tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56672057539001947852024-03-21T13:49:14.968-07:00Golden SplendorBlogging from Golden, Colorado.
"Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty." Job 37:22Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-90834599088151121152012-03-30T12:16:00.000-07:002012-03-30T12:16:41.878-07:00Easter - The Light<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Easter is coming very soon. Many will celebrate the day with the bunny, candy, and hidden eggs. The real reason for this day is Jesus, the light of the world. I came across this poem on the internet and wanted to share it with you. This is the true reason for Easter - Jesus. <br />
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God, the creator, called light into existence and then separated it from the darkness. He made the sun, moon, and the stars to give light both day and night. All throughout the Bible, darkness is used to portray wickedness and blindness to spiritual truth. In fact, this darkness is <em>powerful, </em>enslaving men and women to walk under its brutal reign. Sadly, these slaves are not able to break free from its power; rather, they <em>love</em> this darkness and by walking in it, they are doing what they <em>want to do</em>.<br />
<br />
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On a seemingly normal evening some 2,000 years ago, a special star gave light to mark the place where the <em>Light of the World</em><em> </em>would enter space and time. Born of a virgin, his name is Jesus. He spoke about deliverance from darkness, its lord, and its power; he said, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” <br />
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The people, who walked in darkness, saw this great light, but they shared condemnation with the darkness and its lord because they <em>still loved the darkness</em>, themselves having evil deeds. What’s worse is that their lord, the god of this world, poisons their minds and blinds their eyes so that they cannot see the light of Jesus. These servants of darkness took the perfect Lord of glory, the Light of the World, the One in whom is no darkness, and they crucified Him. Hanging on that tree, He died.<br />
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However, darkness and its power could not defeat the Lord of glory for he rose from the dead in triumph and continues to shine his light in the darkness. <br />
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There was a day when the same God, who said, ”let there be light” in the midst of darkness, looked into my dark heart and shined his glorious light. I believed in Jesus, that his death and resurrection could deliver me from darkness. So I asked him to do just that, to deliver me from the reign of darkness and to place me into his kingdom, where his light shines freely. He did! I now walk in the light and enjoy its life. One day I will see even more of God’s light. That heavenly city will not need stars, sun, or moon; Jesus himself will shine and his glory will be the only light I’ll ever need.<br />
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</div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-59622119173565432772011-12-27T19:37:00.000-07:002011-12-27T19:37:47.179-07:00Day One of Gratitude Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="heading passage-class-0"><h3>Colossians 3:12-17 (NASB)</h3></div><div class="result-text-style-normal "><br />
<em><sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29530"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12</span></sup> So, as those who have been <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29530A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>chosen of God, holy and beloved, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29530B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>put on a <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29530C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>heart of compassion, kindness, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29530D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>humility, gentleness and patience; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29531"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13</span></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29531F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>bearing with one another, and <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29531G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29531H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29532"><span style="font-size: x-small;">14</span></sup> Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29532J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>unity. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29533"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15</span></sup> Let <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29533K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29533L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>one body; and be thankful. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29534"><span style="font-size: x-small;">16</span></sup> Let <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29534M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29534N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>teaching and admonishing one another <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29534O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29534P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NASB-29535"><span style="font-size: x-small;">17</span></sup> <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29535Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29535R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>giving thanks through Him to God the Father. </em><br />
<br />
It has been said that “gratitude is learning to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits we have received from God and from others.” The scripture above shares with us that we should allow God's Word to DWELL within us - which means to abide or live within us. Get rid of the negative things that cause "<em>heartache</em>" and put on a new heart filled with God's blessings. </div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-88996733467799358452011-12-26T22:36:00.018-07:002011-12-27T20:00:00.984-07:00Attitude of Gratitude<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="left">New Year Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Okay, maybe I should be starting a diet as that is the usual New Year's challenge that people vow to complete. I used to do that each year but it never worked. I do intend to lose weight but that will be part of my Attitude of Gratitude Challenge.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">I now realize that there is more to a problem than just the problem. . . What? I am overweight. Why is that? It is more than just being overweight. How did I get there and why? How do I fix this problem(s). I am starting my transformation with an attitude adjustment. I am starting with GRATITUDE. I am a Christian - but am I truly grateful to God for the blessings in my life? In my recent bible study of God's graciousness and gratitude, I realize that I do not measure up. Gratitude is more than saying THANK YOU. It is the demonstration of gratitude through my life.<br />
"Attitude determines Altitude."<br />
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Gratitude is the key to transformation. “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+118%3A24&version=ESV">Psalm 118:24</a> This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. <br />
<u><span style="color: blue;"></span></u><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><u>Colossians 3:17</u> </span><span style="color: black;">W</span>hatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord giving thanks to God.<br />
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<span style="font-family: TimesNewRoman;"></span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A18&version=ESV">1 Thessalonians 5:18</a> Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you<br />
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This challenge is inspired by <em>Revive Our Hearts. </em> Here is to a new heart and new year.</div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-31366804660244510792011-09-07T15:12:00.000-07:002011-09-07T15:12:36.530-07:00Thought for the Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H19Y7jjXFyLWHAb8kY8dMYIftdnhZBwuE2lBpS0ZGl9m4iyS-KBTE-I3VdLMvMvcTQeNF8L5HxkrcASYRpIZRge9w8yKdc264tgknLRbMgxItUXrO40ZXa9HSS0EccWHrljnCuGL31I/s1600/155276146_zZpKxC0J_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H19Y7jjXFyLWHAb8kY8dMYIftdnhZBwuE2lBpS0ZGl9m4iyS-KBTE-I3VdLMvMvcTQeNF8L5HxkrcASYRpIZRge9w8yKdc264tgknLRbMgxItUXrO40ZXa9HSS0EccWHrljnCuGL31I/s640/155276146_zZpKxC0J_c.jpg" width="216" /></a></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-35292631280991563302011-08-19T08:01:00.003-07:002011-08-19T08:02:34.845-07:00Verse for today.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" closure_uid_a19ju0="110" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2xBVlWOaUNxVu_ixubFQ_iDbsgdjd9bll5eQPGT_cp7ALBLk5b-rzs945DBlN4Cn29JEBot8JlOZGOrBcbDgbHp5evvF_zr7hUR9S1nSMi9I2FlPhok5gNMorHXYBK3uRPdR7zCw-Yo/s1600/N4Z7000A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2xBVlWOaUNxVu_ixubFQ_iDbsgdjd9bll5eQPGT_cp7ALBLk5b-rzs945DBlN4Cn29JEBot8JlOZGOrBcbDgbHp5evvF_zr7hUR9S1nSMi9I2FlPhok5gNMorHXYBK3uRPdR7zCw-Yo/s320/N4Z7000A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_a19ju0="110" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_a19ju0="110" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Are you too busy to hear God? He is there. Always and forever.</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_a19ju0="110" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-37529449874468245312011-06-10T07:13:00.004-07:002011-06-10T07:43:32.045-07:00Kyria Blog: Square Dancing with a Dog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://blog.kyria.com/2011/05/square_dancing_with_a_dog.html#.TfImcCkx9kg;blogger">Kyria Blog: Square Dancing with a Dog</a> by LaTonya Taylor<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2mm_aJlxTG912ApaxljJgyucx2K2LFjA5-K9s2FIlcd9cqzfsE_OczGPwLkWE3cyqWNU9IOVKwS73C4E4B3Zjvj5LBkUpiACVDnvzUshDG4lH4ir1j2x1C3rxsshOzBbY5Ivl3avya8/s1600/Cowboy_Dogs_Front_A8004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2mm_aJlxTG912ApaxljJgyucx2K2LFjA5-K9s2FIlcd9cqzfsE_OczGPwLkWE3cyqWNU9IOVKwS73C4E4B3Zjvj5LBkUpiACVDnvzUshDG4lH4ir1j2x1C3rxsshOzBbY5Ivl3avya8/s1600/Cowboy_Dogs_Front_A8004.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><br />
For the last few days, I’ve been taking long, slow walks with my new-to-me dog, Jazz. <br />
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But these haven’t been the leisurely, quiet walks you might envision. Instead, Jazz and I walk two or three steps, then turn around and head in the opposite direction. Another few steps are followed by another turn. Basically, it looks like we’re doing a strange human-canine square dance, with each partner swinging the other. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="more"></a>Jazz, a silky terrier, joined my home a few weeks ago. Before that, she lived in a foster home with a couple who nursed her to health after rescuing her from a neglectful situation. In the few weeks since she came to live with me, I’ve enjoyed having a cute little companion who follows me from room to room and sits contentedly nearby while I work or read. I’ve also liked having a reason to walk a couple miles every day.<br />
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Then the square dancing began.<br />
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Because Jazz is a rescue, she wasn’t leash-trained when I got her. At first, I thought—naively, I now know—that she would quickly realize that she was tethered to me, and adjust her walking pace to mine. Instead, Jazz pulls me around with every muscle in her 11-pound body: through doors, down stairs, and up and down the sidewalk. A couple weeks ago, as we walked past a strip mall full of glass doors, I saw our reflection: a very short woman being walked by a very small dog.<br />
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I consulted a friend who is a former dog trainer, as well as the teacher at our obedience classes. Both suggested that, on our walks, I walk with Jazz at my side until she runs ahead and starts to pull. At that point, I either stop walking until she returns to me, slackening the leash, or I turn and walk in the opposite direction. The point of the exercise is to help Jazz understand that she needs to follow my lead. <br />
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What I like about this training method is that it employs Jazz’s intelligence. She’ll slowly realize that our walks are better—and faster—when we move together. But I don’t like the halting pace of our walks these days, and the test of my patience versus Jazz’s polite stubbornness. While I know the training will be worth it in the end, I’m not enjoying it right now.<br />
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As Jazz and I do our dance, I sometimes think about what it’s like to be caught in this kind of pattern spiritually. To my great frustration, I sometimes find myself dealing with the same old problems, time and time again—and moving two or three steps forward, then turning around and heading back . . . :<br />
<br />
• toward imbalance between the energy I give to my work and personal lives.<br />
• toward neglect of the spiritual practices that help me stay connected to God.<br />
• toward an isolating perfectionism that can keep me from developing deep relationships.<br />
• toward a tendency to get stuck wallowing in past pain or disappointments.<br />
• toward an intense focus on a particular discipline, only to become distracted or get <br />
derailed.<br />
• toward a level of busyness that occasionally leads to burnout.<br />
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It’s not unusual for me to crash and burn, then realize that I’ve done it again: gotten caught up in something I thought I’d conquered. After walking a few steps in the right direction, I’ve gotten turned around again. <br />
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In moments like these, I can relate to the people in the Bible who struggled to get right and stay right. I sympathize with the children of Israel, whose route to the land God had promised them had its own twists, turns, and stalls. I’m less critical of Jesus’ disciple Peter, who could be zealous and misguided at the same time. I understand the prophet Elijah, who suffered a momentary setback after a time of great spiritual triumph. These people knew what it’s like to move forward, back, and slowly forward again. Re-reading their stories encourages me.<br />
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I’ve also found that staying in touch with close friends who have insight into my life is helpful. These friends gently warn me when I’m headed into an old pattern, and sometimes see it before I do. And as I watch the lives of my church family and friends, I’m reminded that we are all in process together—moving through life as God’s children whose lives are guided, and restored, by his grace.<br />
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I have a feeling it will be a while before Jazz and I walk together smoothly in the same direction. In the meantime, I will take the opportunity to exercise my patience—and to reflect on what it means to move toward the holiness and health God calls me to.<br />
<div id="comments"><h2> </h2></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-52039619263581143512011-06-10T07:13:00.000-07:002011-06-10T07:13:25.709-07:00Kyria Blog: Square Dancing with a Dog<a href="http://blog.kyria.com/2011/05/square_dancing_with_a_dog.html#.TfImcCkx9kg;blogger">Kyria Blog: Square Dancing with a Dog</a>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-89409696209869140762011-06-03T13:33:00.001-07:002011-06-03T13:46:42.997-07:00Protection from the Lord<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Ephesians 6:10-18 New King James Version (NKJV)</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The Whole Armor of God</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(Soldiers of Christ Arise)</span></strong><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Armor, battle, war, blood, evil? Sounds scary to me. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amid all the "political correctness" of our day, we tend to be afraid to share our faith lest we offend someone else. And when we <em>do </em>take a stand for our faith, we’re often branded as "judgmental" - "intolerant" - "right-wing faction." The PC Society today would rather focus on non-controversial topics like "love" and "forgiveness" rather than confronting Satan’s lies. The let's all get along philosophy. <strong>However, the spiritual battle is real and the stakes are too high for us to run away. Satan’s forces have filled the world with injustice and lies. They are on the prowl.</strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">The best way to start your day off (other than pouring a cup of coffee) is by putting on the <strong><i>WHOLE</i></strong> armor of God. <u>That is the secret</u>. Be prepared. Put on the <strong>PANOPLY </strong>God has supplied. The dictionary's definition of panoply is </span></span><em><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a full suit of armor; ceremonial attire; a magnificent or impressive array; a display of all appropriate appurtenances.</span></em><span class="ssens"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> How dazzling and impressive. We know God is not going to leave us to fend for ourselves. Among other things, we have His protection and His Sword - His Word. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The "armor" reference used by Paul in Ephesians is an illustration of the armor worn by the Roman Army of that time period. They looked impressive and ready for battle. The soldiers needed to hook one piece of armor to the other for it to be effective or it would not protect them. </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The purpose of ARMOR is to protect - not just look good. You actually have to put the armor on for it to work - not just hang it in your closet. </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">God's "fashion-sense" is not dictated by the PC standards of the day or "cafeteria style" where <strong>you</strong> get to pick and choose. He has His own designer-label. Why would we leave the house without ALL our clothes on? The same is with God's Armor - it will not work effectively and protect us unless all the pieces are put on EVERY DAY. God provides the Armor - all we need to do is pick it up and put it on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is like God's Grace - it is there, available to each one of us - but we need to accept it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Why would anyone want to go to battle without using all the protection available to them? We are in a battle against spiritual hosts of wickedness. We need to wear spiritual armor to fight a spiritual battle - not thoughts and tools of the world. It would be like fighting a house fire with a squirt gun. We need God's power and might so we can stand firm. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Written by Charles Wesley, 1749</u>:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soldiers of Christ, arise, <br />
And put your armor on, <br />
Strong in the strength <br />
Which God supplies <br />
Through his eternal Son. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Strong in the Lord of Hosts, <br />
And in his mighty pow’r, <br />
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts <br />
Is more than conqueror. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stand then in his great might, <br />
With all his strength endued; <br />
But take, to arm you for the fight, <br />
The panoply of God. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Leave no unguarded place, <br />
No weakness of the soul; <br />
Take ev’ry virtue, ev’ry grace,<br />
And fortify the whole. </span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Ephesians 6:10-18</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Georgia; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><em>Soldiers of Christ Arise</em></strong></span></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-13983102313463238122011-05-20T13:43:00.001-07:002011-06-03T12:08:50.178-07:00Nourishment for the Soul - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: ChopinScript; font-size: 22pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But the fruit of the Spirit is Love</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 10pt;">, </span><span style="font-family: ChopinScript; font-size: 22pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: ChopinScript; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: magenta;">. . . Galatians 5:22-23</span></span></div><br />
<span style="color: blue;">This is currently a work in progress. I am working on this on this blog post on my breaks at work and free time and I will be adding to it. However, in the meanwhile, here it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our Sunday morning bible class has been discussing several sensitive issues and I wanted to write a summary. There are so many people struggling in life. So many issues, distractions, and stress. Is there hope? What is a woman to do? What do we nourish ourselves with to keep us strong. One place to start is with the Fruit of the Spirit. </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: ChopinScript; font-size: x-large;">Love</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What does the Bible say about Love? I Corinthians 13 has a beautiful explanation:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Love is patient, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">love is kind and is not jealous; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">love does not brag and is not arrogant, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">does not act unbecomingly; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">it does not seek its own, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">is not provoked, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">does not take into account a wrong suffered, </span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">does not rejoice in unrighteousness, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">but rejoices with the truth; </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love never fails.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">. . . </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My husband's definition of true love is:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Love means doing what is in another's best interest</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">without considering the cost to yourself.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We don't keep score - we don't say you won last time so its my turn - we aren't glad when someone falls on their face - we don't say better them than me - not be selfish - don't get our feelings hurt so easily - pray not panic BUT we need to think of others first - wait - take our time - bear believe hope and endure all things. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This is the type of love our Lord demonstrated in His life.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-8332565301887015352011-05-04T12:03:00.000-07:002011-05-04T12:03:22.850-07:00Happy Mother's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgsExT6zhT35SNpgdTcVtqNbGzE88Z5ModjGm9GnYA5o8Co94St5h5WibColrkW1nM-YckVNNjnM-bvxGiOZiMDoGAQRRxaS4CxHbboph0WSpIIbdYQHBgwwF-DIc9vMbKzersmyLlAGd/s1600/mothers_day_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgsExT6zhT35SNpgdTcVtqNbGzE88Z5ModjGm9GnYA5o8Co94St5h5WibColrkW1nM-YckVNNjnM-bvxGiOZiMDoGAQRRxaS4CxHbboph0WSpIIbdYQHBgwwF-DIc9vMbKzersmyLlAGd/s400/mothers_day_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-66247108975938361962011-04-18T12:01:00.000-07:002011-04-18T12:01:02.114-07:00The Red Thread Movement - - We wear their freedom on our arms.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.eternalthreads.com/redthread/"><span style="color: red;">http://www.eternalthreads.com/redthread/</span></a><br />
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In itself, wearing a <span style="color: red;">red </span>bracelet is not important. It is merely some threads woven together and worn on one’s arm. But what if there was <strong>a story</strong> behind that bracelet? What if the person who wove those threads together was a twelve-year-old girl from Nepal? And what if that same girl had been <strong><span style="color: red;">rescued</span></strong> on the border of her country from a <strong>sex trafficker,</strong> before being enslaved by one of the most prominent international crimes to date?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Freedom</span></strong> is something we may take for granted, but it is denied many women and girls around the world. By wearing a <span style="color: red;">Red Thread Movement</span> bracelet, you are proclaiming that freedom has <strong><span style="color: red;">not been forsaken</span></strong>, as you seek to restore it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9SV1Cd1nV1rDV4MWNKeibucKyJGJs5ku64txfZ_N1HFQBWXUexFgc2ZA8GLL4bs1rJPAxHn9KH_GgoN0mVXQ6H1HnzNpfwbnwjGgLBCbpkriHYCVtq8EHyH1lU2jtuNouU4WpzoxB98/s1600/kin-rtb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9SV1Cd1nV1rDV4MWNKeibucKyJGJs5ku64txfZ_N1HFQBWXUexFgc2ZA8GLL4bs1rJPAxHn9KH_GgoN0mVXQ6H1HnzNpfwbnwjGgLBCbpkriHYCVtq8EHyH1lU2jtuNouU4WpzoxB98/s1600/kin-rtb.jpg" /></a></div>The impact of<strong> <span style="color: red;">the Red Thread Movement</span></strong> is three-fold. First, wearing the <span style="color: red;">red</span> bracelet <strong>creates awareness</strong> of sex trafficking [it’s happening more than we might think, with as many as 12,000 girls trafficked across the Nepal border each year]. Second, making the <span style="color: red;">red </span>bracelets <strong>provides employment</strong> for girls in Nepal who have been rescued from the hands of sex traffickers at the border. Third, the revenue from the <span style="color: red;">Red Thread Movement</span> [each bracelet costs $3] employs not only the rescued girls but also <strong>funds the safe house</strong> that welcomes them <strong>and continues</strong> the establishment of <strong>border units</strong>. These border units along the Nepal/India border <span style="color: red;"><strong>each rescue as many as 100 girls per month from the bondage of slavery.</strong></span><br />
What we find unavoidable we deem acceptable. Sex trafficking is not an unavoidable crime, and it must be combated. Wearing a Red Thread Movement bracelet promises victimized girls that <strong>we will not leave them.</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">We wear their freedom on our arms.</span></strong><br />
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</div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-53663486851390580072011-04-12T07:01:00.002-07:002011-04-12T08:11:47.240-07:00Day Seven - Ephesians 6:4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Today's verse is dedicated to my son, Josh. I absolutely love to watch him with his son (2 1/2 years old). Josh had to work last night and Gabriel spent the evening with us. Gabriel kept watching out the window waiting for his Daddy to come home. Suddenly the garage door opened and Gabriel starting yelling "Daddy's Home...." He ran to the door and jumped into Josh's arms. No matter how hard your work day was, coming home to your little one makes your day!! God bless the both of you. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNDh-oEl0VqozFVXyx8AqDZSfNPBjozblRcYx90c-ZcgnbZqySwLFfKyWimCXQP9zBANT11zz8Uq6isjm98z54m28q2HYXR5L0iwJ4JyYV4tCs1DyrZQcqMJiBoDJ5lS3LYrEsnrEqQ0/s1600/ephesians6_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNDh-oEl0VqozFVXyx8AqDZSfNPBjozblRcYx90c-ZcgnbZqySwLFfKyWimCXQP9zBANT11zz8Uq6isjm98z54m28q2HYXR5L0iwJ4JyYV4tCs1DyrZQcqMJiBoDJ5lS3LYrEsnrEqQ0/s320/ephesians6_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-20837660165830987532011-04-11T11:06:00.000-07:002011-04-11T11:06:01.917-07:00Galatians 5:22 Fruit of the Spirit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7n2TGdoq4Uy24nPcJKZYahhFppPA5BtR4Cj0_L4Xm5gaycA4__RLKAw3MZ-raaBiGrU3v2YpEzVQz0fLT2Hx-PB3O6veKtjKFOLjVshiDqScTmuq8ZTybMlp-mx1BWlY-Iz25RkGoTA/s1600/galatians5_22-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7n2TGdoq4Uy24nPcJKZYahhFppPA5BtR4Cj0_L4Xm5gaycA4__RLKAw3MZ-raaBiGrU3v2YpEzVQz0fLT2Hx-PB3O6veKtjKFOLjVshiDqScTmuq8ZTybMlp-mx1BWlY-Iz25RkGoTA/s320/galatians5_22-23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000;">Enjoy the blessings of God when we partake of the Fruit of the Spirit. </span></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-83519492623934677842011-04-10T17:23:00.000-07:002011-04-10T17:23:32.517-07:00Day Five Jeremiah 17:7-8<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJowsBk-I1EPPvtr21Pm1w7JNs4HmKs2fAkQeDR_G7XGu7ggKSvQjnwQZvuMgCZIIUTvqUyA9Z9oT8d2zeB8ej-7gjEJAZrFJqebLcY29FC7_Gvph4DKYAVgyKPZlbjbwSNwQVUWeuyA/s1600/jeremiah17_7-8%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJowsBk-I1EPPvtr21Pm1w7JNs4HmKs2fAkQeDR_G7XGu7ggKSvQjnwQZvuMgCZIIUTvqUyA9Z9oT8d2zeB8ej-7gjEJAZrFJqebLcY29FC7_Gvph4DKYAVgyKPZlbjbwSNwQVUWeuyA/s320/jeremiah17_7-8%255B1%255D.jpg" width="256" /></a></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-91108614197858323132011-04-07T10:58:00.000-07:002011-04-07T10:58:51.410-07:00Day Four Acts 2:38<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">According to the gospel . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieawYb0p7hvRxBUIJ5MI14lQDZ1JxGtBESckgSaVZEFSBWWydscahKR6P5BbU-cUfbusQvkOoEtvBlsLz0zAYvqnDMvfUi2cYgJaOqDtl7McygCQdqPuKpejGum-r4USnGWx7pJ2Blgp8/s1600/Day+3-acts2_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieawYb0p7hvRxBUIJ5MI14lQDZ1JxGtBESckgSaVZEFSBWWydscahKR6P5BbU-cUfbusQvkOoEtvBlsLz0zAYvqnDMvfUi2cYgJaOqDtl7McygCQdqPuKpejGum-r4USnGWx7pJ2Blgp8/s320/Day+3-acts2_38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-53755487074925988302011-04-06T11:15:00.001-07:002011-04-06T11:16:03.025-07:00Day Three - John 15<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKHW6-2aq7g5pglqr0UgUhcDuG1dj5bOxfCqYqta_-Sa4cIZEABEWgaImuA0oKZ6U4W0ziaGJ74h0knRPUcgOFGxaOxV4pDVnht0luG_zOREmLSY26F3zpjYCgRQ72aRH5Mg0FeysNRk/s1600/john15_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKHW6-2aq7g5pglqr0UgUhcDuG1dj5bOxfCqYqta_-Sa4cIZEABEWgaImuA0oKZ6U4W0ziaGJ74h0knRPUcgOFGxaOxV4pDVnht0luG_zOREmLSY26F3zpjYCgRQ72aRH5Mg0FeysNRk/s320/john15_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left">I<span style="color: purple;"> enjoy reading John 15 as it tells about our relationship with Jesus. Does Jesus reside (abide) with you every day -or- does He only abide with you on Sunday? Is He standing outside or is He welcome? </span></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-78808421678023033122011-04-05T11:59:00.002-07:002011-04-05T12:19:18.288-07:00Day Two Joshua 1:8-9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheULw6rLCev91d2Mq5QpT5hQxs0cBgw5284oeRZ57HKEb7lZM2HNq7AnOViqHHP8uEPOohFu3_Y8_glpo8BoM9UVIFt9PaWUyqv9aAMewA1bY47HTkIVt22xyYboWQlZbtT5CEzCAN_P0/s1600/joshua1_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheULw6rLCev91d2Mq5QpT5hQxs0cBgw5284oeRZ57HKEb7lZM2HNq7AnOViqHHP8uEPOohFu3_Y8_glpo8BoM9UVIFt9PaWUyqv9aAMewA1bY47HTkIVt22xyYboWQlZbtT5CEzCAN_P0/s320/joshua1_9.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is one of my favorite section of verses as it tells us about God will be with us always. This is one of numerous reminders about the power of God. There is no reason to be afraid or discouraged as long as we follow God, allowing God to be God. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font: small "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Charis SIL", charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></span></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-38219262209467933932011-04-04T12:03:00.001-07:002011-04-04T14:55:14.055-07:00Intro and Day One - Scripture a Day Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>I saw a similar challenge recently and thought I would try it. Study a verse each day and allow it to pentrate your heart and soul. Meditate upon it and make it practical. Just knowing a verse doesn't mean much unless you apply it to your life!! Do you really know Jesus? It should be more than a religion - but a relationship. </em><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Day One:</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><strong><u>John 15:14-15</u></strong></em> is a section of verses that I really enjoy studying. It shows us how we can abide in Jesus and have a relationship with Him. Jesus tells us "<em>I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep.</em>" It is more than just believing that Jesus existed. Jesus knows you but do you really <u>know</u> Jesus? This is day one to that adventure. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUVLRv-f4OdcPZkUw6Yvxghl6tHUMWXgy1jPbWVTeXc1MOTdLmiJdMER5ZPGl2rRDH1Q4dqNHDSKPmQouizpMfj5Ee8uAjP7NpDpJu301tECSQuG9SpQwBab9ixL58nvMNf1-UiQzeps/s1600/Day+One+john10_14-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUVLRv-f4OdcPZkUw6Yvxghl6tHUMWXgy1jPbWVTeXc1MOTdLmiJdMER5ZPGl2rRDH1Q4dqNHDSKPmQouizpMfj5Ee8uAjP7NpDpJu301tECSQuG9SpQwBab9ixL58nvMNf1-UiQzeps/s320/Day+One+john10_14-15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-78225731957609866502011-03-23T15:01:00.009-07:002011-03-30T12:43:31.961-07:00Be still and know that I am God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF4QzqtHx5OZBw1pq-juAUUQ9AVjRV7Bh37k68i6v_DGmCNXXo9rkNumWV0oti0hZwFsNM6TAy4GXdVFdkP-py-C7pvrHFjkmZosHXj_4Rz6r-hntN3eQVHnbUXeKHitU4cb7xybi1lg/s1600/Psalm+46-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; height: 149px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 472px;"><img border="0" height="141" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipF4QzqtHx5OZBw1pq-juAUUQ9AVjRV7Bh37k68i6v_DGmCNXXo9rkNumWV0oti0hZwFsNM6TAy4GXdVFdkP-py-C7pvrHFjkmZosHXj_4Rz6r-hntN3eQVHnbUXeKHitU4cb7xybi1lg/s200/Psalm+46-10.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is probably one of the hardest verses for me to apply in my life. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I need to get out of the way, turn off the all noise pollution and techno distractions that overwhelms my life and allow <br />
God to show His power and Glory. </div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-34145868476047048892011-03-21T12:47:00.001-07:002011-03-21T12:55:58.964-07:00Second Half of the Motherhood Journey<div style="text-align: center;">I found a new blog. <a href="http://www.nanahood.com/">http://www.nanahood.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It is described as "The Second Half of the Motherhood Journey."</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am just starting out blogging and found this wonderful site by <br />
Teresa Bell Kindred.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is what my blog wants to be when it grows up. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Teresa.<br />
<br />
You even inspired me to change my profile picture. I am so brave.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go Nanas!!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79T0qiyUjUx63vGl2Ho3CNqnx1k4IiJztNntEaYWxF-h9hH2ZUA77Wrch_Kzm7QaFw3VoTsTfPrsFHlezLSZSyo3ZbMBNIol_MAFoMONnuU6TdLRQbh67cMW6oGI9xhKb9v5gF_YPz-k/s1600/MP900446575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79T0qiyUjUx63vGl2Ho3CNqnx1k4IiJztNntEaYWxF-h9hH2ZUA77Wrch_Kzm7QaFw3VoTsTfPrsFHlezLSZSyo3ZbMBNIol_MAFoMONnuU6TdLRQbh67cMW6oGI9xhKb9v5gF_YPz-k/s320/MP900446575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-57556627129498251992011-03-14T15:12:00.010-07:002011-03-21T20:05:47.545-07:00Words of Wisdom<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">weren't there for the day.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">before it melted in storage.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">I would have talked less and listened more.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">was stained, or the sofa faded.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">light a fire in the fireplace.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">about his youth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would have shared more of the responsibility <br />
carried by my </span><span style="color: black;">husband.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span style="color: black;">I would never have insisted the car windows<br />
be rolled up on a </span><span style="color: black;">summer day because<br />
my hair had just been teased and </span><span style="color: black;">sprayed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">about grass stains.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would have cried and laughed less while watching television-</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">and more while watching life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I would never have bought anything just because it was </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">lifetime.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">a miracle.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">There would have been more "I love you's".. more "I'm </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">sorry's"....but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">every minute...look at it and really see it .. live it...and never </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">give it back.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">cherish the relationships we have with those who Do love us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">as well as spiritually.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Life is too short to let it pass you by.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.</span></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-17481259438391225022011-03-08T12:37:00.007-07:002011-03-21T20:06:53.376-07:00Peace<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety tells you that you are in a situation that is too big for God to handle; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace assures you that nothing is too hard for the Lord.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety assumes the worst will happen;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace affirms the best is yet to be.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety points you to your inadequacy;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace confirms that God’s grace is sufficient.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety causes you to panic;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace causes you to be still.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety shows you your lack;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace points you to God’s supply.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety warns of defeat and failure;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace proclaims God’s victory and success.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety causes you to strive;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace causes you to rest.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety says “You will be carried away by the storm;”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace says “Your anchor holds.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety fills you with darkness;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace floods you with light.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety tells you to first seek a solution;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace tells you to first seek the Kingdom.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anxiety tells you, you won’t make it;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace assures you, God will bring you through.</span></span><br />
<em><span style="color: black;">(From "Meet Me in the Meadow.")</span></em><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? If you then are not able to do the least, why are you anxious for the rest? But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Luke 12:24-26, Matthew 6:33 NKJV</span></em><br />
<div><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div><span style="color: black;"></span></div><div><span style="color: black;"></span></div><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-6541413407026565862011-02-24T21:35:00.000-07:002011-02-24T21:41:11.993-07:00Fear No Evil<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">Have you ever had one of those weeks? </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">It is so easy to get busy in work or other activities to get distracted.<br />
It is so easy to find other ways to handle the situation instead </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">of stopping and </span><span style="color: purple;">handing it over to the Lord. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Don't let things get out of control.<br />
Remember, we don't have to handle these times on our own.<br />
The Lord is always near, ready to comfort us, encourage us, and lead us. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: purple;">Sit by the quiet waters and restore your soul.</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenJYQMRjJjkq_Sab6KfKEmF9vPMYs_59Dl0iMBo_PJDuBDJyWGxXwmzgFD3990Rh-_p2FSXV9JBGWJLh-BH9bAj0h0cbZQMwGjf2tAddhd6sJZDeVD7pWZvExWCVniLspd76IqSu_dZY/s1600/psalm23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="height: 289px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 452px;"><img border="0" height="235" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenJYQMRjJjkq_Sab6KfKEmF9vPMYs_59Dl0iMBo_PJDuBDJyWGxXwmzgFD3990Rh-_p2FSXV9JBGWJLh-BH9bAj0h0cbZQMwGjf2tAddhd6sJZDeVD7pWZvExWCVniLspd76IqSu_dZY/s320/psalm23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-55750811204326045322011-02-17T16:45:00.000-07:002011-02-17T16:49:05.012-07:00<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lifebuilder's Creed</span></strong><span style="font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today is the most important day of my life.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yesterday with its success and victories, struggles </span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and failures is gone forever.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The past is past.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Done.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Finished.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I cannot relive it. I cannot go back and change it.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But I will learn from it and improve my Today.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today. This moment. NOW.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is God's gift to me and it is all that I have.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tomorrow with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs </span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and troubles isn't here yet.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Indeed, tomorrow may never come.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Therefore, I will not worry about tomorrow.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today is what God has entrusted to me.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is all that I have. I will do my best in it.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I will demonstrate the best of me in it--</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">my character, giftedness, and abilities--</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">to my family and friends, clients and associates.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I will identify those things that are most important to do Today,</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">and those things I will do until they are done.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And when this day is done</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I will look back with satisfaction at that which I have accomplished.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then, and only then, will I plan my tomorrow,</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Looking to improve upon Today, with God's help.</span></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then I shall go to sleep in peace...content. </span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Author Unknown.</span>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667205753900194785.post-27046659514721315402011-02-16T12:56:00.000-07:002011-02-16T12:56:17.437-07:00ABC's of a Godly Heart<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">ABCs of a Godly Heart by Casandra Martin</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Our Sunday Morning Ladies' Class will be studying another wonderful book by Casandra Martin. We have truly enjoyed her studies. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">God wants you to know Him. The Psalms are a window that looks deeply into His heart—a place where He reveals His purpose for your life. Journey through the Psalms—songs of praise, adoration, deliverance, and redemption and learn how to reflect the glory of God through a more intimate and fulfilling walk with Him. It’s as simple as A, B, C.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Nana Bananashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16171984259489858625noreply@blogger.com0