tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47017845336396602112024-03-05T12:37:36.644-08:00Simple Homesaved by grace, mama to a tribe, walking with Jesus, counting my blessings, finding whimsySimple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-76233242646471574222018-03-01T00:17:00.000-08:002018-03-01T00:32:04.093-08:00After the Storm<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">I have written and rewritten this, as if my words bear weight to anyone but me. I know they don’t, but I write them anyway. It was 16 months ago today that we were thrust into this new life. I couldn’t have imagined 16 months ago what even breathing would feel like today. The devastation was just too huge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">In the period of little more than 2 years we had lost my mom, we had lost Matt, my daughter-in-law’s beloved brother, we had lost my dad, and then my husband of 30 years, had walked away. There was more to come, and my heart ached in a way I could not find words for. It ached from my very core. It ached for my children too, because they had also suffered the same losses. I’m sure anyone who might read this has at one time or another, felt this same, unspeakable ache.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">I remember in the wee hours of the night crying out to God to change it, to rewrite the story so there wasn’t so much pain involved. My sinful heart just wanted ease, a quick fix for the brokenness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">God didn’t fix any of this the way I imagined He would, the way I begged Him to. Loved ones were with Him, of that I was sure, but life still felt shattered, and He didn’t bring my husband home. However, He took my heart in His very capable hands and He anchored Himself into my very soul. A week before this had all happened, the message at church had been, “In Storms, Anchors Don’t Move”. It struck me profoundly, because I knew we’d been in a storm for awhile. I naively believed I was seeing blue skies on the horizon, but it turned out we were just sitting in the eye of the storm, that illusion of peace before you’re tossed into the other side with all of its fury. God was preparing my heart, teaching me that He has been my anchor all along, and He would be with me through this current storm too. I needed to learn to rest in that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">He says over and over in His Word, “Trust Me, believe Me, I Am Faithful.” As I began to give Him this pain of deep loss, of feeling betrayed (and oh my, He understands betrayal better than anyone, because we have all betrayed Him!), He took the mess in my heart and replaced it with Himself, with His peace, with His joy, with His contentment, with Him alone. He healed my heart. I cannot begin to explain how He did it, I only know that He did. There is no One who will ever care for our hearts like God. There is no One who will ever sacrifice Himself for us like Jesus His Son, and there is no Spirit but His Holy Spirit Who will ever fill our heart with all that it needs or longs for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">What changed my life was coming face to face with the truth of God’s amazing Word and His gracious love in spite of my wretched sin. Yes, I knew it already. I believed it already. This is the Word and Truth I grew up with and memorized and believed since childhood. Yet, really applying it in the deep crevices of my heart came only after the deepest pain I had ever experienced. His amazing love will never disappoint. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">To those who have told me that I am strong through this, I feel I must correct that. I am not strong. I am the weakest of the weak. That is the truth of it. But I know the true source of strength in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. My beloved Savior goes before me, as He does for you too, and it is to Him that I want to always remain surrendered. Each breath is a precious gift from Him, and He holds everyday of my future, and the future of my loved ones and your loved ones in His very gracious hands. We are His...and that is enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 19pt;">“Trust in the Lord In all your ways and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight”. Proverbs 3:5-6</span></div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-24022733769958512312017-09-29T11:20:00.000-07:002017-09-29T11:20:59.640-07:00Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was told that my grandmother started buying Christmas gifts for her grandchildren in January. She didn't have much money, and she was a widow, so she worked by ironing clothes for people, and she would buy things on sale when she found them. She died in October, the year I turned 7, and in her things were some gifts she'd bought for the family for the upcoming Christmas.</div>
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Mine was a mustard seed. </div>
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Do you remember those? People usually wore them on a necklace. My dad gave it to me and said his mom bought it for my charm bracelet. It was supposed to be my Christmas present that year. The silver hoop is still there on my bracelet, but the little crystal globe with the mustard seed inside it, fell out long ago. I remember being sad when I realized it was missing, I was a teenager at the time, and it was a connection to my grandmother, and also to her faith. </div>
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Faith, a different "F" word. One that asks us to trust. To believe. I have struggled with it in my life. Maybe you have too. For awhile, I struggled with it a lot, yet the more I did, the more God found ways to teach me to rest in Him.</div>
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On those days when my struggle was the greatest, He would draw me to rest in the words in the Bible on faith and trust, and the promise of the One who is leading. He knew I would struggle with the decisions and heartaches of life. The little ones and the big ones, and He said, "Trust Me, put your faith in Me, I will not forsake you, and I will lead you on the right path."<br />
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Most of all, He'd remind me that He loves all of us and that He gave His Son for our sins. There is nothing greater I can rest in than that.<br />
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As I'm growing older....okay, let's be honest here...growing old, I'm learning that the purpose of my life is to point the ones I love towards God's faithfulness. Not my own faith, because it's weak and at times, wishy washy, but His faithfulness, which is never ending. His faithfulness never changes. It never gets weak or wishy washy, and if there is one lesson I'd want my children and grandchildren to know, it is that God is always faithful, ALWAYS! Trust in Him. <br />
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Jesus mentions having faith as small as a mustard seed several times in the Bible, and then explains the enormous things that can happen with that tiny amount of faith. I don't think I want to go around moving mountains or uprooting trees (Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6), but just reading that humbles me and makes me realize how small my faith really is. Yet even then, He gently reminds me in His Word that it is in Him that I need to trust, not in the mountains that can be moved or that remain unmoved, but in Him alone, because this life is really HIS Story anyway.<br />
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"For we live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7...it's a verse I need to remember daily.<br />
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I know I haven't been here in a long time. My life is different now, yet nothing has really changed, because I know my Savior lives and He is always faithful. I hope you know that too.<br />
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Many blessings to you,<br />
Marcia</div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-40407485961892521492015-12-31T21:09:00.000-08:002015-12-31T21:09:30.096-08:00Lessons on Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy New Year! In 2016, be the one to jump in, feet first!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Thank you Matt, Laura</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">, and Daddy, for teaching me so much in 2015 about living life to it's fullest, to jumping in, even when it scares you...and reminding me that giving love to others is the only way to really live. You've taken pieces of our hearts to heaven, but I know that we will see you all again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(The quote above is from my daughter-in-law's brother Matt, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">who went to heaven on August 30th, at the age of 22. He loved others very well!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another wonderful quote comes from Lissa Whitlock at</span></div>
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<a href="http://keepitsimplekeepitfresh.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">keep it simple, keep it fresh</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">"As we stand at the beginning of a new year, I am continually inspired to live out loud, to get lost in the moment, and surrender the thoughts of what I thought things were supposed to be like and just appreciate life for how it IS. I'm so excited to see what crazy and unexpected memories that this new year will provide. I just want to get lost in life and soak it in.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">And most of all I want to live this way with my Lord. I want to relax, let go, TRUST, and then just RUN; run after Jesus, run after joy, run after complete healing, run after love, run after life.</span><br style="text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Walk with Jesus. Live in trust. Surrender it all to him. Let's let go of all of our preconceived notions and watch him blow our minds!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">May you be blessed beyond measure in 2016!</span></span></div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-12124142653294537132015-11-18T23:58:00.000-08:002015-11-19T01:14:13.111-08:00Daddy and the "Big Picture"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My dear, sweet daddy turned 90 on November 2nd. We celebrated it with lots of cake, love and family. He loved it. Then, on November 8th, he woke up in the morning, saying he didn't feel "Quite up to par", took a deep breath, and joined his Savior and my mom in heaven. It was unexpected, but he went quietly and peacefully, just as he lived his life. I will miss him dearly. I was a "Daddy's girl" all of my life. </div>
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So on Monday, we again celebrated my dad. Old friends and loved ones came to remember the life of this quiet, loving man. How blessed we were to have him as the leader of our family for so many years. Here's a photo of some of our family. (That's Jordan, btw, standing in front of my husband, 4th from the left, in the turquoise plaid. Some might remember praying for him after he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan almost 5 years ago. He's doing well!)</div>
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"I will think of him as I always knew him; kind, loving thoughtful of everyone but himself, a blessing wherever he went and a strength and comfort to all with whom he came in contact. A constant example of all that a husband, father, and Christian should be." </div>
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(This quote was about the missionary Hudson Taylor, but it fits my dad perfectly).</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I want to tell a little story. Some might call this irony, but stay with me for just a minute. This Fall, for the first time in many years, I signed up to help with junior high girls at my church. It's a very large church, and they paired up leaders. I was thankful that they paired me up with a young woman who had experience, because I felt out of my element. We bonded quickly, though we had only met a few times before. After my dad passed away last week, I called her, and her gentle compassion meant so mu<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ch.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We couldn't know that 4 days later, her own father would pass away and she would be calling me. This pairing seemed so God ordained, and we marveled that He saw the big picture far in advance of us. However the other night she shared with me that our lives had even more in common than I knew. You see, she told me that she was born on the very day my husband and I were married. Some may think one has nothing to do with the other, and this is just coincidence. I don't see it that way. I am realizing more and more that God sees the "big picture" in ways we can never understand. He doesn't see backward or forward, He just sees aerially, and He says that is enough, that He's got "this", whatever "this" may be. He knew on the day she was born and I was married, that we would someday lose our dads the same week. He knew that we would become friends, though she is young enough to be my daughter. He keeps teaching me that He knows what the future holds and my job is simply to trust. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we prepared for both of our dads memorial services this week, I am reminded that ours is a "big picture" God, and I'm so thankful for that, and for a friend named Tammy, who has helped me see that He is so much bigger than my mind can possibly fathom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> If anyone remembers the <a href="http://blessedmomssimplehome.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-mothers-last-words.html">post</a> about my mom's passing in August of 2014, they will notice that when I was preparing for her service, I found a very important letter from my grandmother, written to my mom, on the day before my grandmother died, which also "happened" to be my anniversary date, although that time, 30 years earlier. As I am writing this tonight, I am reminded that nothing in our lives is by chance, that God has all of the details worked out, and sometimes He gives a glimpse of just how much attention He pays to even the smallest of details, just to reassure us that His word is true, and heaven is real.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">“Life is but a Weaving”</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">“My life is but a weaving</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Between my God and me.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I cannot choose the colors</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">He weaveth steadily.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">And I in foolish pride</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Forget He sees the upper</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">And I the underside.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Not ’til the loom is silent</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">And the shuttles cease to fly</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Will God unroll the canvas</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">And reveal the reason why.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The dark threads are as needful</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">In the weaver’s skillful hand</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">As the threads of gold and silver</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">In the pattern He has planned</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">He knows, He loves, He cares;</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Nothing this truth can dim.</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">He gives the very best to those</span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Who leave the choice to Him.” </span><br style="text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">― Corrie ten Boom</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love you Daddy. I know I will see you again!</span></div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-67432097068717417292015-10-23T21:05:00.000-07:002015-10-24T22:16:59.194-07:00A Tandem Ride With God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OlydFKEmMY/VisBOFraruI/AAAAAAAADuw/bHexMQZ1SvU/s1600/bikecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OlydFKEmMY/VisBOFraruI/AAAAAAAADuw/bHexMQZ1SvU/s640/bikecollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A Tandem Ride With God </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn't know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says... "Pedal." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Author unknown) </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm5Z8ZIwoiJvAkVw4pOM4cxdkUF6zuyMzcZIFk6p7CS0GT0aO4X4uj5fkye6IMJUJPRlSBQUlhdWJBl18pb0FGboZK8tkpuur5Wyaz2uL2GjAfc7M-MNfb4dvcJSzgMM8EXjEao1lzFs/s1600/Vintage-tandem-bicycle-Toowoomba-700x469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm5Z8ZIwoiJvAkVw4pOM4cxdkUF6zuyMzcZIFk6p7CS0GT0aO4X4uj5fkye6IMJUJPRlSBQUlhdWJBl18pb0FGboZK8tkpuur5Wyaz2uL2GjAfc7M-MNfb4dvcJSzgMM8EXjEao1lzFs/s640/Vintage-tandem-bicycle-Toowoomba-700x469.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo via google search</span></td></tr>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-89128514201410341932015-07-26T08:46:00.000-07:002015-07-26T08:46:46.845-07:00Thankfulness Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tA1pHLVBsg/VbT_Osx5vuI/AAAAAAAADtY/IFSMoDaUY0Y/s1600/ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tA1pHLVBsg/VbT_Osx5vuI/AAAAAAAADtY/IFSMoDaUY0Y/s640/ocean.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Always be thankful...<br />
and</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HECv-LUxzM/VbUAAP12SZI/AAAAAAAADto/A-O_K2vYz5c/s1600/Huntingtoncolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6HECv-LUxzM/VbUAAP12SZI/AAAAAAAADto/A-O_K2vYz5c/s640/Huntingtoncolors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a beautiful, colorful day :)</div>
<span id="goog_201443113"></span><span id="goog_201443114"></span><br /></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4701784533639660211" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4701784533639660211" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-31462422745824385122015-06-29T16:18:00.001-07:002015-06-29T20:45:23.922-07:00Manhattan Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZRr8g0tAW8/VZHNrVkERcI/AAAAAAAADtE/iHo5JjCa-dk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZRr8g0tAW8/VZHNrVkERcI/AAAAAAAADtE/iHo5JjCa-dk/s640/photo.JPG" width="479" /></a></div>
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<br />
Manhattan Beach, California...</div>
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I'd love to say I was here right now,</div>
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but I'm not. This is a photo I took about 3 years ago,</div>
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and I uploaded it to Pinterest.<br />
It's also on my Instagram page,<br />
and it's my Google + profile photo.<br />
Yeah, I love this place!</div>
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(I found out today that someone else had </div>
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claimed it on their website,</div>
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so I thought I'd put it on here and reclaim it) :)</div>
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There's nothing special about the photo,</div>
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other than the meaning for me and my husband</div>
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of an anniversary visit back to the place we met.<br />
If you ever get a chance to visit<br />
Manhattan Beach, you're gonna love it!!<br />
Have a beautiful day :)<br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4701784533639660211" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4701784533639660211" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-30034502152359987842015-06-07T14:00:00.000-07:002015-06-07T14:22:05.999-07:00Simple Homemade Gifts<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcm3alqS_qa_y8dKzJYImnfdJ7wlf9TRiawFeYKKEWLomo5uSbGPg9Bm_ag7vkwgzs6GoMIzgMsmBvFCLisrrB1h-0Nuy3kgKc389wNeps7-QaaGqS-UE38fF8_vneoT7Jy8yy-AtZ21A/s1600/group4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcm3alqS_qa_y8dKzJYImnfdJ7wlf9TRiawFeYKKEWLomo5uSbGPg9Bm_ag7vkwgzs6GoMIzgMsmBvFCLisrrB1h-0Nuy3kgKc389wNeps7-QaaGqS-UE38fF8_vneoT7Jy8yy-AtZ21A/s640/group4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a repost...because baby love is in full bloom around here :)<br />
I have made so many of these in the last couple of years!<br />
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I love homemade gifts and I also love <span style="color: #0b5394;">*Simple*</span>...<br />
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so when I discovered these sweet gift ideas, I wanted to try them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVCew0JJQy0mwdJUWcGBXCU7hFkXfEFf6wlMBT0lDUehT_6TgR3pYnQYszrvQ107hMEkzybEAcPClTA1nwDBILPKNboZqH_l889BUh4LCpM2eDxigA4A5mGh00tGfniYvJ9-pQ_mgSss/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVCew0JJQy0mwdJUWcGBXCU7hFkXfEFf6wlMBT0lDUehT_6TgR3pYnQYszrvQ107hMEkzybEAcPClTA1nwDBILPKNboZqH_l889BUh4LCpM2eDxigA4A5mGh00tGfniYvJ9-pQ_mgSss/s640/group.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not one to take on anything too complicated at this point in my life;<br />
the busyness of a large family means I might not complete it,<br />
but these were very quick and easy.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W82GgH_OiIE/TSeHyAYGtZI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Ptkeh9rR9vA/s1600/burp+cloths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_W82GgH_OiIE/TSeHyAYGtZI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Ptkeh9rR9vA/s640/burp+cloths.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
You've probably seen different versions of this diaper burp cloth in blog land,<br />
but there is a wonderful tutorial over at <a href="http://chickpeastudio.typepad.com/chickpea_sewing_studio/diaper-burp-cloth-tutoria.html">Chickpea Sewing Studio</a>, (thanks so much!).<br />
You can visit the link and get the complete tutorial there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyOzW8EiDKeAr94gdAyJdH-JRwDf6OSvf61oP9OkfSsltsVgGVO3Ea-ENgEIWOdODwpSLKv2roqZ3HUbWVnMN2XnsM5gBF_0NRDGXZPSxYNNj4uVc4RFdHALqCx5AfMOPNsIU6T7XTj8/s1600/group2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyOzW8EiDKeAr94gdAyJdH-JRwDf6OSvf61oP9OkfSsltsVgGVO3Ea-ENgEIWOdODwpSLKv2roqZ3HUbWVnMN2XnsM5gBF_0NRDGXZPSxYNNj4uVc4RFdHALqCx5AfMOPNsIU6T7XTj8/s640/group2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The stitching is just a simple zig-zag.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W82GgH_OiIE/TSaeCR9rdoI/AAAAAAAABzk/u4zvisb62Cs/s1600/elephantstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W82GgH_OiIE/TSaeCR9rdoI/AAAAAAAABzk/u4zvisb62Cs/s640/elephantstitch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She also has a free download for a cute little <a href="http://chickpeastudio.typepad.com/chickpea_sewing_studio/2008/01/chickpea-infant.html">reversible bib pattern</a><br />
that takes just minutes to sew up. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W82GgH_OiIE/TSaeGBDzuSI/AAAAAAAABzs/2mEb8unc0Ug/s1600/bib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_W82GgH_OiIE/TSaeGBDzuSI/AAAAAAAABzs/2mEb8unc0Ug/s640/bib.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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I've made several sets of these over the last few months...</div>
it seems a few of my friends are becoming grandmothers :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6S3GrjFhKr5C5bHCGNI6y3K6iFyLJJ4jSYXJHQQxe7IyWs4U2Gr5bA4bfe5MoJGhscCQsRc1qImYZXKb8LTSPAVI_SSqs6Uea4Z30Mbt5yIw9LuidXcz1wwirYg_mbap4oTmiOjsqC8/s1600/babycollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6S3GrjFhKr5C5bHCGNI6y3K6iFyLJJ4jSYXJHQQxe7IyWs4U2Gr5bA4bfe5MoJGhscCQsRc1qImYZXKb8LTSPAVI_SSqs6Uea4Z30Mbt5yIw9LuidXcz1wwirYg_mbap4oTmiOjsqC8/s640/babycollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like to use flannel, but you could use a pretty cotton fabric too.<br />
If you know of anyone having a new baby, these make great little gifts.<br />
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*Have a wonderful weekend my friends*<br />
<br />
(I've been doing a little blog cleaning, so bear with me as I redo photos to<br />
some old posts, and do some editing too)</div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-33396215205900390102015-06-05T17:34:00.000-07:002015-06-07T14:27:13.837-07:00Tips for New Moms of Multiples...<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been thinking of the best advice I could've received when my twins were babies,</div>
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and here are 14 tips I came up with. Hope they help.</div>
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1. Nothing can prepare you for the 24 "hourness" of a new baby. </div>
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Let me say that again. Nothing can prepare you for the the 24 hourness</div>
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of TWO babies!! Nothing! (Oh yeah, I changed it up a bit).</div>
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<b>Prepare to be unprepared</b>!! (I could almost end this post right here).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dau66TXLiA/VXIefmQW9aI/AAAAAAAADqo/cAsV-nzuU9w/s1600/twinsnewborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dau66TXLiA/VXIefmQW9aI/AAAAAAAADqo/cAsV-nzuU9w/s640/twinsnewborn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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2. No one else has it together either, not even moms of singles, though it<br />
may look like they do. (I know, I was one of those 4 times<br />
before our twins came along...never once did I have it all together).<br />
Just remember, this is your family.</div>
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You and your husband decide. Seeking advice is good, but you know your</div>
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babies better than anyone.</div>
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3. Never turn down an offer for help, because it might be your only chance</div>
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to take a short nap :)</div>
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4. Never turn down an offer for someone to watch your older children for you.</div>
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They need to get out too :)</div>
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5. Pray. This should really be number one on this list.</div>
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Pray about everything. Pray without ceasing. Pray for your children. Pray</div>
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for your husband. Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray. Prayer is best advice for just about</div>
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any parenting question :)</div>
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6. If someone wants to give you a really special gift, don't ask for a new double</div>
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stroller, you can pick a good one up at a yard sale or on Craigslist. </div>
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Ditto on the extra crib.</div>
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Ask for a weekly <b>PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE</b> for the first 6 months. </div>
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Seriously.</div>
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7. Important!! When one baby wakes up at night to be fed, wake the other one up </div>
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right after you've fed the first. I do believe "the feeding schedule" was created</div>
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by a mom of twins. (You'll thank me for this in about 3 weeks).</div>
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It's the best way to guarantee some solid sleep...</div>
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for you :)</div>
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8. If you have older children, your are blessed. </div>
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You have instant entertainment for the babies</div>
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so you can cook a quick dinner, or throw in a load of clothes, </div>
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or change out of the pajamas you've been wearing for 3 days :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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9. If you've always done the grocery shopping, this might be a good time for your </div>
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hubby to learn. However, it was a huge break for me to get out of the house.</div>
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Since my twins are the youngest of six,<br />
I would take one or two of the older kids with me,</div>
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and leave the rest with daddy. I think my twins were 4 before they saw the inside of</div>
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a grocery store. They were filled with wonder and awe...it was like </div>
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Disneyland for them! "Oh, this is where we get all this magical stuff we call FOOD!"</div>
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10. When you do venture out with the twins, be prepared to be stopped by everyone!</div>
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However, if they mention that they too are parents of </div>
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multiples, feel free to pick their brains for all the tips they can offer.</div>
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It's okay, because they stopped you, after all.</div>
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11. Strangers will ask to hold your babies. Perhaps with your first child, you would </div>
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have been shocked at this thought. However, if something possessed you and your</div>
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husband to go to a buffet type restaurant with 6 children, and a </div>
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kind grandmotherly type lady sitting at the table next to you asks you if you'd</div>
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like her to hold one of your crying babies so that you can hold the other crying </div>
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baby while your husband takes the other kids for refills...</div>
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LET HER HELP YOU!!!</div>
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Your husband is going to get the kids dessert anyway, and since you'll be going</div>
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home with 4 sugar high children,</div>
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take her help now, because you can't take her home with you!</div>
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(Haha, don't ask me how I know this).</div>
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12. If you have identical twins, mark all of your photos!! You'll be glad you did this.<br />
We dressed our boys in different colors almost from the start, but we had so many<br />
gifts of "lookalike" clothes, that this wasn't always the case.<br />
We got creative and sometimes put their pacifiers in the photo next to them,<br />
because those were different. When they were about a year old, we got ID bracelets,<br />
and placed them on opposite arms.<br />
This is the only means of identification in some<br />
of our photos.<br />
We do think they are both going by the same name<br />
they came home from the hospital with :)<br />
(However, there was that one time when our older son switched things up, so,,,.)<br />
Just sayin :)<br />
<br />
13. We forget.</div>
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What I mean is, when we pass one stage of life with multiples, we forget</div>
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the details of that stage. Of course there are things that stand out (as #11 proves),</div>
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things we will never forget, but the day to day details have changed enough</div>
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in our own lives that we truly forget how difficult those first few months/years can be.</div>
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You WILL get through it, and before you know it....</div>
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<br /></div>
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14. PUBERTY hits...</div>
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and you find out all over again how different being the mother </div>
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of multiples can be...</div>
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um, can you say "TWINAGERS!"<br />
(btw, getting them to pose together for photos at this age is almost impossible!!)<br />
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Never forget that they are two VERY different and unique people,</div>
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and of course, always remember...</div>
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Good luck!!</div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-15985487623903026532015-05-26T06:00:00.000-07:002015-05-27T22:16:36.810-07:00Brother Bravery<div style="text-align: center;">
The first fight I ever remember seeing, took place on the playground </div>
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of my school when I was in first grade.</div>
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I was spinning around on "the bars", as they called them,</div>
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and a 5th grader and known bully, walked up and started throwing a football </div>
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at me and a couple of the other girls playing there.</div>
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He hit me hard and I started to cry.</div>
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Within about a minute, my brother, a 4th grader, was there beside me.</div>
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Someone had told him I'd been hurt, and he was checking on me,</div>
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...and then he asked me <i><b>who</b></i> did it.</div>
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I pointed to the boy, who was bigger and older than my brother,</div>
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and the next thing I knew,</div>
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my brother had thrown his jacket off </div>
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and was challenging this boy to a fight.</div>
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He didn't wait for him to answer. </div>
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He let him know that he crossed the line when he hit his sister.</div>
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I watched in shock. My brother took on this boy...for <b><i>me</i></b>.</div>
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My brother, who was known as a kind boy...</div>
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was going to tear this bully up. </div>
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I loved him more in that moment than I ever had before.</div>
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A teacher showed up quickly and broke up the fight.</div>
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And then, almost even worse,</div>
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the boys were taken to the dreaded "<b>Principal's Office</b>".</div>
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I yelled that he was protecting me,</div>
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that the boy was bad...</div>
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but both of them were taken away.</div>
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It was back in the days when a Principal had a paddle...</div>
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and everyone<b> <i>feared</i></b> it.</div>
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I watched him walk away, and I cried again.</div>
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This time it was for <b><i>what</i></b> might be coming his way.</div>
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As it turned out, the Principal was a wise man.</div>
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He listened to the story of "why" it had happened,</div>
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and he understood boys...and honor. </div>
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He just made them shake hands and make up, which they did.</div>
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<br /></div>
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They never fought again, and I don't remember that boy giving</div>
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anyone else any trouble. </div>
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I know things would be handled differently now, </div>
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but I'm not sure the results would be any more successful.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My big brother has always been there for me. I've always known he had my back.<br />
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I can't say that I've done the same. </div>
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I'm the younger one, and a girl,</div>
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and all too often, I didn't think that way,<br />
but he did.</div>
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When our mom passed away last summer,</div>
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my big brother took care of everything...once again,</div>
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just as he always had, because that's the kind of person he is.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He's experienced his fair share of trials.<br />
For those who might remember, a few years ago, his son Jordan,<br />
lost his legs when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan. It is difficult</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to watch your own child going through such pain.<br />
We were thankful that Jordan survived.<br />
He had a long, hard road ahead of him, which he has walked </div>
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with dignity, never giving up. He is doing well now.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Earlier this year, my brother was diagnosed with cancer.</div>
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That terrible disease that everyone hates. Cancer is an awful word.</div>
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He has undergone radiation and chemo,</div>
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and thankfully, his prognosis looks good, but the treatment has been hard.</div>
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I am so proud of him for facing this cancer bully...</div>
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and fighting it just like he fought the bully on the playground so many years ago.<br />
He too, has faced this challenge head-on, with dignity.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A few days ago I was able to hang out with him.<br />
I'm so thankful that he's starting to feel better,</div>
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and especially thankful for the best big brother God could've ever provided...</div>
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I love you Kev!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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There is a song I want to share by NeedtoBreathe called "Brother".</div>
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The words express the love and thankfulness I have for my big brother.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And it describes the brother he's always been to me.<br />
The one who's there for you, no matter what. </div>
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Please listen, it's beautiful. The lyrics are included below.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/61Wm_qlVD4Q" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif;">
</div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 19px;">"Brother"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ramblers in the wilderness we can’t find what we need<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Get a little restless from the searching <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Get a little worn down in between<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Like a bull chasing the matador is the man left to his own schemes<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Everybody needs someone beside em’ shining like a lighthouse from the sea<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother let me be your shelter<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll never leave you all alone<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I can be the one you call<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When you’re low<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother let me be your fortress<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When the night winds are driving on<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Be the one to light the way<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Bring you home<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Face down in the desert now there’s a cage locked around my heart<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I found a way to drop the keys where my failures were <br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Now my hands can’t reach that far<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I ain’t made for a rivalry I could never take the world alone<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I know that in my weakness I am strong, but<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />It’s your love that brings me home<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother let me be your shelter<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll never leave you all alone<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I can be the one you call<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When you’re low<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother let me be your fortress<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When the night winds are driving on<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Be the one to light the way<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Bring you home<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And when you call and need me near<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Sayin' where'd you go?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother I'm right here<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And on those days when the sky begins to fall<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />You're the blood of my blood<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />We can get through it all<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother let me be your shelter<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll never leave you all alone<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I can be the one you call<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When you’re feelin' low<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother let me be your fortress<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When the night winds are driving on<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Be the one to light the way<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Bring you home<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother let me be your shelter<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I’ll never leave you all alone<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I can be the one you call<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When you’re low<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Brother let me be your fortress<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When the night winds are driving on<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Be the one to light the way<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Bring you home<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Be the one to light the way<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Bring you home</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">...I love you Kevin :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Signed,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your Little Sister</span></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-24829003277550639312015-05-20T06:00:00.000-07:002015-06-07T14:25:34.848-07:00Fear, Faith, Oceans, Snakes and...Miracles<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7fK33uSsi0/VVwqLx2TY5I/AAAAAAAADoE/EzoNP5-Xf2g/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2013-07-06%2Bat%2B4.18.06%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7fK33uSsi0/VVwqLx2TY5I/AAAAAAAADoE/EzoNP5-Xf2g/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2013-07-06%2Bat%2B4.18.06%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I always loved missionary stories as a kid. </div>
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God seemed to do amazing things through people who stepped out in faith.</div>
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I feared the stories too. I feared that I loved them so much</div>
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that it might mean God was going to send me somewhere...</div>
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like Africa. </div>
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I feared Africa. I feared the snakes in Africa.</div>
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I feared the heat in Africa. I feared the scorpions in Africa. </div>
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I really feared that I might be going to the African desert :)</div>
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When I was 18 years old I signed up to go on a one month mission trip </div>
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with a group called Teens With a Purpose..TWAPS for short.</div>
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They sang in churches, did construction work,<br />
and generally served where they were needed.</div>
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My motives weren't pure though.<br />
The mission trip was to Hawaii, </div>
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a long time dream location for this Cali beach gal.<br />
A place I didn't fear. A place I longed for.</div>
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I went, and spent a month there,<br />
falling in love with the people and the place.<br />
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I distinctly remember standing in the airport in Maui </div>
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waiting to get on the plane to go home </div>
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and hearing that little voice inside my head say "STAY, just STAY." </div>
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I didn't.<br />
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I had paradise in my grasp, but I didn't trust the voice. I wasn't brave.</div>
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Fear of being on my own at that young age was just too strong,<br />
and my faith wasn't strong enough.</div>
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As it turns out, I wound up in the desert after all,</div>
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instead of paradise.<br />
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In the desert where there is heat, and snakes and scorpions.<br />
Oh, the irony :)</div>
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Kind of like the Israelites in the wilderness...<br />
"Don't obey...you get the desert. You missed the Promised Land.</div>
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You get Plan B."<br />
(which He knew I was going to take the whole time)<br />
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I think that God must have a great sense of humor<br />
when dealing with our foolishness :)<br />
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However, even after growing up a beach girl,</div>
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now residing in the desert for oh so many years,<br />
(with surfboards stacked in my bedroom)</div>
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and missing my early "opportunity" to live in Hawaii,<br />
I've found the desert isn't so bad.<br />
In fact, it's home, even if it isn't Hawaii.</div>
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I have still been very blessed.<br />
<br />
I have children who are much braver than I was,<br />
and have traveled to many corners of the world,<br />
serving where God has led them.<br />
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I have friends who have done the same.<br />
People who are brave.<br />
Cody and Tiffany are two of these people.<br />
They are friends of ours who have lived their lives in faith, not fear.<br />
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They have a blog called <a href="http://hurtingheartshelpinghands.blogspot.com/">Hurting Hearts, Helping Hands</a>.<br />
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<span id="goog_1606271729"></span><span id="goog_1606271730"></span><br />
My oldest son worked with Cody for awhile,<br />
and the stories he would come home and tell are legendary in our household.<br />
We hold Tiffany in equally high esteem because it takes<br />
a very strong woman to be married to such a daring man :)<br />
<br />
Cody and Tiffany went to Sri Lanka to help<br />
right after the Dec. 2004 tsunami hit.<br />
They fell in love with the people and the place,<br />
and THEY listened to the voice that told them to go back.<br />
We met them during the time they were waiting to go.<br />
They were working hard towards that goal.<br />
And they finally made it, several years ago.<br />
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They are surfers giving back...<br />
through an organization called <a href="http://www.surfingthenations.com/">Surfing the Nations</a>,<br />
ironically based out of my beloved Hawaii :)<br />
Over the last 4 summers, my youngest daughter has<br />
also volunteered with <a href="http://www.surfingthenations.com/">STN</a>. They are reaching into all corners of the world.<br />
They have even gone to North Korea to teach surfing there.<br />
Yes, you read that right. NORTH Korea.<br />
(You'll see their little icon there on the side of my blog,<br />
along with my favorite music apps) :)<br />
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Last year, while in Sri Lanka, Cody was bit by one of the deadliest<br />
snakes in the world...the Russell Pit Viper.<br />
I'm including his post, which breaks down what happened.<br />
When he was bit, word was spread to his friends worldwide via Facebook.<br />
We didn't know if he would survive...because few do.<br />
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Snake Bite</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Russell Pit Viper: Based on several factors, including lethality of venom, aggressive behavior and number of human fatalities it is responsible for, it is commonly agreed upon by herpetologists that the most dangerous snake in the world is</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> the Russell's Viper. Also known as the Chain Viper, the Russell's Viper ("Daboia russelli") causes thousands of deaths each year. When the Russell's Viper bites a victim, it can deliver up to 112 mg of venom which can cause pain, swelling of the area around the bite, vomiting, </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">kidney failure and an inability for the blood to coagulate. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">two and a half to 10 minutes from the time of first being bitten.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br />My miraculous story as I look back over this death defying week…. It was a normal night here in Sri Lanka and my family was headed over to our friend<a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=647687000" href="https://www.facebook.com/johnson.ratnasingam" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Johnson</a>'s house for dinner. It was 7:30pm and I opened my shed and reached around the door to grab my motorcycle helmet. As I reached in, I felt something bite me on my ankle and made it feel like it was on fire. I quickly turned on the light to find nothing but my clean shed room that I had been working in all day. Still not knowing what bit me, I asked Tiff to bring me a flashlight and our snake bite kit. I turned my shed upside-down and looked in every corner as I had the venom suction syringe attached to my ankle. I have been bit/stung by snakes, spiders, jellyfish, scorpions, stingrays, sea urchins, and centipedes; so maybe I was a little bit calloused to the reality, but after not finding anything I just shrugged it off as most likely being a centipede. So I said "lets go to dinner." </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I let everyone around know what happened so they could keep an eye on me and then we proceeded to have an amazing meal of shrimp hand caught by Johnson,<a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=100002784032076" href="https://www.facebook.com/anusanthbabu" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Babu</a> , <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=828215222" href="https://www.facebook.com/spencer.kaneda" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Spencer</a>, and myself. During our time there a National Geographic commercial came on about poisonous snakes and I jokingly said "maybe it's a sign." Two hours later we were headed home to go to bed after a long day. As we all unloaded off my motorcycle, Koda said "Mom there's a snake. I thought it was a big pile of dog poop, but it's not, it's a snake." It was at our front door step under our brightest outdoor light i</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">n a place that we could not miss it. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">(Miracle #1; I was headed to sleep; if we didn't find this snake literally on our front door step I would have not gone to the hospital). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Thousands of emotions and feelings flooded through me as I recognized it as being one of the top 4 most lethal snakes in the world, a Russell Pit Viper. I knew I needed to stay calm to prevent the poison that had already been in my body way too long, not to be pumped throughout my body; but I also knew I needed to kill the snake so that I could take it to let the doctors identify it. As soon as we saw the snake, Tiff called Johnson to come pick us up and take us to the hospital. Johnson said over and over on the phone to not kill the snake, because one of the Sri Lankan myths about snake bites is if you kill the snake that bit you, you will surely die. (Johnson's big brother was bit and killed by this viper or one very similar). </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Y</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">ou can imagine how scared he was for us. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">We arrived at our local hospital to find out they couldn't help, and sent us on an hour and a half ambulance ride to a bigger city hospital in Ampara. Babu begged to come in the ambulance with us and I am so glad they let him so he could be with Tiff and help translate. In the ambulance Tiff got on the phone to get family and friends praying and to get our Doctor friend Matt's number. Within five minutes Matt was on the phone with Tiff walking her through everything she needed to know as I was copying and pasting on our computer things she or the doctors might need if I was to go into shock or pass out. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">When we arrived the doctors looked at the snake and looked at me and didn't understand why I was not dead. At this point they assumed that it must have been a dry bite without venom or else I would either be having severe reactions or be dead. Therefore they didn't want to give me the anti venom. They started running blood and urine tests and thats when they realized I did have venom in my blood. However, they still didn't believe it so they ran the same test again with the same results. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">(Miracle #2- I should have been going through death like side effects, but nothing.) </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">They were finally convinced and immediately gave me 10 viles of viper anti venom, which they also said would have really bad side affects. With epinephrin shot in hand, all the nurses and doctors watched in amazement. Thirty viles of anti venom later and there were still no severe side effects. (Miracle # 3- No side effects to the anti venom). </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Soon my blood was back to normal and as they were still continuing to monitor all my systems for effects, they were convinced that my brain, heart, kidneys and other organs were miraculously unaffected- ( Miracle #4). Three days later I'm at home, back on my feet, entertaining all of my loving Sri Lankan family/friends who have come to see this walking, living Miracle. What do I have to say about all of this? </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Well….. my Jesus Rocks and I give him all the credit he deserves, even when some might say "why would he let you get bit in the first place?" My response is this: Jesus wanted to show off and to show others that don't know him how much he loves his people and how he can do the impossible, the supernatural. Thank you first off to Jesus for saving my life. Tiff you were amazing and I am so proud of how you handled the situation; I am so lucky to have you. Dr. Matt, you are my hero and my family and my life has been so, so blessed by you. Thank you for doing what you do. Friends, family, and people that I don't even know who prayed for me, I am overwhelmed by your love. Your prayers were answered and you now have a personal testimony of Jesus's amazing healing power. Share it with everyone you know. I love you all. I love you Jesus. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Some scriptures people shared that were powerful during this time. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Miracles...they happen when we least expect them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">They remind us WHO is in control.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">My favorite song in the world is called Oceans....</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">(surprise, surprise)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">It's beautiful, and </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I have listened to it hundreds of times.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">It's about trust, and being brave...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I especially love the line that says</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">I think it represents Cody, Tiffany and Surfing the Nations </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">very well, </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">along with many others </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">who ARE brave...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;">Enjoy :)</span></div>
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Hillsong United ~ Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">You call me out upon the waters</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">The great unknown where feet may fail</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">And there I find You in the mystery</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">In oceans deep</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">My faith will stand</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">And I will call upon Your name</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">And keep my eyes above the waves</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">When oceans rise</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">My soul will rest in Your embrace</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">For I am Yours and You are mine</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Your grace abounds in deepest waters</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Your sovereign hand</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Will be my guide</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">You've never failed and You won't start now</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">So I will call upon Your name</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">And keep my eyes above the waves</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">When oceans rise</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">My soul will rest in Your embrace</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">For I am Yours and You are mine</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;">[6x]</i><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Let me walk upon the waters</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Wherever You would call me</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">And my faith will be made stronger</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">In the presence of my Savior</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Oh, Jesus, you're my God!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">I will call upon Your name</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">Keep my eyes above the waves</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">My soul will rest in Your embrace</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="line-height: 19px;">I am Yours and You are mine...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Btw, the photo at the top of the page is of the</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Surfing the Nations Sri Lanka Surf Club :)</span></div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-17920520678549344972015-05-12T23:11:00.000-07:002015-05-27T22:13:17.502-07:00Veggie Tales "Love" Letter :)<div style="color: #141823; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Adult Son,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've noticed that some of your "contemporaries" have taken to making fun of Veggie Tales, with the claim that they were forced to watch it by their "conservative" Christian mothers. I can assure you that it was I that was FORCED to watch! You begged me for those videos and "Mommy, rewind it!" was a oft-heard statement in our household. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your childhood obsession with this show has taught me much though. I now know that Manatees should all be named Barbara, and<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> that veterinarians in the Alps most definitely yodel. I remember well when you just HAD to have a water buffalo because "everybody had one", and came to realize that pirates don't do anything (I must admit that I had an inkling of this already, thanks to the famous Disneyland ride). I do feel a bit sorry for all the well-liked Daniels out there who may have inadvertently found their ears filled with cheeseballs and their nostrils with sorbet.</span></span><br />
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Of course the best lesson I learned was to ALWAYS put my hairbrush in it's place! If only I had a dollar for every time I've heard "oh where, oh where, oh where, oh where, o-h w-h-e-r-e?" in my head!<br />
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Thank you my son...you have taught me so much.<br />
Signed,<br />
Your Loving Mom<br />
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P.S. No, I didn't keep them, but I'm sure that your children will find songs that will teach you life lessons of equal importance. In fact I'm looking forward to it...It will be so much more fun than the nostril trick :))<br />
Love you!<br />
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(You're free to borrow this for your adult children too, haha)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LtHr7gluh08" width="420"></iframe>Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-35622143966246368642015-04-12T13:03:00.000-07:002015-04-12T21:42:50.303-07:00Broken Together...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8gwhYYB9qc/VSrGwxDomSI/AAAAAAAADkU/IwCc2TWCe8Q/s1600/IMG_7658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q8gwhYYB9qc/VSrGwxDomSI/AAAAAAAADkU/IwCc2TWCe8Q/s1600/IMG_7658.JPG" height="640" width="617" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo courtesy of Larry Massey</span></td></tr>
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29 years ago today, we said "I do". We had no idea what that meant at the time.<br />
We were two broken people. We still are.</div>
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We're starting to get one thing though, <br />
we are realizing that through good times and bad,</div>
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this marriage is not about us.</div>
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It was never supposed to be.</div>
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We've been slow to get this, and though we fail every day,</div>
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God has still blessed us, <i>in spite of ourselves</i>.</div>
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We have no idea what tomorrow will bring,</div>
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because tomorrow is never guaranteed,</div>
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but today</div>
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we just want to wake up and be grateful for all that Christ has done.</div>
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Happy Anniversary RussMyHoney,<br />
I love you, always and forever...<br />
I am so thankful that we are broken together.<br />
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These are the words on the website that describe this song. I think it says it so well.<br />
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“Marriage is tough. We bring a lot of fairytales to the picture when it comes to marriage. We bring them to the altar with us [thinking]: ‘This is going to be perfect. We don’t have to be apart. We can just wake up together every morning and no one is going to have morning breath. We’re not going to have any problems.’ And then the problems hit and you don’t know where to file those into your picture. . . The idea I’m trying to say is: ‘Can you lay down who you thought I was and love the ‘me’ that is? Can we take this from where we are now and realize that I can’t be that person?’ Only God is going to be able to make this work and broken people can be broken together. To me, it’s probably the most important song on the record.”</div>
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"Broken Together"</div>
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What do you think about when you look at me</div>
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I know we're not the fairytale you dreamed we'd be</div>
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You wore the veil, you walked the aisle, you took my hand</div>
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And we dove into a mystery</div>
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How I wish we could go back to simpler times</div>
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Before all our scars and all our secrets were in the light</div>
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Now on this hallowed ground, weve drawn the battle lines</div>
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Will we make it through the night</div>
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Its going to take much more than promises this time</div>
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Only God can change our minds</div>
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Maybe you and I were never meant to be complete</div>
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Could we just be broken together</div>
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If you can bring your shattered dreams and I'll bring mine</div>
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Could healing still be spoken and save us</div>
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The only way we'll last forever is broken together</div>
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How it must have been so lonely by my side</div>
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We were building kingdoms and chasing dreams and left love behind</div>
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Im praying God will help our broken hearts align</div>
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And we won't give up the fight</div>
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Maybe you and I were never meant to be complete</div>
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Could we just be broken together</div>
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If you can bring your shattered dreams and Ill bring mine</div>
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Could healing still be spoken and save us</div>
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The only way we'll last forever is broken together</div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-41384375823776114492015-04-04T16:00:00.000-07:002015-04-05T15:53:23.967-07:00Simple Bulletin Board Vintage Redo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8yPbDxk1JQ/TWcvos_rTUI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/Z9tsQMBhW8c/s1600/blessedframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8yPbDxk1JQ/TWcvos_rTUI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/Z9tsQMBhW8c/s640/blessedframe.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a repost of a little Spring project :)<br />
Some of the <span style="color: #a64d79;">*little vintage items*</span> I picked up at the Pasadena flea market </div>
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have finally been used for a little bulletin board redo :-)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSQdo2Hnnmk/TWcxlJbcvOI/AAAAAAAAB-0/TDPktgGgD1s/s1600/mompaints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSQdo2Hnnmk/TWcxlJbcvOI/AAAAAAAAB-0/TDPktgGgD1s/s400/mompaints.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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First, paint while your kids are doing their schoolwork...</div>
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(then you're right there when they have questions) ;-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e39FKaJDYqxmuOCp7UI2WMgL4I_K51WrJQJNfCiy7EqCSP_rt2OzLbl0qh51qspIiAcSFL8ElFW6nvvuhKQBwdGV4ICGnanmCTF2N8fQIB3Rs66giagVIjQW3Y3Fjsd-PTW6MpC9QpA/s1600/suppliescollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_e39FKaJDYqxmuOCp7UI2WMgL4I_K51WrJQJNfCiy7EqCSP_rt2OzLbl0qh51qspIiAcSFL8ElFW6nvvuhKQBwdGV4ICGnanmCTF2N8fQIB3Rs66giagVIjQW3Y3Fjsd-PTW6MpC9QpA/s640/suppliescollage3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Measure...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bnXBQ8Kipu2L3CWH7fLUYlgvK2m4FGJA7e_fHpXoTlkFL8fmd1Jx5vYNq4Y2VCN_KDb_fvvW_XUYAG9ORXFV4ucJFNNwSaB8Y7kDXchlAVOfhbGzgaVDeGJwuOfz4ut9q1IP3xKz3KE/s1600/layout2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bnXBQ8Kipu2L3CWH7fLUYlgvK2m4FGJA7e_fHpXoTlkFL8fmd1Jx5vYNq4Y2VCN_KDb_fvvW_XUYAG9ORXFV4ucJFNNwSaB8Y7kDXchlAVOfhbGzgaVDeGJwuOfz4ut9q1IP3xKz3KE/s640/layout2.jpg" height="499" width="640" /></a></div>
and cut your fabric to fit....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsERYfrJfPVVni2fB70ucIwp1mxKt0tTXtkmOWx2nsURGc5ygOnjRaGpQVBm3udong4uEYkAmprI4IRAduZkoPDUEukzChu6vb9XlmLyXr8rol_ABx-i6UiV20ai13eCVXmPO150TCdRA/s1600/measuring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsERYfrJfPVVni2fB70ucIwp1mxKt0tTXtkmOWx2nsURGc5ygOnjRaGpQVBm3udong4uEYkAmprI4IRAduZkoPDUEukzChu6vb9XlmLyXr8rol_ABx-i6UiV20ai13eCVXmPO150TCdRA/s400/measuring.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Because I wasn't sure I'd want it to be permanent, ( I change things alot)</div>
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I used thumbtacks to attach fabric and lace..</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdP_NeFXh0AzA2I9dg2msLpE2bBp2KuO0GYFhWf71ToBp4smAckUybxtlVKyDlU4mXzzBy3Z4eHbH755OdUI0XYzvjGU6_BbSoVoCyT0l5UNc-HIs94pKjzjDmqT96eVUuSNE_5i5q2U/s1600/attachbuttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdP_NeFXh0AzA2I9dg2msLpE2bBp2KuO0GYFhWf71ToBp4smAckUybxtlVKyDlU4mXzzBy3Z4eHbH755OdUI0XYzvjGU6_BbSoVoCyT0l5UNc-HIs94pKjzjDmqT96eVUuSNE_5i5q2U/s640/attachbuttons.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You could use hot glue, but I used scrapbook dots to attach the buttons!</td></tr>
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Vintage millinery, buttons and crochet flowers...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txn1mckkigg/TWcwRLR3kAI/AAAAAAAAB-s/3q3JvtjSH18/s1600/mckenzie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-txn1mckkigg/TWcwRLR3kAI/AAAAAAAAB-s/3q3JvtjSH18/s640/mckenzie.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBljaR7czbkSnHZYJybPn9_078ePX6MTW1HO9JjFEEXmt_9awV2wVpIMvOJB2HmkNZThl6OPzFKbWH5ctlXL5QJKVfPl0Mmh6aSwImp-u3QkOyNjguCyxBdjoYAReKDdL5idltNv_BxM/s1600/jonas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBljaR7czbkSnHZYJybPn9_078ePX6MTW1HO9JjFEEXmt_9awV2wVpIMvOJB2HmkNZThl6OPzFKbWH5ctlXL5QJKVfPl0Mmh6aSwImp-u3QkOyNjguCyxBdjoYAReKDdL5idltNv_BxM/s640/jonas.jpg" height="640" width="530" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little ones are my friend Terri's sweet children, aren't they adorable? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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add photos or other inspirational items...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhz6Bb1awYY/TWcv6961P4I/AAAAAAAAB-g/MNd-WljV0aQ/s1600/onthewall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhz6Bb1awYY/TWcv6961P4I/AAAAAAAAB-g/MNd-WljV0aQ/s400/onthewall.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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and hang it on the wall :-)<br />
*I <span style="color: #e06666;">♥love♥ </span>using things you already have on hand * </div>
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<br /></div>
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I hope you all find time to <span style="color: #3d85c6;">create</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">a little something</span> fun yourselves :-)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Have a glorious weekend my friends...</div>
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Blessings,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marcia</div>
Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-54200312785048153042015-04-04T06:00:00.000-07:002015-05-05T20:03:58.316-07:00Betrayal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2hUaA7olrc/VSDARPTIgLI/AAAAAAAADeQ/O7Lg5or885w/s1600/photo%2B2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2hUaA7olrc/VSDARPTIgLI/AAAAAAAADeQ/O7Lg5or885w/s1600/photo%2B2-2.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I am Judas' kiss, but You love me anyway.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>~Sidewalk Prophets~</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Betrayal...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Coming to terms with the fact that you can't change </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">what someone else has done to you...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Is a huge feat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Living with that fact...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Is a giant challenge.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But dying for the one who has betrayed you...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Is a <i>true</i> MIRACLE!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUg1y0FANwo/VR-EbnG3qWI/AAAAAAAADcQ/QHNYgghNVMM/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pUg1y0FANwo/VR-EbnG3qWI/AAAAAAAADcQ/QHNYgghNVMM/s1600/photo.PNG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Betrayal is one of the most painful things in life to endure.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It can seem worse than illness, worse even than death.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The betrayer may never express remorse, they may</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">never even acknowledge that the betrayal has taken place. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am guilty of this. We are all guilty of this.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"See, I am the one who yelled out from the crowd</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>For Your blood to be spilled on this earth shaking ground,</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Yes, then I turned away with a smile on my face,</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>with this sin in my heart, tried to bury your grace"</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>~Sidewalk Prophets~ "You Loved Me Anyway"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'd like to think this wouldn't be me, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">that I wouldn't have betrayed Him, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but the truth is, I am not capable of His kind of love.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am nothing more than one of His betrayers. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet, Jesus </span><span style="font-size: large;">took this betrayal of Him,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and gave <b>His</b> life for it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"And He loved me anyway."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>I cannot comprehend His love.</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not at all. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His Word tells us over and over of His love for us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet, understanding that kind of love, that kind of grace,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that kind of <i>sacrifice</i>, for my freedom, for your freedom,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to break my chains, to break your chains,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to right the wrongs of His enemies,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">to right the wrongs of <i>my</i> enemies,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of those who betrayed him, of those who have betrayed me,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and of those who have betrayed you,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">is more than I will <i><b>ever</b></i> be able to comprehend. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So I'll just share the words and music </span><span style="font-size: large;">to this beautiful song,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that say it better than I <i><b>ever</b></i> could :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"How Can It Be"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am guilty</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ashamed of what I've done, what I've become</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">These hands are dirty</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I dare not lift them up to the Holy one</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You plead my cause</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You right my wrongs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You break my chains</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You overcome</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You gave Your life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To give me mine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You say that I am free</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How can it be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How can it be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been hiding</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Afraid I've let you down, inside I doubt</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That You still love me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But in Your eyes there's only grace now</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You plead my cause</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your right my wrongs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You break my chains</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You overcome</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You gave Your life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To give me mine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You say that I am free</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How can it be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How can it be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Though I fall, You can make me new</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">From this death I will rise with You</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh the grace reaching out for me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How can it be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How can it be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You plead my cause</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You right my wrongs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You break my chains</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You overcome</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You gave your life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To give me mine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You say that I am free</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How can it be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How can it be</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wt5X91ciE6Y" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"<b>Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." </b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Romans 5: 7-8</b></span></i></div>
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<div class="verse" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-68334604495870156872015-03-20T04:30:00.000-07:002015-04-04T14:22:32.127-07:00The Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZJXbzQt0Gg/VQyA4u_ZavI/AAAAAAAADYY/Tuan7pK9qRM/s1600/rooted2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DZJXbzQt0Gg/VQyA4u_ZavI/AAAAAAAADYY/Tuan7pK9qRM/s1600/rooted2.jpg" height="640" width="442" /></a></div>
<br />
During a walk in the woods, we came around a corner and saw this tree.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was awestruck when I first saw it. Standing tall, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with so many roots exposed. </div>
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Alive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It had not died from the wind and the storms that had obviously ravaged it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead, it dug deeper, finding the life giving water that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
would continue to help it grow. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew there were lessons in this tree.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of those lessons is in the words I added below it.<br />
Not my words, just a simple quote that seemed to fit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So often, the storms of life toss us back and forth,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and they leave us uprooted, broken, damaged, defeated,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and sometimes we even feel dead inside. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christians aren't given a pass on this. We go through the storms too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes we are stoic, while really thinking we should be stronger than we are.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes we break under the pain and pressure,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and forget that there is living water, that will never run dry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And other times, we call out to the One who calms the storm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week I heard a man by the name of Mark Hall speak about this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's the lead singer of a band called "Casting Crowns."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's in a storm. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He recently found out he has a cancerous tumor on his kidney. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's a husband, a father, a musician, and a minister.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is also remembering <i>WHO</i> is in control of this. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was moved by his words.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You see, one of Casting Crowns biggest hits, cowritten by Mark Hall, is called:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Praise You in This Storm"</div>
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I was sure by now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God You would have reached down</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And wiped our tears away</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stepped in and saved the day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining</div>
<br />
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the thunder rolls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I'm with you"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And as Your mercy falls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And takes away</div>
<br />
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
[Chorus:]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I'll praise You in this storm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I will lift my hands</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For You are who You are</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter where I am</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And every tear I've cried</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You hold in Your hand</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You never left my side</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And though my heart is torn</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will praise You in this storm</div>
<br />
<div style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember when</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I stumbled in the wind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You heard my cry to you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And you raised me up again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My strength is almost gone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How can I carry on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I can't find You</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But as the thunder rolls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I barely hear You whisper through the rain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I'm with you"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And as Your mercy falls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And takes away"</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's a little more too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's the link for this beautiful song, with Mark Hall singing the words.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you have a few minutes to listen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EjZBZv_771o?list=RDEjZBZv_771o" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe some of you have a friend or loved one </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
going through a similar storm, like I do. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or maybe you're going through a storm yourself. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I frequently fail during trials and storms. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I forget <i>WHO'S</i> got this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or if I remember, I ask Him <i>WHY</i> He doesn't do it <i>MY</i> way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's all powerful, He can fix this. He can make it go away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's <i>MY</i> way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And He just says</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Rest in Me. Can't you get that? I'm with you."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But all too often, I don't rest in Him. I forget to. I rest in fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I rest in self-pity. I rest in others. I rest in sadness. I rest in anger. I rest in shame. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I rest in....(fill in the blank, there are so many others).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wait.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's not rest. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
None of those things feel like rest. They feel like...What?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They feel like...I'm stuck in something I can't get myself out of,<br />
and I'm spinning out of control.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then He gently reminds me that HE has this,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whatever "this" may be. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I can rest in Him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last words of the song are straight out of scripture:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I lift my eyes up to the hills,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where does my help come from?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My help comes from the Lord</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Maker of Heaven and Earth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ps. 121: 1-2</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, that I could remember these words every time a storm comes!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A couple of days ago Mark Hall had surgery, and now he's recovering.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His family is praising God that they caught it early.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe they'd be praising Him if they didn't, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"For You are who You are, no matter where I am"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a line from the song.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my favorite "storm" verses is Luke 22: 31-32, although it doesn't </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
use the word "storm" at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is Christ talking to Simon Peter. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's telling him that Satan is going to sift him like wheat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Think about the process of "sifting"...it's "storm like" stuff!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then he's telling him that Satan had to ask His permission first.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(God is in control, remember that Satan<br />
had to ask for permission to "sift" Job, too).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's also telling him that He <i>didn't</i> tell Satan "No"<br />
(that would be my choice!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but instead, He (Christ) prayed for Peter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He Intervened...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on Peter's behalf. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Just like He intervenes on our behalf).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then He tells Peter that He prayed that his <i>faith wouldn't</i> <i>fail</i>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and that when his (Peter's) faith is strong again,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he should use what he's learned to strengthen others.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love that :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not always easy to share our storms,<br />
they're painful, they show our vulnerability, they expose the real us,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but they can also help someone who is facing a similar storm.<br />
I'm thankful that Mark Hall was willing to expose his.<br />
He reminds us that storms hit everyone,<br />
but we never have to be alone in the midst of one.<br />
"and every tear I've cried,<br />
You hold in your hand<br />
You never left my side"<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Btw, here's a photo of Casting Crowns newest album cover.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITfOUboBiAA/VQu2Tfo16MI/AAAAAAAADXw/-N6fwbyF74w/s1600/castingcrownsthrive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ITfOUboBiAA/VQu2Tfo16MI/AAAAAAAADXw/-N6fwbyF74w/s1600/castingcrownsthrive.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thrive :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a tree showing it's deep roots.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hadn't seen this until <i>after</i> I started writing this post.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After, I'd chosen that old, deep rooted tree for the photo :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Share the song with someone who's going through a storm,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
because I'm pretty sure it will strengthen them too :)<br />
<br />
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-18657724177852475482015-02-25T22:54:00.000-08:002015-06-07T14:19:53.526-07:00To Russia With Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcYiJw_LUIo/VO6kwqFG21I/AAAAAAAADRE/eg_FfANmoXM/s1600/IMG_2536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcYiJw_LUIo/VO6kwqFG21I/AAAAAAAADRE/eg_FfANmoXM/s1600/IMG_2536.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a thing about pier shots. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess it's because I spent many summers with this as my view. Sitting with my friends, next to the pier, bodysurfing, watching the boys surf, and laying out, working on our tans. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's still one of my favorite views. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which brings me to views. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blog views...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh wait, I'll backtrack a little first.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll start by saying that I'm not on here very often anymore. I know that's stating the obvious, lol. Like many other bloggers, I had moved on to other things and this blog seemed to take a backseat in my life. I've never been much of a writer anyway. I can remember sitting down to write a story for a school assignment, and thinking, "No, let me draw a picture instead." </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Art was my easy "A" class, not English. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In fact, the only thing I remember writing that didn't stump me was poetry, which is kind of a written form of "Art" class. I guess that photography is now my "Art" of choice, hiding behind the lens of a camera instead of using pencils, pens or paint, sitting in the shadow of a pier, or waiting for the sun to pass just below the horizon to get the most vivid colors of a sunset. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, I come from a long line of storytellers. My mom's side of the family has always told stories. True stories. Oral history though, not the <i>written</i> word. My kids have heard my stories so many times they can tell them for me. I've written a few of them here on the blog, but my strength is not in the writing, it's in the telling. When I tell someone about the day I was held up, you will probably laugh about the ineptness of both myself and the robber. My next job was working for spies..no lie. I can tell you that one with a whole slew of websites to back me up :) I then worked for an actress, and I think a sitcom could be created from all of the stories I tell about that job. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So what does pier views, storytelling and blog views have to do with one another? Well, the "pier views" comment was really just because I wanted to include a photo. I always want to include a photo. (Btw, that's my hubby on the surfboard. I'm still watching the boys surf, lol). The "storytelling" is because I haven't been telling any, and the "blog views" is because I'm always surprised when I check in here and see the stats on my blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First of all, I'm surprised that anyone is still checking. You are all wonderful to keep doing that. Secondly though, I'm surprised at the amount of visits coming from places like Russia...and Iran. Blogging has broadened my world, or shrunk it, depending on how you look at it. When I was blogging regularly, I "met" people from many countries who have come to be my friends. So I started thinking, "If Russia is my second biggest viewing audience, what could I give them that would be meaningful?" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't know the answer. I wasn't even blogging anymore. The last post about my mom was going to be it. I'd lost the desire to share online. I'd lost my biggest cheerleader. I didn't know how much life could hurt without your mom in it. I didn't have any idea what this change was going to look like. My family has been very supportive, and I realize that people lose loved ones everyday. It just looks different when you're the one saying goodbye, doesn't it? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I've been learning to grieve. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hard stuff.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mom was never one to let her kids wallow in their problems. Give them to God, she always said. Count your blessings. I can still hear her singing that song while she worked in the kitchen. I began to think about how I have it so easy. My goodness, I have it so easy! I have a roof over my head, food in my cupboards, and clothes on my back along with many more in my closet. My kids have never gone hungry, my husband has always had a job...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I'm free to worship my God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I've decided that's what I'll share. I don't have the gift of writing, but oh, how I love the written word. My musical background is 'forced piano lessons for 5 years, and singing in a praise band."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know enough to know how little I know. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I know what speaks to me. So I'm going to share that. The photos I hide behind. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The stories that glorify Him. The songs and the lyrics that teach me, that inspire me, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that remind me there is another view. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An aerial view. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His view.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Lord I'm Ready Now</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the walls are down,<br />
Time is running out<br />
And I want to make this count."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Listen to the rest of this song if you have a couple of minutes. It's beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zBUQqLp6N24" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-35925695772363704522014-08-25T00:56:00.001-07:002015-03-20T14:40:45.468-07:00A Mother's Last Words<div style="text-align: center;">
I write funny letters to my kids on Facebook. They start "Dear Adult Child", "Dear Teenage Son", (there are quite a few of those!)...etc., etc., and go on to state something they have taught me, or some way they have "affected" my life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Here's an example:<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AHrKvgSqrI/U_rLaExfgoI/AAAAAAAADJc/dyz5OAypoi0/s1600/77a7a7fd90e1121ab98eaf9d3cded8b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AHrKvgSqrI/U_rLaExfgoI/AAAAAAAADJc/dyz5OAypoi0/s1600/77a7a7fd90e1121ab98eaf9d3cded8b1.jpg" height="400" width="352" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and another:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGz0e9ylxmw/U_rs1y36fWI/AAAAAAAADJs/JetNf7Jgnhk/s1600/f8a5e3acee710483705cf11fb29be7a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGz0e9ylxmw/U_rs1y36fWI/AAAAAAAADJs/JetNf7Jgnhk/s1600/f8a5e3acee710483705cf11fb29be7a2.jpg" height="400" width="365" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's the one that really had an effect :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lv-4FqpG6k/U_tbb61FcgI/AAAAAAAADJ8/etE1S3tjdPU/s1600/0049afb1b5bdfbdc085aaed0e555ee4f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lv-4FqpG6k/U_tbb61FcgI/AAAAAAAADJ8/etE1S3tjdPU/s1600/0049afb1b5bdfbdc085aaed0e555ee4f.jpg" height="400" width="335" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, he didn't want to "see" that! The belt is now part of his daily attire :) Perhaps I should've said they were notes that threaten my children with public embarrassment, lol! Yeah, I'm a snarky mom, but remember, I've raised a small tribe, and we ARE a large, loud, Italian family (well, my kids like to remind me that I'm NOT Italian, that comes from my husband, lol) :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that I haven't been on here in months. In that time, my life has changed. It is different than it has ever been. You see, this month, I lost the most influential woman in my life. I lost my mom. Yet, God, in His mercy, gave us over a year to prepare for this, over a year to say "Until, we meet you again." Not everyone gets that opportunity. Not everyone gets to have their mom as long as I did. Not everyone gets to feel wanted the way my brother and I did. Not everyone gets to see their parents celebrate 66 years of marriage before saying goodbye to one of them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been blessed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother lost her mom before my brother and I were born. She was never able to call and ask her mom for advice when raising her own children like I was. Yet, my grandmother's influence has affected my life in many ways. In this past year, my mom spoke often of seeing her again. There was a longing to see her mother. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I understand it now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My grandmother wrote a letter to my mom right before she died. She was in the hospital in Missouri, facing surgery the next morning, and wrote a letter to her daughter in California. She didn't survive the surgery. My mom and dad were called, and flew back to be with family. After attending her mother's funeral, she returned home to California and the letter that had arrived while she was gone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In this letter, my grandmother spoke of general things about her life, this and that, things about my grandfather, just simple things about their simple life....and then she added this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I don't have any dread of surgery. I feel if it's my time to be promoted, I'm ready to go. You know, to the Christian, death is "Just Promotion". If the Lord spares me, I feel I'll be beneficial. If not, I'm ready."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last words of her mother. Could she ever ask for a better gift?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother often spoke of how this letter comforted her. The words of her mother gave her hope that still remained 58 years after she lost her. I found this letter in some of her things. The letter was written on April 12, 1956, the day before she died. Until I saw it, I never knew that the letter that had meant so much to her was written on April 12th. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is my anniversary. I was married on April 12th, 1986. Thirty years after the letter was written. My husband and I didn't choose that date for any other reason than convenience. It worked out for us. Yet seeing that date, written in my grandmother's handwriting was special in it's own way. Coincidence? I suppose, but it's a comforting coincidence, nonetheless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last few weeks of my mom's life were the hardest for her. She had a stroke and was unable to speak. I had visited her a few days before that last stroke. I'd gone over to 'visit', but actually I'd wanted to get away for a little while from my own 13yo twin boys, who were getting on my last nerve that day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't know it would be the last time my mom would be able to speak to me. I didn't know how much her words would mean. I actually lamented to her a little, telling her about how my boys were giving me 'fits', and, being identical, when they wrestled, no one could win, so their wrestling matches went on and on and on, (amongst other things). Her speech had been affected for months by a previous stroke, but she sat up on her bed and she listened, and when she finally spoke, this is what she said:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You've still got a lot to learn". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Um, excuse me mom, but I've got 6 kids. I've been through this with 4 others. You only raised two, and you never had twin boys!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, I didn't say that, but I thought it. Yeah, I was a little indignant. I think she saw this. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She just smiled and said it again.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You've still got a lot to learn". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow. You know what? She's right. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't even know enough to know how little I know, lol. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our lives can be forever affected by words, forever changed by what we say and what is said to us. We are always changing, always learning. My words to my children aren't always what I want them to be. Sometimes they're too harsh, sometimes too thoughtless, sometimes too snarky. I want to convey love, but I fail at times. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, I still have a lot to learn.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I turned to leave that day, I kissed her forehead, and said "Mom, I love you."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She replied:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I know you do...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I love you too."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those were the last words ever spoken to me by my mom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Could I ever ask for a better gift?<br />
<br />
I spent many hours with her after that last stroke, when she was unable to speak. She was still imparting lessons to me. She was teaching me how to have grace in adversity.<br />
Without words.<br />
My father taught us all how to love your spouse unconditionally during those weeks and months leading up to her passing. My mother taught us how to gracefully accept that love and help. Their devotion to each other inspired everyone at the assisted living facility. A local article about them, about their devotion to each other, and their marriage of 66 years, written on their anniversary and just days before her passing, received hundreds of responses.<br />
<br />
Yes Mom, I still have a lot to learn :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for all that you tried to teach me...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and especially for your comfort and your love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LBfJirOJV0/VO7JwFfMcXI/AAAAAAAADRU/WMcuMEcd7x0/s1600/me%26mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LBfJirOJV0/VO7JwFfMcXI/AAAAAAAADRU/WMcuMEcd7x0/s1600/me%26mom.jpg" height="400" width="349" /></a></div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-68801090806785549522014-03-09T23:10:00.000-07:002014-03-09T23:23:25.041-07:00Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Addison Renee...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the reasons I've been a little preoccupied the past few months :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tmgBGCufuQg/Ux1HDwwGwLI/AAAAAAAADHs/dq-h3hUd3qQ/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tmgBGCufuQg/Ux1HDwwGwLI/AAAAAAAADHs/dq-h3hUd3qQ/s1600/IMG_0727.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is so fun being Nona to this lovely little girl,</div>
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she has captured my heart!</div>
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There are a lot of guys in our family,</div>
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but we ladies are adding to our ranks :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIEV3zPc1uY/Ux1HIhyjIGI/AAAAAAAADH0/v4GpAngAq2g/s1600/IMG_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIEV3zPc1uY/Ux1HIhyjIGI/AAAAAAAADH0/v4GpAngAq2g/s1600/IMG_0756.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I also thought I'd share a photo of my daughter Serena, from a recent modeling shoot :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywiKRuM7B7w/Ux1LXcmWq7I/AAAAAAAADIA/3zL-zmIrJmk/s1600/1653735_624437907629335_1946350945_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ywiKRuM7B7w/Ux1LXcmWq7I/AAAAAAAADIA/3zL-zmIrJmk/s1600/1653735_624437907629335_1946350945_n-1.jpg" height="640" width="384" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, I'm a proud mama :)<br />
You can find more of Casey's wonderful photos <a href="http://caseyhphotos.com/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Thank you to everyone who has written to check on me.<br />
I'm doing well. My parents are stable and have adjusted well<br />
to assisted living. Also, Jordan and his family have moved into their new home,<br />
provided for them by <a href="http://www.hfotusa.org/maynard">Homes for Our Troops</a>! What a blessing!!<br />
<br />
I'd love to get back to blogging and visiting all of you.<br />
I hope to write again soon :)<br />
Thank you again!<br />
Blessings,<br />
Marcia<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-83440188419223019072013-10-08T00:51:00.001-07:002013-10-08T09:14:13.115-07:00Together...we are blessed :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgp0_DyaDBY/UlOdXO6uTsI/AAAAAAAADGs/vUML1HWxnxs/s1600/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgp0_DyaDBY/UlOdXO6uTsI/AAAAAAAADGs/vUML1HWxnxs/s640/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So thankful to God for the many blessings in my life,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and for my wonderful husband</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">who walks beside me through the ups and downs,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ holding my hand every step of the way ~</span></div>
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<br></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are blessed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This year, the lives of my parents have changed drastically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are all learning through this. Even with their many health issues and the fading memories that are a part of dementia, </span><span style="font-size: large;">they have continued to teach us so much about love and devotion </span><span style="font-size: large;">that comes from years of commitment to each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are blessed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My husband and I both realize that our marriage shouldn't have lasted. We were that couple people bet against. The "they won't last a year", or "I'll give it 6 months" kind of bet. We did struggle. He was an addict; I was foolish and very naive. Yet, even with all of the outside influences and all of the attacks, we survived. It was by the grace of God, and the prayers of godly parents. Now we love each other more than we ever thought possible. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are blessed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God has never abandoned us, and He never will. With my parents needing us more and more, we are learning to rely on Him in a whole new way, but even in the midst of this season of life, He shows us His love in a very special way. My son Randy and his wife Sarah, are expecting a baby girl next month :)) We are all looking forward to meeting her. She's a sweet gift from God, a reminder of His constant goodness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God is good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so thankful He's allowed me to do life with this incredible, loving man :)</span></div>
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<br></div>
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Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate...Mark 10:9 </div>
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<br></div>
Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-28599437739279092242013-07-17T21:43:00.000-07:002013-07-17T21:43:08.594-07:00My View Today...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJWgQJ7B3Dg/UedwMVcoa9I/AAAAAAAADFc/TtgETbxWRT4/s1600/myview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uJWgQJ7B3Dg/UedwMVcoa9I/AAAAAAAADFc/TtgETbxWRT4/s640/myview.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My view today...</div>
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Oh, how I love beach weather!!</div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-62473231626261501022013-06-02T05:00:00.000-07:002013-06-02T05:00:01.487-07:00Changes of Life<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a long time since I've blogged. </div>
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So many things have changed over the past 6 months.</div>
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We go through seasons of life, </div>
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some easier and some harder.</div>
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The details change from person to person of course,</div>
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but we all go through them. </div>
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Seasons...they can bring love, hope, joy and trust,</div>
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but they also bring pain, fear, sadness and betrayal.</div>
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If we could choose, we'd never choose the latter would we? </div>
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For those of you that have wondered about Jordan,</div>
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I'll share a little story that will warm your heart.</div>
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He was here with his family last weekend. One of the many changes </div>
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in my life is that my mom's health has been failing. </div>
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Jordan wanted to spend some time with her. </div>
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He wheeled himself to her bedroom door, and though for weeks she</div>
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had barely been speaking, she said clearly,</div>
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"I don't think your wheelchair will fit through the door."</div>
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As I stood there next to her, I heard him quietly and humbly reply,</div>
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"It's okay Grandma, I'll crawl."</div>
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And so he did.</div>
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He hopped down from his chair and crawled to her side :) </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Emxj5ql_Aoc/UartYfWf-BI/AAAAAAAADFA/nIeHYqQLEww/s1600/jordangrandma2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Emxj5ql_Aoc/UartYfWf-BI/AAAAAAAADFA/nIeHYqQLEww/s400/jordangrandma2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He whispered quietly to her that he loved her and wanted her to get better.</div>
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I love this young man. His tenderness with her was precious to watch.</div>
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This is the best medicine we could ask for :)</div>
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That's him with my mom and his son.</div>
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My father's love for the bride of his youth has shown through too.</div>
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He hardly leaves her side and his gentleness with her is so touching.</div>
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They're 65th anniversary is next month. </div>
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They have truly lived their vows to each other.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J23WIJs_UZw/UaruOmHSfNI/AAAAAAAADFM/fu3VCxMn7ZE/s1600/dadmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J23WIJs_UZw/UaruOmHSfNI/AAAAAAAADFM/fu3VCxMn7ZE/s400/dadmom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This season has brought many changes to my life. </div>
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I know there are more to come.</div>
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When we feel like we can't take a step forward,</div>
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sometimes we need to be reminded that it's okay to "crawl". </div>
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Thank you Jordan, for that gentle reminder.</div>
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The words to this song remind me </div>
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"Who" to crawl to when heartaches come.</div>
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If you have a couple of minutes to listen to it,</div>
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you'll be blessed :)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGIumjD6I3M" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Need You Now</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, everybody's got a story to tell</div>
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And everybody's got a wound to be healed</div>
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I want to believe there's beauty here</div>
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'Cause oh I get so tired of holding on</div>
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I can't let go, I can't move on</div>
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I want to believe there's meaning here</div>
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<br /></div>
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How many times have you heard me cry out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"God please take this?"</div>
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How many times have you given me strength to</div>
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Just keep breathing?</div>
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Oh I need you</div>
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God, I need you now</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Standing on a road I didn't plan</div>
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Wondering how I got to where I am</div>
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I'm trying to hear that still small voice</div>
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I'm trying to hear above the noise</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Chorus) </div>
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<br /></div>
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Though I walk,</div>
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Though I walk through the shadows,</div>
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And I, I am so afraid</div>
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Please stay, Please stay right beside me</div>
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With every single step I take</div>
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<br /></div>
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How many time have you heard me cry out?</div>
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</div>
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And how many times have you given me strength?</div>
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<br /></div>
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How many times have you heard me cry out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"God please take this?"</div>
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How many times have you given me strength to</div>
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Just keep breathing?</div>
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Oh I need you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, I need you now</div>
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<br /></div>
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I need you now</div>
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<br /></div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-34266574504540380682013-01-04T14:02:00.000-08:002013-01-04T14:11:54.783-08:00Step, Stroll and a Stride<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Happy New Year!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been meaning to share the link to my son and daughter in law's blog,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://stepstrollandastride.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">Step, Stroll and a Stride.</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and this seemed like the perfect time. </div>
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They're in Korea, enjoying the adventure of a lifetime! </div>
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Here's their newest post...beautifully written by Sarah :)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://stepstrollandastride.blogspot.com/2012/12/2012-was-good-one.html">2012 Was a Good One</a><span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"></span></div>
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<span class="s1">There’s something about a New Year’s Eve that gets me thinking. If you’re like me, you made resolutions in years past that you’ve probably not kept. And you’ve regretted even making the ones you knew you weren’t going to keep anyway. This blog isn’t about resolutions, because let’s be honest, the last things I need a longer list of things to do. It is, however, about is God’s goodness, and that my friends it worth list making!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">2013 is kind of a big question mark. We don’t where we’ll be this time next year. I personally don’t know if I’ll be working, if i’ll be a mom, or if I could, by some small chance, be at a job that requires me to waste time on Pinterest. (Now, that would be AWESOME!) I also have no idea where I’ll be living, what church i’ll be attending, or what crazy ideas i have for the next coming year. But, what i do know is this. Every year is an panorama of God’s goodness. And 2012, as all my years past, was just the same. It was packed-- rich and full-- with the favor of the Lord and </span><span class="s2">that is worth every bit of reflection. </span></div>
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<span class="s2">A little over a year ago, my best friend ask me to marry him at a little place folks call Disneyland. Maybe you’ve heard of it? And it seems like life to follow moved at warp speed. (Baby, it can be used outside of Star Wars... and yes, i know what it is!) The Lord “gifted” Randy and I with eagerness( some would call it impatience), and we set a wedding date 5 months out. No big deal,eh?! (Ask my mom about that one... maybe she’d answer differently.) Regardless of the timeline, the details (while awesome!), and the endless hours of DIY-ing, the Lord’s favor covered it all. Down to the smallest, seemingly insignificant, details. It was as if the Lord could calculate how to gift me with the simplest and smallest things that would make me the most happy. As a good Daddy does. From a perfect wedding venue, the blessing of a woman who had all the lovelies to make it beautiful, the perfect mustard yellow bridesmaid dresses(which i hunted down and secured like a mad woman through several wee hour mornings) and a family who gave more than imaginable to make it wonderful! That my friends, is the favor of the Lord! Not simply over the celebration of a wedding, but over the marriage I was going to enter! It was the Lord’s favor that blessed me with my husband. One who loves and serves me like Jesus, and makes life sweeter by the day. The Lord’s favor is sweet... and while so underserved, too rich and good to not ask for more.</span></div>
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<span class="s2">The days and weeks following our wedding were something akin to chaos. Some said we were crazy and questioned what we were doing. But the Lord’s favor covered it all. He’s good like that! And in hindsight things are always a lot clearer! Three weeks after the wedding, with 10 days notice, we packed up our first house and moved to South Korea. How we managed to get on the plane in one piece-- without any big brawls-- with the essentials for two in a foreign country is a blessing in itself. One only to be attributed to the Lord! I’m ever more convinced that he calls and moves and blesses those whom he desires. And it’s there his favor rests. It is that favor that establishes the work of our hands.... and the direction of a plane in some cases.</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Life has settled down for the Murpheys. And yet life continues. Even as I watch life happen, admittedly from my News Feed, I’m daily reminded of the goodness of the Lord and the favor he covers his beloved with. A daily reminder that draws my heart to worship! </span></div>
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My list is short and far from complete... but they are good reminders of God's favor!</div>
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<span class="s2">The favor of the Lord is on my cousins, who, in all different directions, are forging the world with the love of Christ. Architecture, medicine missions and airplanes. You are connecting the dots of the Gospel for people and creating a web of grace for them to look at. The Lord’s favor is on you... and big things are ahead for you!</span></div>
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<span class="s2">I see the Lord's favor all over my brother. He's got one of the most giving and gracious hearts I’ve ever known. He’s one of those guys who would literally give his jacket and shoes off for anyone in need, take them to Denny’s for a $2 stack of unlimited pancakes, and then bless the waiter with a $30 tip on a 4 dollar bill. Yea, he’s that guy. And the Lord’s favor-- so very evident in his life-- establishes the work of his hands! Big things are ahead of him!</span></div>
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<span class="s2">I’ve watch my lovely sister, brother and their two beautiful daughters. The favor of the Lord is all over this family! His favor is over Kenny’s job. It’s over Sharon’s ministry to Kenny and raising two Godly, hilarious, kind hearted girls! The Lord is establishing this family to be a powerful tool in the lives of people around them. It’s such a beautiful thing to watch... only bigger things are to come!</span></div>
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<span class="s2">My brother-in-law rocked a full time job and started an awesome master program. Another started the police academy. My best friend give birth to a sweet baby girl! Our dear friends gave birth to a handsome little man. Friends have been provided with stellar job. New house. Long awaited diplomas. People have been saved. Baptized. And called to missions. Friends have written books. Moved to new places. Gotten engaged. Married. And all to many have been impregnated. That, my friends, is the favor of the Lord littering my News Feed!</span></div>
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<span class="s2">(Did i just justify Facebook?) :)</span></div>
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<span class="s2">You can thank me later.</span></div>
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<span class="s2">When i think about the favor of the Lord, it’s a little baffling. It seems to land, undeservedly, on the most unexpected in extraordinary ways. And that’s what’s so beautiful and baffling about it! It just doesn’t make sense, but there is something so rich about it! It’s like a cloak of royalty on a the back of a simple woman. It humbles me to be covered in it, and yet there’s no where else i’d rather be. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" Psalm 90:17</span></blockquote>
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGPubNZVcsyzIgetuCL-lFlLRNoEVojbTHmuDTwDl4oKM0Pju07FnkzcIQRWjsWwhzNlPMqKpRyltRhInrQkvFTJV4nVszbnQaivFK1oHJNs7FF9RmRnsAY6_HIRIWXdasVqYMYV4q-4/s640/Happy+New+Year.jpg" width="385" /><br />
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Go over and follow them if you get a chance, at:<br />
<a href="http://stepstrollandastride.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Step, Stroll and a Stride</span></a><br />
May God bless you in 2013!<br />
Marcia</div>
Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-51713316550315391202012-12-24T14:11:00.000-08:002012-12-24T14:12:01.344-08:00 ♥ Merry Christmas!! (A Christmas Letter, and a Video of Jordan) ♥ <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">To parents of Young Children, on the subject of Christmas, (and to my friends and family everywhere),</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">As the mom of many, I've been where you are. It can be frantic in the days leading up to Christmas. Gifts to buy, programs to attend, meals to prepare. I learned a long time ago that I can't do everything, and my family is better off if I don't try! Don't feel guilty about what you don't do. You don't have </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">to bake cookies for your kiddos to decorate. You don't have to go to every Christmas party. You don't have to decorate to the hilt, and keep everything clean in case someone drops by. You don't need to spend money on professional family photos to send to everyone...snapshots show your family as they truly are, blur and all :)</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">♥</span><span style="color: #333333;"> Just enjoy your time together.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">♥</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We quit going anywhere on Christmas day, many years ago. My children wanted to play with their new toys, and dragging them somewhere else just didn't seem fair. Also, I don't cook a big Christmas meal. I know we're less formal than many families, but believe me, my children don't go hungry on Christmas day, (although they are most definitely under the influence of a more-than-average sugar rush) and again, there is more time to just relax and enjoy the day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This will be the first Christmas I spend without one of my children with me. He and his wife will be spending their first Christmas as a married couple, half a world away, establishing their own traditions for another generation. It happened in a flash. It really did. It was just yesterday that he was a little boy, joyfully tearing open his gifts. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I reflect on this, I believe that the memories we will all cherish won't be the gifts, the programs, the parties, or the food, but the time spent together, enjoying each other, arguing with each other (there were 6 kids in our house, so there was/is always an argument or two going on)...and in our family, it was almost always a new movie to watch. Nothing special in itself, but Oh So Special in the time spent together. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't sweat the small stuff young parents, just enjoy the moments :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">To Randy and Sarah, we will miss you dearly, but are so happy for the Christmas traditions you will be forever establishing for your family, and so thankful that Christ is the center of your celebrations! We love you both so much and are so proud of you!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Btw, I'm now married to a very handsome "senior" citizen!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Senior meals, here we come!!</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And for those of you who are still reading, waiting to hear about my nephew Jordan, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I have something special to share with you! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Watch this short video and get to know a little bit </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">about Jordan and Jenn, their sacrifice, and the blessing of a new home; a gift from</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer">Homes For Our Troops</a>!! Feel free to share it, and spread the news</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">about this wonderful organization!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas to everyone!</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">(Btw, this will serve as my Christmas card...because I didn't get any out this year) </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Lol :)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Marcia </span></div>
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Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4701784533639660211.post-33162161628107049932012-09-15T17:02:00.000-07:002012-09-18T23:02:13.407-07:00Learning to Surf...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I believe I have become a once a month blogger, lol.</div>
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Thank you to the friends that have continued to check on me.</div>
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My husband has been home the past 3 weeks, due to a knee injury.</div>
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I love having him at home, but I know he's had quite a bit of pain.</div>
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We got away for a couple of days, and of course, headed down to the beach.</div>
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Just 4 kids this time...it seems kind of weird, but we had a great time.</div>
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Hubby is bit limited in mobility right now, but it didn't stop him</div>
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from trying to get his kiddos to surf....</div>
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and then he went to work on me :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPW0gqf5NupS4yn33Oq4HWUU_iZrg555JYpeQutN8HI4-GU_7DhpbEbM3M4SCfoKTixeHs5M-ag8k6tvEHQtGMtMbKB6aQNiJyXnlgZWdh2cjkgM3bCvermnKVzEHeI9FbByLHRNuq6_4/s1600/IMG_1529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPW0gqf5NupS4yn33Oq4HWUU_iZrg555JYpeQutN8HI4-GU_7DhpbEbM3M4SCfoKTixeHs5M-ag8k6tvEHQtGMtMbKB6aQNiJyXnlgZWdh2cjkgM3bCvermnKVzEHeI9FbByLHRNuq6_4/s400/IMG_1529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWr4Ts4n35A/UFUVqh_kaPI/AAAAAAAAC-4/7N9_Xe3W6hE/s1600/vacasurf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EWr4Ts4n35A/UFUVqh_kaPI/AAAAAAAAC-4/7N9_Xe3W6hE/s400/vacasurf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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No, I've never surfed before. I grew up body surfing,</div>
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but somewhere between having a surfing hubby and 6 kids to keep track of, </div>
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I haven't even done much of that in recent years.</div>
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He was planning on changing that....</div>
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first I put on a wetsuit, and then we we went out...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0HO9b2O6jg/UFUOWr8BgKI/AAAAAAAAC-U/8LSlsnnEXrs/s1600/vacacollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0HO9b2O6jg/UFUOWr8BgKI/AAAAAAAAC-U/8LSlsnnEXrs/s640/vacacollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I actually got up a couple of times...briefly...</div>
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so briefly that my daughter didn't get photos of me in the upright position, lol.</div>
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but I can say, I had a blast and can't wait until we go again!!!</div>
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Maybe you really can teach an old dog new tricks!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLt8pJ8y-mk4H0ZMla13VWGYyZKp88o8Wl6HbCWhs5h6EMHha7cYsHi6HX8Bbg8QEQ64kimWskUUzrXqkaWaIv3LWdJJfXUq40v4bAzLGccGh0DYdVmDQytPbBo0KJ9tN1xlUYbZZ5fQ/s1600/beachbums2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLt8pJ8y-mk4H0ZMla13VWGYyZKp88o8Wl6HbCWhs5h6EMHha7cYsHi6HX8Bbg8QEQ64kimWskUUzrXqkaWaIv3LWdJJfXUq40v4bAzLGccGh0DYdVmDQytPbBo0KJ9tN1xlUYbZZ5fQ/s400/beachbums2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't think I'll ever go out again without a wetsuit though,</div>
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it made such a difference!!</div>
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Now if we can just get hubby's knee back to normal :)</div>
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Thank you RussMyHoney....you are the best!!</div>
Simple Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09655741174904816921noreply@blogger.com23