tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61025527949232311612024-02-20T02:21:30.550-08:00Bits from BrendaReflections on Life, Faith, and Friendship Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14372850292511402313noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-10004258602944767132022-09-24T12:22:00.008-07:002022-09-24T12:28:36.693-07:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">His Game
Plan is Perfect<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">My precious
Daddy died almost 30 years ago, yet memories of my 6 foot 4 inch hero are
perfectly clear.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">His love and patience
fill my mind and heart.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Daddy
coached the church softball team, and because I was the coach’s daughter, I was
the official scorekeeper.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">During those
hours in the dugout I watched firsthand as my Daddy demonstrated the tenderness
of Jesus.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">When tempers would occasionally
flare, </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Daddy took players aside and
explained the responsibility they assumed by wearing a uniform with the church
name displayed.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">That was the beginning
of my understanding of 2 Corinthians 3:2.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">We are letters read by all men.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Daddy
modeled for me appropriate responses to my heavenly Father.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">He insisted that I be very detailed with the
scorebook and took time to teach me the rules of the game.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">He coached me with tenderness and consistency
through each phase of life, and because he believed in me, I was confident I
could do anything.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">My heavenly
Father coaches me daily. When I feel pulled in many directions, I like to get
away to a quiet spot and talk to Him.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Answers
don’t always come quickly, but as I walk in the confidence of His love, I find
that His game plan is perfect.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">I can
live with confidence in who I am in Christ.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">I know Jesus has everything in control.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Perhaps you
did not have a father who modeled Christ’s love.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Your heavenly Father is eager to love and nurture
you.</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Spending time reading God’s Word
will reveal His love letters to you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">I like the
way The Message describes Paul’s words to believers in Corinth.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">2 Corinthians
</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">3:1-3</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">Does it
sound like we're patting ourselves on the back, insisting on our credentials,
asserting our authority? Well, we're not. Neither do we need letters of
endorsement, either to you or from you. You yourselves are all the endorsement
we need. Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at
you. Christ himself wrote it — not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not
chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives — and we publish it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;">(from THE
MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All
rights reserved.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-35699530170859301402022-09-06T12:31:00.001-07:002022-09-06T12:31:49.281-07:00A Growing Faith<p>Matthew 17:19-20</p><p><i>19 Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, "Why couldn't we cast out that demon?"</i></p><p><i>20 "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." </i></p><p><br /></p><p>Have you heard someone refer to "growing faith?" Is it possible to arrive at a place where faith is completely mature and the growing cycle complete? I know I haven't arrived at full spiritual maturity, but I do want my faith to increase. </p><p>I sat this morning looking out the window and praying, asking the Lord for faith enough to trust Him to fulfill His purpose in my life and allow me to experience real growth in my spiritual maturity. When I stopped praying I glanced around the back yard and found myself a little overwhelmed by all the work that needs to be done. We have been in our home a year and there has been so much work to do inside, the yard had to take second priority. It is also too hot to work outside in the summer heat.</p><p>When we purchased our home it came with seven fruit trees. Unfortunately the previous owners had not fed or adequately watered the trees. Without proper care they were not producing fruit. We have fed and watered the trees and they are coming back to life. Interesting isn't it, struggling to produce fruit, but without proper care the end product was less than desirable.</p><p>I want the fruit of my life to be pleasing to God, and I know without constant attention to God's Word and sensitivity to His spirit my faith cannot grow and I will not produce pleasing fruit. If Jesus told his disciples they didn't have enough faith, I'm certain He would want my faith to grow.</p><p>Share my prayer that we will cultivate our faith and grow fruit that reflects His beauty.</p><p>Lovingly,</p><p>Brenda</p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-75886380347567224212021-09-14T14:17:00.000-07:002021-09-14T14:17:07.320-07:00<p> Strength from Weakness</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>2 Corinthians 12:8-10</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Three different times
I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, "My grace is all
you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast
about my weaknesses, 8 so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10
That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships,
persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I
am strong.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>For most of us this is a very familiar passage. We admire Paul’s courage to endure hardship. Today, for me, I am struggling to find the
strength in my weakness. One year ago
this month my precious husband left this world for his eternal reward. I’m grateful for the legacy he left and the
life we enjoyed; however there have been times when it has been impossible for
me to find the strength to stand. My
legs will become weak and I fold into a fetal position and weep. I do call out to God and I know in my mind He
hears me, but when your emotions are shattered and your world feels empty it is
hard to find strength to breath.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>G</o:p>rief is a never ending emotion and I certainly don’t have
advice to offer, I just know that without the Lord it would be impossible to
face tomorrow.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I have listened to this song almost daily and I trust God to
continue His work in me as He perfects His strength.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I CAN DO ALL THINGS...</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I can do all things</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Through </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/Christ"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Christ</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> who </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/gives"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">gives</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> me strength<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/sometimes"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sometimes</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/wonder"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">wonder</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> what He can do </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/through"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">through</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> me<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/great"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">great</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> success to show<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/glory"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">glory</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of my own<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yet in my </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/weakness"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">weakness</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> He is </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/there"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">there</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to let me know<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/perfect"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">perfect</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> when our </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is gone<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He'll </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/carry"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">carry</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> us when we can't </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/carry"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">carry</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> on<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Raised in His power,
the weak </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/become"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">become</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> strong<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is perfect, His </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is perfect<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We can only know<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/power"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">power</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that He holds<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/truly"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">truly</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> see how deep our </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/weakness"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">weakness</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> goes<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in us begins<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where ours </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/comes"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">comes</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to an end<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/hears"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">hears</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> our </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/humble"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">humble</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> cry and </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/proves"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">proves</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> again<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/perfect"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">perfect</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> when our </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is gone<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He'll </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/carry"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">carry</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> us when we can't </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/carry"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">carry</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> on<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Raised in His power,
the weak </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/become"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">become</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> strong<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 19.5pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is perfect, His </span><a href="https://www.definitions.net/definition/strength"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">strength</span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is perfect<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-51748620877067244902021-08-19T15:54:00.001-07:002021-08-19T15:54:44.691-07:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Do You Really Know?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Have you ever said to someone at a time of crisis “I know
exactly how you feel?” What a foolish
statement, and yes, I have said it many times.
But we cannot know exactly how anyone else feels because we are each so
wonderfully and mysteriously designed and our environmental circumstances are
so different that we can never be “exactly the same.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>It has taken me many years to understand that I can
empathize with a friend without knowing ‘exactly’ how they feel. In recent years I have had the joy of getting
to know two wonderful women who have become very dear friends. The depth of our friendship is demonstrated
in various forms from buddies, allies, confidents, encouragers and yes,
chastisers. They challenge me when I’m
wrong and encourage me when I’m down.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I credit the strength of our friendship to our spiritual
bond. I can’t expect them to know “exactly
how I feel;" however, they know the One who does, Jesus, and they talk to Him
on my behalf.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Jesus wants to be our friend; but we must pursue Him. Developing a trusting friendship takes time,
and the best time you will ever spend is your time in God’s Word. The more you know about God and His Son, the greater
friendship you will feel toward Jesus.
Jesus not only knows exactly how we feel, His love can help us through
any experience. Start now and cultivate
the greatest friendship of your lifetime.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The following</o:p> Hymn was written in 1898 – some of you may be able to
sing it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 15.0pt; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Refrain:</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Friendship with Jesus!<br />
Fellowship divine!<br />
Oh, what blessed, sweet communion!<br />
Jesus is a Friend of mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Friend when other friendships cease,<br />
A Friend when others fail,<br />
A Friend who gives me joy and peace,<br />
A Friend when foes assail!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Friend when sickness lays me low,<br />
A Friend when death draws near,<br />
A Friend as through the vale I go,<br />
A Friend to help and cheer!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Friend when life’s short race is o’er<br />
A Friend when earth is past,<br />
A Friend to meet on Heaven’s shore,<br />
A Friend when home at last!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">John 15:15<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't
confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything
the Father told me. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Proverbs 18:24<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are "friends" who destroy each other, But a real friend sticks closer than a brother. NLT</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-52211104114916047172021-08-09T11:33:00.001-07:002021-08-09T11:33:59.873-07:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Lessons I Learned in
the Orchard<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is a very warm August
day and I’m sitting nestled in an orchard in Washington State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beauty and symmetry of the orchard would
be awe inspiring without the fruit, but the abundance of the bright red
cherries and the vivid orange apricots make all my efforts at seasonal
decorations pale.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I learned a lesson
from God’s creation that has motivated me to put more energy into sharing my
faith. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking down a row of cherry
trees I observed that one tree had a different variety of cherries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I inquired of the owner and he told me that
was a pollinator tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The different
variety of cherry tree pollinated the other variety causing it to produce more
fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s my takeaway
from my relaxing time in the orchard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
lot of work goes in to having a good crop of fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have watched the workers carefully control
the amount of water and thin the branches to allow the sun to ripen the fruit
at just the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This orchard is
80 years old and the trees are mature and sturdy continuing to produce an
amazing crop.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I too am mature (and
sturdy).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be a pollinator for
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Girls, our faith can empower us
to pollinate with the gospel everyone we meet without a spoken word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our world today is so crazy and people are
stressed and many are fearfilled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s
make every effort to live in a way that demonstrates the Love of Jesus in the
most basic of life’s activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are so many
scriptural passages referring to fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I do want my actions to reflect Christ in a way that produces
fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no greater joy than to
share my faith with someone and have them pray to receive Christ into their
life. Are you living in a way that would draw someone to inquire about your
life and why you are so peaceful? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 7:17-20<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">17 A good tree
produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can't
produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit. 19 So every tree
that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20
Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people
by their actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NLT<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;"><span style="color: #202122; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: .05in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hebrews 13:15-16<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: .05in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">15 Therefore by Him
let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of
our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to
share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. NKJV<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-15638498601216489712021-07-09T11:24:00.000-07:002021-07-09T11:24:59.675-07:00<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Improve
What You Can</u></i></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Today was a special day.</span><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><span style="text-align: left;">I had not been to the nail salon for 3 months.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">I keep my fingernails short because I work at
the computer every day, wash dishes, and dig in the dirt when possible.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">As I watched the girl work on my nails I made
an observation.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Every lady in the salon
was over 50 years of age and probably over 60…I’m not a good judge of age.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Most of us had wrinkles, colored hair and
comfortable clothes and shoes.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">This
caused me to question, ‘why is so important what my fingernails look like?’</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">My conclusion may not merit an article in a
psychology magazine but here are my thoughts.</span><o:p style="text-align: left;"> </o:p><span style="text-align: left;">The aging process affects each of us differently, most of
the results are genetically inspired. Having brightly colored nails that
stay beautiful for a couple of weeks without attention gives me a sense of
confidence in my appearance and I somehow look past the brown age spots and
wrinkles and focus on the shine and color of many manicured nails.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>So I ask myself, what am I doing to spiffy up my spiritual
life? I want to shine for Jesus. I want people to know how much I love my
Savior and what joy He can bring to any life.
I think I’ll add something new to my daily encounter with Jesus and
attempt to shine a little more brightly. Join me in this personal improvement
process and let’s show the world what it looks like to glow in the dark. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Psalms 25:4-7<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4 Show me the right path, O Lord;<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">point out the road for me to follow.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">for you are the God who saves me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All day long I put my hope in you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">which you have shown from long ages past.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">for you are merciful, O Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NLT<o:p></o:p></p>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-2474934313007941042021-06-21T09:10:00.001-07:002021-06-21T09:18:45.711-07:00<p> Well, as you can tell I'm not doing well at keeping up with a weekly post. I will try to be more consistent. Yesterday was a difficult day since it was my first Father's Day with Steve in heaven and also the day my Mama went to heaven twelve years ago. I have learned the true meaning of God's mercies being new every morning. As I embrace each day of my 'new reality' I ask God for strength and grace to live in a way worthy of my calling. Did you know you are called? For some reason most believe that being 'called' is only for those in full time ministry or missionaries. Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is called to walk worthy of her calling.</p><p>Ephesian 4:1-4</p><p><i>Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.</i> NLT</p><p>That's it girls, we must walk WORTHY of our calling and the only way I know to do that is to daily allow the Holy Spirit to guide and guard our every thought and action. Our mature age does not give us the right to be passive in our faith. Please join with me as we aggressively pursue to actively engage in anything God brings across our path as we wait for that '<i>glorious hope for the future'</i>!</p><p>I'd love to hear from you if you have thoughts to share. I received this quote from a friend and wanted to share it.</p><p><i>Grief never ends...but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of LOVE!</i></p><p><br /></p>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-8663056415623457122021-06-07T09:08:00.001-07:002021-06-08T08:34:47.745-07:00<p><b> Secure Yet Searching</b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Finding security in our world today is a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We read or hear information stated as factual
only to find out<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>tomorrow it was proven
to be untrue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Girls, as we age it is
normal to feel less secure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remind
myself when walking down the sidewalk with my dog to watch my steps carefully or
when driving my car I’m more cautious than I used to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Security is a basic human need and I am
learning that in this temporal world security can be quite elusive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so grateful that
in my spiritual life I can find security and confidence to live
peacefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And I am convinced
that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about
tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No power in the sky above or in the earth
below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the
love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans 8:38&39<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NLT<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Spiritual maturity is a lifelong journey and even though I
feel totally confident in my salvation, I continue to search out the deeper
truth in God’s Word.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"And don't be
concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These things dominate the thoughts of
unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek
the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “</i>
Luke 12:29-31<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NLT<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now to be practical, how do we continue on this lifelong
journey of spiritual maturity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s
time to develop some spiritual discipline that has been neglected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try talking to God multiple times throughout
your day as you go about routine activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember, talking to Him is important but listening to Him is the key to
spiritual growth.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we don't look at the troubles we can see
now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we
see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2 Corinthians 4:18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>NLT<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-43488788124760770072021-05-26T13:19:00.002-07:002021-05-26T13:19:44.346-07:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">My New Reality<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s May of 2021 and the date on my one and only blog is
February 2017.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know what that
says about my ability to follow through but thanks to the loyal friendship of
Nancy Moser I am ready to move forward and attempt to blog on a consistent
basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really writing more for me
than you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that sounds selfish but
let me explain.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I have spent most of my adult life in Christian Publishing
as a background person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have enjoyed
every moment of the journey and have been blessed to work with amazing people,
called by God to communicate His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes my role has been very minor and on rare occasions I’ve
invested all my creative energy in a major way.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On February 10, 2019 my world was turned upside down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood beside the hospital bed of my husband
of 53 years as we were told he had a mass in his abdomen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Extensive testing concluded that he had
Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved
rapidly into a course of treatment that proved to be agonizing for him and we
were truly sustained by God’s power and the love and prayers of family and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband was the most
courageous person I know and through 19 months of chemotherapy he never
complained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We held tightly to the hope
of divine healing for him and daily expressed our gratitude to God for one more
day of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On September 17, 2020
surrounded by his family, Steve graduated to his heavenly reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My journey of grief was just beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read numerous books and spoke with other
widows. I had walked along side Vonette Bright when her husband Bill graduated
to heaven and watched the grace and courage she displayed as she drew strength
from her deep faith and assurance of Bill’s joy of being in the presence of the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was relieved that Steve was no
longer in pain and I knew he was in heaven, but the natural woman and spiritual
woman had to reconcile how to live in victory in my new reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confess, some days are better than
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s Word has been more
precious to me than ever before and sometimes I find myself sitting with my
Bible open on my lap, both hands on the pages just praying to somehow absorb
the truth into my innermost being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Living Word of God has proven to be my greatest source of strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We
don’t grieve as those who have no hope. (1 Thes 4:13) </i>Grief is real and
unique to each individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends
encouraged me to find a new ‘normal’, and I struggled with the concept of
‘normal.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the age of 74 and 53 years
of marriage my life would never be ‘normal’ again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to seek God for his guidance in my
new ‘reality.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The faithfulness of God
never changes and I awake each morning grasping for His presence and leading.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I have lots of thoughts I want to share with you so I will
definitely not wait 4 years to write again. As always, my thoughts will be in
‘bits'...that's just me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I look forward to sharing the realities of life with
you. I pray my words may encourage you to
cling a little more closely to our wonderful Savior.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just FYI – my life verse is Galatians 2:20<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer
I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting
in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. NLT<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6102552794923231161.post-32124954453786456212017-02-06T10:48:00.000-08:002017-02-06T10:52:41.586-08:00Hello!<div class="gmail_default" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well, here we are, I just celebrated a milestone birthday and my dear friend <a href="http://www.nancymoser.com/">Nancy Moser</a> has pushed me into writing a blog. She is convinced I have something to say and it will always be 'Bits and Pieces' because that is how I live. Nancy and I have worked together for many years even though we are eight years different in age and 1500 miles apart in geography. Female friendships are strange like that. We have that 'ah ha' moment of "I think I like you" and then off we go to form a lasting bond. I've watched Nancy grow as a fiction writer, getting kids through college, and blossom into a grandmother of seven.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">She has encouraged me as I have faced writing deadlines, a son getting married and grandchildren being born and growing up. Friendships forged in the process of living are precious and to be treasured. Life is in the details. We somehow find the courage and strength to grapple with the big things in life but its the 'bits and pieces' where we need our girlfriends to hang in there with us.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nancy and I believe and have taught women that friendships forged in faith are the ones that nurture our souls and make us better.</span></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="gmail_default" style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am going to share my heart with you in this blog and I'll say it up front...I'll be talking to women who have scaled the heights and gone 'over the hill.' This stage of life is liberating...I'm not afraid to speak my mind and admit what I don't know. This is a savy circle of sisters - come along with us and let's talk.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Brenda Joseehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09019918331976640647noreply@blogger.com0