tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68200062750883823202024-03-13T14:24:43.967-07:00The Listening Heart♥Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.
Isaiah 55:3 NLTSusan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-71725887629591088122014-01-01T12:50:00.001-08:002014-01-01T12:50:15.438-08:00The Most Important Thing<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-S7dZLOYMk/UsR_cjjstzI/AAAAAAAAAMg/30Vo4iOUJH8/s1600/cross2_copy1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-S7dZLOYMk/UsR_cjjstzI/AAAAAAAAAMg/30Vo4iOUJH8/s320/cross2_copy1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Do
this in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:24</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">THE
AWARD-WINNING SPORTS BROADCASTER, Jon Miller, has provided play-by-plays for
major league baseball for many years. Jon’s voice of authority and sense of
drama make even a blowout game exciting. While broadcasting a game, Miller
never forgets the most important thing. An egg-timer reminds him to give the
score every three minutes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Lord’s
Supper is, in a way, like Jon’s habit of remembering to relay the score. Amid
all of the hard work, drama, and disappointment the game of life brings, the
Lord’s Supper causes us to stop and remember the most important thing—Christ’s
covenant of grace. Like the Passover from which this sacrament grew, we do this
to remember Him, to look back upon the meaning of our redemption.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But it’s not
just a thanksgiving feast of looking back. The Lord’s Table reveals the link
between the cross and the crown. As we sit down for Holy Communion, we also
look forward to our ultimate salvation. So especially on days that feel like a blowout,
it helps to stop, remember, and get excited about the incredible winning game
God has planned for our future. For we know, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them
because he is the Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his
called, chosen and faithful followers. (Revelation 17:14) </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 9;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>—Susan Browning Schulz<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Celebrate
your salvation regularly by choosing a memorial of some kind and keeping it
visible.<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-42034447770584613072013-10-28T13:25:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:34:49.630-07:00TURN ON YOUR LIGHT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_RKcbXh-o8/Um7Hxtak9SI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/lyL9Zdv7iJk/s1600/Light_warm_snow_halolight%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_RKcbXh-o8/Um7Hxtak9SI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/lyL9Zdv7iJk/s320/Light_warm_snow_halolight%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><em>“When the Son of Man comes<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24040A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.<span class="text Matt-25-32" id="en-NIV-24041"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24041C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.</span></span><span class="text Matt-25-33" id="en-NIV-24042"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.</span></span></em><br />
<em><span class="text Matt-25-33"><span class="woj"></span></span></em><em><span class="text Matt-25-34" id="en-NIV-24043"><span class="woj">“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24043E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> prepared for you since the creation of the world.</span></span><span class="text Matt-25-35" id="en-NIV-24044"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me </span></span>(Matthew 25:31-36).</em></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ONE NIGHT WHEN Robert Louis Stevenson was young, his nanny called
him to bed. Oblivious to her summons, he stood staring at something outside his
nursery window. The nanny asked, "Robert, what are you looking at?"
He pointed to the lamplighter setting the streetlamps ablaze. "Look,
Nanny! That man is putting holes in the darkness!" When we serve others
like Jesus describes in the passage above, we illuminate our surroundings. By “putting
holes in the darkness” we also give the earth’s inhabitants a peek into the kingdom
God prepared for His people since the creation of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you think Jesus calls us to serve others only because people
need our assistance? My experience has resulted in more than filling a need. He
calls us to help others because of what happens to us when we serve—humility
blossoms in our hearts and our character grows and matures. Even though deeds
like feeding the hungry could never buy our way into God’s presence, He
promises that our acts of kindness will not go unnoticed. Jesus will reward us.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How about finding a worthy cause to help every month or quarter? Jesus’
message reveals what a difference a simple gesture makes. When we shine our
light on those around us, the melodious words of Jesus, “Come, you who are
blessed by my Father” will brighten each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">—Susan Browning Schulz<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Serve others and watch God’s promises come alive
in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>Photo courtesy of Christianphotos.net </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-63932798223816549112013-09-22T17:50:00.001-07:002013-09-22T17:50:14.659-07:00MUSE OR AMUSE<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Be still before the L</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">ORD,</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">all mankind, because he has roused himself from
his holy dwelling. (Zechariah 2:13)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuCUIlhBRfY/Uj-PjVFxmZI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ydlmf-PrAhs/s1600/DSCF4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuCUIlhBRfY/Uj-PjVFxmZI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ydlmf-PrAhs/s320/DSCF4240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></i>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">IN ANCIENT GREEK MYTHOLOGY, the Muse spent a lot of
time in solitude and thinking. It’s not a surprise then that muse as a verb
means to think or meditate in silence, as on some subject. How interesting that
the letter “a” used as a prefix renders a word into its negative form. Amuse
means to hold the attention of someone; entertain or divert in an enjoyable
manner. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Built on the principle of amusement, the entertainment
industry’s goals are to let producers, directors, actors, and athletes think
for us and distract us from seeking solitude. They provide an escape to a place
where we there’s no need to consider our own lives and reflect. Our enemy,
Satan, loves to use this business to keep us from thinking for ourselves,
especially taking the time to contemplate God and meditate on His word.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">In our passage today, God instructs us to be still
before Him. In another popular verse in Psalm 46:10, God tells us to “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Be still, and know that I am God</i>.” To be
still requires us to spend some time by ourselves pondering life and God. To
know God is to know His word. These commands leave us with a choice—muse or
amuse. Will we live mindfully or will we live mindlessly? God promises to live
with those who muse.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: right; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">—Susan Browning Schulz </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Make a plan to spend
regular time meditating on God and His word.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p>The picture above is the view from my parents old home on Big Pine Key, Florida. I find it easy to be still and know here!<strong> </strong></o:p></span><br />
Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-35752502279942794072013-08-30T18:51:00.001-07:002013-08-30T18:51:16.589-07:00Trusting Our Horizon Indicator
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Abram
believed the L</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">ORD</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, and he credited it to him as
righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">AIRPLANES
ARE EQUIPPED</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> with an instrument called an artificial horizon
indicator. Human senses may become confused in the foggy thickness of clouds, but
the horizon indicator cannot be fooled. Following the indicator’s guidance,
pilots keep their planes safe and on course.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">This illustrates our natural wisdom compared with
God’s heavenly wisdom. When Abram (later re-named Abraham) questioned God’s
plan, it was like a pilot trying to fly his plane through a cloud bank while relying
on himself instead of the flight instruments. Even though Abram had received an
unconditional promise, he felt hopeless because God had still not given him an
heir.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">But Abram recovered almost as quickly as he wavered
by focusing on the instrument panel, God’s word. He chose to receive the truths
God spoke into his life. The history that followed has been amazing. We still reap
the great reward of Abraham’s belief in God’s promises today. Thinking about
this blasts me back to the past. During elementary Sunday School class we marched
while singing, “Father Abraham had many sons, and many sons had Father Abraham,
and I am one of them, and so are you, so let’s just praise the Lord!” We
shouldn’t leave songs like this in our childhood. The great truths in them can
correct our perspective and help us focus on our horizon indicator.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
Dear Jesus,<br />
Help me to follow Abram's example by choosing to believe, being set right with you, Lord. Amen!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQJGPwIPmCI/UiFLvhSncrI/AAAAAAAAALk/7rh9UY37Jis/s1600/dscf1421%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQJGPwIPmCI/UiFLvhSncrI/AAAAAAAAALk/7rh9UY37Jis/s320/dscf1421%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p>photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.christianphotos.net/">www.christianphotos.net</a><strong> </strong></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-84330266757129615582013-02-08T14:23:00.000-08:002013-02-08T15:54:22.237-08:00Lily the Rabbit Teaches a Lesson on FaithAuthor, Cynthia L. Simmons (<a href="http://www.clsimmons.com/">www.clsimmons.com</a>), is concerned about our families being under attack and wanted to hear some encouraging stories about families doing life God's way. She launched a writing contest, "Doing Family God's Way." I won in the overcoming obstacles category. I never forgot this event because God taught me not only about childlike faith through this silly rabbit, but also that God can be trusted to nurture my children's faith, even when I worry about them needlessly.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Uh oh!” I blurted out as my
daughter Jenna and I approached the rabbit hutch. Worries for Lily started the
moment I saw the cage door standing open. Just because we couldn’t see her
didn’t mean she wasn’t there. She could have been sleeping in the enclosed part
of her pen. But when I popped open her bedroom door I knew we were in trouble.
No one there! Jenna’s big blue eyes began to pool with tears.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I said, “Let’s
get a move on and look for her! She can’t be too far, right? Before we get
started, let’s pray.” <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I grabbed her
little four-year-old hands right there in front of Lily’s house, we bowed our
heads and prayed: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dear Jesus, You who
created Lily, know exactly where she is. Please open our eyes to see which
direction she went so we can put her safely back into her cage. Thank you
Jesus! Amen.</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My thoughts went
south at Amen and doubt began to creep in. What if God didn’t answer our
prayers? What if Lily is never found? How much damage would this do to my
children’s youthful faith. Jenna’s brother and sister were due home from school
in about an hour. How would they take the news? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Jenna
and I canvassed the entire yard more than once, but to no avail. We gave up and
went inside.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Our rabbit
adventure started when my three children, D.J., Kim, and Jenna inherited two
Dutch bunnies, a hutch, and all of the needed supplies from a friend. Jack and
Lily (based on the movie <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Legend</i>)
taught my children a thing or two about life right away. We figured out quick
that if you don’t want a lot more than two bunnies you can’t leave Jack, the
big brown and white banded boy, with Lily, the delicate white girl with black
splotches alone in the same cage. We watched Lily pull the fur off her belly to
make a super soft bed in preparation for the arrival of her precious little
babies.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The children
loved the new members of our rabbit family. After they were covered with fur
and up hopping around and eating on their own, we played with them a lot. All
three kids loved to take them out onto the front lawn and watch our border
collie herd them up so no one would get lost. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“You know kids, we don’t have enough room to
keep Lily and Jack’s babies. If we did no telling how many rabbits we would
have.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They seemed to
understand. With minimal complaints, off to the Pet Store we went to trade our
baby bunnies in for a separate hutch for Jack. The Pet Shop loved receiving
dual profits; free adorable critters to sell, who were calm and used to being
held, plus the sale of a new cage.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now here we sit
with one empty cage and another one filled with poor, lonely Jack.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I heard the rush of the school
bus’s diesel engine roar by and knew Kim and D.J. would walk through the door
at any moment. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
our greetings and shedding of backpacks I said, “We have some bad news. Jenna
and I went out to the rabbit hutches earlier and the door to Lily’s cage was
accidentally left open. She has escaped and ran away. We prayed and looked around
for quite a while, but could not find her. I’m so sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Mommy, D.J. and
I haven’t had a chance yet to try and find her. Why don’t we look for her again?”
Kim said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">D.J.
nodded in agreement. As I saw the worry well up in my children’s hearts I
continued to doubt God would answer our prayer to find Lily, but I decided it
would be best to repeat the prayer Jenna and I had prayed earlier—then we
hurried out the back door in search of Lily. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
weren’t to the bottom of the back-deck stairs before I heard D.J. scream,
“There she is!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>I
couldn’t believe it! Lily, right there near the bottom of the steps munching on
grass after Jenna and I had looked everywhere for her only an hour earlier. Kim
scooped her up.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m
so glad you came back, Lily” she said, holding her close to her cheek. “You
were a bad girl to run away! Jesus answered our prayer, Mommy.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“He
sure did,” I said, wondering why I ever doubted.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I want a turn
holding her” D.J. said. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Me
too,” Jenna said. “Lily, you were a bad, bad girl; don’t ever do that again!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
the gentle scolding, things began to settle down. We placed Lily back into her
hutch with extra care focused on closing her door latch. Everyone wanted to
make sure Lily remained safely tucked away.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
kids may have learned a lesson on how not to be careless, but we all learned
something important about God from Lily that day. Our trustworthy God hears us
when we pray and is willing and able to help us through any obstacle we face. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yes, I’ve lived
long enough to know that God’s answers are not always a happy ending, like with
Lily, but through that escapee rabbit He taught me that when I’m faithful to
teach my children about Him and encourage prayer, even when I doubt, He loves
them more than I do and can grow their faith more effectively than I ever
could. And when I worry about how my children’s faith will be affected from
hearing the answer, “No, not this time,” I can rest assured that His answers
and timing are uniquely designed for each one of them. Little actions, like
leaving a cage door unhooked, or the bigger ones that come later—who to date or
what to do when offered that first drink—are covered by God’s sovereign grace.
When we do family God’s way, we can’t lose.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-47883463290109384422013-01-29T09:01:00.000-08:002013-01-29T09:20:47.171-08:00Are You An Adult Child of an Alcoholic/Addict?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I may have posted this on facebook or somewhere before, but I think it is worth repeating:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Are you an Adult Child of an Alcoholic or Addict? I discovered an
eye-opening explanation as to why we do some of things we do.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Poking around on Google while writing about
my experiences with alcohol addiction in my family I came to a forum on </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.soberrecovery.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.soberrecovery.com</span></a></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. I was amazed at what I found when I
read about the "13 Characteristics of Adult Children of
Alcoholics." As I recover and heal from the damage alcohol has had on
me I asked God, "Why do I judge myself so harshly? I don't understand,
Lord. And the more I work on trying not to, the more aware I am
of how often I condemn myself." </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> God answered this question and
many more through this enlightening list. Not all of them apply, but many
do. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qa_neFQHO54/UQf__x2IccI/AAAAAAAAALI/km_G3clLvaw/s1600/DSCF4241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qa_neFQHO54/UQf__x2IccI/AAAAAAAAALI/km_G3clLvaw/s320/DSCF4241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Knowing why doesn't solve the problem, but
it definitely lightens the load and makes the three important A's in
recovery much easier: <b>Awareness, Acceptance, Action</b>. Now that I'm<b>
aware </b>I can<b> accept </b>the problems that apply to me on this
list and take the necessary<b> action </b>to heal. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus for answering my heart's cry, speaking to my heart and carrying me through this recovery process. You are so good to me. </i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here is the list. I hope it helps and
enlightens you as you seek recovery. I'm praying for you! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adult Children of Alcoholics
(ACOA) guess at what normal behavior is</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA have difficulty following a project
through from beginning to end.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA lie when it would be just as easy to tell
the truth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA judge themselves without mercy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA have difficulty having fun.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA take themselves very seriously.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA have difficulty with intimate
relationships.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA overreact to changes over which they have
no control.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA constantly seek approval and affirmation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA usually feel that they are different from
other people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA are super responsible or super
irresponsible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA are extremely loyal, even in the face of
evidence that the loyalty is undeserved.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 35.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ACOA are impulsive. They tend to lock
themselves into a course of action without giving serious consideration to
alternative behaviors or possible consequences. This impulsively leads to
confusion, self loathing and loss of control of their environment. In addition,
they spend an excessive amount of time cleaning up the mess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> When I think of Recovery I think of the Serenity Prayer, and the place I feel the most serene is on the water, hence the picture of my old home place: Big Pine Key Bay :)</span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;">God grant me the serenity
<br />to accept the things I cannot change; <br />courage to change the things I
can;<br />and wisdom to know the difference. </span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;">Living one day at a time;
<br />Enjoying one moment at a time; <br />Accepting hardships as the pathway to
peace; <br />Taking, as He did, this sinful world<br />as it is, not as I would have
it; <br />Trusting that He will make all things right<br />if I surrender to His
Will;<br />That I may be reasonably happy in this life <br />and supremely happy
with Him<br />Forever in the next.<br />Amen.</span>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><i>--Reinhold
Niebuhr</i></span> </blockquote>
</blockquote>
</span></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-20740352690909271012012-11-29T09:30:00.000-08:002012-11-29T09:30:03.329-08:00Personal Wailing Wall<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
ring of the phone startled me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I glanced
at the caller ID and quickly lifted the receiver. “Hi Dad, what’s happening?”<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Suzi,
the hospital here in the Keys is unable to do anything more for your mother.” I
could sense the helplessness in his voice. “They are ordering an ambulance to
transport her to <st1:placename w:st="on">Mount Sinai</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Medical</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype>
on <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Miami Beach</st1:place></st1:city>
tomorrow.”<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ll
pack today and leave for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:city>
first thing,” I said. “I’m bringing the kids with me, OK?”<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I’ve
arranged for you to stay with your cousins. They have plenty of room for all of
us, so I’m sure it’s fine for you to bring the kids. But I’ll let them know.”<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
didn’t have the heart to tell my father why I would bring the children. My
husband and I prepared for the worst. We had decided that I would drive the
three children from <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city> to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Miami</st1:city></st1:place>. He would stay home to work and fly
down when I needed him.<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
kids and I finally reached <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Miami</st1:city></st1:place>.
Soon after settling the children in, my father and I headed for the hospital.
At <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mount Sinai</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Medical</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
we located my mother’s wing. As the automatic door whooshed open, a blast of
antiseptic air met us head on. Walking towards the elevator, my desperate heart
led me to look for the chapel. True to hospital pattern, a plaque on the
doorframe to my left indentified the Surgical Waiting Room, and another door on
the right, Chapel. <br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Hold
on a second Dad,” I said. “I want to take a quick look in here.”<br />
My
gaze drew straight ahead to the far wall, where coral rocks covered it like a
fireplace surround, but without the hearth. Against the mottled beige rocks,
words made of brass stood out, first in Hebrew, then in English—<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>Many worried hearts had been
there before me. Prayers written on pieces of paper and folded neatly were
stuffed into the crannies of the rocks, making it a miniature Wailing Wall. <br />
While watching my mom
experience what I consider torturous medical procedures and grave illness, I
kept the picture of the personal Wailing Wall in my heart and mind. I reached
depths of anguish, sorrow and heartache over and over, whether standing in
front of that real mini Wailing Wall or the one I built in my mind. <br />
At my mother’s bedside, I
saw she was so ill she could barely communicate with us. I watched my dad wring
his hands. My own frustration rose. <br />
Dealing with my mother’s
illnesses and surgeries had become a way of life for my family. I can’t count
how many times she had been in the hospital. When I finally made a written list
of her surgeries, because this is something hospitals and doctors want to know
for their paperwork, the total came to 27.<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
visit entailed an intestinal blockage. A gall-stone the size of a Grade A extra
large hen egg had made its way out of the gall bladder and into her intestines.
The surgery was so rare the doctor told us he had it videotaped to be used for
teaching surgeons. Nothing, however, could be considered rare with my mom. If
something could go wrong or weird, it did. And this happened over and over
again. I never understood why. <br />
At times, I compared my
mom to the Biblical character Job. Job never found out why so many bad things
happened to him, but in the end he learned that God can do all things and that
he <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never </i>wanted to be the one to
obscure God’s counsel without knowledge. I learned to accept her life of
constant medical challenges and God’s amazing, right on time gift of peace
through each trial. <br />
Like Job, in the process
I learned a lot of amazing things about God. Through standing by and watching
my Job-like mother, God polished my character. He has convinced me that he will
never leave me and I’m forever thankful he continually supports me and comforts
me when I need it most. When I stand in front of my personal Wailing Wall and
cry out of the depths to the Lord God of the universe, he hears and delivers
his comfort and peace that passes understanding again and again.<br />
Because
of the long distance to the Miami hospital from my parent’s retirement home in
the Florida Keys, my parents decided it may be best to move to Georgia to be
near my sister and me. We live northwest of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> within miles of each other. Soon after
this gall stone incident, the house across the street from me went up for sale.
My parents really liked it and ended up buying it. <br />
After
the move, Mom had a lengthy reprieve, not from doctors, but from hospitals. She
stayed home from the hospital for almost two years. When she was up to it, her
favorite thing to do was to attend church and Bible studies. My mom possessed
quiet wisdom. When she did finally speak up, people would stop and listen. I’ll
never forget the day in Sunday School when we were studying women of the Bible.
That day we studied Esther, who at the risk of losing her own life, requested
to speak to the king on behalf of her people. As we attempted to apply Esther’s
bravery to our daily challenges, our class buzzed with conversation. My mom
contributed with a saying we use to this day. She said, “You know, if you are
not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space.” We all burst into a
roar of laughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
But when the day came she
did have to go to the hospital for heart failure, we almost couldn’t get her to
go. The medical personnel said she required what they call a “tune-up,” to
remove excess fluids her weak heart could not get out of her body.<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
next two years were different—many more visits to waiting rooms, examination
rooms, and hospital beds. I don’t know how I would have handled that time if my
mother and father had remained in the Keys. During her last visit, one of her
doctors pulled me aside and said my sweet precious Momma was in the last stages
of heart failure. He didn’t give me a time frame, but in my heart I knew it
would be soon. I tried to talk to my father about it, but he just would not
accept the fact that she would be going home to heaven soon.<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
could sympathize with my Father, because even though I had prepared myself so
many times, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing </i>prepares you for
the actual event.<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our last Christmas together, I got really
sick. I had a case of kidney stones that sent me to the hospital twice. And
afterwards I remained in pain. Come to find out, I needed a hysterectomy. The
surgery went well, but during recovery I started feeling distraught and
helpless. What could I do to help my mom? Without being able to lift anything,
there wasn’t much I could do to take care of her. As she worsened, my dad
became exhausted trying to do everything for her. As soon as I could, I walked
over and just sat with her, trying to love on her as much as possible.<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Exactly
three weeks after my surgery, my mother collapsed in a heap at the base of the
stairs. We had tried to get her to a doctor’s appointment that day. I rode in
the ambulance with her and<span style="color: red;"> </span>went into this weird
auto-pilot mode mixed with a little adrenaline. I don’t remember much pain and
to my amazement I had energy to stay up all day and walk up and down hospital
corridors, meeting every visitor and grandchild, to escort them to the
emergency room bed two at a time. I took my Dad home that night, never to see
my mother coherent again. Early the next morning I realized by my mom’s dire
condition and the nurses quietly monitoring her, whispering to each other, that
they had kept her alive with IV meds to give us the consideration of being able
to say goodbye. <br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Back
to the Wailing Wall I went. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Out of the
depths I cry to you, O LORD.”</i> God used the tears to heal my heart. It felt
strange to feel relief. My mother didn’t have to be poked or prodded ever
again. I mourned the loss of my mom, but God comforted me and still does. I put
my selfishness aside, because deep down I knew that I really didn’t want her to
stay here any longer. It would just cause her more pain. I would have to wait
to see her again in glory and oh, what a glorious day that will be.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though my mom lives perfectly healed and
happy, I can’t help but miss her. Sometimes I catch myself reaching for the
phone to call and chat. Through it all, I have discovered the cleansing power
of tears. They wash away the hurt and pain. Visits to my personal Wailing Wall
won’t ever stop. While praying, God’s children hold the key to survival in this
broken world. They also receive his indescribable gifts, one of which is his
sweet, soothing consolation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EuwX-4HEms/ULebSkeXRLI/AAAAAAAAAK0/VESzPVVIEJs/s1600/mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EuwX-4HEms/ULebSkeXRLI/AAAAAAAAAK0/VESzPVVIEJs/s320/mom.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My beautiful momma</div>
Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-23294479066767369782012-07-16T12:48:00.000-07:002012-07-16T12:50:38.806-07:00Learning to Pray<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Lord, teach us to
pray."</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Luke
11:1 NIV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Even
though some of us can recite the Lord’s Prayer, do we follow its plan or pray
the usual way? “Oh Lord bless me, my family, my church, my city, my country.” Some
place in the farthest fringe of the world may get a mention in our prayers if
we see or hear something crucial in the news, but for the most part, our
problems and needs come first. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Our Master teaches us to pray in the
opposite order. He asks us to pray for his kingdom first, which is full of
complete strangers, and then for our personal needs. Only after our prayers
have crossed every far-flung continent, touched every last unreached race,
after it has covered the desire and purpose God has for the entire world, are
we then taught to ask for a piece of bread.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Praying backwards as Jesus taught puts
things into perspective. Maybe, when we understand that Christ’s business is
the supreme concern of life and that all personal considerations are second,
only then do our lives have meaning and hold the power that comes from praying,
“Father, hallowed be your name . . .”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><strong>Link2Life:</strong> Pray
for a stranger today.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><strong>Prayer:</strong> Father,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead
us not into temptation. Amen. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTA66pq7X2k/UARvvPGxVlI/AAAAAAAAAKo/BtQp67cH5Jo/s1600/prayer_copy1%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTA66pq7X2k/UARvvPGxVlI/AAAAAAAAAKo/BtQp67cH5Jo/s320/prayer_copy1%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><strong>Prayer focus:</strong>
Those who are without Christ in the world.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Photo courtesy of christian photos.net<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p>
</o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-35665257818726793392012-06-07T10:21:00.000-07:002012-06-07T14:05:15.946-07:00Does God Still Speak to the Listening Heart?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvvXU14OKsY/T9Di7vigvBI/AAAAAAAAAKc/NpcRA6qOSZc/s1600/Heart_sweetheartsydan%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvvXU14OKsY/T9Di7vigvBI/AAAAAAAAAKc/NpcRA6qOSZc/s320/Heart_sweetheartsydan%5B2%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I
recently heard someone say, “God does not speak to people.” What are we to do
with the promise in the Bible that has guided my life for the last 25 years?
God spoke to my heart through his word in Isaiah 55:3: “Give ear and come to
me; hear me, that your soul may live.” Through this verse God revolutionized my
entire life. Have you heard it before? Do you believe it? <o:p></o:p></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Over
the years of walking with Jesus, I have discovered countless promises that
prove God still speaks to the listening heart, for instance Psalm 19:1-4 (NLT).
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The heavens proclaim
the glory of God.</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span class="text">The skies display his craftsmanship.</span> <span class="text">Day
after day they continue to speak;</span> <span class="text">night after night
they make him known.</span> <span class="text">They speak without a sound or
word;</span> <span class="text">their voice is never heard.</span> <span class="text">Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,</span> <span class="text">and their words to all the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">And
then of course there are the words of our precious Lord and Savior in John
10:14-15; 27-28 (NIV). </span></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father
knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span class="woj"><strong>My sheep listen to
my voice;</strong> I know them, and they follow me.</span><span class="text"><sup> </sup></span><span class="woj">I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can
snatch them out of my hand.”</span><span class="text"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Yes,
God’s voice may not be audible, but we can hear Him. Conversations with Him
parallel talking with people; just like with friends and loved ones, to hear
God’s voice takes time and investment. Only when both sides communicate and truly
listen to each other, do real, lasting relationships grow. Are you
and I making the investments and taking the time to listen to Him? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">You
may have heard the Bible described as God’s love letter written to us, His
bride. Like a soldier at war who sends love-letters home to his sweetheart. How
sad it would be if she left his letters on the shelf unopened. Does God still
speak to the listening heart? You better believe He does! Open His letter and
your life will never be the same.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-17146200380983710422012-05-22T09:32:00.001-07:002012-05-22T09:32:54.862-07:00Breaking Down Walls With the Power of Seven After God broke down the
walls between Israel’s spies and Rahab the prostitute, he gave some unusual
instructions to their leader, Joshua. In this familiar story, the Lord told Joshua
to have the army, with the ark of God and seven priests with seven trumpets in
the lead, march around the city once a day for six days. On day seven they had
to march around the city seven times and blow their trumpets. After a long
trumpet blast, Joshua commanded them to shout. The impenetrable city surrounded
by 12-foot-deep walls collapsed, every man charged straight in. The Israelites
conquered the city.
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
If you have ever felt
like hearing from God is as difficult as breaking through a thick wall, please
know there is a simple way to study that will demolish barriers. Using the
<em>Listening Heart's </em>seven question method below clears the way for you to charge in and take all of
the wisdom, encouragement, guidance, instruction and much, much more from the
powerful word of God. You can conquer your own promise land by listening to God’s
magnificent voice through his word.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First,
grab your Bible, pen, and paper and choose a passage of Scripture to study then
ask and answer these seven questions:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. What is
the passage about?</b> Make a list of facts. If it helps, write what you have
read in your own words (even re-writing Scripture brings enlightenment). You
can also circle, underline, or highlight text as you go. Take note of repeated
phrases.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. What do
I learn from the passage?</b> Many possibilities lie ahead for you on this one.
To narrow it down, if you had to write a main truth or principle about the
passage, what would it be? Besides the principle(s), is there an example to
follow or not to follow? </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. How can
I apply what I have learned to my life?</b> Try to think of a current situation
in your personal, home, church, or business life which is similar to what you
have read. After you have thought this through, ask God to give you a way to
apply it to your life. Then do it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. What are
the warnings to heed or commands to obey? </b>This question causes a search for
two things: 1. Warnings from God to save us from harm. 2. Simple instructions
to follow to stay in his will.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. What are
the promises to hold on to?</b> Thousands of trustworthy promises fill God’s
word. The answer to this question is easy to find. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6. How
could I use this passage to praise God? </b>Look for the names, attributes, and
character of God as you study. Pray them back to God and praise him for who he
is. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">7. How
could I use this passage in prayer?</b> Can I own these verses by placing my
name anywhere in this passage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I
place <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I, my, </i>and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> me </i>where the Bible has <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i>?
Write your own prayer using the passage.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1EdW1JNXxA4/T7u_iupg3VI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/HFt79gFeTS4/s1600/Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1EdW1JNXxA4/T7u_iupg3VI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/HFt79gFeTS4/s320/Bible.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
more you practice this approach to Scripture, the more you will hear from the
Lord, and gain confidence in your listening skills. May God break down walls in
your life and open the way to adventure as you seek his will and grow closer to
him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
photo courtesy of christianphotos.net</div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-70402201150234803752012-03-07T20:17:00.005-08:002012-03-07T20:40:04.125-08:00Five Ways to Say "Yes" to God's Call<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKc47u_G1d8/T1g1cSUyIBI/AAAAAAAAAKI/7bThu8L3Lis/s1600/on_therighttrack%255B2%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717378487018463250" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKc47u_G1d8/T1g1cSUyIBI/AAAAAAAAAKI/7bThu8L3Lis/s320/on_therighttrack%255B2%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>A little bit like riding on a train with invisible tracks, following God’s call can be a challenge, but there are uncomplicated ways to succeed. Here are a few ideas to keep you on track:<br /><strong>1. FOLLOW GOD.<br /></strong>Airplane panels come equipped with an instrument called an artificial horizon indicator. Although human senses may become confused in the murky thickness of a cloud bank, the horizon indicator is never fooled. Following its guidance, pilots are able to keep their planes safe and positioned exactly as they should be. Trying to run our own lives is like trying to fly a plane through a cloud bank without a horizon indicator. One tangible way to keep your eye on the instrument panel is to set apart time to study God’s word.<br /><strong>2. PUT GOD AT THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE.</strong><br />In Moses’ time, the Lord commanded the tabernacle, the place which symbolized the presence of God, to be erected at the center of Israel’s camp. To follow this idea in our high-tech world, choosing to fast can aid our focus on God. How about taking a break from the media or even from an element of it, like Facebook, for example? While fasting, choose a different attribute of God each day to ponder. This will keep Him at the center of our thoughts and actions.<br /><strong>3. INCORPORATE A PLAN.</strong><br />We respond to God’s commands by obeying the best way we know how, but we can also ignore God’s word by not allowing it to move us into action. For the most part this disregard is unintentional. Without a course of action it just happens. Most people know that goals not written down usually don’t come to pass. Incorporate a plan by writing down some reasonable short-term and long-term goals and start pursuing them today.<br /><strong>4. TURN ON YOUR LIGHT.</strong><br />One night when Robert Louis Stevenson was young, his nanny called him to bed. Oblivious to her summons, he stood staring at something outside his nursery window. The nanny asked, "Robert, what are you looking at?" He pointed to the lamplighter setting the streetlamps ablaze, "Look, Nanny! That man is putting holes in the darkness!" One way to illuminate our surroundings happens when we encounter people who are hurting or struggling, even if they are strangers, by asking, “How can I pray for you today?” What a difference this simple gesture will make.<br /><strong>5. HELP YOURSELF BY HELPING OTHERS.<br /></strong>Do you think Jesus calls us to servant-hood only because other people need our service? My experience has been more than need. He calls us to help others because of what happens to us when we serve. How about choosing a worthy cause to help out every month or quarter? Performing random acts of kindness can be lots of fun, too.<br /><br />Saying “Yes” to God means we exercise our faith muscle every day. Ramona C. Carroll sums it up best when she said, “Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket, then counting your blessings before they hatch.” Say “Yes” and live blessed.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Photo courtesy of Christianphotos.net </div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-81087255248448943202012-01-12T10:08:00.000-08:002012-01-12T10:29:39.673-08:00Random Acts of Kindness<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70FRxwtcakg/Tw8leiw4JEI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Fu2hp8bK4qM/s1600/dsc_0431_copy1%255B3%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696813260305081410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-70FRxwtcakg/Tw8leiw4JEI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Fu2hp8bK4qM/s320/dsc_0431_copy1%255B3%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I wrote a devotional that goes a long with my resolution to pray for strangers and perform random acts of kindness.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>Therefore, as God’s chosen people,<br />holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,<br />kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.<br />Colossian 3:12<br /></strong><br />I once read a story about an elderly gentleman who carried a can of oil everywhere he went. If he passed through a squeaking door, he poured his oil on the hinges. If a gate’s latch was difficult to open, he oiled it. People called him weird and eccentric, but he pressed on. He refilled his can when it became empty and oiled the rusty and creaky places he found.<br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Many people around us creak and groan harshly as they face difficulties. Nothing goes right for them. They desperately need healing oil applied to their hurts and troubles.<br /></div><br /><div align="left">On the road called life people constantly come and go; some we only encounter once. God help us to be as diligent as the eccentric old man. When we see rough or rusty spots, let’s apply the oil of thoughtfulness. And when our oil runs out, may time spent in prayer refill us to do it again.<br /><br /><strong><em>Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, Fill us with your lubricating oil. Open our eyes to the hard places in the lives of those around us so we can apply some kindness, gentleness, and compassion. Use your oil to diminish the jagged edges of many a sin-hardened life, leaving them soft, pliable, and ready to receive your redeeming grace. Amen.<br /></div></em></strong><br /><br /><div align="left">Going deeper: Pray for those who have rusty, hard to open hearts and choose a random act of kindness to perform today.</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">photo courtesy of christianphotos.net </div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-76596314469909111632012-01-02T04:08:00.000-08:002012-01-02T05:42:05.704-08:00About Resolutions<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUijnD6Lwog/TwGtU4T5HfI/AAAAAAAAAJw/7rVUkBg-ikY/s1600/Fireworks_newyearIMG_7196%255B2%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693021978197827058" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BUijnD6Lwog/TwGtU4T5HfI/AAAAAAAAAJw/7rVUkBg-ikY/s320/Fireworks_newyearIMG_7196%255B2%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Not sure why, but I don't make regular New Year resolutions. But for a long time now, I have chosen one Bible verse to pray each new year (all year long) as a spiritual goal. For instance, in 2011 I prayed 2 Corinthians 5:7; that I would walk by faith, not by sight. When I chose that verse I was reading an excellent book over Christmas break, "Walking from East to West: God in the Shadows" by Ravi Zacharias. At the end of the book Ravi shares a beautiful prayer by the missionary explorer, David Livingstone. I took this prayer as my own and added it to my verse for 2011<strong><em>: Lord, send my anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on my, only sustain me. Sever any ties but the ties that bind me to your service and to your heart. </em></strong>The adventures and healing that occurred as a result of this prayer resolution inspire my writing daily, but much more than that, they have caused my faith to grow exponentially. I can truly say I'm walking by faith and not by sight like never before.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>As God would have it, I read another great book over Christmas break, "Praying for Strangers" by River Jordan. She tells her amazing personal journey of uncovering the needs of the human heart as she made a resolution to pray for people she had never met before. As I read her stories, I realized how often I pray for strangers, but the big difference is that I rarely share this information with those strangers like River Jordan did. What a difference it makes! As a result, I have chosen to pray for strangers (and share that information with them) in 2012 and to purposefully perform random acts of kindness as I'm led. The theme verse I chose to go along with this is Matthew 25:40<strong><em>: Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. </em></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div>I can't wait to see what God will do in 2012 with this spiritual resolution. If you do something like this, please share your ideas with me. I would love to hear from you. And if you haven't tried this yet, won't you join the adventure and choose your own verse as a resolution for 2012 today? Happy New Year!!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-4888661454225403142011-12-13T05:31:00.000-08:002011-12-13T05:59:38.262-08:00The Immeasurable Life<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjWIcn24SfM/TudWvm0hPDI/AAAAAAAAAJk/9e2-Ic-Dw7o/s1600/100_0840%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685608430453210162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjWIcn24SfM/TudWvm0hPDI/AAAAAAAAAJk/9e2-Ic-Dw7o/s320/100_0840%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I've been writing lots of devotionals lately and decided to start sharing them here on my blog.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Read: Ephesians 3:14-21<br /><strong><em>Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly<br />above all that we ask or think.<br /></em>Ephesians 3:20<br /></strong><br />Love inspires us to do things we wouldn’t normally do like ride up and down a cute boy’s street just to catch a glimpse of him or spend hard-earned money on a corsage for a that special girl to wear to the school dance. When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the church in Ephesus he knew how the power of love changes the way we think and act.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Paul not only desired his listeners to change, but also wanted us to understand why God went to extreme measures demonstrating his love for us. “For this reason” Paul wrote a prayer for us to grasp the four dimensions of God’s immense love while living in a three dimensional world.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Paul’s words of the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love send a message. Living in his immeasurable love that surpasses knowledge carries us beyond being told “Jesus loves you” to experiencing life with power. God’s story becomes our story.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>Thought for the day:</strong> Living loved defines the immeasurable life.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>Prayer:</strong> Dear Jesus, Help us to understand the true impact of Paul’s prayer in our lives today. May we experience the immeasurable life you promise so we can pour your great love into the lives of those around us, especially those who don’t yet know you.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong>Prayer Focus for Today:</strong> Those who feel unloved.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">p.s. This devotional was inspired by "The Immeasurable Life" series at my church, Watermarke, by Pastor Gavin Adams:<a href="http://northpointministries.org/watermarke/messages/the-immeasurable-life">http://northpointministries.org/watermarke/messages/the-immeasurable-life</a> </div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-6237175462963384482011-11-30T05:15:00.000-08:002011-11-30T06:03:24.372-08:0025 Things You Won't Find in Heaven<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U1Bvr7NoYU/TtY3NdxUiZI/AAAAAAAAAJY/WGzr8NblWi4/s1600/prettyskies%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680788684443781522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6U1Bvr7NoYU/TtY3NdxUiZI/AAAAAAAAAJY/WGzr8NblWi4/s320/prettyskies%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>When I saw the title, "25 Things You Won't Find in Heaven," on a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogpost</span> by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rebecca</span> Barlow Jordan* it sparked my interest. Her post inspired me to make my own list starting with the things that have adversely affected me the most. There are obviously more than 25 and your top 25 things will be different than mine. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exercise</span> of thinking of my own list invoked praise to our Father in heaven. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yay</span> God! He is coming to rescue us believers and bring us home to this wonderful place called heaven and I can't wait! <strong><em>"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him-but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit" (</em>1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Thank you for your Spirit, Lord, that deposits the hope of heaven in our hearts! We can make it through all of this junk until you come and get us or you take us home to heaven through death. Amen.</strong></div><br /><br /><div>Here is my list: </div><br /><div>1. No Enabling</div><br /><div>2. No Co-dependency</div><br /><div>3. No Alcohol</div><br /><div>4. No Drugs-illegal or legit </div><br /><div>5. No Murder</div><br /><div>6. No Pride</div><br /><div>7. No Secrets</div><br /><div>8. No Triangulation</div><br /><div>9. N0 Manipulation/Control/Guilt Trips</div><br /><div>10. No Illness, especially cancer, heart disease, and diabetes</div><br /><div>11. No Surgeries</div><br /><div>12. No Disabilities/Defects</div><br /><div>13. No Injustice</div><br /><div>14. No Separation</div><br /><div>15. No Death</div><br /><div>16. No Time Limits</div><br /><div>17. No Pollution</div><br /><div>18. No Wars/Destruction</div><br /><div>19. No Pain</div><br /><div>20. No Sadness</div><br /><div>21. No Abuse, Physical, Emotional, or Spiritual</div><br /><div>22. No Natural Disasters</div><br /><div>23. No Unemployment</div><br /><div>24. No Taxes</div><br /><div>25. No Crime </div><br /><div>Why don't you make your own list today?</div><br /><br /><div>*11/29/11 post at: <a href="http://www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.rebeccabarlowjordan.com/</a></div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-18496779950493897922011-11-08T05:36:00.000-08:002011-11-15T14:11:27.603-08:00My understanding of the Beatitudes<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCFJ_r2gti8/Trk5mWJnRdI/AAAAAAAAAJM/918VA88Y1aA/s1600/Jesus_032_small%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 100px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 126px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672628536593565138" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCFJ_r2gti8/Trk5mWJnRdI/AAAAAAAAAJM/918VA88Y1aA/s320/Jesus_032_small%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a>I have thought about the Beatitudes for years. I realized long ago that you have to dig for the real meanings of much of what Jesus said while he was here. Maybe this is why Solomon said, "If you look for it as silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:4-5).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>After years of pondering and doing word studies on the Beatitudes this is my understanding of them from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount:</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Blessed are the poor in spirit (those who have hit rock bottom from addiction to self-sufficiency), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Blessed are those who mourn (those who truly grieve over their sin), for they will be comforted.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Blessed are the meek (those who have humbled themselves before our mighty God), for they will inherit the earth.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (those whose top priority is being right with God), for they will be filled.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Blessed are the merciful (those who compassionately exhibit undeserved grace towards others in thought and action), for they will be shown mercy.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Blessed are the pure in heart (those who keep a check on their thoughts and feelings, staying morally clean by regular confession of sin-even asking God to reveal hidden faults), for they will see God.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Blessed are the peacemakers (those who share the good news of the gospel so others can have peace with God), for they will be called sons of God.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (get slammed for doing the right thing and/or being right with God), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Let me know what you think. I would love to hear your input. </div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-40351061028724149382011-10-04T05:17:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:08:40.756-07:00Bitter or Better?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KhXN0dfMlpY/Tos12jbzjtI/AAAAAAAAAJA/14V2yUsBDKI/s1600/9%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659676568062234322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KhXN0dfMlpY/Tos12jbzjtI/AAAAAAAAAJA/14V2yUsBDKI/s320/9%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a>I recently read this quote:<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>"In His own world He is content</em></strong> </div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>to play a losing game."</em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>-Way of Faith</strong></div><br /><div align="left">I'm pondering this deep thought because of the counseling book, <em>Shattered Dreams, </em>by Dr. Larry Crabb--I've read it and am presently studying week six of the workbook. I have learned God's reasons why this mysterious quote is true.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">The message of <em>Shattered Dreams</em> is this: Learn how to look through life's tragedies and see the lavish blessings God has for you. In this screwed up world our dreams will shatter. Actually Jesus guarantees shattered dreams when he says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).</div><br /><br /><div align="left">The author wrote: "In this world, the dream of feeling as good as we want to feel <em>will </em>shatter. . . Shattered dreams will create the opportunity for God to work more deeply than ever before, to further weaken our grasp on our empty selves. They will also create the opportunity for bitterness and its children, defeat and immorality to develop. Bitterness carries us farther from the shore, into dark nights that never had to be. Brokenness on the other hand, allows us to relax in the arms that will bring us to shore, where a warm fire is burning and food has been prepared."</div><br /><br /><div align="left">Through dealing with family tragedy of the loss of my brother and the aftermath of heartache that lessens, but never quite goes away, I've done it both ways--bitterness and brokenness. Bitterness makes me ill, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But brokenness has led me to healing. In God's mysterious, powerful ways, he uses suffering to convince us we are safe to let go and surrender completely in his arms so he can deliver us safely to shore. For some reason, us proud humans don't ever get what it means to surrender without suffering.</div><br /><br /><div align="left">What about you? Have difficult, hurtful situations made you bitter or better? In what ways has suffering made you bitter? In what ways have you experienced the healing that comes from brokenness and become better?</div><br /><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><div align="left"><em>Dear Lord Jesus,</em></div><br /><div align="left"><em>You are content to play a losing game because you know the end of the story, which is eternal life beyond our wildest imagination. Your story includes free will which leaves us with choices. We can fight for our right to feel good and for things to be right while living here (and be miserable) or we can allow your Holy Spirit to use the pain of shattered dreams to help us discover our desire for YOU, to help us begin dreaming the highest dream. A dream of a vibrant, growing, joyful relationship with you despite any circumstances, bad or good. For we know and believe that in all things, You, God work for the good of those who love you, who have been called according to your purpose (Romans 8:28). In your precious name we pray. Amen. </em></div><br /><br /><div align="left"><em></em></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Photo courtesy of christianphotos.net</div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-8026033809099517172011-09-21T09:18:00.000-07:002011-09-21T10:27:56.223-07:00Listening to God<div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_S2ENaTOvI/Tnocln1j8EI/AAAAAAAAAI4/3JXMYJoPmhU/s1600/318823_1951993314773_1090844099_31700820_3487915_n%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654863714791452738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q_S2ENaTOvI/Tnocln1j8EI/AAAAAAAAAI4/3JXMYJoPmhU/s320/318823_1951993314773_1090844099_31700820_3487915_n%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a> <strong><em>But whoever listens to me will live in safety</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>and be at ease, without fear of harm.</em></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Proverbs 1:33</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Most of us talk away to God, rambling off requests for what we want and think we need. I'm not saying our prayers aren't legit, but even though I love to share ways to listen to the inaudible voice of God I still have to tackle a universal problem: when I pray, how often do I sit still and listen for the answer?</div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">God commands us to "Be still and know that He is God." I don't think it is an accident that after God gives the incredible promise in Proverbs 1:33 (above), He follows with three big "<strong>Ifs</strong>" in Proverbs 2:1-4 to give us practical ways to be still and know.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">1. My son (daughter), <strong>IF</strong> you accepts my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom apply your heart to understanding,</div><br /><br /><div align="left">2. and <strong>IF</strong> you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,</div><br /><br /><div align="left">3. and <strong>IF</strong> you look for it as silver and search for it as for hidden treasure.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Then comes the thens. . .then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path . . . Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you (Proverbs 2:5-11).</div><br />Wow! Those are some awesome promises. How can you and I apply the three "ifs" to everyday life?<br /><br />1. How do you accept God's words and store them up? Find a good Bible study and sit still long enough to do it. Right now, I'm doing the workbook inside the incredible book by Larry Crabb, <em>Shattered Dreams: God's Unexpected Path to Joy.</em> If you are already in a Bible Study, go a step deeper by doing word studies on some of the passages you are studying. I love my <em>Strong's Complete Word Study Concordance, </em>published by AMG. You can look up the text in Hebrew (Old Testament) and in Greek (New Testament) and learn the original meanings of the words God uses in His Holy Bible. The Hebrew and Greek dictionary in this Concordance is expanded and a wonderful asset to your studies.<br /><br />2. How do you practically call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding? Besides shouting out to God in prayer, I started by asking trustworthy Christians lots of questions. Don't remain quiet because you think your questions are dumb. Ask anyway! And if your heart hurts from the trash this broken world dumps on you, cry with a professional counselor. I did and my healing has deepened and I'm much stronger than ever before.<br /><br />3. How do you look for it as silver and search for it like treasure? For that you go back to number one again. Like searching for treasure, Bible Study is hard work<strong>. IF </strong>you want the promises above to become evident in your daily life. Don't give up! Keep studying! I'm praying for you all the way.<br /><br /><em>Dear Lord Jesus, Inspire us to make an effort to listen to you every day. We want to live in safety in this crazy world and be at ease, without fear of harm. In your precious name we pray. Amen! </em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong></div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-77028075902490700902011-07-08T05:29:00.000-07:002011-07-08T22:04:46.337-07:00How Birds Got Their Wings: A Parable<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-NfLx4Tepc/Thff6hPwK4I/AAAAAAAAAIw/ccJ3PaZyKiI/s1600/img_1633%255B1%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627212455872572290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-NfLx4Tepc/Thff6hPwK4I/AAAAAAAAAIw/ccJ3PaZyKiI/s320/img_1633%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a>There is a fable about the way the birds got their wings at the beginning. They were first made without wings. Then God made the wings and put them down before the wingless birds and said to them, "Come, take up these burdens and bear them."<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>The birds had lovely plumage and sweet voices; they could sing, and their feathers gleamed in the sunshine, but they could not soar in the air. They hesitated at first when bidden to take up the burdens that lay at their feet, but they soon obeyed, and taking up the wings in their beaks, laid them on their shoulders to carry them.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For a little while the load seemed heavy and hard to bear, but presently, as they went on carrying the burdens, folding them over their hearts, the wings grew fast to their little bodies, and soon they discovered how to use them, and were lifted by them up into the air-<em>the weights became wings.</em></div><br /><br /><div>Through God's call in my life of late to, "Come, take up these burdens and bear them," I've discovered the truth buried in this parable is one of God's favorite things to do in our lives. Since 2008 I've experienced one heartache after another, but without hesitation I can say they gave me wings and taught me how to fly. God takes the burdens of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose and works them into our lives for our good (Romans 8:28). As we discover how to use our wings and fly God woos us heavenward to soar above all of chaos and din of this earth.</div><br /><br /><div>And then I received an added bonus. As I studied Hosea this week I found the Old Testament version of Romans 8:28. Hosea 2:15<em>: "There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor (trouble) a door of hope."</em> Yes, our amazing, miracle working God loves to turn our troubles into a door of hope, our burdens into wings. </div><br /><br /><div>Let's pray! </div><br /><div><em>Oh dear Lord Jesus, thank you for turning our weights into wings. Help us to obey your call to "Come, take up these burdens and bear them." You are a promise-keeper and you have said we shall mount up with wings as eagles (Isaiah 40:31). Continue to woo us heavenward each day. In your precious name we pray. Amen.</em></div><br /><br /><div><strong>"Blessed is any weight, however overwhelming, which God has been so good as to fasten with His own hand upon our shoulders.</strong></div><br /><div><strong>-F. W. Faber</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>photo courtesy of christianphotos.net<em> </em></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-13575420127188808002011-03-02T01:35:00.000-08:002011-03-02T03:09:19.813-08:00A New Look at God's Love Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn1bC1nE9uI/TW4gouiy42I/AAAAAAAAAIk/8VPzbccMhlg/s1600/sunflowerheartwskygammadown1cleanedspots%255B3%255D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579432872419451746" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn1bC1nE9uI/TW4gouiy42I/AAAAAAAAAIk/8VPzbccMhlg/s320/sunflowerheartwskygammadown1cleanedspots%255B3%255D.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I took a new look at God's love chapter, 1 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Corinthians</span> 13, this morning. To love other people the way God does, it may be good idea to follow His description of love and make some commitments:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Love never gives up . . . </strong>How about committing to be patient?</div><br /><div><strong>Love cares more for others than for self . . . </strong>How about committing to be kind?</div><br /><div><strong>Love doesn't want what it doesn't have . . . </strong>How about committing not to be jealous or envious?</div><br /><div><strong>Love doesn't strut . . . </strong>How about committing to esteem others above ourselves?</div><br /><div><strong>Doesn't have a swelled head . . . </strong>How about committing to lay down our pride?</div><br /><div><strong>Doesn't force itself on others . . .</strong> How about committing not to be rude?</div><br /><div><strong>Isn't always "me first" . . . </strong>How about committing not to be self-seeking?</div><br /><div><strong>Doesn't fly off the handle . . . </strong>How about committing to deal with our anger in healthy ways?</div><br /><div><strong>Doesn't keep score of the sins of others . . . </strong>How about committing not to keep a record of wrongs?</div><br /><div><strong>Doesn't revel when others grovel . . . </strong>How about committing to take captive our evil thoughts and turn them over to Jesus?</div><br /><div><strong>Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth . . . </strong>How about committing to seek the truth?</div><br /><div><strong>Puts up with anything . . . </strong>How about committing to the sanctity of life?</div><br /><div><strong>Trusts God always . . . </strong>How about committing to remain surrendered to God?</div><br /><div><strong>Always looks for the best . . . </strong>How about committing to focus on the positive?</div><br /><div><strong>Never looks back, but keeps going to the end . . . </strong>Because God's love never fails, how about committing not to fail others, but when we do, rely on God's grace and mercy to cover a multitude of sins?</div><br /><div></div><div><em>Dear Jesus,</em></div><div><em>We love because you first loved us. We are asking you to strengthen us by your Holy Spirit-not a brute strength-but a glorious inner strength that You will live in us as we open the door and invite you in. And we ask You that with our feet planted firmly on Your love will be able to take in with all of Your followers the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">extravagant</span> dimensions of Your great love. Help us to reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives in the fullness of God and love others the way you love us. Your love changes people. In your precious name we pray. Amen.</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em>*photo courtesy of christianphotos.net</em></div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-91013874001925153002011-01-26T04:23:00.000-08:002011-01-26T05:24:39.402-08:00It's All Right to be Human<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TUAfV0v5gGI/AAAAAAAAAIY/loQQJ8WcBms/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566483599227191394" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TUAfV0v5gGI/AAAAAAAAAIY/loQQJ8WcBms/s320/016.JPG" /></a><br /><div>"You human," two year old Aleson said. At first, I didn't quite understand, but as she twirled her mermaid doll, Ariel, around in her hands and repeated, "You human," I finally got it. I am a human as opposed to Ariel who is a mermaid. Little Miss Aleson is exactly right.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sometimes this truth frustrates me, however, but my humanity never takes God by surprise. He understands who I am and why I do the things I do. He reminded me the next morning in my quiet time when I opened my <em>Jesus </em>Calling devotional. The very first sentence was in bold letters: IT'S ALL RIGHT TO BE HUMAN. Yes, it is all right for my mind to wander when I'm praying. He even forgives me when I worry needlessly and comforts me when I grieve.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I loved the promises in the last paragraph of my devotional that day the best: "As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth. (2 Corinthians 4:6-7) My strength and my power show themselves most effective in your weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>O Jesus, You have said to me that your grace--your favor, loving-kindness, and mercy--are enough for me. Your grace is sufficient against any danger and will enable me to bear any trouble with God confidence. You have promised that my strength and power are made perfect in weakness. For when I am human and weak, Your power rests on me. Amen!</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>*Personal photo of my precious little cousin Aleson. </div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-1378658974211042032010-10-28T14:08:00.000-07:002010-10-29T04:48:02.435-07:00The Refiner's Fire<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TMnp6Ak0oiI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Caeizj18CpU/s1600/new_bedike_088%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533210799997493794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TMnp6Ak0oiI/AAAAAAAAAIM/Caeizj18CpU/s320/new_bedike_088%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I love the picture of God as the refiner. The Father sends the Holy Spirit, the flame (Acts 2), to perfect his saints in holiness. Our Lord knows the value of the refiner's fire. And when we learn how it's done we discover even more how much he loves us.</div><div></div><div>It is with the most precious metal that the refiner takes the most pains. God's children are most precious to him, he sent his Son to die for them. The refiner subjects the metal to the hottest of fires, because such fires melt the metal, and only the molten mass releases its alloy or takes perfectly its new form in the mold. He never leaves his crucible, but sits down and tends the fire ever so carefully. At the perfect time and heat the dross floats to the top and he skims it off. He then can look into the purified metal and see himself, and puts out the fire.</div><div></div><div>I found this poem that I want to share from my <em>Streams in the Desert </em>devotional about the One who shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Mal. 3:3).</div><div></div><div align="center">He sat by a fire of seven-fold heat,</div><div align="center">As He watched by the precious ore,</div><div align="center">And closer He bent with a searching gaze</div><div align="center">as He heated it more and more.</div><div align="center">He knew He had ore that could stand the test,</div><div align="center">and He wanted the finest gold</div><div align="center">To mould as a crown for the King to wear,</div><div align="center">Set with gems with a price untold.</div><div align="center">So He laid our gold in the burning fire,</div><div align="center">Tho' we fain would have said Him 'Nay,'</div><div align="center">And He watched the dross that we had not seen,</div><div align="center">And it melted and passed away.</div><div align="center">And the gold grew brighter and yet more bright, </div><div align="center">But our eyes were so dim with tears,</div><div align="center">We saw but the fire--not the Master's hand,</div><div align="center">And questioned with anxious fears.</div><div align="center">Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow,</div><div align="center">As it mirrored a Form above,</div><div align="center">That bent o're the fire, tho' unseen by us,</div><div align="center">With a look of ineffable love.</div><div align="center">Can we think that it pleases His loving heart</div><div align="center">To cause us a moment's pain?</div><div align="center">Ah, no! but He saw through the present cross</div><div align="center">The bliss of eternal gain.</div><div align="center">So He waited there with a watchful eye,</div><div align="center">With a love that is strong and sure,</div><div align="center">And His gold did not suffer a bit more heat,</div><div align="center">Than was needed to make it pure.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><em>O dear Jesus, </em></div><div align="left"><em>My life is in your hands. I know it hurts sometimes, but I do desire to be purified. I need not fear, for you have redeemed me. You have summoned me by name. I am Yours. When I pass through the waters, You will be with me; and when I pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over me. When I walk through your refining fire, I will <strong>not</strong> be burned; the flames will <strong>not</strong> set me ablaze. For You are the Lord, my God, the Holy One of Israel, My Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3). You want the best for me. I praise you Lord, for your ways are mysterious and wonderful. I love you with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. In your precious name I pray. Amen.</em></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.christianphotos.net/">http://www.christianphotos.net/</a></div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-18414985801564001502010-10-06T02:10:00.000-07:002010-10-06T03:22:30.715-07:00Listening Prayer<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TKxJqjMe34I/AAAAAAAAAIE/_JqQaBY0gMo/s1600/dadpumpkinedit%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524871838227685250" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TKxJqjMe34I/AAAAAAAAAIE/_JqQaBY0gMo/s320/dadpumpkinedit%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div>A "Listening Prayer" caught my eye in the journal I'm using. It's by A. W. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tozer</span>, one of my favorite theologians. He said to . . . </div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>Retire from the world each day to some private spot . . .</em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>Stay in the secret place till the surrounding noises begin</em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>to fade out of your heart and a sense of God's presence </em></strong><strong><em>envelopes you . . .</em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>Listen for the inward Voice till you learn</em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em>to recognize it . . . Learn to pray inwardly every moment.</em></strong> </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="left">What does it take to retire from the world each day to a private spot? For me, it took disciplined Bible Study to get me started. Now that I'm hooked on listening for the inward Voice, even though it's a fight some times, it's hard for me to go a day without retreating into God's presence. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Thinking about the wonderful, countless benefits of disciplined study makes me wonder why discipline gets such a bad rap. Is it because we don't like being forced? Or are we just lazy? It's a little of both, don't you think? On top of being stubborn and like sloths, we humans can <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">conjure</span> up more excuses as to why we don't have time for God than a pine tree has needles.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">But if we do take the time to listen for His still small voice, the Holy Spirit will step in and teach us how to recognize God's voice and pray inwardly every moment. He promises to guide us into all truth and will bring glory to Jesus by taking what is Jesus' and make it known to us (John 16:12-15). In that private place there are unthinkable treasures to be found. Won't you join me as I fight off all of the excuses and distractions and carve out some time for listening prayer today? </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">photo courtesy of Christianphotos.net</div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-74560857654785595362010-08-17T11:58:00.000-07:002010-08-17T15:07:57.945-07:00Are You Caught in a Crab Bucket?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TGrqw_sRBqI/AAAAAAAAAH0/xZ_UshPUu1k/s1600/24095541_40e41f72df%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506471621865572002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TGrqw_sRBqI/AAAAAAAAAH0/xZ_UshPUu1k/s320/24095541_40e41f72df%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Crab fisherman have long known they don't need to put a lid on their crab bucket, as long as there is more than one crab. When there are several crabs in the bucket, if one tries to crawl out, the other crabs grab hold and pull it back down. Some call it the Crab Bucket Syndrome.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Some of us desire to climb above, raise our standards and improve ourselves, but Satan, and those who belong to him, act like crabs in a bucket. They do everything in their power to destroy the ambitions of those who wish to better themselves. Sadly, these grab and hold techniques often work among us humans, too.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As Christians, it's often our thoughts that catch us, put us in a bucket. What crabs are holding you back from improving your life? These crabs come in thoughts like</div><br /><ul><br /><li><em>I don't have any time to spend with God and his word today.</em></li><br /><li><em>Does God really hear my prayers? It seems like he's not answering.</em></li><br /><li><em>Living the Christian life doesn't pay-off here on earth. </em></li><br /><li><em>Things will never change for me, anyway.</em> </li></ul><br /><p>Faithful Christians pray and believe God no matter how they feel or what things look like. Don't let these crabby negative thoughts keep you in a bucket of mediocrity. Therefore, my dear friends, continue to work out your salvation every day with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:12-13). How do we work out our salvation? Follow Paul's advice that follows these verses in Philippians. Do everything without complaining or arguing (boy, that's a tough one), so that we can become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which we shine like stars in the universe.</p><br /><p>Start shining today and escape the grabs, the holds, and the bucket. </p>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6820006275088382320.post-3368685223660944962010-07-07T01:40:00.000-07:002010-07-08T12:09:16.644-07:00The ABC's of Listening Through His Word<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TDSxAJvexoI/AAAAAAAAAHs/hGWbKxdG6h4/s1600/2195940855_b2f49c2f80%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491208461844661890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_BhGrApjGQM0/TDSxAJvexoI/AAAAAAAAAHs/hGWbKxdG6h4/s320/2195940855_b2f49c2f80%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I hope you have the privilege of a spiritual mentor/mother like I do. If you don't, pray and ask God for one. Then open your eyes and look for her. She may be right in front of you. She'll tell you things like, "Get a new Bible every few years. Then God can speak to you in fresh new ways, instead of through those same old underlined verses and notes." My spiritual mom is my 83-years-young Sunday School teacher. While studying Psalm 119 last Sunday, which is an acrostic of the Hebrew alphabet, she challenged our class to find a Bible verse for every letter of our alphabet. God spoke to me volumes through this exercise and encouraged me in ways only he can. Here are my results:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>A</strong>fter this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9 (NIV)</div><div><strong>B</strong>elieve me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. John 14:11 (KJV)</div><div><strong>C</strong>all to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)</div><div><strong>D</strong>o not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison and test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (NIV)</div><div><strong>E</strong>very man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 16:17 (KJV)</div><div><strong>F</strong>or you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15 (NIV)</div><div><strong>G</strong>od is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. Psalm 89:7 (KJV) </div><div><strong>H</strong>e<strong> </strong>will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4 (NIV)</div><div><strong>I </strong>am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)</div><div><strong>J</strong>esus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, they ye believe on him whom he hath sent. John 6:29 (KJV)</div><div><strong>K</strong>now ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 (KJV)</div><div><strong>L</strong>ord, thou has been our dwelling place in all generations. Psalm 90:1 (KJV)</div><div><strong>M</strong>eanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling. 2 Corinthians 5:2 (NIV)</div><div><strong>N</strong>othing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27 (NIV)</div><div><strong>O</strong>n his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16 (NIV)</div><div><strong>P</strong>raise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1 (NIV)</div><div><strong>Q</strong>uicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. Psalm 119:88 (KJV)</div><div><strong>R</strong>ejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous; and praise his holy name. Psalm 97:12 (NIV)</div><div><strong>S</strong>hout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Psalm 100:1 (NIV)</div><div><strong>T</strong>he LORD is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NIV)</div><div><strong>U</strong>nto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. Psalm 25:1 (KJV)</div><div>The <strong>V</strong>oice of the LORD is powerful, the voice of the LORD is majestic. Psalm 29:4 (NIV)</div><div><strong>W</strong>e live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)</div><div>E<strong>X</strong>alt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Psalm 99:5 (NIV)</div><div><strong>Y</strong>et I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18 (NIV)</div><div><strong>Z</strong>ion will be redeemed with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness. Isaiah 1:27 (NIV)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>photo courtesy of flickr.com</div>Susan Schulzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10955391405023984408noreply@blogger.com1