tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57941786994334004342024-03-13T04:02:26.407-07:00Under EL SolTranslated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-42478157528219802172022-03-04T23:44:00.006-08:002022-03-04T23:44:39.265-08:00simply anxieties<p>i was dropping off one of my kids and they were nervous walking into a new environment and not knowing anyone. we were rushing out of the car so as not to be late but something stopped me. it was the Lord prompting me to pray. Hmmm, simple yet profound in that moment. talk to God. simple yet profound. i gently ushered my kids into the presence of the Lord with a prayer expecting to be heard and for him to answer as he knows best. it also taught my girls something. when in doubt, we can pray. i usually rush out and kindly ignore one of my kid's comments about their anxiety of stepping into the moment i am rushing into. since its my agenda i simply want quick feet to get where we need to go. this time God met me and stopped me to acknowledge him. so our prayer today was about the situation we were walking into but the prayer also taught me to stop and listen to my kids and for all of us to be reminded we can tap into our Father that hears and cares about us.</p>Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-53078395799264078242022-03-03T23:55:00.007-08:002022-03-04T23:32:28.080-08:00turning your mind on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvd5tWQZSiwWbjYHy4mxOqmkf6OIzGyp3Y6S0LrB-jxqfqIBsOVg-TL517t3B6DLJPtzQ-BzJEmU5D2vG1vDdCANGeb0-yo76ggXBjyQKdrnozPrDSuiz4icmEss6SrW7VWR_eOOmBEif9W11lBKpWGctivaHUUHByM_ueA9NkUlGHdlzCEt7aw3l2=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="640" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvd5tWQZSiwWbjYHy4mxOqmkf6OIzGyp3Y6S0LrB-jxqfqIBsOVg-TL517t3B6DLJPtzQ-BzJEmU5D2vG1vDdCANGeb0-yo76ggXBjyQKdrnozPrDSuiz4icmEss6SrW7VWR_eOOmBEif9W11lBKpWGctivaHUUHByM_ueA9NkUlGHdlzCEt7aw3l2=w640-h512" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>it's easy to watch a movie and get swept up in its story. we love watching movies with our kids. one prerequisite of watching a movie is that we talk about it after, we analyze it. pj and i ask simple questions like: </p><p>what do you think the main message of the movie is? </p><p>what stood out? </p><p>what did they try to portray as good but is sinful? </p><p>did you like the music, cinematography, acting, etc? why or why not? </p><p>some of our kids aren't too happy to discuss these concepts but a simple encouragement soon prompts good conversations. pj and i sharing helps too. i've learned that our kids are thoughtful and use logic in identifying fallacies. i've learned that they can differentiate between worldviews. i've learned that they can understand nuances that might not be so clear or that the film tries to make plain but isn't because a worldview hides underneath. The arts are beautiful. they reveal cultural dynamics. but art can also be contradictory to Jesus. we don't need to fear this but see it, call it out--engage it with love, patience, and truth. teaching our kids to do this is a valuable tool in appreciating art. </p>Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-87901455796633275372018-08-02T18:08:00.002-07:002018-08-02T18:41:42.623-07:00then came kinship...<div style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Display"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJY12R51HmoKGQKrj_BXycml7U8WrVXvbYE0SyerWwhhk02t65_5AiMJfLJcmy3dUtKkI8Pa3SkGh3gi1eGktqUrPjRbamufUPTYhKeFlECWE4xALCx_P2w4pZ7dcj3rSVkIoTjJxO1Q/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJY12R51HmoKGQKrj_BXycml7U8WrVXvbYE0SyerWwhhk02t65_5AiMJfLJcmy3dUtKkI8Pa3SkGh3gi1eGktqUrPjRbamufUPTYhKeFlECWE4xALCx_P2w4pZ7dcj3rSVkIoTjJxO1Q/s640/IMG_4750.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay"; font-size: 21pt;">I</span><span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">t’s been a while since i’ve blogged but i felt the need to dust off the good’ol laptop and get some thoughts on here. since <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/kinship-podcast/id1296676968?mt=2">kinship podcast</a> is on hiatus i’d like to jump start my writing on here, at least until we begin season 2 sometime in september. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">starting <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kinship-podcast">kinship</a> was a blessing. like i said on the podcast (episode 1), i have many thoughts and ideas that i needed to get out of my brain and i didn’t have a consistent platform to do so. then enters...signal the angelic music...<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/kinship-podcast/id1296676968?mt=2">kinship</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">the everyday talks i had with bethany, pam and kelly were deep, helpful, and biblical. then a light bulb went off! i thought, what if more people can hear us and get conversations going at their church?! i wanted more people at the table with us. chiming in. laughing. hearing me say dumb stuff. it wasn’t necessarily because i felt we had anything spectacular or unique to say but simply the fact that we were having these conversations. i also imagined other sisters in Christ, at different churches, in local churches, having these deep fulfilling conversations. so how could i bring all this together? signal angelic music again...<a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kinship-podcast">kinship</a>. i’m not saying our podcast is from heaven but i am saying that the vision i had was to spread the idea of local church love and that’s straight up from the Bible and heaven. can I get some dance music up in here (pumping my fist into the air). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">we’re on hiatus and brainstorming our next season as we maneuver kelly’s departure, baby tallada, and a few other things. we'll pray season 2 will be just as helpful or even more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuidisplay";">Soli Deo Gloria.</span></div>
Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-71989079372556620322017-08-23T17:00:00.003-07:002017-08-23T17:00:57.065-07:00Difficult Friendships Are Good for Youbelow is an article i wrote for Desiring God back in March...i pray it can be helpful. i find myself using my very own words to rebuke myself...the irony:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/difficult-friendships-are-good-for-you">Difficult Friendships Are Good for You</a><br />
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How does a Christian woman love another sister in the church who she finds difficult to love? Euodia and Syntyche, for instance, had a strained and difficult enough relationship for the apostle Paul to remind them “to agree in the Lord” (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Phil 4.2" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Phil%204.2" target="_blank">Philippians 4:2</a>). <br />
The call to share life with church family blesses the soul, but also comes with complex burdens. God expects us to walk together in brotherly love (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Thess 4.9" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Thess%204.9" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 4:9</a>; <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Heb 13.1" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Heb%2013.1" target="_blank">Hebrews 13:1</a>; <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="2 Pet 1.7" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Pet%201.7" target="_blank">2 Peter 1:7</a>). Loving one another is an incredibly high calling — an impossible one to do alone. Satan’s schemes and our own flesh often make genuine love feel like a pipe dream. While some relationships are so easily sweet, refreshing, and challenging, others are often hard, confusing, and even draining. <br />
Many frustrated women I love experience these kinds of relationships in their churches. The relationship aggressively disrupts our feelings, leaving us critical and bothered. When warmth is not reciprocated, then feelings of neglect or indifference tempt us to resent the sister. Sometimes we are mean to each other. We are ashamed of feeling this way. We feel misunderstood by the sister. Husbands, family, and friends may get caught in the middle.<br />
With these sanctifying relationships, God kindly exposes our pride, while reminding us of his love. It’s disheartening to see other women with these issues lack strategies to deal with them. Here are a few thoughts to help you love other women well, and enjoy the supremacy of God in the midst of complicated friendships.<br />
<h2 data-linkify="true" id="1-give-thanks-for-your-sister" style="position: relative;">
1. Give thanks for your sister.<div class="linkified-heading" style="height: 50px; margin-top: -41.5px;">
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God lovingly commands, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Thess 5.18" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Thess%205.18" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:18</a>). All circumstances? Yes, thank God for this friend, by faith in his goodness, even when you can’t see why this friendship is good for you. James commands us to count all our trials as joy (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="James 1.2–4" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/James%201.2%E2%80%934" target="_blank">James 1:2–4</a>). <br />
God has strategically placed you in this particular friendship for some reason. One thing is for sure: it is refining you and your faith (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Pet 1.6–7" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Pet%201.6%E2%80%937" target="_blank">1 Peter 1:6–7</a>). It hurts to be refined, but it is necessary for all of us. And ultimately, it really is good for us. By developing a thankful disposition, we will remember that this situation is not a mistake, but is meant to produce praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. <br />
If this sister is a believer, this is emphatically not a competition. Thank God that he’s actively working in both of you to make you more like him. <br />
<h2 data-linkify="true" id="2-be-honest-about-the-relationship-being-hard" style="position: relative;">
2. Be honest about the relationship being hard.<div class="linkified-heading" style="height: 50px; margin-top: -41.5px;">
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Admit that the relationship is complicated and tough. Ignoring or downplaying the difficulty doesn’t do anyone any good. Admit it to yourself, to the Lord, and to the sister. Speak with her privately and directly, as that often clears things up (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Matt 18.15" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matt%2018.15" target="_blank">Matthew 18:15</a>). As you speak with her, remind her that you care for her and love her. Tell her that having this relationship is good for you, and that you want to be consistently vulnerable and honest. Just because the friendship is difficult doesn’t mean bitterness or anger is inevitable. You can still genuinely love each other in the midst of hurt and pain. <br />
Make peace with the reality that the complexity might be here to stay. The relationship may never be rainbows and butterflies; it may be consistently stormy. God may have ordained that this relationship will not get better until heaven. Spiritual maturity lies in understanding that happiness is not based on how good of a friendship you have (or don’t have), but how much Christ is being experienced and enjoyed through this. <br />
Christians enjoy Christ even in sorrow — “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="2 Cor 6.10" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Cor%206.10" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:10</a>) — since we still live on this side of the final resurrection. Let us beware of idolizing and demanding comfortable relationships from the God who is infinitely wise and good, and who loves us and knows what’s best for us (and who <em>is</em> best for us).<br />
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3. Pray.<div class="linkified-heading" style="height: 50px; margin-top: -41.5px;">
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The Lord cares about this. He isn’t expecting you to merely toughen up. He knows the struggle personally, as he walked with and discipled the twelve. <br />
Be honest in your prayers — tell him where and how you are struggling to love your friend. Ask the Lord to help you love her — to help you see more of Christ and less of yourself. Pray he enables you to die to your preferences.<br />
Ask God to reveal your sin. Everyone has blind spots (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Heb 3.12" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Heb%203.12" target="_blank">Hebrews 3:12</a>). Examine your heart for sin. How does it manifest itself in your interactions with this particular friend? You may have to ask her for forgiveness. This will humble you, but humility is always the Christian path forward (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Phil 2.3" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Phil%202.3" target="_blank">Philippians 2:3</a>). What a beautiful display of the gospel: sinners repenting and asking God and each other for forgiveness. This helps build your life and church into a community of grace and not division.<br />
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4. Take baby steps toward her.<div class="linkified-heading" style="height: 50px; margin-top: -41.5px;">
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Seek little ways to improve the relationship. Don’t hold on tightly to your ideal friendship. Initiate interaction. Don’t lose heart when you get the cold shoulder. <br />
Greet her warmly every Sunday. It’s interesting that Paul commands us to greet one another with a holy kiss (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Rom 16.16" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%2016.16" target="_blank">Romans 16:16</a>; <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Cor 16.20" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%2016.20" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 16:20</a>; <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="2 Cor 13.12" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Cor%2013.12" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 13:12</a>; <a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="1 Thess 5.26" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Thess%205.26" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:26</a>). When sin divides relationships, greetings are often the first thing to be neglected. Think of every greeting as a baby step in improving the relationship so far as it depends on you (<a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Rom 12.18" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%2012.18" target="_blank">Romans 12:18</a>).<br />
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5. Ask for help.<div class="linkified-heading" style="height: 50px; margin-top: -41.5px;">
<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/difficult-friendships-are-good-for-you#5-ask-for-help"><svg height="20px" ns65:ns34:xmlns:ns17="" ns66:xmlns:ns34="" ns67:ns33:ns17:xmlns:sketch="http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch/ns" ns68:xmlns:ns33="" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20px" xmlns:ns65="" xmlns:ns66="" xmlns:ns67="" xmlns:ns68="" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><title>Link</title> <g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" ns69:ns36:xmlns:ns18="" ns70:xmlns:ns36="" ns71:ns35:ns18:sketch:type="MSPage" ns72:xmlns:ns35="" stroke-width="1" stroke="none" xmlns:ns69="" xmlns:ns70="" xmlns:ns71="" xmlns:ns72=""><g fill="#ffffff" ns73:ns38:xmlns:ns19="" ns74:xmlns:ns38="" ns75:ns37:ns19:sketch:type="MSArtboardGroup" ns76:xmlns:ns37="" xmlns:ns73="" xmlns:ns74="" xmlns:ns75="" xmlns:ns76=""><path d="M 1 7 L 1 14 L 2 14 L 9 14 L 9 12 L 8 12 L 8 13 L 2 13 L 2 8 L 8 8 L 8 9 L 9 9 L 9 7 L 1 7 L 1 7 Z M 19 7 L 19 14 L 18 14 L 11 14 L 11 12 L 12 12 L 12 13 L 18 13 L 18 8 L 12 8 L 12 9 L 11 9 L 11 7 L 19 7 L 19 7 Z M 6 11 L 14 11 L 14 10 L 6 10 L 6 11 L 6 11 Z" ns77:ns40:xmlns:ns20="" ns78:xmlns:ns40="" ns79:ns39:ns20:sketch:type="MSShapeGroup" ns80:xmlns:ns39="" xmlns:ns77="" xmlns:ns78="" xmlns:ns79="" xmlns:ns80=""> </path></g> </g> </svg> </a> </div>
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Together, ask a godly woman — one who is unafraid to speak the truth in love — to mediate. When unhealthy and bitter thoughts fester, speaking to a mediator helps you hear your own thoughts out loud and evaluate them. By combating unclear, unhelpful, or sinful thoughts, the third person blesses the effort to kill sin and to bring love to the struggling friendship. If helpful, include your husband. Your husband may guard you from reading into things and assuming the worst.<br />
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6. Encourage other women.<div class="linkified-heading" style="height: 50px; margin-top: -41.5px;">
<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/difficult-friendships-are-good-for-you#6-encourage-other-women"><svg height="20px" ns81:ns42:xmlns:ns21="" ns82:xmlns:ns42="" ns83:ns41:ns21:xmlns:sketch="http://www.bohemiancoding.com/sketch/ns" ns84:xmlns:ns41="" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 20 20" width="20px" xmlns:ns81="" xmlns:ns82="" xmlns:ns83="" xmlns:ns84="" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><title>Link</title> <g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" ns85:ns44:xmlns:ns22="" ns86:xmlns:ns44="" ns87:ns43:ns22:sketch:type="MSPage" ns88:xmlns:ns43="" stroke-width="1" stroke="none" xmlns:ns85="" xmlns:ns86="" xmlns:ns87="" xmlns:ns88=""><g fill="#ffffff" ns89:ns46:xmlns:ns23="" ns90:xmlns:ns46="" ns91:ns45:ns23:sketch:type="MSArtboardGroup" ns92:xmlns:ns45="" xmlns:ns89="" xmlns:ns90="" xmlns:ns91="" xmlns:ns92=""><path d="M 1 7 L 1 14 L 2 14 L 9 14 L 9 12 L 8 12 L 8 13 L 2 13 L 2 8 L 8 8 L 8 9 L 9 9 L 9 7 L 1 7 L 1 7 Z M 19 7 L 19 14 L 18 14 L 11 14 L 11 12 L 12 12 L 12 13 L 18 13 L 18 8 L 12 8 L 12 9 L 11 9 L 11 7 L 19 7 L 19 7 Z M 6 11 L 14 11 L 14 10 L 6 10 L 6 11 L 6 11 Z" ns93:ns48:xmlns:ns24="" ns94:xmlns:ns48="" ns95:ns47:ns24:sketch:type="MSShapeGroup" ns96:xmlns:ns47="" xmlns:ns93="" xmlns:ns94="" xmlns:ns95="" xmlns:ns96=""> </path></g> </g> </svg> </a> </div>
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Your own struggles present a unique opportunity to model God’s work for others. Carefully, without making yourself a hero and without sinfully gossiping, use your relationship to encourage other sisters who have similar struggles. Encourage them to rejoice in God, examine their hearts, and ask for help so that they too may experience the goodness of God in Christ.<br />
Though we all have difficult relationships, God’s grace is always sufficient. Be especially prayerful, strategic, and gracious in your difficult friendships, guarding vigilantly against indifference and bitterness. Take heart, rejoice, and persevere in love, knowing that God is able give us the grace we need in each relationshipTranslated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-85081438548008424672017-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:002017-04-24T11:09:49.075-07:00church family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcD2SLB6HiSiBJEjjN_2JkBk1MDf0j2tWpYw-rTUaU6V-J92I4hOBJHvrkpRgK5kePmUYPw8ScdMN17LrF3ZDar3oAGES-_hYUu4zzynWSh2mTKdNQFSTD_GTTNPPaBMSMbtlEZbyrvOE/s800/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcD2SLB6HiSiBJEjjN_2JkBk1MDf0j2tWpYw-rTUaU6V-J92I4hOBJHvrkpRgK5kePmUYPw8ScdMN17LrF3ZDar3oAGES-_hYUu4zzynWSh2mTKdNQFSTD_GTTNPPaBMSMbtlEZbyrvOE/s850/church.jpg" /></a></div>
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what does the church look like to you?<br />
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it varies from church to church but would you say they are family? would they be thicker than blood?<br />
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the new testament church was not a sunday only affair. in the book of acts (acts 2:42-47) they devoted themselves to God's word, broke bread, prayed, and helped each other. they loved each other well, so well that the outside world wondered what was going on. <br />
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when you live life with your church family you feel encouraged and refreshed. when you live life with your church family you sometimes step on people's toes. A month ago i felt like i was stomping on people's feet! i failed several times in loving people correctly. i had to ask a dear couple for forgiveness because i assumed <em>and</em> i had to ask another dear friend for forgiveness because i came off frustrated towards her. fail. fail. fail. i felt super dumb and super small. it was good though. they were all kind in forgiving me and i was so thankful for our bond in Christ. i was thankful that we were in agreement--when we sin, we ask for forgiveness and we seek reconciliation. no brushing it under the rug. no laughing it off as the pain stings. no bitterness beginning to form. just acknowledgement of our short comings and extending forgiveness because Christ forgave us. this is a church body i am proud to be part of: where we boast in our weakness because we show how much more glorious Jesus Christ is.<br />
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thank you <a href="http://www.bethanybaptist.church/">bethany baptist church</a>.<br />
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-63700793189060654782017-03-07T17:15:00.002-08:002017-03-07T17:15:41.820-08:00conversations on racism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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pj and i recently had a dinner date with a few couples. after we headed over to a coffee shop for some good conversations. our dear friends are those type of people you can talk about anything with, so i came with a loaded question. <br />
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"what are your thoughts when people say a black man is speaking white?"<br />
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the conversation lasted about 2 hours. it was such a fruitful back and forth exchange. a few take a ways that our friends preached. <br />
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these type of race questions need to be talked about in discipleship contexts. <br />
how wonderful it would be for Christians of different ethnic backgrounds coming together to talk about presumptions, hurts, and inquiries. how can you truly understand your black friends fear of law enforcement if you don't know their story. you still might not understand but at least it gives you ears to hear. pray God makes you sensitive as you listen and agree or disagree. its ok if their is push back since we are all different and come with our own backgrounds. be loving as you push back. ask your friends to help you reiterate their positions as you chew on their story and scripture.<br />
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get out of your comfort zone.<br />
if all you have are same ethnic group friends, or lack another ethnic group, then go make friends who don't look like you! this could sound a little weird in your mind. "Ok, so I need some Mexican friends." but yes, why not? loving all people allows you to grow in sensitivity toward them. <br />
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praise God for churches that are striving to understand our fellow brothers and sisters who have stories to tell. Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-32072278965197187562017-02-10T17:04:00.002-08:002017-02-10T17:07:02.134-08:00Around Here #9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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i'm currently having a real itch for writing...(sigh). </div>
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had a few insightful conversations this week. a good friend of mine, who i've pitched the idea of starting a blog together, shared some thoughts on being black in america. so good. now i really feel we need to start one!</div>
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been listening to <a href="http://www.upandvanished.com/">this</a> podcast on my runs and its so good. based on a true life murder mystery. i pray it gets resolved at the end. </div>
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has anyone ever tried these mailer <a href="https://www.blueapron.com/">meals</a>? they look good.</div>
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got a hold of a new friend's <a href="http://blogathome06.com/">podcast</a>, a bunch of homeschool moms! my type of thing.</div>
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this month i'm having some mommy friends over for a game night and appetizers.</div>
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omgosh califoria english! yes <a href="https://onsizzle.com/i/no-yeah-yes-yeah-no-no-yeah-no-for-sure-2708669">this</a> is so true LOL!</div>
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my love will be speaking at <a href="http://www.legacydisciple.org/">this</a> conference, can't wait.</div>
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currently watching <a href="http://www.espn.com/30for30/ojsimpsonmadeinamerica/">this</a> documentary. </div>
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sat in while a good brother of ours got tested and then affirmed to proceed with God's work!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_U1wvc8ckwyAM7jGxO2GGpld8bjZfrA-yPgSg1RGZj-75EP5BZbFVDkSxujv3_2AQeCBUC9uegFqnGHMi4yoEXEHpr6aSvySyYyAlXTi6Tnf2R-IhkCgR3tJQpYBuy_j2SGO7G716SKs/s1600/vsco-photo-1-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_U1wvc8ckwyAM7jGxO2GGpld8bjZfrA-yPgSg1RGZj-75EP5BZbFVDkSxujv3_2AQeCBUC9uegFqnGHMi4yoEXEHpr6aSvySyYyAlXTi6Tnf2R-IhkCgR3tJQpYBuy_j2SGO7G716SKs/s640/vsco-photo-1-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
attended the <a href="http://sendconference.com/">send</a> conference with church family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaMRJ9Ec4zq7CNAIne8PEPXkedAfyrDTB-a3v67c1WLPsoj103zJnw2aAYh8EHCT3liVzKGTW_hO8obelJM2sS1JSDoxZp5V5SFIgFtAVLbsIZGLAH5df4OnKULI1Kto6lCIbZ45plmo/s1600/vsco-photo-1-7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaMRJ9Ec4zq7CNAIne8PEPXkedAfyrDTB-a3v67c1WLPsoj103zJnw2aAYh8EHCT3liVzKGTW_hO8obelJM2sS1JSDoxZp5V5SFIgFtAVLbsIZGLAH5df4OnKULI1Kto6lCIbZ45plmo/s320/vsco-photo-1-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
i love watching the girls get better.<br />
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an impromptu birthday cake and confusion on who we're celebrating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4LpF_YdViTfGK4a1XU2o6Bb_4sFFiw5e8Qp8Cc1974GfRbyqX9vhRNmDKL2xb03mOVGEUPAIZejfNSKaSlWlZSGbSftStHb0bOl4qbDCsfipdy-EOyaVpQyjraZPvqJ3Iq0JHxUohVw/s1600/vsco-photo-2-5.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4LpF_YdViTfGK4a1XU2o6Bb_4sFFiw5e8Qp8Cc1974GfRbyqX9vhRNmDKL2xb03mOVGEUPAIZejfNSKaSlWlZSGbSftStHb0bOl4qbDCsfipdy-EOyaVpQyjraZPvqJ3Iq0JHxUohVw/s320/vsco-photo-2-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
my morning breakfast choice.<br />
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the main man's next video project.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_CWA4oopFvGwPm6mzYcGgxRdh61iRA2_627377cdBfon1QCqULJQPyIv434gnkfn42vIIWN_sm-R0INCpdNOcpcidkcWaUgOm-M6XRCAgvFhPyQg10GvmRL6Bv-1K-xHRQceaypEc0Y/s980/vsco-photo-3-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_CWA4oopFvGwPm6mzYcGgxRdh61iRA2_627377cdBfon1QCqULJQPyIv434gnkfn42vIIWN_sm-R0INCpdNOcpcidkcWaUgOm-M6XRCAgvFhPyQg10GvmRL6Bv-1K-xHRQceaypEc0Y/s860/vsco-photo-3-5.jpg" /></a></div>
listening to this <a href="http://www.russellmoore.com/">man</a> is always a delight. i even got to ask him a question, yesssss!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSX1ZHGcWz40TQGi39sEjAzOXBkz_jHBhFpzYYyMPtGbXXHLL_D7XXltT6wI30bPYnJCZDvKznxQ48pX7hbIhkMRd07NS2UpY6VwshKkuom7YHyNB3l78HXEiJR2D0GWGpwXGfjF3Fc8/s900/vsco-photo-5-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSX1ZHGcWz40TQGi39sEjAzOXBkz_jHBhFpzYYyMPtGbXXHLL_D7XXltT6wI30bPYnJCZDvKznxQ48pX7hbIhkMRd07NS2UpY6VwshKkuom7YHyNB3l78HXEiJR2D0GWGpwXGfjF3Fc8/s600/vsco-photo-5-4.jpg" /></a></div>
AND having this little man around our home is a pleasure!<br />
<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-79550927909344598952017-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:002017-01-25T09:00:29.097-08:00mammoth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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after the lovely husband being gone for school we had the privilege of attending a retreat he was speaking at a few days after he arrived home. the group was lovely and couldn't have asked for a better group to get stuck up the mountain with. i wanted to take the kids up to the snow for a few years but couldn't make a game plan. thankfully this trip was exactly what we all needed. </div>
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what we all didn't expect was for us to be right in the middle of a blizzard! according to locals the weather had never been that bad. we had to stay an extra day because the roads were closed. sooooo because we had enough snow to last us for 10 years, i am in no hurry to scurry up any mountain for a long time. </div>
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since we were all cooped up in doors in a small place, it gave pj and i good discipleship moments with the kids. even our own hearts were tried and tested. thank God for grace. </div>
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-74734071766127214272017-01-23T13:07:00.000-08:002017-01-23T13:23:37.918-08:00mom<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px / normal "arial" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px / normal "arial" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px / normal "arial" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 12.8px / normal "arial" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong>when i don't want to be mom today</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">there are days that being a mom is awesome. you feel like you got the hang of this motherhood, in fact you feel like the CEO! THEN there are days, weeks perhaps, that you can feel like you're gasping for air. the weight of the day-to-day gets overwhelming. simple meal plans feel like agony, refereeing the 10th fight makes you cringe. maybe i'm the only one with bad days....no, wait, I'm not.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">this roller coaster happens often in our household. what can i do besides throw in the towel and give up? how can i make these ups and downs focused on Christ Jesus?</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";">little humble ways that may help.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">1. you can </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>pray</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> as you do things. pray as you cook. pray as you clean. pray as you run errands etc. pray out loud. have the kids pray for you. pray with them before you start the day. of course it would be ideal to wake up and pray for 30 minutes but in reality a mom of five, 10 years and younger, has a hard time doing much. instead of beating yourself up with the do's and don't s of the Christian faith, take grace and run with it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">2. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>communicate</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> with your husband. when he comes through the door there are times he knows something is wrong. in our sinfulness he can feel our distance or anger. or see the teary eyes. if we struggle with words, blurting out "i need a break!" is sufficient. a quick plan of action can be helpful. have your husband text people in order to set up a date night or plan a day he can watch the kids while you go out. try taking the initiative to set up a sisters-in-Christ hangout or simply being around refreshing company can provide an end goal for the week.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">3. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>repent</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> and go to the cross: if it's <em>those </em>type of days go, by God's grace, and ask God for forgiveness and humble yourself and ask the kids for forgiveness of specific sins you've committed against them. sorry is for non-sin issues. using biblical language helps them and us understand sin and God's loving mercy. speaking of the gospel in the midst of asking for forgiveness is helpful and necessary. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">4. lay </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>low</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">. If you're like me, staying home is much more relaxing then running errands with five in tow. try to set up the week so there are days you are out for a bit and other days for recuperating. my kids are a mixed bag. some love staying home, others thrive off being out. try to be loving and do both for the sake of everyone's sanity. if laying low is not restful then setting play dates with refreshing friends can be another option. i have friends that can't stay home (for their own sanity) so they pursue play dates aggressively.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">5. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>reading</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> time. this looks different depending on the age group and sort of takes training (but don't start when you're overwhelmed!). even the little ones can look at books with pictures, that works too! for older kids reading time works great, older siblings can read to the younger ones. reading is a special time to mind travel. if things are getting too hectic call for a time out and have everyone read while you gather your sanity. maybe remind them if they have not read God's Word for the day, now is the time. encourage them and teach them to pray for a church family member from the church directory. </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">5b. for little ones, i suggest training in "sit down time." we've practiced this since my 10 year was little and it has saved me multiple times. as you begin training, start in very small increments. teach the child to sit down, without playing, without toys, without fidgeting. i know, whaaaaat? yes. it's amazing when it works by God's grace! set the timer (start at 1 minute), sit next to them as you watch and help them keep the rules. after the timer goes off, everyone celebrates! then you try it again the following day, and continue to increase the time gradually. i'm not 100% sure where I was taught this but it must have been from a book or a past church member.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">6. phone a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>friend</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">. whether you email, text or call, asking women to lift you up in prayer is crucial. i've group texted my sisters-in-Christ and called out for prayer because of a trial. share the details of your sin or temptations and call them to action--prayer. when you see them at church gatherings it's nice to hear their love and concern.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">i've noticed my heart has a certain trajectory if i spend some time in reading God's word early in the morning. every situation differs as to when you can read but we must all agree it is necessary for life. brainstorm how that might look with your heart open to Christ in order to move closer to him.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">being a mom is tough but SO lovely and rewarding. how you allow the Lord to run your household will comprehensively shape how you view children (perhaps another post).</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">lean on the c</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">ommitment</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> you've made with your church family in bearing each others burdens. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">being in a community of grace and not performance breaks chains. if you don't have a church environment like that i encourage you to ask God to make you the instigator. light the fire. praise the Father for his Son, Christ Jesus, who died for messed up mothers like us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";"></span>Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-42094596429943845122016-11-09T13:16:00.000-08:002016-11-09T13:19:29.464-08:00a great lesson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6qoeDjbXwJCW-5bOuucaLnm8vkQD88g1WUEE-ZoijOerHOeyFAmp1eRhFg9saLomJGXBO0QXZw0rtEtTxph5f-mg_6FgZAocXN5y7ekJJiVfjuRRgzDN_N9U-b8I4U0tBRmvzT5E-9w/s1600/election1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6qoeDjbXwJCW-5bOuucaLnm8vkQD88g1WUEE-ZoijOerHOeyFAmp1eRhFg9saLomJGXBO0QXZw0rtEtTxph5f-mg_6FgZAocXN5y7ekJJiVfjuRRgzDN_N9U-b8I4U0tBRmvzT5E-9w/s640/election1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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as america was at their edge of their seats, watching democracy unfold, lots of children were aware something big was happening.<br />
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every presidential race is a great civics lesson and training in a biblical worldview.<br />
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here are some small ways to help disciple your children through this important time, or for the next.<br />
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1. read and tell the children the different presidential candidates and their stances on key issues. try to break it down in simpler terms. ask questions like, "do you think God has something to say about this?"<br />
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2. talk about God and his Word. speak of His wisdom and what he says in his Word. read specific scripture that deals with government. we read Daniel 3 and sang<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGCCSKU-w2E"> burn us up by shane&shane</a>, i felt it was very fitting.<br />
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2. watch videos that explain the voting process. our family watched b<a href="https://www.brainpop.com/">ainpop</a> videos. The kids love moby.<br />
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3. watch or watch highlights of the debates. talk about what is going on. talk about God and if the nominee is disagreeing with God's Word. talk about their character and what God has declared to be men and women of integrity.<br />
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4. refer back to history and the beginning of democracy. speak of empires that have risen and fallen. read scripture like Daniel 2:<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">21</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">He changes times and seasons;<br />he removes kings and sets up kings;<br />he gives wisdom to the wise<br />and knowledge to those who have understanding.</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">5. set up a mock voting booth at home where the kids can cast their vote and explain the process.</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">6. once the president has been declared, pray with your children for the country and for wisdom for the new president and his cabinet. pray that Christians will put their hope in Christ and not in this government or any other. remind them that God says to pray for those in government leadership</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">whether we agree or disagree with them we must pray for their salvation and leadership that we are under. </span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">1 Timothy 2:1-3</span></span><br />
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, <span class="text 1Tim-2-2" id="en-HCSB-29717"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>for kings and all those who are in authority,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-29717A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-29717A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-29717B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-29717B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> and dignity.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-29717C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-29717C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> </span> <span class="text 1Tim-2-3" id="en-HCSB-29718"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>This is good, and it pleases God our Savior.</span><br />
<span class="text 1Tim-2-3"></span><br />
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<span class="text 1Tim-2-3"><strong>Let's continue to pray for the church to go and declare Christ crucified.</strong></span></div>
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Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-48269582776604414212016-10-10T15:00:00.000-07:002016-10-10T15:00:24.521-07:00DIY paper pot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when you don't have a pot to put your newly found treasure in, you make one!</div>
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here's an easy diy paper pot. </div>
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- turn the paper bag inside out (i gently rolled it outward).</div>
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- depending on your plant size, fold the bag inward to the desired height.</div>
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- have some fun painting it whatever color(s) you desire.</div>
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-35911345330791753342016-10-03T14:00:00.000-07:002016-10-03T14:00:24.832-07:00around here #8Its been 6 months since i've used this space. wow. i felt compelled to write something. anything. there's been a lot to think through. i've been pondering the fate of america.<br />
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it's helpful listening to <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/2016/09/27/briefing-09-27-16/">this man</a> after the debates.<br />
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another black man dead. these words are repetitive. this is heavy. weep with those who weep.<br />
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it's been a struggle to hear fellow brother's and sister's talk about racism. to hear comments that are just sad and unhelpful to the conversation has been eye opening. not because they're speaking truth but because their own prejudices are not seen. what's happening?<br />
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<a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/562/the-problem-we-all-live-with">this american life</a> segment was hard to hear. it made me cry to hear the parents talk. tears just rolled down my face.<br />
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we use to hold <a href="https://www.worldmag.com/s2/pay_invoice.cfm">this</a> magazine subscription. i think i want to invest in <a href="https://kids.wng.org/about">this one</a>!<br />
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another great <a href="http://www.theliturgists.com/podcast/2016/3/29/episode-34-black-and-white-racism-in-america">podcast</a> on racism in america.<br />
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<a href="http://www.notgreekyogurt.com/journal/2016/9/20/unarmed-dangerous">our friend's</a> honest, helpful words on life (being black) through his eyes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocqPl7aobSxKY96es6PgQUdLSR8iwJjzh3E5SXMYJnr6PikSG908f3gLUeKhbWnQLPpLpYIf2aAQfGKbd68S1NAVxohAWJAAh1M8_upLrS30cb3w0KJZx5KiOPJDZbaRv8pC1Kmbm1dc/s1600/olaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocqPl7aobSxKY96es6PgQUdLSR8iwJjzh3E5SXMYJnr6PikSG908f3gLUeKhbWnQLPpLpYIf2aAQfGKbd68S1NAVxohAWJAAh1M8_upLrS30cb3w0KJZx5KiOPJDZbaRv8pC1Kmbm1dc/s640/olaf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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walking in on olaf. </div>
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vipary is super cool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8r5ITa4MCSnPx9oiVCdcypoZ803dQegMLTjEk9MM5X4Cu5DwnKP-WgIGxahDvODMFoSjoSudloEj-ZVkLFdFWX9xTcUHg2bvx3_bhGjgy_e8pHrL5Sd5I61jzuQEopfeq-JkIM3tsrU/s1600/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8r5ITa4MCSnPx9oiVCdcypoZ803dQegMLTjEk9MM5X4Cu5DwnKP-WgIGxahDvODMFoSjoSudloEj-ZVkLFdFWX9xTcUHg2bvx3_bhGjgy_e8pHrL5Sd5I61jzuQEopfeq-JkIM3tsrU/s640/flag.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
once a clean entry way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWylk-78U1hRJEI9i-8_tMER1v87KsBoLv4D3LmwfoKCIAqSA2fHPiWXyN3qxPkoj6adQOBqigRKw9lBjPflRd4UVBPFmR12pc_-rih9GQxUA2w0f4_eUGZ71UX37QF09iTW_fCm2c7jw/s1600/peeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWylk-78U1hRJEI9i-8_tMER1v87KsBoLv4D3LmwfoKCIAqSA2fHPiWXyN3qxPkoj6adQOBqigRKw9lBjPflRd4UVBPFmR12pc_-rih9GQxUA2w0f4_eUGZ71UX37QF09iTW_fCm2c7jw/s640/peeps.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
these people make me smile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa4Q6HH4AgyKHDT1-oTb3r1sKv8i1ofKAIHtXbW5LqbTpIIdnDDsWXWd8ZCEkyNu4vcMr9fgxE83PT_Mx0EAGjxq7kXucj0Yk2Y1YOGqJccwoyOI4nOvyAPoN6Ca5lN3kpOtmlVAcQ5M/s1600/zoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFa4Q6HH4AgyKHDT1-oTb3r1sKv8i1ofKAIHtXbW5LqbTpIIdnDDsWXWd8ZCEkyNu4vcMr9fgxE83PT_Mx0EAGjxq7kXucj0Yk2Y1YOGqJccwoyOI4nOvyAPoN6Ca5lN3kpOtmlVAcQ5M/s640/zoe.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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she makes me smile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcov3JTo1V7z_eXczs42-k3hi2eEziH9m21fXE3iqUlt3W_7gNPCQAfZybbZDAWloQzG3RzMeq3Yf9lL1ds4eujgKsya-WbLMfKX-vxtq60fWgZah3tnxgocKnJ9fhyphenhyphenlod1W9vtBx1s0/s1600/reed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRcov3JTo1V7z_eXczs42-k3hi2eEziH9m21fXE3iqUlt3W_7gNPCQAfZybbZDAWloQzG3RzMeq3Yf9lL1ds4eujgKsya-WbLMfKX-vxtq60fWgZah3tnxgocKnJ9fhyphenhyphenlod1W9vtBx1s0/s640/reed.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
i crave her littleness near me.<br />
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-54781281099470535472016-04-04T11:00:00.000-07:002016-04-04T11:00:17.002-07:00DIY: Tassle Socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">my constantly, crying, baby Reed gives me only a few minutes to do anything creative. when i get the craft bug i quickly have to create something before i easily become frustrated with an idea. since i can't sit in front of my sewing machine--which i desperately desire--i reach for simple diy projects that </span>muster up creative juices and yet<span style="text-align: left;"> keeps me close to baby.</span></div>
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ta-da!!!</div>
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-10953021696896458782016-02-05T09:00:00.001-08:002016-02-05T12:55:13.057-08:00Friday Smile<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhXT5u9RX03IxSoFOm4_MXoz8OGg8aExdAxN8Qv4-979-mE9JzUvgPS5k40edH69Efbgq5qcwAJdASnP9pFYOI_GCDpwuT5KA0NeqO3hZ0eXKs44KUXUmGBbEcbChdH46SOGEaLxTmuk/s1600/skate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhXT5u9RX03IxSoFOm4_MXoz8OGg8aExdAxN8Qv4-979-mE9JzUvgPS5k40edH69Efbgq5qcwAJdASnP9pFYOI_GCDpwuT5KA0NeqO3hZ0eXKs44KUXUmGBbEcbChdH46SOGEaLxTmuk/s640/skate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.hulu.com/the-mindy-project?&cmp=6100&mkwid=oIqFenNg&pcrid=82720965901&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Originals+-+The+Mindy+Project+-+Search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=the%20mindy%20project&gclid=CjwKEAiAuKy1BRCY5bTuvPeopXcSJAAq4OVs5Xz4kA-wXKyyVYcDC055_W3uj1cZfRnh8UEoI9qtwhoCxgnw_wcB&dclid=CLq_563Fz8oCFYqHfgod23gBFQ">mindy's show</a> is hilarious.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nbc.com/superstore?utm_source=search">this</a> show is pretty good.<br />
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i want lots of cool <a href="http://www.consumersearch.com/cordless-drill-reviews">tools</a> to make stuff.<br />
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the anniversary of roe vs. wade. I never knew <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MYNyaNNq8Xg">this</a>.<br />
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OMG <a href="https://serialpodcast.org/">serial</a>. I'm hooked!!!<br />
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thinking of the warmer weather in Cali has me planning for <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38562140536765325/">backyard ideas</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://judgmentalmaps.com/image/78473663186">this </a>map lol!<br />
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/my-capsule-wardrobe-experiment-part-one-why-i-decided-to-pare-down-227039">what</a> i've secretly been trying.<br />
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i tried this <a href="http://www.dinneralovestory.com/tag/avgolemeno/">soup</a> a few times and i loved it.<br />
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such a good <a href="http://www.foreverymom.com/dear-mama-satan-is-doing-everything-he-can-to-keep-you-from-reading-this-letter/">letter</a> to read and remind myself of my sin.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY FRIDAY!!!</span></div>
<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-13248276133184628222016-02-03T14:15:00.000-08:002016-02-03T15:33:30.373-08:00taboo.recent conversations and things ive read have me thinking more of death. obviously no one is truly foreign to it and others actually have seen the sting closer.<br />
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i've loosely followed<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/25/opinion/sunday/how-long-have-i-got-left.html"> this mans</a> journey to death and it's had me praying for his family and just trying to be sensitive to the fact that we are not our own. his <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/06/my-marriage-didnt-end-when-i-became-a-widow/">wife's words</a> are so powerful. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/07/books/review-in-when-breath-becomes-air-dr-paul-kalanithi-confronts-an-early-death.html">here's</a> a review of his book.<br />
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i have no idea when my time or beloved family and friends have. i've tried visualizing all my family and friends with count down clocks above their heads and imagine being shocked at the differing times and "unexpected" deaths. our <a href="http://underelsol.blogspot.com/2013/02/missing-her.html">lovely niece</a> is so near in my thoughts of death and life.<br />
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it's healthy to think about death in a way that sobers us from our individualism and brings us back to reality. it's not pretty but desperately needed.<br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-15-55" id="en-HCSB-28773" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="ot" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Death, where is your victory?</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text 1Cor-15-55" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="ot" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Death, where is your sting?</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text 1Cor-15-56" id="en-HCSB-28774" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">56 </sup>Now the sting of death is sin,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text 1Cor-15-56" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">and the power of sin<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28774B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28774B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup> is the law.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28774C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28774C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text 1Cor-15-57" id="en-HCSB-28775" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">57 </sup>But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28775D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28775D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></sup></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text 1Cor-15-57" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">through our Lord Jesus Christ!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><i>1 corinthians 15:55-57</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Now I further saw that between them and the gate was a River, </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">but there was no bridge so that pilgrims might cross over; </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">moreover, the River was very deep. So Christian and Hopeful were </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">shocked at such a sight; but the men escorting them declared, “You </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">must pass through this River or else you cannot arrive at the gate </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">of the City. Then the pilgrims asked if there was any other way to </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">the gate.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">The Shining Ones answered, “Yes, but no one else has </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">been permitted to travel that way since the foundation of the world </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">except Enoch and Elijah; </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">and no others will be allowed until the </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">sounding of the last trumpet.” </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Then the pilgrims began to despair </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">in their minds, and especially Christian; they looked this way and </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">that way, but no alternative route could be found by which they </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">could avoid the River.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">Then they asked the men if the water was </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">all of the same depth. They replied “No,” but could offer no </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">further help other than the comment, “You shall find it deeper or </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: large;">shallower according to your trust in the King of the place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">-From <i>Pilgrim's Progress</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">by John Bunyan</span></div>
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-87430162575146745422016-01-25T11:00:00.000-08:002016-01-25T11:00:09.435-08:00Around Here #7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it's been difficult lately. reed is precious and she's high maintenance! its true what they say-- every child is different. the other four, as babies, we're self soothing. this factor came in extremely handy as i home-schooled and needed some cushion room to teach and still care for a newborn. reed loves to be in the sling and only in the sling. if she's not in there her time alone is short-lived. some times i cry and feel so overwhelmed. then there's days that the circumstances have not changed but i feel God's grace calm my weary soul. don't get me wrong she's a huge blessing! we love her forever and cant imagine life without her but i'm human and i get overwhelmed too. even as i type this i'm struggling to keep her content as she's already well fed, changed and sleepy. but i lover her and she's worth the struggle:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExEDt3pDwImvlCtieLV3ZA-TNuIlPIVX6Jf7Test5ZK4T4yiSxnGx2hUoyj8elGYdq2ezWfs1HmuNwpLq9DvsqK_RRfJ0_49CIlHjweHa0oqiRY-Iiv8nWxTyc6A0qlNyjb6EzWTO_ig/s1600/ah1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExEDt3pDwImvlCtieLV3ZA-TNuIlPIVX6Jf7Test5ZK4T4yiSxnGx2hUoyj8elGYdq2ezWfs1HmuNwpLq9DvsqK_RRfJ0_49CIlHjweHa0oqiRY-Iiv8nWxTyc6A0qlNyjb6EzWTO_ig/s640/ah1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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1. sometimes running a mile outside is our p.e.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsZVzU4vw_UJfrG3IAU39BKkQoaJ8O6ux_34KM6IZe2Yrpe85DpGigu7EOrksJCTJdJG_8hlMWaN9c8iCk8bi1jmdzlsmC6M9_rpnbI3vO6jFq4bLdRU8yxBQnv0UGvaTLTU-o87ohbg/s1600/ah2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsZVzU4vw_UJfrG3IAU39BKkQoaJ8O6ux_34KM6IZe2Yrpe85DpGigu7EOrksJCTJdJG_8hlMWaN9c8iCk8bi1jmdzlsmC6M9_rpnbI3vO6jFq4bLdRU8yxBQnv0UGvaTLTU-o87ohbg/s640/ah2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
2. a new headband<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbLy_Y4pJjEx9zPdSAFD_wY2woAyKwDYoGuo4UHITHfbQf0ji6M86nlUMPk9oN4gEsX2I2x3LwRcINrwiaRt99XU8ha8MfENVID0aJOPy96mID1visjLJXP_TduKeh3ZWBUJsd5QXE8I/s1600/ah3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbLy_Y4pJjEx9zPdSAFD_wY2woAyKwDYoGuo4UHITHfbQf0ji6M86nlUMPk9oN4gEsX2I2x3LwRcINrwiaRt99XU8ha8MfENVID0aJOPy96mID1visjLJXP_TduKeh3ZWBUJsd5QXE8I/s640/ah3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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3. our home in the process of becoming our home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbXjkmYpEh5lVyQ1ReoCbuD7FXjBAhD6pvwRQRiunMX_3PbvW6584JC_1LoDWOjMrfjoB-ptuptURdi4KVWCOcaGYQGz1dtKSenfI1gxRt5LIDFYFkPZDz1tVE5gbbyF51_r4sXXwvOU/s1600/ah4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbXjkmYpEh5lVyQ1ReoCbuD7FXjBAhD6pvwRQRiunMX_3PbvW6584JC_1LoDWOjMrfjoB-ptuptURdi4KVWCOcaGYQGz1dtKSenfI1gxRt5LIDFYFkPZDz1tVE5gbbyF51_r4sXXwvOU/s640/ah4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
4. fitting in science experiments with a new born can be a challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbO_K9njsfMc7XmQ5KCmcDFK0VE0MWCnzREFGj44mv4-SWI-RDBqQq0zUALLMEXI9hUZW0e-ySddH_grkq_J04Ab6CHotBB1f8XM-dmSqR_w4mXdu8zXIhbFFOd2K7nDtBrGKZy45umg/s1600/ah5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbO_K9njsfMc7XmQ5KCmcDFK0VE0MWCnzREFGj44mv4-SWI-RDBqQq0zUALLMEXI9hUZW0e-ySddH_grkq_J04Ab6CHotBB1f8XM-dmSqR_w4mXdu8zXIhbFFOd2K7nDtBrGKZy45umg/s640/ah5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. school on my bed has been a frequent.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgmyDPsCrwrai6JJmJBMWuYOOZzt8qt39MyzIJCJjJ3rn4fXq5lIGBy9eJzyxozJZKwBTInZA8T9PuHgZ4q8Hb_i8iymgGR15pEDVxEv0TDmM2mkx0EFqDbWUUpu6gGlSeA_6vvhnH1k/s1600/ah6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgmyDPsCrwrai6JJmJBMWuYOOZzt8qt39MyzIJCJjJ3rn4fXq5lIGBy9eJzyxozJZKwBTInZA8T9PuHgZ4q8Hb_i8iymgGR15pEDVxEv0TDmM2mkx0EFqDbWUUpu6gGlSeA_6vvhnH1k/s640/ah6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
6. oh city you're a ham.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwNygH2Jl0sXNUSn1FWS0nor2UPbVbGPM5L2imqs_Hnqd2pUfCieBDHI9EuDw8u6dEviFVVPXNIhA_V8be2ifVhmZ4zQzEkCi1NkkbbSrcSxSWOWroREikECKStCJTWiG-victVBtA5Y/s1600/ah7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwNygH2Jl0sXNUSn1FWS0nor2UPbVbGPM5L2imqs_Hnqd2pUfCieBDHI9EuDw8u6dEviFVVPXNIhA_V8be2ifVhmZ4zQzEkCi1NkkbbSrcSxSWOWroREikECKStCJTWiG-victVBtA5Y/s640/ah7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
7. we are loving our church work days<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzI2goVP-t4RmKU73mRRzx0d3zRy-8fBJ9P-wxldAeERfSvYt9nbNaMDFbs7_isOJL8K1V7S9VjTuwRZY7Dffk76blCqeBcPC_LLyipoX08RDl7wE0ReGmiw0Pw4VZeT3gtUowOe2v2E/s1600/ah8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzI2goVP-t4RmKU73mRRzx0d3zRy-8fBJ9P-wxldAeERfSvYt9nbNaMDFbs7_isOJL8K1V7S9VjTuwRZY7Dffk76blCqeBcPC_LLyipoX08RDl7wE0ReGmiw0Pw4VZeT3gtUowOe2v2E/s640/ah8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
8. city's signature lip pose<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oPwUrRDXIKWb13m5b60T7n0Idnaqjc55klHrvboGYv7jLkxMyaYIw5sa46Ztozu3boCkR_Kef0wuzHBmwRpSyHyNk86zc_nOCVpJkSQwWbdKf42QG0qHTF_MivATQH4wE9UuOS8kKvQ/s1600/ah9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oPwUrRDXIKWb13m5b60T7n0Idnaqjc55klHrvboGYv7jLkxMyaYIw5sa46Ztozu3boCkR_Kef0wuzHBmwRpSyHyNk86zc_nOCVpJkSQwWbdKf42QG0qHTF_MivATQH4wE9UuOS8kKvQ/s640/ah9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
9. visiting the broad<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwq3UFOYDEqnxEH1l8T2ZP4z0p1zqkJrfRwEwuD4hUY8RF9WUoJRmC-K-sm4kxSL-NYE-7y91NJ_u9G0LIzWunsL3ruA50eyNi020UIs3th8LnEa9NIutgVzetGZXiYxrwmp4dUTZPvE/s1600/ah10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwq3UFOYDEqnxEH1l8T2ZP4z0p1zqkJrfRwEwuD4hUY8RF9WUoJRmC-K-sm4kxSL-NYE-7y91NJ_u9G0LIzWunsL3ruA50eyNi020UIs3th8LnEa9NIutgVzetGZXiYxrwmp4dUTZPvE/s640/ah10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
10. the kids appreciating contemporary art<br />
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i celebrated my birthday with friends, music, and encouraging chatter. i was so blessed and refreshed. i love how God brings people into your life that are sources of fresh air. i love them all dearly.Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-18423377622552133542016-01-12T21:06:00.000-08:002016-01-13T12:09:58.651-08:00TOP 10the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over. by the way, i love this chilly time of year, maybe everybody does juxtaposed to southern california's past summer!<br />
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at the end of the year new toys come in from family and friends so we purge out the old, or highly unused, and make way for some new. the forgotten toys i pack up and store and in a few months i bring them out-- abandoned toys into new toys!<br />
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there's some toys that get used frequently, i mean the kids forget about them for a few days but then, there they are, pulling out those same ol' toys. many times things become toys : )<br />
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here's a few that have stuck with our family. but every family is different, so what are yours?<br />
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1. blocks<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWffIjfjcPv-2pFGoLcjpRFRfTjv4v5YZHtiDghMVKJ5wZ0sYeip1eC1zaLoeeWE5VyKeW57a4MepeYYf-ExQA2n0WMXz7hobpsUbrlKIZLk0UO4R3CoGm5mnvS4tWERdxe_w3j_-8X0/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWffIjfjcPv-2pFGoLcjpRFRfTjv4v5YZHtiDghMVKJ5wZ0sYeip1eC1zaLoeeWE5VyKeW57a4MepeYYf-ExQA2n0WMXz7hobpsUbrlKIZLk0UO4R3CoGm5mnvS4tWERdxe_w3j_-8X0/s400/Picture+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/plantoys-blocks-50-pcs-10828">diapers</a></span></div>
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2. legos<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcQ81lmYssaUFZfy9b8dR8sXGBaCVU9Jyt5H_l2pREpsGBM9bZA9B3I053GqRy6nea8NV-nPb-IUypyRwe59VZMKUGQeKr-uJqAH46aXztFBTv5Oglx4f0INAeRLQot0GQ6A3EUfERDY/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcQ81lmYssaUFZfy9b8dR8sXGBaCVU9Jyt5H_l2pREpsGBM9bZA9B3I053GqRy6nea8NV-nPb-IUypyRwe59VZMKUGQeKr-uJqAH46aXztFBTv5Oglx4f0INAeRLQot0GQ6A3EUfERDY/s400/Picture+2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Sort-and-Store-LEGO-Toys">wikihow</a></span></div>
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3. super hero costumes<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ejI_YZz9OBICPJeOpr3oviYSMZQ71iuQt1WUTtzvaNcMkcEmXvqWbrPwi233oMo0d7EeK-6_rqWkZuQr05Rpj9ra9i2rkixEZbpWPHkmKmeF-G12mE330PU7F4dftudc14RiPkfzUgc/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ejI_YZz9OBICPJeOpr3oviYSMZQ71iuQt1WUTtzvaNcMkcEmXvqWbrPwi233oMo0d7EeK-6_rqWkZuQr05Rpj9ra9i2rkixEZbpWPHkmKmeF-G12mE330PU7F4dftudc14RiPkfzUgc/s400/Picture+3.png" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.halloweencostumes.com/kids-flash-costume.html">halloweencostumes</a> </span></div>
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4. small action figures<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXZXBb3Ka_dQ1rxkWST9lw5xZDkekjPraWnJiTJ2VszZPkw7QHnBDg6n14wD9XrC1aeRfyN63ofO6Mptt7igziCfl3enPy_iRfC4roL1O_8Orq4gsHPumOPRYN2YKXdLv1Gl70j8ERks/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmXZXBb3Ka_dQ1rxkWST9lw5xZDkekjPraWnJiTJ2VszZPkw7QHnBDg6n14wD9XrC1aeRfyN63ofO6Mptt7igziCfl3enPy_iRfC4roL1O_8Orq4gsHPumOPRYN2YKXdLv1Gl70j8ERks/s400/Picture+4.png" width="371" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Batman-v-Superman-Figure-2-Pack/dp/B014DEGF3E/ref=sr_1_15?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1452583819&sr=1-15&keywords=batman">amazon</a></span></div>
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5. hot wheels<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5ZDR-MJKio0YXDJ9cN_EIPNp3Gbo4IXubBKWfG72ZjFavdc3g9mEXRiDBL4mM0Z1poVJwh8HqE7rkNhzZ2oylRXu3jF_Gtxv0ahryeAV5KofIXEaavbZoorp4UTEBdmX-_J43iQJ-uY/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5ZDR-MJKio0YXDJ9cN_EIPNp3Gbo4IXubBKWfG72ZjFavdc3g9mEXRiDBL4mM0Z1poVJwh8HqE7rkNhzZ2oylRXu3jF_Gtxv0ahryeAV5KofIXEaavbZoorp4UTEBdmX-_J43iQJ-uY/s400/Picture+5.png" width="275" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hot-Wheels-Cars-9-Pack/29131379">walmart</a></span></div>
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6. paper. yes paper<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP8FaQ5uR8QsUGQMeISG7on1m7TAcrBGs7kQIuyNsCc40Ozug5wB-f9RKUE_FoA2RBHxswJqsBcIaCiS9HFT227VF3SaYovCNi4UaaTxOI2SNEVgwVe6imUtd_oGIH6l6uKWpMKNGR9A/s1600/Picture+10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP8FaQ5uR8QsUGQMeISG7on1m7TAcrBGs7kQIuyNsCc40Ozug5wB-f9RKUE_FoA2RBHxswJqsBcIaCiS9HFT227VF3SaYovCNi4UaaTxOI2SNEVgwVe6imUtd_oGIH6l6uKWpMKNGR9A/s400/Picture+10.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/300470/Office-Depot-Brand-Color-Copy-Paper/">office depot</a></span></div>
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7. kitchen toys<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyhneGta_no5MBd8fswBAa8uDXbg4pxsfB9pF1jN5OJjwsGVaaxok6YXRCTwdfz68NKWW2YeXzzyfLQypzGfSbl3exGDt3uhDC4v-cQW-Ftz4hQOqElG2MB1epRYF5KzKY4ZHh_byG7Q/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyhneGta_no5MBd8fswBAa8uDXbg4pxsfB9pF1jN5OJjwsGVaaxok6YXRCTwdfz68NKWW2YeXzzyfLQypzGfSbl3exGDt3uhDC4v-cQW-Ftz4hQOqElG2MB1epRYF5KzKY4ZHh_byG7Q/s400/Picture+6.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://greenbabyguide.com/2008/11/04/affordable-play-kitchen-set-wooden-toys-make-great-green-gifts/">greenbabyguide</a></span></div>
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8. string. yup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSysG81naPi98WNSdsAgyMvVy6uBeUsLRM3k4dmu6J3G22Q15dSGT03F1ZlqvTxznOazySUJsCs2DtCA18I_Uqlu7HD10o7hjRIc6p4b5L2gfcIbCa5sqf_9WqJPAuG452vRPRPicl8_0/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSysG81naPi98WNSdsAgyMvVy6uBeUsLRM3k4dmu6J3G22Q15dSGT03F1ZlqvTxznOazySUJsCs2DtCA18I_Uqlu7HD10o7hjRIc6p4b5L2gfcIbCa5sqf_9WqJPAuG452vRPRPicl8_0/s400/Picture+7.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">image via <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spool_of_string.jpg">wikipedia</a> </span></div>
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9. a bedtime soft toy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcbRzjTP7_Mh6sVaGAPqbBs8geh9aMuVcugXffJlCUolLnSkwYNxdKXJXII9WKqu6vtA2Nle9kq9XWN9pkbtsWBpY1b22-qa7ORrvyiOaZaaBKI5hDkuPtIi3u3fXcvOEVSrLT1p1UxI/s1600/Picture+8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcbRzjTP7_Mh6sVaGAPqbBs8geh9aMuVcugXffJlCUolLnSkwYNxdKXJXII9WKqu6vtA2Nle9kq9XWN9pkbtsWBpY1b22-qa7ORrvyiOaZaaBKI5hDkuPtIi3u3fXcvOEVSrLT1p1UxI/s400/Picture+8.png" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">image via <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yottoy-562-Madeline-Soft-Doll/dp/B004W6RECU/ref=sr_1_3?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1452585462&sr=1-3&keywords=madeline+soft+toy">amazon</a></span></div>
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AND<br />
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10. cloth!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xSj-9iKP4ptBI0QSdWclfwx0GtX53oKk1piIsVKCKOYxpMLGEgDqs4MCO6oLzEhXiPoQPbuMPrJbgis6slImhDI3mOPuywCC8Rj9jpJhUOBnI2uyKJ26ZhFdKk4OxS5I7PXyPE7S6I0/s1600/Picture+12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xSj-9iKP4ptBI0QSdWclfwx0GtX53oKk1piIsVKCKOYxpMLGEgDqs4MCO6oLzEhXiPoQPbuMPrJbgis6slImhDI3mOPuywCC8Rj9jpJhUOBnI2uyKJ26ZhFdKk4OxS5I7PXyPE7S6I0/s400/Picture+12.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.joann.com/assorted-cozy-solid-remnants--10-yards/14328819.html#prefn1=isSale&prefv1=true&start=4">joann</a></span></div>
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something we've been doing lately--celebrating boredom. when the kids complain about being bored we celebrate. i tell them "thats awesome!" and <br />
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-76061511158757959652016-01-05T23:40:00.000-08:002016-01-06T14:12:52.075-08:00Reed's Birth Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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3am my contractions begin on november 18th. they're light but unquestionable. i begin timing them. 20 minutes apart. then 15 minutes apart. then back to 20. this goes on for 2 hours. then they get closer. i tell my Lovely husband that it might be time. i call the midwife and she tells me to call her when they're 5 minutes apart for an hour. PJ prepares his things and mine. he calls his brother and asks him if he can come pick up the kids. our brother picks up the kids so we're free to speed away to the birthing center at any moment. but my contractions subside to 30 minutes apart. hmmm. our midwife calls me at 9am. i tell her my predicament. this is very different from my four other births--once i begin contracting it quickly progresses. my midwife tells me to come in at 11am to see whats going on. my contractions get a little stronger but still erratic. we go in and she observes my lack of dilation and renders that i could have the baby tonight, tomorrow or in a week. my due date is november 30th, it's very possible this is false labor. we leave baffled.<br />
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we head over to my brothers to fetch our kids. on our way my Lovely picks up ramen noodles for me. as we head home we deliver the bad news to the kids that Reed hasn't decided what she wants to do. </div>
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once we're home i'm tired and i want to rest. its 5pm and i'm getting inconsistent pains. by 7pm these pains become bothersome. at around 7:45pm the kids start their bedtime routine. still inconsistent but by 8:21pm i can't talk because the pain is becoming unbearable and they're 7 minutes apart. I'm contracting in our bedroom-- the birthing ball is at the edge our bed while i stand over it. other times PJ's pushing my hips inward to relieve some pressure. PJ calls the kids to watch me while i contract, he uses it as a teaching moment. i wave them off because i'm trying to focus. the pain makes you do and say crazy things. pj calls our midwife and lets her know i'm having 7 minute apart contractions. she tells pj to monitor them and call her back in an hour. pj hangs up. he calls our couple friend, who will spend the night, to please come. 4 minutes later i begin to have them 4 minutes apart! the midwife calls back just as pj was about to call her. PJ tells her they are now 4 minutes apart. she was actually calling back to tell us to leave now. PJ calls our friend and lets them know to please come asap. As i contract i know we need to leave before our friends get here, if not PJ's delivering Reed in the car! which is what he has always dreamed of--delivering one of his children...noooooo! i summon him to go get our neighbor friends. he frantically runs out to their home but they aren't there! he runs to our church building to see if they're there but instead finds their adult children who inform him they are out of town. PJ asks if they can come to our house and wait for our friends who are in transit. they happily oblige. as they walk back to our house our friends arrive. </div>
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i walk down the stairs slowly. our kind friends try not to stare but are interested in the process. i try to muster up a smile and a short hand wave. they replicate the gesture. as we load our stuff in the car our friends are extremely helpful and make sure i'm as comfortable as i can be considering my uterus is opening up enough to shoot out a watermelon! i reluctantly get in the car because i'm getting close contractions. i'm trying so hard to remember the techniques i learned from the stupid hypnobirth lesson. but who's kidding, i did the fast track lesson and i'm not sure if anything will work at this point. relax frances. relax your face. relax your body. i can't! we drive off but as soon as we do i tell PJ to pull over while i bear another horrific contraction. it's done. we drive off towards the freeway. i'm anticipating this taking too long. the drive is a 15-20 min drive but at this rate maybe 45 minutes! PJ kindly informs me he can't keep pulling over because we won't get there in time. deep down i know he's right. dang it. ok lets do this. we drive. thankully i have a heat wrap on my back relieving some stress. by this time i think im humming. yes humming. we finally get to the birthing center and i get out quickly but walk extremely slow. mentally i wanna run but physically i just cant. we get into the vacant building, go into the elevator and enter the office as the staff worker welcomes me in and tells me to head to the exam room. our midwife informs me what to do. she lays me down, which is extremely uncomfortable and checks me. she immediately gets me down and says "your ready" and beckons the staff helper to prepare the hot tub with water. I waddle over to the birth room and just as we rehearsed they help me into the tub that has running hot water. i lean back and begin to hum again. i'm trying to recall what the australian hypnobirth lady repeated in my ears those countless nights over and over as I gently fell asleep to her voice. the humming relaxes me. in between contractions i'm falling asleep. the hot water feels good on my back since i'm getting what they call back labor. i had that with all kids. she tells me to push when i get contractions and to grab my thighs. PJ is outside the tub but right near me. he doesn't say much but watches intently. i get about 4 big contractions. she checks me and lets me know Reed is coming. in my head i'm skeptical. how can i be ready? i just got here. i push but i don't think Reed is coming down, at least not yet. i push 3 times. and when i mean push i mean grunting like a mad women ready for battle. it's my battle cry. i feel burning and stretching that i've never felt! to say it hurt is an understatement. in those 3 pushes i want to give up. but i can't she's almost out. the mid wife says "just one more push frances and she's out." really? i had to believe now. what else could i do. i muster up one final push as if my life depended on it. </div>
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ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!</div>
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my midwife grabs Reed out of the water and places her on my chest. im exhausted. no words just whimpering. all im thinking is "holy cow! i did it. it's over. she's out. she's out." i hold Reed but have no words. i can't. </div>
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the feeling of relief is indescribable. at 10:31pm our little Reed entered our world.</div>
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they take Reed and put her on her abba. PJ's sitting on a rocking chair having skin to skin with his newest treasure. they get me out of the tub and onto the exam table to deliver the placenta and to assess if i need stitches. she warns me everything is super sensitive. she's not lying, i squirm and fidget but allow her to finish. PJ's right above me with our new littlest. he places her on my chest. i'm taken back to the birthing room and changed. i get into bed and begin nursing Reed. the three of us lay there exhausted and excited. the helpers bring me food to replenish. we chat with the staff helper. we rest. it's soon time to gather our things and head home. wow. that was fast. they explain lots of paper work, i nod. PJ takes our belongings to the car. I hold my baby girl as i'm wheelchaired to our car. she's snug in her car seat. we did it Reed. we did it.</div>
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We head home in disbelief that we just had a baby and now on our way home. we drive up to our home. it's quiet. it's gonna be a nice treat to wake up to the kids peering over their newest sibling. our friend comes down to greet us and ask us if we got sent home. he's a bit confused. we tell him nope we just had a baby! he's in disbelief as much as we are. his wife joins us as we chat. i'm full of energy. it's 3am but we're excited to tell our story. we say good night and all head back to bed. </div>
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the next morning the kids awake. they hear crying and are asking questions outside our door. they're so cute. PJ gets up and prepares them to meet our newest clique member. they are bursting with excitement. they see her, touch her, kiss her and talk about her. they instantly love her. till this day nothing has changed. </div>
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our friends are amazing. our sister in christ stays the whole day and watches over the kids. she feeds them, plays with them and takes them to the park. i don't know what i would have done without her and her husband. they are a blessing to our church family. how kind of God.</div>
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it took me a month to finally write our birth story. the memories had to simmer and i had to heal emotionally from all those fresh memories of labor. as i would tell people, it's too soon. now as i hold baby Reed in my arms those hard moments disappear in light of her face. she's precious. she's a gift from the Lord and to our family. </div>
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Thank you Lord.<br />
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Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-50288735644679070292015-09-14T09:00:00.000-07:002015-09-14T14:51:40.838-07:00Baby Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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these kids are sweet. they all wanted a boy. actutally we all did. but God in his wisdom has formed in my womb a wonderful little girl. they are excited and want to meet her soon.<br />
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city- calls her tummy her baby, so if her tummy hurts she declares "my baby hurts!"<br />
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story- is learning so much this year. she's officially in kindergarten and she loves working besides her siblings.<br />
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key- loves singing and you'll often find her making up new songs. sometimes her brother will bbox for her.<br />
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rock- is my go to person. he is extremely helpful and takes it upon himself to watch after city and often the girls. he's a great big brother (a.k.a. kuya).<br />
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babyLove#5- has no name yet. we play with names we like but nothing official.<br />
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myself- I get tons of looks and comments about our large family. We often get to drop little ideas of what we believe and why we are so blessed.<br />
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PJ- lots on his shoulders but he does a great job loving us first. he fails. but so do i. it just reminds us we aren't each other's god.Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-68372129756838392622015-08-13T23:14:00.000-07:002015-08-14T11:00:44.236-07:00Around Here #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it's been a busy fun summer. i'm so sad the kids start school soon. God give me strength!</div>
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4th of july came and went.</div>
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first try at making mediterranean chicken skewers.<br />
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lots of fun at the beach.<br />
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gender reveal party for my nephew's baby. speaking of gender, i have to share the pictures i took of the kids gender reveal surprise for them.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPZZsFefLf11UJKZj0B0ujIeeHUB1DIoqS1rMal76SjpY2v0ollGDmWP002jFAXx1OeVIK6tqTzb__rbWLCOBFiIn_41TW8yar3Hhyk1IyZtzaAJSq8SBVFo_XCSQbZ3dMVZD-JX5f3A/s1600/ah10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPZZsFefLf11UJKZj0B0ujIeeHUB1DIoqS1rMal76SjpY2v0ollGDmWP002jFAXx1OeVIK6tqTzb__rbWLCOBFiIn_41TW8yar3Hhyk1IyZtzaAJSq8SBVFo_XCSQbZ3dMVZD-JX5f3A/s640/ah10.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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these two, dear friends becoming one.<br />
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finally put up my map after years in storage.</div>
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relaxing in the hammock.</div>
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key's jewelry shop established :)<br />
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summer nights with the kids riding their bikes around the block as city skates around with daddy.Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-75357569963260173012015-06-30T22:07:00.000-07:002015-06-30T22:08:22.994-07:00a decade of sweet friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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we celebrated our 10 year anniversary! i was super exhausted after the two day fiesta but definitely felt thankful throughout the celebration. 10 years is a big deal around here, well, at least for us it is. but when we are around our church family 10 years is just the beginning. our longest marriage in our church is 72 years! and all around us there's a plethora of wisdom that pj and i haven't tapped into yet...maybe in 40 more years?<br />
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as i reflect on our marriage, i can't help think of the marriages i see at our church that portray what marriage can look like in the long run. there seems to be a lot of: sweetness, playfulness, faithfulness, physical pain, and a pleading with God. the last one stands out. what i mean by that is, they seem to know-- know deep inside themselves-- that they can plead with God in prayer because he answers them. maybe a certain closeness to God because of the years walked with him. i'm not sure but i'm trying to watch and learn from these saints who know more about life than i do.<br />
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10 years together has been hilarious, fun, frustrating, eventful, sweet, deep, loving, spicy and much, much more. he truly does complete me. my weaknesses are his strengths and my strengths are his weaknesses. God has blessed us with a deep friendship and with kids that have strengthened us as humans and as believers in King Jesus.Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-43066726136030925412015-06-22T15:31:00.000-07:002015-06-23T18:18:23.470-07:00It's been awhilei didn't like this space for awhile. it made me nauseous. now that i'm out of my first trimester things are looking a little brighter.<br />
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i felt cooped up in my own body! i had ideas and things to write about so my head wouldn't explode but felt too tired and sick to express anything.<br />
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so much has happened that i can't keep track of everything. majority all good, praise the Lord.<br />
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we're in our new home and things are feeling a little more settled. it wasn't feeling like home for awhile but just recently it's feeling better--not home yet--but better.<br />
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summers here which means the kids are out of school, thank God! i needed a break, and i know they did too.<br />
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our 10th anniversary is coming up this thursday!!!! i'm not sure what we're doing yet (we both aren't planners:) but spontaneous is the way to go!<br />
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yesterday we celebrated father's day and i was reflecting on how God has been so gracious and kind to me. i found an old, handwritten list of all the things i wanted in a godly husband and i dedicated it to the Lord. i prayed over the list and asked God to please answer my prayer. he did! i'll have to share it after our anniversary. on the list was that he'll "love children." pj definitely loves children--you can tell, he wants lots of his own! i love him SO much!<br />
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can't believe we'll have 5 kids!<br />
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foods i'm craving.<br />
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our new living space.<br />
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abba and his fam.Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-78340533919018904532015-03-16T22:55:00.000-07:002015-03-16T22:55:30.640-07:00DOLLS <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These were Christmas dolls for the girls. I saw a similar from <a href="http://mermagblog.com/trapeze-dolls-for-christmas/">Mer mag</a> and just had to try to make them for the girls. I promised the girls we'd make skirts for the dolls-- I need to make good on that promise! It's sweet that the girls sleep with them every night.<br />
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On another note--We'll be moving soon and we are all very excited! These little ones will have a backyard to explore in and use their imagination to make wondrous journeys in :)<br />
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-3150068865472551272015-02-17T15:36:00.002-08:002015-02-17T22:38:21.171-08:00Woman Lustit's no surprise that the new erotic film 50 shades of grey was released during valentine's day. before it hit the big screen it was already invading the hearts and minds of women with it's printed book.<br />
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there's been <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/2015/02/13/the-briefing-02-13-15/">a lot of talk</a> about how christians should <a href="http://www.challies.com/a-la-carte/7-lessons-from-50-shades-of-grey">think about the film</a> and the message it's trying to convey-- never think any movie is just a movie, it's always trying to convey a message. the film is a form of art, and it's a mirror to what the culture is really thinking, what art tends to do.<br />
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i watched the trailer out of "curiosity" and found myself shocked and interested in the plot. why? i think it was girl lust! i wasn't necessarily thinking of intercourse or sexual images but it certainly could have gone there, but i was more intrigued by the male character and how they portrayed him--handsome, winsome, authoritative, passionate, AND desires the female counter part to the nth-degree. which is exactly what they were going for--women can be drawn to this type of male figure....fiction or non.<br />
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It's interesting how women's lust can be left unnoticed because it almost seems to hurt no one. false. it hurts people. it hurts the woman's own soul. i've seen this countless times and it's destroyed families. it's a force not to be triffled with. the outworkings of women's lust versus men's lust can be like night and day but the heart issues are identical. men tend to be more visually stimulated, that's why the porn industry has taken hold of our men's hearts. lots to say about mens lust but i'd like to focus on women.<br />
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we women tend to be emotionally stimulated. before a woman commits the actual sexual sin of adultery, chances are she's already had an emotional attachment. why? women love to be desired, to be wanted, this is a good thing BUT in the covenant of marriage, not outside its boarders. if the woman is the object of a man's lustful mind and heart, this can be very emotionally satisfying for her. i wrote <a href="http://underelsol.blogspot.com/2011/11/dating-101-lust.html">this post</a> 3 years ago to warn dating christians the dangers of lust before marriage and what it can look like after marriage. it's pretty scary stuff if not addressed.<br />
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I recently was talking to a young man who's dating a gal and i was asking questions about their lust. as you might like to think, you probably would assume he'd slowly be walking away! nope. he pulled up a chair and was intrigued, especially when i came to the girl lust part. he had no idea! he had no idea that when guys lust after the girl it feeds her lust of being wanted--like she's some kind of sex god! it sounds ridiculous but very true. he was shocked, i saw light bulbs going off in his head. i reminded him that even the way a girl dresses can be used to get a lustful reaction from the guy by the short skirt she's wearing, or the midriff shirt she's flaunting. i know this because i was there in my younger days :(<br />
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another thing about lust is that it wants to hide. it wants to stay in its shame infested closet. when i watched the trailer i felt ashamed that i was interested in the plot and felt a desire to be in the character's shoes. soon after i talked to my husband about it. he was helpful, supportive and asked good heart questions. i knew he knew what battling with lust feels like. he battles with it like all men/most men do. he does not shy away from confession and wanting to kill sin in his life. my husband is amazing. i really can't express in words the love and every endearing emotion under the sun i have for him. he's helped me to be open, not lie and hide sin, no matter how ugly the truth can seem. truth is the best medicine.<br />
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my lovely husband asked "what did you observe that you wanted?" but the question that was most helpful that my lovely asked was, "what do you really want?" my reply, "my husband to love the Lord with all his heart. to love his wife and make much of her and point her to Jesus. a father who leads his children and loves them. a man of integrity. a man who dates his wife and studies her. a man who serves others and points them to Christ."<br />
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it's funny but i just described my lovely husband :) he is what i really want, not some fabricated, hollywood, fictional character! even if the 50 shades of grey character was real, he'd sure need a lot of counseling! no thanks.<br />
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<br />Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5794178699433400434.post-29619791421891888102015-02-12T11:20:00.000-08:002015-02-12T11:28:06.792-08:00Around Here #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's feeling crazy around here. a lot of good stuff and a lot of hard stuff. but all-in-all, God has been working and things have been looking hopeful in the Lord. </div>
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a vacation run in San Diego</div>
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in san diego<br />
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a must stop on our way to san diego <a href="http://rockinbaja.com/">rockin' baja lobster</a></div>
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the <a href="http://www.missionsjc.com/">san juan capistrano</a> mission</div>
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key doing math<br />
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my birthday gift</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Since the last time I posted these are a few snap shots of what's been going on <a href="http://underelsol.blogspot.com/search/label/around%20here">around here.</a></span>Translated: UnderTheSunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08765570082294250836noreply@blogger.com0