbreaking tragedy caused the forest service to re-evaluate firefighting protocols.<br />
<br />
But this year, the Carlton Complex Fire became the largest fire in Washington state history, burning more than 250,000 acres. Long-time residents say they've never seen anything like it. Unlike other fires, this one destroyed homes--more than 300 at last count. These are friends and neighbors who have lost everything. I can't imagine where you begin to start over. The fire, ignited by a lightning strike near Carlton, traveled more than 25 miles in less than 8 hours to burn hundreds of homes near Pateros. People barely had time to evacuate. It's nothing short of a miracle that no lives were lost that night and in the following days and weeks. <br />
<br />
We were without power and water for 10 days in the area where I live. Others "camped" without electricity for almost 3 weeks. Everyone has been affected by the stress of living on high alert--not knowing if and when you'll have to evacuate or if a new fire will be ignited by lightning or something as random as a tire rim from a flat tire creating sparks. And if the fires weren't bad enough, mudslides caused by heavy rain and flash flooding several weeks later, washed out roads and destroyed more homes. It's hard to wrap my mind around the devastation. <br />
<br />
<b>Yet in the midst of disaster, you can't help but notice the bright spots. </b>I think of the hardworking heroes who have given so much to our communities...the firefighters who relentlessly dug fire lines in 100 degree weather, the local PUD joined by other utility companies who worked 16-hour days to get the power on, Red Cross volunteers who came to lend a hand or a shoulder to cry on. Community centers and schools were transformed into shelters staffed by volunteers. Almost immediately, donations of supplies poured in. A statement said they couldn't accept any more donations. There simply wasn't room.<br />
<br />
A benefit, "Blues for the Burn," was sponsored by the organizers of the popular summer Rhythm & Blues Festival. More than 400 people enjoyed an evening of music and dancing. Many came from out-of-town, wanting to support the beautiful Methow Valley and those who have lost so much. All proceeds went to our local food bank/charitable organization, "The Cove," who will distribute the funds. I'm amazed and moved by the generosity of our community. <br />
<br />
In September, I had the privilege of helping at a fire relief clothing event sponsored by The Heart of CAbi Foundation and Independent CAbi Consultants. More than 90 women who had lost all their personal clothing in the fires or mudslides came to "shop" for brand new designer clothing--except they didn't need any shopping dollars. CAbi, a clothing company, donated 1,000 items of clothing. Each woman who attended went home with at least 10 free new outfits. I stood by to offer coffee, muffins, scones, and sandwiches--but most important, I listened to their stories of loss, gave hugs, and even helped dry some tears. <br />
<br />
<b>It seems like disasters, whether natural events, or tragedies like 9/11, tend to draw people together. </b>Suddenly we're shoulder-to-shoulder, ready to help and encourage others wherever we can. Even though I pray we never have another summer like this one, I'm grateful for the overwhelming support we've received--and for this reminder:<br />
<br />
<b><i>The
things that matter the most in this world, they can never be held in our
hand.</i> –Gloria Gaither</b><br />
<br />
I've had a first-hand glimpse of this through those in our community who are bravely moving forward after losing so much. <br />
<br />
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-39220561378476626562014-08-21T10:30:00.001-07:002014-08-21T10:30:55.209-07:00What I've Learned through a Lifetime of MarriageMy husband Randy and I recently celebrated 44 years of marriage. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp0jALhKjBU0rCLsGnNwPEUzh2PpJ8Pi_VAplVZ_SICkLBvU7tv_bX6PMfgH7dJUJ7AZ86cCV_QIqQCATwoatE8u5B6UXWukq5lrXOA2CkAp1cDJMzmE44ny8HVi74q63xB9R/s1600/Steak+'n+Shake+anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp0jALhKjBU0rCLsGnNwPEUzh2PpJ8Pi_VAplVZ_SICkLBvU7tv_bX6PMfgH7dJUJ7AZ86cCV_QIqQCATwoatE8u5B6UXWukq5lrXOA2CkAp1cDJMzmE44ny8HVi74q63xB9R/s1600/Steak+'n%2BShake%2Banniversary.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our anniversary celebration at Steak 'N Shake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wow--how can that be possible when we're only 30+ years old? Well... we haven't been that age for a long time, but it's still hard to imagine we've spent most of a lifetime together.<br />
<br />
When we first got married, I had this naive notion that all we needed was love. Da...da...da...da... da....<i>All you need is love...All together now...</i>When I hear those words, I automatically want to burst into song. Never mind about the misunderstandings and the immaturity of two 19 year-olds who are going to become parents before their first anniversary. As long as we have love, we will stay together. Wasn't that also a song? <i>Love will keep us together.</i> If only it were that simple. <br />
<br />
We do need love, but not the kind Hollywood portrays or most of us envision. I remember seeing the movie <i>Love Story</i> with Randy when we were dating. Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw (can you believe she's 75?) looked deeply into each other's eyes and proclaimed, <i>Love means never having to say you're sorry.</i><br />
<br />
How sweet (and unrealistic) is that? But that's the love I was looking for...where romantic feelings never fade and you sail off together as best friends and lovers without a disagreement or ever raising your voice or crying yourself to sleep.<br />
<br />
After 44 years and weathering many marital ups and downs, I've learned a lot about real-life relationships:<br />
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>There's no such thing as 50/50 in marriage. </b>Many times you'll be the one giving more than you bargained for. It would be nice if everything were split neatly in half. The reality is that each of you will be called on at different times to give more than your share. It's also good not to keep score. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Recognize the myth of the greener grass.</b> It's possible there is "greener grass," but many of us see the grass and want to vault over the fence without considering the costs. The repercussions of an affair are devastating for everyone. Two families are directly affected, as well as extended family and friends. Life is never the same after trust in a marriage has been broken. God can heal and bring reconciliation, but the price paid is excruciatingly high.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Love the one you're with. </b>What would happen if you intentionally treated your spouse as if you really loved him/her? Not the <i>Love Story</i> type of love, but love that's patient, kind, steadfast in sickness and in health, in good times and bad times. God's kind of love that never fails. </li>
</ul>
Randy and I have been blessed to experience this love in our marriage. It didn't come naturally, though. It took a lot of pain and struggle and heartache. We both realized the ability to love well was only possible if we were willing to get beyond our selfishness. As we experienced God's grace, we were then able to begin to love each other unconditionally. Not perfectly, but in a way that says <i>I want the best for you. I'm willing to do whatever I can to encourage you, to build you up, to help you become the person God created you to be. </i><br />
<br />
And guess what? I found out I married the right guy-- the one who has been God's gift to me for almost a lifetime. And yes, we've learned that saying you're sorry is at the top of the list!<br />
<br />
<i>If you're struggling to love your spouse, there is hope! Small acts of kindness can be a good starting place. I would love to pray with you and encourage you to believe that God's love never fails. </i> <br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul> </ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-38065105150895895582014-07-04T15:37:00.001-07:002014-07-04T15:38:21.082-07:00Let Freedom Never Be Forgotten<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37tRJTMDRXqh6G5AFejj36jVGErbZtjqxO0bddb5-ANIJZ2IZ8lN5QjEYX-f11eB8dS7nEBGldzqWXM49f9J-W7F8FPyrxJ7oz3u55e6Cp0eY4x9Wu026Ywehjx98tPgsO-bl/s1600/Flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37tRJTMDRXqh6G5AFejj36jVGErbZtjqxO0bddb5-ANIJZ2IZ8lN5QjEYX-f11eB8dS7nEBGldzqWXM49f9J-W7F8FPyrxJ7oz3u55e6Cp0eY4x9Wu026Ywehjx98tPgsO-bl/s1600/Flag.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a>In the late 1970s,
Randy and I and our two sons spent three years stationed on Okinawa,
Japan with the Air Force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our first 4<sup>th</sup>
of July overseas, we gathered with other families of the 15<sup>th</sup>
Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron to celebrate the freedoms I had often taken
for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
If I closed my eyes, I
could almost imagine being back home and not on an island the size of New
Jersey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I savored the familiar aroma of
barbecued hamburgers and hotdogs. Picnic tables laden with steaming
corn-on-the-cob, baked beans, and even juicy watermelon, an expensive delicacy
in the Far East, waited for the lineup of hungry guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Living in another
culture had offered a multitude of new opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enrolled in Japanese courses, our sons
played with Okinawan children with hardly a language barrier, and we sampled
tempura-coated vegetables managing chopsticks instead of forks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I would never
trade our experiences, but we missed the United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silly things like TV commercials that were
absent from the Armed Forces station, but showed up with taped programs like <i>Star
Trek </i>and <i>Dallas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>The usually
annoying advertising now gave us glimpses of ordinary life back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A way of life you would be hard pressed to
find anywhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Even a trip to the
movie theater on the military base got me choked up with nostalgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> T</span>hey always played our National Anthem to
preface the featured film, against a backdrop of Americana scenes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dorothy was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There really wasn’t any place quite like
home--Kansas or otherwise.<br />
<br />
Years later, I
still remember the rush of emotion I felt when our plane nosed through wispy
clouds and the stately Golden Gate Bridge came into view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After three years, we had finally come home
to the land of the free and the home of the brave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I</span> would never take my country for granted
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><i>Dear Lord, thank you for showing
me the great value of freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-20675503850165072812014-06-02T07:09:00.001-07:002014-09-25T06:38:42.520-07:00Letting Go: A Refresher CourseThis post seems like deja vu. I've written about my "little" brother several times. Yesterday was his birthday. I called him to tell him I was thinking about him. His mental confusion seemed more pronounced. He admitted to using meth "so he could have some fun on his birthday." Calling him is difficult. It brings his dire circumstances into focus. Somehow it's easier when you don't have to deal with someone up close and personal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fKg1vyFrpfhZelaO0fSLfk8PL1Sr8Cw80bzY0yp0bnJt-Asgo1fzai8w5ASVSNmE6YyQdK8Q2UA6-YHXDihSObVj-TC6mQhnFgAyMFi4eW0Oq9fIEROrfV2d5tu3Nq8S7jiM/s1600/6875281618_5a3c90f2b1_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fKg1vyFrpfhZelaO0fSLfk8PL1Sr8Cw80bzY0yp0bnJt-Asgo1fzai8w5ASVSNmE6YyQdK8Q2UA6-YHXDihSObVj-TC6mQhnFgAyMFi4eW0Oq9fIEROrfV2d5tu3Nq8S7jiM/s1600/6875281618_5a3c90f2b1_m.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
<br />
My brother has been homeless for many years. He's addicted to alcohol and meth. Whether he had mental illness and self-treated with substances or has brain damage because of his drug use, doesn't really matter at this point. It's heart-wrenching and frustrating because there isn't anything we as a family can do to help him. He's reluctant to sign up for the now-mandatory health insurance. His pride gets in the way. Because he's so emotionally volatile, he has difficulty working, so he doesn't have any regular income.<br />
<br />
After talking with him, I realized I need a refresher course in letting go. The "Letting Go" poem I received at one of the treatment centers my husband Randy went to is a good reminder.<br />
<br />
Here are a few thoughts I had as I worked through letting go (once again) of my brother. <br />
<ul>
<li> <b>To "let go" does not mean to stop caring, it means I can't do it for someone else<i>.</i></b></li>
</ul>
<i> I will always love my brother. I can't make him want to make healthy choices, though.</i><br />
<ul>
<li><b>To "let go" is not to cut myself off, it's the realization I can't control another.<i> </i></b></li>
</ul>
<i> I can reach out to my brother without any expectations or demands that he change. </i><br />
<ul>
<li><b>To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive. </b></li>
</ul>
<i>I was able to talk with him without offering advice.</i><br />
<ul>
<li><b>To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.</b></li>
</ul>
<i> </i><i>I didn't scold him for doing drugs.</i><br />
<ul>
<li><b>To "let go" is not to be in the middle arranging the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies. <i> </i></b></li>
</ul>
<i> I will never stop praying for my brother. I am powerless, but there is One who has all power. I pray for him to find God in his life. </i><br />
<ul>
<li><i> </i><b>To "let go" is to fear less, and love more. </b></li>
</ul>
<i><b>What have you learned about "letting go?" How is this making a difference in your relationships? </b></i> debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-85146797719856600282014-05-15T12:40:00.001-07:002014-05-15T12:45:28.720-07:00Where Would We Be Without Friends?When my mom had a mastectomy a couple of years ago, my dear friend Mary came to be with me. <br />
Mary arrived at the hospital after Mom came out of surgery. Seeing a familiar face felt so reassuring. I threw my arms around my friend. I knew I could walk through this because I wasn't walking alone. Mary drove nearly two hours to be with me in Seattle. After her work shift, she loaded a cooler with bottled water, juices, fruits, and other snacks for us to enjoy at the hotel. She even tucked in a Starbucks gift card. Her presence meant the world to me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvQG97GwxRQVfPmdvSmcjgHI4DJULKt10qmrPSpV8euv2RwWg4uH7CLrpPoUruhVTqLJRofxUvx4SPOTl8Ra31XbmdfjcEbxO7zNlggpg3vvRUCoGfy2L7kzUdRkgz_jNlgUN/s1600/Friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvQG97GwxRQVfPmdvSmcjgHI4DJULKt10qmrPSpV8euv2RwWg4uH7CLrpPoUruhVTqLJRofxUvx4SPOTl8Ra31XbmdfjcEbxO7zNlggpg3vvRUCoGfy2L7kzUdRkgz_jNlgUN/s1600/Friends.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Our friendship spans more than 30 years. We've walked a lot of
roads together...weathered the storms of our husbands' battles with alcoholism... rejoiced with their sobriety...grieved over losses--parents, jobs, pets...celebrated weddings and births. We've shared life together and carried each other's burdens. I don't know where I'd be today
without friends like Mary. I believe one of God's most gracious gifts is the gift of friends. <br />
<br />
Through the years, as I've been on the receiving end of a friend's kindness, I've asked myself, what kind of friend am I? How can I be a better friend?<br />
<br />
<b><i>Lord, help me to be:</i> </b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>The friend who thinks of others and anticipates their needs. </b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>The friend who is generous with her time.</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>The friend who is honest and loves you enough to tell you the truth. </b> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>The friend who loves and accepts you no matter what.</b></li>
</ul>
<b> </b> <br />
<br />
<b></b>I've been blessed to have more than one friend like Mary. I pray you also have known the love of such a caring friend. No one can do life alone. God designed us to need one another.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<i>Two are better than one,</i><br />
<i>because they have a good return for their work.</i><br />
<i>If one falls down,</i><br />
<i>his friend can help him up. </i>Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10<br />
<br />
<b>I would love to hear how a friend has made all the difference in your life! </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-28977313626467357252014-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:002014-09-25T06:42:22.969-07:00Reach Out!The half hour drive from Meridian, Idaho to Boise seemed like the longest of my life. Late one night, I packed our 10 and 7-year old sons in the car with me to escape the turmoil at home. My husband Randy had been drinking again. I suspected that he was an alcoholic. If I admitted that, then I'd be faced with reality--with the elephant that stalked our house. I felt at a total loss in knowing what to do. <br />
<br />
A few nights before, I had accused Randy of being an alcoholic. It was as if I'd thrown gasoline on a simmering fire. He exploded in anger and shoved me against the kitchen wall. I wanted to run away and never come back. But two little boys slept upstairs. I'm sure they weren't really sleeping-- probably terrified of what was happening between their parents. Even after 30 + years, I still remember how desperate I felt.<br />
<br />
I made the brave decision to take Chris and Jeremy with me to a women's shelter at the YWCA in Boise. A kind woman greeted us at the door when we arrived. She showed us to a neat room with three roll-away beds. She assured us we would be safe. I hugged and kissed my sons and tried my best to reassure them. I'm not sure I slept much that night, but I felt some relief. We stayed there for a few days. After having several counseling sessions and discussions with Randy, I decided to go home.<br />
<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/AVvXsEgpqAhS4uD69ussGw6FzWfQNxOJfPMTCRS-N9RhPbrRg2xt0dQNZrUfPFVkZ9sSi4ZZqC2FeyzDpgdfVS4Lzbd5fkm11qtWuiihdlIhr_KVCZtF1Nf6BwAnIa3Q0t9cufusN-Fk/s1600/You+are+not+alonge(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqAhS4uD69ussGw6FzWfQNxOJfPMTCRS-N9RhPbrRg2xt0dQNZrUfPFVkZ9sSi4ZZqC2FeyzDpgdfVS4Lzbd5fkm11qtWuiihdlIhr_KVCZtF1Nf6BwAnIa3Q0t9cufusN-Fk/s1600/You+are+not+alonge(2).png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Even though it would be a long time before our home was a peaceful place, I had learned some important truths. <b>I was no longer alone.</b> I had been directed to Al-Anon, a support group for families and friends of alcoholics. There I would find tools and resources to help me deal with our problems. The journey toward my own healing and wholeness had begun. I will always be grateful for the YWCA in Boise and their caring staff who took us in that night. <b>I also learned that no matter how bleak a situation appears, there is always hope for change. </b><br />
<br />
How often I've thought about the need we as women have for a time-out when circumstances get crazy. Maybe you're not dealing with alcoholism and a spouse who is physically or verbally abusive. But you're tired, weary. You need a place to just be quiet and hear yourself think. A place where you feel loved and can be reassured that you are going to be all right. <br />
<br />
Remember, you are not alone. Help is only a phone call or internet click away. The YWCA was only my first step of support. I could write pages to list all the friends, counselors, and support groups who have been part of my recovery journey.<br />
<br />
Today, I can hardly believe I'm the same woman who made that impossibly long drive to reach out for help. I can hardly believe Randy is the same man who desperately needed to check out of reality by drinking. Today we enjoy the gift and miracle of sobriety in our lives and peace that comes from knowing we are in the center of God's will. <br />
<br />
<i>When you are called out of crippling fear...you will be amazed at what God has planned for you. There is a world of breathtaking wonder wrapped up in trusting God with everything you have and everything you are. You will discover that you are free! -</i>Sheila Walsh<br />
<br />
Let me know if you need to reach out for help. I'd love to help you take a step on your journey to freedom! <br />
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-59115992844146138942014-01-30T15:58:00.000-08:002014-09-25T06:43:48.137-07:00My Way or the High Way<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3RKxSUmUwvcZDyt-PeT1ojm4NxPDqcvvmLJM23t4PkeqIkCnPu-PWys1bqfEnWllaLzzGZFZOLCwBLTJDpe5wIca2j7wCVrhdSRYTWb1IOTsni0Swefd4D7WVAVSUVh0wsw8/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3RKxSUmUwvcZDyt-PeT1ojm4NxPDqcvvmLJM23t4PkeqIkCnPu-PWys1bqfEnWllaLzzGZFZOLCwBLTJDpe5wIca2j7wCVrhdSRYTWb1IOTsni0Swefd4D7WVAVSUVh0wsw8/s320/th.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I used to think it was all Randy’s fault. If only he’d stop drinking, then we (or most importantly) <i>I</i> could be happy. I also thought I could change him. I could make him want to stay sober. I used ultimatums (you’d better stop drinking or…I’ll leave you…I’ll file for divorce, etc.) I thought he would be motivated to stop drinking. Wrong!<br />
<br />
I launched my personal mission to get Randy sober. I placed inspirational books in strategic places around the house and refrigerator magnets with Bible verses on the fridge. When Randy popped open a can of beer, he would see those verses and want to change. Suddenly he would see the light, drop to his knees in gratitude, and proclaim his desire to stay sober. Wrong—again!<br />
<br />
It is so tough to love your husband well in circumstances like this, finding the right balance in loving him that reflects Christ’s character. Maybe you’re dealing with a situation where you’ve tried everything you know to love your husband. Nothing ever changes and you feel angry and frustrated. You’ve lost all hope.<br />
<br />
I know how you feel. For the longest time it was all about me. <i>I don’t deserve this.</i> <i>Why am I going through this? It isn’t fair. </i>Author and Women of Faith speaker, Patsy Clairmont once said, “Fair is where you buy cotton candy!”<br />
<br />
I needed that reminder. The truth is, life isn’t fair. It’s how we respond to life’s inequities that determines whether or not we will find contentment. Looking back, I can see how my reluctant choices to take the “higher road” in our relationship, helped our marriage survive.<br />
<br />
Maybe what we need is a road map to guide us, some cues to encourage us to let go of “our way” and become willing to choose God’s “high way.” I thought of the acronym H.I.M. I had to intentionally follow Him (Jesus) to become more Christ-like in all of my relationships.<br />
<br />
<b>H = Humility </b><br />
<br />
Jesus is humility personified. He had a way of zeroing in on a problem and speaking the truth in love. He had a posture of gentle strength.
Humility doesn’t mean accepting or condoning your spouse’s bad behavior, but it does mean treating him the way Jesus treated others.<br />
<br />
<b>Dangerous Detours that almost derailed me:</b><br />
<br />
1. Self-pity—Why me? This isn’t fair!<br />
2. Blaming—It’s not my fault.<br />
3. Comparing—The grass is greener myth.<br />
<br />
I shifted my thinking. I learned to admit where I had been wrong. <i>Who me</i>? I learned to accept responsibility for my actions.<br />
<br />
<i>Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you.</i> James 4:10<br />
<br />
<b>I= Integrity</b><br />
<br />
Integrity is courageous honesty, speaking truth in a compassionate way to ourselves and others. Jesus was also a master of integrity.
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Dangerous Detours where I often got hung up:</b><br />
<br />
1. Denial—Refusing to believe or accept what is true.<br />
2. Fear of confrontation—Lack of boundaries or inability to set limits.<br />
3. Disrespect—Treating your spouse in a discourteous manner.<br />
<br />
I needed to honestly confront Randy (and myself) with reality. Truth gives us the ability to walk into the light instead of staying forever hidden in the darkness. Truth brings freedom and relief.<br />
<br />
<i> You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. </i>John 8:32<br />
<br />
<b>M= Maturity
</b><br />
<br />
Maturity helps us extend grace to others and give up the need to be right. Maturity requires that we're grounded in reality and that we do our best to make wise choices.<br />
<br />
Jesus knew how to reach people. He asked probing questions and told stories to make his point.
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Dangerous Detours that kept me stuck: </b><br />
<br />
1. Unforgiveness—Bitterness and resentment, the desire to punish the person who has wronged you.
2. Selfishness—Insisting on your own agenda.<br />
3. A hardened heart—Stubborness and unwillingness to change or accept instruction.<br />
<br />
<i>Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.</i> Ephesians 4:29<br />
<br />
I almost gave up on Randy and our marriage. I’m so thankful the Lord gave me friends who pointed me toward a “higher way.”<br />
<br />
• Toward <i><b>humility</b></i> so my heart would become tender instead of critical.<br />
• Toward <i><b>integrity</b></i> so I could confront the lies I’d told myself and have courage to confront my husband in love.<br />
• Toward <i><b>maturity</b></i> so I could act unselfishly, desiring to awaken the goodness in my husband.<br />
<br />
By attempting to follow Him, I have truly experienced God’s grace.<br />
<br />
<i>Grace is undeserved generosity. It’s a hug when I deserve a slap. And that spirit of forgiving is the soil from which grow words that impart grace to those who hear. Only tender hearts produce words that heal rather than hurt.</i> –Jerry Harvill<br />
<br />
<i><b>Where are you on your journey to follow H.I.M.?</b></i>
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-60244704984795300332013-12-25T18:26:00.002-08:002013-12-25T18:26:15.384-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>A Teenage Pregnancy</strong>
<strong>by Robin Jones Gunn</strong></h2>
It was early, early morning, that delicate time of day just before sunrise when it seems as if all of creation is still asleep.<br />
<br />
In the cold, gray light she gazed at the infant in her arms. He was less than an hour old and so, so small. Instinct prompted her to draw her newborn close that he might feel the rhythm of her heart. He curled his tiny hand around her finger and she smiled. His eyes closed, and with feathered breath he gave way to the blessed sleep that follows such a long journey.<br />
<br />
In weary awe she studied his face, his ears, his nose. He was here. He had come at last.<br />
<br />
A single tear fell from her eye and rolled across his cheek. She kissed the tear away but could not kiss away the memories that came with the tears; memories of the day she found out she was pregnant. How exhilarated she felt and yet how terrified. She was young, and there was much she didn’t understand.<br />
<br />
Trying to justify her condition to her parents proved more difficult than she’d hoped. But the most excruciating memory was the moment she stood guileless before the man she hoped to one day marry. She had no words to make him understand the awful truth—the child she carried was not his.<br />
<br />
Leaving seemed to be her only option. A gracious aunt took her in and welcomed her with open arms. From the moment she arrived she was showered with motherly words of hope and sisterly touches of love. Week by week, month by month, the child inside her grew.<br />
<br />
Was it a miracle when she returned home, her belly round, her face flushed, and found him there?<br />
<br />
What prompted this man to take her back and make her his bride? Did he now believe what she had tried to explain all along, that none of this was her own doing?<br />
<br />
When the time was right they left their small town together, as husband and wife, with her due date rapidly approaching. The labor began—tightening her abdomen with a force she had never before imagined. Perspiration streamed from her forehead. The contractions multiplied with a frenzied urgency until the need to push overwhelmed her young body, and the baby was born.<br />
<br />
Nothing of the past mattered anymore. He was here. Naked, perfect, quivering in her arms. With a thrill of hope, she believed that her life, her world, would never be the same.<br />
<br />
Now as the first silver streaks of dawn pierced through the cracks in the stable, she tenderly wrapped her sleeping babe in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-gunn" class="aligncenter wp-image-9214" height="317" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-gunn.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=9067" rel="attachment wp-att-9067" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Robin Promo Photo Close Up 2013" class="alignleft wp-image-9067" height="161" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Robin-Promo-Photo-Close-Up-2013-241x384.jpg" width="102" /></a>Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of the much-loved Christy Miller Series and the award-winning Sisterchicks® series, has had more than 4.5 million copies of her books sold worldwide. Her frequent speaking engagements have taken her around the globe. Robin and her husband live in Hawaii and have a grown son and daughter. You can learn more at <a href="http://www.robingunn.com/">Robin's website</a>.
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c271/" id="rc-f1ea7c271" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-20273754341897776502013-12-24T12:41:00.002-08:002013-12-24T12:41:11.418-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below! The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Do You Hear What I Hear?</strong>
<strong>by Cynthia Ruchti</strong></h2>
To shepherds? Really, God? You crafted a birth announcement that was delivered first to shepherds? The story’s become so familiar to us, so easy for us to visualize because of all the Christmas pageants we’ve witnessed over the years—all the fourth-grade boys in plaid robes with a homemade shepherd staff, carrying a cloth lamb from the toy department that plays “Jesus Loves Me” if you pull the ring where an umbilical cord should be.
<br />
<br />
Theologians speculate the reason for shepherds as the audience for the holy pronouncement could be as intricate as a genetic retracing of the Baby’s heritage back through history to King David, who started his career as a shepherd.<br />
<br />
Or it could have been simpler than that. Maybe shepherds were the only ones listening that night.<br />
<br />
“Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night,” Luke 2:8, CEB. The biblical story tells us that the shepherds weren’t sleeping but were on guard, watching, when the news about Jesus came to them.<br />
<br />
Distractions were few. Hills, sheep, other shepherds, a low fire, and a wide expanse of sky overhead—a dark sky that held the same stars night after night, until this one.<br />
<br />
I wonder if any of the shepherds brought their families to the fields. I wonder if in the tent was a hardworking woman nearing the end of an exhausting day. She’d barely gotten the evening meal cleaned up when she had to start thinking about what her family and the other shepherds would need for breakfast. Soak the grains. Check the progress on the sheep’s milk cheese. And try to get those kids to settle down.<br />
<br />
“Stop annoying your brother. Caleb! Last warning. Josh, get your fingers out of your sister’s ears. Turn down that video game. You can’t listen to the radio and watch TV at the same time. Turn one of them off. Better yet, both of them! Who’s singing? What’s that sound? Do you hear what I hear?”<br />
<br />
<b><i>What noise do I need to turn off in my life in order to hear the first notes of the angel’s song?</i></b><br />
<br />
Another noisy Christmas party. Another trip to the department store for stocking stuffers. Another round of Christmas CDs. Another Christmas special on TV. Another Facebook post to share—the true meaning of Christmas. A text about the practice time for the Christmas program at church. Another phone call about travel plans. Brain waves clanking into each other, making a cacophony of noise.<br />
<br />
Shutting down one layer at a time. Unplugging. Keeping even "Silent Night" low so I can silence my night and hear the downbeat of “Glory to God in the highest.”<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-ruchti" class="aligncenter wp-image-9212" height="310" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-ruchti.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/CRuchti-145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="120" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/CRuchti-145.jpg" width="150" /></a>Cynthia Ruchti is an author and speaker who tells stories of Hope-that-glows-in-the-dark through her novels and novellas, devotions, nonfiction, and through speaking events for women and writers. Of seven books on the shelves currently, her latest releases are the novel <em>When the Morning Glory Blooms</em> (Abingdon Press Fiction), the nonfiction <em>Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices</em> (Abingdon Press Christian Living), and several dozen of the devotions in <em>Mornings With Jesus 2014</em> (Guideposts). Spring of 2014 will see the release of another novel—<em>All My Belongings</em>, also from Abingdon Press Fiction. You can connect with her at <a href="http://www.cynthiaruchti.com/">www.cynthiaruchti.com</a> or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CynthiaRuchtiReaderPage">Facebook</a>.
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c271/" id="rc-f1ea7c271" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-26462478229591047802013-12-23T07:24:00.000-08:002013-12-23T07:24:00.825-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below! The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Wrapping Paper and Fancy Bows Not Required</strong>
<strong>by Jodi Murphy</strong></h2>
For more than a decade I worked in the luxury design field, and every year around Christmas time there were holiday show houses and charity events where the designers would hold nothing back to create the most beautiful displays for the Christmas season—trees with baubles and sparkles, swags of fresh greenery festooned with handmade bows, every room dressed to the nines, dining and breakfast tables set for imaginary entertaining, and hundreds of perfectly wrapped packages that would make Santa’s elves go green with envy.
<br />
<br />
The sights, sounds and smells were magical! And though I enjoyed the "eye candy" and appreciated all of the creativity, I often left these events on a "sugar high" of the season’s pufferies and feeling disconnected to the spiritual significance of Christmas.<br />
<br />
As we begin to count down the days toward December 25th, I will do my share of simplified decorating as a way to mark such an important day, and I will be celebrating Christ’s birth with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the gifts God has given to me . . .<br />
<br />
<b>My Parents</b><br />
I was blessed with parents who loved and respected me. I was always important, seen and heard. They gave me the confidence and strength to go out into the world because I knew they were standing right behind me in case I stumbled. They modeled generosity, loyalty and commitment.<br />
<br />
<b>My Sister</b><br />
Tenacious, strong-willed, and determined balanced by a friendly, supportive, “I’m there for you” spirit—that’s my amazing younger sister. She’ll step out on the front line to stand up and defend you or throw on some work clothes and volunteer to help with whatever dirty work needs to be done. No questions asked . . . you need her, she’s there.<br />
<br />
<b>My Husband</b><br />
My husband is so comfortable in his own skin. He doesn’t compare himself to others or secretly long for what they have. He doesn’t get embroiled in other’s gossip or petty arguments. His loving influence has made me happier and more at peace. Every day I wake up to the joyful realization that I am his friend, wife, and life partner.<br />
<br />
<b>My Son</b><br />
My firstborn. My son with Aspergers Syndrome. Raising him is the most extraordinary journey. He has made me more accepting, patient, and understanding. He has helped me find my passion to support and advocate for him and those just like him. He doesn’t filter or concern himself with being anything but who he is. I admire his strength to put himself out into a world he doesn’t fully understand.<br />
<br />
<b>My Daughter</b><br />
She was born with grace and an "old" soul. From a very young age, she had an understanding and compassion for others well beyond her years. And when she was excluded for not following the crowd, she never compromised her values in order to fit in. She personifies all that is good and right in our world.<br />
<br />
So I’m taking a pause from the hustle and bustle of the designers’ holiday season. This Christmas, and every Christmas henceforth, you’ll find me singing praises of “Gloria!” to God for the walking, breathing beautiful gifts of my family.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-murphy" class="aligncenter wp-image-9210" height="355" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-murphy.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=9073" rel="attachment wp-att-9073" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="jodi_murphy-Headshot 1" class="alignleft wp-image-9073" height="148" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jodi_murphy-Headshot-1-252x308.jpg" width="121" /></a>Jodi Murphy has been a freelance marketing specialist for the last 25+ years working for clients in a variety of industries, a journalist in the design/luxury lifestyle industry, and co-founder of <a href="http://www.nestingnewbies.com/">Nesting Newbies</a>, one of the first independent lifestyle digital magazines. But her most important role and her life’s passion is being a mom! She founded <a href="http://geekclubbooks.com/">Geek Club Books</a> to share her son’s life on the spectrum in a positive and entertaining way. Her focus is on building a community of spectrum and neurotypicals who are engaged with and inspired by the Geek Club Books’ message of <a href="http://geekclubbooks.com/our-motto/">self-acceptance</a>—“I’m unique. I’m a geek.” Jodi writes original content on the blog, and, with the help of her talented kids and top-notch creative team, she produces audio stories, e-books, and interactive storybook APPs.</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c271/" id="rc-f1ea7c271" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-36283614004655221722013-12-22T08:30:00.002-08:002013-12-22T08:30:14.580-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of Christmas blog series</strong><strong>!</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.<br />
<br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items from the contributors! </strong>Enter now below! The winner will be announced on January 2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<strong>My Gift to the King</strong>
<strong>by Sheryl Giesbrecht</strong></h2>
It was a week before Christmas; a woman in the rush of her last-minute shopping bought a box of fifty identical greeting cards. Without bothering to read what the card said, she quickly signed and addressed all but one of them. A few days after they had been mailed she came across the one card that hadn’t been sent. She was horrified to read, “This card is just to say, a little gift is on the way!”<br />
<br />
Gift-giving is just one of our many Christmas traditions. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, Jesus, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Truly Jesus is the best gift we would ever want to receive.<br />
<br />
<b>One year a friend gave me a Christmas devotional book that turned my holiday traditions upside down.</b> Anne Graham Lotz shared her custom of asking King Jesus what gift he would like for his birthday. God wants us to give freely out of our love for him as an act of worship. This process of intentionally and sacrificially giving a "love gift to my King" is something I have added to my personal Christmas traditions. I wonder, have you ever thought about giving Jesus a gift? Maybe this year you might ask Him what He would like you to give Him.<br />
<br />
Each year, as the Christmas holidays approach, I ask the King what he would like for his birthday. I remember Anne Graham Lotz’s criteria: “Something I would not do except the King requested it. And it is something I could not do except the King enabled me,” (<i>Christmas Memories</i> by Terri Meeusen pg. 159).<br />
<br />
One year the King began asking me for His gift in September when a local high school contacted me to develop a truant program. I didn’t feel qualified. Lotz’ words rang in my mind: “Something I would not do except the king requested it. And it is something I could not do except the king enabled me.” “God, not me," I argued. I remembered what God brought me out of; I was a rebellious and promiscuous teenager, chain-smoker, alcoholic, drug addict, and drug dealer who cut class all but five days my junior year of high school. At age seventeen, I went to work at a Christian camp and there I was shown the love of God through the experience of working transformed believers. I was shown God’s love could cover a multitude of sins. Now He asked me to share this same love with those who are looking for love in all the wrong places. I committed to doing the King’s bidding.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What gift will you give your King this year? </i></b>Maybe God is asking you to serve in your child’s classroom at school or teach a Sunday school class. Or maybe God is calling you to prayer or to spend more time with Him? Maybe Your King is asking you to give Him control over a situation?<br />
<br />
"Something I would not do except the King requested it. And it is something I could not do except the King enabled me." Ask the King for His gift suggestion. When He impresses on your heart the gift He desires, offer it to Him as your gift of thanks for His indescribable gift, His Son, Jesus.<br />
<br />
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” (I Cor 9:15)
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/"><img alt="12pearls-giesbrecht" class="aligncenter wp-image-9208" height="300" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-giesbrecht.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/SGiesbrecht-143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignleft" height="150" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/SGiesbrecht-143.jpg" width="115" /></a>"Exchanging hurt for hope" is Sheryl Giesbrecht's focus. She loves to share how God rearranges loss, bitterness, and mistakes, and turns them into something remarkably beautiful. Learn more about Sheryl and her book, <i>Get Back Up</i>, at <a href="http://fromashestobeauty.com/">her website</a>.</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c271/" id="rc-f1ea7c271" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-29824176682299887922013-12-20T07:30:00.002-08:002013-12-20T07:30:57.637-08:00<code><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<strong><br />
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/" target="_blank"><img alt="12pearlsofxmas" class="aligncenter
wp-image-9184" height="345" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearlsofxmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<strong>Welcome to the </strong><strong>12 Pearls of
Christmas blog
series</strong><strong>!</strong></div>
<br />
<strong>Merry Christmas from <a href="http://pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls™</a>!</strong> We hope you
enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so
kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll
be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next
few days.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<strong>We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the
holidays, as well as some items from the contributors!
</strong>Enter now below. The winner will be announced on January
2, 2014, at the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/" target="_blank">Pearl Girls blog</a>.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/">www.pearlgirls.info</a> and
see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of
charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe.
Consider purchasing a copy of <em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl</a>,</em> <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/books"><em>Pearl Girls:
Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace</em></a>, or one of
the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/">Pearl Girls
products</a> (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl
Girls.<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
***</div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<strong>A Hibiscus "Hug from Heaven"</strong><br />
<strong>by: Margaret McSweeney</strong></h2>
<br />
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-12.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="photo-12" class="alignright wp-image-9088" height="216" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-12.jpg" width="288" /></a>The flurry of festivities during Thanksgiving
weekend came to an abrupt halt as I began the first week of December
2013 with an empty nest. My husband was back at work. My daughters were
back at college. And my brother, Claude, and niece, Mary, were back in
Alabama and Tennessee.</code><br />
<code>Bare branches accentuated the overcast gloom in the Chicago
suburbs on what marked the third anniversary of my brother Randy’s
passing. Randy had been feeding a stray cat on his deck when the fatal
heart attack struck.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Walking downstairs, I whispered a prayer. “Lord, I am feeling really sad
right now. Please help me experience your joy.” As I walked into the
family room, my heart smiled. The pruned hibiscus plant balanced a
solitary flower that had blossomed overnight! This was truly a hibiscus
“hug from heaven.”<br /><br />
<br /><br />
In her book <em>When Grief Is Your Constant
Companion</em>, my late mother shared her poignant poem
about a hibiscus plant. She wrote this following poem several years
after losing my dad to a sudden heart attack while he was in Paris on a
business trip.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
TEARDROPS: EVERLASTING JOY<br /><br />
By Carolyn Rhea<br /><br />
<br /><br />
My love, how can it be<br /><br />
That I no longer think of you<br /><br />
Almost every waking moment<br /><br />
And grieve for your loving presence?<br /><br />
<br /><br />
There are small spaces of time<br /><br />
When my life is so absorbed in present living<br /><br />
That you are not in my thoughts at all.<br /><br />
How unthinkable!<br /><br />
How sad that I should forget you even for an hour!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
But I have not forgotten you, my dear.<br /><br />
You are forever a part of me.<br /><br />
You helped God shape my life<br /><br />
Into my present self.<br /><br />
I carry your love in my heart.<br /><br />
I miss you so very much and always will.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
But now I’m caught up in trying to reconstruct<br /><br />
With God’s guidance<br /><br />
A meaningful life for myself.<br /><br />
One in which I can help,<br /><br />
Serve, share, love, grow.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
I remember the hibiscus plant<br /><br />
We bought at the annual show.<br /><br />
It was called Teardrops,<br /><br />
For several perfectly-shaped white teardrops<br /><br />
Spattered the broad expanse<br /><br />
Of its gorgeous pink blooms.<br /><br />
How we loved it!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Then later, after it had grown much taller,<br /><br />
We saw a different kind of bloom:<br /><br />
Multitudes of small, sturdy, happy pink blossoms<br /><br />
Swaying merrily in the Florida breeze!<br /><br />
Teardrops had been grafted onto a stronger plant!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
We named it Everlasting Joy.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Teardrops still bloomed at the lower level,<br /><br />
But as the plant grew ever upward and outward,<br /><br />
Everlasting Joy bloomed in profusion!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
Lord Jesus, when teardrops fall,<br /><br />
Help me remember that through faith<br /><br />
I have been grafted in You –<br /><br />
You, the vine;<br /><br />
I, a branch –<br /><br />
Eternally secure in God’s love through Thee!<br /><br />
Blessed with Thy fullness of joy on earth<br /><br />
And the promise of everlasting joy in heaven!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<em>Thank you, dear Father for sharing your everlasting joy with
me today in my solitude. We are not alone in our grief. You are with
us.</em></code><br />
<code><em>“Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” </em>John 16:20<br />
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/12-pearls-of-christmas/" target="_blank"><img alt="12pearls-mcsweeney" class="aligncenter
wp-image-9185" height="300" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/12pearls-mcsweeney.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
***</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br />
<img alt="" class="alignleft" height="150" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/authors/MMcSweeney-81.jpg" width="107" /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br />
Margaret McSweeney is well-published author (<em>A Mother’s Heart
Knows</em>, <em>Go Back and Be Happy</em>,
<em>Pearl Girls</em>, <em>Mother of Pearl</em>,
<em>Aftermath</em>), host of <a href="http://kitchenchat.info/" target="_blank">Kitchen
Chat</a>, and the founder of Pearl Girls™. Through Pearl Girls™,
Margaret collaborates with other writers on projects to help fund a safe
house for WINGS, an organization that helps women and their children
who are victims of domestic violence, and to build wells for
schoolchildren in Uganda through Hands of Hope. For the past twelve
years she has served on the board of directors and leadership advisory
board for WINGS. Margaret lives with her husband and 2 daughters in the
Chicago suburbs. Learn more at <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/">Margaret's
website</a>.</div>
<br />
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c271/" id="rc-f1ea7c271" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script></code>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-71768711489607689892013-11-24T20:30:00.000-08:002013-11-24T20:36:17.643-08:00Carrying the MessageI'm always amazed to see how connected we are online. A couple of months ago, I wrote a tribute to <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO0feLp_BggOefz6GJDZItXNnl88KNxdztiIjp15tLnLZi9pZQdl1-QY4eQDK06MK2kGu_0loDLYf5v1fnQw9Jtegxahtf2d-qpTo3dKln4PN4paGHUIBNDvDSLhAgaC2PlxY/s1600/Recovery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO0feLp_BggOefz6GJDZItXNnl88KNxdztiIjp15tLnLZi9pZQdl1-QY4eQDK06MK2kGu_0loDLYf5v1fnQw9Jtegxahtf2d-qpTo3dKln4PN4paGHUIBNDvDSLhAgaC2PlxY/s1600/Recovery.jpg" /></a></div>
my friend Doris, who had recently passed away. Doris had encouraged me during those tough times of dealing with my husband Randy's alcoholism. Reminiscing about my friend felt healing--and I'm sure she would have been pleased to know how her life had made a difference for many others. That's all I intended when I hit the "publish" button on my blog site. <br />
<br />
Then a few weeks ago, I received an email from the person who is the program analyst at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). <i>Really?</i> She had discovered my blog and read some of my posts. She thanked me for sharing my recovery stories and encouraged me to submit Doris' story to their website. <br />
<br />
I contacted Doris' daughter to make sure her family was O.K. with this. I enjoyed a heartwarming conversation. She was enthusiastic about her mom's story being posted on a national recovery website. My story is one of many voices you'll read on the SAMHSA site. What a privilege to offer encouragement and hope to others like me who have struggled with a loved one's addiction.<br />
<br />
My contact at SAMHSA asked me to invite you to submit your own recovery story. Here's the link to my story (Deb K.) and more information: <a href="http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Voices-for-Recovery/Stories.aspx">http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Voices-for-Recovery/Stories.aspx</a><br />
<br />
Let's help carry the message of hope!<br />
<br />
<i>The bright side of addiction is recovery! -</i>Neil S. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-18262620780593205252013-11-03T18:06:00.000-08:002013-11-03T18:06:48.430-08:00 Remembering Dad: Navigating the First Year Without Him<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_kc81n3OLJCSMrO7O3q2KEkRLzcrUMHCw_XYLrnN9IYR0C6q8mEdaVZ50tQvOjTvWtWt18Nuuoi96CosPqEbbxM6UMtEoNg8X4lp5mhI9zpvbSgtr1MjiNOw62J6ttjSL9RW/s1600/5596_4708503600114_1025386387_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_kc81n3OLJCSMrO7O3q2KEkRLzcrUMHCw_XYLrnN9IYR0C6q8mEdaVZ50tQvOjTvWtWt18Nuuoi96CosPqEbbxM6UMtEoNg8X4lp5mhI9zpvbSgtr1MjiNOw62J6ttjSL9RW/s1600/5596_4708503600114_1025386387_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>My brother posted this picture of our dad on Facebook on what would have been his 87th birthday. Dad passed away on January 1 and it still doesn't seem quite real that he's gone. Friends who have lost loved ones have told me the "firsts" are the hardest. The first birthday without Dad, the first Father's Day with no dad to buy a card for, and then my recent birthday, the first one in my whole life without talking with Dad have been difficult milestones. <br />
<br />
I remember my birthday last year. Dad was living in a dementia care facility. The day seemed empty. I felt sad because I hadn't talked with him. My husband Randy who's always coming up with practical solutions said, "Why don't you call him?" What a great idea!<br />
<br />
The person who answered the phone at Dungeness Courte was more than happy to locate my dad and put him on the phone. It took a while, but I finally heard his familiar voice which I mentally tried to record. "Hi, honey."<br />
<br />
"Dad, I had to call you. It's my birthday."<br />
<br />
"Oh yes," he chuckled. "I think I had something to do with that!" <br />
<br />
Dad was always joking. I smiled as I realized that not even dementia could rob him of his sense of humor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw06MRPmFl02rW_snExBz4tUFdGU2qC1ArqthvLtPmymf4Xj3F9BKmnkB-A4V0LYsO40rfsA65w83Whqqit8MIIIDE7uIFbJ8zrTezAPnTgvrXmQXTQoGAbViBHhBFbleCDMwY/s1600/IMG_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw06MRPmFl02rW_snExBz4tUFdGU2qC1ArqthvLtPmymf4Xj3F9BKmnkB-A4V0LYsO40rfsA65w83Whqqit8MIIIDE7uIFbJ8zrTezAPnTgvrXmQXTQoGAbViBHhBFbleCDMwY/s1600/IMG_1667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On his birthday in June, I decided to walk the mile or so to our small town to enjoy the flags waving from each business. Dad was born on Flag Day. Growing up, he thought the flags flew in his honor. I snapped a few pictures. Then I walked to the bakery and bought blueberry muffins for Randy and me. Dad would have approved. He loved anything baked with blueberries. My heart felt glad that I'd taken this time to remember him. <br />
<br />
Now it's November. Glorious fall colors fade to brown. Trees are bereft of leaves. A raw chill penetrates the air. As I turned the calendar page today, a pang shot through me. <i>It's almost a year since I was with Dad.</i><br />
<br />
<b>I know that grieving involves feeling the sadness of losing someone who was such an important part of my life. I also know that celebrating the blessing of having a wonderful father<i> </i>is comforting and even healing. </b><b> </b><br />
<br />
I believe Dad and I will have a beautiful reunion someday. I will hear his familiar voice again. "Hi, honey. Welcome home." <br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><i>And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. </i></b>Revelation 7:17<b></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>How are you coping with the loss of a loved one?</i></b><br />
<br />
<i> </i> <br />
<br />
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-59995925763979539802013-08-08T21:54:00.003-07:002013-08-08T21:54:37.916-07:00A Tribute to my Friend: A Life Well-LivedDoris was the first person I met in the community where I've lived for almost 18 years. She passed away in May at the age of 92. I chided myself for not visiting more during her last months. Doris
suffered from dementia and other ailments, so I'm not sure she
completely recognized me when I did come to see her. <i>I could have done more</i>, I thought. I felt better after writing a sympathy note to one of her daughters. Knowing Doris, I was convinced she wouldn't want me to spend time or energy feeling guilty. Doris wasn't like that...she lived her life to the fullest and didn't keep a record of offenses.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiSYbqKDoBMBnSnTsVLunGUS2mASQInMt8u-Hirj-uzUCdyJIknFb9g3Q4cAzU2TwVCOmM-2E4s8gp504XR4lFd5bSVdP31vGhr2z3FTQkdkMdRV3IYnN2zexHwqgkkHh50Q_/s1600/iStock_000003953171XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiSYbqKDoBMBnSnTsVLunGUS2mASQInMt8u-Hirj-uzUCdyJIknFb9g3Q4cAzU2TwVCOmM-2E4s8gp504XR4lFd5bSVdP31vGhr2z3FTQkdkMdRV3IYnN2zexHwqgkkHh50Q_/s320/iStock_000003953171XSmall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I met Doris at the Thursday night Al-Anon meeting at the "The Barn," the local gathering place in our small town. I was a newcomer when I hesitantly entered the cavernous building and walked to the small back room, "The Hen House," where weekly meetings were held. I instantly felt like I belonged.<br />
<br />
<b>That's the way it is with Al-Anon.</b> No matter where you go, there's a sense of connection and support. All those years ago when I was dealing with my husband Randy's alcoholism, it felt good to find a place where I was accepted and understood.
Doris was so good at that. She had a quiet way about her as she shared her own story; her experience and hope. Somehow it was hard to believe that she'd ever felt as stressed or had been an emotional basket case like me. She assured me she had been exactly where I was... and that if I kept coming back, I'd also make my way through to a more positive place.<br />
<br />
Every time Randy and I left the city and came over the mountains from Seattle, I made it a point to show up at the Al-Anon meeting. I can't remember a time when Doris wasn't there. Her faithful presence gave me courage and helped me decide to move to the Methow Valley with Randy several years later, in spite of his tenuous sobriety. I knew I would never be alone--no matter what happened.
<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>There are people who come into our lives and we are never the same.</b> Doris was one of those special friends who gently and profoundly touched my life simply by living hers. When she became too frail to live on her own, her family moved her into a group home in another town several hours from here. Last fall, they brought her home to the valley she loved to live out her final days. I miss Doris--but I know she completed the work God had given her. The same work I feel privileged to pass on to others who are struggling in much the same way as I did.<br />
<br />
<i><b>If you're feeling in despair because someone you love has a drinking problem, why not try out an Al-Anon meeting? I can almost guarantee you will find a Doris there who will help change your life. </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>What I can give is never as much as I get from the giving.</b><b> ~ </b></i><b>Al-Anon Family Group</b><i><b> </b></i>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-28101043027539238662013-05-07T13:21:00.000-07:002013-05-07T13:21:33.173-07:00<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/mother-of-pearl" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Pearl Girls McSweeney" height="125" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ImageProxyServlet.png" title="" width="200" /></a><strong>Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother’s Day blog series—a nine-day celebration of moms and mothering.</strong> Each day will feature a new post by some of today’s best writers (Tricia Goyer, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, Beth Vogt, Lesli Westfall, and more). I hope you’ll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother’s Day.<br />
<br />
<strong>AND . . . do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful handcrafted pearl necklace and a <a href="http://joynindia.com/" target="_blank">JOYN India</a> bag.</strong> Enter at the bottom of this post. The contest runs 5/4-5/13, and the winner will be announced on 5/14. Contest is only open to U.S. residents.
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <strong><a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">www.pearlgirls.info</a>, <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/" target="_blank">subscribe to our blog</a>,</strong> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">charities</a> that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank"><strong><em>Mother of Pearl: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent Faith</em></strong></a> to help support Pearl Girls™.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>And to all you MOMS out there, Happy Mother’s Day!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<h3>
Mizpah by Margaret McSweeney</h3>
On April 14, our family’s precious Pongo passed away. This beloved Chihuahua was with our family for nearly fourteen years. He played with my daughters during their childhood and comforted them during the challenges of adolescence. He rested by my side during breast cancer treatment and worked alongside Dave in his home office.<br />
<br />
Yes, Pongo was always a source of surprises. Before he was one, he somehow swallowed a brownie patch attached to a string of beads and a safety pin. That was his first stomach surgery. Then, the following year he bit off the sharp edge of Mr. Potato Head’s ear. That was the second stomach surgery. Throughout the fourteen years, we were in and out of the ER for dogs. He ate a bag of cough drops in the pantry. He jumped on the table and ate the kids’ chewable vitamins. And the list goes on. . . .<br />
<br />
House guests would always have to place their purses on a table without chairs. Otherwise, Pongo would rummage through the bags in search of his addiction: chewing gum! <strong>But above all, Pongo’s greatest gift and lesson to us was unconditional love.</strong> Yes, Pongo brought such joy to the family for so many years. No one could believe that he actually smiled! He knew how loved he was. I think that is why he outlived his life expectancy by three years after being diagnosed with a heart condition. It was his kidneys and stomach cancer that ultimately claimed his precious life. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=5609" rel="attachment wp-att-5609"><img alt="mcsweeneypg" class="aligncenter wp-image-5609" height="523" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mcsweeneypg-504x654.jpg" width="403" /></a></div>
The day after Pongo died, I read a beautiful Bible verse: Genesis 31:49<br />
<br />
<em>And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. </em>
<br />
<br />
Isn’t that beautiful! Mizpah signifies an emotional bond between people who are separated by death or circumstance.<br />
<br />
Perhaps, instead we can say:“Mizpaw” to express this same emotional bond between people and their precious pets.
Pongo, I love you and miss you so very much. Thank you for being a blessing in our home. <strong>You have left a “fur-ever” heartprint in our lives</strong>. Mizpaw!
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
###</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webtalkradio.net/all-images/bios/MargaretMcSweeney1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://webtalkradio.net/all-images/bios/MargaretMcSweeney1.jpg" /></a></div>
Margaret lives with her husband and two daughters in a Chicago suburb. She is the author of <em>Aftermath: Growing in Grace Through Grief</em>, <em>Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls</em>, <em>A Mother's Heart Knows</em> and the co-author of <em>Go Back and Be Happy</em>. She is the founder and collaborator of Pearl Girls. All the proceeds of books sales from <em>Mother of Pearl</em> (2012) and <em>Pearl Girls</em> (2009) to go support the work of two charities, WINGS AND HANDS OF HOPE. Margaret would love to meet you too. Follow her on twitter (@McSweeney) or friend her on facebook. You can also keep up with Margaret at <a href="http://webtalkradio.net/internet-talk-radio/kitchen-chat/" target="_blank">Kitchen Chat</a>, her weekly radio show.Visit her <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/" target="_blank"><strong>website</strong></a>.
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c137/" id="rc-f1ea7c137" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-31505246182667028002013-05-06T13:05:00.002-07:002013-05-06T13:05:33.559-07:00<a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/category/mother-of-pearl" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Pearl Girls McSweeney" height="125" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ImageProxyServlet.png" title="" width="200" /></a><strong>Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother’s Day blog series—a nine-day celebration of moms and mothering.</strong> Each day will feature a new post by some of today’s best writers (Tricia Goyer, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, Beth Vogt, Lesli Westfall, and more). I hope you’ll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother’s Day.<br />
<br />
<strong>AND . . . do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful handcrafted pearl necklace and a <a href="http://joynindia.com/" target="_blank">JOYN India</a> bag.</strong> Enter at the bottom of this post. The contest runs 5/4-5/13, and the winner will be announced on 5/14. Contest is only open to U.S. residents.
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <strong><a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">www.pearlgirls.info</a>, <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/" target="_blank">subscribe to our blog</a>,</strong> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">charities</a> that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank"><strong><em>Mother of Pearl: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent Faith</em></strong></a> to help support Pearl Girls™.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>And to all you MOMS out there, Happy Mother’s Day!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<h3>
The Mom Who Gives Freedom by Christy Fitzwater</h3>
My mom is a reserved, quiet homebody who has lived in the same house for forty years. She has no ambitious career goals or desire for adventure.<br />
<br />
She gave birth to me, an outgoing adventure-lover who has lived to take risks and put myself out into the world, in ways my mother would never dream of doing herself.<br />
<br />
Yet my mother has always given me the great gift of freedom. <strong>She has never cast onto me her own fears</strong> of limelight or reservations about risk but has only encouraged me to do the outrageous things I have attempted to do.<br />
<br />
When I received an award in high school that required me to fly, for the first time and by myself, from Wyoming to Atlanta, Georgia (only having talked once by telephone to the person who would pick me up), she sent me off with enthusiasm. (But her heart must have trembled to allow me to get on that plane.)<br />
<br />
When that award landed me a full scholarship to a school in Texas I had never heard of (the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor), <strong>she rejoiced with me</strong> and did not hesitate to allow me to accept the scholarship. She then drove away from me in Texas, leaving me at a school where I knew no one, and only years later told me that was the hardest thing she had ever done.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=5565" rel="attachment wp-att-5565"><img alt="fitzwaterpg" class=" wp-image-5565 aligncenter" height="523" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fitzwaterpg-504x654.jpg" width="403" /></a></div>
When I called from Texas, at the end of my freshman year, and excitedly announced I had gotten a job and would be staying in Texas for the summer, she said it was wonderful and gave her approval.<br />
<br />
Mom never filled me with doubt about what I could do. <strong>She never cast guilt on me for going on adventures that took me far away from her</strong>. She never poured her anxiety on my head but spoke only happiness and cheerleader words for me.<br />
<br />
But now that I’m a mom, I know.<br />
<br />
I know my risk-taking journey has always cost her something. I know every wild ride I chose required her to choose—either <strong>to build me up or to press me down</strong>. My mom handed me the scissors and, with a smile, allowed me to cut the apron strings and go far beyond what was comfortable for her.<br />
<br />
This last week my son got his driver’s license, and now it is my turn to choose. Worry or a hearty smile—which will I give to him?<br />
<br />
Let us stand in ovation to the mothers who give their children the ability to live freely.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
###</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=5558" rel="attachment wp-att-5558" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="christyfitzwater" class="alignleft wp-image-5558" height="159" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/christyfitzwater.jpg" width="240" /></a>Christy Fitzwater is a writer and pastor’s wife in Kalispell, Montana. She is also the mother of a daughter in college and a son in high school. She has an English degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Visit her at <strong><a href="http://www.christyfitzwater.com/" target="_blank">http://www.christyfitzwater.com</a></strong>.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c137/" id="rc-f1ea7c137" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-34760451864938704982013-05-05T16:59:00.000-07:002013-05-05T16:59:12.902-07:00<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blog/join-the-mother-of-pearl-blogging-series/attachment/imageproxyservlet" rel="attachment wp-att-5544" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ImageProxyServlet" class="alignleft" height="125" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ImageProxyServlet.png" width="200" /></a><strong>Welcome to Pearl Girls™ Mother of Pearl Mother’s Day blog series—a nine-day celebration of moms and mothering.</strong> Each day will feature a new post by some of today’s best writers (Tricia Goyer, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, Beth Vogt, Lesli Westfall, and more). I hope you’ll join us each day for another unique perspective on Mother’s Day.<br />
<br />
<strong>AND . . . do enter the contest for a chance to win a beautiful handcrafted pearl necklace and a <a href="http://joynindia.com/" target="_blank">JOYN India</a> bag.</strong> Enter at the bottom of this post. The contest runs 5/4-5/13, and the winner will be announced on 5/14. Contest is only open to U.S. residents.
If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit <strong><a href="http://www.pearlgirls.info/" target="_blank">www.pearlgirls.info</a>, <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/blog/" target="_blank">subscribe to our blog</a>,</strong> and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">charities</a> that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of <a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank"><strong><em>Mother of Pearl: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent Faith</em></strong></a> to help support Pearl Girls™.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><br /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>And to all you MOMS out there, Happy Mother’s Day!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<h3>
How I Learned to Give Up Control by Sue Edwards</h3>
<strong>I'm one of those mothers who would like to control everything in my children's lives</strong>. You may be too, all out of the best intentions. I tried frantically to do that for many years until God grabbed my attention and wrestled my control issues from my clenched fists. It happened this way.<br />
<br />
My youngest daughter attended a large university where campus housing was at a premium. Her second year she was accepted into one of the nicest dorms on campus, but the rule was that you could either choose the room or the roommate of your choice but not both. Well, I had heard horror stories of what happened when you roomed with some girls--like men in the room, and I turned into mother bear. I was not going to allow my child to take pot luck in roommates, nor were we willing to give up that choice room.<br />
<br />
I had heard that if your child had a learning disability they would ditch the rule. So I decided to make my case with the administrator who could fix this unfair situation. All week, I was on the phone long distance climbing my way up the ladder to the gentleman who could give my daughter the room and roommate she deserved.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=5615" rel="attachment wp-att-5615"><img alt="edwardspg" class="aligncenter wp-image-5615" height="523" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/edwardspg-504x654.jpg" width="403" /></a></div>
And finally, I was on the phone with him. We talked for a few minutes, and then he asked me, "Does your daughter have a learning disability?" I answered rather indignantly, "Well, I prefer not to label people." That did it. He bought it. I had done the impossible. I called my daughter, she turned cart wheels on the other end of the phone, and we rejoiced together.<br />
<br />
Only the roommate she had chosen, the dear Christian girl from her church, did not turn out to be the roommate she expected. In fact, she did have men in the room, a lot. And she went home at Christmas under suspicious circumstances. All fall I had to endure calls from my daughter who was trying to figure out how to navigate this awkward situation. <strong>And it was my fault. Some of us are stubborn and God needs a two by four to get our attention, and break us of our control issues.</strong> This was that time for me, and for my daughter. Now, when we are tempted to take control instead of trusting God, we look at each other, remember, smile, and let go.<br />
<br />
God knows what he is doing in your life, my life, and the lives of our children. And he loves our children more than we do, as impossible as that may sound. So trust him, follow him. Two by fours are rather painful. You won't regret trusting your Sovereign Father who has your, and your children's, best interest at heart.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
###</div>
<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/?attachment_id=5586" rel="attachment wp-att-5586" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sueedwards" class="alignleft wp-image-5586" height="200" src="http://litfusegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sueedwards.jpg" width="170" /></a>Dr. Sue Edwards has over thirty-five years experience as a Bible teacher, overseer of ministries to women, and author. Now, as a full-time professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, she equip men and women for future ministry all over the world. And women everywhere enjoy learning the Scriptures in face to face groups as well as an online community using her Bible studies, <a href="http://www.discovertogetherseries.com/" target="_blank"><strong>the Discover Together Series</strong></a>. To join the online Bible study community or to converse with Sue, go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/discovertogetherseries" target="_blank"><strong>Facebook.com/discovertogetherseries</strong></a>. She is currently working on a book with Barbara Neumann on mentoring millennials. Married for forty years, she and David are the parents of two married daughters and the grandparents of five.
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f1ea7c137/" id="rc-f1ea7c137" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-11269773463484387782013-05-03T13:18:00.000-07:002013-05-03T13:25:16.830-07:00Girl Rising: Don't Miss this Inspiring FilmMy husband Randy and I attended a screening of the stunning film <a href="http://girlrising.com/#trailers-scenes-clips"><i>Girl Rising</i> </a>the other night. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqAeb5GLrHSXVakpMEDYmmnmBRKG_tSlr49bErXZnzXvcceMzaQ73F-URIR4RrYnzwKFVOC3grPBO_93asoqAaMr7ikzeKAsJ1hkqZ4BLFhCj8Ur_vWf3z5cbk0LmaXa8IKss/s1600/MTc1MTAwbm9HSVJMX1JJU0lOR19Qb3N0ZXJfSGlnaFJlczMtNjkxeDEwMjQ=.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqAeb5GLrHSXVakpMEDYmmnmBRKG_tSlr49bErXZnzXvcceMzaQ73F-URIR4RrYnzwKFVOC3grPBO_93asoqAaMr7ikzeKAsJ1hkqZ4BLFhCj8Ur_vWf3z5cbk0LmaXa8IKss/s1600/MTc1MTAwbm9HSVJMX1JJU0lOR19Qb3N0ZXJfSGlnaFJlczMtNjkxeDEwMjQ=.jpg" /></a></div>
Produced by Paul Allen and several businesses that have partnered through <i>10x10</i>, a global action campaign to promote girls' education, <i>Girl Rising </i>is a must-see. <br />
<br />
We can know in our heads that girls are mistreated and abused in many developing countries. It's something different to get that message shot like an arrow through your heart. That's how I felt while watching this film. Compelling stories of nine extraordinary girls from nine different countries are told. Their message is powerful: <i>Educate girls and you will change the world. </i><br />
<br />
My friend who organized the screening of this on-demand film in our community, reminded me to bring Kleenex. Of course, she was right. One of the girls whose story was featured, was sold by her parents into an arranged marriage at the age of 11 or 12--an all-too common practice. Her parents felt convinced that this was best to ensure a secure future for their daughter. The dowry was $5,000--money that was later used to buy a used pick-up truck for the girl's older brother. In another story, a young woman sobbed during childbirth because she had given birth to a baby girl and not a son. Girls aren't worth much in many cultures. What a tragedy! <br />
<br />
But the message of this film isn't simply to play on your heart-strings. These nine girls have been empowered to make courageous choices...sometimes dangerous choices...to stand up and have a voice, to become educated and pass that hope along to other girls. Hope is embodied in each of their lives. <i>One girl with courage is a revolution, </i>says a quote on the <a href="http://www.girlrising.com/"><i>Girl Rising</i></a> website. <i> </i><i> </i> <br />
<br />
I came away from this film determined to do more to help educate impoverished girls. I also felt overwhelmed with gratitude. I was born into a family in the United States where I was cherished as a little girl. It was a given--I went to school. Every day for twelve years and then some, my parents and teachers encouraged me to learn...not only during childhood but for a lifetime.<br />
<br />
Considering the world's population, only a few of us are this fortunate. With the help and generosity of concerned businesses: Intel Corporation, Vulcan Productions, The Documentary Group, CNN Films, and partners: Care, Girl Up, A New Day Cambodia, Partners in Health, Plan, Room to Read, and World Vision, the message of <i>Girl Rising</i> is changing girls' lives. <br />
<br />
I hope you'll take time to check out their message and watch the movie trailer--and perhaps host a screening of this film in your community. You'll be glad you did. debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-13532381854947085912013-04-25T23:10:00.000-07:002013-04-25T23:10:20.315-07:00Do Not Grow Weary and Lose Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XQan9L3yXjc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Tonight when I was browsing on Facebook, I saw a post that I immediately shared on my timeline... words to a song by Laura Story called <i>Blessings...What if your blessings come through raindrops? What if your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near? What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?</i><br />
<br />
My heart was touched...not only by this artist's insights into the questions we all struggle with...the whys of tragedies like Boston, West, Texas, Newtown, Aurora and countless other arenas closer to home, but no less painful. But I was also moved by the hundreds of comments that flooded in. The person who posted this message, <a href="http://sistersinchristworldwide.wordpress.com/">Teresa Allissa Citro</a>, asked people to share their prayer needs, where they were feeling weary and losing heart. I scrolled through the endless requests. I realized this wasn't just any social media post. On this ordinary Thursday night, I took time out from the kitchen clean-up. I laid the dish towel on the counter. I prayed for the woman whose son took his life in December, the single mom trying to make ends meet, though she's homeless and jobless. I prayed for others with chronic medical problems and financial concerns. I asked God to help those who feel despair, pain, and heartache. I prayed for hope.<br />
<br />
I felt immersed in this extraordinary circle of prayer. I felt in awe for technology that allows us to come together across continents and countries as sisters in Christ. Even when we don't understand and we have more questions than answers, our hope is still in God...the One who is strength in our weakness, calm in the storm, comfort in our sorrow. <br />
<br />
Laura Story's song speaks to this. I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen. You'll be blessed!<br />
<br />
<i>Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. </i>2 Corinthians 4:16 <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-37271841174688039532013-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-15T06:55:11.115-07:00Raise the White Flag!I called my homeless brother yesterday. I only wanted to say that I love him. He couldn't hear that. He thought I was trying to intervene, judging him. He told me his
life is miserable, the party's over--not that there ever was a party, I
thought. I tried to interject hope into his hopeless comments. <br />
<br />
<i>You don't have to do this alone,</i> I said. But he couldn't hear me in his deafness to allow anyone to help him. <i>I'm going to recover on my own, </i>he insisted. <i>I don't need anyone to help me. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt11m3hICfD8grZQ1G5Ciso7PGsUQE2ZdLMsoR-NkEYMCxxrVrVQQjxOyR-zvPYnZf37bdgrvZu4SoNnaIRw_PSLxXeXdO3iimm2nRCECZTf_ZVTln92XzembjIOR9KjZSZXb/s1600/MP900402547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt11m3hICfD8grZQ1G5Ciso7PGsUQE2ZdLMsoR-NkEYMCxxrVrVQQjxOyR-zvPYnZf37bdgrvZu4SoNnaIRw_PSLxXeXdO3iimm2nRCECZTf_ZVTln92XzembjIOR9KjZSZXb/s320/MP900402547.JPG" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />
My heart aches for him. I've walked this road before with my husband, Randy, as he struggled to find freedom from his addiction to alcohol. And as <i>I</i> struggled to let go, to finally admit there wasn't anything I could do to fix or change him. <br />
<br />
<b>It's funny how we think we have the power to help someone else choose life over an addiction or other destructive behaviors.</b> Fear got in the way of my ability to surrender my husband. I believed I had the power to decide for him. I thought if I let go of Randy, he would die. That's a scary place to put ourselves in--and rather presumptuous. Do I really think I have that kind of power? Hm...I don't think so. I am thankful there is One who has all power--and that one isn't me!<br />
<br />
<b>Surrender! </b><br />
<br />
<b>There comes a time when we need to raise the white flag. </b>We not only surrender our loved ones, but we also surrender ourselves to the Lord. We let go so God can work in our lives and theirs. We let go so we can be free from the anxiety that is destroying us. By surrendering, we choose a way that brings life to us--and possibly to our loved ones as well.<br />
<br />
There are no pretenses or illusions about any noble efforts to save someone you love. This is rock-bottom where the rubber sole meets the road. You admit that what you've been doing isn't working. You don't have what it takes to motivate another person to change their behavior. Only God can do that. Finally you give your impossible situation to God.<br />
<br />
In Alcoholics Anonymous, they describe <i>surrender</i> in three steps:<br />
<ol>
<li>I can't do it.</li>
<li>God can.</li>
<li>I will let Him.</li>
</ol>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b>There’s something powerful about recognizing
we can’t do what needs to be done in our own strength. </b>This might sound
depressing. If we can’t do anything…who can? Ah…that’s the very place God wants
us to be. He doesn’t need us, really. He has access to infinite resources.
Sometimes the most we can do is simply get out of the way. We intentionally let go of our loved ones. This doesn't mean we abandon them or
stop loving them. Instead, we lovingly entrust them to Jesus. He loves them
more than we can imagine. What better place for them to be! The Lord
knows every detail about them. He even knows every hair on their heads. He loves them with an everlasting love. Our love
pales in comparison.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Author Jan Johnson says it well: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><i>Letting go is both too simple and too difficult. It looks like weakness instead of strength, like losing instead of gaining, and it is. As we relinquish control and admit weaknesses, we remember who we are and why we're here...This need to control is rooted in fear, but I need to do the thing that is rooted in faith--surrender. </i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Once again, I find myself in a place of letting go. This time I know it's the very best for me and for the brother I love so dearly. </span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><i><b>Is there a situation in your life where you need to surrender?</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i> </i>debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-22748348502629085902013-03-30T14:42:00.000-07:002013-03-30T14:42:04.519-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Sunday’s Coming!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nB-x1eqvWBDFZUnus-hJeAxCSNCeS7ygBmcTNkKPY3TIZfvaRXdQ3DW3vyWG5wUtizfk6L1Ig8m3q_vhhvbxImj7yjx-_13xEsviEx1eAYlUe3dR1Ym-tV7Up3BvhByPcNEi/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nB-x1eqvWBDFZUnus-hJeAxCSNCeS7ygBmcTNkKPY3TIZfvaRXdQ3DW3vyWG5wUtizfk6L1Ig8m3q_vhhvbxImj7yjx-_13xEsviEx1eAYlUe3dR1Ym-tV7Up3BvhByPcNEi/s320/IMG_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Who can forget Tony Campolo's incredibly powerful message from a number of
years ago, <i>It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming? </i>Just in case you've never
heard it, Tony Campolo, a pastor and university professor, recounted a sermon
preached by an African-American pastor who repeated the <i>It's Friday but
Sunday's Coming! </i>phrase throughout his entire message. In fact, that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was </i>the message!<br />
<br />
<i>You think you got problems, you got no hope? Well, I'm here to tell you
that it's Friday now... but Sunday, well, it's a comin'! </i><br />
<i><br />
</i>That's a very loose paraphrase, but the message rang out clearly. It's one
I haven't forgotten. I kept thinking yesterday, on Good Friday, about the hope
of Sunday coming and what that really means. <br />
Randy and I took our dogs up into the hills late yesterday afternoon. The
view from the ridge where we hiked was breathtaking with distant snowy peaks
and foothills starting to green up. We breathed in fresh mountain air and knew
we had come to this place for more than a walk with Kramer and Kosmo who jetted
up and down hillsides like white bullets, unaware of the mountain sanctuary we
had entered.<br />
<br />
We found a boulder and sat together. We clasped hands and prayed, thinking
about the suffering of our Savior and Lord, his unfathomable sacrifice for us.
Yes, it's definitely Friday with all its darkness and despair. Ah, but if I
look out at the horizon, I can see that Sunday's coming is inevitable.<br />
<br />
No matter what life holds for us right now, no matter what problems,
uncertainties, seemingly hopeless situations, the empty cross and empty tomb
point to Sunday.<br />
<br />
<i>The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you
are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here.; he has risen, just
as he said." </i>Matthew 28:5,6.<br />
<br />
I'd like to live each day with <i>Sunday</i> awareness. He is risen
indeed! That's something we can shout about!<br />
<br />
Joyous Easter!<br />
<br />
<i>Deb</i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28509042.post-25997301548653308282012-09-02T14:39:00.001-07:002012-09-02T14:39:23.994-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:TargetScreenSize>800x600</o:TargetScreenSize>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Margaret McSweeney's
Mother of Pearl Facebook Party! {9/4} RSVP today.</b></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" border="0"></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<tbody></tbody></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<tr></tr>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<td><strong>To celebrate the release of
<em><a href="http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000475734/Mother-of-Pearl.aspx" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl: Luminous Lessons and Iridescent
Faith</a></em> I'm hosting an evening of chat, laughter,
and encouragement on Facebook!</strong></td></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've invited the Pearl Girl contributors to join us on the
evening of September 4th. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/442400879145523/" target="_blank">I'd be so honored if you'd come
too!</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We'll be giving away a ton of fun stuff {books, gift
certificates and <em><strong>a Beautiful Pearl Necklace
set</strong></em>}.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mother of Pearl celebrates the collective iridescence of
motherhood. We'll gather to connect, be encouraged and make some new
friends!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><strong><br /></strong></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><strong>So <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/442400879145523/" target="_blank">RSVP today</a> and then come back on
September 4th (at 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, and 8pm Eastern) and
join us for the "Pearl" party. Let's share our stories and encourage
one another.</strong></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We'll also have an update from the <a href="http://margaretmcsweeney.com/pearlgirls/" target="_blank">charities</a> involved with Pearl Girls,
Wings and Hands of Hope.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(<a href="http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13531423/motherofpearl" target="_blank">See what others are saying about Mother of
Pearl.</a>)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<td><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/442400879145523/" target="_blank"><img src="http://g.virbcdn.com/_f/cdn_images/resize_1024x1365/6e/ContentImage-20-83003-MotherofPearlparty.png" /></a></td></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07162761226323181824noreply@blogger.com0