tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19177049250332417422024-03-13T16:43:39.310-07:00MyDivineJourneyI am on a powerful journey with God. Sharing it with you.MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-56975126371731325182016-09-12T06:45:00.001-07:002016-09-12T06:45:48.126-07:00The day after September 11<div>After 9/11, don't you feel thankful to be alive and to get to do the things you do? I do. It's such a tough and heart-wrenching remembrance. Yesterday I was finally able to watch what happened. I was never able to for 15 years. I spent the day thinking about those lost and praying for those left behind and those suffering PTSD from the experience. </div><div><br></div><div>Then I had to honor those who continue to be killed needlessly in our world whether in our own backyards or across the planet. Grateful that the Lord is in control otherwise it doesn't make sense. </div><div><br></div><div>Days like today make me grateful for everyone and all things in my life. So if I haven't told you lately, I love you - I do. </div><div><br></div><div>Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 What good comes to anyone who works so hard, all to gain a few possessions? I have seen the kinds of tasks God has given each of us to do to keep one busy, and I know God has made everything beautiful for its time. God has also placed in our minds a sense of eternity; we look back on the past and ponder over the future, yet we cannot understand the doings of God. </div>MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-40143788994710974042015-12-25T07:44:00.001-08:002015-12-25T07:44:47.250-08:00Oh this is Christmas!<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Christmas makes eternity possible</span><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing will be impossible."</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Through the miraculous birth of Jesus, our triune God gave humanity the possibility of redemption. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">And life. Thank you, Christ. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qiQ53knr3xU/Vn1kY2msLdI/AAAAAAAAGok/frmsNGqy50U/s640/blogger-image-1916079624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qiQ53knr3xU/Vn1kY2msLdI/AAAAAAAAGok/frmsNGqy50U/s640/blogger-image-1916079624.jpg"></a></div>MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-66703421631335961002015-09-18T06:37:00.001-07:002015-09-18T07:24:16.575-07:00Why I write this blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Family and friends,</div>
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My entire reason for maintaining this Journey blog is to inspire you to seek God (Matthew 28:19-20) and to read the Scriptures for yourself so that your soul might live on in eternity in His glorious presence (Revelation 21:11). </div>
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I've experienced His powerful presence here, right now on earth. This is why I'm passionate! But I'm overwhelmed just thinking of His future fully-revealed glory! </div>
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I can't wait!</div>
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Love,</div>
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Blanca </div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-73940997281307982212015-08-31T19:44:00.000-07:002015-08-31T20:57:24.092-07:00The tears of August: Only love remains<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">August 31, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px;"><b>The greatest is love</b></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">1 Corinthians 13:13</span></i></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> But now faith, hope, and
love remain; these three virtues must characterize our lives. The greatest of
these is love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Two loved ones connected to people I know and another person bonded to my heart by </span><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">my ministry finished the circle of life and passed into
eternity this month. Certainly when the calendar turned to August 1, 2015, their
families never imagined they would be saying good-bye.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">We’re never ready to say goodbye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Death changes everything. The new normal never fits – it’s awkward,
it’s painful, it’s stressful and it can bring regrets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">It is good to love well (1 Peter 4:8), forgive easily, be truly
present and let loved ones know they matter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Because.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Once death arrives we no longer have a chance to love. We'll either have wonderful memories or deep regrets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Choose love.</span></div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-56884801155573400052015-07-24T17:26:00.000-07:002015-07-24T17:26:16.442-07:00I keep thinking nothing will surprise me, but it does.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Hebrews 13:8</b> Jesus the Anointed One is always the same: yesterday, today, and forever.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we hit rock bottom with verbal and physical racism incited by politicians and police, coupled with callous killing and selling of newborn life as well as unprecedented levels of socially permissible immorality and religious terrorism on our own soil, I’m trusting in the Shepherd of my soul, The Sovereign Lord Who Was, Who Is and always will Be.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We fail to respect human life, each other, and especially God. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can it be okay to murder unborn babies and discuss their bodies as if they were merchandise for sale to the highest bidder, which apparently they are?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why can a rich politician-wanna-be decide he’s going to be President of the United States and proceed to insult Mexicans, other politicians, and really anyone else just because his money allows him to buy this privilege?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why has the media covered this rich politician-wanna-be and ignored all the other candidates of both parties running for the highest office in America? The advertising dollar speaks.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why do we allow obscene advertising to entice young minds?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why can American-based terrorists easily buy weapons and murder people in a church and on an American military facility? How is that even possible?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why can the United States “Supreme Court” decide that Ephesians 5:31 really doesn’t mean marriage between one man and one woman as ordained by the God who created us?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can the symbol of American freedom, our White House, be covered with a rainbow that has nothing to do with God’s covenant (Genesis 9:3) with the people he created?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why can police summarily arrest and kill people of color whether they are black, Hispanic or other non-whites?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why are murders, rapes and robberies consistently the lead stories on TV, radio and online morning, noon and night?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On and on…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I keep thinking nothing will surprise me, but it does.</span></div>
MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-29383071579035108332015-05-02T18:46:00.000-07:002015-05-02T18:46:00.027-07:00I will never stop telling what happened to me on May 2 2006<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Acts
16:13 </b>On the Sabbath day, we went outside the city walls to the nearby river,
assuming that some Jewish people might be gathering for prayer. We found a
group of women there, so we sat down and spoke to them. 14 One of them, Lydia,
was a business woman originally from Thyatira. She made a living buying and
selling fine purple fabric. She was a true worshiper of God and listened to
Paul with special interest. The Lord opened her heart to take in the message
with enthusiasm. 15 She and her whole household were ceremonially washed
through baptism.[a]<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until my last earthly breath, I will never stop
telling what happened to me on May 2, 2006. That day changed my life and I
finally knew what my important mission was. I knew at a very young age that
there was something I was going to do, but I had no clue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On May 2, 2006 I saw the hand of God and it changed
my entire life. Ask my friends and family. Ask my daughter – she can tell you
how I really was! </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am a sinner transformed by God’s love and I will
proclaim His name until the day I see Him!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Like Lydia in verse 14, the Lord opened my heart to
take His message with enthusiasm. And I have!
God also worked the same way with my grandmother. Both of us have a
shared passion and deep love of the Lord Jesus Christ and we tell it to the
world! </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s too bad my grandmother </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333339691162px; line-height: 24.5333347320557px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> live to see my
transformation, but I know she’ll rejoice in heaven when we’re together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Nine years later, my life continues changing; my
ministry continues to change to adapt to what God wants. </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333339691162px; line-height: 24.5333347320557px;">I've</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> left behind
churches, friends and lots of fun times as well as lots of things that </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333339691162px; line-height: 24.5333347320557px;">aren't</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> beneficial for my life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m bolder, more compassionate and </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333339691162px; line-height: 24.5333347320557px;">I've</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> learned
humbling lessons in humility. But I have so much more to learn. A critical
lesson I learned is that I must deal with the not-so-great parts of my life in
order to be able to walk with others in their pain. That was hard, very hard
but necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I continue to strive to be more fruitful and to
learn more about God and church history. I love, love the Bible. I can’t get
enough of the Word and verses jump out at me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333339691162px; line-height: 24.5333347320557px;">I've</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> learned to revere His holiness and the liturgy
behind His sacred requirements. I love the law because it helps me understand
God’s heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But this I know: I LOVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HE LOVES ME
RIGHT BACK! It’s exciting to know God
intimately and to know He cares about my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He’s my consistent, compassionate, very loving, and
strict-because-it’s-good-for-me Father! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">If God has touched your life, use your Holy Spirit
power! Don’t be afraid, He will take you places you cannot go on your own and
your life will take on a new level that </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333339691162px; line-height: 24.5333347320557px;">isn't</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> superficial or </span><span style="font-size: 21.3333339691162px; line-height: 24.5333347320557px;">man-made</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.mydivinenotes.com/search/label/Testimony">Read more</a> about
how God changed my life. If He chooses, He can do the same for you. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
</div>
MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-33927826507820023662015-03-29T14:17:00.000-07:002015-03-29T14:17:40.046-07:00Stay significant by doing the important things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 Samuel 24:14</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Whom did the king of Israel come out in pursuit of, anyway? A
dead dog? A lone flea? Someone as insignificant as I am?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this exchange David shames Saul for
using an army of thousands to conquer one peasant boy. It made me think of
how we spend so much time agonizing over things or trying to conquer people who
really don’t add value or make a difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How much time do we spend majoring in
the minors? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Years ago my brilliant
supervisor told me to pick my battles wisely – it has proven wonderful advice
in my professional as well as in my personal life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">High blood pressure, strained
relationships and countless psychological and physical maladies happen when we
go after insignificant things. </span></div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-28658934725738792972015-03-17T06:37:00.001-07:002015-03-17T08:31:52.711-07:00Stop your mind and mouth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. </div>
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I went down that tricky and dirty path called offense before I remembered that the Lord Jesus Christ can strengthen my world and direct my words if I only ask. </div>
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Think of the families that would still be together, of the companies that would reach financial goals and of the wars that would be avoided if we called on the Lord first. </div>
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The Bible commands us to think a new way. </div>
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Romans 12:2 Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. </div>
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Try it. </div>
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You'll like it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And peace might just prevail around you! </div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-5585739323233662542015-03-16T21:16:00.001-07:002015-03-19T06:06:34.757-07:00Forget about praying if you are evil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The wicked shouldn't bother to pray since God will not listen to them, read this: </div>
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Proverbs 15:29 The Lord does not listen to the wicked, but he hears the prayers of those who do right. </div>
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Wicked ways irritate God. </div>
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The Bible says He hates what evil people do, read this:</div>
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<br></div>
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Proverbs 15:9 The Lord hates what evil people do, but He loves those who do what is right. </div>
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<br></div>
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These Scriptures reveal several key things:</div>
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God listens to those in relationship with Him (John 1:12-13) who do the right thing.</div>
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<br></div>
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The wicked who fall on hard or sad times will be on their own. God's not listening to their prayers. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The wicked who are apart from God will be wiped out of history:</div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Psalm 9:5 You condemned nations.You destroyed wicked people.You wiped out their names forever and ever. </div><div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div>
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</div>
MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-30729177896770475482015-03-14T09:24:00.000-07:002015-03-14T09:24:35.374-07:00Seeking God in the mundane and before taking action<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;">Proverbs 8:34</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"> The one who listens to me, who carefully seeks me in everyday things and delays action until my way is apparent, that one will find true happiness.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px; line-height: 28px;">I've</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"> been breezing through Scripture with a great new 10 chapter-a-day Bible reading
plan I found on <a href="http://www.challies.com/christian-living/ten-chapters-per-day">Challies.com</a>
that has changed the way I approach daily reading beyond my theological
and devotional studies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">God and His truths simply jump off the pages of my
Bible and I smile, laugh and cry. And I take lots of notes so I can blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As
I was thinking about how I finally got my Bible-reading groove, I thanked the
Lord for making this new method easy for my brain to process. Immediately I
came upon this Scripture that tells me why things are easier to process: <i> I
actively seek God in everyday things! <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Yes
– God is in the mundane of my life! He is aware of it all. My good, my bad and
my ugly – well, my bad and ugly take processing, but He’s there with me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
also have an opportunity to learn how to stop and think before acting until I
pray and seek His guidance. Check out the second part of verse 34<b><i>: and
delays action until my way is apparent.</i></b> That’s a lesson I needed to
hear loud and clear from God today because a key person recently asked me to do
this, <i>again</i>! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
don’t always delay saying or acting on what I feel and this has caused me great
unhappiness. You can probably relate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Next
time you push away the Bible until later, stop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">God
is talking to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-56837342437800685102015-03-12T06:51:00.001-07:002015-03-13T08:42:04.450-07:00When dreary beats out joy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today! </div>
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It's been a season of weather discontent. Too much snow, too much rain, too much gloom and on and on. </div>
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Lamenting the rain that gives life to greenery is now a pastime for many in my area. We forget the drought that killed vegetation and maimed our properties, park and public spaces. Complain, complain, complain. FaceBook, Twitter, in person or phone, we complain that we have no sunshine.</div>
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Massive gray skies and clouds frame my daytime views most days, and I also ask for the sunshine. But I and countless others fail to see the beauty of the current moment. Seems like we should stop and thank the Lord that we're alive to see the day with its dreariness and all. </div>
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That's how I've decided to look at my days.</div>
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Soon we'll see endless days ushering in soaring temperatures and humidity fit for a sauna spa. </div>
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Instead of lamenting out loud and influencing others and especially our own spirits, I challenge each one of us to embrace the joy of the dreary season! </div>
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<br></div>
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Yeah! Love the blah days as much as you love the sunshiny days! Why not take advantage of all of the days of your life? </div>
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<br></div>
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Ecclesiastes 7:14 When life is good, enjoy it. But when life is hard, remember: God gives good times and hard times, and no one knows what tomorrow will bring. </div>
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You and I don't know if tomorrow brings true sorrow.<br>
<br>
Let the dreary, cold, wet and overcast day be beautiful.</div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-70629739781175993542015-02-22T13:39:00.001-08:002015-02-22T13:39:40.632-08:00When you are discouraged, read this<br><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Joshua 1:5b I will be with you just as I was with Moses, and I will never fail or abandon you. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">God never fails. I needed to know this today. </div>MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-78714361515484555192015-01-25T09:57:00.000-08:002015-01-25T10:04:10.200-08:00Don’t let evil and the world distract you<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">Are you too busy doing lots of the 'right' things? </b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><i><b>2 Corinthians 2:11</b> (The Voice) It’s my duty to make sure that
Satan does not win even a small victory over us, for we don’t want to be naïve
and then fall prey to his schemes.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">These are my notes from <a href="http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/uploadedfiles/012515_Identifying_the_Enemy.pdf">a
sermon by Dr. David Jeremiah</a> on spiritual warfare and identifying the enemy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Satan is the original jet setter (Job 2:2). But how many of us
don’t stop to realize that he is in the world tempting us with his arsenal of
worldly pleasures which are powerful distractions? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Dr. Jeremiah is preaching a powerful series and he mentioned a <a href="http://thewordforyoutoday.com.au/devotional/are-you-too-b-u-s-y">devotional
by Bob Gass</a> that caught my attention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I googled it and found the list that I’m sharing below. You and
I need to be aware of the ways the world stops us from hearing God’s voice and
His call. <a href="http://www.mydivinenotes.com/search/label/distractions" target="_blank">Since 2006 </a></span><span style="font-size: 21px;"><a href="http://www.mydivinenotes.com/search/label/distractions" target="_blank">I've</a></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="http://www.mydivinenotes.com/search/label/distractions" target="_blank"> made major lifestyle changes </a>so I’m better equipped
to hear and obey God’s call, but I really needed this reminder. I think we all
do. I hope you will copy and post this where you can be reminded that satan’s
distractions show up in </span></span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">all parts of our
lives</i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> and we innocently go along... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Devotional by Bob Gass:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Addressing a worldwide convention of demons, satan told them: As
long as Christians stay close to God we've no power over them, so: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(1) Keep them busy with non-essentials. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(2) Tempt them to overspend and go into debt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(3) Make them work long hours to maintain empty lifestyles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(4) Discourage them from spending family time, for when homes
disintegrate there's no refuge from work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(5) Overstimulate their minds with television and computers so
that they can't hear God speaking to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(6) Fill their coffee tables and nightstands with newspapers and
magazines so they've no time for Bible reading. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(7) Flood their letter boxes with sweepstakes, promotions and
get-rich-quick schemes; keep them chasing material things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(8) Put glamorous models on TV and on magazine covers to keep
them focused on outward appearances; that way they'll be dissatisfied with
themselves and their mates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(9) Make sure couples are too exhausted for physical intimacy;
that way they'll be tempted to look elsewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(10) Emphasize Santa and the Easter Bunny; that way you'll
divert them from the real meaning of Christmas and Easter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(11) Involve them in 'good' causes so they won't have any time
for 'eternal' ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(12) Make them self-sufficient. Keep them so busy working in
their own strength that they'll never know the joy of God's power working
through them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Do these twelve things faithfully. I promise it’ll work! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Have you figured out the difference between being busy and being
successful in what God's called you to do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Sometimes being B-U-S-Y just means Being Under Satan's Yoke!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Remember:<br />
<i>1 John 5:19</i></span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><i> Have
confidence in the fact that we belong to God, but also know that the world
around us is in the grips of the evil one.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-71541676590837248372015-01-19T06:39:00.001-08:002015-01-19T06:39:57.796-08:00When the old life tempts you<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Remember </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">1 Peter 4:1-2</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Since Christ suffered and underwent pain, you must have the same attitude he did; you must be ready to suffer, too. For remember, when your body suffers, sin loses its power, and you won’t be spending the rest of your life chasing after evil desires but will be anxious to do the will of God. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things the godless enjoy—sex sin, lust, getting drunk, wild parties, drinking bouts, and the worship of idols, and other terrible sins. </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">You'll never have peace when you turn back.</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">If you've fallen away. Return.</div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Your Father is still home waiting. </div>MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-39366527205181727782015-01-17T07:54:00.000-08:002015-01-17T08:05:52.938-08:00Living strong in the Lord <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Setting and achieving goals that matter</h2>
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<i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A11+&version=VOICE"><b>Romans 12:11</b></a> Do not slack in your faithfulness and hard work. Let your spirit be on fire, bubbling up and boiling over, as you serve the Lord. (This is my Scripture for 2015).<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">My main goal in 2015 is to go deeper in my spiritual journey with the Lord.</span></b><br />
I never want to be satisfied in the place I am unless I am certain that God has put me there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According the Dr. David Jeremiah, most of us think we're too busy and we are. But much of our “busyness” is the result of how we choose to spend our non-working hours. He goes on to say that Christians should step back and take a bigger and longer view of where we are in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I'm asking myself hard questions.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>Am I still passionate about kingdom building and am I using that passion as a vibrant witness for Christ? Or do I need to be still and listen for other instructions?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Time isn't on our side - </span><i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+90%3A10&version=VOICE" style="font-weight: bold;">Psalm 90:10</a>a</i><i><b> </b>We may journey through life for 70 years; some may live and breathe 80 years—if we are strong.</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In the January issue of the <i><a href="http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/magazine/default.aspx" target="_blank">Turning Point Magazine and Devotional</a></i>, Dr. Jeremiah reminds us that time ticks away and provides some tips to help us do what God assigns.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Keep in mind that God has placed us on earth for a fleeting time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. De-clutter our schedules so we can do what matters to God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Take advantage of small segments of time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Take time for the most important things.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I don't want to do what I've always done for Christ.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span>I will take that extra step that requires faith to really live the passion that God put in my heart years ago. What about new passions Christ wants for me? I don't want same old - same old. Can you relate? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Pastor Rob Morgan writes in his new book, <i><a href="https://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/monthly/0115_MLBHBK.aspx" target="_blank">Mastering Life Before It's Too Late: Biblical Strategies for a Lifetime of Purpose</a></i>, that we're not always going to do great things. But if Christ assigns something that we complete, then it's greater in God's eyes than a magnificent task like building the pyramids.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The entire point is to seek God's will in whatever we do consistently.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Do not just stay in one comfortable spot repeating actions and behaviors over and over without God's confirmation. Dr. Jeremiah offers these suggestions for seeking expanded or new opportunities to serve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Believe that God wants you to flourish and be fruitful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Get involved - take a risk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Look for the open door.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Trust God is with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Seek God's will and listen!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Key message</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">: <b><span style="color: #00b050;">We don't need a map from God for the next five years - just one for today!<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Get what you really want out of life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I'm challenging myself to go deeper to break my <b>comfort </b>zone, to zip into the <b>discomfort</b> zone and tiptoe in the <b>delusional</b> zone as <a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/challenging-or-just-crazy.html?utm_source=Michael+Hyatt+Newsletter&utm_campaign=b79fc74839-rssdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d1fa5823d7-b79fc74839-250162921" target="_blank">Michael Hyatt calls the zones</a> most of us live in when it comes to goal setting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://michaelhyatt.com/" target="_blank">Hyatt’s blog</a> focuses on intentional leadership and he primarily writes on personal development, leadership, productivity, platform and publishing with a Christian perspective. His emails come directly to my main mailbox because I count on and respect his keen insights on many topics -- he’s practical and down-to-earth. His video on how to pack your trip bags better is a favorite. These are my notes from his webinar on goal setting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Believe you can win.</span></b><br />
Be aware and clear on your own self-limiting beliefs.<br />
Watch the internal narrative that informs your mindset. Be careful what you say to yourself and others. Don’t internalize the negative aspects of personality tests.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Get past the past. </span></b>Your future doesn’t include your past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Set the right kind of goals you can stick to.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #00b050;">Goals must be 1) specific 2) measurable and 3) have a deadline.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tap into the power of motivation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Identify why you want to do it, what will keep you going and what 3-7 tasks you need to do to achieve your goal.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Beat procrastination.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i>“You don’t have to be great to start. But you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar</i>Hyatt says you don’t have to see the entire plan -- just get started and the steps will be progressively clear. Trust that your action steps will help you reach the goal. Get out of distractions and ask for God’s help.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Set big goals – God can help achieve them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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One of my ministries is to share my spiritual insights. My blogging and social media ministries reach people around the world. So I'm asking God what my next steps should be. I will diligently seek His guidance each and every day of my life in all things I plan, seek or want to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hope this post encourages you to<b> move forward with the things God wants to do through your life</b>. Live a passionate life and <b>don't settle for mediocre</b>. Serve His Kingdom because it will come!<o:p></o:p></div>
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All the best in 2015!</div>
MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-7757965243098626892014-12-31T03:55:00.001-08:002015-01-01T07:20:33.324-08:00Wrapping up December<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My one word for 2014: do </div>
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1 Corinthians 14:32 People who speak what God has revealed must control themselves. </div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ck3RVcUMuKc/VKPkSpPUUqI/AAAAAAAABKo/tdmcIZEAMtE/s640/blogger-image--23464879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ck3RVcUMuKc/VKPkSpPUUqI/AAAAAAAABKo/tdmcIZEAMtE/s400/blogger-image--23464879.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I began the month visiting my daughter during Thanksgiving and returned to spend Christmas with her. I'm so glad we spent this time together. The years slip by so fast and relationships are what matter. I was reminded to be present in the important moments. </div>
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Even though December is a <a href="http://www.mydivinenotes.com/2014/12/the-tough-days-of-december.html" target="_blank">nostalgic month</a> for me, I had one of the strongest seasons ever. I made conscious decisions to not stress, over eat or spend lots of money. </div>
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I also elected to be joyful in the power of Christ, and I made good memories with the people in my life.</div>
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God in my life</div>
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I shared several blog posts on the things I learned about God. I am always reminded of the importance of <a href="http://www.mydivinenotes.com/2010/12/divine-note-61-when-god-gives-you.html?q=habakkuk" target="_blank">writing</a> down all things from God (Hab 2:2).</div>
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Time as we know it exists because we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The entire western world comes to a halt every Dec. 25 to celebrate the <a href="http://www.mydivinenotes.com/2014/12/dear-god-thank-you-for-star.html" target="_blank">Light</a> of our dim world. </div>
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I asked my pastor to pray with me as I seek to step up my relationship with the Lord. Relationships take work and they evolve. We change so it's necessary to reevaluate our spiritual lives. In 2015 I will be working on the most important relationship of my life.</div>
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<b>Final post with my 2014 word, do. </b></div>
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The actions required to DO made it one of my most accomplished years! </div>
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I achieved two of my three personal goals, which resulted in a stronger life for me. </div>
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I'm motivated to make 2015 more fruitful with what delights God! </div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-40363671063974554332014-12-10T06:38:00.001-08:002014-12-10T06:38:51.941-08:00That He would love me. Wow.<div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Matthew 6:13b ‘...For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’ </div><div style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Reflecting on this year. I'm not who I was in January and I thank God for His grace and mercy. </span><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Humbled by His holiness. </span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Very aware of my propensity to sin yet He chooses to give me life. </span></div>MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-26969622552435511902014-12-09T16:42:00.001-08:002014-12-09T16:42:29.153-08:00Beauty is important<div>Exodus 28:2-3 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me. </div><div><br></div><div>God thinks of every little detail for His people. He had Aaron's ministry garments specially made and they were beautiful. God cared about the beauty of the clothes! </div><div><br></div><div>I love these details about our Father in Heaven!</div>MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-66460798969545648392014-11-30T23:25:00.001-08:002015-01-01T18:30:04.233-08:00A November to never forget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My word for 2014: Do</span></b></h2>
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I write this post while visiting my child for the Thanksgiving holiday. Last year we spent the holiday apart and decided not to do that again. As with all important relationships, ours evolves over time. It's exciting to see her craft a journey that's uniquely hers.<br />
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<b>What matters </b><br />
This I know: what she thinks matters to me! I want her to lead strong life that makes a difference for Christ.<br />
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<b>Current events</b><br />
The Ferguson verdict cast a pall over<br />
November for many. I found myself among protestors. They also protested right out side our door, which concerned me. It's my hope that the institutionalized racism that exists in our country can be reconciled without further loss of lives.<br />
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<b>Decluttering</b><br />
My month was full of doing - my 2014 action word! I like the decluttering work I've done so far. It will carryover to 2015 as I seek peace in all areas of my life.<br />
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<b>Personal projects </b><br />
I'm working on a photo project to get rid of the hundreds of pictures leftover from the days an entire roll of film had to be processed!<br />
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Early in the month, I made Christmas gifts for family and closest friends. It was fun! I'd like to do some more creative work next year, but it can't clutter my home.<br />
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<b>Loving God better</b><br />
A personal goal for me is to love God better. I fall short. I trip. My tongue and temper fly. But I dust myself off and try again.<br />
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<b>Bible study & blogging</b><br />
This month I continued study in the Book of Revelation. Heavy stuff. I also wrote a Divine Note on pride. It's said that our sermons are lessons we are learning. Wow.<br />
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<b>Books</b><br />
I've continued doing what I love most: reading. I'm trying to make room for it as often as possible. I don't always have to be busy. In fact, I'm thankful I don't live in the busy cycle anymore. I want to fill my life with Christ so I don't need activities to occupy my time.<br />
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<b>Reflecting </b><br />
I've enjoyed posting a monthly update, I may continue this public diary of accountability so I do what matters for my life. </div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-108697041309021052014-11-19T18:39:00.000-08:002014-11-19T18:39:37.989-08:00My Divine Devotions: If you seek God, you will find him.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">December 19, 2010</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>1 Chronicles 28:9</strong> Accept the God of your father. Serve him completely and willingly, because the LORD knows what is in everyone's mind. He understands everything you think. If you go to him for help, you will get an answer. But if you turn away from him, he will leave you forever.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Yes, God knows what’s on your mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Yes, God understands why things are the way they are in your life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Yes, God wants you to go to him for help</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Yes, God will give you an answer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Yes, God will leave you forever if you decide to turn from him</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">God is waiting to answer all your questions. The real issue is: Are you willing to come to God and have a relationship with him? Are you willing to serve God with all of your heart, soul and mind? Many go to God during the hard times. It doesn’t have to be that way. God understands your daily struggles and your daily triumphs – and he wants to be part of it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If you seek God, you will find him.</span><br />
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-26651971252638208312014-10-31T20:55:00.000-07:002014-11-05T16:12:43.029-08:00October moved on<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My Word for 2014 – DO!<br />
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<span style="background: white;">I’m happy
that I've kept up with the commitment I made to myself to post these monthly blog
updates related to my “do” goals.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">What a
month of much "doing" for me! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a strong month both in my
personal and in my professional life. To be sure, I had unexpected sorrow, but
life goes on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><b>Decluttering</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The decluttering project started
with baby steps: each week I tackled a closet, a drawer or an area of my home.
The results have been amazing and I</span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"> stepped up to the next level. I had the kitchen cabinets painted, but I handled the trim details that made my kitchen a lovely place to be and possibly even cook. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">J</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Books that I love</b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Reading
brings me joy. I switched back to paper books to stop being distracted
by the internet and social media. I want to be mindful in moments that matter.
This month </span></span><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">I've</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> read most of the book my book club is reading - Barbara Brown Taylor’s </span></span><i style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Altar to the World</i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">. I’m
also deeply immersed in R. C. Sproul’s </span></span><i style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone’s
a Theologian</i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">. I’m also reading Anne
Lamott’s </span></span><i style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Bird by Bird</i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">. These are just
a few books, there are too many to name, but I’m on </span></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/16881572-blanca-velasquez" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Goodreads</a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">
if you’re interested in my book lists. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>My life with God</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This
month the Book of Revelation took me new places. The Holy Spirit
has opened my eyes like never before to this intriguing book. I’m using Dr. David Jeremiah’s book, <i>Agents of the Apocalypse</i> and it has
given me new insights on key players in the end time. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">The books I'm writing</b><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One
goal I've fallen behind on is my efforts to pull together materials for my
first book. I have two months to move on this…More later. I also need to decide on my word for 2015...I have an idea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background: white;"><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><b>Because
moments matter</b><br />I'm reviewing my social space activities as noted above. Even though I spent
time with key friends, my cats and family, <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">I
spend too much time on virtual activities on my smartphone and tablet. The
social space comes natural to me since I’m a communicator, but I want to be
sure my evangelistic efforts are pleasing to God. I also want to be in the moment
with those who matter. I can also be more intentional with those around me.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>How God changes me</b><br />And, I can be kinder. God has shown
me many opportunities for improvement...I've also been surprised by changes God has worked in the way I react to things I'm passionate about. I spent time crusading against my city's Mayor who asked local pastors to submit their sermons for review. The subpoena was dropped, but it was an eye-opener for me. Freedom is fragile when you're a Christian. The activist in me is alive and well. </span></div>
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October I'm just a little sad that you are almost over. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-14002313752331066832014-10-24T11:20:00.000-07:002014-10-24T11:20:35.587-07:00Feed your faith, stop the fear<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Feed your faith, stop the fear</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNEoH0hst74/T3jsVvFgCZI/AAAAAAAAAKs/SpGRtn55_7w/s1600/March%2B25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNEoH0hst74/T3jsVvFgCZI/AAAAAAAAAKs/SpGRtn55_7w/s1600/March%2B25.jpg" /></a><span style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: large;">2 Timothy 1:7 God didn’t give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love. It helps us control ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fear sneaks into the mind like a thief before you can say 1, 2, 3. When that happens, drop what you are doing or thinking and get into the word! This is a great reason to know Scriptures that ease your heart and mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Think about it: God gave us a powerful and loving mind! Why would you feed it with fear? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instead, challenge yourself to confront what's making you crazy. Is it relationships? Try loving instead of trying to be right all the time. We can love those who are the hardest to love in all areas of our lives. It takes discipline, humility and the desire to obey God, but we can do it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever your fear, confront it so it loses the ability to take over your mind. Understand your impulses and natural sin points. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be careful what you think, be vigilant and selective with what you watch and read. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be careful with the people of your inner circle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take your fears to God, don't feed them yourself!</span></div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-88277702017097239062014-09-30T18:32:00.001-07:002014-10-01T07:35:11.209-07:00The September of my life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My word for 2014: DO<br />
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Do. Yes I "did" this month. I got important things done this month. I also know that I trust God with my life. I'm not out of the woods, but I'm leaving every part of my life in God's hands.</div>
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<b>Hebrews</b> <b>4</b>:<b>13</b> He knows about everyone, everywhere. Everything about us is bare and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God; nothing can be hidden from him to whom we must explain all that we have done. </div>
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I also know that life for me is deeper and more profound when I trust God. I know that I'm not alone when I trust The Higher Power who created me for His purpose. </div>
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This month I also learned how important it is that we not allow our vocations to become our main identity. I saw peoples' lives shaken and it shook me. I was reminded of how important it is to have a balanced life. This is why I try to keep this verse in my heart:</div>
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<b>Colossians</b> <b>3</b>:<b>23</b> Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. </div>
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This month I turned key life events over to God. Powerful. </div>
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<br />I took time to enjoy and spend time with close friends. I've also read during the month. I decided to do lots more focused reading.</div>
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My home is also more organized than ever, but it's a work in progress. I had more home improvements completed, too. Organizing one area/room/project each week has been so productive. </div>
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I've also taken time to review my top 3 goals for 2014. I've enjoyed tracking my progress through these monthly blog posts. </div>
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There's still time to finish strong if I do the things that matter to me. You can do the same. </div>
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Do is a wonderful word. I look forward to fall and all its beauty. </div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-52601639718438124372014-09-07T18:04:00.000-07:002014-09-07T18:04:42.791-07:00 It takes sound doctrine and the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit to change hearts.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">2 Timothy 4:3</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">
– “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but
having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their
own passions.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">It’s so easy to take the
high road and criticize churches that teach “uncomfortable” theology - the kind
of theology that makes people realize that they are sinners in need of Christ.
But I don’t want to go to a church to hear self-help/feel-good messages with shades
of New Age Thought and philosophy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">But is it the “church”
or is it the people who are at fault? The bottom line is that hurt people, hurt
people and no one is immune. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">I've been on both sides
of the aisle criticizing the building and its people. I've come to realize that
maybe - just maybe - it was ME. I know first-hand because my grandmother and
her conservative church loved me to pieces! But they preached the gospel of
Jesus Christ (John 3:16) with no strings and no desire to make you feel good about
yourself. Instead they insisted that you were a sinner and you must repent
because Jesus Christ died to atone for your sins once and for all! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">When you are not right
with God, this hurts! It’s a very uncomfortable message! So you leave the
church and act like they ruined your life when all they wanted to do is show
you the way and the life! Call it failed communication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">But I couldn't repent
because the Holy Spirit hadn't opened my eyes to receive the truth of Christ
until many years later. Oh, I made many professions of faith and answered the
call “to receive Jesus” as Evangelicals call it. But nothing happened! I don’t
care how many feel-good, encouraging sermons I listened to (and even God's
wrath sermons) or Bible studies I attended, nothing changed because God had a
specific plan for me just as He has one for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">So, of course, I criticized the church and its
tacky people because I wasn't right with God!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">Romans 11:33 </span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">(NLT)
Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is
for us to understand his decisions and his ways!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">Even when I came to
repentance, it has taken the Holy Spirit years to get me to see how much of a
sinner I am. The sanctification process continues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">So we can love people
all we want, encourage them and make them feel good about themselves, but it
takes sound doctrine and the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit (that has
nothing to do with religion) to change hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">But most American people
would rather attend a feel good Sunday worship experience that promotes their
own self-love and disregards obedience to God. Theologian Albert Mohler says it
best, “How can any sinner be saved, without a clear presentation of sin,
redemption, the cross, the empty tomb, and the call to faith and repentance?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">And, honestly, the work
of the Holy Spirit is convicting because we have much to learn throughout our
human existence. There’s no way to only preach encouragement, self-love and
inner-peace because that’s not God’s message to a sinner in need of salvation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">Preaching the true
Gospel of Christ isn't popular – pastors know this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">But it’s that Holy
Spirit conviction that compels us to love and worship the Lord with holy
abandon because we know he has done a beautiful work in our heart! He gives us
true and lasting joy and not false personal happiness! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">I don’t want to go to
church to hear a self-help message. It’s better to have a small church
committed to teaching the truth of Christ than a wild bunch of thousands
feeling good about themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt;">I want to know and learn
more about the God of the universe who saved me from myself! To God be the
glory!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1917704925033241742.post-88676159580556097832014-08-31T21:09:00.000-07:002014-08-31T21:09:49.338-07:00The August of worldwide discontent<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background: #FEFDFA; color: #191919; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b>My Word for 2014 –
DO! </b></span><br />
<span style="background: #FEFDFA; color: #191919; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><i><b>Psalm 50:6 (NLT)</b> Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. Interlude.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
long, hot days of August come to a close as I reflect on the grief and terror
experienced </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px;">around the world</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px;"> and </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">in America by innocent people. Somehow, this
month can’t be all about me and my personal world because God opened my eyes
and heart to the hatred and evil of humankind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">Terrorism
against any group, anywhere in the world, is evil whether it’s political or is conducted
by organizations that are supposed to protect the citizens of America. We saw
images of an innocent journalist, women and children harmed across the world. We saw how
racism reared its ugly head in our own back yard with the killing of a young
black man. I came of age in the era of desegregation and it feels like </span><span style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px;">we've</span><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> lost ground. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">I’m
particularly appalled at the ignorance of some Christians who are hypocrites when it
comes to </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">loving your brother as yourself.</i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;"> These hypocrites do not understand </span><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/08/self-segregation-why-its-hard-for-whites-to-understand-ferguson/378928/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">what
minorities in America deal with</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">. They incite hate in their congregations
and circle of people who look like themselves. More than likely, they have no friends of other
races, economic status, etc. You can bet their circles and churches only include
people of the same race. Of course, they invite “token” minorities to join them
for the sake of reputation. In fact, they
probably feel like they do their share when they go on cushy mission trips across
the world to “help those less fortunate.” Or they send donations to “feed the
children” so they feel better about themselves. They might also volunteer to
feed the homeless or sponsor a “needy” family at Christmas. That’s called
</span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 150%;">HYPOCRITE!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There.
August has been a long, hot month and so many people are suffering. We can’t
just be quiet and go on with our own cushy lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Maybe
this word “<i>DO</i>” has reawakened the activist in me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px;"><b>Matthew 5:7 </b> Blessed are the merciful—they will be shown mercy.</i></div>
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MyDivineNoteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06244432473029817567noreply@blogger.com0