tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72777152030481741792024-02-21T08:34:29.661+10:00Paula's Sharing Spot<p align="right">The journey of a prodigal finding peace in only He who matters.</p>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.comBlogger483125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-63202144664994893472017-03-04T01:54:00.003+10:002020-07-08T16:32:20.416+10:00Combatting the DarknessIt's been quite a while since I last wrote a blog post on this page. I did start up another blog page with another provider but I had not motivation for it. My motivation to return to this blog page is that this is where I grew the most through the difficult times. I'm hoping that by blogging now I can grow through the difficult time I'm experiencing now.<br />
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My depression and anxiety have returned. I'm not happy about it. In fact, I feel very angry about it all.</div>
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I'm angry because I know that it is because external factors are contributing to me feeling as though I'm falling further and further into a pit. It's a pit that I'm familiar with, but this time there are some different variables to take into account. </div>
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Tween daughter. Different job. PTSD. Fear. Aloneness. </div>
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There are approximately <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_population" target="_blank">7.4 billion</a> people in the world. I Googled this earlier when I was "having a moment of despair" because I wanted to know why, with the enormity of the world's population, I feel so desperately alone and helpless. A sad but true fact.</div>
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I know that answer, and that answer for me is because it's not people that will fill the hole in my heart (aka soul). It's Jesus. </div>
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Now, this post isn't about getting all "preachy", but merely the means to share my heart so that it can be free of some of the angst that it holds. Jesus is part of my journey. And anyway, I don't do "preachy".</div>
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As I type I can feel my anxiety easing. That could also be because it's 1:48am AEST and I've had a big ugly cry, a hot shower and a cup of tea. But I also know that it's because I happened on a friend's blog page (blog page since deleted) and her words have helped me immensely. </div>
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You see, my friend is also going through a similar thing (I say similar because everyone's journey is different and I don't do comparisons). She is a fellow Tasmanian girl who needs a blog page, needs her hubby, needs her mum, and also needs help to heal the hole in her heart.</div>
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Aloneness aka loneliness (I usually separate the two, but tonight they are one and the same for me) is a cruel enemy that preys upon those who are weakened physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Social media is not filling the hole. IRL (in real life) connection is not filling the hole. But it seems that typing these words is. Oh, and Jesus.</div>
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I'm going to be brave and post more. I'm going to share my heart and my weaknesses (and strengths once they start to return!). I'm going to move forward and not let the darkness take over.</div>
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Paula xo</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-83684046357717074742014-10-10T16:16:00.000+10:002015-01-06T00:17:09.901+10:00Blogtoberfest 2014: Four Days In One"Spring Break", as it's called, is over for uni. That has meant that this week was all about getting back on track with my study. I wasn't going to take last week off from study but spring cleaning, catching up on TV and visiting with friends seemed more important. I kind of regret that now as I could have used at least some of the week (think not watching TV mainly!) to read and research for the five assessments I have due over the next few weeks. Argh! After a mild meltdown after the realisation that I wouldn't be able to keep up with my assignments hit, I regrouped, applied for an extension for one assessment, and got on with it.<br /><br />I enrolled in four unit this semester. I now realise that it was one unit too many, but I will scrape it in! I feel I've done well for someone who left school in 1985 and hasn't done any major or serious study since. Thankfully I love to read and learn so the transition back to student in that regard wasn't difficult. Organising myself as a mum, cleaner, cook, etc was.<br /><br />Semester Three is approaching and I've decided that I am only going to do one unit. I had hoped for two, but what I want to do is being taught at the same time. Grrr! So, one unit it will be, which will mean I can finally finish my spring cleaning, organise my art work, do all the online art classes I have paid for, and just be a mum. As well as the cleaning, cooking, etc. Speaking of cooking...<br /><br />I've made a switch to gluten free eating this week. My fibromyalgia has been flaring up for the last few weeks since the warmer weather arrived, and is also excaserbated by hormones and what I eat. I had a full body massage on Wednesday (which was a killer!) but between it and my new eating habits, plus some slightly cooler temperatures, my fibromyalgia hasn't been playing up as badly. The bonus is that I have not had any serious (think 9 on the 1-10 scale) hip pain over the last two days. I'm looking forward to launching myself more into gluten free eating and taking care of myself better. I am actually on Weight Watchers (since May) and while I have put on some weight over the last month, I am still less than what I was when I started. It's back on the WW bandwagon for me too.<br /><br />From now on my Blogtoberfest posts won't be every day due to my study load, but I will keep posting as I find blogging a great outlet for all the adult conversation I don't get to have as a mostly external uni student and single mum!<br /><br />In Him Always,<br /><br />PaulaPaulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-48522424248082660822014-10-06T23:01:00.000+10:002015-01-06T00:17:09.943+10:00Blogtoberfest 2014: Day 6 - RamblingIt's 10:44pm and I should really be going to sleep but I wanted to post something for Blogtoberfest first. I have no idea what I will write about so excuse me if I just ramble on for a bit.<br /><br />Today was fun. My daughter and I went to two theme parks that we have a yearly pass for with another single mum and her two children. I spent the day dry while they got wet at the water park. I sat back and took photos of all and sundry while they went on rides at the theme park. It was a fun day. Tomorrow life returns to its normal routine. School holidays is over, my daughter is back home from spending two weeks with her dad and his family, and I must return to my university study tomorrow. I don't really know if I'm happy or sad about it. I guess tomorrow will tell.<br /><br />I have five assessments due between now and the 5th of November. While I have thoroughly enjoyed my first semester at uni, I will be glad when it is over. And it's not because I don't like studying however, it's because I did four units this semester and I am worn out. And I mean WORN. OUT. My eyes hurt from reading, my brain hurts from thinking, and my butt hurts from sitting down so much! But still, I plan to keep going. The uni I attend has a third semester on offer. A summer semester where I will be doing one, if not two, units. I'm really looking forward to doing that as well as dealing with a house that I have to finish spring cleaning, creating art and taking some lessons, reading books, and finding a part-time job.<br /><br />And with the end of semester comes the end of the year. Out with the old and in with the new, once again. Christmas will arrive with the New Year not far behind. A new year will begin with a child who starts her last year of primary school and a mum who begins the second half of her first year at uni. It will be a great year. However, getting through this year still has to be done. To say it has been an interesting year is an understatement. From working full-time to studying full-time, 2014 has been a year of major change and transition. My "because I know there is more year".<br /><br />So there is my rambling for tonight. Ponderings on a fun day, a full year, and the anticipation of what is next. Now it is time to sleep.<br /><br />In Him Always,<br /><br />PaulaPaulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-49541849135399223942014-10-05T13:59:00.000+10:002015-01-06T00:17:09.958+10:00Blogtoberfest 2014: Day 5 - When You Meet Your TribeI'm a bit of a hermit, which I quite openly admit to. I have never been part of a group of female friends who hang out together, have weekend getaways, and do Bible study together. While I have longed for it at times, it has never happened. Lately it has become a recurring theme. One that rises up periodically and I feel anxious about. So, I decided to ask God why that was the case, to which He replied that I am not supposed to be part of a group like that. I asked Him what it is then that I am supposed to be a part of. He told me to wait.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday the wait came to an end when I found my tribe. A tribe of women from all parts of both hemispheres. A tribe of women who are all travelling on a similar journey to me. A tribe of women who have decided that going to church while still loving Jesus isn't what they need. Yes, you read that right. Not going to church. Still loving Jesus. It's what is referred to as being a free-ranging Christian. My new tribe. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's taken me over 18 months to get to this point. I had been attending church regularly for over six and half years prior to that. Three churches actually. "Church hopping" as it was once referred to in a conversation with a friend. A reference that irked me at the time, and still irks me now because it's not about the church. It's about my relationship with Jesus. And that's why I am now a free-range Christian. I don't feel part of the current church establishment. I find it overwhelming. I find it suffocating. And after a revelation from God a number of years back, I find that the practise of devoting oneself entirely to one church and all its activities takes away from the true purpose that Jesus came to earth to live out as our example.</div><div><br /></div><div>I grew up going to church and the church I attended as a child and teen was my home. I have very fond memories of this church and the relationship I had with everyone there, my involvement, and what I learned there. I miss it actually. I miss the fact that it was small and everyone knew each other and it was home. I think this fact alone has had a huge influence on why I have never felt completely part of a new church. Too big. Too many cliques. Too focused on this or that. You get the drift. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of the churches I have attended recently, I do have one particular church that I would still like to attend from time to time. It is because when I attended there I did not feel overwhelmed or suffocated, or alone for that matter. It is still a church establishment by today's standards, but Jesus is there. And I need Jesus more than I need to be a member of one particular church. More than I need to rock up and serve every Sunday. More than I need to devote my time to other Christians when there are so many others in my circle that need Jesus more.</div><div><br /></div><div>From where I'm sitting right now while typing this, I have a 10 year old who needs Jesus. Looking out my window there are neighbours that need Jesus. When hanging out with my non-Christian friends I see a need for Jesus. And not a "let's invite you to church so you can meet Jesus" type thing. A tangible "Paula is a Christian but is still a really cool person to hang out with and respects who I am and accepts me for who I am and what I do" type Jesus. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, getting back to my new tribe. It's a group of women from around the globe who are all free-ranging Christians. Who have all had experiences that have resulted in them either leaving the church establishment or adjusting their views on theology, or both. And I am really thankful for this new group of kindred thinkers. I can be myself and not feel that I don't fit in. I can express my views without them being negated just because I am not doing what "everyone else" is doing. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am doing what God wants me to do. I am exactly where I am supposed to be today. I am closer to myself and God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit than I have ever been before. And it's good. It's home. And I have a tribe.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Him Always,</div><div><br /></div><div>Paula </div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-49328099954509137202014-10-04T10:00:00.000+10:002015-01-06T00:17:10.031+10:00Blogtoberfest2014: Day 4 - Single, Solo, SmilingI've been a <span id="goog_1129308260"></span><span id="goog_1129308261"></span><a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/p/single-mum.html">single mum</a> now for eight years and eight months. In that time my daughter's father and I have been through good times and bad times, but we have come out on top. We have a happy and healthy relationship that is helping our daughter regain her confidence and thrive. There was a period a few years ago when changes in his life affected ours. But we have worked through that and life is good. As I write, my daughter is holidaying in Sydney with her dad and his family. She is having a ball, as are his family.<br /><br />Single parenthood is no joke. I feel blessed that I have only one child to care for as a single mum, but even then it has been tough at times. I have single mum friends who have two, three, four, even five children. Life is a rollercoaster for them, to say the least! What we all have in common though, is the fact that we are blessed beyond measure and were gifted with the responsibility to raise our children.<br /><br />One mum that inspires me is Chere from <i><a href="http://asinglechristianmomsadvice.blogspot.com.au/">A Single Christian Mom's Advice on Making Life Easier</a>. </i>Chere is mum (mom) to her own beautiful daughter and shares some welcoming insights and advice on being a solo parent. One of her posts from last week peaked my interest because it is about <a href="http://asinglechristianmomsadvice.blogspot.com.au/2014/10/avoid-single-mom-burnout-tip-8.html">comparing ourselves to others</a>. Keeping up with the Joneses, so to speak.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzvbfgYvPVwXd1SNXmgsbnBnAU64VwLI-1y_2q-YqYL2NyGo0whWAZzpIpftK793eIAX5mitXuXsxUHuvBuxMhWM0q1wXmxE6l9px3tgCHgIvNPQHrlmpN7pCXfSAPn7KnF9ChgPMWeV0/s1600/comparison+furtick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzvbfgYvPVwXd1SNXmgsbnBnAU64VwLI-1y_2q-YqYL2NyGo0whWAZzpIpftK793eIAX5mitXuXsxUHuvBuxMhWM0q1wXmxE6l9px3tgCHgIvNPQHrlmpN7pCXfSAPn7KnF9ChgPMWeV0/s1600/comparison+furtick.jpg" height="120" width="200" /></a></div>I've found comparison with other single mums (and mums/women in general) a real burden, especially with so much being shared on social media. Some seem to have it all together. Their kids seem to as well. I find that pressure really suffocating. For that reason I have unfollowed some single and not single mums, and women, on social media just so I can have a break. And since commencing full-time university study, not having comparisons has been a blessing. I've had to reduce my activities, namely school and church activities, because I just do not have the time or energy to keep up doing everything that I was once doing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cm6zigL-rQyp2dDLC-qwnPsadYgQhpx0CbselM4UIOfToU1UODp7s7GgreG1m-ltRhyZusMy9nBGo1uaH49-vccOkvM_Lw14dZLZ6LGkhwx9LkhmPSrRkpR6Gh1cSYbklcWaMwaIrVgq/s1600/ComparisonQuote_Blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cm6zigL-rQyp2dDLC-qwnPsadYgQhpx0CbselM4UIOfToU1UODp7s7GgreG1m-ltRhyZusMy9nBGo1uaH49-vccOkvM_Lw14dZLZ6LGkhwx9LkhmPSrRkpR6Gh1cSYbklcWaMwaIrVgq/s1600/ComparisonQuote_Blog2.jpg" height="128" width="320" /></a></div>Chere writes that, "Looking at other families and wishing you had a house like they do, or the two parent family, worrying if you aren't giving your kids all the opportunities other people give their children (or you think), stressing that you aren't the ideal mom that you believe the mom across the street is will make you miserable! Don't try to overcompensate and wear yourself ragged to try and prove that you can be just like that other family you believe have a picture perfect life because no one does!" Amen to that!<br /><br />I'm so glad that God has allowed me to meet the single mums that I have. Whether they be overseas or at university or my daughter's school. I've been blessed by these ladies through their advice and just the common thread that keeps us together - our "singlemumness" and our kids. God looks after the widows and orphans, and I am very thankful for how He looks after me and my daughter.<br /><br />In Him Always,<br /><br />PaulaPaulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-46330770767935500992014-10-03T10:00:00.000+10:002015-01-06T00:17:10.051+10:00Blogtoberfest2014: Day 3 - Fauna FridayYesterday I had what I call the privilege of rescuing a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-tongued_skink">blue-tongued lizard</a> from my next door neighbours yard and their two <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhodesian_Ridgeback">Rhodesian Ridgeback</a> dogs. While the pooches were only barking at the lizard, old bluey was giving as good as he got. I've been scared of dogs for the majority of my life, but since becoming a mum I have become brave for my daughter's sake...and mine!<br /><br />So, after hearing the commotion next door and seeing the problem, I armed myself with my trusty broom and headed over. The broom was partly to help usher the lizard away from the dogs, but also as a support in case the dogs jumped up on me (they almost pushed me over the last time I had to go into the yard).<br /><br />In I went and thankfully the dogs were more interested in the lizard than me! I then "helped" the lizard up the side of the house and under the gate. With the dogs safely behind the gate, I looked in a nearby drum and found a plastic watering can. Much to the lizard's dislike I pushed him into the can and took him home.<br /><br />After placing the can into a plastic tub and providing some vegetables I tried to coax the lizard out, but he was having no part of it. I took the can over in front of my garden shed and placed it on its side on the lawn. I usually have a resident blue-tongued lizard in my shed but noticed it was absent a few days ago. I hoped that this lizard was it. After a moment or two, the lizard gingerly exited the can and walked nonchalantly into the shed. I think it was my resident. He seemed to recognise his home.<br /><br />To say I was blessed by this encounter is an understatement. God's creatures are truly a blessing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1Qnr5cLilBOVcpLuJg8bu8HMm84jKP0a4H4dqtCpYARboPlTvl6OsgczZoYwEQoaubCMIeWhGlaPrsUcfKuVWffJgoLQ-qnQXLMnNqqrF1wgkFpaCnOQcoDn7Uifg08owO-YeZdRc1BO/s1600/P1000689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1Qnr5cLilBOVcpLuJg8bu8HMm84jKP0a4H4dqtCpYARboPlTvl6OsgczZoYwEQoaubCMIeWhGlaPrsUcfKuVWffJgoLQ-qnQXLMnNqqrF1wgkFpaCnOQcoDn7Uifg08owO-YeZdRc1BO/s1600/P1000689.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ttGb95XG_00MaYFzkqPDgoKiFwG2pnA-GAnpdn0H8cwT8GD2N73wIV_83RUF9vbl4w9s8A5ufo6Rh_NVCyFUxbq3HHPf4kZFLjrAy2gwOhIBFIoy8BSmaGYsA2mC1yUOsCgEsD7dt2J/s1600/P1000691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3ttGb95XG_00MaYFzkqPDgoKiFwG2pnA-GAnpdn0H8cwT8GD2N73wIV_83RUF9vbl4w9s8A5ufo6Rh_NVCyFUxbq3HHPf4kZFLjrAy2gwOhIBFIoy8BSmaGYsA2mC1yUOsCgEsD7dt2J/s1600/P1000691.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrM92HlKHfpsn9atXlJxJGdGI537H3bQXaOYx1jTtg2V-_GDYNOqGJ6flDSTPbiv9fKJqPn8tcJYmxOS4thOcmk8DYs_Nk_rjGod1QgRWgBb-VSX0Gxrpgm-VKR2Y8T3ApzFxLgWYrQxw/s1600/P1000692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlrM92HlKHfpsn9atXlJxJGdGI537H3bQXaOYx1jTtg2V-_GDYNOqGJ6flDSTPbiv9fKJqPn8tcJYmxOS4thOcmk8DYs_Nk_rjGod1QgRWgBb-VSX0Gxrpgm-VKR2Y8T3ApzFxLgWYrQxw/s1600/P1000692.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Z6BhUa0-4vafsTG3XoA1gVhl04pHRue2mxcAlu53UuXJe2qqDIZHep_J-WBTZUEk5zSzAnw43tghwQrv2RKiD60RfTlOi2CICsuu6XuRrOogKNebdg1ghRBvupWpS8FhctF3Tf3IHzhQ/s1600/P1000694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Z6BhUa0-4vafsTG3XoA1gVhl04pHRue2mxcAlu53UuXJe2qqDIZHep_J-WBTZUEk5zSzAnw43tghwQrv2RKiD60RfTlOi2CICsuu6XuRrOogKNebdg1ghRBvupWpS8FhctF3Tf3IHzhQ/s1600/P1000694.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE46w3_uMkhBIHsG9c8y8v4a0WOSSw4OruAa8aIQSOCiCDGELpAjZ9GvfjcC_wAxrnBldjycxL9BfO8a1G4vVySp8HZu-0I3pWDq0mNBIdqv4TYTU2QjNLs5NUM7ooMXnyGNxcMPrKF6f/s1600/P1000696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE46w3_uMkhBIHsG9c8y8v4a0WOSSw4OruAa8aIQSOCiCDGELpAjZ9GvfjcC_wAxrnBldjycxL9BfO8a1G4vVySp8HZu-0I3pWDq0mNBIdqv4TYTU2QjNLs5NUM7ooMXnyGNxcMPrKF6f/s1600/P1000696.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmPGcW43XzDIoBZLkBG0lN2iATczdtaS7qK7pUSjgxx2I1Y14o_-smsnBl-c6EPOT5cb2VOtfKalooHJrouOF2Y9G1M7_rP37DMSEaUREPKWpOzS0ar8Hi8ETveWxA_03tx2ddnDoixbx/s1600/P1000697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmPGcW43XzDIoBZLkBG0lN2iATczdtaS7qK7pUSjgxx2I1Y14o_-smsnBl-c6EPOT5cb2VOtfKalooHJrouOF2Y9G1M7_rP37DMSEaUREPKWpOzS0ar8Hi8ETveWxA_03tx2ddnDoixbx/s1600/P1000697.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><br />In Him Always,<br /><br />PaulaPaulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-52664928007263539572014-10-02T10:00:00.000+10:002015-01-06T00:17:10.114+10:00Blogtoberfest2014: Day 2 - Thankful ThursdayAfter being in blogland now for almost nine years, I kind of feel that <i>Thankful Thursday</i> has become rather cliche. However, it is going to serve me well today as I share one photo that I especially love. I recently purchased a <a href="http://www.panasonic.com/au/consumer/imaging/lumix-cameras/dmc-fz70.html">Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70</a> and this is a photo of the moon - waxing crescent 35% (Southern Hemisphere) to be precise - that I took a couple of nights ago. I was like a kid in a candy store when I took my first moon photo over the weekend. I plan to take a nightly moon photo, weather permitting, between now and the end of October, and then do a video montage of each image. So, without further ado, here is Waxing Crescent 35%.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxsjrrfJLjz1atmAOPCb2w1A7lsl66hF3DAPekIjN2jcqon5PLqBmx_HjEuKBLTNCgVZ_0YNUzT1ZCN-FstfUzdo14rCqH4EyS9CimJh_nnPJAQefB7j8Wsq-I9u4krl7c72M78OdNcME/s1600/Moon+300914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxsjrrfJLjz1atmAOPCb2w1A7lsl66hF3DAPekIjN2jcqon5PLqBmx_HjEuKBLTNCgVZ_0YNUzT1ZCN-FstfUzdo14rCqH4EyS9CimJh_nnPJAQefB7j8Wsq-I9u4krl7c72M78OdNcME/s1600/Moon+300914.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br />In Him Always,<br /><br />PaulaPaulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-87190064974879068782014-10-01T10:00:00.000+10:002015-01-06T00:17:10.133+10:00Blogtoberfest2014: Day 1 - Endings & BeginningsLast year on my Paula's Sharing Spot blog I joined <a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/search/label/BlogtoberFest2013">Blogtoberfest 2013</a>, which was hosted by Michelle from <a href="http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com.au/p/blog-page.html">Shells in the Bush</a>. My post on the last day of October was about <a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/search/label/BlogtoberFest2013">endings and beginnings</a>. This new blog page is exactly what that is all about. Ending what was and beginning what will be. Oldness. Newness.<br /><div><br /></div><div>One ending and beginning that I've experienced recently was the decision to leave my employment of 20 years and become a university student. It wasn't a decision that was made overnight. It was one that had been on my mind for a year before it happened. Why it ended up happening was because God allowed me to be in the right place at the right time. I had become very despondent about working in the administration field. I was tired of pushing pieces of paper around on my desk and on my computer. I had tried my hand at a higher level job and thoroughly enjoyed it under the right leadership. But, after some changes I was done with it all. I needed something else.</div><div><br /></div><div>The transition from being employed full-time, to not being employed, then to becoming a full-time university student, as well as being a single mother, was indicent free. It took a while to get out of the "I have to get up and go to work" mindset, but after lazing around for a couple of months I felt some enthusiasm start to build up again. I wasn't feeling lazy because I missed working, or where I worked. I felt lazy because I had been on an emotional rollercoaster at my old job for 15 months and was glad to be off it.</div><div><br /></div><div>My life now as a university student studying a Bachelor of Social Science is stretching me to capacity but I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have never read so many non-fiction pages before in my life. I had never written a research essay or written report up until last month. But I am learning so much about myself, my capabilities, and my learning style. I am also learning a lot about human beings.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCH4WBFD139ecYaPP98IFbB6b16Qc9nOxgB4TQosGrQuJ58fGk-3pPkb10tFHovphwQQybXctzowpa0XyBCs4J85Xa8Hg1ja-wAq8baScaQVH63-Kts9EgwZyD6Wfb5l-cj32VkG1GEhJ/s1600/My+goal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCH4WBFD139ecYaPP98IFbB6b16Qc9nOxgB4TQosGrQuJ58fGk-3pPkb10tFHovphwQQybXctzowpa0XyBCs4J85Xa8Hg1ja-wAq8baScaQVH63-Kts9EgwZyD6Wfb5l-cj32VkG1GEhJ/s1600/My+goal.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div><div>One aspect of myself that I do know now is that working had become a chore for me. Yes, it paid the bills. Yes, I was more than capable at doing my job. But that's all it became. I was no longer passionate about working in the administration field. I needed to do something that I felt was really meaningful, and something that would stretch me beyond what I had been happy to settle on doing for so very long. As Rob Hills Sr. puts it here, I needed to do something that I never need take a vacation from.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have found that now. I study counselling and psychology. I parent a pre-teen daughter, which is no mean feat. I create art to balance the left and right sides of my brain. I set my own timetable. I worry about my finances, while also thanking God daily that He has allowed me to be in the position financially that I'm in. I am happy and content.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, my ending has given me a wonderful new beginning. I am looking forward to seeing where God is going to take me on my new journey into the second half of my life. I'm very thankful that God enabled me to be more, and do more, simply <i>"because I know there is more"</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Him Always,</div><div><br /></div><div>Paula</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-31604691418678660112014-09-30T14:51:00.000+10:002015-01-06T00:17:10.191+10:00Thirty YearsToday, 30 years ago, I became a Christian. I openly declared that by shedding His blood on the cross, Jesus paid for all my past, present and future sins. But this year my <a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/search/label/Freedom%20Birthday">Freedom Birthday</a> means much more that just saying that I gave my heart to Jesus. This year it means more.<div><br /></div><div>As some friends close to me would know, I haven't been to church much over the last two years. I've attended three churches in the last eight years and while I grew in my faith and discovered a lot about myself, I also found that I lost part of myself along the way. Now, I'm not wanting to bag any of the churches I've attended. They each served a purpose in God's grand plan for me as a Christian. But I'm now at a point where I need to be alone to hear what exactly it is that God has planned for me. I need stillness. I need quiet.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realising who you are at the deepest level." - Thomas Merton</i></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilO4LqFbP7NOhhsc5G5sulkjIoCD0_ec0nFbvgGFRPCQzqIH_95DxdRWq_kqTWutChsw0W9nes-Dzz951FSmlBahWIyzz4pgg-TR8R6_nuIexcHtL-Y_9tNtywARTCgyCk1kk7l1sJDTv/s1600/PaulaFinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilO4LqFbP7NOhhsc5G5sulkjIoCD0_ec0nFbvgGFRPCQzqIH_95DxdRWq_kqTWutChsw0W9nes-Dzz951FSmlBahWIyzz4pgg-TR8R6_nuIexcHtL-Y_9tNtywARTCgyCk1kk7l1sJDTv/s1600/PaulaFinal.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.kylerichardson.com.au/</td></tr></tbody></table><div>This quote adequately describes where I am at right at this very moment. I've tried to fit in, add new things, remove old things, and generally fluff my way through. Now, however, I've reached the point where I need to take what I have before me right now - motherhood, university study, homelife, friends, family - and build on those things. I truly believe God does not want me to have the added responsibility of anything else at this moment. He wants me to concentrate on what He has given me, and to concentrate on Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>So that is why this year's Freedom Birthday, aside from being my 30th, is so very important. God is trusting me to go out on my own, with Jesus by my side, to forge out my own faith journey. To free-range. To discover, To grow. To not settle on doing what everyone else is doing, but to find out where and what is the right fit for me. The journey will certainly be interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>In Him Always,</div><div><br /></div><div>Paula</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-42237340109078894802014-09-28T17:02:00.000+10:002014-09-28T17:02:14.478+10:00Because It Is Time...<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As the music plays and the strain of the vibration on the
cello strings reach right inside me and increase the beats of my heart, I am
overcome with emotion. From tiredness, from reflection, and from the prospect
of having to clean my university study neglected house prior to a rental
inspection in two days. What holds fast within me is that everything is exactly
how it should be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I started this blog in April 2008 after being encouraged
by an online acquaintance that I too could write like the ladies whose blog
pages I had been devouring. That I also had something to share. And so <i>Paula’s Sharing Spot</i> was borne. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Almost six and a half years later, I have come to a
standstill. I am at a crossroad, and this post is taking me on the journey that
was breathed into me by God many years ago, but always thwarted by myself
because I didn’t have enough courage. Because I wasn’t brave.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
My bravery is now shining through, evident by the fact
that I took a redundancy payout from the employer for whom I had been employed with for 20 years. Evident also by the fact that I enrolled into university to
undertake a three year Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Counselling
with minors in Human Behaviour and Human Studies. And evident by the fact that
I now class myself as a “free range” Christian, whereby I don’t feel the need
to be aligned to any particular church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
And so, while I still want to share my journey with God
as His returned prodigal daughter, I also need to be true to who I am and where
I am at in my life. So today brings an end to posting on Paula’s Sharing Spot,
a place where I documented my life as a newly single mum, returned prodigal and
insecure people pleaser. A place where my doubts and fears were aired. A place
where I grew up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What now for Paula C. Whitehouse? Well, I have prepared a
new blog page. One with a title that contains that words that God spoke into my
heart many years ago. Words that are now my life motto and are inscribed onto a
silver bangle that I wear with pride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i>…because I know there
is more…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Yes, because I know there is more. Much, much more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If you would like to join me on my new journey, please
pop over to <a href="http://becauseiknowthereismore.blogspot.com.au/">Because I Know There Is More</a>, bookmark the page and subscribe to email updates. My post feed is empty as
yet, but I am working on a post that will be out soon. I would love you to join
me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In Him Always,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-31083418074507347072014-09-08T11:01:00.000+10:002014-09-08T11:01:03.885+10:00A Goodbye...My journey since February has taken me from being a full-time administration officer who was desperately unhappy, to a full-time university student who is desperately tired but very happy! I will write about the events that have taken place over the last seven months soon, but in the meantime I want to share a change that has occurred in a friends life.<br />
<br />
My friend <a href="http://www.princesswarriorlessons.com/p/random-things-about-me.html">Jo </a>from <a href="http://www.princesswarriorlessons.com/">Princess Warrior Lessons</a> has been on her own journey of self-discovery and change over the last two years. To enable this change she has embraced new thinking and has been brave. <a href="http://www.princesswarriorlessons.com/2014/09/goodbye-princess-warrior-lessons-hello.html">A result of her bravery is a fresh start.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vEcwcp5J2nztQ7N2pxSSIDxYAAxBQF_AY2OttNLCsUbE8fjaq6DLg1hKskik1yUZVRqZUxzN1Y20qKHztZLFPAXtkLMYqSx07YKs7ZIQKGPgMDYtSyDphaEZeFeGJDO6ttxDVF6sbaw/s1600/every-story-has-an-end-but-in-life-every-end-is-just-a-new-beginning-quote-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vEcwcp5J2nztQ7N2pxSSIDxYAAxBQF_AY2OttNLCsUbE8fjaq6DLg1hKskik1yUZVRqZUxzN1Y20qKHztZLFPAXtkLMYqSx07YKs7ZIQKGPgMDYtSyDphaEZeFeGJDO6ttxDVF6sbaw/s1600/every-story-has-an-end-but-in-life-every-end-is-just-a-new-beginning-quote-3.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I introduce to you, <a href="http://www.bravebohemian.com/">Brave Bohemian</a>. Please head over the Jo's new blog page and bookmark it in anticipation of her first post. I know I am looking forward to joining her on this new journey as I continue on my own journey. And keep an eye out for changes to this blog page. A Jo knows, she and I move along on the same spiritual and emotional road and quite often make similar changes at the same time!<br />
<br />
Love to all,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-73247027178852920862014-02-01T08:00:00.000+10:002014-02-01T08:00:10.842+10:00February Fast 2014...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7daqpOYlGdveNeJvILn4nq9Gsv12lXUDwpjFTLkdQzU1lj47oQy2E8sNSBQ6LwvC4ILmzJDqmFuaXS4O9aqqNlUPEHUql-aUjHun_nLcWEIVx4kUF120kwKEncRHBISb39XoYlXDOIDw/s1600/ABM_1391133607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7daqpOYlGdveNeJvILn4nq9Gsv12lXUDwpjFTLkdQzU1lj47oQy2E8sNSBQ6LwvC4ILmzJDqmFuaXS4O9aqqNlUPEHUql-aUjHun_nLcWEIVx4kUF120kwKEncRHBISb39XoYlXDOIDw/s1600/ABM_1391133607.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
February 2014 is going to be a fasting month for me. I will be fasting from Facebook, TV and social interaction outside of work and church. These are the things that stop me from getting close and connecting to God. That needs to change. Hence my fast. It needs to happen.<br />
<br />
I decided to look up the meaning of <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/february">February</a> and outside of it being "the second month of the year" etc, I found its origin quite interesting:<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Origin: </strong> </em><br />
<em><span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">before</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">1000;</span> </span></span> <span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Middle</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">English;</span> </span></span> <span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Old</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">English</span> </span></span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Februarius</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"> < </span><span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Latin</span> </span></span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Februārius</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">(mēnsis)</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">expiatory</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">(month),</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">derivative</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">februa</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">(plural)</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">expiatory</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">offerings;</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">see</span> </span></em><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/-ary" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><em>-ary</em></a><em> </em><br />
<br />
"Expiatory" is a word I've never heard before but it means to be "able to make atonement or expiation". Moving forward in the word search, I clicked on "atonement" and found the following:<br />
<br />
<em><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">1.</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">satisfaction</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">reparation</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">for</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">wrong</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">injury;</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">amends.</span> </span></em><br />
<div class="body">
<div class="pbk">
<div class="luna-Ent">
<em><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span> </span></span><span class="labset"><span id="hotword">( </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">sometimes</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">initial</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">capital</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">letter</span> </span></span><span id="hotword">) </span></span><span class="labset"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Theology</span> </span></span><span id="hotword">. </span></span><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">doctrine</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">concerning</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">reconciliation</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">God</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">humankind,</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">especially</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">accomplished</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">through</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">life,</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">suffering,</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">death</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Christ.</span> </span></em></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<em><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </span></span><span class="labset"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Christian</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Science.</span> </span></span> </span><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">experience</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">humankind's</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">unity</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">with</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">God</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">exemplified</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Jesus</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Christ.</span> </span></em></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<em><span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span> </span></span><span class="labset"><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Archaic.</span> </span></span> </span><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">reconciliation;</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">agreement.</span></span></em><em></em><br />
<em><hr class="ety" />
</em><em><b><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Origin:</span> </span></b> <br /> <span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">1505–15;</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">from</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">phrase</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">at</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">one</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">harmony</span> + </span></em><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/-ment" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><em>-ment</em></a><em><span id="hotword">, <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">translation</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> </span><span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Medieval</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Latin</span> </span></span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">adūnāmentum;</span> </span></span><span id="hotword"> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">compare</span> </span><span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">Middle</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">English</span> </span></span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">onement</span> </span></span></em><span id="hotword"><em> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">unity</span></em> </span><br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="tail">
<div class="ety">
</div>
<div class="ety">
It all makes sense and is very applicable to my February Fast. It is to make amends, to reconcile me to God, to be in agreement with His will for my life, to sacrifice the things of the world for the things of Heaven. So good. So God.</div>
<div class="ety">
</div>
<div class="ety">
I am finding that living in the world is a tough gig. It's so easy to get sucked into living the lie that the devil wants me to live. The negativity, the cynicism, the gossiping, the hatred, the complaining. All things that I, as a follower of Jesus Christ, should not do. There is so much more to this life than what the world has to offer, and during February I am ready for God to show me what that is.</div>
<div class="ety">
</div>
<div class="ety">
To have change, one must make a change. I'm ready. I'm set. It's a go.</div>
<div class="ety">
</div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-48222269636715117572014-01-31T10:56:00.000+10:002014-01-31T11:40:05.841+10:00Book Review - The Orchid Murder: Untangling a Web of Unsolved Murders and Legal Malpractice by Christine Hunt...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuD3brZBE44iax98oA_jBlepImdh-ahyphenhyphentegvW_I28sPefGkp1yXRhF45fhja_MW2j38S3ii_otkTaZZJelrIP4ptWDMAu-Kxlq2GLw6B3Puwt5kr0umpr779pfkNlpw01Z9WhbDZQ5gPg/s1600/The+Orchid+Murder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuD3brZBE44iax98oA_jBlepImdh-ahyphenhyphentegvW_I28sPefGkp1yXRhF45fhja_MW2j38S3ii_otkTaZZJelrIP4ptWDMAu-Kxlq2GLw6B3Puwt5kr0umpr779pfkNlpw01Z9WhbDZQ5gPg/s1600/The+Orchid+Murder.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
The Orchid Murder: Untangling a Web of Unsolved Murders and Legal Malpractice by Christine Hunt is a truly interesting read about one man's journey to clear his name of a murder he did not commit. Represented by an incompetent lawyer during the initial trial, this story goes through the steps taken by a newly hired legal firm in clearing his name.<br />
<br />
Having very limited legal understanding outside of the odd crime novel and TV shows, I found this book very easy to read. The author was able to keep me engaged and I found the storyline very interesting. I did struggle at times to keep up with who was who, and some of the legal jargon, but it was a truly enjoyable read.<br />
<br />
I would recommend this book to anyone who longs for a "deep" read; something to dive into and be intrigued by.<br />
<br />
This book is available for purchase at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Orchid-Murder-Christine-Hunt/dp/0984439552/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391128629&sr=8-1&keywords=the+orchid+murder">Amazon.com</a><span id="goog_290937154"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_290937155"></span> in paperback and Kindle format.<br />
<br />
(<strong>Disclosure of Material:</strong> I received this book free from the publisher through the <a href="http://www.bookcrash.com/" target="_new">BookCrash.com</a> book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" target="_new">Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</a>)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-67838457999547061012014-01-20T10:49:00.002+10:002014-01-20T10:49:38.164+10:00And So It Has Begun...It's hard to believe that it is the 20th of January. This year is flying by already. I spent the first week of the year at home by myself while my daughter was staying with her dad. I relaxed, watched movies, pottered around the house and slept...a lot. That all now seems like a distant memory to not only my mind but also my body, which has now reverted back to its usual stressed out and aching self.<br />
<br />
<em>And so it has begun...</em><br />
<br />
I'm resentful that the relaxed state I was in at the end of my holiday is now a distant memory. I'm resentful that the every day grind steals joy from me so easily. I'm resentful about the fact that it's the 20th of January and I feel like I've lived a whole year in the last two weeks.<br />
<br />
<em>And so it has begun...</em><br />
<br />
I'm thankful, however, that I have the awareness of this. I'm thankful that I have identified that I am tired, aching, anxious and stressed out and it's only the 20th of January. I'm thankful that I can now re-evaluate how I do life so that it can be lived a little easier.<br />
<br />
<em>And so it has begun...</em><br />
<br />
Yesterday was a horrible day. After a way too late night and waking up to a hot and sticky day, I decided to bite the bullet and undertake a plan that I had been pondering for about 8 months or so. I also decided that God and I needed to talk about some important stuff.<br />
<br />
He answered me, in His time, and revealed to me much more than I'd anticipated, and in a different way than I'd ever expected. He is good like that. He is tricky like that. He likes to keep me on my toes. He likes to force me into the different seasons of my life. (Yes Jo P...seasons!)<br />
<br />
So after way too many rough hours of being true to myself and making a change that I had not expected I would, the memories of the first week of the year come flooding back. The focus, the vision, the goals that I had set for the year.<br />
<br />
I'm running on 4 hours sleep today. My eyes are sore from too much crying yesterday. My body is aching from the humidity. But given all of this, my heart is light and I am at peace because God spoke and I made a change in my life, and I now plan to move forward from the stress and live!<br />
<br />
<em>And so it has begun...</em><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-22517275192455243992013-11-30T08:00:00.000+10:002013-11-30T08:00:12.229+10:00Blog Break Time...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGxBnwLW6g4Z7RKZCWch5KWtBu8zPcuZeQl43E0d44Czn0EkY_m87BUS8TzEmZPV2VXYeDWjST4jlARWYhc7eAtPL_3mwGDIgqbmc_99T14BxtW330_A7IEPZ1CgVa1na0QiIiDpLaCs/s1600/blog+break.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGxBnwLW6g4Z7RKZCWch5KWtBu8zPcuZeQl43E0d44Czn0EkY_m87BUS8TzEmZPV2VXYeDWjST4jlARWYhc7eAtPL_3mwGDIgqbmc_99T14BxtW330_A7IEPZ1CgVa1na0QiIiDpLaCs/s320/blog+break.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Tomorrow is the first of December. Summer. School holidays. Vacation care. Christmas.<br />
<br />
Then it will be January. New Year. More school holidays. More vacation care. Then back to work. Then back to school.<br />
<br />
So, to cope with December and to prepare for January, I'm taking a blog break. I have a house to clean. Bible studies to finish. Books to read. <br />
<br />
Until then, may you all have a beautiful Christmas remembering our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. And keep safe and well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-45806071656307897312013-11-28T15:00:00.000+10:002013-11-28T15:00:00.026+10:00Happy Thanksgiving...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44ennQSQGGVUA1limjk1OExiOTB1f0sCtDiHmamD1rBsLPbwj32tnT8D55jcV4Gcl5WZJ61f8TL19ZfqKw7iME23lhYHKuOjHOP0327ptr4tZ_EfgWbwDpUa5hkKbqp86IHKN74KRfEM/s1600/800px-Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44ennQSQGGVUA1limjk1OExiOTB1f0sCtDiHmamD1rBsLPbwj32tnT8D55jcV4Gcl5WZJ61f8TL19ZfqKw7iME23lhYHKuOjHOP0327ptr4tZ_EfgWbwDpUa5hkKbqp86IHKN74KRfEM/s400/800px-Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg" target="_blank">Photo Source: Wikipedia</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thanksgiving. The day when Americans meet together and eat turkey and are thankful. Well, that's what it seems like to us Australians anyway. But it is really, and then some.<br />
<br />
It "is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It has been an annual tradition since 1863, when, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens"..." (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)" target="_blank">Source: Wikipedia</a>)<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is mentioned many times in the <a href="http://biblez.com/search.php?q=thanksgiving" target="_blank">Bible</a>, hence why President Lincoln proclaimed the day of thanks to the Lord. He knew where his blessings came from and he was not afraid to share that fact.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for many things this year.<br />
<br />
For friendships being restored and renewed.<br />
For freedom from unhealthy relationships.<br />
For being forced to live humbly thus learning the true value of the blessings that God gives me.<br />
For my physical and mental health steadily improving as my emotional and spiritual health grows.<br />
For being the mother of a hormone-ravaged tween.<br />
For being the adoptive mum of four adorably cute guinea pigs who bless me with their wheeking everyday.<br />
For the opportunity to experience the highs and lows of a higher paid job at work.<br />
<br />
Many, many blessings. So much to be thankful for.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Enjoy your day!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-36938774787434038962013-11-26T08:00:00.000+10:002013-11-26T08:00:02.418+10:00Are You Weary? I Am...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahDUBSi5w_Y80wllJ-qwMCa0tPPttEl00Bp2kENOIbFZ7eS6wxsEkMfBDL0InaUuPe4-aH5et1msuptik09_r1BsNuj_bvJ5W2GKegJGW_ayf-EK45RalA_FgTgzPsJNBqxmLYMW6XDs/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahDUBSi5w_Y80wllJ-qwMCa0tPPttEl00Bp2kENOIbFZ7eS6wxsEkMfBDL0InaUuPe4-aH5et1msuptik09_r1BsNuj_bvJ5W2GKegJGW_ayf-EK45RalA_FgTgzPsJNBqxmLYMW6XDs/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.agodman.com/blog/coming-to-christ-to-find-rest-for-our-soul-and-taking-his-yoke-upon-us/">Photo Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-NIV-23488"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>28 </sup></span><span style="font-size: small;">“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-NIV-23489"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>29 </sup></span><span style="font-size: small;">Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="text Matt-11-30" id="en-NIV-23490"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>30 </sup></span><span style="font-size: small;">For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011:28-30&version=NIV">Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)</a></span></span></span></em></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-11-30"><span class="woj"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-11-30"><span class="woj"></span></span></span></span>I'm tired. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally tired too. It's because I don't sleep well. It's because I deal with a daily bout of anxiety that my <a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/2011/02/life-with-little-white-pills.html">little white pills</a> 80% succeed in keeping under control. It's because outside influences push change on my life that isn't always welcome.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>But that's life. Not just for me, but for many, if not all, of us.</em></strong><br />
<br />
I'm not whinging out this, just stating fact. And while <a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/2011/02/using-mental-illness-as-cop-out.html">I don't use my depression and anxiety as a cop out</a>, it does impact how I cope with life, and what, and whom, I allow to affect the life of my daughter and I. <br />
<br />
I recall <a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/2011/02/are-you-tired.html">feeling tired</a> almost three years ago. It was four months after I had my nervous breakdown. I was tired, worn out and burned out by life. And while I'm not in that state now, I am weary. I can feel it in my bones, my heart and my mind.<br />
<br />
The bone weariness is due to a physical illness that attacks me every summer. Fibromyalgia, the painful auto-immune disease whereby my body aches and burns. Where ice blocks applied directly to my skin and ibuprofen promptly consumed are the only two things, outside of air conditioning that is, that ease my pain. <br />
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The heart weariness is because of the emotional pain that I see others go through. It is because I am raising a nine year old daughter who has started going through "the change" (yes, it applies for tweens too!). It is because the world itself is becoming more and more messed up as each day, week, month and year go by. (Bring back the simplicity of the 1970s, I say!)<br />
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The mind weariness basically comes from being "bone weary". From my body being tired. I don't sleep well, so thus my body <em>and</em> mind are not being renewed as they should. It's also from the busyness of life. Of the busyness that I inflict, which I'm planning on reducing, and the busyness that others inflict on my life.<br />
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It's a vicious circle. It's a merry-go-round that keeps getting faster and faster whereby holding on causes unnecessary weariness.<br />
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<strong><em>It's a merry-go-round we create, and control, ourselves.</em></strong><br />
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What is the solution? Those who know Jesus already know that He is. Overcoming weariness requires focus and commitment to the Lord. I found <a href="http://www.openbible.info/topics/weary">45 Bible verses </a>that deal with the topic "weary". I've printed them out and am going to write them out longhand. Commit them to my heart. <br />
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Remember that it is <em>only Jesus</em> who can help my weariness.<br />
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Do you feel weary too? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-39109364166754838162013-11-23T08:00:00.000+10:002013-11-23T08:00:09.553+10:00On Being Too Human and Downward Mobility...I recently wrote a post on why <a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/2013/11/its-not-that-i-dont-like-church.html">"it's not that I don't like church"</a>. Why only a handful of Sundays have been used to visit the Lord's House. Why I have been questioning the modern day definition of the term "church". Why I feel a shift in how I see the church and its leaders.<br />
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Basically, some 2000 years after Jesus shed blood on the cross, the world is a really messed up place. Messed up people. Messed up politics. Messed up morals. Messed up ideals. <br />
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Is it because we act too human? Do we, as Christians, walk haphazardly on the thin line that separates us from the world? Teetering over to "their side" every so often to try and breathe Jesus on them? Do we live by a blinded vision of how the world thinks we should live? <br />
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There are many questions that swirl through my mind as I ponder the shift in how I view my walk with Jesus. He still walks with me, moreso now than ever before, but something has changed.<br />
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I happened upon a blog recently by <a href="http://dlmayfield.wordpress.com/">D.L. Mayfield</a>, who is "living in the upside-down kingdom". She writes a lot on <a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/170517/downward-mobility">downward mobility</a> and describes it as <em>"an easy, succinct way to describe consciously choosing to not pursue climbing the ladder of the American dream". </em>I really relate to that in my current state of consciousness.<br />
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<strong><em>Ladders are too high.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Simplicity is what I seek.</em></strong><br />
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Do you feel this way? Do you long for a simpler life? To not be bogged down by the constant upkeep and management of material resources? To live with a childlike faith and have extra long weekends within a 48 hour time period just because there are less cares in your world?<br />
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I know I surely do, and I know I need to recapture that.<br />
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I need to stop thinking of myself as "just a human" and remember that I am a saved soul in human form. That while I am visiting this earth on the way to heaven, I am not to become "too human" and conform to the ways of the world. That I am not to climb the worldly ladder but instead be a living example of how the world can reach Jesus.<br />
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It's a tough gig. But it's a rewarding gig, because God always shows us where we are doing it right, and helping us to get better at the bad.<br />
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I'm ready for the simpler life. For the life less harried. For a two steps back to embrace how simple life used to be.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-14438656500923811562013-11-21T15:00:00.000+10:002013-11-21T15:00:02.702+10:00Thanksgiving: A Repost on Thanksgiving...<span style="font-family: inherit;">As it's November and the month for Thanksgiving in America, I thought I'd randomly post a few of my thankful posts and share what I was, and still am, thankful for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>After a few weeks of trials and tribulations, I have been presented with various revelations from the Lord, and I am truly thankful for His constant presence. I am slowly reading through the New Testament and this morning I started on 1 Corinthians. Paul is the epitome of one called by God to serve Him, and I always enjoy reading his invaluable contribution to The Word.<br /><br />Two passages of Scripture stood out this morning - <span style="font-family: georgia;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%201:4-9;&version=31;"><span style="color: #990000;">1 Corinthians 1:4-9</span></a></strong></span> and <span style="font-family: georgia;"><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%201:26-31;&version=31;"><span style="color: #990000;">1 Corinthians 1:26-31</span></a></strong></span>. Both of these remind me to be thankful for God's presence in my life, for the sacrifice that Jesus made for me, and for their enduring presence in my life.</em></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>To read the rest of this post, click </strong></span><a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/2009/07/thanksgiving.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-33676227324171038612013-11-19T08:00:00.000+10:002013-11-19T08:00:07.868+10:00When Life Gets Messy...I bet you can relate to that, right? When life gets messy and all the pieces don't seem to gel? I know I do. My life has become messy on many occasions, as yours most likely has done as well. The fact is that life will continue to get messy, then straighten itself out, and then get messy again because that's just how it is living on this earth. The good news, however, is that with Jesus in my life, the existence of a messy life it isn't as prolific. It isn't as disrupting. It is never as bad as before. And it can be like that for you too.<br />
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I like the word "messy" as a way of describing how life gets. Mandy Steward has embraced the word "messy" on her blog <a href="http://mandysteward.com/start-here/" target="_blank">Messy Canvas.</a> Mandy embraces her messy life. Her journey. The messy journey that she travels on. She encourages us to <em>"move towards listening to our voice, standing on our two feet, owning our own life to the full and setting ourselves free."</em> To embrace us, our lives, the journey, and the mess. After all, only Jesus is perfect. And Jesus bring freedom. Mandy also write how <em>"The great thing about freedom is that there are always new levels of it to explore."</em><br />
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I like "messy".<br />
<h2 class="me" data-syllable="mess·y">
<span style="font-size: small;">
<em><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/messy" target="_blank">mess·y</a></em></span></h2>
<sup></sup><em> <span class="pronset"><span audio="http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/audio/luna/M03/M0342700.mp3" default="http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/lunaWAV/M03/M0342700"></span> <span class="show_ipapr" style="display: none;"><span class="prondelim">/</span><span class="pron">ˈmɛs<img alt="" border="0" class="luna-Img" src="http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.png" />i</span><span class="prondelim">/</span> </span><span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><strong><span class="prondelim">[</span><span class="pron"><span class="boldface">mes</span>-ee</span><span class="prondelim">]</span> </strong><a class="questionmark" href="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html" target="_blank"></a><strong> </strong></span></span><strong> </strong></em><br />
<div class="body">
<em><strong> </strong></em><em><strong><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">adjective,</span> </span></span><span class="secondary-bf" data-syllable="mess·i·er, ">mess·i·er, </span><span class="secondary-bf" data-syllable="mess·i·est.">mess·i·est.</span> </strong></em><br />
<div class="pbk">
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><em><strong><span id="hotword" name="hotword">1.</span> </strong></em></span></span><em><strong><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">characterized</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">dirty,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">untidy,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">disordered</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">condition:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">messy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">room.</span> </span></span> </strong></em></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><em><strong><span id="hotword" name="hotword">2.</span> </strong></em></span></span><span id="hotword"><em><strong><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">causing</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> </strong></em></span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mess" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><em><strong>mess</strong></em></a><em><strong><span id="hotword">: </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">messy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">recipe;</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">messy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">work.</span> </span></span> </strong></em></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><em><strong><span id="hotword" name="hotword">3.</span> </strong></em></span></span><em><strong><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">embarrassing,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">difficult,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">unpleasant:</span> </span><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">messy</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">political</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">situation.</span> </span></span> </strong></em></div>
<div class="luna-Ent">
<span class="dnindex"><span id="hotword"><em><strong><span id="hotword" name="hotword">4.</span> </strong></em></span></span><span id="hotword"><em><strong><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">characterized</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">moral</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default; text-decoration: none;">psychological</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">confusion.</span> </strong></em></span></div>
<em><strong></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><hr class="ety" />
</strong></em><em><strong><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Origin:</span> </span> <br /> <span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">1835–45;</span> </span></span> </strong></em><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mess" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><em><strong>mess</strong></em></a><span id="hotword"><em><strong> + </strong></em></span><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/-y" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><em><strong>-y</strong></em></a><em><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="x"><sup><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">1</span> </span></sup></span> </span></strong></em><br /></div>
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<div class="tail">
<em><strong> <br /> <span class="sectionLabel"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">Related</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">forms</span> </span></span> </strong></em><br />
<div class="roset">
<em><strong> <span class="secondary-bf" data-syllable="mess·i·ness, ">mess·i·ness, </span><span class="pg"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">noun</span> </span></span> </strong></em></div>
<em><strong> </strong></em></div>
<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/messy">Dictionary.com</a> describes various situations that we will find ourselves in that are messy. The room strewn with clothes. The kitchen sink piled with dirty dishes. The flour dusting on the benchtop. The paperwork covering the desk. The money left at home when the checkout is full of food. The words spoken that we regret once breathed out. The thoughts that race around on firing neurons. The respect that isn't given nor earned.<br />
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<strong><em>Life is messy. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually.</em></strong><br />
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Thankfully we all have access to a God - The God - who is a Master Janitor. He is able to clear, sanitise, renew, clarify, tidy and clean up the messes that we are subjected to in this earthly life. We don't have to do this alone. We have someone who is All Powerful, All Knowing, and Not Messy!<br />
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Your life may be messy. There may be circumstances in your life where you feel there is no escape. That the mess cannot be cleaned up. That your situation will never improve. That your heart, soul and mind will never find clarity and peace.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. - </span></em></strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:7&version=NLT"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Philippians 4:7 NLT</span></em></strong></a><br />
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Rest in Jesus. Ask the Lord God for help and guidance. Seek out His Holy Spirit to be the quiet yet loud voice in your head, guiding your heart to the right destination.<br />
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My life gets messy. God cleans it up. It gets messy again. God does it yet again. The best aspect in all of this? I get stronger. Life becomes clearer. Peace descends from the heavens and rests in my heart. God frees me from the mess the world creates once again.<br />
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God is good.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-71061242529179628012013-11-16T08:00:00.000+10:002013-11-16T08:00:04.169+10:00Standing In My Own Way...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibizz7hCNO4ASxndvuDXqbIP7TZHVDOqxVXfteVZux4dB4T0nld5lO1ocXkeaqMHAkCOpWgwXwhFhCx5Y55iOa0n4Egm9cg_-rRLdLXW5SugKBrb8owHMsFfkMJT6weGxWpA5UbsbwuwU/s1600/.facebook_-1479516168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibizz7hCNO4ASxndvuDXqbIP7TZHVDOqxVXfteVZux4dB4T0nld5lO1ocXkeaqMHAkCOpWgwXwhFhCx5Y55iOa0n4Egm9cg_-rRLdLXW5SugKBrb8owHMsFfkMJT6weGxWpA5UbsbwuwU/s400/.facebook_-1479516168.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I saw this on Facebook recently. I immediately emailed the photo to myself (as you do) and wrote the following:<br />
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<strong>Standing in my own way.</strong><br />
<strong>Not remembering His promise of redemption.</strong><br />
<strong>Taking the world's word over God's, etc</strong><br />
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We are told many times in the Bible that through the <a href="http://www.openbible.info/topics/blood_of_jesus" target="_blank">blood of Jesus</a> we will be washed <a href="http://www.openbible.info/topics/whiter_than_snow" target="_blank">whiter than snow</a>. That our <a href="http://www.openbible.info/topics/sins_are_forgiven" target="_blank">sins are forgiven</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://heathercking.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Heather King</a> reminds us here that "<em>we are promised a new identity in Christ</em>". We are <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><em><strong>made </strong><strong>new</strong></em></a><em>.</em><br />
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<strong><em>It's an amazing promise.</em></strong><br />
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But do you have times when you just don't feel like you've been "made new"? I know I certainly do, and seeing this quote from Heather King has made me really think about why.<br />
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My number one enemy (next to Satan, of course) is me. I stand in my own way. I cause myself many of the problems that I encounter. I am not good to myself. And I need to be. A friend's number one quote is "Be good to yourself". I understand why he says that. And I must remember to be.<br />
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Speaking of remembering, I <em>must</em> remind myself that I have been redeemed. Jesus didn't die on the cross for no reason at all. He didn't commit any sin. He died on the cross for a purpose, which is you and me. To die in place of our sins. To receive promise to spend eternity with Him. <br />
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<strong><em>I am redeemed. I am redeemed. I am redeemed.</em></strong><br />
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And because I am redeemed, I have full access to all that God promised His people. That includes God Himself, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It includes the ability to pray at any given moment about any given thing. To have a conversation with Him. To be in an intimate relationship with Him. <br />
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It also includes inclusion into God's family. Adoption into a heavenly and holy family where peace and love and kindness and forgiveness and grace are normal. It means never having to be alone again. Never having to feel like we don't belong.<br />
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The privilege of having access to God's Living Word, the Bible. His book. His words written down over thousands of years by men who loved God, who knew Him and who saw first hand the amazing works and miracles He performed. The Word that speaks to us as we study it.<br />
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One thing that I know I as a Christian battles with the most is ignoring the world and its lies. Fighting a spiritual battle that wages between God and Satan with our souls as the prize. The battle that rages in our hearts and souls and will not end until after Jesus returns.<br />
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<strong><em>We must not stand in our own way.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>We must remember our redemption</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>We must trust in God's Word only.</em></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A17&version=ESV" target="_blank">Second Corinthians 5:17</a> tells us that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.<br />
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Amen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-48597613252876363682013-11-14T15:00:00.000+10:002013-11-18T10:02:19.629+10:00Thanksgiving: A Repost on Becoming Unstuck...<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As it's November and the month for Thanksgiving in America, I thought I'd randomly post a few of my thankful posts and share what I was, and still am, thankful for.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em></em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Don’t you just love it when God plants a seed in your mind and then keeps watering it until it finally digs roots and starts to grow! That’s what happened to me over the last week and I’m very thankful for it!<br /><br />As I wrote last month in my </em></span><a href="http://paulassharingspot.blogspot.com/2008/08/freedom-from-past.html"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;"><em>Freedom From The Past </em></span></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><em>post, I struggle with issues from bad choices I made in my past. Just when I think I’ve moved on a little bit more, something will crop up to sabotage my progress and I slip back again; punishing myself for things that I cannot change now. But this last weekend God planted a seed in me, which has actually taken root, and rather quickly too, so He can grow within me the means to deal with my past better.</em></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>To see the rest of this post, please click </strong></span><a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/2008/09/becoming-unstuck.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>.</strong></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-63931980424831585982013-11-13T14:42:00.000+10:002013-11-13T14:42:42.104+10:00Because God is Good...<span class="text Ps-37-1" id="en-NIV-14452"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm into scheduling posts at the moment. On days with a "T" in it actually. Today, on this Wednesday, I need to share this passage of scripture. I'm listening to it via </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bible Gateway</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. It's just what I needed on this day.</span></span></span><br />
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A reminder from my Father that He is Good - all things good. That He will protect my daughter and I. That I am to not fear man. That the Lord God, my Father in Heaven, is greater than anything or anyone who comes against me. God is Good. So very good.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span class="text Ps-37-1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 37</span><sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14452a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14452a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></em></span></span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of David.</span>
</h4>
<div class="poetry">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-1"><sup class="versenum">1 </sup>Do not fret because of those who are evil</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-1">or be envious<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14452A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> of those who do wrong;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14452B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-2" id="en-NIV-14453"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>for like the grass they will soon wither,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14453C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-2">like green plants they will soon die away.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14453D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-3" id="en-NIV-14454"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Trust in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> and do good;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-3">dwell in the land<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14454E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> and enjoy safe pasture.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14454F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-4" id="en-NIV-14455"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Take delight<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14455G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-4">and he will give you the desires of your heart.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14455H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-5" id="en-NIV-14456"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Commit your way to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-5">trust in him<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14456I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> and he will do this:</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-6" id="en-NIV-14457"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>He will make your righteous reward<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14457J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> shine like the dawn,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14457K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-6">your vindication like the noonday sun.</span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-7" id="en-NIV-14458"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Be still<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14458L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-7">and wait patiently<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14458M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> for him;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-7">do not fret<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14458N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> when people succeed in their ways,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14458O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-7">when they carry out their wicked schemes.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14458P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-8" id="en-NIV-14459"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Refrain from anger<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14459Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> and turn from wrath;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-8">do not fret<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14459R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>—it leads only to evil.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-9" id="en-NIV-14460"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>For those who are evil will be destroyed,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14460S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-9">but those who hope<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14460T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will inherit the land.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14460U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-10" id="en-NIV-14461"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>A little while, and the wicked will be no more;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14461V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-10">though you look for them, they will not be found.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-11" id="en-NIV-14462"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>But the meek will inherit the land<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14462W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-11">and enjoy peace and prosperity.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14462X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-12" id="en-NIV-14463"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>The wicked plot<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14463Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> against the righteous</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-12">and gnash their teeth<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14463Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> at them;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-13" id="en-NIV-14464"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>but the Lord laughs at the wicked,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-13">for he knows their day is coming.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14464AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-14" id="en-NIV-14465"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>The wicked draw the sword<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14465AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-14">and bend the bow<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14465AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-14">to bring down the poor and needy,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14465AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-14">to slay those whose ways are upright.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-15" id="en-NIV-14466"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>But their swords will pierce their own hearts,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14466AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-15">and their bows will be broken.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14466AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-16" id="en-NIV-14467"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>Better the little that the righteous have</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-16">than the wealth<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14467AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> of many wicked;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-17" id="en-NIV-14468"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>for the power of the wicked will be broken,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14468AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-17">but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> upholds<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14468AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> the righteous.</span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-18" id="en-NIV-14469"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>The blameless spend their days under the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s care,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14469AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-18">and their inheritance will endure forever.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14469AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-19" id="en-NIV-14470"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>In times of disaster they will not wither;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-19">in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.</span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-20" id="en-NIV-14471"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>But the wicked will perish:<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14471AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-20">Though the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-20">they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14471AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-21" id="en-NIV-14472"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>The wicked borrow and do not repay,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-21">but the righteous give generously;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14472AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-22" id="en-NIV-14473"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>those the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> blesses will inherit the land,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-22">but those he curses<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14473AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> will be destroyed.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14473AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-23" id="en-NIV-14474"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> makes firm the steps<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14474AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-23">of the one who delights<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14474AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> in him;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-24" id="en-NIV-14475"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>though he may stumble, he will not fall,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14475AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-24">for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> upholds<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14475AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> him with his hand.</span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-25" id="en-NIV-14476"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>I was young and now I am old,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-25">yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14476AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-25">or their children begging<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14476AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup> bread.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-26" id="en-NIV-14477"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>They are always generous and lend freely;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14477AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-26">their children will be a blessing.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14477b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14477b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14477AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-27" id="en-NIV-14478"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>Turn from evil and do good;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14478AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-27">then you will dwell in the land forever.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14478AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-28" id="en-NIV-14479"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup>For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> loves the just</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-28">and will not forsake his faithful ones.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14479BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-28">Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14479c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14479c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-28">the offspring of the wicked will perish.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14479BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-29" id="en-NIV-14480"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>The righteous will inherit the land<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14480BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-29">and dwell in it forever.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14480BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-30" id="en-NIV-14481"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14481BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-30">and their tongues speak what is just.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-31" id="en-NIV-14482"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>The law of their God is in their hearts;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14482BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-31">their feet do not slip.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14482BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-32" id="en-NIV-14483"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>The wicked lie in wait<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14483BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)"></sup> for the righteous,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14483BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-32">intent on putting them to death;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-33" id="en-NIV-14484"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will not leave them in the power of the wicked</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-33">or let them be condemned<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14484BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)"></sup> when brought to trial.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14484BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-34" id="en-NIV-14485"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup>Hope in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14485BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-34">and keep his way.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14485BM" title="See cross-reference BM">BM</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-34">He will exalt you to inherit the land;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-34">when the wicked are destroyed,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14485BN" title="See cross-reference BN">BN</a>)"></sup> you will see<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14485BO" title="See cross-reference BO">BO</a>)"></sup> it.</span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-35" id="en-NIV-14486"><sup class="versenum">35 </sup>I have seen a wicked and ruthless man</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-35">flourishing<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14486BP" title="See cross-reference BP">BP</a>)"></sup> like a luxuriant native tree,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-36" id="en-NIV-14487"><sup class="versenum">36 </sup>but he soon passed away and was no more;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-36">though I looked for him, he could not be found.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14487BQ" title="See cross-reference BQ">BQ</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-37" id="en-NIV-14488"><sup class="versenum">37 </sup>Consider the blameless,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14488BR" title="See cross-reference BR">BR</a>)"></sup> observe the upright;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14488BS" title="See cross-reference BS">BS</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-37">a future awaits those who seek peace.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14488d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14488d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14488BT" title="See cross-reference BT">BT</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-38" id="en-NIV-14489"><sup class="versenum">38 </sup>But all sinners<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14489BU" title="See cross-reference BU">BU</a>)"></sup> will be destroyed;<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14489BV" title="See cross-reference BV">BV</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-38">there will be no future<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-14489e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14489e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup> for the wicked.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14489BW" title="See cross-reference BW">BW</a>)"></sup></span></span></em></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> </em></span><br />
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span class="text Ps-37-39" id="en-NIV-14490"><sup class="versenum">39 </sup>The salvation<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14490BX" title="See cross-reference BX">BX</a>)"></sup> of the righteous comes from the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-39">he is their stronghold in time of trouble.<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14490BY" title="See cross-reference BY">BY</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-40" id="en-NIV-14491"><sup class="versenum">40 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> helps<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14491BZ" title="See cross-reference BZ">BZ</a>)"></sup> them and delivers<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14491CA" title="See cross-reference CA">CA</a>)"></sup> them;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-40">he delivers them from the wicked and saves<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14491CB" title="See cross-reference CB">CB</a>)"></sup> them,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-40">because they take refuge<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14491CC" title="See cross-reference CC">CC</a>)"></sup> in him.</span></span></em></span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="footnotes">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Footnotes:</em></span></h4>
<ol type="a">
<li id="fen-NIV-14452a"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#en-NIV-14452" title="Go to Psalm 37:1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Psalm 37:1</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> This psalm is an acrostic poem, the stanzas of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.</em></span></li>
<li id="fen-NIV-14477b"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#en-NIV-14477" title="Go to Psalm 37:26"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Psalm 37:26</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> Or freely; / the names of their children will be used in blessings (see Gen. 48:20); or freely; / others will see that their children are blessed</em></span></li>
<li id="fen-NIV-14479c"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#en-NIV-14479" title="Go to Psalm 37:28"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Psalm 37:28</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> See Septuagint; Hebrew They will be protected forever</em></span></li>
<li id="fen-NIV-14488d"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#en-NIV-14488" title="Go to Psalm 37:37"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Psalm 37:37</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> Or upright; / those who seek peace will have posterity</em></span></li>
<li id="fen-NIV-14489e"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2037&version=NIV#en-NIV-14489" title="Go to Psalm 37:38"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Psalm 37:38</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> Or posterity</em></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></em></span></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-54061911554882851542013-11-12T08:00:00.000+10:002013-11-12T08:00:05.733+10:00Jesus is My Husband...<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/ann-voskamp/" target="_blank">Ann Voskamp's</a> writing is filled with imagery and feeling. None of that was wasted on me when I read her <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/11/why-thanksgiving-is-subversive-and-how-to-have-the-best-thanksgiving-yet/" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> post recenty over at <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank">A Holy Experience</a>.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>"When it's over, I want to say; all my life I was a bride married to amazement." - </strong></em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Oliver/e/B000APELGO/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=holyexper-20" target="_blank"><em><strong>Mary Oliver</strong></em></a><br />
<br />
The post welcomed the new for me. The current status of my life. The now that took so long to reach.<br />
<br />
The fact that <strong><em>Jesus is my husband</em></strong>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxQHuKNnEYCk51q7nw54EsLeDrNLivg1niE7HeWKslQxOkcztrPX5Vm1TwprcAMoEitf0MnCuqD5jaJLPH9u-7bLi7Emf4MZGw6kxBY_gIHV5pqD1hvlJfT6Y10G070UXX2CGwTOAT1o/s1600/Jesus_Akiane.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxQHuKNnEYCk51q7nw54EsLeDrNLivg1niE7HeWKslQxOkcztrPX5Vm1TwprcAMoEitf0MnCuqD5jaJLPH9u-7bLi7Emf4MZGw6kxBY_gIHV5pqD1hvlJfT6Y10G070UXX2CGwTOAT1o/s320/Jesus_Akiane.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.akiane.com/store/" target="_blank">"Prince of Peace" by Akiane</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<em>"Mama always said it and she didn’t care what anyone thought of it: </em><a href="http://www.openbible.info/topics/jesus_is_our_husband" target="_blank"><em>God was her husband<strong>.</strong></em></a><em> And that ain’t just some metaphor to get the Pharisees all in a prudish knot – </em><a href="http://www.openbible.info/topics/jesus_is_our_husband" target="_blank"><em>it’s brazen Scripture</em></a><em>. Take it or go ahead and leave it. We all get to choose our own bedfellows – and who we’ll give our soul to, who or what will get our life."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I'm standing with Ann's Mama. I've already decided.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.paulassharingspot.com/2013/11/not-easily-broken.html" target="_blank">relationship that was not easily broken</a> was the driving force behind <strong><em>my decision to be single</em></strong>, and stay single as long as God deems necessary. I needed that relationship, as I now need the friendship that has come from it, to keep me stayed on Jesus.<br />
<br />
The relationship between a husband and wife is the equivalent to the relationship between God and His followers. Between Jesus and His church. That is why marriage between a man and a woman is sacred to Christians. It represents more than a wedding, living together, sex, reproduction. It represents a deeper connection. It represents the connecting of neurons and souls and emotions. <strong><em>It is a covenant</em></strong>.<br />
<br />
My covenant is with Jesus. He has proven Himself by dying on the cross for me. By paving the way for me to live a guilt and shame free life with Him. He has stood by my side, and lived in my heart, through the most horrific years of my life. He has spoken to me when I needed to hear His voice. He has visited me when I have felt alone, to remind me that He is near. He has shared His heart with me and told me how He has grieved with me.<br />
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<strong><em>How could anyone not want that?</em></strong><br />
<br />
I know I do, and I need it more every day as I journey through life on earth.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+2%3A14-17&version=ESV" target="_blank">Hosea 2:14-17</a> sums up my recent journey.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Hos-2-14" id="en-ESV-22120"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>'s Mercy on Israel</em></span></span></h3>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span class="text Hos-2-14"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>“Therefore, behold, I will allure her,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-2-14">and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22120A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>bring her into the wilderness,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-2-14">and <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22120B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>speak tenderly to her.</span></span><br /><span class="text Hos-2-15" id="en-ESV-22121"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>And there I will give her her vineyards</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hos-2-15">and make the Valley of Achor<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-22121a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+2%3A14-17&version=ESV#fen-ESV-22121a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> a door of hope.</span></span><br /><span class="text Hos-2-15">And there she shall answer <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22121C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>as in the days of her youth,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hos-2-15">as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt.</span></span></em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span class="text Hos-2-16" id="en-ESV-22122"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>“And <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22122D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>in that day, declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’</span> <span class="text Hos-2-17" id="en-ESV-22123"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22123E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more.</span></em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em><span class="text Hos-2-17"></span></em></strong></span> </div>
<h4 class="footnotes" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Footnotes:</em></span></h4>
<div class="footnotes" id="fen-ESV-22121a" style="text-align: center;">
a. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+2%3A14-17&version=ESV#en-ESV-22121" title="Go to Hosea 2:15"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Hosea 2:15</em></strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> Achor means trouble; compare </em></strong></span><a class="bibleref" data-bibleref="Josh.7.26" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Josh.7.26&version=ESV"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Joshua 7:26</em></strong></span></a></div>
<br />
He brought me back to Him. He took me into the harshest wilderness I have known. He spoke words of love and promise to me. He restored my dignity. He blessed me with hopefulness. He rekindled my faith. He walked with me out of the wilderness and into my freedom.<br />
<br />
Jesus is my husband. And even if an earthly husband comes along, Jesus will always be my number one love. That is how it should be. That is how I want it to be.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7277715203048174179.post-25160220527855459912013-11-09T08:00:00.001+10:002013-11-11T10:31:47.480+10:00It's Not That I Don't Like Church...I have attended my church about four times since the beginning of March this year. It's not that I don't like going to church, I do. But I feel as though, with both the churches I've chosen to attend over the last 7 years, something is missing. That I don't fit in with the current day demographic. <br />
<br />
Maybe I do. Maybe it's just me. But for now, I am an occasional church attender but a full time Jesus loving, prayer slinging, God worshipping Bible studying girl.<br />
<br />
I have other friends who are on this exact same journey. And, recently, I've learnt that there are <em>many, many</em> people around the world that are experiencing the same type of questioning. I don't know what the answer is to the questioning I am doing about attending church, but I know the One who does. I also know He will provide me with the answer in His time.<br />
<br />
I attended a small church in my home town between the ages of nine and 18. I attended then taught Sunday School. I stood up front and sang in the little 3 girl "choir". I went to Girl's Rally on a Friday night, and to Youth Group on a Saturday night. I diligently studied my Bible and wrote down notes during the sermon (which I still do!). I learnt, I grew, I loved being a Christian and attending church. That stopped when I turned 18 and discovered the freedom that comes from being "legal". Then I stopped attending church altogether. Stopped reading my Bible. Just stopped.<br />
<br />
I graced a church building only a few times over the next 18 years. First to get married to the man I had no business marrying, then to attend weddings, funerals, and christenings. My return to church came 18 years later as a lost 36 year old single mum who answered the yearning in her heart. The yearning that had been whispering to me over those 18 years.<br />
<br />
Since that time I've been attending church regularly except for this year. Something changed in March. Maybe it was going to Hillsong's women's conference Colour where I felt somewhat overwhelmed at times, and started questioning why. Maybe it was God telling me that He isn't just about mass services of unity, that it's about Him. Maybe He was telling me that my life needed a shake up so I could do more for Him and not just myself.<br />
<br />
Whatever the reason, despite not attending church, I do miss the closeness that I remember feeling from my childhood church given that the church I now call home, and the previous church, are what are termed as "large" churches, ie 1000 plus people attending every session.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong. I am <strong><em>not</em></strong> bagging going to a church, whether it be small, large or mega. What I am having difficulty with, and have done so for a few years now, (which is also one of the reasons I changed churches), is this. We go TO the church building, we mix WITH the church people, and we focus ON the church life. My question has and is, "Wasn't the church created, as we read in Acts, so we GO <strong><em>out</em></strong> into the world and share the gospel of Jesus?"<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Yes, it was. Our direction seems to have become askew.</em></strong><br />
<br />
But I see how God is changing that. We are seeing more and more people from within churches GOing <strong><em>out</em></strong> and being Jesus. Mixing with the prostitutes, the drug addicts, the murderers, and the thieves. Taking greater risks and encountering more resistance thah has even been encountered before. We are seeing more and more people from within churches GOing <strong><em>out</em></strong> and putting their lives on the line for "the likes of these". Being the only Jesus that some will ever see in their entire lives.<br />
<br />
When God spoke to me about this, He reminded me that I don't need a big or "trendy" mission field. I only needed to look at what - who - was right in front of me: my daughter, my family, my friends, my work colleagues, and so on. I feel that I have failed to "be Jesus" in many of these areas since then, but looking back at where I was spiritually, emotionally and mentally, God wanted me to grow and heal before I could help others. The process has been long and hard, but I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel, and He is still working on me.<br />
<br />
So, for the time being I will continue to be kind to myself, to grow and to heal, while also looking out for those around me where and when I can. Looking out for those in my circle. Those who probably need to know Jesus more right now than those who I walk by in the church building.<br />
<br />
I will continue to look toward the light that is The Son. I will follow in His direction and ensure that my direction does not become askew and misaligned.. And one day, when He is ready to send me back, I will return to church. A church of His choosing, not just one that is "up the road" and convenient.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/203/B037AD46D569B0AD35EA8513FC608D56.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10998506662161051393noreply@blogger.com1