tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88679054756513376482024-03-05T23:04:19.737-08:00Kaleidoscopes: Letting God's Light Shine InWhen you let God's light shine in your life, He will reveal its beauty. Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-14065564013806628842015-07-08T07:01:00.000-07:002016-03-23T08:24:06.060-07:00The Most Embarrassing Thing to Happen On Your Honeymoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>The Dreaded Day 3...</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was Day 3 of our honeymoon...dun...dun...dun...a day I will never forget...a day I learned what marriage was really about. <br />
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It was just three days after our big wedding, our "I Do's", our commitment to spend the rest of our lives together...for better or worse...in sickness and in health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My husband had no idea how quickly I would bank on those vows!</strong></span><br />
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We were having a blast--splashing in the pool, walking along the beach, watching the sunset, riding a giant bike in the ocean, seeing each other at our best--our sexiest outfits, our best moods, our most fun and adventurous spirits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>On Day 3, that all changed...</strong><br />
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The night before, we dined at a gorgeous beach side restaurant. We ate. We drank wine--all while gazing into each other's eyes as the waves crashed on the shore nearby. It was so romantic. However, the next morning...Day 3...I awoke to a gurgling stomach...churning...aching...I knew that something was going to come out somewhere. It was just a matter of time. NOOOOOOOOOO! Not on my honeymoon. <br />
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I wanted to hide my pain. I wanted to pretend all was well so we could go snorkeling and continue being flirty and sexy and enjoying our fairy tale of love and romance and happiness and fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I was about to ruin it all with a reality check of "the runs."</strong></span><br />
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I couldn't hide it any longer. I had to tell my husband of 3 days that I had the stomach bug. Every 20 minutes throughout the entire morning, I was running to the bathroom and then crawling back to bed. My sexy new spouse was right there. He was getting me sips of water. He was dabbing my sweaty head with a cool wash rag. He sat in a chair next to the bed as I groaned and complained...helping me...encouraging me...being there for me. <br />
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<strong>But wait...it gets worse...</strong>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As the trips to the bathroom started winding down, all my strength and energy and modesty were gone. I simply quit putting my clothes back on. I quit caring that we were on our honeymoon. I quit caring that I was pooping every 20 minutes in our Honeymoon Suite right in front of my new forever man. I quit caring that I was a mess. I flopped over onto the bed falling face first into the pillows, and I hear my husband of less than 72 hour's voice whisper to me...."Honey, you have some poop on your butt." <br />
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And I thought I couldn't feel worse. I didn't care though. I couldn't move. I just wanted to die of pain and now embarrassment. I was just lying there...hot...sweaty...stinky...naked...with poop on my sun-kissed butt. <br />
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Without saying another word, my brand new mate for life went into the bathroom, grabbed some toilet paper, came and sat next to me on the bed, and...wiped my butt. Yes, he wiped my butt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>This moment will forever be known as our "Welcome to Marriage Moment"!</strong> <br />
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I was mortified, but at the same time, I was given a gift. A gift to see that my husband was going to be there for me no matter what. That he was going to be someone I could laugh with, have romantic dinners with, walk on the beach with, and enjoy the good times with, but he was also going to be someone who would stay by my side when I was at my worst. And that's what matters most in life...in marriage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Marriage isn't just about the good stuff...it's about being able to handle the bad stuff too.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not just about the laughs and the fun...it's about the tears and the hardships too. It's about being there for one another, supporting one other, encouraging one another, helping one another, caring for one another...in sickness and in health. It's about loving and laughing and making the best out of every situation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We laughed so hard today as we reflected on Day 3 of our honeymoon, and as we celebrate 15 years of marriage together, we see how much Day 3 prepared us (especially my husband) for what was to come. He has seen me even more vulnerable…at my most disgusting...at my very, very, very worst. He has been there for the birth via C-Section of our three children, and even had to ask the doctors to put the sheet back up in the Operating Room after they lowered it for him to see our third child. (He said he saw way too much of me and still can't get that image out of his head.) He has been there for countless stomach bugs, flu bugs, cold bugs and even depression bugs. <br />
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<strong>He's been there--by my side--through it all.</strong> </span><br />
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It hasn't been easy. We've even been near divorce, but I'm so thankful that we both have been able to move forward, press on, and persevere through some really rough times, tough conversations, and painful moments. We have both grown and allowed God to shape us into the individuals that we are today. Through our struggles, we've gained strength, wisdom, trust, and confidence in ourselves and in each other. Our marriage stronger now than it's ever been. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 Years Ago Today--July 8, 2000</td></tr>
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And now, on Day 5,475 of our marriage, the honeymoon is well over, but we continue to celebrate those moments throughout our lives that have brought us closer together...more committed to one another...forever...best friends...by each other's side...no matter what comes our way...poop on our butts and all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What was your "Welcome to Marriage Moment"?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, thank You for the blessing of marriage. Bring us closer together with each struggle. Bring us closer together with each joy. Continue to shine Your light into our circumstances so that we can continue to grow together and love each other no matter what! In Jesus' name. Amen.</span></strong> <br />
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Happy 15 Year Anniversary, Brad! I love you!<br />
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THIS BLOG IS ENDING. FOLLOW ME AT MY NEW 4REAL MOMS BLOG "BLESSED IN THE MESS": <a href="http://www.4realmom.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-46846669910306078622015-06-17T14:49:00.000-07:002015-06-17T15:12:09.476-07:00One Thing We Never Allow Ourselves To Do But Need To Do<div _mce_style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
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<em><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">"And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." Genesis 2: 2-3</span></strong></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am a doer. I always have been. I actually find enjoyment in working and getting things accomplished. I enjoy setting goals and reaching them. I enjoy writing To-Do lists and I find even more enjoyment out of checking things off my To-Do lists! I enjoy having a big project, big event, or big anything in front of me and working step by step to get everything done that needs to get done. It just feels good. I find great joy in it especially if I'm serving others in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>You Want Me To Do What?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But ten weeks ago, God showed me something that I never allow myself to do but need to do...REST! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I sleep at night, God. Isn't that resting enough?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"No, it's not." He said...loud and clear!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>It was then that He asked me to do something that He has never asked me to do in my 41 years of life...take a Sabbath and rest every Sunday. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready for my honest reaction? Panic...sheer panic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"WHAT? You want me to do what? God, please don't make me do that! Sunday is a day I can get so much done. My husband is home, and I am able to check so many things off my checklist! I have a book drive coming up that I need every minute to plan for. Please, please, please don't make me give up such a productive day!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once again, His words were loud and clear, but very loving: "You need to rest, My child. You need to pray...listen to Me...be quiet. Rest every Sunday. You're working too much...too hard...all day...every day. Just stop. Spend time with Me. Listen. Read. I have things to share with you. I love you."</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">I Surrender...</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sigh..."You really know how to make a girl listen, God." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And obediently yet reluctantly, that very Sunday...ten weeks ago, I followed the Lord and rested. I shut off my computer. I didn't check my phone. I didn't look at my emails. I didn't get on facebook. I didn't blog. I didn't check anything off my To-Do list. I didn't post anything or plan anything. I didn't do anything...well nothing work-related, that is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent undivided time with my family, and I even took a nap when the kids had quiet time--which I never do anymore. After the kids went to bed that night, I read the bible for two hours and started a new prayer journal so I could write down everything that the Lord wanted to share with me throughout the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>God is Always Right...</strong></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I quickly realized that God was right. Duh! I don't know why I ever question Him! Taking this day to rest was really good for me. I actually enjoyed my day more than I thought I would. And I was surprised that I got more done throughout the rest of the week too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now? I look forward to my day of rest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I almost get giddy when I shut my computer down on Saturday nights and completely ignore my phone on Sundays which has now become the best day of my week.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And God has used each Sunday to talk to me and share with me about all the ways He is working in my life. I've written page after page of His words of wisdom, bible verses, questions He wants me to ask myself, and ways that He is calling me to grow. These last ten weeks have been challenging and eye-opening and yet full of much fruit and growth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My walk with the Lord has deepened to a whole new level, and my life feels less busy.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Even though I've completely taken out a day of doing, I still accomplish everything I need to get done and sometimes more! That's just what happens when we listen to God, right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>So now, let me ask you...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Do you feel busy, tired, overwhelmed or on-the-go?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Are you allowing yourself to rest? </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Do you unplug from technology once in a while?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Do you take time for yourself?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Do you take a nap?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Do you sit and read a book?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Do you allow yourself extended quiet time?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Do you take a whole day to do nothing but spend time with your family?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Do you find undivided time to pray and to listen to God?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're doing better than I was, so keep it up. But can you answer yes to <em>all</em> of these questions? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can...now...as of ten weeks ago. And I want you to be able to do the same in your life! </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't Resist...</span></strong> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you're thinking no way, no how, not ever would I be able to give up a day of the week to rest (like I did), then that's a great indication that you need to take a Sabbath too! Sorry, but it's true! The more you don't think you need one and the more you think you need that day to get things done, the more you need to take that day off and rest! I promise. You won't regret it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>You'll be more productive...more in-tuned to the Holy Spirit...more fulfilled...more well-rested...and more joyful.</strong> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1mO8lkvme_G7Q7lEiqRLwom1oN1QlbKBLfyqjsMGyVbP5Qhx3uRl_69Z9bt1DmrUT1eUkjFMOCQoslZbeYKfhXEKCzQZcQXC3dBUmzRWgohrK_M9d_xCbRqzglGyhOtQLK0E8-xei1lx/s1600/Rest2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1mO8lkvme_G7Q7lEiqRLwom1oN1QlbKBLfyqjsMGyVbP5Qhx3uRl_69Z9bt1DmrUT1eUkjFMOCQoslZbeYKfhXEKCzQZcQXC3dBUmzRWgohrK_M9d_xCbRqzglGyhOtQLK0E8-xei1lx/s400/Rest2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Trust me, I know it sounds impossible to give up a day of doing. I know it may feel like laziness to allow yourself a day to rest (admittedly, sometimes I do feel a little antsy on Sundays), but we all need rest. Even when we are spending our time doing good things for others, we can overdo ourselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>We can fill up our time with too much doing and not enough being---being still...being quiet...being in His presence.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We all need to be still for a moment in this busy world. We all need to fill ourselves with more of God's word and truth and love and peace. We all need to stop kidding ourselves that we can keep up with this fast-paced, hurried, rushed, go-go-go life. God has something to say to all of us...He has something to say to you! Stop and listen. God wants to spend time with you. Stop and praise Him. God wants you to enjoy His wonderful creations. Stop, look around, and enjoy your surroundings. God wants your soul to be restored. Stop and pray for His healing touch. God wants your body to be refreshed. Stop and just rest. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Stop what you're doing and rest, but be prepared for your life to change!</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And finally, if I haven't convinced you by this point, I figured if God himself needed to rest on the seventh day, who am I to think that I don't need to do the same? Right?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>What would taking a Sabbath mean to you? Would it be easy for you or difficult? How would your life be different if you took a day each week to rest?</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Lord, thank you for reminding us about the importance of rest. Each week, help us to stop and give a day to You. Bless the time that we allow ourselves to be quiet. Speak to us clearly. Refresh our souls! Shine your light into our need to do and allow us to just be in Your glorious presence! In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong> </div>
Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-81391110022750828682015-05-22T11:45:00.001-07:002015-05-22T11:59:14.883-07:00When Friendships Hurt<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHTVToLy9VQYmP7QvUinDoaa4dy-EzvZZwvY8qGFlvRvilFyFfNUHUKdfYv6tiOE0Uvabg9Kvp0e4YkYK3hxZfJjsq30S9QEaudExvVeKkTnMoeKU4r1MBHSIhMppVDqn4hlXXh9pI19U/s1600/Elissa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHTVToLy9VQYmP7QvUinDoaa4dy-EzvZZwvY8qGFlvRvilFyFfNUHUKdfYv6tiOE0Uvabg9Kvp0e4YkYK3hxZfJjsq30S9QEaudExvVeKkTnMoeKU4r1MBHSIhMppVDqn4hlXXh9pI19U/s320/Elissa.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Proverbs 27:17</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I cried on my birthday. I cried and I cried and I cried. Yes, I'm getting older. Yes, I'm getting more wrinkly. Yes, 41 was so anticlimactic compared to turning 40, but surprisingly, I wasn't crying about getting older, I was crying about losing a friendship. And honestly, I just wanted to give up. I wanted to stop being friends with people. I wanted to just close my door, crawl into a hole, and never be vulnerable, never let anyone too close, and never let anyone really get to know me again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, so maybe getting older may have factored in a little because man, I was an emotional wreck that day! It was just everything all wrapped into one "happy freaking birthday to me" pity party, but my main sadness wasn't just about getting older or the loss of that friendship. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Even though, at times, I miss her friendship terribly, God has brought me such peace and has shown me the amazing way He used this friend to bless my life regardless of the outcome. My birthday tears were more about the fears that have suddenly crept in making me hesitate in getting close to other friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Friendships are hard. Friendships hurt.</span></strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Think about how tough it was in middle school and high school? I still find myself sad about a friend with whom I spent the entire summer before my 8th grade year who then left me in the dust once the school year started. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">But who would have thought that adult friendships would be so hard and hurtful too?</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Friendships have always been extremely important to me. I've always valued my friends greatly--desiring to get to know them on a deeper level, encouraging them, spending time with them, laughing with them, and crying with them. But lately, God has opened my eyes to a pattern of keeping friends at a distance...both emotionally and geographically. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since 1995, my best friend has lived in a different town--and for the majority of our friendship, she has lived almost a thousand miles away. The distance between us didn't stop us from sharing in life's ups and downs. She and I have shared tears and joys, laughter and pain, miscarriage and marriage troubles, depression and anxiety, deaths and new lives. We've gone through agonizing and life-changing events together. Her friendship has been invaluable to me. She's the kind of friend who I can tell anything to; she's the kind of friend that I can share my darkest, deepest hurts with; she's the kind of friend who would hop on a plane and be there for me in a second if I needed her. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn65OZThhrxZKlRUKWuOPqwi9nbKnjbsj0bLLVPH7Tco1rn4MG8VD71jCMUNF8P1qj-RiXkOA6EZ7QdsA7QDofS4eHMaUCssFbTzXuwtIafA6ELiY2hjYcbH0ItvcVZUVLdIy9LQcLarXt/s1600/Elissa2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn65OZThhrxZKlRUKWuOPqwi9nbKnjbsj0bLLVPH7Tco1rn4MG8VD71jCMUNF8P1qj-RiXkOA6EZ7QdsA7QDofS4eHMaUCssFbTzXuwtIafA6ELiY2hjYcbH0ItvcVZUVLdIy9LQcLarXt/s320/Elissa2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But the reality is that she is a thousand miles away. Almost every tear we've cried and every laugh we've laughed was done through a long-distance phone call. I treasure the moments that we actually can share special times face to face, but unfortunately, those moments are few and far between. She's not a part of my day-to-day life. And it makes me sad. Even though I know that she's always there for me and always will be, she's not here...geographically here. She can't see the expressions on my face or give me a hug or hold my hand. Even though I know she would...she can't. So she's emotionally close to me, but not geographically. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, when I really looked at my close friendships as an adult, I haven't had friends who were close to me both geographically and emotionally. All of my girlfriends from college live in different towns, and I only keep in touch with high school friends on facebook. The friends I taught with were awesome, but I never really opened up to them. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr0g48V6Qu4Wq_ZY_Wnwz5F7hp5iRqgy0Ns2o7uqdwMQZDKsq9O-1QnyC4-Yhk4-1PfdL2CCy7pXUl8ld8J5G0epm1xEv60uxNjNS-cacKQ3MNlplVIHXfLmItG-AOFVf7xoQQjl2jtA4/s1600/EIU+Girls+FAB+5_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcr0g48V6Qu4Wq_ZY_Wnwz5F7hp5iRqgy0Ns2o7uqdwMQZDKsq9O-1QnyC4-Yhk4-1PfdL2CCy7pXUl8ld8J5G0epm1xEv60uxNjNS-cacKQ3MNlplVIHXfLmItG-AOFVf7xoQQjl2jtA4/s320/EIU+Girls+FAB+5_0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>The friends I allowed to be emotionally close to me were long-distance friends. And friends who lived geographically close were kept at an emotional distance. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I finally met someone who I did open up to, I got hurt. It was the one time I finally did let my guard down to someone who lived close to me. For several years, I was vulnerable and shared my weaknesses. We cried and laughed together...celebrated birthdays, births, miracles, deep questions, and powerful prayers. But our friendship took an unexpected turn and it surprisingly and painfully ended.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Unknowingly, my guard went back up.</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I find that I'm living in fear of not wanting to get too close to anyone else...hence, the birthday tears! Will they leave me too? Will they find flaws in me? Will they disagree with my thinking, attitudes, thoughts, and path in life? Will they judge me, lose interest in me, and walk away from me if I let them in...if I allow them to get too close...if I allow them to really know me? Will they reject me?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm still hurting. I'm still confused. I want to run away and never trust again, but I can't. It's not healthy. It's not what God wants for me. It's not how we were made. God has brought some amazing women into my life who I want to trust whole-heartedly. I don't want to allow the enemy to rob me of precious moments with these friends, but I'm afraid. I'm afraid to let anyone that close to me again. I'm afraid to be too vulnerable again. It just feels unsafe. I just want to keep them all at a distance and feel comfortable again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>What do I do? What can any of us do when we've been hurt by a friend?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Over this past year of grieving, I've learned that it's ok to feel hurt. It's ok to grieve the loss. But it's not ok to allow that loss to make you feel that there is something wrong with you or make you feel that you're not good enough. Obviously, any change in life is a good time to evaluate yourself and have the Holy Spirit show you areas in you that need growth or improvement, but just don't downright beat yourself up over it. And more importantly, I've learned not to let that loss stop you from getting close to other friends in your life...don't run away from your current friends or new friend possibilities. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, just today, I did the exact opposite of running away. Instead, I had a very open and tearful conversation with a friend about my fears, my doubts, my questions, and my insecurities about our friendship. I shared with her my pain of losing that friend and my hesitancy to be close to her because of it. She listened with tears in her eyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">We sat face to face...heart to heart...woman to woman.</span></strong> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8du6eUnzLwnCmxuBv7XfI4HADeBOR1pHgL_Slgapq5-vtuF473AftaN1XnFsQK_KBSfYx2dWa7wIQfgwKVLVlPGDreyrm3yFfVzpNNeyv_xrK31CVdfUYvod6tOQpHo5phqp8QgT7sABD/s1600/DSCN1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8du6eUnzLwnCmxuBv7XfI4HADeBOR1pHgL_Slgapq5-vtuF473AftaN1XnFsQK_KBSfYx2dWa7wIQfgwKVLVlPGDreyrm3yFfVzpNNeyv_xrK31CVdfUYvod6tOQpHo5phqp8QgT7sABD/s320/DSCN1349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that conversation opened the door to another honest conversation with a friend. And I realized that because I was open and vulnerable about my true feelings...because I didn't run away or close my door or crawl into a hole, my fears were gone. I sat in the same state, city, room and couch and shared my heart...face to face. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I realized that everyone in one way or another has insecurities about friendships--especially as adults---especially as women. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We all have similar fears. We all momentarily revert back to our junior high or high school days and wonder if someone is going to leave us for another friend. We all wonder if someone is going to love us for who we really are. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I learned that though friendships may seem hard, they are actually quite simple...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love our friends how Jesus loves us...unconditionally.</span></strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Love our friends despite their weaknesses. Believe in our friends despite their differences. Encourage our friends despite their fears. Listen to them. Pray for them. See the good in them. No judgment. Just love...unconditional love.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And even though not every friendship will last as long as we'd like them to and not every friend will stay as long as we had hoped they would, we all need to keep moving forward. See the blessings through the pain. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Know that God will use each friendship to change us, each friend to teach us, and each memory to remind us of how much we've grown.</strong></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, I hope we can all choose to keep moving past the hurt...to forgive...to trust again...to love again...to be grateful for all the friends who are still in our lives both near and far away. I hope we can all choose to get over our fears, let our guards down, allow others to get close to us, and always believe that there are friends who will love us no matter what! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, I lift our friendships up to You. Thank You for the beautiful people You've placed purposely in our paths. Thank You for the lessons learned from each one. Use us to sharpen others--encouraging them, respecting them, and loving them for who they are. And allow others to sharpen us--uplifting us, being honest with us, and accepting us for who we are. Lord, shine Your light on our hearts as we trust in You to heal us and allow others to be close to us again. In Jesus' name. Amen.</span></strong>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-68255001646299165542015-05-15T14:58:00.000-07:002015-05-16T11:26:01.060-07:00Are We All Just Stuck in High School?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>"The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7</strong></span><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I was never into labels or cliques in high school. I never cared about who was who or what was what---in-crowd, out-crowd, no-crowd...it didn't matter to me. Everyone deserved my respect simply because they were a human being. Even as a middle school science teacher when I had gang members sitting in my classroom, I didn't care. I didn't treat them any differently than I treated any other student. I loved them even though I didn't agree with their choices. I respected them and genuinely cared for them and they knew it. And they treated me with respect in return. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My parents have always modeled loving people unconditionally. They've always taught me to look past the exterior and the labels and focus on the person's heart. I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful that God has given me the eyes to see the good in everyone. All throughout my life---as a high school student, as a teacher, as a wife and mom, as a leader---it's been an amazing gift. And I know that at times I've had to look really hard to see the good in some people, but do you know what? Every time, even when I thought that there was no good inside, when I took the time to look really closely, I would always find a little nugget of good to focus on. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm grateful that God has given me the eyes to see beyond what others see...to love people no matter who they are or aren't, no matter what choices they make or didn't make, no matter what job they have, no matter what color their skin is, no matter what they look like, no matter what they believe in, no matter what church they go to, I will always love others no matter what. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And I believe to my core that most of us have that same desire, but we get stuck in the categories that society gives others. We get stuck in our own "worlds", and lately God has challenged me to take a closer look at how we all tend to get stuck in those "high school" patterns of cliques and labels even today. If you don't believe me, look around....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't we still have cliques? Only now, we call them small groups, or work friends, or moms groups, or bible studies, or committees, or playdate groups, or sewing clubs, or even churches.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How often do we step outside our adult cliques to hang out with someone new? How often do we love or serve someone outside of our "group"?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't we still have labels? Only now we call them stay-at-home parent, working parent, single, divorced, homeschooling parent, public school parent, not a parent, unemployed, homeless, addict, gay, straight, Christian, non-Christian, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How often have you labeled someone based on their current "position in life"? How often do see someone for what they are instead of who they are?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm guilty too. Even though I love everyone, God has shown me how often I "hang out" with the same people over and over doing the same things over and over. And don't get me wrong, it's never a bad thing to form close, loving, trusting relationships and friendships, but it's a big world out there with lots of people that long to be included, that need to feel God's love, that need to know that they belong somewhere, that need to know that they are seen, that need to know that they are not just a label nor are they just part of a clique that doesn't belong. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On Monday night, God sent me on my first mission to serve a new group of people...people I have never met nor served before. Their label? "The homeless." I took my six year old with me and our eyes were opened. As each person walked passed us with dirty fingernails, torn clothes, and scuffed up shoes, I looked in their eyes. I smiled and offered them a spoonful of baked beans. They smiled back and said, "Yes, please. Thank you so much." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">In that moment, they weren't just "the homeless" anymore to me. They were no longer that label that I had given them. They were moms with babies. They were young men who enjoyed watching NBA basketball. They were people who enjoyed the company and encouragement of others. They were courageous. They were grateful. They were people with gifts and talents and hopes and dreams. They were people created by, loved by, and valued by God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">See what happens when we drop the high school labels and really take the time to get to know someone for who they are and for how God created them to be? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And so I challenge you...</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Drop the labels.</strong></span></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Ignore the cliques.</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Don't be quick to judge.</strong></span></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Get to know someone knew.</strong></span></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Look around more.</strong></span></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Visit a new church.</strong></span></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Serve a new group.</strong></span></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>See the good in others.</strong></span></li>
<strong>
</strong>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Love everyone.</strong> </span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Lord, thank you for opening my eyes to see the labels that we give to others. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to love other human beings that I didn't know before. Continue to open my eyes and understand the vastness of your love and see the commonalities that we all share. Shine Your loving light into our lives and allow us to love others unconditionally and see the good that You have deposited in them. In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong></span> Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-39666292942505896042015-03-15T19:23:00.000-07:002015-03-15T19:55:23.838-07:00A Servant's Prayer: I Am Yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXS5H-6c4V5dhLfMOfb3iXiuDMiO6nyCpnGEUR1FmXuWHrYiVwOmK00wDgM9bWLwpTe3Ie5CqaL_UMORaFwtnnBBUdFnHv79gJrcvU-VSqXGglgsn2f3EenEysj3cKXfswQWtFRqtS-mdJ/s1600/cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXS5H-6c4V5dhLfMOfb3iXiuDMiO6nyCpnGEUR1FmXuWHrYiVwOmK00wDgM9bWLwpTe3Ie5CqaL_UMORaFwtnnBBUdFnHv79gJrcvU-VSqXGglgsn2f3EenEysj3cKXfswQWtFRqtS-mdJ/s1600/cross.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>I am Yours.</em><br />
<em>I completely surrender my life to You.</em><br />
<em>I will trust You.</em><br />
<em>I will serve You.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>When others see me, let them see Your light.</em><br />
<em>When others hear me, let them hear Your wisdom.</em><br />
<em>When others are in my presence, let them feel Your warmth.</em><br />
<em>When others read my words, let them hear Your voice.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I am Yours.</em><br />
<em>I completely surrender my life to You.</em><br />
<em>I will trust You.</em><br />
<em>I will serve You.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>No matter who I'm with, let me love them like You would.</em><br />
<em>No matter where I go, let me go forward with fearlessness.</em><br />
<em>No matter what I do, let me do it with a joyful heart.</em><br />
<em>No matter what I say, let me say it with a kind spirit.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I am Yours.</em><br />
<em>I completely surrender my life to You.</em><br />
<em>I will trust You.</em><br />
<em>I will serve You.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Give me confidence.</em><br />
<em>Take my hand.</em><br />
<em>Increase my faith.</em><br />
<em>Capture my thoughts. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I am Yours.</em><br />
<em>I completely surrender my life to You.</em><br />
<em>I will trust You.</em><br />
<em>I will serve You.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Keep me humble.</em><br />
<em>Guide my feet.</em><br />
<em>Remove my fears.</em><br />
<em>Protect my heart.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I am Yours.</em><br />
<em>I completely surrender my life to You.</em><br />
<em>I will trust You.</em><br />
<em>I will serve You.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I am Yours!</em><br />
<br />
<em></em><br />
<a href="http://www.christineleeb.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Click here</strong></a><strong> for your free printable of this prayer!</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-70533548991392635932015-03-02T12:50:00.000-08:002015-03-02T16:26:48.430-08:00Why Women Should Love "50 Shades of Grey"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwFBqFud7shk3i4BxrlWOAxVXeOBrJtBI2PUa8vbMqwjLSan5sdu9xJSRmiTgzCw1ZDr3HeZQCG8l_-1UsBG-LdcKpXr6l_Nkl95IuFt8vw_AeROvCRDgkuG4Flb9p3F5BkgMQCmUlcWv/s1600/50+Shades+of+Grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwFBqFud7shk3i4BxrlWOAxVXeOBrJtBI2PUa8vbMqwjLSan5sdu9xJSRmiTgzCw1ZDr3HeZQCG8l_-1UsBG-LdcKpXr6l_Nkl95IuFt8vw_AeROvCRDgkuG4Flb9p3F5BkgMQCmUlcWv/s1600/50+Shades+of+Grey.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Three reasons why I've avoided talking about "50 Shades of Grey". </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. It's uncomfortable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. It's uncomfortable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. It's uncomfortable.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been like the parent who avoids talking to their kids about sex because it's too awkward, but then I realized that the mission of this blog is to bring you hope and shine God's light into your life by being as open and honest as I can about mine, so as uncomfortable as it may be, I just need to share my thoughts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I apologize up front if you're tired of hearing about "50 Shades of Grey". I know I am. Trust me, I've been putting this post off for weeks now hoping that God would stop asking me to write about it...He hasn't. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully I've procrastinated long enough and enough time has passed that you're ready to hear my perspective? Perhaps that was the Lords plan all along... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To be honest, though, I'm not sure why the Lord is asking me to share this considering I've not read the book nor have I seen the movie, but I guess because I do know what it's all about. I mean...come on...everywhere you turn, someone is talking about it, right? Sex sells. That's just a fact in our society. It gets attention...especially with something so controversial. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, why, as a woman, mom, wife, life coach, do I believe that every woman should love "50 Shades of Grey"? L</span><span style="font-size: large;">et's just be clear...I'm not at all saying that you should love the book or the movie itself (that's your call), but what I am saying is that you should love the <em>opportunity</em> that "50 Shades of Grey" can provide to you, your kids, and your marriage. And that is...<strong><em>communication</em></strong>! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anything negative that happens in our world, God can use as an opportunity to shine His light. "50 Shades of Grey" is scandalous and shocking but God's light can shine in this too if we allow it. The silver lining behind this very "grey" cloud is that it's getting people to talk about sex. Communicating about sex is the best thing we can do as women, wives, and moms. It's the healthiest thing we can do. It's the most biblical thing we can do. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, let's talk about it. (crickets chirping...crickets chirping...) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How about this, let me share with you 3 great opportunities that all the buzz of "50 Shades of Grey" can provide for you in the area of communication: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. <strong>It gives you an opportunity to talk to your kids about sex.</strong> Now, my kids are still very young to know anything about "50 Shades of Grey". They are still in the 50 shades of crayons phase, but it's never too early to talk to them about their private parts and how important it is to keep them private. It's never too early to establish an open communication and constantly reminding them that they can talk to me about anything. It's never too early to intentionally pray over their sexuality and relationships. It's never too early to teach assertiveness and self-respect.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I hope you will take the opportunity to talk to your kids about sex no matter what age they are! Just remember that if you don't talk to them, someone else will!</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. <strong>It gives you an opportunity to talk to your husband about sex.</strong> Sex is a very important part of marriage. I know that, for most men, it is their primary love language. The more that a couple talks about sex...the expectations, the likes, the dislikes, the desires, the frequency, the fantasies...the more love can be felt between them both. Sex is important, necessary, healthy, and fun! My marriage needs it to thrive and so does yours! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I hope that you take the time to talk to your husband and have an honest conversation about sex.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. <strong>It gives you an opportunity to "talk" to yourself about sex.</strong> I struggle with being open about sex. As a little girl, sex was bad and shameful and something that was never talked about. Plus, when I gave up my virginity before I got married, I carried even more shame and guilt about it. (You can read my story </span><a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/day-22-fear-of-rejection-i-shouldnt.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">"I Shouldn't Have Worn White On My Wedding Day</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.) It was incredibly difficult for me after I got married to just--all of the sudden--turn off a lifetime of those negative feelings. It's been a struggle for me. It's been a journey for me...and for my husband. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've had to pray and explore ways to break down the walls that I've spent years building. I've had to pray about my sexual desires and take a closer look at my own sexual needs. I've had to distinguish between my past views and my present personal preferences. I've had to relearn God's intentions for sex. I've had to invite Him to fill my heart with His purpose for sex. I've had to become more in touch with my sexual nature. I've had to be patient with myself as I've gained confidence to communicate my needs more. I've really moved forward, but it has taken small steps and big prayers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I hope that you will take the time to reflect on your own sexual desires and how well you are communicating your needs. More importantly, I pray that you always make sure that you are respecting yourself in the process. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So whether you like "50 Shades of Grey" or not really isn't the focus here. It's really about loving the doors of communication it has opened. Whether it's creating a dialogue about it with your children no matter how old they are...whether it's having an honest discussion with your husband...or whether you use it as an opportunity to check in with yourself...your needs...your wants...your desires, please talk about sex. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The bible says in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in <em>all</em> things God works for the good<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> of those who love him, who<sup> </sup>have been called<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28145B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28145B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> according to his purpose."</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I truly believe that what satan intends for evil, God can use for good. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How will you allow God's light and His goodness to shine into this area of sex in your own life? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, thank you for making all things good. Thank you that we can turn our heads away from those things in this world that are uncomfortable to us, or we can allow them to provide opportunities for us to communicate with those we love. Give us courage to talk to our kids about sex. Give us confidence to talk to our spouses about sex. Give us strength to reflect on our own sexual desires. Lord, shine Your light into every area of sex in our lives and allow us to be open and honest about something so beautiful that You created for us to enjoy! In Jesus' name. Amen.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some resources I've found helpful:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I just recently started "The Passion Principles" as a study with a small group of women. Already, I can see it has amazing potential and it certainly provided us with a great discussion and prayer time. </span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kalletgodslig-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0849964474&asins=0849964474&linkId=W3AGDY4E7EFEBEGK&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a must have book for every marriage!</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kalletgodslig-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B006Q2LTRO&asins=B006Q2LTRO&linkId=F2L4YC4EVXKX6XHA&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This book is great for those, like me, with small children as a way to open up dialogue about their body parts. </span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=kalletgodslig-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0142410586&asins=0142410586&linkId=W7AY7H47MQXR3ERR&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;">
</iframe><br />Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-42314784746679739812015-02-28T19:14:00.000-08:002015-02-28T19:14:12.028-08:00Liebster Award: Bloggers Recognizing Bloggers<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">I feel honored to be nominated by Tobi Sauers from <a href="http://www.simplyjesusministries.com/" target="_blank">Simply Jesus Ministries</a> for the <u>Liebster Award</u> which is where one blogger recognizes five bloggers. In simplest terms, it gives bloggers an opportunity just to say "Hey, I like what you do." And in my opinion, if even one person likes what I do, that's important to me. So thank you, Tobi!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">I met Tobi through our 31 Day Writing Challenge in October and have stayed in contact with her ever since through a facebook group she started for those who survived the 31 Day Challenge. This group has been instrumental in motivating me to publish my 31 day writing series into a book: <a href="http://www.christineleeb.com/book.html" target="_blank">In His Light: Facing Fear with Faith</a> as well as inspiring me to do more with the words that God has given me to write. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Thank you, Tobi for thinking of me and for including me with four other women who I look up to greatly and honestly was a little surprised...ok, a little shocked...to even be on the same list as them! You ladies are truly an inspiration--</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://wendyspeake.com/lent-people-of-the-cross/#comment-34235" title=""><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Wendy </span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">-(<a href="http://wendyspeake.com/">wendyspeake.com</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://myoverflowingcup.com/" title=""><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Heather</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> -(<a href="http://myoverflowingcup.com/">myoverflowingcup.com</a>)</span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.blessedarethefeet.com/" title=""><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Colleen</span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">- (<a href="http://blessedarethefeet.com/">blessedarethefeet.com</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.beckykeife.com/" title=""><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Becky</span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">- (<a href="http://beckykeife.com/">beckykeife.com</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">And I'd also like to thank my mom and dad for giving me so many funny things to write about, and I'd like to thank my dog...</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">I'm just kidding! Ok, my little acceptance speech is done. Here is what I have to do next to complete my duties for the Liebster Award!</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">HERE ARE THE "OFFICIAL RULES":</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<ol><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;">
<li><span style="color: black;"> Thank and link back to the person who nominates you--CHECK</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"> Answer the questions given by the person who nominates you--CHECK</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"> Nominate 5 other bloggers, big or small--CHECK</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"> Create 5 new questions for the nominees to answer--CHECK</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"> Let the nominees know they’ve been nominated--CHECK </span></li>
</span></span></span></ol>
</div>
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><strong>1. What are you reading right now, and why should we all read it? (if you aren't a book reader, what is your favorite blog?)</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><em>Power of the Praying Parent by Stormie O'Martian</em></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<em>I'm a busy, working mom, so this book is perfect. It has short chapters and powerful prayers to pray over my children.</em> <em> I want my children covered in prayer!</em></div>
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /><strong>2. What is your favorite drink from Starbucks, or your favorite coffee shop?</strong> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;">
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<span style="color: black;"><em>I don't drink coffee. When I was a teacher, my students were always surprised when they learned that I didn't drink coffee because I was a very energetic teacher--especially when we learned about the periodic table of elements. For the record, yes, I really was that excited about the periodic table!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /><strong>3. What is your favorite Bible story and why?</strong></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;">
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<span style="color: black;"><em>I have to pick just one? I love the one when Jesus walks on water from Matthew 14:22-33. So often I find myself living in fear and doubt God and this is such a great example of Jesus calling us...asking us to step out in faith...and being there to catch us when we lose faith.</em></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-22" id="en-NIV-23620"><span style="color: black;"><em></em></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-22"><span style="color: black;">Jesus Walks on the Water<sup></sup></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span class="text Matt-14-22"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-23" id="en-NIV-23621"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23621C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23621C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> Later that night, he was there alone,</span> <span class="text Matt-14-24" id="en-NIV-23622"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span class="text Matt-14-25" id="en-NIV-23623"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-26" id="en-NIV-23624"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,”<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23624D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23624D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> they said, and cried out in fear.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-27" id="en-NIV-23625"><span style="color: black;"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>But Jesus immediately said to them: <span class="woj">“Take courage!<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23625E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23625E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> It is I. Don’t be afraid.”<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23625F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23625F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-28" id="en-NIV-23626"><span style="color: black;"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup>“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-29" id="en-NIV-23627"><span style="color: black;"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>“Come,”</span> he said.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span class="text Matt-14-29">Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-30" id="en-NIV-23628"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-31" id="en-NIV-23629"><span style="color: black;"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. <span class="woj">“You of little faith,”<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23629G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23629G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span> he said, <span class="woj">“why did you doubt?”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span class="text Matt-14-32" id="en-NIV-23630"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-33" id="en-NIV-23631"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23631H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23631H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><br /><strong>4. If you had a day all to yourself what would you do?</strong> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #8e8e8e; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none;">
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<span style="color: black;"><em>If money were no object here, I would fly anywhere with a quiet beach and bring a whole stack of books to read all by myself!</em> </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><br /><br /><strong>5. What are your 2 favorite songs? (Bonus points for sharing a YouTube, okaaaayy, so there aren't any points, but it would still be fun. )</strong></span><strong> </strong></div>
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<em><span style="color: black;">"The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra--that was my wedding song</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: black;">"I Will Follow You" by Chris Tomlin--I love being reminded that life is about following God no matter what!</span></em><br />
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</span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g02mOpdNDtY" width="420"></iframe><br />
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I am honored to know such amazing women in this blogging world. The 5 bloggers that I would like to recognize with whom I've really enjoyed connecting through the<a href="http://conta.cc/172LUW6" target="_blank"> 4Real Moms Monthly Newsletter</a> as well as guest blogging. These are women with a heart to serve others through their writing. <br />
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Karrilee Aggett: <a href="http://abidingloveaboundinggrace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Abiding Love, Abounding Grace</a><br />
Natalie Busch: <a href="http://www.messymom.com/" target="_blank">The Messy Mom</a><br />
Melissa Mulvaney: <a href="http://meaningjoypurpose.com/" target="_blank">Meaning, Joy, Purpose</a><br />
Sandra Black: <a href="http://www.sandrasark.com/" target="_blank">Sandra's Ark</a><br />
Asheritah Ciuciu: <a href="http://onethingalone.com/" target="_blank">One Thing Alone</a><br />
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It's a privilege to have had the opportunity to get to know you ladies. Here are your 5 questions so I can get to know you more:<br />
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1. What is your favorite bible verse and why?<br />
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2. What is your biggest fear and how do you overcome it?<br />
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3. What is your most embarrassing moment?<br />
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4. What is your greatest strength and your greatest weakness?<br />
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5. What is your favorite movie and why?<br />
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I understand that you are busy moms and writers. Take your time! It has taken me about two weeks to finally get all this done! No pressure at all. <br />
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May God bless you all--especially all the women, moms, and writers out there!<br />
<br />
Christine<br />
<br />Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-72623173695336370302015-02-17T13:35:00.003-08:002015-02-17T20:32:13.780-08:00To My Child Whose Name Will No Longer Be Miscarriage<em><span style="font-size: large;">Dear Reader-</span></em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>I found four pregnancy tests in my bathroom cabinet last week and I felt great joy and great sadness. Joy that three of those pregnancies resulted in three amazing and healthy children and sadness that one didn't. Recently, as I approach what would have been my due date, I realized how much shame and sadness and confusion I still felt about having a miscarriage, and I have learned over this past week just how much God wants to shine His light into this area of my life...and if you've experienced a miscarriage too, just know that God wants to shine His light into your life too. May you be as open to His Healing Light as I was.</em> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx4jmG4Ra9-miRf-cDNC5uNZ84nqwBOz-AfOfcwF6DniR5GEqE7W9HzwbixBeNLDhzuH588X_AZhBwAwjKQpLJ3xq3MP2u7wpfDnW8Aed41letKDucR1Y7qBrM2Er4EfWE6Ca18dtfjw4/s1600/My+four+kids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx4jmG4Ra9-miRf-cDNC5uNZ84nqwBOz-AfOfcwF6DniR5GEqE7W9HzwbixBeNLDhzuH588X_AZhBwAwjKQpLJ3xq3MP2u7wpfDnW8Aed41letKDucR1Y7qBrM2Er4EfWE6Ca18dtfjw4/s1600/My+four+kids.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know it's weird to have saved all four pregnancy tests for all these years, <br />
but if you have experienced infertility, I know you understand!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness--secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Isaiah 45:3</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I call you miscarriage when I talk about you, but why? You had a heartbeat. You lived inside of me for 42 days. We celebrated and jumped for joy the day we found out about you! It was a miracle. After nearly 4 years of negative pregnancy tests, you were the first positive pregnancy test I had ever seen! It was such a beautiful moment in my life, and yet, I ignored the fact that you were my first baby. Instead I label you as a painful miscarriage. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You were a living being...a being who was stolen from my womb by death. I knew instantly. The minute I saw spotting, I knew you were gone. I was devastated. I cried all day. Tears that no one saw. Tears that only occurred between the fake smile I put on for my students. Tears that streamed down my face in the storage room during my four minute break between classes. Tears that I choked back into my throat until it hurt while I pretended to be excited about launching rockets that my students had built. Throughout the day, the tears only got harder to hold in and the bleeding only got heavier. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After my last class, I raced out of the building. I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I had to let them go, but not until I got into my car and slammed the door closed. I was angry. How could God do this to me? After all that I had been through waiting to get pregnant, how could He take this baby from me? It wasn't fair! I screamed. I cried. Once I allowed the tears to flow, they wouldn't stop. I began to sob uncontrollably. I cried so hard that I couldn't see the road but somehow the car drove closer and closer to the doctor's office. It was a pointless appointment. I knew in my heart that you were gone, but yet strangely I hoped that I would be the rare case of bleeding heavy during pregnancy with nothing being wrong. I guess that's just what comes from years of negative pregnancy tests where I would constantly make excuses..."But maybe it's just too early." "But maybe the pregnancy test is defective." "But maybe this spotting isn't my period but just the result of implantation." "But maybe if I take it again in a couple of days it will be positive." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But still I foolishly hoped.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I cried in the waiting room. I cried in my appointment room sitting naked and cold in that horrid hospital gown. I cried in the ultrasound room as the doctor searched only to find that nothing was there. No heartbeat. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Maybe it's just too early." she says. "Go home. Get rest and if the bleeding and the cramping gets worse, go to the emergency room." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is it actually possible? Could I still be pregnant? Please, God, please! Even though I pleaded and I prayed, I knew deep down you were gone, and yet I let myself hope...just a little. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sure enough the bleeding got heavier. The cramping was excruciating. I never knew I had so many tears. I never knew that my heart could hurt so deeply. Huge clots came out and fell into the toilet. This can't be happening. My husband raced me to the ER just for them to tell me something I already knew. You were gone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hunched over in pain and in shame, I walked out of the ER with my husband by my side with nothing more than a "See ya!" from the ER staff. I was expecting something...anything. "So sorry for your loss." "Praying for you!" Anything. I'm sure they see this every day, but I had never had a miscarriage before. I had never experienced so much pain in my body or in my heart. Having a miscarriage doesn't happen to me everyday. But there was no sympathy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was after midnight before we got home. I couldn't sleep. I didn't want to sleep. I didn't want to sleep because I didn't want to wake up and be hit with the reality of losing you. When my eyes opened in the morning, they were sore. I was sore. My heart sank. It wasn't a dream. I didn't want to get up. I didn't want to get out of bed...ever! I wanted to put my covers over my head and never see or talk to or be around anyone ever again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Like a zombie, I got up, got dressed, drove to school, greeted each student, took attendance, and went about my day, launching rockets. It was like nothing ever happened. For everyone else, it was just another day. But for me, it was the day that I lost you. It was the day that I failed you. It was the day that I reached a new level of failure. I was no longer the woman who couldn't get pregnant, now I was a woman who couldn't take care of her baby well enough to stay pregnant. I was the woman whose womb was unfit for a child to grow in. I hated myself even more than I already did. I fell deep into a depression like I've never known. I felt helpless and completely hopeless. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I felt guilty. I felt full of shame. I felt that God hated me. What could I have done differently to care for you? How could I have protected you better? I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't name you. I'm sorry that I flushed you down the toilet. Was I supposed to do something else with you? I'm sorry I didn't know what to do. I'm sorry that I let the enemy make me feel ashamed of you. I'm sorry that the enemy made me look at you and the miscarriage as the same thing, but that's not right. You were just as much as a victim as I was. You were part of the enemy's plans to steal, kill, and destroy. He killed you. He stole my joy. He destroyed my hope...or at least I thought he did. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Over this past week as I stared at that fourth pregnancy test and as I've questioned God about the miscarriage again, He has shown me just how important you were in my journey. He showed me what a gift you were to me without me ever realizing it because you were a symbol of hope. In the midst of all of my disappointments...all of my negative pregnancy tests...all of my sadness, you were the glimpse of hope. You showed me that I could get pregnant. After thinking that I was never going to be a mom, you came. Thank you for allowing me to see that my body could do it! Thank you for giving me hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I thank God for allowing me to see you differently today. You are not just a miscarriage. You are not just a tragedy, a sadness, or an awful thing that happened to me once. You are a miracle. You are the bearer of hope. You are my first baby. You are my daughter. (I just know it!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, instead of crying tears of sadness over you, I can cry tears of joy. It's been nearly seven years since I lost you and God has finally healed my heart. He has also shown me that now that I've acknowledged you, my family can be complete which is something I've really been wrestling with lately. I am blessed to have two boys and not just one, but two girls! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BvhS3doyUmVZpCD34RzgO79A2k1EVYriW7F66mLKH1SPAetJmhfo53dC9qX5mKYN9EnETgeT8HYww0aWZPEoj2z2-mSG0QW_scMR7x7dOWVR0Htpx3QVkHvJi8GgkpqSlrXis4qzJFvE/s1600/Abby+dancing2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BvhS3doyUmVZpCD34RzgO79A2k1EVYriW7F66mLKH1SPAetJmhfo53dC9qX5mKYN9EnETgeT8HYww0aWZPEoj2z2-mSG0QW_scMR7x7dOWVR0Htpx3QVkHvJi8GgkpqSlrXis4qzJFvE/s1600/Abby+dancing2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkncJw0TfElfNXVhJHA_6lSO6ZMl-s3GtWId3-puR_LS1R1XETuMKj8QcyjR4d78e5Hl3_1TrnobQXSJUKGfstJjvjeMWHGY9fohczM-jYIhuq6rtQzMpd7ytiKXFRJYxxjo08YIZWWLi/s1600/Abby+dancing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkncJw0TfElfNXVhJHA_6lSO6ZMl-s3GtWId3-puR_LS1R1XETuMKj8QcyjR4d78e5Hl3_1TrnobQXSJUKGfstJjvjeMWHGY9fohczM-jYIhuq6rtQzMpd7ytiKXFRJYxxjo08YIZWWLi/s1600/Abby+dancing.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, as I dance with my daughter, your little sister, here on earth, I know that you are dancing in Heaven with Jesus. Thank you for allowing me to be your mom. I can't wait to meet you some day...Marion Hope Leeb. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Father-thank You for finally shining Your Light into this area of my life...this dark corner of my soul...this pain that I have suppressed for so long. Thank You for continuing to reveal places in my heart that need Your light and Your love. Thank You for redeeming this sadness. Thank You for showing me the treasures in this darkness by revealing the hope that I was given through this child. Thank You for bringing me joy over the daughter that I never had an opportunity to meet. Thank You for taking something that the enemy meant to rob from me and breathing new life into the purpose of this pain. </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Be near all my fellow sisters who have experienced the agony of a miscarriage. Bring healing to their hearts. Embrace them in Your loving and comforting Arms. Free all of us from any feelings of guilt or shame or blame. Allow us to feel Your presence and bring us all peace knowing that You are with each and every child that has been lost through miscarriage hugging them, holding them, and dancing with them in Heaven. Bring hope to all! In Jesus' precious name. Amen!</span></strong>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-64750146915648239882015-01-15T11:49:00.000-08:002015-01-16T10:50:35.354-08:00Staying Thin: 2 Goals I've Learned to Never Set for Myself...Maybe You Shouldn't Either<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT8wrMLIWVxgpCfoJUV5OMRFoIqbXJNAZ-S8iZvvM4vh2wQs8o351Q3l3OMR3vBpDftQmw76j87UEXYSGNgMMh9s8IDbacD_BhucsTV6KuaHqcXMxYir2l3ODaMkoEbhpV2Mc6j-xOR6M/s1600/GOALS+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT8wrMLIWVxgpCfoJUV5OMRFoIqbXJNAZ-S8iZvvM4vh2wQs8o351Q3l3OMR3vBpDftQmw76j87UEXYSGNgMMh9s8IDbacD_BhucsTV6KuaHqcXMxYir2l3ODaMkoEbhpV2Mc6j-xOR6M/s1600/GOALS+picture.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1 Corinthians 6:20</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've tried starving myself. I've tried laxatives. I've tried throwing up. I've tried the soup diets. I've tried the crazy, intense aerobic exercises. I've tried the T-Factor. I've tried Slim Fast. I've tried The Zone. I've tried diet pills. I've tried the no carb, low carb, no fat, low fat. I've tried just about every way possible to stay thin. Sadly, it all started as a teenager, and for years, what I ate, what I drank, and how much I worked out was always on my mind. I'm sure many of you can relate.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hmcK3K0tox_RB5Mo-jkttzCiiS9R81JiyAU2m176d-C7T0Iwd9EE3adBA5b797rQbZq_hkGIKngiFS0ZENvz42rD6phCpLTsLO9JPEOhT5kny_eMSDgFKXyeHryQTgf3Y1WQhYnt4due/s1600/Junior+year.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1hmcK3K0tox_RB5Mo-jkttzCiiS9R81JiyAU2m176d-C7T0Iwd9EE3adBA5b797rQbZq_hkGIKngiFS0ZENvz42rD6phCpLTsLO9JPEOhT5kny_eMSDgFKXyeHryQTgf3Y1WQhYnt4due/s1600/Junior+year.JPG" height="320" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My junior year in high school is when it all started...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What I learned about myself during those 10 years was:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*I like food too much to starve myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*I'm not sure why people use laxatives to lose weight...it was gross and painful and you never knew when you were going to "blow"! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*I hate to throw up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*I really don't enjoy intense exercising.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*And I can't stand thinking about food and working out all the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The more I focused my mind on those things, the more distracted I became from other, more important, things in my life. Obsessing over my weight and food and working out became a very dark area for me. I found myself feeling constantly discouraged, distracted, and dissatisfied with my "performance" every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>So, I threw out my scale and asked the Lord to help me!</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He showed me that when I focused on what I was doing or not doing...eating or not eating, I became less focused on Him and what He was trying to do. He was right...of course! I needed the bigger picture.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I thought that focusing on food and exercise were so good for me (and when those things are balanced in our lives, they are!) But the enemy was using those "good" things to distract me from those God things! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I became more focused on my meal plans than on God's plans.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I became more focused on my exercise gear than on putting on God's protective gear.</strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had to change. I had to shift my focus. I had to find balance. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, here are 2 goals I've decided to never set for myself again!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>I want to lose weight.</em></strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No. I can't do it. I can't set that as a goal. I can't make that be my focus. I'm not sure why I'm like that, but I am. Maybe you are too? All I know is that the second I set "losing weight" as a goal, I end up eating more...doing less...and all my thoughts are on food. Once I quit setting that as a goal and started focusing on other things (especially things that God wanted me to do with my life), my weight began to level out and was easier to maintain. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>I will exercise _____times a week.</em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, I hate this one. I can't do this one either. You know what...I take that back...it's not that I can't do it...it's that I don't want to. I hate exercising! Man-it feels so good to say that out loud!!! I know people who run every day or do aerobics or really push themselves with rigorous exercise routines. I used to be jealous of them and think "Wow, I wish I could do that." But now I think "Good for them". I've realized that having a work-out routine works really well for some people, but it's just not for me. And it's ok for me to admit it. It's been so freeing! It's not a passion of mine, and I don't enjoy it in the least bit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So you might be thinking, "That's great! So, you're telling us that you stay thin without watching what you eat and without exercising. I now hate you!" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No, I assure you. I am not one of those lucky people who is just naturally thin. I do have to work at it, but I can't obsess over it. I can't let it consume me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What do I do then?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>*I've learned to love myself no matter what. Admittedly, I do still struggle with this sometimes--especially after gaining 45 pounds with my 3rd pregnancy. But I have to love who I am and who God created me to be no matter what size I am...even if I can't fit in my "skinny jeans."</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>*I have to keep it simple: I make healthy choices and stay active. Period.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Once I let this obsession go, loved myself, and just lived my life healthy and active...I felt free. And, my weight?? Well, I couldn't tell you since I don't own a scale, but as long as my clothes fit ok, I'm not going to worry about it! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe your struggle is the same...maybe it's different. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Either way, I know that you've probably struggled in some way with your weight, body image, self-esteem, exercising, or food (over-eating/under-eating)---especially if you're a woman. We all seem to struggle at some point...maybe you're struggling right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want you to love yourself. I want you to find balance in your thoughts of food. I want you to find something to keep you active that works for you! I want you to find freedom from thinking about food and exercise all the time like I did! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If you can relate to my story, then maybe you should throw out your scale too, and never set losing weight and exercising as your goals either...focus on God...and see what happens...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you feel that you obsess over food or exercise? Do you feel that those things are distractions in your life? Do you need to find balance in your thoughts?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Father, I invite You into our thoughts. Show us if the enemy is using food or exercise as a way to distract us from You. Lord, bring balance into this area of our lives. Help us to be healthy and whole and free. Give us joy in eating and exercising, and help us to be in the best shape for You! Help our bodies to be ready for what You are calling us to do with them. Keep our focus on Your plans for our lives. Lord, shine your healing light into our pursuit of weight loss and exercise. Help us to pursue You and glorify You in all that we do! In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How has your weight been a distraction in your life?</span>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-32068086343932410702015-01-05T13:31:00.003-08:002015-12-05T18:08:49.637-08:00Don't Set Any Goals Until You Do One Thing<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Philippians 3:14</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgyMalaSJMufbOTO8KItWlYXdwPZ-anSdHbXKbcpCwX-KN6z598YZsMoTcbE69hGDBoxTs9FERF0jHjSFEjTqkIHaMdJKppDpm5FPh5GIUkANBcggm6gW_ZErh_DaVb9ZycgNdeyacTyy/s1600/GOALS+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgyMalaSJMufbOTO8KItWlYXdwPZ-anSdHbXKbcpCwX-KN6z598YZsMoTcbE69hGDBoxTs9FERF0jHjSFEjTqkIHaMdJKppDpm5FPh5GIUkANBcggm6gW_ZErh_DaVb9ZycgNdeyacTyy/s1600/GOALS+picture.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Goals...goals...goals...that seems to be the only thing on everyone's mind as we move into this new year. Everyone asks--"What are your goals?" "What are your new year's resolutions?" "What do you want to accomplish this year?" Everywhere you look, there is some urgent and somewhat inspiring news report, article, or blog about goals and how to accomplish your goals (I know, because I just wrote something about goal-setting for my <a href="http://www.christineleeb.com/" target="_blank">weekly encouragement</a>-sign up here). Goals are EVERYWHERE! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, normally, I love the whole goal-setting focus at the beginning of each year, but at this time last year, I hated it all! Don't get me wrong, I love goals. I love setting-goals and even more, I love checking the goals off of my list once I've accomplished them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I'm kind of a goal-setting freak.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In fact, I even have a goal book that I started in 2003 where each year, I write down things I want to accomplish in my lifetime. So it's really more of a bucket list type book, but still, it's for my goals. Some goals aren't valid anymore. Some goals are just never going to happen in this lifetime. But it's been fun, and having this book has helped me accomplish some really unique and exciting things in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each year I look forward to going through the book and highlighting any goals that I have accomplished (although that hasn't happened much after having kids). </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE14lOxJWXlhNk1O2mksgA8JsaoJE6ZK9UO8MsUMpxyrylEhjtGVlwOIgPDQGYKACwF5aJca0BOftD1E-uQf_GI5sGStA2UsRQ-wgnS8C_hJSNpoPBleF9yV2zQq72wZIi_AzcTXIbwRm/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE14lOxJWXlhNk1O2mksgA8JsaoJE6ZK9UO8MsUMpxyrylEhjtGVlwOIgPDQGYKACwF5aJca0BOftD1E-uQf_GI5sGStA2UsRQ-wgnS8C_hJSNpoPBleF9yV2zQq72wZIi_AzcTXIbwRm/s1600/photo+3.JPG" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I wrote on the cover</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdmWbikYiSTpconoDAFzfLsI-zYZ-LzrrpPVBW3YX-Bw7TWT7rhszQ-iGwE5Khlnl_Hhuuf5m9Re_AWEwrkORxlxSuIMS6diGtqgMMJYGWag3h46ygQhSN0hbJRTYQc_ee6-YVLkU7kmL/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdmWbikYiSTpconoDAFzfLsI-zYZ-LzrrpPVBW3YX-Bw7TWT7rhszQ-iGwE5Khlnl_Hhuuf5m9Re_AWEwrkORxlxSuIMS6diGtqgMMJYGWag3h46ygQhSN0hbJRTYQc_ee6-YVLkU7kmL/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the very first page of my first goals set.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But my crazy goal-setting doesn't stop there. Since becoming a mom, each year, I have the kids set goals for themselves even though they are only 6 and 3 (I don't have the one year old set goals yet...but he will next year). And each year, my husband and I set goals--house goals, financial goals, and personal goals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Goals...goals...goals...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe in goal-setting. I do. I know that setting goals helps you accomplish more than when you don't set goals...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>at least that's what I thought...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This will be shocking to those who know me, but 2014 was the first year since I can remember that I didn't set any goals for myself!!!! Not a one! Nada! Zilch! Zip! Zero! Nothing! </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsVI9yNHVPtIBh2zt_ZuvOzVnizm5PKn9GqfdMqGnR_Mn_V9H09bkYJ95GckAeg6eUpi2qLBgr87XF2w1ijBKZDSgRAnftlFIRyBuHBvXkQ9AMz_Y0B4K8_1NrJ6OWWw_1hgaGGXw18jb/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsVI9yNHVPtIBh2zt_ZuvOzVnizm5PKn9GqfdMqGnR_Mn_V9H09bkYJ95GckAeg6eUpi2qLBgr87XF2w1ijBKZDSgRAnftlFIRyBuHBvXkQ9AMz_Y0B4K8_1NrJ6OWWw_1hgaGGXw18jb/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are my personal goals for 2014...completely blank!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURxmUv_ztyA0u4ekRsTVaR0E_wAT_cWS8WXCdsg2_VB21J84354ySk-N5vN10bpntkV07Ae-CyfwsV-6XCMLRY7J65TWRmwG8ssN4IDZ6XWbWdyNnTWDOvheVwRzQsoh1XYUzTRRQ7j9E/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURxmUv_ztyA0u4ekRsTVaR0E_wAT_cWS8WXCdsg2_VB21J84354ySk-N5vN10bpntkV07Ae-CyfwsV-6XCMLRY7J65TWRmwG8ssN4IDZ6XWbWdyNnTWDOvheVwRzQsoh1XYUzTRRQ7j9E/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are Ben's (6), Abby's (3) and our Family's Goals for 2014</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I broke every goal-setting "rule" there was! To begin with, I didn't set any...oops! Therefore, I didn't write any down...bad! Therefore, I didn't put them up where I can see them everyday like I usually do...how could I? Then I didn't tell anyone about them...um...because I didn't have any!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why? Well...last year was a blur. I had a third child. The winter (here in Illinois) was the worst one ever! I had major Post Partum depression that came as severe anxiety about getting out of the house. I was overcoming the loss of a ministry that I had loved so dearly. I was in a deep hole. I felt I had no purpose. I was completely lost. I went through a long, dark period of what I call hibernation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I had no goals. I hated goals. I didn't even want to set any goals. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But do you know what I did do? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I prayed.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"God, show me my purpose. Show me what You want me to do."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I surrendered.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"God, I'm Yours. My life is Yours. Show me how to use it." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I had dear friends and family pray for me.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"God, use their words to bring life back into my life. Help me to believe what they are praying. Help me to believe that You love me, that You have plans for my life and still want to use me to bless others."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And what did God do...as He always does?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>He shined His Light into my darkness...into my life!</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And without one goal set in 2014, in the midst of this crazy year, I accomplished more than I ever have in one year. I started a new <a href="http://www.4realmoms.com/" target="_blank">ministry for moms</a>, got certified as a <a href="http://www.christineleeb.com/" target="_blank">Christian Life Coach for Women</a>, and <a href="http://www.christineleeb.com/book.html" target="_blank">wrote a book</a>. Three things that I never saw coming. Three things that I would have never written down as goals for myself in 2014. Three things that God did through me that truly surprised me. I'm not bragging on myself here. I'm bragging on God. Sometimes God's goals for us are bigger than our own!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Honestly, I'm shocked. How could this be?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I, the crazy goal-setter, didn't set one goal for myself this year and yet look at what was achieved.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Look at what God did through me? Look at what my obedience to Him accomplished? Look at what happens when you focus and pray and listen to God!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I had no goals, but I had God!</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was puzzling and yet promising. It made me laugh, and admittedly kind of cry a little, as I always thought that goal-setting was the "key to success"..."how to get things done"..."how to achieve your dreams"..."how to reach new heights"...well, you get the point. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still believe in goal-setting though. I do believe that having goals can definitely help you move forward in life, but I did learn one very important lesson...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>No goal matters unless it's a God-goal!</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Goals or not...God is going to work through you. Even when you have no goals for yourself, God has goals for you, but you must be obedient to follow His goals. You must be patient to wait on His timing. So, now, I urge you--D</span><span style="font-size: large;">on't set any goals for yourself until you do one thing...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Ask God what His goals are for you this year!</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And then just wait...listen...and follow Him! When you do those things...I can't wait to see what God does through you! Are you ready to be surprised?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Father, I thank you for accomplishing Your goals through my life this year. Even though I didn't set one goal for myself, You had goals set for me...You have goals set for all of us. Give us wisdom to listen to You, follow You, trust You, and believe in You. As we set goals for this year, help us to stay focused on Your calling. Help us to do those things that line up with Your purpose for our lives. Please bless our paths in 2015 and shine Your light into all of our goals. In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">WHAT ARE YOUR GOD-GOALS? Please comment below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>BE INSPIRED! SEE GOD'S LIGHT IN YOUR LIFE! Sign up to follow my blog (at the top of this blog page) and never miss a post! Plus, you'll receive a FREE preview of my new book (the first 10 Chapters), <a href="http://www.christineleeb.com/book.html" target="_blank">"In His Light: Facing Fear With Faith"</a></strong></em></span></div>
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Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-65971189138442101582014-12-23T13:00:00.001-08:002014-12-23T19:22:11.317-08:00The Final Blessings in the Basics: God's Love--I'm So Glad God Doesn't Hate Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUcLqHR5D1uh-uyZEHXc3rndPR2bfejRf4P3p_ripxMeO5FHr0IcJfLiMm6jD42dRch-LiTRMxP-ujup0J3dE8n5TbjC2jUxBLchjaiTJkXUOAoVJ7Sm3gzv74rv85DJq3LebNVeQh8Q4/s1600/Blessed+with+the+basics+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUcLqHR5D1uh-uyZEHXc3rndPR2bfejRf4P3p_ripxMeO5FHr0IcJfLiMm6jD42dRch-LiTRMxP-ujup0J3dE8n5TbjC2jUxBLchjaiTJkXUOAoVJ7Sm3gzv74rv85DJq3LebNVeQh8Q4/s1600/Blessed+with+the+basics+again.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought God hated me. For over seventeen years, I lived in my own hell of self-loathing and unworthiness. Somehow I didn't love myself, and I didn't feel that God loved me either. Sometimes I wish someone would have saved me a lot of anguish, depression, and despair by helping me to see the good in myself...by helping me to love who I was and how God made me to be...by helping me understand that God's love for me was unconditional...by helping me see that God was loving and good and not just punishing and "out to get me"...and more importantly, by helping me understand what God's love was really all about! </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07MiAkHtBJOLBVM7gC4_DkItUEe_2qQSw24vqgdb52MdTjNjfJu2ognh0vGvk3qYafQl_D4UaPOTv_5EqaA3CuI6UOZQtB7opHA9woE8ff9RfwBmptsADXpkn_vIBiSNocIFkBk413Fce/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07MiAkHtBJOLBVM7gC4_DkItUEe_2qQSw24vqgdb52MdTjNjfJu2ognh0vGvk3qYafQl_D4UaPOTv_5EqaA3CuI6UOZQtB7opHA9woE8ff9RfwBmptsADXpkn_vIBiSNocIFkBk413Fce/s1600/me.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 40 years, I finally "get" God's love!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I now know that all of that was part of my own journey...a journey God used to help me understand <strong>His love</strong>! You have your own journey too. God wants to show you His love too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready to receive it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Over the past month, I felt the Lord calling me to write about being blessed in the basics---a </em></strong><a href="http://www.christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/12/blessings-in-basics-thank-god-i-can.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>breath</em></strong></a><strong><em>, a </em></strong><a href="http://www.christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/12/blessings-in-basics-week-2-do-you-need.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>smile</em></strong></a><strong><em>, and even just plain </em></strong><a href="http://www.christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/12/blessings-in-basics-week-3-grateful-to.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>being alive</em></strong></a><strong><em>. After battling with </em></strong><a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-journey-from-infertility-to.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>infertility</em></strong></a><strong><em>, </em></strong><a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/12/blessings-in-basics-week-3-grateful-to.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>depression</em></strong></a><strong><em> and </em></strong><a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>fear</em></strong></a><strong><em> and after almost </em></strong><a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2012/07/never-give-upkeep-trying.html" target="_blank"><strong><em>losing my marriage</em></strong></a><strong><em>, God has taught me to be grateful for even the most basic, simplest things in life. And this week, I want to focus on God's love.</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What a great week to focus on that, right? I would love for you to take a minute to stop shopping...stop wrapping...stop baking...stop cleaning...stop preparing for Christmas--the gifts, the food, the cookies, the stockings, the decorations, the songs, the shows, the movies, and the traditions and start preparing for what God wants us to focus on this Christmas...His love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong, I love all the festivities and family fun that go along with this time of year, but I also know that they can be very distracting. Warning! Warning! Cliché coming...cliché coming! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>They can all be very distracting from the "true meaning of Christmas."</strong> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMwgEMYHQfexMgrS8aQHaWDHAfBUsMaZL7cl6Vfpv501mBZEvNLNikZWLeHJeQadPV-ABDz4L0E0s4K3tuio-QBSsDEFqrtpJXjiaF3UOpVphG0N0jsYz6Ryo5jba4E93gK8LSyVc02lb/s1600/baby+Jesus.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMwgEMYHQfexMgrS8aQHaWDHAfBUsMaZL7cl6Vfpv501mBZEvNLNikZWLeHJeQadPV-ABDz4L0E0s4K3tuio-QBSsDEFqrtpJXjiaF3UOpVphG0N0jsYz6Ryo5jba4E93gK8LSyVc02lb/s1600/baby+Jesus.png" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Seriously, though, this year in particular, after everything I've been through, I've really been in tuned to the very special reason why we celebrate Christmas! It seems that every Christmas song makes me cry. Like never before, I can't listen to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCt1s44cfMM" target="_blank">Hark the Herald Angels Sing</a> without becoming a blubbering mess. Why? Because my heart is so open, vulnerable, and truly ready to receive My King...to receive why He came to the earth as a baby...so humble...to receive why He lived in human form...to receive why He healed and encouraged and taught and prayed...to receive why He was and is the light of the world! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">HE LOVED</span><span style="font-size: large;"> ME! HE LOVES ME! HE WILL ALWAYS LOVE ME!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Let me say it again...all along, My Father was just simply wanting to show me His love! </strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's like for the first time in my life, I get it! I finally get it! I finally understand the magnitude of God's love for me! I finally understand that Christ was sent for me! Not just for everyone else...not just for the perfect people...not just for those who don't make mistakes...not just for those who have lived a flawless life...not just for those who have it all together---Christ was sent for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>A sinner...a mistake-maker...flawed...and broken. Me!</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why? Because He loves me! God came because He loves me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whew! I'm so glad God doesn't hate me! He never has...He never did...He never will. He loves me so much. He loves you too! Do you know that? Do you <em>really</em> know that? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me share what I've learned about Christ's love to help you understand how much He loves you too...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">His love for us is unconditional, unshakable, unmovable, undeniable...His love for us is full of grace, mercy, forgiveness...His love for us is beautiful, wonderful, good. His love for us is wise, tender, tough. His love for us is amazing, astounding, awe-inspiring! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>His love for us never changes, never waivers, NEVER ENDS!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is nothing we can do, say, think, or feel that will stop Him from loving us! </span><span style="font-size: large;">His love endures forever! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through His perfect love, I am able to appreciate myself...I am able to have confidence in who I am...I am able to love myself more than I ever have before! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I get it! I finally get it! Do you get it?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Father, thank You for helping me to finally understand that Your love endures forever. Thank You for teaching me through my trials. Thank You for helping me love who I am and for never giving up on showing me Your love. Even when I didn't want to believe it or receive it...even when I wanted to deny it and turn away from it...even when I felt unwanted or unworthy, You never let me go. You held me tight and held my hand through so many dark times in my life. I am so overwhelmed right now with gratitude because I finally accept and receive Your beautiful love! Thank you for shining Your loving light into the darkness of my life. Help me to shine, Lord, and be even more grateful for You and Your love this Christmas season! In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">SHARE WITH ME! Do you get God's love for you?</span>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-61926710585404021472014-12-15T09:46:00.002-08:002016-03-17T07:34:17.807-07:00I Am the Face of Depression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DyUGmZBhehuE9c8yzx3MvLINXLgyVwmbLQpcP0OfPsBlDgaI3B48M5RDOjp4BviRj7LVZhEmdMC144jf2_a142GfcAuOQ7ywl4kq4M_SDvTMHgmg5u5gxWQIw7rMv2lIvtFwbQd6OgNj/s1600/Depression.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DyUGmZBhehuE9c8yzx3MvLINXLgyVwmbLQpcP0OfPsBlDgaI3B48M5RDOjp4BviRj7LVZhEmdMC144jf2_a142GfcAuOQ7ywl4kq4M_SDvTMHgmg5u5gxWQIw7rMv2lIvtFwbQd6OgNj/s1600/Depression.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">"For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you." </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 86:5</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Look closely. This is the face of depression. I hide it well...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It horrifies me to think that I almost ended my own life eight years ago. Today, I want to celebrate being alive not because it's an exciting or eventful day...not because anything really special is going on...but simply because it's another day that I'm alive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eight years ago, I had been trying to get pregnant for almost four years without success. I felt hopeless. Every negative word you can think of, I thought it about myself. I felt worthless...useless. I felt like a failure...a loser. I thought I was dried up...an old hag. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I thought that if I wasn't able to have a child my husband would leave me. I thought if I wasn't able to have a child, my life wasn't worth living. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I begged God to forgive me for whatever I did that was so horrible that He was with-holding a child from me. I looked around at everyone else getting pregnant...getting pregnant...getting pregnant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's it. I must be so awful that I don't deserve this blessing. Everyone else must be better than me. I must have done something so terrible...so unforgivable...that God is going to punish me for the rest of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the week, I would escape to my job as a middle school science teacher. I would get lost in loving and encouraging my students--or as I called them "my kids". After all, I figured that they were probably going to be the only kids I was ever going to get. I was Mrs. Leeb or as some students called me "Coach". I was the fun, happy-all-the-time, nerdy science teacher who loved them and who was way too excited about the Periodic Table of Elements. I felt so good about myself in my classroom. I loved who I was in that science room. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure my students would have been shocked to learn that I was depressed. I'm sure they would have been shocked to learn that on the weekends, I wouldn't get out of bed. I'm sure they would have been shocked to learn that I would drown my sorrows in alcohol. I'm sure they would have been shocked to learn that I avoided close friendships, cried all the time, and basically couldn't function outside of my science room oasis. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I used my work to escape the realities of my life. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the realities were that I was depressed--though I would never admit it. The realities were that at the end of the day, as I walked out of my classroom...out of the school...out to my car, I would hang my head low. When I saw my reflection in my car window, I would hate who I was again. I would get a sick, sinking feeling in my stomach. I was no longer cool and fun and happy...I was suddenly overwhelmed with despair, sadness, and darkness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>In an instant, I was the loser again...the failure...the unworthy, old hag who couldn't even do something as simple as get pregnant.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My husband and I had gone through all of the medical testing and there was nothing wrong...there was no reason for our infertility...there was nothing stopping us but me. It was all my fault. I was the reason that we were never going to be parents...that I would never be able to call myself a mom...that my husband would never be able to call himself a dad...that he would never be able to play baseball in the backyard with his son like his dad did with him. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I drove home that day, I was done. I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't keep hating myself. I couldn't keep disappointing my husband and my parents. I couldn't keep making everyone feel uncomfortable around me because I was the only woman in all the world who couldn't get pregnant. I couldn't keep answering the question "Are you a mom?" with a "No" anymore. I couldn't keep finding out that one more woman was pregnant...by accident. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't keep pretending that I was ok. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I was not ok. I was in pain and I wanted the pain to end.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I pulled into my driveway and into my garage, I left the car running. I thought...this will be peaceful. I will just fall asleep and all my worries will be over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But something stopped me. I couldn't do it. I couldn't end my life. I turned off the car. I walked into the house, and I fell onto the couch and slept. I slept and I slept and I slept. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wish I could say that after that day, everything was all better. No, it wasn't. I still thought of ways I could end my life many times, but that was the closest I ever got to actually doing it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I can say that after that day, I got help. I realized how serious of a situation I was in. I got counseling. I began to slowly move forward. God began to shine His light through that darkness. God helped me to learn to love myself whether I was a mother or not. He helped me to see that being a mom didn't define who I was in His eyes. He helped me to understand that my life was precious. I mattered to Him. I was His Daughter no matter what. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wish I could say that I never struggled with depression again, but I can't. What I can say is that God saved me that day, and I'm so grateful. </span><span style="font-size: large;">God saved me from the lies of satan...he saved me from myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I actually began to enjoy my life again and accept myself for who I was in that moment...mother or not.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Had I ended my life that day, I would have missed out on the rich blessings that God had for me during that dark time. I would have missed out on the growth and the opportunity to learn more about His love. I would have missed out on not one, not two, but three children that He had waiting for me when I didn't even realize it. </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-size: large;">But do you know that during that five year struggle of waiting for them, I never once admitted to being depressed? I never once used that word to describe myself? It wasn't until years later when I looked back on that time, that I actually confessed that I was depressed. I actually remember saying that word for the first time and it felt weird. It was like I felt too much shame to say it out loud that I struggled with depression even though it was so obvious(honestly, even now, as I'm typing this, it feels strange to admit). But once the word came out of my mouth, I felt a little more free...because I was finally speaking the truth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I was the face of depression. I still am. </strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ni5GwIiDceSsSIYwJP3x6L9ZPuo_Vg60P42TgXKt_knss2815SCm64Jv1romymg6VEynZWzgX9gQ5AbEeNcHiGwZWipYK8rYTInkNGRFGLskd5GdrXHcJguxwGhw3JMMtFftXVEO0pW9/s1600/_BL16001-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Ni5GwIiDceSsSIYwJP3x6L9ZPuo_Vg60P42TgXKt_knss2815SCm64Jv1romymg6VEynZWzgX9gQ5AbEeNcHiGwZWipYK8rYTInkNGRFGLskd5GdrXHcJguxwGhw3JMMtFftXVEO0pW9/s1600/_BL16001-2.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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But now I know how to put on the armor of God and not allow myself to "go there." Now I know how to seek God's light, God's wisdom, God's truth, and God's love. Now I know that there is no shame to admit that I struggle with depression. I know I'm not the only one. Maybe you're the face of depression too.</div>
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Let's put our fears of judgment aside. Let's talk about it. Let's not hide it. Let's admit it. Let's confess it. Let's not be ashamed of it. Let's find freedom from it! </div>
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<strong>Let's stop pretending that depression doesn't exist!</strong> </div>
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Depression affects more people than you think. Depression is real. Depression can cloud your brain and distract you from life. Depression can rob you of your joy. Depression can isolate you. Depression can lie to you and cheat you out of God's plans for you. Depression can make you lonely and afraid. Depression can kill you. I know...it almost killed me. <br />
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And now you know why it's so important for me to celebrate being alive today and every day. Now you know why each day is truly a gift to me. Now you know why I never want to waste a day. Now you know why I never want to take a day for granted. Now you know why I'm so grateful to be alive today!! </div>
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<strong>Father, thank You that You are good and forgiving and loving, and when I called upon You, You rescued me! Help me to continue to seek You in every struggle in my life. Take my thoughts captive and shout your truth into my ears and never again allow me to even think about suicide. I need Your powerful presence when I feel lonely, confused, or depressed. Help me to find joy and blessings in my day. Remind me of your unconditional, ever-lasting love. Every morning when I wake up, help me to feel truly blessed and truly grateful to be alive! In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">To My brave reader--please share with me if you've ever struggled with depression by a simple "Yes" or "No" in the comments below. Feel free to share more if you'd like. If you do struggle, just know that you are not alone, God loves you, and there is hope! There is no shame in getting help and talking about it!</span></div>
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THIS BLOG IS ENDING, PLEASE FOLLOW ME AT MY NEW 4REAL MOMS BLOG "Blessed in the Mess" <a href="http://www.4realmoms.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></div>
Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-55593006980210456502014-12-09T09:54:00.001-08:002014-12-09T10:57:04.366-08:00Blessings in the Basics Week 2: A Smile--God's Light in this Dark World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUcLqHR5D1uh-uyZEHXc3rndPR2bfejRf4P3p_ripxMeO5FHr0IcJfLiMm6jD42dRch-LiTRMxP-ujup0J3dE8n5TbjC2jUxBLchjaiTJkXUOAoVJ7Sm3gzv74rv85DJq3LebNVeQh8Q4/s1600/Blessed+with+the+basics+again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUcLqHR5D1uh-uyZEHXc3rndPR2bfejRf4P3p_ripxMeO5FHr0IcJfLiMm6jD42dRch-LiTRMxP-ujup0J3dE8n5TbjC2jUxBLchjaiTJkXUOAoVJ7Sm3gzv74rv85DJq3LebNVeQh8Q4/s1600/Blessed+with+the+basics+again.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>"While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world." </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't it annoy you when you walk passed someone and they don't even look up at you? Or worse, you smile at them and they don't smile back? Or worse, you smile at them and they actually scowl at you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe it's just me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh wait. Maybe you're one of those people who doesn't look at me or who doesn't smile back or who scowls. I hope not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This month, I felt the Lord calling me to examine the very basic things in life. Last week, I focused on breathing--such a simple blessing that many of us rarely think about: <a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/12/blessings-in-basics-thank-god-i-can.html" target="_blank">Thank God I Can Breathe</a>. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This week, I'd like to take a closer look at the smile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At only five weeks old, my son, Ben, showed me his first smile--full of gums and drool, but it was the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. Below, I captured one of those precious smiles which is one of my favorite pictures. I love it. Every time I look at this picture, it makes me smile because I know that he's smiling at me making a fishy face at him. Every time he smiled, he lit up the room!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My efforts to encourage him to smile for the camera continued. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every time I look at this next picture, I laugh because of the huge smile on Ben's face. But what you don't know is that the reason he has such a huge smile on his face is because I'm jumping up and down making monkey noises...and well...basically acting like a monkey. Apparently, I was pretty good at it. At one point though, I was being so silly that Ben said, "What's mommy doing?" (We moms will do anything to get that smile for the picture, right?) It worked though. His smile lit up that entire back yard during that photo shoot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>And then I realized just how much a smile can light up the world!</strong> </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A smile is such a basic thing in life, but it's so precious, and it has such power behind it to change things...to lighten the mood...to bring calm...to slow anger...to bring peace...to bring laughter...to bring joy...to bring light...His Light. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From the time we are only weeks old, we can smile. It isn't something we're taught. It isn't something we're forced to do (even if you see someone acting like a monkey, you decide if you want to smile or not). It isn't something that comes from the world. It's not a skill that we have to learn. It's not something that we are either good at or not. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's something we are born with. It's something we all have. It's something we can all do. It's something that God created. It's something that is just a true joy within us just waiting to come out.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Lately, I've realized that I need to allow the joy of the Lord to come out through my smile.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I need to let God's true joy that has been inside of me since I was a baby shine through me. I am God's light in this world, and I believe that my smile is a way of shining His light on everyone I see. Something changes in me when I smile. I always feel better when I smile, and I definitely feel better when someone smiles at me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Bottom line...I need to smile more!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What about you? Do you need to smile more too? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This week, I want to encourage you to smile more. While you're out and about this holiday season, smile more. While you're working, playing, decorating, shopping, wrapping gifts...smile more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And don't ever pass up the opportunity to smile at someone else. It's so simple...it's so basic...but it can be so meaningful. It can be such a blessing to someone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You never know who might need to see your smile...who might need to have their day brightened...who might need to feel God's love...who might need to see God's light in this dark world through such a simple thing as a smile! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And please, if you walk passed me, look up. When I smile at you, please smile back. And please don't scowl at me...that really hurts my feelings. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Lord, thank You for the gift of a smile. Thank you for using the smiles you have given my children to bring joy to my life and to remind me that You created our smiles for Your purpose...to bring Your light into this world. Help me to use my smile to bring joy to those around me. Help me to be Your light. Help me to put down my phone, stop looking for bargains at the store, and start looking at each precious face that passes me by. Help me to change the world, one smile at a time! In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong> </span></div>
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Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-90241196736530887782014-12-03T09:38:00.000-08:002014-12-09T09:54:33.340-08:00Blessings in the Basics Week 1: Thank God I Can Breathe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">"The Spirit of God has made me, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the breath of the Almighty gives me life." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her first breath took her straight out of my arms and into the nursery and then to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. My little Abigail entered this world struggling to breathe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was blue when I was born. I was taken out of my mother's arms so the doctors could find my breath. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">His last breath was at the age of 67 after a battle with esophageal cancer. Just recently, I lost my "Uncle" Dick, a very close friend to my parents--so close that I called him my uncle even though he wasn't. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mom recalls hearing her mother wheeze and struggle with her every breath as she walked up the stairs. My grandma lost her battle to breathe at the young age of 49 from emphysema. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Lately, I've been very aware of the miracle of breath. </strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">This month, I felt the Lord calling me to go back to the basics. I needed to take my focus away from what the world wants me to see during this Christmas season--what I don't have, what I can't afford, and if I'm honest, what I really don't need. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>He's calling me to examine my life more closely to see the blessings in the very basic things starting with the breath of life.</strong> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't always understand why some people's breaths in life are cut short or are difficult or are struggles. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Obviously I know some breaths end from their own choices...but some don't. And those are the last breaths that I don't understand. I don't know if I ever will or if I'm even supposed to. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All I can do is know that God is good...have faith that He is always there to comfort us...and appreciate every breath He gives us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All I can do is know that my grandma and my Uncle Dick are with Jesus in Heaven and are no longer struggling to breathe anymore!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All I can do is t</span><span style="font-size: large;">hank God that my baby girl is now an incredibly healthy three year old who can breathe and run and jump and dance and talk and giggle and smell flowers! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All I can do is thank God that when I check on her at night and put my hand on her back, I feel it rise and fall as she breathes in and out. In her warm, quiet room, I am so grateful for her breath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All I can do is thank God for giving me His breath of life when I was a baby and continuing to give me breath every day...every hour...every minute...every second. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>All I can do is thank God that His Breath gives us life. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And when I look at life from that perspective---valuing every breath---nothing else really matters. No gift that I give or get...no bargain that I find...no deal on Amazon Prime that I buy...no cookie that I bake...no tree that I decorate...nothing. Nothing else seems all that important anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can breathe! Thank you God! As you breathe in and out today, I pray that you will thank God too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready to be thankful for even the most basic things in life? Are you ready to thank God for something so simple yet so life-giving as your breath?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Father, thank you for giving me Your Breath of life! Thank you for shifting my focus from the views of the world...buying things....getting more stuff...to being grateful for the basic things in life. Thank you for opening my eyes to see that something as simple as breathing in and out is such a miracle...such a gift...such a blessing. I am so grateful that You healed my daughter, and I'm so grateful for every breath she takes in this world. I'm so grateful for every breath I take too. Never let me take it for granted, and always help me to use each breath You give me to serve You in this world. In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't miss a blog this month about "Blessings in the Basics". Just enter your email address on this blog page. Thank you!</span></div>
Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-27731393269904692452014-11-24T09:36:00.000-08:002014-11-24T09:36:06.619-08:00I'm Grateful for Duct Tape<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">"Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi1O1upZBvaEvwI9lT4l_ovTHw98YviB0iHF5koT6wQ4tVTYvSPZYXJEBTuXYFD15vG7XtqVWz8N9OZCnZa7GSIXVWoQ0wlr8iBptB10OD3TEandZz_F9s0sTMpRqwTfooMZFAiFbcPTI/s1600/brads+car.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZi1O1upZBvaEvwI9lT4l_ovTHw98YviB0iHF5koT6wQ4tVTYvSPZYXJEBTuXYFD15vG7XtqVWz8N9OZCnZa7GSIXVWoQ0wlr8iBptB10OD3TEandZz_F9s0sTMpRqwTfooMZFAiFbcPTI/s1600/brads+car.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so grateful for my relationship with God, my husband, my 3 healthy children, my supportive family, my encouraging friends, my opportunity for ministry...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">A warm home, a hot shower, nutritious food, a comfortable bed and duct tape. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Yes, I'm grateful for duct tape. </strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">My husband's car is a piece of junk. It was once a pretty sweet car bought when we had 2 incomes and were going through infertility and thought..."If we can't have kids, let's buy a car we couldn't have if we had kids." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now? It's loud, rumbly, dirty and among the other many, many, many things wrong with it, this past summer, a shattered back window was added to the list. We refuse to get it fixed because, sure enough, we would drop all this money to replace the back window and the car would immediately die. So we are determined to drive this car until it won't drive any longer. It's kind of a fun experiment...how long will this car actually go?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Never-mind the fact that it reminds us of the car from Planes, Trains and Automobiles. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKd9V9BbsL26HlHFifvSpW6eQTf9Zl6S6kj7qJKsqZvNezq1dIS57eZQll3o3ZCxMjRDr1joPMibiS46SucjTFLBu0q68nLOxnX4QGUbVe4O3QW4gn8uSfRQ3pjXpJFKM2n4K0_w9rZ3E/s1600/Planes+Tranes+and+Automobiles+car.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFKd9V9BbsL26HlHFifvSpW6eQTf9Zl6S6kj7qJKsqZvNezq1dIS57eZQll3o3ZCxMjRDr1joPMibiS46SucjTFLBu0q68nLOxnX4QGUbVe4O3QW4gn8uSfRQ3pjXpJFKM2n4K0_w9rZ3E/s1600/Planes+Tranes+and+Automobiles+car.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Never-mind the fact that it also reminds us of the car in Tommy Boy. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAnb4OGeRgl0Eo025O055kTDoWB4pYzkU35PCAuk4jR7JDnt7WE67VTCOpYtJ1cNZDFoBWb0dK_NdbudwdWKSQkd__otV_ZitaEc2WsdAp_d3tA7b4GLPLDKuB1fxb451e8AHqPvdN4IY/s1600/Tommy+boy+Car+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAnb4OGeRgl0Eo025O055kTDoWB4pYzkU35PCAuk4jR7JDnt7WE67VTCOpYtJ1cNZDFoBWb0dK_NdbudwdWKSQkd__otV_ZitaEc2WsdAp_d3tA7b4GLPLDKuB1fxb451e8AHqPvdN4IY/s1600/Tommy+boy+Car+2.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCshSbPjgaipcy7JBVY9TLj-nTnaYcgLQvu_xo9eesbBARcf-Z1mZ7qTyGjEqYDtaTHuYhkePAhZKXNfMI92TwThKajF1eJt7c_LnwPBSiWWHXp2pAmR_ePwUjqtBzqm7Lfrd9r6tLmHUk/s1600/Tommy+Boy+Car.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCshSbPjgaipcy7JBVY9TLj-nTnaYcgLQvu_xo9eesbBARcf-Z1mZ7qTyGjEqYDtaTHuYhkePAhZKXNfMI92TwThKajF1eJt7c_LnwPBSiWWHXp2pAmR_ePwUjqtBzqm7Lfrd9r6tLmHUk/s1600/Tommy+Boy+Car.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Never-mind the fact that the back window is now plastic and duct tape!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVJlsqAbb4cx1HLj_lcx7Vrf8dBvEnZBBcXTh08-oKWvfBOa9YwF4k5VrHw1kXqBtjzMFZl6GtlCfslf01bhjK1sJHpDLmqLcWxegF-pLV2SFq7uoZGt031XJ60GgqHo2w1wHzXYp1Sdp/s1600/brads+car2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVJlsqAbb4cx1HLj_lcx7Vrf8dBvEnZBBcXTh08-oKWvfBOa9YwF4k5VrHw1kXqBtjzMFZl6GtlCfslf01bhjK1sJHpDLmqLcWxegF-pLV2SFq7uoZGt031XJ60GgqHo2w1wHzXYp1Sdp/s1600/brads+car2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It really makes us laugh. Even though it's frustrating...even though it's not at all ideal...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Shouldn't we be grateful that he has a car in the first place?</strong> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A car that takes him to his many jobs that allows me to stay at home with our kids? A car that takes him from point A to point B? A car that, although is so ugly, somehow still works? Yes!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">The bible says to give thanks always and for everything. Not just for the things that are perfect or beautiful or wonderful or fully functioning or exactly the way we want them to be. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>That's just not realistic. That's just not real life. </strong></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-size: large;">We are called to give thanks <em>always </em>and <em>for everything</em> and that's why I'm thankful today for our crappy car. And that's why I'm grateful...for duct tape!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />What unexpected thing in your life are you grateful for?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1372195165"></span><span id="goog_1372195166"><strong>Father, help me to truly give thanks always. Help me to truly give thanks for everything. It's so easy to focus on what I don't have, so help me to focus on what I do have. Lord, fix my eyes on You and help me to see the blessings You have given me. Help me to be grateful for the big things, but also for those little things that I sometimes miss. And as I celebrate Thanksgiving this week, help me to give thanks to You for everything in my life...including duct tape! In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong></span></span>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-59358157856412576362014-11-20T14:29:00.001-08:002014-11-20T15:18:06.560-08:00No, I'm NOT a Grandma!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">our inner self is being renewed day by day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 4:16</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_hm_inSVTR-egPKuaeESZBsuli4nqKcWeQuywG95YzCslwWvDSMcx5GHAj0CRYlN1DDB9xp1Gwox0Zm-SPiciFUqxvZ9-SongV37tFXiyUxdIoZMo82_asw6H1Yx_zFIdqnqxOhYy4KG/s1600/DSCN1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_hm_inSVTR-egPKuaeESZBsuli4nqKcWeQuywG95YzCslwWvDSMcx5GHAj0CRYlN1DDB9xp1Gwox0Zm-SPiciFUqxvZ9-SongV37tFXiyUxdIoZMo82_asw6H1Yx_zFIdqnqxOhYy4KG/s1600/DSCN1280.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the last time...NO! I'm NOT a grandma...now turn that music down and sit up straight!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Seriously though, is it possible that I look older than I think I do? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Apparently, it is! Because just today, I was shopping with my 2 little ones at Goodwill (the only place I shop), and a worker says to me: "Oh, your grandkids are so cute." I politely said, "Thank you, but these are my kids." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I walked away angry. I walked away totally offended. Instead of focusing on the compliment about my kids (I mean, grandkids) being cute, I walked away feeling so upset at the fact that this lady actually thought I could be a grandma!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">How insulting! How horrifying! How....wait a minute...who is that old lady over there? </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh wait a minute, that is me. That's my reflection in the mirror. Really? Is that what I look like? Oh maybe she does have a point. I do look old today. Wait a minute...mathematically I guess it is absolutely possible for me to be a grandma. So she's actually not too far off. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, why does this comment offend me so much? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know. I really need to work on this, because it's not the first time someone has mistaken me for a grandma and unfortunately, it seems that it's not going to be the last. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Either way, I want to embrace this whole aging thing, and like the bible says, whether I like to admit it or not, my outer self is in fact wasting away, but what God is doing with me on the inside is amazing. Every day I get older means that every day, my inner self is being renewed...remodeled...restored and ready to serve Him in this world. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Would I go back to my younger self again?</strong> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8fG7Cii_2bZT8l37yhjP3oytCD_ZzNzrvNpjQWV2ZCG8cBBEKVjiwOEiviN7pZKec_IV83-O1LRLDSoQXJGdW_WPyRnFwuyX_630I5x0qxcZF_4LQ4WZIdIq-Syu06mc5bUjBQGnKS5U/s1600/favorite+young+picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8fG7Cii_2bZT8l37yhjP3oytCD_ZzNzrvNpjQWV2ZCG8cBBEKVjiwOEiviN7pZKec_IV83-O1LRLDSoQXJGdW_WPyRnFwuyX_630I5x0qxcZF_4LQ4WZIdIq-Syu06mc5bUjBQGnKS5U/s1600/favorite+young+picture.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well...for my youthful face, non-stretched out tummy, non-wrinkly skin, non-gray hair...I'll admit, it's tempting. I do love that young girl...only 26 years old in this picture...newly married...no kids...looking ahead at what life is going to bring her. She has no clue what's to come. Part of me envies her. Most of me does not. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I know what's on the inside of that young girl...so insecure...so unsure of God's love for her...so unclear and unfocused on her purpose in life...and so many doubts and fears about her worthiness.</strong> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, no...I would not go back again. (Other than to tell her not be so insecure about her body because it only goes downhill from there especially after the wear and tear of carrying 3 kids!) I would also thank her. She is the reason why I am the person I am today. She is the reason I have so many stories and testimonies about God's unconditional love. She is the reason I am strong and courageous and more confident and less selfish. She is the reason that I know who I am. She is the reason that I have grown to be this woman who can stand before you and exclaim that God loves me...flaws, wrinkles and all! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>God loves this grandma!</strong> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Just for fun and to help us all laugh about getting older, I thought of 4 ways to know that you're getting old.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">YOU KNOW YOU'RE GETTING OLD WHEN:</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. The host of the Tonight Show is younger than you are!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">2. You have actually said, "Turn that music down!" or thought "I wish they would turn down that music!"</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">3. The actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West is younger than you are! (Seriously, she was only 37 when she played that role!!!)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">4. You would rather stay in and watch a Lifetime movie than go out any day of the week and twice on Sunday!</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Add yours in the comments below! </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Father, thank You for the aging process. Thank you that even though our bodies get older, You renew us. You are constantly working on us and helping us to become all that You have created us to be. Thank You that with each day that comes, we are wiser...we are more mature...we are more ready to do all that You ask us to do. Thank You for our past. Thank You for the journey that we've been on. Thank You that through every struggle...through every challenge, we have grown and have become more secure in who we are and in how much You love us! Be with us as we continue down our path in life even if we do look like a grandma. In Jesus' name. Amen.</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To my Readers: This post is not a plea for everyone to tell me that I don't look like a grandma! Nor is it a plea for people to tell me how young I look. Nor is it meant to offend anyone who is a grandma (especially those that are my age--I know several.) It really is just about embracing aging and that's all. :-)</span>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-4686223938152193652014-11-12T12:25:00.000-08:002014-11-12T13:34:43.114-08:00Sometimes I'm Not Proud to Be an American<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWBvuKL_9zL5oPtY8D2F8sNovF3NIciMGvbswK2EA0IGFpO_RppNKOdhiQMm8N3jy_74yW9gcXUdAMtXxSokxmMjlotJrsU_yQAYMCc97e1txwIuShXzTQKIBeJLYJpNqE1BiLzndpOfd/s1600/flag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWBvuKL_9zL5oPtY8D2F8sNovF3NIciMGvbswK2EA0IGFpO_RppNKOdhiQMm8N3jy_74yW9gcXUdAMtXxSokxmMjlotJrsU_yQAYMCc97e1txwIuShXzTQKIBeJLYJpNqE1BiLzndpOfd/s1600/flag.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“A nation without God's guidance is a nation without order. Happy are those who keep God's law!” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Proverbs 29:18</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sorry to admit this, but sometimes I'm not proud to be an <br />American. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong. I am grateful to live here. I am. And I am even more grateful for the service men and women that we honored during Veteran's Day who fought to protect our country. I'm in awe of them as well as the men and women who continue to step up to serve our country today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But sometimes I find myself wondering what those amazingly selfless, brave, and courageous men and women are fighting for!</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>We live in a country who is poisoning our food with pesticides, with artificial colors and dyes, with artificial flavors, with preservatives, with aspartame and who knows what else!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>We live in a country who is adding antibiotics and hormones to our food and who is allowing animals to be mistreated and abused so we can eat all we can eat. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-size: small;"></span>We live in a country where the drug companies want us to self-diagnose to the point where no one cares about the root of our symptoms. They only care about giving us a drug to mask them. Then they give us another drug to mask the side effects. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">We live in a country where we allow our kids </span><span style="font-size: large;">to play violent video games and watch violent movies and then wonder why they become young men who are desensitized and kill others without blinking. </span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>We live in a country where we always have to have more and we are never content with what we have. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>We live in a country who doesn't care enough for our veterans when they return home. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My head starts spinning! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>We live in a country where kids bully...where education standards are low...where healthcare is ridiculous...where unemployment is high...where people are selfish...where everyone is in debt...where no one seems happy...where no one seems healthy...where church isn't attended...where money is more important than anything else... where our freedoms come above our moral obligation to teach right from wrong...</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I could go on...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And just when I think I can't stand it anymore and I feel so frustrated and discouraged about the country we live in...I see our flag waving in the breeze at my son's school. And I stop.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"God bless our country" the kids and I always say. Then we talk about how our country is free and what that means. How we all can get an education...even girls. How we can all can go to church and worship God wherever and whenever we want. How so many brave men and women fight to protect us so we don't have to be afraid walking to and from school every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And just when I think God feels so absent from our country, I see a brother reaching out to help his sister whose husband has cancer...I attend an event for an organization who helps battered women and children...I see a father working 2 jobs for their family...I see a mother pumping milk for another mother to give her child breast milk...I see young kids praying over a friend at church...I learn of a man bringing socks to homeless people...I see my child's teacher pouring love into her students and his principal who cares enough about each student to memorize all their names...and I hear the school kids reciting our Pledge of Allegiance during the morning announcements. As I hear the words "One nation, under God," I cry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I realized...God is here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Even though there is so much negativity among us, God is with us. God is in us and works through us. God is in even the smallest kindness that we do. God is in even the quietest words that we say. Even though all the bad seems to drowned it out, there really is so much good in our country when I </span><span style="font-size: large;">take the time to look for it...when I take the time to see what God is doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I see the good, I feel grateful for our country. I feel grateful that we are free. Grateful that we are free to love and serve others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And I feel proud. Proud to be an American. Proud to serve alongside fellow Americans </span><span style="font-size: large;">who give so much of themselves for so little...to our families...to our kids...to our schools...to our churches...to our patients...to our friends...to our students...to our neighbors and even to strangers...and to our country.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, moving forward today, I don't want to focus on the bad. I want to focus on the good. I want to do what I can to be a loving parent, a dedicated wife, and a serving citizen. I can only do the best that I can each day and pray about the rest. So instead of feeling overwhelmed or hopeless, I can just give to God the things about our country that I don't like...don't understand...or can't control. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I have to intentionally start praying for our country right now. Will you please join me? </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Father, I lift our country up to you. Lord, protect our service men and women who bravely fight for our freedom...who give so much of themselves...even their own lives for us. Lord, I want our Veterans to be proud of the country they are fighting for and feel that their efforts, lives, and sacrifices are worth it. Remove the bitterness and negativity that I feel about our country sometimes. Help me to see the good...the love...the giving...the sacrifices...going on all around me. Help me to appreciate more than ever the freedom that we have to love You, serve You and love others. Help me to be proud to be an American!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I pray for wisdom and guidance for our leaders, drug companies and food industry. I pray over the parents in our country as well as our precious children. Lord, shine Your light into our country and on all those who call it home. I pray for more of You in our homes and our schools and our communities. We need You in our country. We need Your hope...Your love...Your joy! We need You in our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Please take a minute to listen to "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. I cry every time. Such a great reminder of how precious our freedom really is!</span></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD4RFjmlzcQ" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">God Bless the USA</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Help me to continue to see the good in our country! Please share what you love about our country or leave your prayers for our country in the comments. </span></div>
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Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-68137647882613152462014-11-01T07:21:00.000-07:002014-11-13T13:51:57.923-08:0031 Day Writing Challenge Wrap Up-Reflecting Back Over the Last 31 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8SS6yKFPlAnaKZgB0PLkau3We13_Rg4O3g5UXjuSW3FFfECqKgXKW1FIwRKEvNXyVY9RLBT55heVakepJ6qvPy2Pmw-6JfvEQ1VpMc3Jcd9PZ6S1akLt71-nFINoAS1zbE1b1BeRGWxR/s1600/new+Fear+to+Faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8SS6yKFPlAnaKZgB0PLkau3We13_Rg4O3g5UXjuSW3FFfECqKgXKW1FIwRKEvNXyVY9RLBT55heVakepJ6qvPy2Pmw-6JfvEQ1VpMc3Jcd9PZ6S1akLt71-nFINoAS1zbE1b1BeRGWxR/s1600/new+Fear+to+Faith.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and He will direct your paths." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Proverbs 3: 5-6</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">31 Day Writing Challenge Wrap Up</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I originally said "No" to doing this 31 Day Writing Challenge. When a dear friend sent me information about it, I immediately said I didn't have time to do it. I didn't have anything to write about, and I certainly didn't have anything that I could write about for 31 days! "No, No, No!" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God had another answer in mind..."Yes!" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh man!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God said, "Yes, you are going to do this. You will write about fear, and here are your topics." He gave me each topic that I was to write about and the order I was supposed to write them. I quickly wrote them all down. I've learned to follow Him and obey Him...period! So I guess I'm doing this writing challenge then, God?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, you are!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFzDjdy7l5M-_wiRcih0y32JxetMx-j4ZPnDXHl-tASYN0g7WwQYpK5o4n8DqS3j8tg3reCyldTNFk29T7YbdWzjE74jozoS7j4AZm3YPpSGcWeUOdUBoAO8Pxqsw-Fir44PLPz7ajRv8/s1600/my+31+day+writing+challenge+list.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFzDjdy7l5M-_wiRcih0y32JxetMx-j4ZPnDXHl-tASYN0g7WwQYpK5o4n8DqS3j8tg3reCyldTNFk29T7YbdWzjE74jozoS7j4AZm3YPpSGcWeUOdUBoAO8Pxqsw-Fir44PLPz7ajRv8/s1600/my+31+day+writing+challenge+list.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Every day, I would look at the topic and start writing. Some days, the personal story that I was going to write about quickly came to my mind. Some days, it didn't. Some days I was excited to write about my topic. Some days, I wasn't. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The interesting part is that on those days where I felt unenthused...on those days where I felt uninspired...on those days where I wanted to change the topic because I felt it was too repetitive or it felt way too personal...those were the days where someone would send me a message saying "I really needed to hear that today." or "Your post really spoke to me today." or "What you wrote really made an impact on me." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ok, God. I will continue to trust You on this writing journey. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I stuck faithfully with His list only making minor changes here and there...with God's permission, of course! God knew what I needed to write about each day, and so I trusted Him completely to speak to me as well as use me to speak to others. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Throughout this process, I cried...I laughed...I felt moments of panic...I felt moments of great joy...I felt moments of fear...I felt moments of more panic...I felt moments of frustration and discouragement...I felt moments of elation and encouragement...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And you don't know how many times I thought "I can't believe people are going to be reading this." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Many people asked me "How did you have time to write?" I didn't!! I had to make the time. I stayed up late...I got up early...I wrote all throughout the day too. I ignored huge piles of laundry...I ate standing up...I put off cleaning the dishes...I threw together last minute meals...I turned away from messes that needed to be cleaned up...I didn't watch TV (although my kids did--A LOT!)...I lowered my standards for everything in my life...I wore the same clothes twice (ok, maybe three times). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Writing became a part of my daily life...part of my routine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I got three kids dressed, fed, and out the door.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I ate breakfast.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I read books.</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I played magic tricks and football and Uno and baby dolls.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I ate lunch.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I watched my youngest son take his first steps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I had play dates.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I went to church.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I taught Sunday School.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I spoke at a moms group.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I celebrated my youngest son's 1st birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I went to a Fishing Derby.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I coordinated a Moms Night Out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I had a Praying Moms Group.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I went on a family hike.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I ate dinner.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I invaded the kids' movie night candy drawer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I got three kids bathed, read to, had special time with, and tucked into bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I enjoyed a date night with my husband.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote and I went to bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then I would wake up and write again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me tell you, it was one crazy month!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Writing became intertwined with every part of my daily life. Life kept going and I kept writing. It was constantly in the back of my mind. I was either thinking about what I had written or what I was going to write about all the time. It was truly exhausting! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Am I glad it's over? Yes. Am I sad it's over? Yes! But mostly, I'm just grateful. I'm so grateful for this journey. I'm so grateful for this experience. I'm so grateful for my obedience to God. I'm so grateful for all of the encouragement and blessings I received from all of you. I'm so grateful that God shined His Light into all of my fears and through my stories, He was able to shine His light into your lives and fears as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's keep shining His Light within the darkness of ourselves so that we can be a brighter Light for Him in this world!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings to you all!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Christine Leeb</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRAY WITH ME:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Father, I give all of my fears to You! Fear is a struggle that I have to face each day. I break the power of those fears with Your precious word. Help me to remind myself when fears creep into my mind that You haven't give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for using my blogs for Your bigger purpose. Thank you for helping me conquer my fears through faith in You. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to encourage others and share Your love with others through this journey. I pray that You will continue to show everyone Your love and fill everyone with Your faith. God, I pray that You will shine Your light into the fears that we all have and give us all bold confidence to walk forward trusting You with our lives. Fill us all with Your faith instead of fear. Let fear be conquered in Jesus' name! Amen. </span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To the Readers: Seriously...thank you! I truly appreciate those of you who took the time to share a kind word and words of encouragement. This was such an exhausting month, but when you took the time to read and comment on my blogs, it really made me smile and gave me that extra boost I needed to keep writing. I will keep writing because I've learned that God can really speak through me in my writing, but I'm taking a break for a while, as I'm sure you can understand. :-) I really need to give my family my undivided attention. I will wait to see what God has for me next. In the meantime, keep shining!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Start from the beginning of this 31 Day Writing Challenge: 31 Fears to Conquer Through Faith <a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html">http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-28477371320564125512014-10-31T11:27:00.003-07:002015-04-20T08:35:30.099-07:00This is Me: Completely and Totally Exposed...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Galatians 1:10</span></div>
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This post was originally part of the 31 Day Writing Challenge: <a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html" target="_blank">31 Fears to Conquer Through Faith</a>--DAY 31: Fear of Being Vulnerable<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is me. No make-up on. No forced smile. No flat-ironed or hot-rolled hair. No clothes. No matching accessories. Nothing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Naked. Exposed. Vulnerable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm imperfect. I've made mistakes. I continue to make mistakes. I've hurt others. I've hurt myself. I've hurt God. I've disappointed others. I've disappointed myself. I've disappointed God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Much of my life, I've learned to put on a happy face...to sweep things under the rug...to pretend like everything was ok. Not out of being fake, but simply out of not wanting to burden others with my problems...or not wanting to face my own struggles...or not wanting to be judged because of my weaknesses...or not wanting to be vulnerable. It felt uncomfortable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so I didn't share what was really going on in my life. It was lonely, and yet my silence gave me a false sense of security and power. I just plain did not want to appear weak. I did not want to be vulnerable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I think...I think I might have gotten over the fear of being vulnerable now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>“To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.”</em><span style="font-size: large;"> Criss Jami</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Throughout this 31 Day Writing Challenge, I've been very open and honest. I've revealed very, very personal information about my life...my struggles...my insecurities...my doubts...my weaknesses...my worries...and, of course all of my fears. I've shared about my fears of:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Loss</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Failure</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Conflict</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Death</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Illness</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being Alone</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aging</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Success</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Abandonment</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Accidents</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being Less</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not Being Good Enough</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Making Mistakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being Left Out</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being Judged</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Broken Trust</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Disappointment</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saying "No"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saying "Yes"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being Disappointed</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being Disappointing</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rejection</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Weaknesses</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not Being Liked</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hurting Someone</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a Bad Mom</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being a Bad Wife</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Unknown</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Change</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Being Vulnerable</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Honestly, I'm exhausted. I feel very raw, naked, and exposed to the core. In my mind, the goal in writing these blogs was to simply free myself from these fears. That was my vision, at least.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had no idea what God's vision was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His goal...His purpose was so much more than that. Yes, He absolutely wanted to free me from these fears, but He also wanted to teach me about strength and that true strength doesn't come from pretending to have it all together or never making mistakes or being perfect all the time. True strength comes from sharing my imperfections, admitting my weakness, and exposing the dark areas of my inner self. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">John 1: 4-5 says "Life itself is in Him, and this life gives Light to everyone. The Light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God wanted to use my stories...use my vulnerability......use my fears to take me from a place of weakness to a place of strength...to take me from a place of darkness to a place of light. His Light! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because God's Light shined in me, there was healing. Because I have accepted His Light, I can truly surrender to His unconditional love, His undeniable mercy, His unbelievable forgiveness, and His unending grace. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-2I0NKYOb4eOR5Oy2aLdTQPpLaD1BLBmr1g02aLm0qPJTURNN-TAKV-wK_8OerDISTm9MNaEFrEdX3iGLb9_Cyo6UP-CDus-fOqq6gOF36Ic_9x7lusd_-h8tUA9RKaMyXCZGmgvV7EY/s1600/_BL16001-2.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/AVvXsEjs-2I0NKYOb4eOR5Oy2aLdTQPpLaD1BLBmr1g02aLm0qPJTURNN-TAKV-wK_8OerDISTm9MNaEFrEdX3iGLb9_Cyo6UP-CDus-fOqq6gOF36Ic_9x7lusd_-h8tUA9RKaMyXCZGmgvV7EY/s1600/_BL16001-2.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have learned to love myself...be confident in who I am...accept the way that God created me...and feel worthy and deserving of God's goodness. I have learned to love myself to the core...flaws and all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">His Light shines in me and now it can shine through me. By releasing my fears of being vulnerable and following God's lead by being so transparent, God was able to shine His Light through me onto you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He was able to use my stories to bless you, encourage you and inspire you on your own path in life. God's plan for us is so much bigger than we ever realize, but we have to surrender to Him and be willing to be vulnerable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready to release your fears of being vulnerable to Him? Are you ready to accept the freedom that comes with being more open and honest about your life?</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRAY WITH ME:</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, today, I give my fear of being vulnerable to You. Keeping everything inside of me is toxic. There is freedom to be gained in the truth. There is strength to be gained in being vulnerable. Give me the courage to shout off the rooftops about all that You've done in my life. Take away my fears of being rejected or judged or pleasing people and help me to focus only on pleasing You and Your mission for my life. Lord, shine Your light into my fears of being vulnerable and help me to walk forward boldly and confidently knowing that through faith in You, You give me Light and the strength I need to shine within as well as shine to the world. In Jesus' name. Amen.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Start from the beginning of this journey of 31 Fears to Conquer Through Faith: <a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html">http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html</a></span></strong></div>
Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-4281779605058985442014-10-30T14:34:00.000-07:002014-11-13T13:50:11.110-08:00Day 30: Fear of Change--Good-Bye to My Childhood Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">DAY 30: Fear of Change-Good-Bye to My Childhood Home</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After 32 years, my parents are moving out of my childhood home. Maybe you've visited there before. It's small, but was never too small for lots of guests. It's modest, but was always full of the best love that money could never buy. It's simple, but was full of the complexities of life for a family of four. It was my home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a home that my mom, my dad, Bitsy our dog, Heather our cat, Ricky our raccoon, and I moved into when I was only seven years old. I was so excited to explore the 20 acres of trees, and I was especially excited to finally have my own bedroom and my very own closet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we opened the front door together, none of us had any idea of all the memories that would be made in this new place that was about to become our home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had no idea that the very door we had opened would be the door that I would walk through before going to my first gymnastics meet...before going to my first day of junior high...before going to my first dance...before going on my first date...before going to cheer at my first basketball game...before getting my driver's license...before going to my first prom...before heading off to college...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before burying our pet raccoon...before saying good-bye to many family members...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had no idea that the very door we had opened would be the door that I would walk through after dancing my first dance...after getting my ear's pierced...after our basketball team won an exciting game...after an exhausting but fun Mercer Family vacation...after a long day of sledding on our winding driveway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After burying our precious cats...after having my heart broken...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before many joys and sorrows, and after many laughs and tears... was my home. It was my constant in between all the changes. It was my refuge. It was the door I opened on my way out into the world and it was the door I closed when I came back in to its comfort, safety and love. No matter what changes were going on in my life, my home...my family...was there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was at this home that I learned how to throw a football...I waded in the creek...I collected rocks...I raked leaves...I stepped in raccoon poop...I raised 4 kittens...I enjoyed birthday parties and even 2 surprise parties...I had sleepovers...I walked on stilts...I had weeny roasts...I played school and house...I got punched and tickled by my big brother...I played video games (good 'old Texas Instruments--betcha never heard of that game system)...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was at this home that I got my first puppy...I saw my precious Sophie dog take her first breath and her last...I turned countless cartwheels...I watched TV on our dial TV that only had 4 channels and when I wanted to change channels, I had to go outside and turn a huge antennae--No, I'm not kidding! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was at this home that I got bruised knees and scratched elbows...I celebrated Christmases and Birthdays...I searched for Easter eggs...I laughed...I cried...I learned tough lessons...I ate many meals at our kitchen table...I learned that friends were always welcome...I learned that family mattered most...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was at this home that I learned that I was always welcome no matter how old I was...I announced our engagement...I spent the night there before our wedding night...I slept there many nights when our marriage was struggling...I announced that they were going to be blessed with their fourth grandchild...I saw my parents play with their grandkids...I would go there for help with my kids...I would go there for a nice homemade meal...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of that is going to change. Things will be different. My parents will have a new home only three minutes away from us now which is such a blessing. It will be great. I know it will. I know new memories will be created and a new home will be made. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But it's still change. And change is scary. Change means letting go. In this case, change means letting go of my childhood home that I hold so dearly in my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bible says in Ecclesiastes 3 that "For everything there is a season. A time for every activity under heaven." It also says in verse 11 "For God has made everything beautiful for its own time." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Change is a part of life. The seasons change...my homes change...my kids change...I change...life changes, but the good news is that amongst all the change around me, God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. So instead of fearing the changes that are happening, I need to embrace them and trust God to show me the beauty He has for me through each change. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4g6WLjpgPPekrLGEFCSPhyphenhyphenXozzZrYdQp_jeRwoB-TBGlK0D5gfbG4OC03tMVeqt-0KyRdTdP71vJEKxBMJqubybWJNcvTiR75pEm1H6AsxUoMLJqBZARP_3HVXNifbK5t6QPvIt2q2mo/s1600/mercer+home+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4g6WLjpgPPekrLGEFCSPhyphenhyphenXozzZrYdQp_jeRwoB-TBGlK0D5gfbG4OC03tMVeqt-0KyRdTdP71vJEKxBMJqubybWJNcvTiR75pEm1H6AsxUoMLJqBZARP_3HVXNifbK5t6QPvIt2q2mo/s1600/mercer+home+winter.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saying good-bye to my childhood home brings me sadness, but I find peace when I realize that God is really my True Home. He goes wherever I go. He is my Refuge. God is there no matter what door I open or close. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God is my home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready to let go of your fear of change? Are you ready to trust God to be your Home no matter where you are and no matter what changes are taking place in your life right now?</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRAY WITH ME:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, I give my fear of change to You today. Fill my heart with gratitude for the home that You've given me to grow up in and more importantly, for the people and the precious memories that I've made in it. Help me to embrace the change that comes with moving on...with moving forward...with opening new doors. Help me to understand that no matter what changes go on around me, You never change. You are the same. You are with me wherever I go...whatever I do. Father, shine Your light into my fear of change and allow me to walk boldly forward in confidence knowing that You are my home forever. In Jesus' name. Amen. </span></strong>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-60917279097982616802014-10-29T09:45:00.003-07:002014-11-13T13:26:23.187-08:00Day 29: Fear of the Unknown--Oh Those Dreaded Panic Attacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 14: 26-27</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">DAY 29: Fear of the Unknown</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was rushed to the ER. I was only in 4th grade, and I had my first panic attack. Why? Because I was so worried that I didn't know who my 5th grade teacher was going to be.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YmLDGLAnGNQx4tKsf7p5SNaZMkUAcviNPeszggoSdWnpz5gCiAODI04TVAEwSQJrvMs8GvSVvDGJznqK_pfp8UOlyUQPXzw7WtPkw_T4V-6jpFOSGDxn5rzRGUeYII4Egbsq67C-ssnr/s1600/unknown+me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YmLDGLAnGNQx4tKsf7p5SNaZMkUAcviNPeszggoSdWnpz5gCiAODI04TVAEwSQJrvMs8GvSVvDGJznqK_pfp8UOlyUQPXzw7WtPkw_T4V-6jpFOSGDxn5rzRGUeYII4Egbsq67C-ssnr/s1600/unknown+me.JPG" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 5th Grade School Picture</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was always some comfort in knowing who my teacher was going to be the next year. There was always some comfort in knowing that my big brother had already had one of the teachers and at least knew the other one. At that time, both of the 5th grade teachers were going to retire, so I had none of the comforts of going to the next grade. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Crawford, and I had enough anxiety about leaving her and going to the next grade the way it was, but when I had no idea who my next teacher was going to be...not a name...not a face...I knew nothing! I panicked! Was it going to be a man? Was it going to be a woman? Would they be nice? Would they be strict? Would they be young? Would they be old? Would they like me? </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uj9USHXtjjGF_rIFx2RBMK0gT9BdY_E9s6bw1kR3WOGcRLwHzRH_0jWSboAe-I1IoxMy3BzX8bjSPeUPuCXXlyGlYByb6EZitimwbAWLmfKDngwmQfDLdgw8THnAs8G-Zl0NnlS5TRoI/s1600/unknown+mrs+crawford2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uj9USHXtjjGF_rIFx2RBMK0gT9BdY_E9s6bw1kR3WOGcRLwHzRH_0jWSboAe-I1IoxMy3BzX8bjSPeUPuCXXlyGlYByb6EZitimwbAWLmfKDngwmQfDLdgw8THnAs8G-Zl0NnlS5TRoI/s1600/unknown+mrs+crawford2.JPG" height="320" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear 4th Grade Teacher, Mrs. Crawford</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was just too much for a 4th grader's emotions to handle. The fear of the unknown overwhelmed me. I remember the night like it was yesterday...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was sitting on the couch watching TV. I was always thinking about who my teacher was going to be. It was always in the back of my mind. My breathing started to get a little faster...and deeper...my chest started tightening...my heart hurt...I started crying...I had no idea what was happening. My breathing began to become so rapid that I couldn't talk...I thought I was going to die. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My parents came running in. I couldn't tell them anything except through my panicked breathing and crying..."I.............can't...............breathe!!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom grabbed a bucket in case I threw up and they rushed me to the ER. Once we got there, the doctors took me back into a room, hooked me up to all kinds of monitors. Once they were able to calm me down, they asked my parents to step out which made me start to panic again! They were asking me all kinds of questions like "Are you afraid of your parents?" "Do your parents hurt you in any way?" They also checked my body for bruises and such. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember being puzzled by those questions, answering "No", and then immediately requesting that they bring my parents back in there with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was officially a panic attack. I know it's so silly to panic over not knowing who my teacher was going to be, but clearly I struggle with the fear of the unknown. Sadly, this was not my last, but because it was my first, it is my most memorable. I've had these panic attacks many other times throughout my life because of the fear of the unknown--gymnastic meets, traveling without my parents to France, struggling with infertility, having a C-Section, becoming a mom, and many more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The unknown...I can't stand it. That's where faith comes in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love when Jesus is walking on the water and the disciples were filled with fear. Jesus tells them not to be afraid. He reassures them to have courage and that He was there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story continues...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-14-28" id="en-NLT-23602"><em>Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”</em></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-14-29" id="en-NLT-23603"><em><span class="woj">“Yes, come,”</span> Jesus said.</em></span><br />
<em><span class="text Matt-14-29">So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-30" id="en-NLT-23604">But when he saw the strong<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.</span></em><br />
<span class="text Matt-14-31" id="en-NLT-23605"><em>Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. <span class="woj">“You have so little faith,”</span> Jesus said. <span class="woj">“Why did you doubt me?”</span></em></span><br />
<em><span class="text Matt-14-32" id="en-NLT-23606">When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.</span> <span class="text Matt-14-33" id="en-NLT-23607"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></sup>Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.</span></em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can totally relate to this. I'm always questioning God...asking Him if He's there...asking if He's the One really asking me to do something (especially if I don't want to do it). Then when He tells me to do something...when He asks me to step out of the boat into the unknown, I panic at the thought of it. Even when He reassures me and tells me to come or follow Him, I still panic at the unknown. Then, if there is any sign of resistance in my path...any kind of struggle...any kind of difficulty, I panic...I doubt...I fear. Quickly, I lose faith and sink. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And God ALWAYS says to me, "Why did you doubt me?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know, God. Is it too much to ask that every single moment of my life is planned out for me to see? Is it too much to ask that I know everything that is going to happen well in advance? Is it too much to ask that you write things ahead of time in my planner? Here, you can use this blue pen since I use green for myself and red for my husband and black for the whole family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you can see, I'm a planner. I like to know what's ahead of me. I like to know what to expect, and when I don't, I'm filled with fear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God constantly reminds me that not knowing and still believing is what faith is all about! On my wall in our kitchen, I have this scripture from Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Faith has helped me fight off many recent panic attacks. The more faith I have, the less I panic. Honestly, it's still a battle, and I often have to remind myself to have less fear of the unknown and more faith in our known God!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready to let go of your fears of the unknown? Are you ready to be filled with faith and step out into the boat of life? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>PRAY WITH ME:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Lord, today, I give my fear of the unknown to You. Father, I need Your faith because I doubt constantly. I need Your wisdom and guidance in my life because I have no clue what I'm doing or where I'm going without You. Help me to step out of the boat when You call on me. Help me to have courage and know that You're there for me. And when I sink...when I have fears...when I start to panic, I know You're always there to lift me up. Thank you, Jesus, for loving us so much. Father, shine Your light into my fear of the unknown, and help me to walk forward in confidence and obedience with You! In Jesus' name. Amen. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note to the Reader: By the way, 5th grade was awesome! I really enjoyed having Mr. Ronan as my teacher. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God is so good and so faithful. There is really never any need to panic, right? Praying for all of us who struggle with panic and anxiety especially when it comes to the unknown. Praying that when we feel those feelings of panic come on, God will lift us up and fill us with faith! We don't have to know everything...we only have to know God!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Start from the beginning of this 31 Day Writing Challenge: </span><br />
<a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">31 Fears to Conquer Through Faith</span></a></div>
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Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-42358113021276106402014-10-28T09:41:00.001-07:002016-03-10T11:53:13.643-08:00Day 28: Fear of Being a Bad Wife-The Problem Was Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud <span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NLT-28631">or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NLT-28632">It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NLT-28633">Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-7">1 Corinthians 13: 4-7</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-7"></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">DAY 28: Fear of Being a Bad Wife</span></div>
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Start from the beginning of this 31 Day Writing Challenge: <a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html" target="_blank">31 Fears to Conquer Through Faith</a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were hopeless. We were as close to divorce as I care to admit. I was done. I did not want to be married anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were a lot of things going on with our marriage at this time...things that both he and I were guilty of and take complete ownership for...things that were destructive. There were unhealthy patterns set up during our dating life of disrespect and lack of trust...patterns that carried into our marriage causing a lot of pain and hurt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But, in reflecting back, I've realized that much of the problem was me...my own insecurities...my own issues from my past...my own fears of being a bad wife. I could go on and on about the psychology behind it all as well as the lies that I used to tell myself..."I'm not good enough for him."..."If I leave him first then I won't have to go through the pain of him leaving me." "Maybe if I leave him, then he'll beg for me to come back and I'll know he really does love me." </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All lies. All games. All fears. Nothing but insecurities...nothing but immaturity...nothing but the feelings of being unworthy...nothing but the lack of trust...nothing but the lack of identity...nothing but fear. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 is obviously a very popular scripture read at weddings, so of course, I wanted it read at mine. It's so beautiful, but if you don't know who you are...if you lack confidence...if you're insecure...if you feel unworthy...this verse can make you feel that you just don't meet any of the descriptions of love and make you live in fear that you are going to be a bad wife or even make you believe that you are a bad wife.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is where I was for the first 8 years of our marriage. Let's break it down...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love is patient."</em> I fell short. I lost my patience all the time and got angry when he didn't do something I wanted him to do. I had really high expectations for him but yet, I was able to do whatever...whenever. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love is kind."</em> I fell short. I was snippy and said so many things that didn't need to be said. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude."</em> I fell short. I fell short. I fell short. I fell short. I was jealous and didn't trust him at all. I would say things that made me look like the better parent or the better spouse. I looked down on him when he messed up and always made him feel that I could have done everything so much better. During arguments, I always interrupted him when he was trying to talk, and I always thought that what I had to say was more important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love does not demand its own way."</em> I fell short. Um...I wore the pants all the time and even when something wasn't fair, I still demanded that I got my way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love is not irritable."</em> I fell short. (Does this actually apply for "that" time of the month too? Really? Ok.) Again...snippy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love keeps no record of being wronged."</em> I fell short...BIG TIME! I would throw things back in his face from when we were first dating. Especially during an argument, I would drudge up things from the past that had nothing to do with the argument we were having just to make him look bad and take the focus off of me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out." </em> I fell short. I would twist and turn every conversation or argument until I won even when I knew that he was right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful..."</em> I fell short. I fell short. I fell short. I was always the first to give up. I was always the first to lose faith in us as a couple and threaten divorce. I felt hopeless and made him feel the same way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>"Love endures through every circumstance."</em> I did do this. Yay! One thing. I endured. I endured the pain it took to admit my short-comings. I endured the pain it took to face my flaws, my insecurities, my lack of worth, my fears. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even as I'm typing this, I'm realizing how horrible I must have been to live with. Was I a bad wife? Yes. I can admit that now. My husband was and is a saint to put up with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was the problem. I can admit that too. I was a struggling, insecure, and fearful woman. Thank God for humbling me and allowing me to seek the help I needed for the sake of our marriage...for the sake of future blessings God had for us...for the sake of future kids God had for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so grateful that my husband was so patient and gave me time to figure out who I was, and through lots of counseling and God's grace, I was able to find more of my identity...I was able to grow in confidence as a daughter of Christ...I was able to learn to love myself. Then, we were able to grow more as a couple. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do I still fall short today? Do I still struggle with the fear of being a bad wife? Yes. Of course I do...I'm human. But instead of this scripture making me feel condemned...instead of it making me feel like I'm a bad wife, it makes me feel that because I love God, because I love myself, I am now more capable of truly loving my husband. I use this verse as a reminder of what love really looks like. I hope you can see it too:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Love...</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Is Patient.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Is Kind. </em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">Is not jealous or boastful or proud </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NLT-28631" style="font-size: large;">or rude. </span></em><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-5" style="font-size: large;"><em>Is not demanding my own way. </em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-5" style="font-size: large;"><em>Is not irritable.</em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-5" style="font-size: large;"><em>Does not keep records of being wronged.</em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NLT-28632" style="font-size: large;"><em>Does not rejoice about injustice.</em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-6" style="font-size: large;"><em>Rejoices whenever the truth wins out.</em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NLT-28633" style="font-size: large;"><em>Never gives up.</em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" style="font-size: large;"><em>Never loses faith.</em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" style="font-size: large;"><em>Is always hopeful.</em></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" style="font-size: large;"><em>Endures through every circumstance.</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Neither one of us is perfect. Both of us make mistakes. But we are a team. We have come a long way together (over 14 years), and we still have a long way to go, but we are standing by each other through every circumstance...with LOVE!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HRzyueiY25p_Hd_9PVfyNIHRgefT0f-WSmshSAUUKIHmzxzK1XKe1L_OIcWsTyk25yhb1pgGUDvolbbtLu3LfLWkg8nOpxeWWwShE3k5O8bvI1EyNm9X-grLHr4A7WhTpQZFCYI_IQh4/s1600/marriage5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HRzyueiY25p_Hd_9PVfyNIHRgefT0f-WSmshSAUUKIHmzxzK1XKe1L_OIcWsTyk25yhb1pgGUDvolbbtLu3LfLWkg8nOpxeWWwShE3k5O8bvI1EyNm9X-grLHr4A7WhTpQZFCYI_IQh4/s1600/marriage5.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that we can go from eating at San <br />
Francisco's finest restaurant to...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkouCd45mY7ueXQF_lzjMdyat2tiavf_T_jStkYAza7it_y78nWfelHkfvQk4d8ClrRGkYoOAALLjqwcChSy0ygJSi5Mkjc7zxUrjTDeJkggly2aJZRVo6RXqUNPw7JpJmo13Ixpyxqo1S/s1600/marriage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkouCd45mY7ueXQF_lzjMdyat2tiavf_T_jStkYAza7it_y78nWfelHkfvQk4d8ClrRGkYoOAALLjqwcChSy0ygJSi5Mkjc7zxUrjTDeJkggly2aJZRVo6RXqUNPw7JpJmo13Ixpyxqo1S/s1600/marriage.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eating veggie dogs and drinking beer at an Oakland A's Game<br />
on our 10th Anniversary trip to California.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready to give up your fears of being a bad wife? Are you ready to love God and love yourself so you can love your husband?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-7"></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>PRAY WITH ME:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Father, I give my fear of being a bad wife to You today. Thank You for saving me from myself and opening up my heart to what true love really is and how love is supposed to behave. I confess that I will fall short as Your daughter, but thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. I confess that I will continue to fall short as a wife, but thank You for giving my husband grace and forgiveness. Help us to see each other through new lenses each day. Help us to be patient and kind. Help us to walk together through this life uplifting, encouraging and loving each other. Lord, shine Your light into my fear of being a bad wife and help me to walk forward in faith for the plans you have for me and my husband to grow and to prosper. Fill us each day with Your love. In Jesus' name. Amen. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To my husband: Thank you for your patience and unconditional love. You are the most unbelievable man alive for putting up with me for so long. I appreciate that you understand that no one is perfect and that life is about growth. Because you gave me the space to grow, I am a better, more confident, less fearful, and more loving wife and human being! Thank you! I love you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To read our full marriage journey: <a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2012/07/never-give-upkeep-trying.html" target="_blank">Never Give Up...Keep Trying</a></span><br />
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THIS BLOG IS ENDING--IF YOU WANT TO FOLLOW MY NEW 4REAL MOMS--BLESSED IN THE MESS, <a href="http://www.4realmoms.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>. </div>
Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-46582413885209752342014-10-27T08:30:00.000-07:002015-05-09T13:01:53.291-07:00All Moms Need to Do is Love<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But the greatest of these is love."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 13:13</span><span class="p"><br /></span></div>
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* This post was originally part of a 31 Day Writing Challenge--31 Fears to Conquer Through Faith<br />
DAY 27: Fear of Being a Bad Mom</div>
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Start from the Beginning: <a href="http://www.christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html">http://www.christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8SS6yKFPlAnaKZgB0PLkau3We13_Rg4O3g5UXjuSW3FFfECqKgXKW1FIwRKEvNXyVY9RLBT55heVakepJ6qvPy2Pmw-6JfvEQ1VpMc3Jcd9PZ6S1akLt71-nFINoAS1zbE1b1BeRGWxR/s1600/new+Fear+to+Faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8SS6yKFPlAnaKZgB0PLkau3We13_Rg4O3g5UXjuSW3FFfECqKgXKW1FIwRKEvNXyVY9RLBT55heVakepJ6qvPy2Pmw-6JfvEQ1VpMc3Jcd9PZ6S1akLt71-nFINoAS1zbE1b1BeRGWxR/s200/new+Fear+to+Faith.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hate my feet. Why oh why couldn't I have gotten my mom's cute little feet? Nope. I had to get my dad's chunky toes, very wide, Barney Rubble feet. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAU2SmOScJ3Zw_CBS75QDE7znwVbbw-b2d4lzKCwI38XU8PkHpO4LW_YEYwpBtD1olYLiBXJbffRE7YoD5bDJ7Ef2AxulA6Pjdpw8-FJ2mIpxHPHFSUI4-DaJU5M1MemJ3KaraWuiS-cs/s1600/Barney+Rubble.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAU2SmOScJ3Zw_CBS75QDE7znwVbbw-b2d4lzKCwI38XU8PkHpO4LW_YEYwpBtD1olYLiBXJbffRE7YoD5bDJ7Ef2AxulA6Pjdpw8-FJ2mIpxHPHFSUI4-DaJU5M1MemJ3KaraWuiS-cs/s1600/Barney+Rubble.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh well, thank God, though, that I did get my mom's compassionate heart, her ability to genuinely love others just where they're at, her sensitive spirit, and more. Was she a perfect mom? No. Did she make mistakes? Yes. Do I focus on those mistakes? No. I just love her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love her not because of any traits she gave me or didn't. I love her not because she was the perfect mom. I love her not because she never seemed to lose her temper. I love her not because she bought me anything or didn't. I love her not because she spent a lot of time with me or didn't. I love her simply because she is my mom. I love her...period. And I know she loves me...period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So why do I worry so much about being a bad mom? Why do I worry that my kids will only remember the moments when I yell at them? Why do I worry that my kids will only see my flaws? Why do I worry that they will only get my bad traits and blame me for them later? (Hopefully they won't get my stubbornness or my feet.) :-) Why do I worry that they will only remember me by how frustrated I get at them? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the truth. My job as their mom is to love them no matter what...to love them unconditionally...to love them the way that they need to be loved. Even when I make mistakes...love them and apologize. Even when I yell...love them and ask forgiveness. Even when I get frustrated at them...love them and show them that no one is perfect. Even when I feel that all my flaws are coming out all at once. Love them and teach them to give grace. Even when I'm busy and don't have a lot of time for them. Love them and make time when I can. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simply put...all I can do, just as my mom did for me, is love them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't spend time worrying about being a bad mom. I don't even have time to write this blog most days. I don't even have time to go to the bathroom by myself. But I always have time to make sure my kids know that I love them, and that's what I pray they remember the most! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">LOVE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you ready to let go of your fears of being a bad mom? Are you ready to ask God to fill your heart with love?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></strong></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>PRAY WITH ME:</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lord, today, I give my fears of being a bad mom to You. Lord, I know that I will make mistakes. I know that I will never be a perfect mom, but I do know that you will use my mistakes and my imperfections to teach my kids about Your love, grace and mercy. Lord, teach me that every day is a new day to start over with love. Show me how to love each of my kids the way that they need to feel loved. Lord, shine Your light into my fear of being a bad mom and fill me with faith that You love my children even more than I do. Help me to walk forward in confidence knowing that, at the very least, my kids will always feel loved. In Jesus' name. Amen.</span></strong></div>
Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-72124103168148003842014-10-26T18:06:00.003-07:002015-01-27T12:40:44.296-08:00Day 26: Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone-Breaking the Fear Cycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8SS6yKFPlAnaKZgB0PLkau3We13_Rg4O3g5UXjuSW3FFfECqKgXKW1FIwRKEvNXyVY9RLBT55heVakepJ6qvPy2Pmw-6JfvEQ1VpMc3Jcd9PZ6S1akLt71-nFINoAS1zbE1b1BeRGWxR/s1600/new+Fear+to+Faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8SS6yKFPlAnaKZgB0PLkau3We13_Rg4O3g5UXjuSW3FFfECqKgXKW1FIwRKEvNXyVY9RLBT55heVakepJ6qvPy2Pmw-6JfvEQ1VpMc3Jcd9PZ6S1akLt71-nFINoAS1zbE1b1BeRGWxR/s1600/new+Fear+to+Faith.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Philippians 4:13</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">DAY 26: Fear of Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I locked my mom out of the car almost every day. I did not want to go to school. I hated it. Why would I want to leave the comfort of my own home? Why would I want to leave my mommy? It was a daily struggle. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKa5t6BjlRuyXtPQcifDzT2J2b04qCyjclJYdlDtRSPLGlI6XfQm-OEwKzY5CBXLPGR7nY6kHhC-pJSRq4-mSRA_eQQEKdHMV-darepzIcmu4JEkze42qVoTYl1kE5ahcdYSrg3-QkTv3/s1600/Kindergarten.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKa5t6BjlRuyXtPQcifDzT2J2b04qCyjclJYdlDtRSPLGlI6XfQm-OEwKzY5CBXLPGR7nY6kHhC-pJSRq4-mSRA_eQQEKdHMV-darepzIcmu4JEkze42qVoTYl1kE5ahcdYSrg3-QkTv3/s1600/Kindergarten.JPG" height="320" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and My brother on my first day of Kindergarten</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cried. My mom got really upset at me. When she got out of the car and walked around to the passenger side to get me out, that's when I did it...I locked the door. She was standing outside of the school in her bathrobe and, in my memory, with curlers in her hair with a look on her face like I've never seen before. She was knocking on the window trying not to make a scene. I'm sure she was embarrassed. I know I would have been. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't know how she finally got me to open the door...I'm sure she must have threatened my very existence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day after day our mornings were like this. I dreaded it. My mom dreaded it. Eventually she talked me into getting out of the car by promising me that she would walk me into my classroom. Then once she got me into the classroom, I didn't want her to leave. I would scream, cry and hold on to her leg. I can't imagine how difficult and frustrating this must have been for my mom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One time, she walked me into the classroom, and I sat down at my desk. She walked out. I immediately got up to chase her and all of my classmates grabbed onto me trying to keep me in the classroom. They didn't know who they were up against. My brother had me trained quite well as a football player and I busted right through that defensive line! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After I pushed and shoved all of my classmates out of my way, I chased my mom down the hallway screaming and crying. She calmly turned around and bent down and gave me a hug. That's all I needed. Ahhh...Comfort. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjp0muCU7jsCEmZuTbavocMvskRKllGl1DKHayEEyyKxzsI46kWZRXb35XIiAXl0AI4_RlyCfLy2JNoL42RmO06-j_Cjr1sYLmEVUZ9R4n5GmFAQE3xb3IgEvWlf47kCQCW5KqV0bwgWb/s1600/First+Grade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjp0muCU7jsCEmZuTbavocMvskRKllGl1DKHayEEyyKxzsI46kWZRXb35XIiAXl0AI4_RlyCfLy2JNoL42RmO06-j_Cjr1sYLmEVUZ9R4n5GmFAQE3xb3IgEvWlf47kCQCW5KqV0bwgWb/s1600/First+Grade.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and My brother on the first day of first grade where the fear really kicked in!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once I turned around and took steps away from the comfort of my mom and being home with her, I felt a lump in my throat and I wanted to turn around again and go after her...Fear! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I broke through that fear and kept walking. I walked into my classroom that day on my own and after that, I didn't have any trouble going to school again. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Going to school became comfortable to me, and I actually started to enjoy myself. Ahh...Comfort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But come second grade, I learned that school was one challenge to step out of my comfort zone after another. Being a student didn't mean just sitting in class and learning. It was also about participating and having to talk out loud and even worse--read out loud...Fear! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I despised the round robin reading (for those who didn't experience that, it was a dreaded way of reading through a chapter in a book as a class. The teachers would have us go up and down the rows taking turns reading aloud. Except I was too busy trying to calculate which paragraph that I was going to be stuck reading that I didn't even pay any attention to what was being read.) I was filled with fear and anxiety the closer it came to my turn to read aloud. Did I know every word? Was I going to mess up? Should I just run out of the classroom? It was agony reading aloud in class but I did it. And soon reading aloud became comfortable. Ahhh....Comfort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then came 5th grade...music class! I actually loved music class, and I loved singing with my classmates until my music teacher, Mrs. Westcott, thought it would be a great idea to have each student sing a solo in front of the class. WHAT? Fear, fear, and more fear! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The thought of singing in front of the whole class...well...that just wasn't going to happen. When it came to my turn, I froze. I couldn't do it. Nothing would come out of my mouth. I just stared at her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mrs. Westcott was so patient with me. She just went on to the next student and then came back to me to give me another chance. I still couldn't do it. Seriously, nothing would come out. I was frozen with fear. She just went on to the next student and came back to me again. This time, I got the tiniest little bit of my voice to work. I remember my classmates leaning close to me straining to hear me. Someone even said, "We can't hear you!" I just kept singing in my teeny, tiny, almost inaudible little voice as quiet as I could. But I did it. To me, though my voice was small, the victory was big!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon, I began to become more and more comfortable singing aloud in class and I even sang a little solo at our end of the year concert not just in front of my classmates, but in front of all the parents too. Comfort...fear...comfort...fear.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoSyGzqeSgcS8F8hFu7jPlM2wxkiOmvVxlDq5XsIqxBDq0ea8oFvw9YAN3aX310fY_uhTtJ_6mX3JqKaApnz_9MmKEMvEngKZslIEHn2v_l0GabaJKx1ZbEdkOrqHtRgoxdA4GT96nG4g/s1600/5th+grade+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoSyGzqeSgcS8F8hFu7jPlM2wxkiOmvVxlDq5XsIqxBDq0ea8oFvw9YAN3aX310fY_uhTtJ_6mX3JqKaApnz_9MmKEMvEngKZslIEHn2v_l0GabaJKx1ZbEdkOrqHtRgoxdA4GT96nG4g/s1600/5th+grade+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's me with the crazy, curly hair!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNjNm_Ev9oDf28miVBunuF6QwtvgKqNI0_0hVQg5_nrivMVpodxS2o0UoE0XHczshtlOlRvEGsK0M_NEZrkh3QP3Fw0a7mc7ZQ7udX-HxXeGM3e2Sn87aezID5Dv6vn64wCdRLRp7KNWD/s1600/5th+grade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNjNm_Ev9oDf28miVBunuF6QwtvgKqNI0_0hVQg5_nrivMVpodxS2o0UoE0XHczshtlOlRvEGsK0M_NEZrkh3QP3Fw0a7mc7ZQ7udX-HxXeGM3e2Sn87aezID5Dv6vn64wCdRLRp7KNWD/s1600/5th+grade.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little solo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even more unbelievable was once I got to high school, I actually participated in not just one, but two musicals! I played Patty Simcox in "Grease".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYGOjMz4yQHUXe_rKPoyZkV1cSNgo4Wv5jro5hUek5Ey2vLDP2UXSSYcM8_FHXsITroM4-XEkTt5FSegZAPlEYDHHYdghEFdGmZvTUsDQRvbH-XOO5dUjjslhWSN3HFlislIAiziRs6av/s1600/Grease+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYGOjMz4yQHUXe_rKPoyZkV1cSNgo4Wv5jro5hUek5Ey2vLDP2UXSSYcM8_FHXsITroM4-XEkTt5FSegZAPlEYDHHYdghEFdGmZvTUsDQRvbH-XOO5dUjjslhWSN3HFlislIAiziRs6av/s1600/Grease+3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj6LKCORN31h5wO0fGBt_F01-bgbWnYfWMf2R1p4YNZtnU2c_ELn1s_WyMU3qFFnEriYyjtgDy96YOCwNXIRx12R_55th2v3Ajh-zFwYVZO8B5DsXxCb7To52s4icZQkk7OhmxBTqlsYz/s1600/South+Pacific3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwj6LKCORN31h5wO0fGBt_F01-bgbWnYfWMf2R1p4YNZtnU2c_ELn1s_WyMU3qFFnEriYyjtgDy96YOCwNXIRx12R_55th2v3Ajh-zFwYVZO8B5DsXxCb7To52s4icZQkk7OhmxBTqlsYz/s1600/South+Pacific3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I also had the opportunity to play Nelly Forbush in "South Pacific". I even sang solos in front of an entire gym of people. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIfiVzqhPBlbLoESq8RNOUA2-R4O85LjVAdSsSmFgFR5tq-Hajl-jvZsWost9qEBbtQP1RrEzq1BzyFYLwDSOUV02SbPTm_Mwm6P-pfpTmRK3JoR_QYT-9yCEHQoWdItwsnYT4HysRsf-/s1600/South+Pacific1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIfiVzqhPBlbLoESq8RNOUA2-R4O85LjVAdSsSmFgFR5tq-Hajl-jvZsWost9qEBbtQP1RrEzq1BzyFYLwDSOUV02SbPTm_Mwm6P-pfpTmRK3JoR_QYT-9yCEHQoWdItwsnYT4HysRsf-/s1600/South+Pacific1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such an amazing cast of ladies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWD5hT0UY2ZbyShMLm-BQkN0GvHqjz7T4zWq-0tzyVImRiZ6pX7ErZwbGWO2jsOiwznMg8FClnQlhiZtmQpNW9h4wdqZT2OLSfhsyqI0eq22RQ5ufC6AndHenJNRSRHE6dW8lqu_sda_L/s1600/South+Pacific+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWD5hT0UY2ZbyShMLm-BQkN0GvHqjz7T4zWq-0tzyVImRiZ6pX7ErZwbGWO2jsOiwznMg8FClnQlhiZtmQpNW9h4wdqZT2OLSfhsyqI0eq22RQ5ufC6AndHenJNRSRHE6dW8lqu_sda_L/s1600/South+Pacific+4.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a hilarious cast of guys!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Me...the little girl who was too fearful to get out of the car...too fearful to go to school...too fearful to walk into class...too fearful to read aloud...too fearful to sing out loud...pushed through her fears and stepped out of her comfort zone time and time again. And because of that, I was able to experience amazing opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise and meet some amazing people along the way. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And now, even today, I still experience the comfort...fear...comfort...fear cycle. Just when I start to feel comfortable, God pushes me forward into an area of discomfort and sometimes...in fact many times...of fear. But because I trust God completely, I continue to step out of my comfort zone and push through the fear because of a little thing...no, I take that back...because of a big thing...called faith!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you need to face your fears of stepping out of your comfort zone? Do you need to have more faith to do what God is calling you to do even if it scares you?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC9yXMuLBA-Qt7CBBue5qTsFWyYoBKinRr3ooacnemzbwO7WMt90AU_aUDYOUrkf7SzI6dgszcQxm9LF3L-QIkWFBaheQQgl10uK_2rZrT32OEE5tnoGSjeepiLOD4rUNhQ18V29E4_-ay/s1600/Pray+With+Me.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRAY WITH ME:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Today, I give my fears of stepping out of my comfort zone to You. Father, without You, I can do nothing. Through You, I can do all things. Increase my faith to step out to do whatever You are calling me to do. Give me what I need to follow You courageously. Every time I find myself holding back, break through whatever is stopping me. Crush my fears with Your Mighty Hand so I can live life full of amazing experiences and abundant joy! Lord, shine Your light into my fears of stepping out of my comfort zone and fill me with faith to walk confidently forward following You, trusting You, and singing a song to You! In Jesus' name. Amen.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Start from the beginning on this 31 Day Writing Challenge--31 Fears to Conquer Through Faith: <a href="http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html">http://christineleeb.blogspot.com/2014/10/31-fears-to-conquer-through-faith.html</a></span><br />
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<br />Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8867905475651337648.post-20483568712824709372014-10-25T19:43:00.000-07:002014-11-13T13:17:42.764-08:00Day 25: Fear of Hurting Someone-God Called Me a Bully<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8SS6yKFPlAnaKZgB0PLkau3We13_Rg4O3g5UXjuSW3FFfECqKgXKW1FIwRKEvNXyVY9RLBT55heVakepJ6qvPy2Pmw-6JfvEQ1VpMc3Jcd9PZ6S1akLt71-nFINoAS1zbE1b1BeRGWxR/s1600/new+Fear+to+Faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8SS6yKFPlAnaKZgB0PLkau3We13_Rg4O3g5UXjuSW3FFfECqKgXKW1FIwRKEvNXyVY9RLBT55heVakepJ6qvPy2Pmw-6JfvEQ1VpMc3Jcd9PZ6S1akLt71-nFINoAS1zbE1b1BeRGWxR/s1600/new+Fear+to+Faith.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Proverbs 15:1</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Day 25: Fear of Hurting Someone</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God called me a bully. Let me explain...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Being a mom is so much harder than I anticipated. It's exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. But it's hard. And it's hard to admit that I'm not the kind of mom I thought I would be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Don't get me wrong...I love being a mom. I love having the opportunity to pour my love into these precious gifts from God...these beautiful beings that God has trusted me with. I love spending time with them. I love seeing their smiles. I love making them happy. I love watching them learn and grow. I love having family time and watching movies together and playing football together and going hiking together. I love every aspect of being a mom...well, almost every aspect. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXk5uL6IxeiVGFn24GFgO221Nd2DmICAKDzksdSmQjJKOxQeqyBRIGWud-TtWWvsuOJFYEEVXyfbG_kkRZ5ccoH2zYgq9-5d55owA8n8id9AWD7vPczkYCRCIWjX2jlkuEzMNBTB-Z38/s1600/Ben+and+Abby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyXk5uL6IxeiVGFn24GFgO221Nd2DmICAKDzksdSmQjJKOxQeqyBRIGWud-TtWWvsuOJFYEEVXyfbG_kkRZ5ccoH2zYgq9-5d55owA8n8id9AWD7vPczkYCRCIWjX2jlkuEzMNBTB-Z38/s1600/Ben+and+Abby.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Growing up, my mom very rarely yelled, and she somehow always kept her cool even in very tense family situations. The TV moms I watched seemed to do motherhood with ease like Carol Brady. Even with six kids, she maintained her home and her patience.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XHbXvNsnCS6qtICv3-pHe7UfTb6ixGCVpDX8W3eHmlc98pe8NrprLWC5Q1XWz3vD7_C6X1fXiuff7g7JTsagMejbZ01ugancb60L4Me5JEybsQjClVXnUvC53h2PD8mYaoNnKXVZ06wN/s1600/Carol.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XHbXvNsnCS6qtICv3-pHe7UfTb6ixGCVpDX8W3eHmlc98pe8NrprLWC5Q1XWz3vD7_C6X1fXiuff7g7JTsagMejbZ01ugancb60L4Me5JEybsQjClVXnUvC53h2PD8mYaoNnKXVZ06wN/s1600/Carol.png" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
Clair Huxtable was a working mom of 5 kids, and she always seemed to have her act together. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBv6J35kKBdPIy5FzcPoG8FLZXCklDer5NmwxryK_o44B-tHgK43MMTfp9ZMnxu5mOJur1F3jimRa-rCMTNPlUzvZzb5AmnUt0o9OEBKBDopoCs0qh7PrQhpiJVQyZfWTgG039SplhEuPj/s1600/Clair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBv6J35kKBdPIy5FzcPoG8FLZXCklDer5NmwxryK_o44B-tHgK43MMTfp9ZMnxu5mOJur1F3jimRa-rCMTNPlUzvZzb5AmnUt0o9OEBKBDopoCs0qh7PrQhpiJVQyZfWTgG039SplhEuPj/s1600/Clair.png" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
And my favorite mom was from "It's a Wonderful Life", Mary Bailey. She was a mother of 4 kids, and even when her husband was falling apart right before her eyes, she still managed to listen to her daughter playing the same song over and over on the piano, tell her son how to spell something, excuse her younger son after he burped, take care of her sick daughter in bed, talk politely to a teacher who called to find out how her sick daughter in bed was feeling, all while making dinner and decorating her house for Christmas. She was even beautifully dressed with her make up on and hair done too. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6mQuzbq19JpVb32NfzAngIJRyk0rHFlveARM2d4RYN7-Ei32XnP74qWde5ptvc8wD2e99c0igA-sRB4LaYt0TEaF_USEUfzEF5vgxarma03Tb_sZjh3ReBnnINGmBr8P3YCxsPtBByMs/s1600/mary.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6mQuzbq19JpVb32NfzAngIJRyk0rHFlveARM2d4RYN7-Ei32XnP74qWde5ptvc8wD2e99c0igA-sRB4LaYt0TEaF_USEUfzEF5vgxarma03Tb_sZjh3ReBnnINGmBr8P3YCxsPtBByMs/s1600/mary.png" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But now I wonder...did Carol, Clair or Mary ever just lose it? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Because I do. I lose it a lot. And that's the aspect of being a mom I wasn't prepared for...that's the aspect of being a mom I don't love...how much my kids could get under my skin and irritate the crud out of me. But that just goes along with motherhood, right?</span><br />
<br />
God knows I have a heart for others...that I genuinely love all of His people, and He also knows that I can't stand the thought of hurting someone. I've lived my life treating people with love and respect. The thought of anyone being mean or cruel to another human being makes me mad. It brings me great fear and anxiety at the thought that I might cause someone any kind of pain whatsoever. <br />
<br />
So, I was surprised when one day, seemingly out of no where, God called attention to the way I treated my kids when I was angry. He very clearly told me that I was being a bully.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I admit, I have a temper, but a bully? I was shocked. I immediately went on the defensive. I hated bullies. I hated the word bully. Hearing stories in the news about kids torturing and tormenting another human being always made me sick to my stomach. Those people were definitely bullies. I was not a bully! I would just hate it if I ever hurt anyone...especially my own children!<br />
<br />
I went to the dictionary and looked up the definition of a bully. It said that a bully was "someone who uses their power or strength to harm or intimidate." <br />
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CXMgghYoORHWdOcK-NW6uoP_uxwtdelehBAa6eNKQDkm-dw_nDrooJDXq4DrIRBJFimFcnFJ9rX9qpyVU4YgiW3o5IHNxt8t1XW-E42wVIShKsuQ4NMwev2sDiUNy74H_AI5X-kuQ7L3/s1600/bully.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CXMgghYoORHWdOcK-NW6uoP_uxwtdelehBAa6eNKQDkm-dw_nDrooJDXq4DrIRBJFimFcnFJ9rX9qpyVU4YgiW3o5IHNxt8t1XW-E42wVIShKsuQ4NMwev2sDiUNy74H_AI5X-kuQ7L3/s1600/bully.png" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
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<br />
And then, I saw it. I saw what God was talking about. When things are good in the Leeb house, I was a Carol or a Clair or a Mary. I was patient, loving, and affectionate. But when things were bad, I was a bully. When my kids throw fits, I lose it. When my kids are defiant, I lose it. When my kids don't listen the first time, second time, or third time, I lose it. I yell too loudly. I threaten. I intimidate. I spank a little too hard. I'm <span style="font-size: large;">impatient, sarcastic, bossy, disrespectful, short-tempered, and as you can tell, very, very quick to anger.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He was right. Of course He was right...He's God.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wow. That was painful to face. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He reminded me that I set the tone for our home. My voice has the power to speak life and love. My behavior has the power to show forgiveness and grace. Or not...it was up to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God asked me, "Do you want everyone in your home to behave like you do when they're angry?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My immediate answer was "NO!" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I knew I needed to pray. I knew I needed to change. I knew I needed the Lord to help me break free from these chains of anger. I would never want to hurt anyone...especially not my children. They are such a blessing to me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't want them to fear me. I don't want them to remember me as a hurtful mom. I don't want them to learn to be quick to anger from me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want them to learn to love unconditionally. I want them to learn to have patience even when others make mistakes. I want them to set an example of Christ's love for others. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I don't want to be a bully mom. Help me, Lord!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"...Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1: 19-20 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you worry or fear that you're hurting someone? Do you struggle with anger or with being a bully to others? </span><br />
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<span class="p"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRAY WITH ME:<br />Father, today, I give my fear of hurting someone to You. I hate the thought of hurting others...especially my own children. Father, I know You have grace for me every day when I make mistakes. Help me to be slow to anger. Fill me with Your love, peace, and self-control. Guard my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not allow anything hurtful to come out. Lord, shine Your precious light into my actions that hurt others and fill me with faith to know that I am a work in progress. You are never done with me. In Jesus' name. Amen.</span></strong></span>Christine Leebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00977682154027653277noreply@blogger.com0