tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46898447711886932232024-02-18T19:11:22.059-08:00KINGFISHER CROSSINGMy thoughts about life, struggles, the presence of God, and HIS ability to make beautiful designs in us, even when we may think that we're "nothings".
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kingfishercrossing (at) gmail (dot) comkingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-50973692723724595722013-12-02T16:59:00.000-08:002013-12-02T17:08:15.415-08:00"Count Your Many Blessings" (re-post) @kingfishercrossingTrying again. Yesterday blogspot wouldn't let me in to finish posting.<br />
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When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,<br />
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,<br />
Count your many blessings name them one by one,<br />
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.<br />
Count your blessings, name them one by one;<br />
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;<br />
Count your blessings, name them one by one,<br />
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.<br />
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Are you ever burdened with a load of care?<br />
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?<br />
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,<br />
And you will be singing as the days go by.<br />
Count your blessings, name them one by one;<br />
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;<br />
Count your blessings, name them one by one,<br />
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.<br />
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Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897<br />
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For more verses, and the tune to this hymn, see<br />
<span id="goog_238659147"></span><span id="goog_238659148"></span><br />
http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/707<br />
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Are you tempest-tossed, or burdened with a load of care? <br />
(Or maybe today everything is going okay.)<br />
What blessings are you counting today?<br />
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<br />
This post is shared with Laura Boggess<br />
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-34989758179020615852013-12-01T20:25:00.000-08:002013-12-01T20:25:24.752-08:00"Count Your Many Blessings"kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-12458314577071267202013-11-10T20:44:00.000-08:002013-11-11T11:13:18.376-08:00A Pattern in Lace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A PATTERN IN LACE<br />
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A piece of tossed string,<br />
Flung onto a business mail envelope<br />
That I’d just ripped inside-out.<br />
This combo was to be the subject for a photo<br />
Which might be transformed into some sort of artwork.<br />
Alas, the photo turned out blurred!<br />
Error, mistake – my whole idea a silly thing.<br />
<br />
Ah, but a corner of the string<br />
Did become a sort of “bling”.<br />
Lace. Who would have guessed it?<br />
Not woven into lace by a hand or machine,<br />
But made through graphic manipulation,<br />
An interesting thing!<br />
<br />
Motif, design, deco, or whimsy, or fling:<br />
I created a piece of designy art.<br />
God’s work in me is like that –<br />
Intricate, wonderful, with unexpected outcome.<br />
Do I have such a pattern in lace, in my life?<br />
Oh, Creator of All, to you Lord God,<br />
A tribute of joyous praise I sing.<br />
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copyright 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess, The Wellspring<br />
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-993177520680890592013-10-27T20:39:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:43:49.551-07:00A Part of God's Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Part of God’s Family<br />
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She sent me a sack of red apples,<br />
By way of her obliging son,<br />
Beautiful shining crisp crimsons<br />
From heavily-laden tree in her yard.<br />
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And I sent back, by her son,<br />
Some books I’d wanted to give<br />
For oh, so long a time, but <br />
Just never got around to the delivery.<br />
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We hear so much these days <br />
About the need for “being in community”.<br />
But some of us have difficulty<br />
Getting together physically, even one on one.<br />
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Sometimes, in our need, we cling<br />
To our simple joy as part of the<br />
Worldwide church, God’s family.<br />
Letting that thought comfort us in our walk.<br />
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And then sometimes, God moves<br />
Mysteriously, and “in community”<br />
We are joined together in spirit and in life<br />
By real kindness shown through a third party.<br />
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All Glory to the Lord, no matter how, or what!<br />
Community comes in many flavors;<br />
And we’re all a part of God’s family. Blessed thought! <br />
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(c) 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
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<br />
This post is shared with Laura Boggess' "Playdates with God"<br />
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-59628217767809011282013-10-14T12:12:00.001-07:002013-10-14T12:30:18.022-07:00A Little-known Fact from US HistoryThe Opinion Pages of the N Y Times relates a little-known incident from the US Civil War.<br />
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During the Civil War, the Northern army blockaded ports in Southern States, stopping commercial shipping. The South didn’t have the means to build large ships that could become an effective navy. So. the Rebs sent raiders to sea, scuttling or torching ships that turned out to be American, and capturing vessels and trying to bribe crews of other nations to work for the South (to be paid by the Confederates after they won the war.) <br />
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The Confederacy also secretly purchased European ships to re-outfit as warships. One little-known story concerns such a vessel that had been berthed in England. Newly converted and renamed, the Shenandoah sailed to the Bering Strait (off the coast of Alaska) under orders to destroy whaling ships that originated from New England, thus damaging the Northern economy.<br />
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Eventually the Shenandoah ended up circumnavigating the earth. However, while still at sea, the captain learned that the Civil War had ended, and General Lee had surrendered, months before the Shenandoah had destroyed 21 Union ships in the Bering Sea. The crew was guilty of “maritime piracy”.<br />
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See http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/12/the-secrets-of-the-shenandoah/ by Tom Chaffin<br />
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(This review of the article is by Marilee Miller)<br />
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This incident suggests to me that I need to be in constant communication with Christ, my Leader. I desire to do his will. I want to live a godly life. But it would be easy for me to think I knew what He wanted from me, and then charge ahead with my own plans. When I continually give "all of me" to Him, may He equip me to be conformed to Christ's image. Then I won't be guilty of failing to enter in to the process of becoming part of the Kingdom of God.<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess, Playdates with God<br />
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-50264258620768315162013-09-25T10:41:00.001-07:002013-09-25T10:41:04.722-07:00Hidden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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HIDDEN</div>
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This is another "what is it?" photo. It was supposed to show a white cat. But she moved as I was clicking the shutter – so I captured only a mysterious bag, or amorphous blob. And the summer-sere grass isn’t lovely to look at.</div>
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Guess it’s time to play! I can’t reproduce the missing cat. However, my graphics program and my imagination can create a rock in front of a field of lavender flowers. Or a scruffy hill in storm-threat weather. Or a headland (bluff) against a vivid sky. All the hidden colors, surprisingly, emerge from the same set of shapes.</div>
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I am "hidden in Christ Jesus". I don’t always know if, or how, others see me. Maybe as not so beautiful. Maybe as a mystery? Sometimes I don’t even know who I really am! Yet how I praise God that in his eyes, I’m not an oddish bag lady or amorphous blob. I don’t even wear summer-sere! He sees my colors of faith and hope in him. And his glory both enhances my imagination, and brings out the hidden beauty in me.</div>
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"For I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day."</div>
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"I know whom I have believed in, and am persuaded that he is able, to keep that which I’ve committed unto him, against that day" [of his return, or the day when I at last behold him face to face].</div>
kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-37246185381218237922013-09-22T14:55:00.001-07:002013-09-22T14:55:12.400-07:00Hiddenkingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-16698804501025595092013-08-12T12:12:00.000-07:002013-08-12T12:33:05.677-07:00The Right Choice.<br />
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Even a blah photo of a mundane tree branch holds the possibility of becoming an arresting artwork.<br />
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The Right Choice</div>
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I read about a 19th century British missionary who felt called to go to Africa with the intent of becoming a martyr for Christ. (Sorry, I can’t remember the man’s name.) His wife accompanied him. The account didn’t say whether she, too, believed in a call to martyrdom, or if she merely went along because it was her wifely duty.<br />
<br />
But Africa was a rigorous mission field in those days. Alas, after their arrival and hard toil, the woman had some sort of a nervous breakdown. The missionary was compelled to return with her to London. As I recall the story, she didn’t recover her faculties.<br />
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The would-be missionary’s dream of serving the Lord “gloriously” was thwarted. When things didn’t happen just as he expected, he turned against God, spending his remaining years in bitterness.<br />
<br />
How tragic! God allowed him a different type of martyrdom -- a chance to show forth his trust in God despite adversity. <br />
<br />
How many lives might he have touched, had he submitted quietly and humbly to God’s course of direction! Might a gentle love for his wife have helped restore her mind? Who else might he have comforted? Who might have seen an ordinary sort of godly Christian life that was actually noble and fine? <br />
<br />
What a shame that he settled for humiliation, when he might have acquired humility. If he “let patience have its perfect work”, perhaps his ministry where he was, in London, could have been more effective than any witness to Africans. But he chose to serve a fallen idol of self-direction. He nursed a grudge against God.<br />
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When I’m feeling low in spirits, when life seems impossible and implacable and harsh and maybe a bit hopeless, and I wish I could just go “home to Jesus” where there are no tears or heartaches or broken dreams, may I “let patience have its way”. May my brokenness and sorrow bring me closer, nearer to my Lord God. May I opt not to think of myself as a blah photo or a cast off tree branch, but as one firmly grafted in to the Tree of Life. In his time, in his way, he can make me an arresting artwork to show his glory and grace. That is the right choice for me.<br />
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images and text (c) 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
<br />
This post is shared with Laura Boggess, Playdates with God<br />
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-89983142077822693252013-07-15T07:31:00.002-07:002013-07-15T07:53:05.057-07:00Tender Shoots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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. photos and text (c) 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
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TENDER SHOOTS<br />
<br />
Oh Dear Lord God,<br />
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Reach forth with your lovingkindness, as if with arms holding tenderly your children here on this earth. We are all so much in need of you! May we reach outward, and upward, toward you, who are our life, our guide, the shaper of our personalities, character, and nature. May all of us (the ones who call you by name and believe that they know you, and the ones, also, who say they don’t need Other Help beyond themselves and human hands) grow as tender shoots flourishing in your Sonshine. Have mercy on us. Help us all to be fashioned into the persons you desire us to be, “conformed to Christ.” <br />
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“And because of what Christ did, all… who heard the good news about how to be saved, and trusted Christ, were marked as belonging to Christ by the Holy Spirit, who long ago had been promised to all of us Christians. His presence within us is God’s guarantee that he really will give us all that he promised, and the Spirit’s seal upon us means that God has already purchased us and that he guarantees to bring us to himself.” [Eph. 1:14 TLB]<br />
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How we rejoice in your tender promises shooting out to each of us who will come to you to find rest, hope, and healing . Thank you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess<br />
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kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-52314631358848417412013-07-07T16:06:00.002-07:002013-07-08T14:32:26.395-07:00I Want to Know God.<br />
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digital artwork and text (c) 2013 by Marilee Miller</div>
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I WANT TO KNOW GOD</div>
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I want to know God intimately.<br />
I don’t want him to seem distant, far off –<br />
I want his companionship, though<br />
At times this seems an elusive quest.<br />
I want to “feel” his unconditional love,<br />
But my earthly life doesn’t reveal<br />
A model for love that never gives up.<br />
I want to “believe in” – not just state casually,<br />
That Jesus Christ is brother, friend, Helper,<br />
And close-occupier of my heart.<br />
I, along with the whole church, <br />
Am called The Bride of Jesus Christ:<br />
Yet how can I, a finite little person,<br />
Grasp Him being my Bridegroom,<br />
My only Dearest Love?<br />
I want to sense the Holy Spirit’s power<br />
Moving with Shekinah glory in me.<br />
However, I don’t really know how <br />
To magnify, glorify him, or understand <br />
Just how much he delights in me!<br />
So, blessed Lord God, keep me infilled.<br />
Flow your rivers of living water over me.<br />
I want to know you, God; but only you<br />
Are able to introduce the fullness<br />
Of your infinite self to me!<br />
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“Even so, Lord Jesus, come.”<br />
<br />
He is not elusive,<br />
He is not exclusive,<br />
He does not exclude me,<br />
But holds out his hands<br />
To include me.<br />
His love is inclusive,<br />
Generously-given, and free.<br />
<br />
“Thanks be to God, for the unspeakable<br />
gift of Christ Jesus…”<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess' "The Wellspring"</div>
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-67852038402787504402013-07-01T12:26:00.000-07:002013-07-01T12:31:45.173-07:00Praise <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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digital art and text (c) 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
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PRAISE<br />
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Praise God for our ability to have creative thoughts and actions.<br />
Praise God for his exuberance in creating the universe,<br />
Our earth, and its creatures.<br />
Give him a clap-offering for his imagination and variety.<br />
Lift up our hearts to him for making people,<br />
Diverse in personality and traits, yet united<br />
In being made for his delight and glory.<br />
Praise God for making his children in the image of God himself,<br />
And for breathing into us his bent toward imagination and reason.<br />
Lift up our hands and voices to exult in him,<br />
Who has made us to be artists after the manner of himself.<br />
May we create “little things” with exuberance,<br />
And give thought to showing forth his beauty in our lives.<br />
In so doing, we are glorifying him;<br />
We are pleasing him with worshipful creativity,<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess, "The Wellspring"<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.lauraboggess.com/"><img border="0" src="http://anahnauwr.smugmug.com/photos/i-P9wn5Qq/0/O/i-P9wn5Qq.jpg" /></a></center>
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-15512013474941615852013-06-24T11:29:00.001-07:002013-06-24T13:38:31.527-07:00I Love My...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I LOVE MY…<br />
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Comfort granted me in the simplest things.<br />
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I love my wonderful kitty. <br />
I love my warm, comfy bed. <br />
I love being able to eat good things, <br />
and waiting until I WANT to eat <br />
instead of meals having to be <br />
on a certain time schedule. <br />
I love bright sunny days <br />
even though I don't get outside much. <br />
I love the quiet nights here, <br />
and the ability to sleep in, some mornings. <br />
For all these things-- and so many more! -- <br />
I give thanks to God. <br />
And most of all, I give thanks FOR God, <br />
and for Jesus Christ my Savior. <br />
May my main focus ever rest on him!<br />
<br />
<br />
This post is shared with Laura Boggess, The Wellspring<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.lauraboggess.com/"><img border="0" src="http://anahnauwr.smugmug.com/photos/i-P9wn5Qq/0/O/i-P9wn5Qq.jpg" /></a></center>
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-80582711621961235172013-06-09T20:17:00.001-07:002013-06-10T08:26:45.716-07:00A FAMILIAR HYMN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq77LjtzFco6bF8MXv2ZItvObSx_bPB2vnR6oMrMKyFH9M_f7n4AFcLAiRn8yUvhU5JY-29lmVk14tlw76mEeq1BQQGhAwCmKOQU5ASksYiXP-fTsLjXeUiDc3vqOOVeyHHLkahmPep_DQ/s1600/centauri-1a=72R-lo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq77LjtzFco6bF8MXv2ZItvObSx_bPB2vnR6oMrMKyFH9M_f7n4AFcLAiRn8yUvhU5JY-29lmVk14tlw76mEeq1BQQGhAwCmKOQU5ASksYiXP-fTsLjXeUiDc3vqOOVeyHHLkahmPep_DQ/s320/centauri-1a=72R-lo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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images (c) 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
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A FAMILIAR HYMN<br />
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</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take my life and let it be </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
consecrated, Lord, to thee.<br />
Take my moments and my days. <br />
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.<br />
Take my hands and let them move, <br />
at the impulse of thy love.<br />
Take my feet and let them be <br />
swift and beautiful for thee.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> -Frances Ridley
Havergal</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">--</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is shared with Laura Boggess, "The Wellspring"</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <center>
<a href="http://www.lauraboggess.com/"><img border="0" src="http://anahnauwr.smugmug.com/photos/i-P9wn5Qq/0/O/i-P9wn5Qq.jpg" /></a></center>
</span></span></span>kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-63141246360131768192013-06-03T11:14:00.003-07:002013-06-03T11:33:47.554-07:00God of Infinite Variety(The same base photo as in the last 2 posts, but what an infinite variety of images emerge from my graphics program.)<br />
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.,<br />
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God of Infinite Variety<br />
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God unchanging, God always the same. Yet he has an infinite variety of beautiful, holy attributes.<br />
<br />
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God of mercy, God of glory.<br />
God of Love and mystery.<br />
Lord of rescue and salvation,<br />
King of Everything Everywhere.<br />
Tender, kind to those who believe,<br />
Yet stern, holding accountable, those who rebel.<br />
<br />
Christ the Savior and the Master,<br />
Son of God with mighty power.<br />
Look upon the forms of God,<br />
Steadfast, unchanging, and yet,<br />
Shows his traits and nature in infinite variety.<br />
<br />
“His tender mercy is over all his works, and his will is ever directed toward his children’s good.” <br />
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© 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
<br />
This post is shared with Laura Boggess “Playdates with God”<br />
<br />
<center>
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-22066704231461606522013-05-20T18:59:00.000-07:002013-05-20T20:39:27.356-07:00On "Doing What You Love"The same blurred photo as last week's post, can lead to the creating of very different and striking digital art than shown in the earlier set.<br />
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<br />
ON "DOING WHAT YOU LOVE"<br />
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There’s so much blogging advice these days on “doing what you love.” Take risks, dare to break out of the mold of the ordinary. Stop being so afraid of failure that you don’t even try to reach your dreams. Live beyond the confines of a quiet, safe, boring-but-maybe-secure life. <br />
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The importance of “living a meaningful story in life” may mean quitting a secure job to try out some secret longing with unknown financial rewards. Or it might be keeping a full time job but adding many extra hours of side-projects. So often, admonitions tend towards getting up earlier in the morning, or squeezing in extra hours that might be otherwise considered wasted. But the writers of these, succeeded in fulfilling their passions. They were strong enough, persistent enough, disciplined enough, and entrepeneurial enough to work more hours and earn enough money to live on while “doing what they love”, which often turns out to be to follow the muse of art, writing, music, or a higher college degree.<br />
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It sounds to me more like self-effort when the advice is –“Dare to become all that God created you to be”, or, “don’t settle for mediocre when you can do great things”. Some of us (including myself), are unable to attain more strength and prowess by using up more hours and more strenuous activities. The list includes the tired mother of an infant, the man whose education wasn’t complete, the one whose mind is incomplete, the person who ages before their time, or lives with chronic illness or in abject poverty – and many other people. It’s not necessarily because they’re unwilling to risk or afraid of failure, but that they lack the strength to “do more and more.”<br />
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I yearn to write lots of books, and work on wonderful paintings. I ache to build relationships in “community”. Oh, I had so many dreams for a creative life. I wanted to go deep in my walk with God and willingly help others. But the circumstances of my life have all too often interrupted the way of life I’d hoped to live. So I’m choosing not to write books. But I do hope to respond occasionally to the cries of others. For the sake of my limited health, I do the simpler art of operating a graphics program when I’d rather be making masterpieces with oils on canvas, and teaching others to do the same.<br />
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As for me realizing a goal of “becoming all God created me to be”, well, fortunately God is far bigger than my feeble self-effort. And he’s quite capable of making me all he intended for me to be, all on his own. I thank him and praise him that I’m still alive, still willing to learn, and still choosing to be hopeful (though I don’t always succeed at this). <br />
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When He greets me as I get to heaven, is he going to ask me if I “created a meaningful story” to add to HIS story? I don’t think so. But I do hope he’ll say, “Blessings on you for making an effort to look to Me in spite of every obstacle you’ve endured. I’ve been your Savior, Helper, Friend, Guide, Comforter, and more. Enter into My rest.” And resting in Him, will certainly be “Doing What I Love.”<br />
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images and text (c) 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess<br />
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-46574256884972578262013-05-13T16:50:00.000-07:002013-05-13T17:50:16.539-07:00Makeover.<br />
A melange of objects, photographed just to have a base from which to “play” creatively with my graphics program. The photo failed. Blurry. No matter – there’s just as much chance for an arty makeover.<br />
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I come to God bringing my melange of various traits and habits. I feel a bit like a blurred photo. But no matter! God is in the process of giving me a makeover. I can be full of bright colors and amazing patterns. I am unique, and stunning, in His sight. I’m a work in progress. But one day, I hope to become who He is shaping and coloring me to be.<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess<br />
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-59865708605409269992013-05-06T16:10:00.002-07:002013-05-06T16:36:27.360-07:00Stirring, Sterling<br />
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STIRRING, STERLING</div>
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Is a spoon just a handy kitchen tool,</div>
A stirring stick,<br />
Or a utensil to eat with?<br />
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Well, yes, but ah, much more.<br />
It can stir up great concoctions<br />
With delightful tastes<br />
To tantalize the tongue.<br />
Its appearance can seem bit like sterling silver <br />
(even if only forged of stainless steel).<br />
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A clean spoon left after a meal<br />
Might just look like part of the clutter<br />
Left behind on a table. <br />
But oh, if the light is just right,<br />
If this sometimes mundane object is glimpsed by an artist –<br />
Maybe made part of some re-arrangement --<br />
Then textures, patterns, designs emerge,<br />
Gloriously pleasing to the eye.<br />
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May I be a stirring stick in God’s hands.<br />
Not mundane, but beauty directed by him.<br />
May I feed others his bounty-feast.<br />
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My patterns and textures and designs shine out<br />
When the Lord takes this spoon in hand.<br />
Oh, what is he stirring with me, <br />
To beautify his world,<br />
To comfort, cheer, or show others who he is?<br />
God values me! He says he sees the Christ in me!<br />
May the durable but ordinary steel in me <br />
Be as precious as sterling silver –<br />
Not because of anything I do, but because <br />
He has already given his complete self to me.<br />
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(c) 2013 by Marilee Miller</div>
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This post is shared with "The Wellspring" Playdates with God</div>
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-75741906486460678352013-05-02T15:10:00.000-07:002013-05-02T15:10:05.884-07:00"God's Favorite Place on Earth"GOD’S FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH<br /><br />When Jesus was on earth, many rejected him. Some of the synagogues, some of the towns, didn’t want him around shaking up their status quo. But one place Jesus was welcomed, was in the little town of Bethany, not far from Jerusalem, at the home of Mary and Martha and Lazarus. <br /><br />Well known inspirational author Frank Viola’s new book, “God’s Favorite Place on Earth”, just released on May 1, 2013. The next day, May 2, it was ranked as #14 out of all 7 million books on Amazon.com. <br /><br />SPECIAL BONUSES:<br /><br />As a special promotion, those who purchase the book by May 7 are offered 25 free bonuses – mostly <br />e-books (written by over 15 Christian authors), but also some mp3 audio or music files. The offer goes away forever, on May 8. A word to the wise: Don’t wait till the very last hour to purchase the book, as the bonuses must be individually downloaded.<br /><br />The author weaves a story, from Lazarus’ viewpoint, of Jesus interacting with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (the one whom Jesus raised from the dead). Viola claims the message he uncovered while writing this book, changed his life – and that “the story of Jesus in Bethany is so critical for Christians today.”<br /><br />==<br />Below are some statements about the thoughts which may be generated by this book.<br /><br />“God builds us to break us and beautify us.” @FrankViola http://bit.ly/13H63du<br /><br />“In our suffering, we want an explanation but Jesus wants to give us a revelation… of HIMSELF.” F. Viola <br />http://bit.1y/13H63du<br /><br />“All great Christians have been wounded souls.” A. W. Tozer from http://bit.ly/13H63du<br /><br />“As high as God is going to elevate you is as deep as He digs to lay the foundation.” @FrankViola http://bit.ly/13H63du<br /><br />“Sometimes the brightest light comes from the darkest places.” From http://bit.ly/13H63du<br /><br />“What doesn’t destroy you ends up defining you in some significant way.” From http://bit.1y/13H63du<br /><br />==<br /><br />Click<br /><a href="http://frankviola.org/godsfavoriteplace/">http://frankviola.org/godsfavoriteplace/</a><br /><br />for ordering information and easy instructions on how to get your 25 free books.<br /><br /><br /><br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-61286719382430659192013-04-01T20:43:00.000-07:002013-04-01T20:57:00.748-07:00Half-tones<br />
HALF-TONES.<br />
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The images below are half-tones, a type of printing used in newspapers and magazines. To the eye, an area printed as a half-tone may appear to be covered solidly with ink. But it's really made up of thousands of tiny dots and/or patterns. When a half-tone image is magnified, the dots show up. What appeared to be a single colored surface actually may contain a number of colors, and perhaps many sizes of dots. A half-tone print saves money on ink because there are white spaces (unprinted areas) in between pattern elements.<br />
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This particular image suffered water damage. But in mysterious ways, the markings only added to the overall design. <br />
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HALF-TONES<br />
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Life, too, has its dots and speckles. It is full of hidden-in-plain-sight designs and colors. God sees each place -- in fact, he made each place within us. He is the one that binds all our parts together. He made everything in creation for his good pleasure.<br />
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The fellowship of many believers, sharing with one another, also adds to the incredible dots that our Creator oversees. He sees us all, and "gifts" us all, and uses our bits and pieces -- if we will let him -- for his glory, to help bring about the goodness in his kingdom here on earth.<br />
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Sometimes the world around us seems like a chaotic place of jumbles, tangles, and jangles. Then our woes and problems seem strange and magnified. But the Lord of All is still at work. He knows how to connect the dots. My hope is that one day we will finally all become whole beings. Then there will be no ultimate dissonance -- but only his intricate pattern of beautiful colors to make an inspiring overall design of patience and peace.<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess, "Playdates with God.<br />
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-43985001809648481572013-03-25T16:26:00.001-07:002013-03-25T16:39:51.272-07:00Promises Bring Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Promises Bring Hope<br />
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Sometimes life seems dusty, even bleak,<br />
And hope just dribbles away,<br />
Making it hard to face the future,<br />
Yes, and even hard to pray.<br />
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A wounding word may disquiet,<br />
Or great plans go all astray,<br />
A health diagnosis is hard to take,<br />
Or obstacles litter life’s way.<br />
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But then may come a child’s smile,<br />
Or a kitty’s plea for “play”;<br />
Or someone promises a gift –<br />
Its thought worth more than its pay.<br />
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The gift may not yet be received,<br />
But the promise brightens today.<br />
And suddenly, there’s new relief,<br />
And hope chases away the gray.<br />
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Sometimes God’s gifts may be delayed,<br />
But his promise is to say,<br />
“I keep my word, and you are loved,<br />
And help is on the way!”<br />
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Though trouble has not yet gone away,<br />
I can sing again of hopeful future day.<br />
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(c) 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess <br />
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kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-21013399184234408712013-03-18T11:50:00.001-07:002013-03-18T12:02:10.703-07:00The Brightness of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh, bright primrose,<br />
You speak to me of the brightness of God –<br />
I worship the Lord for his fiery splendor;<br />
He sent his Only Son, who arose<br />
From the grave’s cold, rocky sod<br />
To be our Savior and our Defender.<br />
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Oh, bright primrose,<br />
Just glimpsing your glory is reason to laud!<br />
I praise the Lord who created bright candor!<br />
I believe that Father-Son-Spirit Power flows<br />
To enable my life to reach its full blood.<br />
Bless you, God, for all that I ponder!<br />
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Oh, bright primrose, <br />
Your cheer heartens me: I no longer plod,<br />
But lift high my head, doubts driven asunder.<br />
God, because of your brightness, I propose<br />
To keep walking your Way, so broad!<br />
Thank you for gifting my sense of wonder.<br />
<br />
(c) 2013 by Marilee Miller<br />
<br />
This post is shared with "Playdates with God"<br />
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kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-23199919518722680402013-03-05T14:12:00.004-08:002013-03-05T14:21:42.457-08:00Patches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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images and text (c) 2013 by Marilee Miller; all rights reserved<br />
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<br />
PATCHES<br />
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All the little events, yes, even the moods,<br />
That make up the whole of our daily life,<br />
Are like colorful patches:<br />
Incidents, coincidences, God-incidences.<br />
They join together to make a quilt-like design.<br />
(Many designs, viewed through the lenses<br />
Of hope, joy, peace, sorrow, crisis, contentment.)<br />
The little pieces seem separate, and yet,<br />
The whole of the patterns, actually matches,<br />
Giving us a glimpse of the evidence<br />
Of a thoughtful God who planned our lives,<br />
And binds together our batches.<br />
We are made in his image.<br />
He carefully stitches our swatches<br />
Until we reflect his transforming glory.<br />
Incidents, coincidences, God-incidences.<br />
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<br />
This post is shared with Laura Boggess "Playdates with God"<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.lauraboggess.com/"><img border="0" src="http://anahnauwr.smugmug.com/photos/i-P9wn5Qq/0/O/i-P9wn5Qq.jpg" /></a></center>
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<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-15785574902730224702013-02-24T20:49:00.001-08:002013-02-25T11:34:22.201-08:00Shadow Patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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images and text (c) 2013 by Marilee Miller</div>
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Shadow Patterns</div>
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There are no trees in the top photo. What is seen is only the deep shadows under the trees, cast onto a sunlit lawn. However, when I played with a shadow-image my graphics program, some unexpectedly intricate patterns emerged from the hidden murk. (Note: apparently I didn’t take note of the actual photo from which I extracted the ensuing designs, but this one is very similar.) </div>
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Beauty Hidden Underneath the Murk?<br />
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There are a lot of jiggles and murky, odd corners in my life and thoughts. Sometimes my circumstances appear to be unsolveable puzzles. Life-defeating. Nevertheless, let me go on hoping that there are hidden patterns of exquisite beauty just waiting to be discovered.<br />
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Some people have decided there is no God, or if there is, he must be a cruel God, to allow so much evil. Why would a God who Christians say is a loving God, permit such evil in the world? Why does he allow us to suffer, to have problems?<br />
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Yet, which one of us is equipped to decide what is good, what is evil? Why should folks blame God as if he caused too much evil? After all, it is humankind that keeps choosing to be vicious, greedy, violent, selfish, power-loving. Some people start wars. A lot of others look after themselves and maybe their kin, but don’t see a purpose in helping others. <br />
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Sometimes, wise parents have to allow their children to get hurt while discovering how to act, what not to touch. Children need some kind of freedom in order to learn. If they’re overprotected, their maturity can be stunted.<br />
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What if there really is a God, and he’s like a loving parent educating his children? Let’s say we have a choice. We can come to him -- the only way we'll ever learn true peace and forgiveness -- or we can keep on inventing our own gods of selfishness, pride, anger, and hate. (Some of the traits that answer why there is so much evil in the world.)<br />
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And then, let us remember that many good and kind people in this world demonstrate genuine kindness, love, and honesty. Where and how did they learn, in the midst of all our human failings, to be altruistic and caring? Perhaps God was the role model, however unconscious some of us might be about his moving in our lives.<br />
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God’s Faithfulness Is At Work In Me.<br />
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I'm learning that I don't have to "feel" the emotions of faith in order to choose to let God's faithfulness work in and through me. <br />
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I can understand why some people have become disillusioned by too much hurt. I hope everyone will open themselves to entrust their personalities and their futures to the One who I believe is a loving God, in spite of all the unlove thrashing about in the world of men and women. I can’t prove, by “reason”, that there is a loving God. But I have chosen to trust the experiences of countless persons who have come to believe in his faithfulness. And so I choose to trust. That’s called “walking by faith, not by sight.” He who hung the stars in place, and created the universe -- and us -- is big enough to cover all, even if for some that means suffering or even premature death. <br />
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I choose to be "looking toward the blessed hope of his glorious appearing", which means I believe Jesus Christ will take to heaven some day those who are willing to ask him for his peace and rest and his way of living, even if it means we suffer, or die young, in this life, Oh, how I long to be with him forever: see him face to face, in eternity. (And if that story is just a myth, well, I'd rather go on believing that, even though it turned out not to be true, than to accept what seems to me to be an invention -- that we only have this life, we can do whatever we please, no rewards and no punishments and no repercussions if we hurt ourselves or others, and then when we die we're gone forever and there's nothing left, so we might as well eat, drink, and be merry now.) <br />
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Keep Looking for God.<br />
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I hope those who question God, will be willing to keep looking for him. I’ve made a choice to think he understands that we have doubts and fears and unreasonable moods that don't want to go away. I also believe he loves us still. He holds out his hands and says, "Just come. You don't have to pretty yourself up, or learn to be ‘good, or fix your life before I'll accept you. Just come, and let me carry you and your burdens." <br />
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Will you come? Will you at least think about that idea? The God who waits for you, who WANTS you, who LOVES you, doesn’t block every harm that can damage our fragile bodies and minds. Then we’d be merely robots, or puppets. God isn't some cosmic Santa Claus handing out pretty presents that we think will make us happy, when what we really need, is to know that he will let us "belong" to him. We all need to feel we belong somewhere. And he's the one we can belong to. We can't trust ourselves not to mess up. Relatives or friends may not be there when we need them. We can’t wait for the government or an agency to act, or expect some whimsical fantasy to come true so we can “live happily ever after.” <br />
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It will often seem like God also has let us down. But that's because we are too focused on what we see as a mess of unsolveable puzzles. But God sees the whole picture, from beginning to end. And he has promised us that he is creating hidden patterns in us which make us beautiful and valuable to him. The shadows aren’t murky, and the corners aren’t odd, to him.<br />
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We are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” We are unique individuals. And God is waiting for us to discover that he is there. He even says he can make even bad things work for ultimate good in our lives, if we come to him. Isn’t that good news?<br />
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Sharing with Laura Boggess --<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.lauraboggess.com/"><img border="0" src="http://anahnauwr.smugmug.com/photos/i-t7d8PPG/0/O/i-t7d8PPG.jpg" /></a></center>
kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-16591368916890336862013-02-19T14:43:00.000-08:002013-02-19T14:43:26.705-08:00note from AFAThe following quote is a departure from my regular blogging style, but I thought it was important to know about this. Prayers are needed. And concrete action if so moved----<br />
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(Note: I realize the links won't be activated in this post, but you can type in, or copy and paste, the urls. <br />
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[e-mail received from American Family Association]<br />
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<h4>
NBC: A violent and gory mocking of Jesus</h4>
<h5>
Kmart, Sears and J.C.Penney throw financial support behind anti-Christian
contempt</h5>
February 19, 2013<br /><br />Dear ______,
<a href="http://vimeo.com/59921933"><img align="right" alt="" border="0" hspace="7" src="http://action.afa.net/uploadedImages/Activism/AFA_Action_Alerts/Action_Alert_Related_Items/nbcsnl.jpg" /></a>This
past weekend, NBC's "Saturday Night Live" aired an extremely violent and gory
segment mocking Jesus Christ…just for laughs. And, it's available now online
thanks to Kmart, Sears and J.C.Penney.<br />
The segment is a fake movie trailer depicting a Quentin Tarantino-style Jesus
returning to get revenge. It's called, "Djesus Uncrossed." Thanks to the funding
by mainstream advertisers, NBC is painting Jesus as a revengeful murderer bent
on killing the Romans who crucified Him.<br />
<b><a href="http://vimeo.com/59921933">You can watch the skit here</a>, but
be aware you will be disgusted at the mockery.</b><br />
The trailer features Jesus and the Apostles gunning down scores of Romans. At
one point the Jesus character slices a man's head in half. "Critics are calling
it a less violent 'Passion of the Christ,'" the announcer said. "I never knew
how much Jesus used the N-word."<br />
<strong>TAKE ACTION</strong><br />
Kmart, Sears and J.C. Penney have the responsibility to demand their brands
not support programs that mock people of faith.<br />
Sears, Kmart and J.C. Penney are underwriting this attack on the Christian
faith on NBC network. Let them know you are offended.<br />
<strong>1. Facebook users:</strong> Copy and post this message to your
Facebook page and let encourage others to take action!<br />
<div style="margin-left: 40px;">
Kmart, Sears and JCPenney sponsor violent and gory
mocking of Jesus. <a href="http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/SignPetition.asp?id=2010">http://action.afa.net/Detail.aspx?id=2147532531</a></div>
<strong>2. Twitter users:</strong> Copy and paste this message to your
Twitter account:<br />
<blockquote>
@kmart @sears @jcpenney A vicious attack on the Christian faith. <a href="http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/SignPetition.asp?id=2010">http://bit.ly/VrHTl2</a> #kmart
#sears #jcpenney</blockquote>
<strong>3. Not a social media user?</strong> <a href="http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/SignPetition.asp?id=2010"><strong>Sign
our petition</strong></a> to Kmart, Sears and J.C.Penney. We'll deliver the
message for you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5" style="border-bottom: #006b95 2px solid; border-left: #006b95 2px solid; border-right: #006b95 2px solid; border-top: #006b95 2px solid; width: 525px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="135"><a href="http://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/SignPetition.asp?id=2010"><img alt="Take Action Now" border="0" height="35" src="http://action.afa.net/images/taction_buttonB.png" style="border-bottom: yellow 3px solid; border-left: yellow 3px solid; border-right: yellow 3px solid; border-top: yellow 3px solid;" title="Take Action Now" width="132" /></a></td>
<td style="color: #2f2f2f; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>Sign
the petition to Kmart, Sears and J.C.Penney
now!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />It is very important that you forward this
alert to your friends and family members.<br />kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4689844771188693223.post-45672840425822226892013-02-11T18:17:00.000-08:002013-02-11T18:39:41.676-08:00More Broken Glass.<br />
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More broken glass. More beauty. More shine. Just looking is enough. Words aren't needed to refresh my joy!<br />
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These 4 images are copyrighted. All rights reserved. <br />
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This post is shared with Laura Boggess' blog: <br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.lauraboggess.com/"><img border="0" src="http://anahnauwr.smugmug.com/photos/i-P9wn5Qq/0/O/i-P9wn5Qq.jpg" /></a></center>
kingfisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04357813867386751193noreply@blogger.com4