tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19756418717832953312024-02-19T01:24:03.629-05:00Faith In Every Day | Glorifying God in Everything We Do, Every Day. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-63718650568055613532015-06-02T00:00:00.000-04:002015-06-02T00:00:01.021-04:00Did You Miss a Women of Faith:Real Women, Real Faith Post? No Worries! Here's a Round Up! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't believe our Women of Faith Series has come to an end! I just want to say a huge thank you to the women who put their hearts out there so that others may see a glimpse into what your beliefs are. Thank you, thank you! </div>
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It is so important to understand what others believe so I hope that you, my dear readers, have learned more via this series. If you missed one, I have listed all of the posts here so that you can go back and read them all! </div>
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If you are just coming across this series here is a little about the series: I asked them all the same 12 questions to shed light on the beliefs of their faith and their personal journey. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;">This is meant to be educational to expand your view of what others believe. I ask you to be respectful in any comments you leave and really start a conversation into exploring each of these faiths. Though you may not agree with their faith or beliefs, let's respect them by making this a safe place for them to share. </span></div>
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<a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/04/women-of-faith-blog-series-real-women.html">Introduction to the Women of Faith: Real Women, Real Faith Series</a></div>
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<a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/04/women-of-faith-dara-from-not-in-jersey.html">Dara from Not In Jersey </a></div>
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<a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/04/women-of-faith-jodee-from-to-z-for-moms.html">JoDee from A to Z for Moms Like Me</a></div>
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<a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/05/women-of-faith-amy-from-all-spice-and.html">Amy from All Spice and Acrylics </a></div>
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<a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/05/women-of-faith-maddy-from-chatty-maddy.html">Maddy from Chatty Maddy Helps</a></div>
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<a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/05/women-of-faith-julie-from-savvy.html">Julie from Savvy Homemaking</a></div>
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<a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/05/women-of-faith-tara-joy.html">Tara Joy from Faith In Every Day</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did you enjoy this series? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let me know in the comment section below! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-36172971610009626522015-05-28T00:00:00.000-04:002015-05-28T00:00:00.614-04:00How To Love Your Neighbor Without Being Werid<div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">**This post may contain sponsor, affiliate, and/or referral links. I have been given <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/317207/">a PDF of </a></i><b style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/317207/"> <i>How to Love Your Neighbors Without Being Weird by Amy Lively</i></a></b><i style="background-color: white; color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> free of charge in exchange for this review. However, the opinions in this post are my own. For more information please read my full <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/p/disclosure-statement.html" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; color: #674ea7; text-decoration: none;">disclosure statement here.</a> </i><br />
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Before we moved, we lived in an apartment building. Despite being on top of each other we didn't know too many of our neighbors. We were close to one family though, our neighbors living directly above us, a three generational family. Granny, her son and her five year old grandson. After living there for a year we had become close and it all started with a loaf of zuchini bread.<br />
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I had an entire batter for zuchini bread ready to go except when I opened the pantry for my last ingredient I discovered we were out. I really didn't want to stop the preheating oven and wake my sleeping toddler to go to the grocery store for one item. So, I did the next best thing .. I knocked. On my neighbor, who i didn't know very wells door and asked for a cup of vegetable oil. She graciously gave me what I needed and I was able to finish baking. As a thank you I knocked on her door again with a warm loaf of zuchini bread in hand. This began a nice relationship with my neighbors upstairs. </div>
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When we saw each other outside we would chat, she would always spoil my son with chocolate m&ms and animal crackers and I would always give her some of what I baked. I would go up and check on her every now and again and when she had a bad fall outside she felt comfortable enough to knock on my door so I could help her clean and bandage her wounds. </div>
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Every now and again I would feel it on my heart to share God and Jesus with her, but I never did. I didn't want to come off weird or strange. No way, that was the last thing I wanted,so I kept quiet and never said anything. It is the one thing I regret when looking back on my time with Granny. </div>
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The problem, and my excuse, was that I didn't know how to talk to my neighbors well, let alone about something as controversial as God and Jesus. I am definitely not the only one who has trouble with sharing my faith with my neighbors.<br />
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Amy Lively, the author of <i><a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/317207/">How to Love Your Neighbors Without Being Weird</a> </i>went through it as she was called to begin a neighborhood bible study. Through her book she shares her experiences, successes and failures as well as tried and true ways to Love your neighbors, as God calls us to do,without being off putting about it.<br />
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"It's an investment into people's lives, and that can be messy. I don't know where to start, what to say, or how to be. I'm afraid. </div>
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The thought of knocking on my neighbors' doors made my knees knock. I hid behind my logical excuses, rational defenses, and stubborn resistance." </div>
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<b>-Amy Lively, <i>How to Love Your Neighbors Without Being Weird</i></b></div>
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Here are some tips she suggests to help you get to know your neighbors.</div>
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<li>"Being content in our neighborhoods means being patient, determined, and persistent. Aristotle said, "The desire for friendship comes quickly; friendship does not." Modest folks in modest homes are of great value to God, and He smiles at our modest moves toward friendship." </li>
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<li>"That friendship could lead to the opportunity to tell them about Jesus Christ. However, their reaction is not your responsibility. Jesus will handle eternity; you just think about today." </li>
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<li>Figure out your spiritual gift from God, and use it! "Tucked inside each of us is a very special spiritual gift from our heavenly father. He spared no expense to bring this gift to you; He paid for it with the precious blood of His only Son." </li>
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<li>Do not be afraid! - "So be strong and courageous! Do no be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail your nor abandon you. <b><i>Deuteronomy 31:6"</i></b></li>
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<i>How to Love Your Neighbor Without Being Weird </i>really was the perfect kick in the butt for me! I had given myself every excuse in the book as to why I couldn't share God and God's love with my neighbors and a BIG one was I was worried I would come off as weird! This book really breaks it down giving practical advice and tips as to how to go about getting to know your neighbors. What I love most about it though is the deep biblical truth that it holds. God calls us to love our neighbors and that doesn't mean our neighbors who are just like us or our neighbors around the world. It means actually getting to know our neighbors and loving them.<br />
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And you absolutely can do that without being weird. <br />
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Make sure you are ready to accept God's call to love your neighbors after you read this book! </div>
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"I should warn you that you're on the hook now that you've read this book. You have no excuse for not loving your neighbor, and you don't even have to be weird about doing it."</div>
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<b><i>-Amy Lively, How to Love Your Neighbors Without Being Weird</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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Though I had excuses as to why I couldn't share in our old home, now I really have no excuse what so ever so not show love to my neighbors and share the good news with them because I have <span style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">How to Love Your Neighbors Without Being Weird </i>in my tool box! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-36774132529695319812015-05-26T00:00:00.000-04:002015-06-13T21:02:48.850-04:00Women of Faith: Tara Joy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Women of Faith Series!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;">These women contributing have poured their heart and souls into these posts wanting to share their beliefs with you. I welcome them with open arms and I pray that you will as well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;">A little about the series, I asked them all the same 12 questions to shed light on the beliefs of their faith and their personal journey. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;">This is meant to be educational to expand your view of what others believe. I ask you to be respectful in any comments you leave and really start a conversation into exploring each of these faiths. Though you may not agree with their faith or beliefs, let's respect them by making this a safe place for them to share. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"></span></span>
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Now it is my turn to share my faith! I really hope you have enjoyed this series, because I know I have! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9dz_97I-2stxx3MZ3vnuZM0Sfk5YhxMIyVboKxlCQCEbdcP6PFX40-paXHrB-21MT1jwKnbdNoRYMWRtC-fOdOU2Ma2lONG_K5mFby-uKl1GdNIcR-BGw7qLxhrbtXaaDdlQG3rnrsU/s1600/James1TarayJoy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9dz_97I-2stxx3MZ3vnuZM0Sfk5YhxMIyVboKxlCQCEbdcP6PFX40-paXHrB-21MT1jwKnbdNoRYMWRtC-fOdOU2Ma2lONG_K5mFby-uKl1GdNIcR-BGw7qLxhrbtXaaDdlQG3rnrsU/s1600/James1TarayJoy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Please give an overview of your faith and what it believes.</b><br />
I believe in Biblical Truth, which means I believe that the Bible was meant to be viewed as a whole from Genesis to Revelation because it allows us to get to know God on the most intimate of levels. I believe that God sent his son, Jesus, to die on the Cross for my sins before I was even born and that the Holy Spirit is sent as a helper to live in each Christian to guide them in what is right -- Fully transforming into what God created us to be (a lifetime process.)<br />
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<b>2. Was there a specific time or reason why you believe what you do?</b><br />
I had just moved to Texas and I went to find a church so I could find friends. I joined a Bible study that was going through the study called, Crazy Love by Francis Chan. It challenged me because it covered Lukewarm Christians - Christians who call themselves Christians but don't follow what Christ and God want. Christians in name only. I was convicted to start reading the Bible, because I had not read the Bible myself before. I read through the Bible and realize that I wasn't a Christian at all. I decided at that moment, not only would I continue reading the entire Bible but I gave myself to Christ for real. That was 2 years ago, and I haven't turned back since, I have fallen in love with God more and more.<br />
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<b>3. Does your faith have religious books? Please name them all if more than one and give a brief description of its purpose/origins.</b><br />
The Christian faith, has the Bible which consists of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament is the history of God, creation and the basis of our Christian faith. This is the Jewish part of our faith. It also predicts the messiah aka Jesus Christ which is proven true in the New Testament. The New Testament starts by proving that Jesus is the Messiah by telling when he fulfilled the Old Testament scriptures. The Bible is our way of getting to know God.<br />
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<b>4. How do you put your faith into practice everyday?</b><br />
I read my Bible and pray everyday, but I also do my best to be kind, patient and loving toward all I come across. Being a Christian is the willingness to put your selfish desires away and do what God calls us to do, serve others. Whether its my family, my neighbors, friends or strangers I do my best to be a light in their life.<br />
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<b>5. Do you believe in Heaven? How do you get there? If you don't, what do you believe happens after you die?</b><br />
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God says there is a Heaven where all who choose to accept Jesus Christs gift will be. He died for our sins so that we could live together with God. Heaven will be a place with no sin, pain, suffering or mourning. It will be a place of perfect peace.
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<b>6. What do you/faith believe about the human condition? Is being a good person enough according to your religion?</b><br />
The only one on this earth who was good and righteous was Jesus. He lived a sinless life so he could be our pure sacrifice. All others are born with original son which is the innate ability to turn from God. So the human condition is a poor one and the only person who can make it right is Jesus. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. We all need a savior, it doesn't matter of you think you are a good person because God sees it very differently.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.</span></div>
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<b><b><i>Luke 18:19</i></b></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f0f9ff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?" </span><span style="background-color: #f0f9ff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place." </span><span style="background-color: #f0f9ff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">John 18: 33-37</span></i></b></div>
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<b>7. Who do you/your faith believe Jesus is? What do you know about him?</b><br />
Jesus Christ is the Messiah predicted in the old testament. He was a son of David, born in Bathlehem to a virgin mother and lived the flawless life we all fail to do. He was offered up as our last sin sacrifice so that we could have a close relationship with God. He was prosecuted, crucified and buried. On the third day he rose from the dead proving he was the Messiah. He is the only way to the father. The only way to heaven.<br />
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<b>8. Who do you believe God is? If you believe in God, what is he like? (Base this on your religious beliefs) If you don't believe in God, why not?</b><br />
God is love. God is merciful and just. He is patient. He is our Creator. He is so Holy that our sinfulness keeps us from Him, but he is so loving that He sent his son to die for our sins so we could have a relationship with him. He doesn't need us, but he created us because he loves us. If you accept God, His Son and the Holy Spirit then you are his child. He is beyond our comprehension.<br />
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<i>Jehovah-raah</i>, your caring shepherd<br />
<i>Jehovah-jirah</i>, the Lord who provides<br />
<i>Jehovah-shalom</i>, the Lord is peace<br />
<i>Jehovah-rophe</i>, the Lord who heals you<br />
<i>Jehovah-nissi</i>, the Lord is my banner<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>1 John 4:8-10</i></b></b></div>
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<b>9. Have you had to defend your beliefs? What happened?</b><br />
Yes, when my husband was an unbeliever he liked to play "devils advocate" questioning my faith at every chance he could to try to shake my foundation. That only caused me to seek out the answers to all the questions he had. Over time, I have developed quite the passion for Apologetics and the undeniable truth of Christianity when all the true facts (not just of the Bible but of history) are considered. After which I now encourage people to question their faith so that they truly know what their following is the truth because it is too big of a decision not to.<br />
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<b>10. How has your faith/beliefs changed you?</b><br />
My faith has changed me SO much. A complete 180. I once was walking in the ways of the world, sinning for pleasure. But after I was saved God sent his Holy Spirit to teach me how to walk in Gods way. On the narrow road. It is a process that he will be doing for the rest of my life but he has changed the way I dress and the way I treat others and my family. It really is life transforming to follow Jesus.<br />
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<b>11. Have you ever questioned your faith? How did you question it? And did you get the answers you were searching for to keep believing?</b><br />
Absolutely. I think my problem was that I didn't know what the Bible said even though I claimed to be Christian. Once I started reading my Bible, as well as supporting documents of its history and validity it was really hard for me to deny the absolute truth in it.<br />
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<b>12. What is something that you want to tell people about your faith?</b><br />
I think that there are major misconceptions about Christianity, because a lot of Christians (myself too once) claim to be Christian without reading their Bibles and knowing what it actually says. Thats a problem. That means they didn't know Gods will. You can't know God unless you read his love letter to us. His Holy Word, the Bible. God gives himself to us, all we have to do is read and absorb his truth and we will be changed. No doubt about that.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you have any questions about Christianity, any at all, feel free to email me at:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> TaraJoy AT Faithineveryday DOT com. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-29282320832768060102015-05-21T11:34:00.000-04:002015-05-27T08:46:20.766-04:00Amish Promises by Leslie Gould Review <div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">**This post may contain sponsor, affiliate, and/or referral links. I have been given <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/_ignore_category/1/id/317281/s/amish-promises-softcover">a PDF of Amish Promises by Leslie Gould</a> free of charge in exchange for this review. However, the opinions in this post are my own. For more information please read my full <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/p/disclosure-statement.html" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; color: #674ea7; text-decoration: none;">disclosure statement here.</a> **</i></div>
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I love Amish fiction. I love the stories and underlying lessons. Which is why it is no surprise that I have another Amish fiction book to share with you. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABQ2izLcJalgmCPoIiFpO9yfZflZ77YUssumAWtXDoPx3lQE8WqxhINNGzKDgsvPiDgT8hMsHCOCs5kq9PVO0rtKahEyzR7qxI6g5u4zL-7XbWoWhaP-v8R6JpcZ0qqBqfnMUly1ufJc/s1600/cover60809-medium.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABQ2izLcJalgmCPoIiFpO9yfZflZ77YUssumAWtXDoPx3lQE8WqxhINNGzKDgsvPiDgT8hMsHCOCs5kq9PVO0rtKahEyzR7qxI6g5u4zL-7XbWoWhaP-v8R6JpcZ0qqBqfnMUly1ufJc/s320/cover60809-medium.png" width="206" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/317281/"><i>Amish Promises</i> by Leslie Gould</a> is a story of unexpected love and friendship. When Shani Beck, an Englisher and her family move into her grandfather's home in Lancaster County, PA hoping to help her husband Joel's war injuries heal, their amish neighbors have a mix feelings about it. Eve Lehman was thrilled to have a new friend in Shani, but her brother Tim, a widower and father of 5 children was not happy about the influence the Beck's could have on his family. </div>
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Things were finally looking up for Shani, they have great neighbors and playmates for her son Zane. Their friend Charlie, her husbands army buddy, would come over from Philly on the weekends to help around the house because Joel was in a wheelchair after re-injuring his leg in a bad fall. Everything seemed like it was the right choice to move to the middle of nowhere, at least until Eve saw Charlie. Charlie was kind, warm and great with the kids. She had never felt desire like that before. </div>
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The problem was she was Amish and he was English. When her brother Tim suspected feelings growing he cut all ties to prevent it. </div>
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Does it stop a love that could have been forming? Will Eve be willing to give up her role in raising her nieces and nephews for this Englisher? Even when she promised Abra, her best friend and Tim's wife that she would take care of her kids always, as she was dying. Should she stick to her promise or should she sacrifice everything for love?<a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/317281/"> Click here to find out. </a></div>
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Amish Promises was a very good read, another one of those I couldn't put down. I really enjoyed every turn of the story as well as the character interactions. I was rooting for Eve and Charlie every step of the way even when I wasn't sure what would happen. All the while hoping that Shani's family would be healed through it all. I thoroughly enjoyed feeling as if I was apart of the story. </div>
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Though I did love the book, the PDF version I received had a plethora of typos and missed quotations (kind of distracting when the main characters name changes from Shani to Shana a few times or when someone is speaking and you have no idea because there wasn't a beginning quotation), but that wasn't enough to deter me from finding out how the story ended. </div>
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<i>Amish Promises'</i> theme of trusting God through hard choices and life in general is something that we can all relate to, I know I personally took something away from the book and I know you can too! </div>
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Happy Reading! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-51563684228986488902015-05-19T20:50:00.000-04:002015-05-19T20:50:00.748-04:00Women of Faith: Julie from Savvy Homemaking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Women of Faith Series!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">These women contributing have poured their heart and souls into these posts wanting to share their beliefs with you. I welcome them with open arms and I pray that you will as well.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">A little about the series, I asked them all the same 12 questions to shed light on the beliefs of their faith and their personal journey. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">This is meant to be educational to expand your view of what others believe. I ask you to be respectful in any comments you leave and really start a conversation into exploring each of these faiths. Though you may not agree with their faith or beliefs, let's respect them by making this a safe place for them to share. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">Let's welcome <a href="http://savvyhomemaking.com/">Julie from Savvy Homemaking</a>!!</span></span></div>
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<b>1. Please give an overview of your faith and what it believes.</b><br />
For me, there is something tricky about defining my beliefs in the box of some denomination. I don't believe in sectarianism, but rather simply abide by scriptures total picture, from Genesis to Revelation. According to this understanding, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, I can say I am a whole Bible believer who loves Yahweh, our Elohim, Yeshua (Jesus) His Son, and freely receives the joy of salvation as offered by His Son! What a joy! To reverence Yahweh and welcome the change from the old creation to the new, I live and breathe the joy found in the Law, His Torah, that guides mankind in the Ways of righteousness. <br />
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<b>2. Was there a specific time of reason why you believe what you do?</b><br />
I have been walking with the Lord intentionally since I left home at 18 to join the Navy. It has been a step-by-step walk over these last 13 years of gradual change, sanctification, and growth, and only recently connecting the dots of the importance of knowingly and intentionally looking to Torah for guidance, because of the clarification of the Feast Days, pagan ways that still abound, and clear guidelines for interpersonal relationships in the face of offenses.<br />
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<b>3. Does your faith have religious books? Please name them all if more than one and give a brief description of its purpose/origins.</b><br />
I follow the Bible, in its entirety, reading both many translations. I will often read various thoughts and beliefs regarding it and it's compilations, but always pitting them against Torah and Deuteronomy 13 to determine if there is any lasting value. But, the Bible is the only book to which I turn for Truth.<br />
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<b>4. How do you put your faith into practice everyday?</b><br />
I live out my faith with Yahweh in every moment of every day, sometimes stumbling, sometimes falling, but always getting back up, dusting off, and continuing on. I know that my "failures" are tools for growth that permit me to realize my own inherently fallible nature. My flesh wars with the Spirit, but day-by-day it dies off piece by piece, changing me to a new Creation in Christ. I make food choices according to Levitican dietary laws, not to be confused with Kosher Rabbinical Laws. Overall, we enjoy Yahweh, honor and recognize Him in our words and actions, give praise to Him when times are good AND bad, and trust Him with all that we cannot see or do. He is our good Provider and Sovereign Lord. We are so very honored to love, and be loved by, Him.<br />
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<b>5. Do you believe in Heaven? How do you get there? If you don't, what do you believe happens after you die?</b><br />
We receive salvation through the simplicity of the peace offered to us through the sacrifice and victory claimed on the Cross by Yeshua. The process of sanctification happens after that gift is accepted as we walk according to the leading of the Spirit, which is in accordance to the Law (Torah). This applies the words of James so very clearly, bringing solid footing to the "works" that prove our faith, revealing the life that it gives in our actions from our thoughts. The journey of sanctification and commitment of the saints reveals a true and living faith that is not shallow or founded in falsehood. Only God truly knows who are His and who follow Him in Truth, not by some attempt to earn salvation. <br />
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<b>6. What do you/faith believe about the human condition? Is being a good person enough according to your religion?</b><br />
There is never any "good enough." "Good enough" to do or be what? Before God, who is perfect and just, we all fall short. But, praise be to Him that He provided the path to redemption and recompense through His Son, who became the sacrificial Passover lamb and First Fruits of all the Saints, revealing once more the importance of Torah as He fulfilled the Spring Feast Days perfectly. There is still a Fall grouping to be fulfilled in days to come, as yet unfinished and unfulfilled.<br />
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<b>7. Who do you/your faith believe Jesus is? What do you know about him?</b><br />
Yeshua was the perfect Passover lamb, whose coming was predicted and practiced for millenia through the Spring Feast Days mentioned in Deuteronomy 16. He was God's chosen Son, who was sinless and fully obedient to Torah, righteous and complete, the perfect sacrifice to cover the sins of the elect. He humbled Himself to come to earth and become man, even dying on the cross for mankind. It is through His blood and salvithic work that we can all give praise to Yahweh for His grace and mercy and continue to obediently follow His Ways as explained in Torah out of love for Him.<br />
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<b>8. Who do you believe God is? If you believe in God, what is he like? (Base this on your religious beliefs) If you don't believe in God, why not?</b><br />
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, foundation for all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is both loving and just, merciful and righteous, long-suffering and holy, gracious and forgiving. He protects and provides for His chosen people for ever, but is a gentleman and does not force those who call on Him to obey His Word. Disobedience to Him brings about consequences, but prayer and repentance brings about forgiveness. It is to Him all glory and praise must go for all mankind.<br />
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<b>9. Have you had to defend your beliefs? What happened?</b><br />
Often. Some people ask questions to seek understanding and contemplation. Some people ask questions to find arguments and fight in contention. What happens depends fully on the heart of the listener. They are the determination of what happens with seeds of faith.<br />
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<b>10. How has your faith/beliefs changed you?</b><br />
I have been so mightily changed over time. I have moved from a scared person, strongly intimidated by the approval of man, to a learning-to-be-bold woman of God, holding out the Truth of the Word to those who are looking for the Light. I have grown in the importance of selflessness, humility, dying to self daily, although I still stumble often. I have been challenged and grown in my character, like patience, kindness, mercy, gentility, etc. My faith has only made me stronger and more in love with Yahweh. His Word guides my thoughts and words in each moment.<br />
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<b>11. Have you ever questioned your faith? How did you question it? And did you get the answers you were searching for to keep believing?</b><br />
I have questioned my faith and various beliefs as the Lord reveals them many times over the years. But, these questions motivate me to dig in deeper to study and learn scriptures to understand why I believe and think what I do. My faith and questions have only stirred me deeper into the strength of my faith. <br />
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<b>12. What is something that you want to tell people about your faith?</b><br />
Scripture lays out a simple path for living at peace with Yahweh. It reveals the Ways of God found in the Law, which is perfect and beautiful and honoring of all creation. The sacrificial system of the Law was fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Yeshua, but the moral aspects of the Law, which most focus on as the Ten Commandments, remain in effect today. We are called to love the Lord above all else and to Love our neighbors as ourselves. These two concepts are the foundation of all the Law and Prophets. Torah simply explained what Yahweh meant by these proclamations and the commands of the ten commandments as given to Moses.<br />
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However, man continues to this day to add to the Law and apply more and greater laws upon each other, placing nooses and millstones around the necks of those who try to follow it. Torah was meant to provide a free system of interaction between individuals and entire systems of community, but abandoning its simplicity has brought about trouble time and time again. Neither Rabbinical Laws or other religious laws, can add anything of value to God's Law.<br />
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It is perfect as it is. Removing the "Law" removes the path of Holy living, and brings about confusion more than peace and order. Although there is much to understand in its regard, the beauty is that the process of sanctification permits us the time and process to grow in understanding according to Isaiah 28:10, "a little here, a little there."<br />
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This is what Yeshua's sacrifice created for us: the peace to walk obediently through faith without fear of judgement from God for not understanding and stumbling in sin and ignorance. God is loving, and He provided His Spirit to guide us and counsel us step-by-step as we walk with Him in obedience. So, now we can be free to love Him back the way He likes to be loved (by walking according to Torah, which is revealed over and over in the Word; Psalm 119 declares this sentiment repeatedly).<br />
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We need not expect ourselves or others to be perfect in obedience, for if that were doable, we would not have needed Yeshua. Now, we can offer grace and mercy to ourselves and others while we persevere onward towards righteousness and eternity. The Bible brings true peace when we can shake off the confusion of man. Shalom!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Julie Ann Filter, of <a href="http://savvyhomemaking.com/">Savvyhomemaking.com</a>, has been a lover of Yahweh since her late teens. She has been married for nearly 12 years and been blessed with six children so far. She is passionate about Biblical living, love for God, and learning the blessings of faith and mercy. She enjoys learning about God's creation more and more as she studies natural health, living, and eating methods. She has a BS in Health and Wellness and is currently pursuing an MA in Counseling with a focus in Life Coaching, a certification in Strategic Communications, as well as Certification as a Childbirth Educator. She hopes to one day also bless women as a birth and post-partum doula, but will likely pursue that in years to come.</span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-5838824249480462382015-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:002015-05-14T00:00:00.986-04:00Let The Journey Begin… <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">**This post may contain sponsor, affiliate, and/or referral links. I have been given Let The Journey Begin by Max Lucado<a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/_ignore_category/1/id/294857/s/let-the-journey-begin-finding-god-s-best-for-your-life-hardcover/" rel="nofollow">Let The Journey Begin by Max Lucado </a> free of charge in exchange for this review. However, the opinions in this post are my own. For more information please read my full <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/p/disclosure-statement.html" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; color: #674ea7; text-decoration: none;">disclosure statement here.</a> **</i></div>
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What if God's plan for your life meant giving to God the thing in life you Cherish the most? What if it means going outside of your comfort zone and doing something you're scared of? Something that brings anxiety of the unknown and uncertainty to the surface? </div>
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<i>Would you still answer his call? Would you still decide to follow Jesus, anywhere he lead you? </i></div>
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As much as I long to continue to be a stay at home mom, then homeschool K, right now thats not what is being placed on my heart. <a href="http://www.faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/05/make-moving-easy-with-toddler.html">With our move </a>comes a transition in life that I had known would come. </div>
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When God says, I need you for something different now.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will guide you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. </span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalm 32:8</span></i></b></div>
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My heart has been changing, my interest and knowledge of apologetics has been growing and prayers for God's will to be done have been prayed. As anxieties fill my heart, I prayed for peace about this transition if it is God's will. I have begun to feel peace and a hope for the future. </div>
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Though I know this transition will be happening - I don't know when or how. </div>
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Questions like, <i>what is God's plan? Where will I work? Who is it that I will encounter?</i>, fill my head. I wonder how in the world am I supposed to know where to start. </div>
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Then I received, <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/_ignore_category/1/id/294857/s/let-the-journey-begin-finding-god-s-best-for-your-life-hardcover/" rel="nofollow"><i>Let the Journey Begin </i>by Max Lucado</a> in the mail. This month's Max Lucado book to review is all about transitions in life and its journey. How amazing is God to provide the right book at the right time? A true answer to my prayers. </div>
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<i><a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/_ignore_category/1/id/294857/s/let-the-journey-begin-finding-god-s-best-for-your-life-hardcover/" rel="nofollow">Let The Journey Begin</a> </i>is another compilation of exerts from Max Lucado's other books rolled into a short 157 pages focusing on guiding through scripture and words of wisdom as you take the next step in your own journey. It is a book to encourage and inspire you to get out of your comfort zone and embrace God's will for your life. </div>
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My book is now covered in highlights and notes of things I want to remember and apply to my own life. Such as… </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Wouldn't you love to look back on your own life and know you had down what you were called to do?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>-Max Lucado,</b> <i>Let The Journey Begin</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Enjoy serving the Lord and he will give you what you want. Depend on the Lord; trust him and he will take care of you."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Psalm 37: 4-5 </i></b></span></div>
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This is not what I expected when I started reading, this book is very much like <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/03/more-than-just-symbol-more-than-just.html"><i>On Calvary's Hill</i></a> in the way that it takes from other works as well as like <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/01/prayer-in-bathroom-stall.html"><i>Before Amen</i></a> in having an "apply to your life" section at the end.<b> It is truly a "It is what <u>you</u> make of it" kind of book</b> in the sense that you could just skim right through or you can slow down and actually go deeper by putting these words into practice in your own life to guide yourself toward your journey of God's will. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. </span></div>
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<b><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Proverbs 3:6</span> </i></b></b></div>
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I personally will be taking in all I can to help pave the way towards God's plan for my life. Choosing to take an active role instead of continuing down a passive path. Will it be easy? Will I get to do what makes me happy? Probably not, I most likely will have to stop doing what I have known for the past 3 years and step out on faith that God knows better than I. </div>
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And it all begins with trust. Trusting God with my life and my plan even though I don't know what it is yet. With my life I trust him fully. His will be done. </div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">So, Let the Journey Begin...</span></i></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-87079835866391540782015-05-12T00:00:00.000-04:002015-05-12T15:39:19.519-04:00Women of Faith: Maddy from Chatty Maddy Helps<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Women of Faith Series!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">These women contributing have poured their heart and souls into these posts wanting to share their beliefs with you. I welcome them with open arms and I pray that you will as well.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">A little about the series, I asked them all the same 12 questions to shed light on the beliefs of their faith and their personal journey. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">This is meant to be educational to expand your view of what others believe. I ask you to be respectful in any comments you leave and really start a conversation into exploring each of these faiths. Though you may not agree with their faith or beliefs, let's respect them by making this a safe place for them to share. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"></span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">Let's welcome <a href="http://www.chattymaddyhelps.blogspot.com/">Maddy from Chatty Maddy Helps</a>!!</span></span></div>
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<b>I’m a Mormon! I Know It, I Live It, I Love It!</b></div>
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By Maddy Stutz </div>
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Hello, my name is Maddy Stutz! I love cats, blogging…and I’m a Mormon! If you don’t know what the heck that even is, then let me tell you! <br />
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First off, “Mormon” isn’t even our name. On our church buildings, it doesn’t say, “Mormon Church.” The official name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! As stated in the name, we believe in Jesus Christ, and identify ourselves as Christians! <br />
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Our church has a living prophet today, named President Thomas S. Monson. He’s just like the prophets of old, and we also have 12 apostles! This is set up the exact same way Christ himself established leadership in the church 2,000 years ago during his time on good ol’ earth. We also have bishops, stake presidents, mission presidents, young women presidents, relief society presidents, and about a zillion other positions that are held by both men and women. <br />
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When Christ was crucified, and then rose again on the third day, He told his servants that he must visit “sheep not of this fold” (John 10:16). 2,000 years ago, people lived all over the world, not just in the Middle East where the Bible takes place. So doesn’t it make sense that Christ would visit more of his children elsewhere? Well…that’s exactly what happened! <br />
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The Bible is a record of the Christ’s teachings and gospel on the Eastern Hemisphere, but the people of the America’s on the Western Hemisphere were scribbling away as well. They created a book, another Testament of Jesus Christ, which teachings are the exact same teachings in the Bible, and further verifies the Holy Book, and in 1827, we received it.<br />
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Joseph Smith Junior began to wonder the age-old question, what is the true religion? He traveled to many churches and listened to hundreds of sermons, but all seemed to contradict, or not make sense. In 1820 at the age of 14, his passion for knowing the truth became increasingly strong, and he looked to the Bible. He read James 1:5, which states, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” <br />
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Hit with a powerful desire to ask for himself, he walked into a grove near his home in Palmyra, New York. No one better described what happened next besides Joseph Smith himself: <br />
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“After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.<br />
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But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.<br />
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One of them ... said, pointing to the other—“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”<br />
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It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”<br />
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My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.<br />
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I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”<br />
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He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home.” <br />
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Then, late one night, an angel named Moroni appeared to Joseph, and told him of a book that was written. A book that further testified of the truth of Christ’s gospel. A book written of the accounts of the saints living in the America’s in ancient times, and in 1827, Joseph Smith received these plates from a hill, and was translated and published into the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.<br />
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Now, onto my personal experiences as a Mormon. This gospel has brought me the most peace anything in life could possibly bring. It gives me strength not to fear death when the time comes, for we all will be resurrected like Christ, and we will live again with him…in flesh and blood. I know my sins can be forgiven through forgiveness because of His infinite atonement…every last sin. But believing isn’t enough, for “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). People often say all you have to do to earn God’s forgiveness is to love him, but is that really logical? After all, do you only have to love your parents to gain their forgiveness? Or do you have to work at it, show that you love them, listen to their counsel, follow their commandments and show them you are a faithful child? The same goes for our Heavenly Father. When we follow His commandments, we prove that we love Him, we have faith in Him, and with that we can be forgiven and become good people. <br />
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I love that Heavenly Father doesn’t ask us to primarily call him “master” or “king.” Yes, we call Him that sometimes, but he primarily refers to himself as the “Father.” How sweet is that? Often when I pray, I like to picture us on a daddy-daughter date, sitting on a bench in a beautiful park, maybe even drinking lemonade. We talk about everything that’s on my mind, all my fears and dreams. And I try to imagine what a loving and merciful father would say back…what He would say back. Because of this, we’re pretty tight. Two peas in a pod! He has helped me through my darkest times, and rejoiced with me through the happiest moments of my life. <br />
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Of course, I’ve questioned things at first. I mean, God and the Son coming to a 14 year-old boy in 1820? Modern day prophets and apostles like Moses of old? Another testament of Jesus Christ? You might be able to talk yourself out of it pretty fast, but it’s not so far-fetched as you might originally think. After all, why would God stop talking to us now? If He wanted us to return to Him, isn’t it logical that He would provide a prophet today to help us get there, just like before? Isn’t it logical that He would visit all his children, and they would write a book about it? Nothing about the origin of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn’t include things that happened in the Bible, but what happened is in the latter-days, modern days. It’s for us, it’s for me and it’s for you. He lives, He will come again, and He will wrap you in His arms and whisper in your ear, “Hello, my child. I missed you.” <br />
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For more information, check out <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">www.mormon.org</a> <br />
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To watch a short video about a Book of Mormon Story, check out <a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/a-book-of-mormon-story-1">http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages/a-book-of-mormon-story-1</a><br />
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God isn’t dead. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maddy Stutz is a Mormon blogger living in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is passionate about dissolving the stigma that surrounds mental illness, and desires to educate everyone on their divine worth, ability to love themselves, and the potential God sees inside within them. To check out more of Maddy's writings, you can visit her blog at <a href="http://www.chattymaddyhelps.blogspot.com./">www.chattymaddyhelps.blogspot.com. </a></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-58214598487667197912015-05-07T00:00:00.000-04:002015-05-07T21:27:24.628-04:00Make Moving Easy With A Toddler <div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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I know I have been a little quiet around here and on social media lately and its because we are moving and have entered into moving mode. This is nothing new to us, just another adventure! This will be our 3rd family move in the last 3 years, so I am really starting to get the hang of it. This time though, I have a toddler walking and talking which makes it a whole new experience.</div>
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This is what I do to help everything so smoothly and I hope it'll help you too!</div>
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<strong>Step 1: Write out what things are being donated, sold or thrown out - and where its going.</strong></div>
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I have to admit, my son has a ridiculous amount of toys. A lot of which he has either grown out of or doesn't use at all. To try to minimize the things we move I will be donating and selling a ton of stuff to lighten the load. I mean who needs 4 different sets of dinnerware? And that box of stuffed animals that have been in the closet since we moved here. Yup they're going.</div>
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To make this easier on your toddler, do it when they are not around.</div>
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<strong>Step 2: Figure out what is used on a daily basis, and pack the rest.</strong></div>
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Since we had only have a few short weeks to move it is good to identify what we use everyday so everything else can just be packed up quickly. I normally pack up my travel bag with everything I need so that I don't even have to worry about packing up something on accident when we are in the final stages.</div>
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Don't feel bad about living out of a suitcase for a few weeks. You can always wash your clothes if needed and it make things so much less stressful because you don't have to worry about packing the wrong things. My little K also has a TON of clothes, which means I need to pick a few outfits, pj's etc to wear while we pack and just pack up the rest.</div>
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With your toddler - keep out only a few of his/her favorite toys. (I tried to pack a box of toys while my little guy was home and it just ended with all of the toys back on the floor, so pack up the toys when they're not there or really preoccupied)</div>
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<strong>Step 3: Color coordinate the boxes for easy access.</strong></div>
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This helps moving into the new place much easier. Different Color Duck Tape is the most effective way, so when you move into your new place you just place the colored boxes in the room that is assigned that color.</div>
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Also, if you color code them then if you accidentally do pack something up that you need, you can easily find it.</div>
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<strong>Step 4: Get your toddler involved!</strong></div>
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Grab a small box and have them "pack" too, this move my little guy has loved being able to press the tape down on the boxes as we close them up! Getting them included makes them feel excited and accomplished. If that doesn't work, boxes make great tunnels!</div>
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<strong>Step 5: Eat down your fridge/freezer/pantry.</strong></div>
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I hate wasting money on food. By not eating it and allowing it to go bad. So we will be avoiding going to the grocery store for food except for milk which little man goes through quickly, and small things.</div>
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I will be having a lot of homemade shakes over the next few weeks to eat down the frozen fruit and massive bag of carrots we have!</div>
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<strong>Step 6: Create an activity basket.</strong></div>
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I grab one of K's toy baskets, about 1ft x 1ft basket, that I place a few of his favorite toys, the portable DVD player, some movies, crayons, coloring books, books, snacks etc. This doubles as the small toys to occupy your little one while your packing his/her toys up, as well as a car travel basket if you moving via car.</div>
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<strong>Step 7: Mentally prepare yourself for the meltdown that will come. </strong></div>
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Moving with a toddler is a stressful thing on them because they don't really understand whats happening. You can prepare them with books and talking about it, but when they see their things being packed up or ask for a specific toy that is already in a box there may be a fit or meltdown, and that is normal. This is a new thing for them, and an adjustment for everyone, so give them some extra love during this transitional phase.</div>
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I don't know about you but I think the hardest thing about moving is getting rid of all of my excess stuff. I always think..well maybe at some point I will use this.. but then we never usually do. Oh the joys of moving!</div>
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<b><i style="border: none;">Your Turn:</i></b> What are your moving tips?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-61557894582614787462015-05-05T14:12:00.000-04:002015-05-05T14:12:41.927-04:00Women of Faith: Amy from All Spice and Acrylics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">These women contributing have poured their heart and souls into these posts wanting to share their beliefs with you. I welcome them with open arms and I pray that you will as well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">This is meant to be educational to expand your view of what others believe. I ask you to be respectful in any comments you leave and really start a conversation into exploring each of these faiths. Though you may not agree with their faith or beliefs, let's respect them by making this a safe place for them to share. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">Let's welcome <a href="http://allspiceandacrylics.blogspot.com/">Amy from All Spice and Acrylics</a>!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9dz_97I-2stxx3MZ3vnuZM0Sfk5YhxMIyVboKxlCQCEbdcP6PFX40-paXHrB-21MT1jwKnbdNoRYMWRtC-fOdOU2Ma2lONG_K5mFby-uKl1GdNIcR-BGw7qLxhrbtXaaDdlQG3rnrsU/s1600/James1TarayJoy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9dz_97I-2stxx3MZ3vnuZM0Sfk5YhxMIyVboKxlCQCEbdcP6PFX40-paXHrB-21MT1jwKnbdNoRYMWRtC-fOdOU2Ma2lONG_K5mFby-uKl1GdNIcR-BGw7qLxhrbtXaaDdlQG3rnrsU/s1600/James1TarayJoy.png" width="200" /></a>
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<b>1. Please give an overview of your faith and what it believes.</b><br />
I am Jewish and generally spiritual. I love Judaism for its rich history, culture, connection to nature and connection to myself. When I think of me in relation to my faith, I think of the backbone of my childhood – rich family memories around the kitchen table over Shabbat dinner or celebrating Passover, the smell of my mother’s perfume sitting next to her in temple, and brushing my fingers against the cover of the Torah scroll when it was paraded down the aisles on holidays. Judaism to me, is a joyful celebration of life – a true culmination of ritual, music, culture, nature, and spirit. When I pray to God, I am really looking deep within myself and seeing my ancestors, and a history I can only sense – it’s a beautiful feeling.<br />
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<b>2. Was there a specific time of reason why you believe what you do? </b><br />
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My story is quite unique. I was your typical Jewish girl – I loved to eat, we celebrated huge Passovers every year, warm family and Jewish community, had the typical over-produced bat mitzvah, etc. On April 25th 2005, we had our usual Passover seder (the second night) – 40 people joyously singing in our basement, food and laughter galore. Suddenly, I found myself in intense pain. To condense a VERY long and intricate story, I went into cardiac arrest – in this emergency, I was operated on, and apparently, once I was cut open, my stomach literally burst to the top of the OR. I needed 122 units of blood and after both lungs collapsed, I almost died. Again, fast-forwarding through a bunch: I was in a coma for 6 months. When I awoke, I was told that I had no stomach anymore. I could not eat or drink. It was not known when or if I would ever be able to again. 27 surgeries later and over 3 years without food or drink, I’m fine now and truly appreciating life and my faith, more than ever before.<br />
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My Jewish identity really does overlap with my creative practice and my life as an artist. My grandmother was a holocaust survivor at 18. She was an amazing seamstress, and survived when Nazis recruited her to sew uniforms. My Grandma was never bitter – she sang, found blessings/gratitude, savored life - Her art and spirit enabled her to survive. I first read The Diary of Anne Frank in middle school, and was struck by her spirit, and how closely her mindset and vivacity resembled mine. I too would journal like crazy about the beauty of nature and the hidden blessings in life – I shared her infectious childlike wonder and a burgeoning curiosity. I’d read her journal repeatedly be awed by her appreciation of life, faith, hope, belief. I played Anne in two regional productions, and they were the most rewarding theatrical experiences of my life. I truly felt alive in this role, and grounded in my heritage and my endless love for life. <br />
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Having survived a coma and other medical traumas, it was my artistic fighting spirit and my love of life – like Anne’s – that inspired me to persevere – my writing, art and music got me through. I am also passionate about Jewish music – I’ve learned cantorial chants, and played violin in a Klezmer band. I live life joyously, and my art reflects the grateful, exuberant reverence of God.<br />
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<b>2. Does your faith have religious books? Please name them all if more than one and give a brief description of its purpose/origins.</b><br />
Too many to name! I adore Abraham Heschel – a scholar, rabbi, philanthropist, and inspirational thinker. His writings on nature and spirit are so universal you don’t need to be Jewish to appreciate them.<br />
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Also, anything by Martin Buber, specifically I and Thou.<br />
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These books are wonderful overviews on Jewish Philosophy:<br />
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Finding God: Selected Responses Paperback<br />
by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rifat-Sonsino/e/B001JRUEZY/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">Rifat Sonsino</a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Holiness-Jewish-Spiritual-Mussar/dp/1590306090/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427483497&sr=1-3&keywords=jewish+spirituality">Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar</a><br />
by Alan Morinis<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Spirituality-Sixteenth-Century-Revival-Present/dp/082450965X/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427483497&sr=1-5&keywords=jewish+spirituality"><br />Jewish Spirituality: From the Sixteenth-Century Revival to the Present (World Spirituality)</a><br />
by Arthur Green<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Mystical-Autobiographies-Megillat-Spirituality/dp/080913876X/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427483497&sr=1-7&keywords=jewish+spirituality">Jewish Mystical Autobiographies: The Book of Visions and Megillat Setarim (Classics of Western Spirituality)</a><br />
by Hayyim Ben Joseph Vital and Isaac Judah Jehiel Safrin<br />
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Legends of the Baal Shem Tov<br />
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Anything by Larry Kushner<br />
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“Why Bad Things Happen to Good People”<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wise-Words-Thoughts-Stories-Through/dp/0060566930/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427483590&sr=1-1&keywords=wise+words+jewish">Wise Words: Jewish Thoughts and Stories Through the Ages</a><br />
by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Gribetz/e/B00IZEJADG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427483590&sr=1-1">Jessica Gribetz</a><br />
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Shalom Aleihem Short Stories<br />
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Why we Pray<br />
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Rabbi Nachman’s Stories<br />
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The Zohar<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Bible-Scriptures-Translation-Traditional/dp/0827603665/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427483664&sr=1-2&keywords=torah"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Bible-Scriptures-Translation-Traditional/dp/0827603665/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427483664&sr=1-2&keywords=torah">The Jewish Bible: Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures -- The New JPS Translation According to the Traditional Hebrew Text...</a><br />
by The Jewish Publication Society<br />
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And so much more!<br />
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<b>4. How do you put your faith into practice everyday?</b><br />
My love and appreciation of life shines bright through my strong belief and unwavering faith in God. My love of Jewish traditions, history and culture are interweaved in how I live my life and my perspective on the ways of the natural world. I’m a true survivor, with a powerful story to tell and a strong message to deliver to the world. My show Gutless & Grateful is a musical tale of facing death, and surviving to find blessings inherent in my life and world. Joy and gratitude enabled me to survive and thrive.<br />
My creative practice would impact the Jewish community by reinvigorating people’s sense of faith in God and belief in miracles, even in dark times. This message is imperative to Judaism, and also universally relevant. I hope that sharing my story and will inspire the greater arts community as well. I have used my art to heal myself and found that it has been the best inspiration and therapy in order not just to survive, but thrive. My detours have shown me that I can still be the performer I’ve always aspired to, but now with an even greater gift – a story to tell. Jewish culture is so much based on storytelling, with lessons and morals interwoven, and my story has a place among them.<br />
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<b>5. Do you believe in Heaven? How do you get there? If you don't, what do you believe happens after you die? </b><br />
I believe that you can’t destroy spirit. I don't think very literally in terms of religion – I feel we all share the same spirit, and when we start getting literal and scientific, we miss the point and the beauty and the reason for it. I do believe the spirit lives on. I don’t know if there is a specific heaven or hell, but I believe that the soul’s energy is still very much with us, and all around.<br />
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<b>6. What do you/faith believe about the human condition? Is being a good person enough according to your religion? </b><br />
There are many Jewish schools of thought, but definitely not that the human being is inherently evil, good, or needs to be saved. I believe very much in free will. We have the power to decide for ourselves. Judaism advocates for good deeds and help mend the world. As long as a person has other people in mind and compassion for the universe, I believe this is enough.<br />
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<b>7. Who do you/your faith believe Jesus is? What do you know about him? </b><br />
I don't know a large amount about Jesus, but I am accepting of anyone’s view of how they view spirituality.<br />
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<b>8. Who do you believe God is? If you believe in God, what is he like? (Base this on your religious beliefs) If you don't believe in God, why not?</b><br />
God is spirit, God is in us, God is everywhere. When I was in third grade, every night I would my fingertips together before I drifted off to sleep – it was my little language I had with God. Somehow, I told myself, if I pressed my fingers together as tightly as I could, and felt that warmth in between each tip, whatever I said, God could hear me. And so every night, I would do this ritual, like a grasshopper rubbing its legs together, and chant the same words: Dear God, thank you for a beautiful day today. Please let me live a long, happy and healthy life. Please visit me in my dreams. Amen. And then I’d slowly feel my eyelids fall, and I would be transported into the world of dreams. <br />
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I remember dreaming about heaven, my favorite popstars coming over to play, being chased by vampires, and other embodiments of childhood fears and fantasies, but I never did see God. When I woke up in the morning, I would run through my dream from start to finish, trying to remember every last detail and see if God was there, like a Where’s Waldo storybook. But I never did spot God. I often imagined him in an oak tree, right in front of my window, and told myself he never came to my dreams because he was too busy watching over me as I slept, keeping our home safe. <br />
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I rubbed my fingers together more firmly and fervently as I grew older – all the way until I was 18 years old. I never gave up my search for God. I saw Him in all of nature, but I wanted my own message in my dreams. Outside my window, there were so many different trees – different shapes, colors, positions, – every tree unique and unashamed to be so. They stood tall, and each outstretched its branches to God in its own heartfelt way – some reached wide, tall, around, and some reached deep down, the earth which is what their roots are for. And they reach out towards each other too. They all knew that God was everywhere – including in themselves. This was the lesson I was to learn myself.<br />
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<b>9. Have you had to defend your beliefs? What happened? </b><br />
After my coma, my childhood dreams of one day finding God shattered. Now, it seemed as though there was no God or anyone to protect me anymore. I felt betrayed, as though the promises made to me as a child were all lies – that fervently rubbing my fingers together day after day for 18 years was all for nothing.<br />
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Losing your faith is a scary thing – especially in the midst of danger and uncertainty – because you don’t have anything substantial to stand on. There is nothing to tell yourself when you fall, and there is nothing to push you forward, even when the future feels daunting. But here I was, a teenager, completely displaced out of the life I felt belonged to me, suddenly a medical marionette with a new body, vitality, literally woken up to a different reality that I could never anticipate or even comprehend as a happy-go-lucky high school senior.<br />
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<b>10. How has your faith/beliefs changed you? </b><br />
They have helped me anchor to my past, remember who I was, keep me present now, and give me the strength to move forward into the unknown.<br />
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<b>11. Have you ever questioned your faith? How did you question it? And did you get the answers you were searching for to keep believing? </b><br />
After feeling betrayed by God, I allowed myself to believe in miracles again and feel that overwhelming sense of gratitude for the miracles that do happen every day. Most miraculously, the realization that God was in my dreams all along, and even better – with me day, night, everywhere and anywhere. Our dreams are the seeds that God plans for us, where our intuition whispers to us, and where we can find an anchor to our place in the world – even if we are “displaced” from it suddenly at 18.<br />
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<b>12. What is something that you want to tell people about your faith?</b><br />
I also just got engaged, and am in the process of interviewing rabbis for our wedding, which is inspiring an entire spiritual rebirth in me, as I educate myself on Jewish wedding customs old and new. Judaism has always been part and parcel of my life. I've been a religious school teacher, a bar mitzvah tutor, played in a klezmer band, played Anne Frank twice, and read Abraham Heschel for my own enjoyment. I feel as though my life would be lacking in color without Judaism.<br />
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When you undergo a near-death experience, then you are suddenly told my doctors that you may never recover and go back to the life you were leading the day before your coma, it is very hard to keep faith. As a child, I was told to give all of my troubles to God. So, every night in the hospital, I would pray to God - I would pray that he still existed for me. I would prayer that he would let me at least drink a sip of water "next week." And I prayed for "next week" every day for three years. If I did not keep God and my Jewish faith alive throughout all of the uncertainty, I felt like a part of me would be lost forever. Especially since both of my grandparents died while I was in a coma - they were my main lifeline to Judaism. Like a museum, I feel like it is my job, mission, and honor to keep Judaism alive for my family, my future children, and myself. Everything I do, I do wholeheartedly.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amy Oestreicher is a 27 year old actress, musician, teacher, composer, dancer, writer, artist, yogi, foodie, and general lover of life.<br /><br />At the age of 18, Amy fell into a coma for months, and once she came </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to, she resolved that she would never become the “patient” or “victim” </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that her medical circumstances wanted her to be. She simply allowed </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the unexpected detour to force her to investigate new productions and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hobbies – she started a chocolate business, learned to cook and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">authored a food blog. She taught herself to paint and created mixed </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">media acrylics, and put up three art shows within one year.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For her triumph over her medical ordeal, Amy was honored in the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Northeast region by the Great Comebacks organization, for 2014. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Throughout the ups and downs of 27 surgeries, Amy has managed to live </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">a fulfilling life and has kept her spirit alive, always hungry for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">more knowledge, joy, and experience. She prides herself of ending </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">every night with a list of what she’s grateful for. Amy is currently </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">studying performance, visual arts and playwriting at Hampshire </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">College. Having taught, inspired, and healed through her own </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">learning, Amy plans to pursue a masters in Expressive Arts Therapies </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to help others find their passion as a form of discovery and healing.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">Find her at </span><a href="http://www.amyoes.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">www.amyoes.com</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://allspiceandacrylics.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">allspiceandacrylics.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>com</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-15159007299960619132015-04-28T00:00:00.000-04:002015-04-28T00:00:06.029-04:00Women of Faith: JoDee from A to Z for Moms Like Me<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-size: 13px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 14px;"></span><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">This is meant to be educational to expand your view of what others believe. I ask you to be respectful in any comments you leave and really start a conversation into exploring each of these faiths. Though you may not agree with their faith or beliefs, let's respect them by making this a safe place for them to share. </span></div>
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<b>1. Please give an overview of your faith and what it believes. </b><br />
The best overview I can give is what is called the 13 Articles of Faith, it was written by Joseph Smith to answer this question when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormon or LDS) was founded- they can be found on <a href="http://lds.org/">lds.org</a> <br />
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<b> 13 Articles of Faith</b><br />
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We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. <br />
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We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression. <br />
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We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. <br />
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We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. <br />
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We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. <br />
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We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. <br />
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We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth. <br />
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We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. <br />
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We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. <br />
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We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. <br />
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We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. <br />
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We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. <br />
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We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. <br />
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<b>2. Was there a specific time of reason why you believe what you do? </b><br />
Each person has the ability to pray and have their prayers answered, this is the answer to my prayers. I love how we have a living prophet just as in Bible times, we have Temples where sacred ordinances can be done and families can be sealed together forever- not until death do you part.<br />
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<b>3. Does your faith have religious books? Please name them all if more than one and give a brief description of its purpose/origins.</b><br />
As mentioned in the 13 articles of faith above- we believe the Bible to be the word of God, as long as it is translated correctly. We use the King James version. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God. We have other books such as Doctrine & Covenants, The Pear of Great Price, and monthly magazines with talks from our Prophet and Apostles called the Ensign, and 2 magazines for teens and youth called the New Era and the Friend.<br />
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<b>4. How do you put your faith into practice everyday? </b><br />
Prayer, Scripture study, but most of all it's about living the standards and teachings we believe in. Showing love, serving others, etc..<br />
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<b>5. Do you believe in Heaven? How do you get there? If you don't, what do you believe happens after you die? </b><br />
Yes. We believe there are 2 places called Spirit Paradise and Spirit Prison that a person goes to after they die. The determining factor of which they will go to depends on if they have had specific works done either while they were on earth or done for them through Temple work after they have died. Those works begin with Baptism.<br />
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<b>6. What do you/faith believe about the human condition? Is being a good person enough according to your religion? </b><br />
Being a good person is important, since we are all judged by our own actions and not others. But it is necessary to have made certain covenants- just like Jesus was baptized, we must be also.<br />
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<b>7. Who do you/your faith believe Jesus is? What do you know about him? </b><br />
Jesus is the Savior of the World, the Redeemer, and so many other titles. He is our elder spiritual brother who came to earth to atone for our sins and was crucified then resurrected. He did everything for our sake that through Him we can return to our Heavenly Father.<br />
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<b><br />8. Who do you believe God is? If you believe in God, what is he like? (Base this on your religious beliefs) If you don't believe in God, why not? </b><br />
God is our Heavenly Father. The creator of our spirits. He loves us so much that he gave us the opportunity to get a physical body and come to earth that we might gain experience to learn and progress and some day be like Him.<br />
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<b>9. Have you had to defend your beliefs? What happened? </b><br />
When you believe in something good there are bound to be antagonistic people who are eager to prove you wrong, or prove themselves right. Some people ask questions honestly, while others are just looking for ways to belittle or attack beliefs. As far as defending my beliefs, there is no need. I have nothing to prove, if they don't believe what I do that's fine and their choice, but I know what I know and that's all that matters in the end.<br />
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<b>10. How has your faith/beliefs changed you? </b><br />
It keeps me focused on a bigger picture. That there is an eternal perspective in life and some problems are insignificant- yet we allow them to affect us with stress, worry, anger, depression, hatred, or any other unproductive energy that only leads to distract from living a happy successful life.<br />
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<b>11. Have you ever questioned your faith? How did you question it? And did you get the answers you were searching for to keep believing? </b><br />
I think everyone has doubts throughout their life, for me when I was a teen and wanted to know if what I believed was true I turned to scripture study and prayer and found my own answer. That's the great thing about prayer- it's available to everyone, and anyone can pray and receive their own answer!<br />
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<b>12. What is something that you want to tell people about your faith?</b><br />
Love matters most. Feel and understand to the best of your ability the love our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ have for us, and share that love with others.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">JoDee Mason, Blogger at <a href="http://www.atozformomslikeme.blogspot.com/">A to Z for Moms Like Me</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mom of 6 kids that keeps busy as a mom, blogger, book author, public speaker, Rapid Eye Technician, and learning/doing new things all the time! I live in a very rural area of Arizona and love spending my time doing new projects around the house and creating new programs to help others. My latest project is a program for teachers, parents and students called "Raising Superheroes" that I'm excited to share. It has consumed my free minutes lately. Life is all about learning and growing- but most of all for me it's about FUN and should be filled with passion, laughter, and joy. </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">**This post may contain sponsor, affiliate, and/or referral links. I have been given <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/298483/" rel="nofollow">Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café by Max Lucado </a> free of charge in exchange for this review. However, the opinions in this post are my own. For more information please read my full <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/p/disclosure-statement.html" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; color: #674ea7; text-decoration: none;">disclosure statement here.</a> **</i></div>
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When we last moved to a new state, I was full of energy and hope. I was looking forward to the possibilities of friendship and God's plan for our life here. I had just became a Christian and I has a great group of Christian friends I was leaving behind, hoping that I could find the same connections in our new city.</div>
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My expectations and God's plans didn't quite match up though. We moved and <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/03/how-to-survive-with-only-one-car.html">with only one car</a>, it made it hard to find good connections in a small rural town. I searched for friends and a good church home but moving in the middle of winter made things difficult. </div>
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"No wonder Chelsea's memory had become her greatest weapon, a sword she wielded wounding others, to protect herself. For decades she had waged this war, but at what cost? Now she stood alone on the battle field, bleeding and bruised. There were no victors in this war, and Chelsea counted herself among the casualties." </div>
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<b><b><i>-Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café, Max Lucado</i></b></b></div>
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I went six months without either. No matter how much I searched I didn't find anyone I could connect with. I felt alone - alone in my struggle of discovering what being a new christian meant, alone as a mother to a young son in regards to friends. That new belief passion was beginning to fade and I was left with the test and thoughts of whether or not God was actually there with me. </div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large;">Have you ever gone through a period of what seems like silence from God? Especially when things seem unbearable? </i></div>
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This is the feeling Chelsea Chambers from the book, <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/298483/" rel="nofollow">Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café</a> by Max Lucado, had when she took a daring step taking over her mothers cozy coffee shop. As a newly single mom of two she had to navigate the new situation all alone. When Chelsea hit financial trouble with the café she had no choice but to close shop. That was until a stranger, Manny, comes down like an angel from heaven to help. He updates the Wifi, which ends up attracting customers for their chance at connecting with the divine. </div>
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This heavenly novel is the newest from Max Lucado. <i>Another Max Lucado book review?!--</i> you are probably thinking.<i> Do you just love his writing that much? </i>While I do enjoy Max Lucado's books very much- I really don't think I have found one I haven't loved- the reason I have reviewed one a month for the past few months is because I was selected as a Family Christian Max Lucado blogger! It is an exciting opportunity that I feel honored to be apart of. </div>
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Of all of the Max Lucado books I have read, this one is by far one of my favorites. <i>Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café</i> is not the typical Max Lucado book, it is a fictional story that opens your mind to the wonders of God and the things around us that we cannot see. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Personally? I think there's more going on around us than we realize. I think God uses even the bad and ugly things to lead us to a good place." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>-Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café, Max Lucado </i></b> </span></div>
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<i>Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café </i>is a story of friendship, redemption, the power of prayer and trusting that God really is there when you feel alone. It is a quick and easy read that wil make you want to find a cozy coffee shop to grab a fancy cappuccino, sit and read the book all over again. I know I will!! </div>
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Though I felt alone this past year, I knew I wasn't. A few years ago I was given my very first prayer journal and ever since I have been writing in it almost daily. It has been a tool to allow me to look back and see that <b><i>though I may feel alone at times, I never actually am.</i></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God is always by my side, every step of the way, with his hand in everything that happens.</span> </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-53134186152324188292015-04-21T00:00:00.000-04:002015-04-21T00:00:03.208-04:00Women of Faith: Dara from Not In Jersey<div style="background-color: white;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to the first of the Women of Faith Series!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">These women contributing have poured their heart and souls into these posts wanting to share their beliefs with you. I welcome them with open arms and I pray that you will as well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">A little about the series, I asked them all the same 12 questions to shed light on the beliefs of their faith and their personal journey. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">This is meant to be educational to expand your view of what others believe. I ask you to be respectful in any comments you leave and really start a conversation into exploring each of these faiths. Though you may not agree with their faith or beliefs, let's respect them by making this a safe place for them to share. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14px;">Let's welcome our first blogger <a href="http://www.notinjersey.com/">Dara from Not in Jersey</a>!!</span></div>
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<b>1. Please give an overview of your faith and what it believes.</b><br />
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I am Jewish. There are various movements within Judaism with varying beliefs about the traditions of the religion. I personally am not qualified to speak about what every Jewish person believes, and Judaism doesn’t have mandatory beliefs that every Jewish person must hold. There are however 13 Principles of Faith written by a famous medieval Jewish scholar, Rambam, which many consider the minimum requirements of Jewish belief. They are: </div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;">God exists</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">God is one and unique</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">God is incorporeal</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">God is eternal</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The words of the prophets are true</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Moses’ prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">There will be no other Torah</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">God knows the thoughts and deeds of men</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">God will reward the good and punish the wicked</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The Messiah will come</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The dead will be resurrected</li>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
(<a href="http://www.jewfaq.org/beliefs.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">source</a>)<br />
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<b>2. Was there a specific time of reason why you believe what you do?</b><br />
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I am Jewish because my mother is Jewish. I personally began observing more of the laws of Judaism when I was in college.<br />
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<b>3. Does your faith have religious books? Please name them all if more than one and give a brief description of its purpose/origins.</b><br />
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We have the Torah, which is the five books of Moses and is our written law. We also have the books of the prophets and what is known as “the writings” which contain additional teachings. We also have what is called the “oral Torah,” which is an explanation of the scriptures and how to interpret them which was originally passed along orally and is now written into what is called the Mishnah. Additional commentaries on the Mishnah are written into what is called the Talmud. These commentaries continue to be studied and discussed by Jewish people today.<br />
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<b>4. How do you put your faith into practice everyday?</b><br />
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Judaism has rules and practices for most every aspect of daily life, from the food we eat and don’t eat, the way we dress, and how we observe the holidays to how we treat others. For me, my being Jewish is always with me but it is mostly put into practice by how my week revolves around preparing for and observing the Sabbath day.<br />
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<b>5. Do you believe in Heaven? How do you get there? If you don't, what do you believe happens after you die?</b><br />
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Judaism does believe in an afterlife but it is not really understood what the afterlife will be. I don’t dwell much on the thought of the afterlife, but I suppose I believe that there is the possibility of a reward for good people after death.<br />
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<b>6. What do you/faith believe about the human condition? Is being a good person enough according to your religion?</b><br />
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A big part of Judaism is love and kindness towards others and there are many laws about how to treat people. Being a good person is important, but it is also important to do so according to the laws of Judaism.<br />
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<b>7. Who do you/your faith believe Jesus is? What do you know about him?</b><br />
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Jesus is not a part of Judaism. I believe he was a person who had many followers, but I don’t believe he was a god or the Messiah.<br />
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<b>8. Who do you believe God is? If you believe in God, what is he like? (Base this on your religious beliefs) If you don't believe in God, why not?</b><br />
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I believe that God is the creator of the world and that there is only one God. God does not have a body and cannot be represented in a physical form. We believe that God is everywhere and all powerful, knows everything, and is just and merciful.<br />
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<b>9. Have you had to defend your beliefs? What happened?</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Growing up, I was one of the only Jewish kids in my school and therefore I was pitted as either the token Jew, or the kid to pick on. I had to explain a lot of things and sometimes felt that I should not be the one person to explain everything about Judaism to all of the other kids! I remember one time in particular when I was told I would not go to heaven because I did not believe in Jesus. As an adult, I was also asked why I could not set aside my beliefs for one week in order to do something I normally could not do.<br />
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<b>10. How has your faith/beliefs changed you?</b><br />
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My religion has made me who I am!<br />
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<b>11. Have you ever questioned your faith? How did you question it? And did you get the answers you were searching for to keep believing?</b><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
The question I most often ask is why, if there is a God, do bad things happen in the world? The answer I have come to accept is that only God knows why things happen and God has a plan for the world that people don’t understand. It takes a lot of faith to accept an answer that is so difficult to clearly see!<br />
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<b>12. What is something that you want to tell people about your faith?</b><br />
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I want people to know that Judaism is a religion that focuses on love of God and love of other people. For more information I highly recommend the website <a href="http://jewfaq.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://jewfaq.org</a>. I often consult it when I have questions or I need help explaining things to others!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am a stay-at-home-mom to three great kids who blogs about our adventures living in Kansas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out her blog, <a href="http://www.notinjersey.com/">Not In Jersey</a>. </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-62103758599430458862015-04-16T19:36:00.000-04:002015-04-16T19:36:00.631-04:00Let God Guide You <div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was excited to go to a new church with my mom. I have had trouble finding a church that I liked and here I was going out to try another one. I was in a new outfit ready to find rest in God's word with other believers. </div>
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I had never been there before so I put the address in my phone GPS,depending on it to guide me. Half way there my phone dies. No problem, I think, I have time to pull over and plug it in letting in charge a bit to see where to go next. </div>
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It worked for a moment and died again. </div>
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I had no idea where I was going or where I was at. </div>
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I knew the general map outline, but I had no idea what the address was or how to get there. But I decided to just attempt to find it so I pulled out of the parking spot and started in that direction. </div>
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As I was going I was attempting to get my phone to charge and turn on. It would charge just enough, I would try to turn it on and it would shut itself off again. </div>
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I heard a voice inside of my telling me to follow the car ahead of me as it turned right and headed down the road, so I did. I followed that silver car until another voice said turn right here. Call me crazy but I did it. I drove down the road become second guessing myself and pulled into a bank parking lot, in front of "Church" Road to try my phone again. </div>
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To No Avail. I had 10 minutes to get there and I had no idea where I was. No phone to call anyone for help so I did all I could. I prayed. </div>
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I turned out of the bank parking lot and instead of turning right on that road as I felt called to, I went straight- my own way- I decided to turn onto a small highway when I was able to turn my phone on and see what the road the church was on "Church" Road I was just parked in front of that road!! Then there was a highway exit sign for that road so I got off and headed in the direction of the church. </div>
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Finally with 5 minutes to spare I pulled into the church parking lot and went into worshiping my ever faithful God who guided me to church that morning. </div>
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That mornings adventure had a much bigger lesson laid on my heart. I was depending too much on worldly things and not spending on God and his treasure. </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, </div>
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where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. </div>
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"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, </div>
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where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; </div>
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for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."</div>
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<b><b><i>Matthew 6:19-21</i></b></b></div>
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His truth, and love will sustain while I was attempting to find it in places that couldn't possibly. </div>
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Have you also been searching for love, joy, and truth in worldly things? Depending on things of this world when they are ever changing? </div>
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"I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.</div>
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<b><i>Malachi 3:6</i></b><br />
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God never changes. He has been and ever will be steadfast, faithful and present. </div>
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<b><i>All you have to do is knock on his door. </i></b></div>
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"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; </div>
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knock and the door will be opened to you.</div>
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For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; </div>
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and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."</div>
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<b><b><i>Matthew 7:7-8</i></b></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-13092624986862218232015-04-14T00:00:00.000-04:002015-04-14T00:00:09.597-04:00Women of Faith Blog Series: Real Women with Real Faith <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was my junior year of college and I was sitting in a worlds religions class, third row from the front. </div>
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I don't remember what the question was but it had something to do with Old Testament bible stories and Islam. </div>
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I was arrogant and claimed to be a Christian yet I knew nothing about the Bible, and I was ignorant because I knew nothing of what other faiths believed. </div>
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The girl who asked the question was a muslim and in my ignorance I looked straight at her and began to explain the stories of the old testament to her. I admit she rightfully put me in my place explaining that islam too believes in those stories. </div>
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After class she gently explained that Islam believes that Jesus is a prophet, but not God. She really just wanted the truth of her faith to be known, to fight the common misconceptions. Oh how I wish I would have asked more questions to understand what she believed but at the time I just wasn't interested. </div>
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How wrong I was! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How can we search for the truth and help others search for the truth if we know nothing about what others believe?</i> </span></div>
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If we haven't actively sought the truth by studying the differing views, how can we come to our own conclusion! </div>
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It isn't enough to just have faith in what we were taught growing up, we must search for the truth ourselves because it is too important not to! </div>
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I have found a group of fellow bloggers of as many differing beliefs as I could get so that we can start wiping away the ignorance and start truly understanding what others believe. </div>
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Jewish, Mormon, Catholic, Messianic Judaism, and Agnostic believers will all share what they believe by answering questions that will provide a glimpse into their faith. </div>
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This is meant to be educational to expand your view of what others believe. I ask you to be respectful in any comments you leave and really start a conversation into exploring each of these faiths. Though you may not agree with their faith or beliefs, let's respect them by making this a safe place for them to share. </div>
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I am excited for this series and I look forward to learning more right along side of you. Come back next week when we get started with our Women of Faith series!</div>
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(If you want to contribute to the series, email me at taraatfaithinevery @ gmail . com )<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-47030112372142736682015-04-09T00:00:00.000-04:002015-04-09T00:00:10.432-04:00Vegan & Gluten Free Banana Nut Scones <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Z2cjFAWd1IRtg5gzFdBSjKyMMJHkNVsIdKIf9sU5E7XYeZ89HBp3NnPqNDXusUQbEsBu5s-m0noacov73i59u91qsde8KJ38jK3oj8WosK3CdESrNws_MdWQ-0kJxK8KFKRRpJOq0Y/s1600/BanananutSCones.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Z2cjFAWd1IRtg5gzFdBSjKyMMJHkNVsIdKIf9sU5E7XYeZ89HBp3NnPqNDXusUQbEsBu5s-m0noacov73i59u91qsde8KJ38jK3oj8WosK3CdESrNws_MdWQ-0kJxK8KFKRRpJOq0Y/s1600/BanananutSCones.png" height="640" width="468" /></a></div>
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Just recently I have decided to take my health into my own hands and change the way I eat. Since I don't have hyperthyroidism or T3 toxicity severe enough to treat I have to decide to test out <i><b>Hippocrates </b></i>quote: </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”</span></blockquote>
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My friend and health aficionado, Marie invited me to a study she was leading called<a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/christa-cordova/read-pray-move-a-40-day-strengthening-journey-for-mind-body-soul/paperback/product-21999836.html"> Read Pray Move by Christa Cordova </a> (click to check it out!) along side Christa the author of the Bible Study herself.<br />
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Christa challenges us for 40 days to give up Gluten, Dairy, Sweets, Caffeine, and Processed food in order to promote health and kick diseases! It has been beyond difficult but it has really opened me up to trying new things that are actually very healthy for you!<br />
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Its a Bible Study that challenges our self control, and places glorifying God through our bodies front and center. It isn't a plan to lose weight, to be honest I hope to gain weight, but it is a plan to encourage us to eat delicious and natural food so that we may reach our optimum health.<br />
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I think the hardest thing for this plan is resisting my sweets cravings, they get intense in the middle of the week. Oh it has been tough but I made a recipe that really really helps!<br />
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In order to curb my sweets cravings I adapted this<a href="http://cookieandkate.com/2014/vegan-banana-nut-scones/"> Vegan Banana Nut Scones</a> to be gluten free and sugar free recipe! It is SOOO good! I can't even tell that its vegan, gluten AND sugar free!! Enjoy!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uTHVfTD66QYSjSJFyDbcPO7-a6VBkbCBUWcxfmzxbAsibdJkQnP-no2HmGDXcEHycTRoI70Nn5nEYlhX9hWFmtik1zdgrc3gw1G57KkNxaYZJCkM0dvXUTgqOuCrFgLPk6nBrvUicGg/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uTHVfTD66QYSjSJFyDbcPO7-a6VBkbCBUWcxfmzxbAsibdJkQnP-no2HmGDXcEHycTRoI70Nn5nEYlhX9hWFmtik1zdgrc3gw1G57KkNxaYZJCkM0dvXUTgqOuCrFgLPk6nBrvUicGg/s1600/Ingredients.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Not pictured: Almond Milk)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients: (makes 10 scones)</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">2 cups of Almond Flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">3/4 cup of chopped almonds </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon salt </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 tablespoon Baking Powder </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon ground ginger </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1/3 cup Coconut Oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">4 Medium Bananas (3 Mashed, 1 Sliced to top scones) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 cup of Almond Milk </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">2 Tablespoon Maple Syrup</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Instructions: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.</b> Preheat Oven to 425 Degrees. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. </b>Mash Up 2 Bananas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjx4FbykW1f5muU4YFqzHt07tf3xRxOCcW1551o8Ur2TSsuKATD1LoqkRimM-iO3djrX3acdUMYNczH7Q7p6SPQ_5tY9__iL2dQG2SCQF_majyXKED4TYodyAfxkBPTt4SaU8gHX4B_g/s1600/dryingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjx4FbykW1f5muU4YFqzHt07tf3xRxOCcW1551o8Ur2TSsuKATD1LoqkRimM-iO3djrX3acdUMYNczH7Q7p6SPQ_5tY9__iL2dQG2SCQF_majyXKED4TYodyAfxkBPTt4SaU8gHX4B_g/s1600/dryingredients.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.</b> Stir in the mashed bananas with the dry ingredients. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5.</b> Cut in the Coconut Oil, and incorporate well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6.</b> Stir in the wet ingredients. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. </b>Spoon into Scone Mold or Muffin Pan. </span></div>
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<i>Do not worry if it doesn't form a dough ball, it will be the consistency of Banana bread instead of actual scone dough.</i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bz6xQyadi7S_vLEbpCSPSt8kKg8KQanc7nqnl21nk_20XJGJN1C1K6jyivMRLrcxbob72cti-CwcArmAmURRMDDFOeC7HNn-VfLnSLe8fzwSJBKNIZqOCbyCogjq2ldHXJE6Ft31Hx8/s1600/precooked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Bz6xQyadi7S_vLEbpCSPSt8kKg8KQanc7nqnl21nk_20XJGJN1C1K6jyivMRLrcxbob72cti-CwcArmAmURRMDDFOeC7HNn-VfLnSLe8fzwSJBKNIZqOCbyCogjq2ldHXJE6Ft31Hx8/s1600/precooked.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. Top with Banana Slices. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. Bake in the oven for 16-20 minutes depending on your oven. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4P8GWJLV598JVOGao30UGw8EGKtwnH1obkN7v7cB00JSiFD9Fo8_2BFpx9-rlqjdoYLBxwahNMF0i206zMfm2BviplDtE5nUlqBf_PcDEq09X-YqVTSxQoSeh4SdZWeED8hYdJRUX6E/s1600/Finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4P8GWJLV598JVOGao30UGw8EGKtwnH1obkN7v7cB00JSiFD9Fo8_2BFpx9-rlqjdoYLBxwahNMF0i206zMfm2BviplDtE5nUlqBf_PcDEq09X-YqVTSxQoSeh4SdZWeED8hYdJRUX6E/s1600/Finished.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yum yum!! </span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!! :) </span></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-22003191300648838102015-04-07T00:00:00.000-04:002015-04-07T00:00:04.028-04:00Easter is Better for Gifts than Christmas. <div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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Happy Easter All!! I hope you had an absolutely joyous Easter Sunday!<br />
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Going into this Easter with a goal of self-reflection on where I am with God and where I want to be, I came to a mind blowing realization. </div>
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I celebrate and look forward to Christmas much more than Easter. When Thanksgiving ends and the Christmas carols start, I get that warm feeling of anticipation deep down in my soul. But with Easter, it tends to sneak up on me. I know this year I was swamped with my work project that I was telling you about, that I sadly admit I didn't have much time for God. I never ceased praying to Him but admittedly Easter was in the back of my mind. </div>
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<b><i>Then the thought hit me: </i></b><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus' birth may be the time for giving in our culture but Easter is the best time for gifts. </span><br />
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It is the time to celebrate the biggest gift of all: Hope! God's love for us by sending his son to be the last pure living sacrifice gives us HOPE for our future, for our salvation, and for our relationship with God himself! <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/03/more-than-just-symbol-more-than-just.html">We don't have to suffer for our sins: Jesus did that for us!</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his </span><a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/Tabernacle/fl/The-Mercy-Seat.htm" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">great mercy</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> he has given us </span><a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/christiandoctrines/a/newbirth.htm" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">new birth</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…</span></div>
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<b><i>1 Peter 1:3</i></b></div>
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This is the whole reason we believe, the whole reason we are called Christians!! So why do we put so much emphasis on Jesus' birth, when it is his death and resurrection that is the most important to the Christian faith? He proved himself to be the Son of God multiple times on Earth - but rising from the dead on the third day proved it to those who doubted (Peter), and proved it once and for all! This is why we believe! Oh the importance of it still stops me in my tracks. So though Christmas is important, it is this time, Easter that should be celebrated and anticipated to the Nth degree!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the </span><a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/holyspirittopicalstudy/a/divineworksholy.htm" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Holy Spirit</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.</span></div>
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<b><i>Romans 1:4-5</i></b></div>
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Multiple faiths believe that Jesus lived on earth, and was a good prophet, but the truth of the matter is that without his resurrection we would have no hope for eternity with God. We would still be sacrificing animals yearly to receive forgiveness of our sins!</div>
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But HE ROSE! He rose on that third day! The impossible was made possible! Giving us the hope and the best gift God could ever give: LIFE! </div>
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Jesus' birth is important but Easter, oh precious precious Easter should hold more importance in my heart, so from here on out I will be doing more to anticipate Easter because I should be more excited to remember Easter than I have been! </div>
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<em style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; font-size: 16px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.</span></em></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">John 11:25-26</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Your Turn: </i></b>What has God revealed to you this Easter? </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-45544542963449546032015-04-02T00:00:00.000-04:002015-04-02T00:00:01.936-04:00How to Make Homemade Squeezable Fruit and Veggie Purees <div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69s_OGKSaSSreqDXlPf0rvfnzeal43B9G3_v21Fv3gQatsx5L5v92sxTfc2tad0E9hGVcH0O_Q0M26mIiAQUK8KczzFBaVGUu02onhz_UxK965WRWz-HT9pRjhmmWaY_HHh77rxc0Qlw/s1600/HowToPuree.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69s_OGKSaSSreqDXlPf0rvfnzeal43B9G3_v21Fv3gQatsx5L5v92sxTfc2tad0E9hGVcH0O_Q0M26mIiAQUK8KczzFBaVGUu02onhz_UxK965WRWz-HT9pRjhmmWaY_HHh77rxc0Qlw/s1600/HowToPuree.png" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Do your kids eat their veggies?</i> Mine doesn't! Oh goodness it has always been such a fight to even get it remotely close to his mouth to try it. I don't know why he just won't eat them, its probably the inner radar of kids that screams <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Healthy Alert!</i> </b></span>when a vegetable gets close. </div>
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We have had to get creative and seek ways to sneak them into his food, but with only a limited range of food he liked I could only serve him spaghetti with veggie sauce so many times! We finally found the squeezable veggie and fruit pouches at the grocery store and he absolutely loved them. He started eating 1-2 per day! This was such a good thing for our little guys health <i><b>BUT</b></i> not so good on our wallet. Those little pouches cost $1 - $2 <b>EACH</b>. When you add 2 per day for 7 days that gets pricy quick. We just couldn't afford to keep paying $56 a month for these things! </div>
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Thats when we found these <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/BooginHead-Squeez-Ems-Resealable-Food-Pouch-2-count/33908523">Reusable Squeeze Pouches at Walmart,</a> 2 for $7. It was the exact same process as when I made my little guys baby food when he was younger. So easy and MUCH cheaper! </div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Heres how you do it! </span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s2PTt1TU_MjC4zN5FP-T3sdRsFsf5Exv_uazx64fB0bq6bNwpmILkOtYSZoPJReUqFw76X-tlqttXjtYLvmbiCtSfeSF4Y-T8uHZ4Nwm9IjXC-jZptTWKtVvFVpLtioB8gWPWhUpxOc/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s2PTt1TU_MjC4zN5FP-T3sdRsFsf5Exv_uazx64fB0bq6bNwpmILkOtYSZoPJReUqFw76X-tlqttXjtYLvmbiCtSfeSF4Y-T8uHZ4Nwm9IjXC-jZptTWKtVvFVpLtioB8gWPWhUpxOc/s1600/ingredients.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Make sure your veggies and fruit are cleaned and peeled. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7r7HBc1_tm2QEwJeo5_aU3i4H-zLPPzwr-BgNXsJoYOJJHoqSRuIkcXL9jTck-7iFfusn7aRu38iAP0stV9sCXVXFf7aHWC-WfVFxhhpnDe6E6-fskRmYhyphenhyphenPKkU1fI2y1Q98bPZaWKo/s1600/cooking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7r7HBc1_tm2QEwJeo5_aU3i4H-zLPPzwr-BgNXsJoYOJJHoqSRuIkcXL9jTck-7iFfusn7aRu38iAP0stV9sCXVXFf7aHWC-WfVFxhhpnDe6E6-fskRmYhyphenhyphenPKkU1fI2y1Q98bPZaWKo/s1600/cooking.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Boil the hard fruit and veggies until tender. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Place in blender and blend until smooth.</span> </div>
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<i>If its too thick, add some of the cooking water. </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. Pour into pouches. </span></div>
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If you have more than your pouches can store, place them in ice cube trays and freeze for later. </div>
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It may not be as convenient as the already store bought pouches, but the time it takes to make is practically nothing. All you have to do is make a note of what combinations of fruits and veggies your child likes and duplicate it! </div>
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I hope this helps your little one eat their veggies as much as it helps my son! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Your Turn:</i></b> How do you get your kids to eat veggies? </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-58064812720129674902015-03-31T00:00:00.000-04:002015-03-31T00:00:00.769-04:00Is Yoga Against God's Word??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtgNhDg1xUUAS4fa5a2ACXfXOiaeeu3NQfIyAlwKJ7eIWpFQ4PtyHivFR0-NcZNQw2kC8Us9qHqIlPgPFXHCMUBppkb0ILqSM0WkXuhkAAh3BiicSZ9VbSN5GitJeSz718Bn4gZl6J1Q/s1600/isyogaagainstGodsword%3F.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtgNhDg1xUUAS4fa5a2ACXfXOiaeeu3NQfIyAlwKJ7eIWpFQ4PtyHivFR0-NcZNQw2kC8Us9qHqIlPgPFXHCMUBppkb0ILqSM0WkXuhkAAh3BiicSZ9VbSN5GitJeSz718Bn4gZl6J1Q/s1600/isyogaagainstGodsword%3F.png" height="400" width="302" /></a></div>
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I remember the conversation I had with my mother when I first started to do Yoga. <b><i>Specifically Bikram Yoga</i></b>. I had practiced yoga off and on for years via videos and classes at the local community center. But when I mentioned that I was starting to practice Bikram Yoga, she was concerned. <i>She was concerned that I was worshipping other gods because I practiced yoga</i> - an eastern development.<br />
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It is a common question that has been posed in Christian discussion the past decade or so. Because of the origins of yoga many Christians wonder -<b><span style="font-size: large;"> is this glorifying to God or worshiping another? Is yoga against God's commands? </span></b>Kind of a silly question to someone who knows the differences in yoga schools but is a serious concern to the majority of Christians who in fact don't know anything about yoga. </div>
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A lot of the concern is based on an old knowledge of yoga, not what yoga has evolved into here in the 21st century west culture. </div>
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Many people do not realize the vast amounts of varying kinds of yoga schools and practices that are all bunched together under the term "yoga". </div>
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Yoga encompasses over 20 plus different types of thoughts of yoga, which include yoga styles focused on the spiritual awakening, moral character, wisdom, as a means of worshiping (Hinduism) and the physical practice of yoga. </div>
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<b><i>I have always and only practiced secular Hatha yoga, with no spiritual or worshiping philosophies. </i></b>Bikram Yoga which I practiced for a year before my son was born is a type of Hot Yoga. An exhausting and completely physical practice of yoga. Going through the poses only for physical benefits. </div>
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However, one thing I love about yoga is that it is an hour/ hour and a half of focusing yourself and letting go of everything that goes on during the day. It is a way to quiet your mind and get connected with yourself. </div>
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Contrary to public belief majority of yoga classes now do not have an instructor spewing Hindu or Buddhist passages, and <span style="font-size: large;">I am most careful about making sure I go to a class that is completely secular.</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>I do this because my yoga time is my time to focus in and worship God. </b></span>When we would take deep breathes in between poses or relax after a hard yoga session - I would listen to my breathing and give praises to God. </div>
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And remind myself with each breath that I was letting God's love, peace, mercy, compassion enter and letting the worlds hate, anger, and depression go. Just let it flow right out of my body and soak in Gods truth to replace it. </div>
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Even now as I practice Strala yoga, which focuses on the importance of breathing, daily meditation and doing what makes your body feel the best, I use that time to focus on God's truth and goodness. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">**Breathe In God's Glory*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Breathe Out the Worlds pain*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Breathe in God's love*</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Breath Out the worlds hate**</span> </div>
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On and on and on. Telling my mind God's truths to replace all of the things that cloud my mind. </div>
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There are types that I do avoid because of their emphasis on a spirituality contrary to Christianity and am very careful not to place myself in that situation. But it I stick with Hatha type yoga styles <i>then I have the power to glorify God with my body and through my yoga practice. </i></div>
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And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him</div>
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<b><b><i>Colossians 3:17</i></b></b> </div>
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And despite some peoples concerns, I practice yoga with confidence because my mind goes into it Glorifying and giving it to God -- and with that I am glorifying God. </div>
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But my friends, the point of all of this yoga talk is to point toward a concept that goes way beyond just whether or not yoga glorifies God. <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Anything that is neutral can be used to glorify or hurt God</b></i></span>, whether its yoga, doing the laundry, or <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUR_NxgWIpM">eating Chinese food as Kirk Cameron explains haha</a>. </div>
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All a person’s ways seem pure to them,</div>
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but motives are weighed by the Lord.</div>
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Commit to the Lord whatever you do,</div>
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and he will establish your plans.</div>
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<b><b><i>Proverbs 16: 2-3</i></b></b></div>
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When we do things, lets do it in the name of the Lord so we may Glorify him! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-72292699002169106192015-03-24T08:03:00.000-04:002015-03-24T08:03:59.453-04:00You Deserve A Girlie Day! <br />
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About a month ago, I posted on the Faith In Every Day's <a href="http://www.facebook.com/faithienverysingleday">Facebook page</a> that I got a haircut for the first time in almost 2 years. As a Momma to my little 2 year old, my wants and needs often takes a back seat. I always tell myself that it costs too much for me to go get my hair done and to pamper myself so I don't end up taking a day for myself. </div>
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<b><i>Does that happen to you too? </i></b></div>
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That is all going to change for me and it should change for you too! </div>
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After getting my hair cut, I realized how much I deserved a girlie day because by the end of it I felt so much more beautiful and confident. </div>
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I mean you can just see the difference in confidence! </div>
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After the haircut I picked up some new nail polish colors at the drug store, planned a "me" night after my son went to sleep. </div>
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I popped in a movie, grabbed some Dove chocolate and painted my nails. Then headed to my bathroom to give myself a mini facial courtesy of my friend <a href="http://www.marykay.com/esheffield2">Emily who sent over a Mary Kay</a> facial sample packet.</div>
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She sent over the TimeWise Skin care collection to try which included: </div>
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-TimeWise Microdermabrasion Set Samples</div>
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-TimeWise 3-in-1 Cleanser </div>
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-TimeWise Night Solution</div>
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-TimeWise Day Sunscreen </div>
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-TimeWise Replenishing Serum </div>
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-TimeWise Firming Eye Cream </div>
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I have to admit I was a little leery to try new products, my skin is so sensitive and dry that anything new really causes it to break out. However, I was pleasantly surprised! It all went on so nicely, and made me feel like my Girlie night was complete! After the facial my skin was so incredibly soft! I absolutely loved how it made me feel! I would absolutely love to buy these products if it wasn't for the price. I do admit they are expensive, though well worth it I am sure I just can't afford it right now. But I will definitely keep them in mind when we can afford it! </div>
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Head over to <a href="http://www.marykay.com/esheffield2">Emily's Mary Kay site</a> to order your facial necessities for your very own Girlie Day! </div>
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I seriously feel like a new person and it just took a new haircut, a little nail polish and taking care of my skin! This confidence is something that I can tap into if I allow myself just one Girlie Night a Month, which I definitely am going to start doing! </div>
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All day, every day we give and give to our kids, our husbands, our home, our friends but now its time to take a day for us. Just a few hours for you to do something for yourself because you know what tired momma? <b>You Deserve it!!! </b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-5777770010342659942015-03-19T00:00:00.000-04:002015-03-19T10:55:40.185-04:00More Than Just A Symbol, More Than Just a Story, More Than Just a Cross. <div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">**This post may contain sponsor, affiliate, and/or referral links. I have been given <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/_ignore_category/1/id/296617/s/on-calvary-s-hill-40-readings-for-the-easter-season-hardcover/">On Calvary's Hill by Max Lucado</a> free of charge in exchange for this review. However, the opinions in this post are my own. For more information please read my full <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/p/disclosure-statement.html" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-color: transparent !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; color: #674ea7; text-decoration: none;">disclosure statement here.</a> **</i></div>
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It has been one month since Lent began. Lent is such a special time - a time to really place our focus as Christians on the cross, on God and what Christ did for us. It's not a time to just give something up for the sake of it, but to fast so that we may be more prayerful and set our hearts on the amazing love God showed us by sending his son to die. </div>
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It is my worry that since we are 2000 years removed from Jesus' life and death we view it in more of a nice story without any real emotional connection to it at all. We believed he suffered died and was buried, but I know I have trouble grasping that Jesus understands what I go through because though the cross has been used to remind us of what he did for us - <b><i>we have a tendency to forget because crucifixions don't happen now.</i></b> We don't have any type of physical memory that we can tie it to other than what is told to us about Jesus really suffering for us - which at least in my case growing up was glorified, polished into this nonviolent story. </div>
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"Next time the fog finds you, remember Jesus in the Garden. The next time you think that no one understands or cares, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark and pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really perceives the pain that prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees."</div>
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<b><b><i>-Max Lucado, On Calvary's Hill </i></b></b></div>
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Despite our forgetfulness this is more than a story. Jesus' dying for us was brutal, horrifying, bloody, mortifying, embarrassing, and painful beyond our wildest comprehension. </div>
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<b>And it really did happen. </b></div>
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I think we did a disservice when crosses and crucifixes of a cleanly dying Jesus started to be manufactured. Overtime the image of a clean Jesus beautifully hung on the cross, or no Jesus at all just the cross, is what people started to think about when taught of the crucifixion with no real understanding of the real details of how a crucifixion was the most gruesome, humiliating, painful and inhumane ways to die of all time. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We will never be able to fully grasp what Jesus suffered, but</span> <span style="font-size: large;">we should do our best to know exactly what was done to him so we are truly grateful for the <b>GIFT</b> that is God's love for us. And to know <b><i>the punishment we were saved from. </i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/_ignore_category/1/id/296617/s/on-calvary-s-hill-40-readings-for-the-easter-season-hardcover/"><i>On Calvary's Hill</i> by Max Lucado </a>is a great start to opening our eyes to the events and details of the last days of Jesus. It is a 40 Day/Chapter Devotional book focused on what truly happened to set our minds on the true gift from God. </div>
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<i>On Calvary's Hill</i> goes step by step through what happened in short 2-3 page chapters. It starts with a verse that relates to a small part of Jesus' journey, it expands on it leading us into how we can relate what Jesus went through to our own lives, then finally ending with a prayer. </div>
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This is a devotional you can do once a day for the 40 day Lent period and all it takes is 5 minutes of your time per day. This book is another great one from Max Lucado which I personally saw as a great jumping off point into the last days Jesus lived on earth. I yearned for more in depth details, so after a chapter I would open my Bible and spend some quality time with my Savior who suffered worse that I will ever know. </div>
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I wish though that this book had some guide to more in-depth reading on each part of the story, maybe listing all of the places in the gospel where I could find the specific scriptures related to it. However, I can see how open this book is to leading to your own personal study of the road to Calvary.</div>
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I don't believe this book would have had as much affect on me if I had not already read in detail the physical/medical and horrifying description of Jesus' crucifixion in Lee Strobel's book, A Case for Christ. However, it most certainly is the beginning of an in depth look at that time. </div>
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As Christians, we cannot continue walking around unaware of the true nature of Jesus' crucifixion because it wasn't supposed to be Christ up there on that cross, it was supposed to be you and me. </div>
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Without the physical and mental image of Good Friday it is easy to forget that Jesus knows our suffering better than all of us. <span style="font-size: large;">And the moment that we fully understand what was done and how much we are loved <b>is the moment we can stop worrying about this world and start giving ourselves fully to God and Jesus Christ. </b></span></div>
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When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. </div>
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At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" which is translated, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"</div>
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<b><b><i>Mark 15: 33-34 </i></b></b></div>
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One of his disciples betrayed him for money, one denied knowing Jesus 3 times, and the others fled scared. I promise you that we all cannot ever say that Jesus didn't know the pain we suffer. He suffered through it all for our sake. Even on the cross God, our powerful and faithful God, turned his back on him. God is ever faithful to us sinners, but he forsakes his own blameless son? Why? In order to save us from that punishment our sins rightfully deserve. </div>
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"Why? Why would heavens finest Son endure earths toughest pain? So you would know that "He is able…to run to the cry of… those who are being tempted and tested and tried." (Hebrews 2:18 AMP). Whatever you are facing, he knows how you feel. When you turn to him for help, he runs to you to help. Why? He knows how you feel. He's been there. He's not ashamed of you. Nor is he confused by you. Your actions don't bewilder him. Your tilted halo doesn't trouble him. So go to him."</div>
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<b><b><i>-Max Lucado, On Calvary's Hill </i></b></b></div>
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We finally know the cost of our souls - it's more than just a symbol, more than just a story, more than just a cross. It really was done, for you and for me because Jesus, our perfect savior, loves you and me more than saving himself from that cross. </div>
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Go grab Max Lucado's book On Calvary's Hill and truly meditate on the amazing, unbelievable gift that God and Jesus gave us. I promise you, your heart will be changed come Easter.<br />
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"Not that he refused to defend himself when blamed for every sin of every slut and sailor since Adam. Or that he stood silent as a million guilty verdicts echoed in the tribunal of heaven and the giver of light was left in the chill of sinner's night.<br />
Not even that after three days in a dark hole he stepped into Easter sunrise with a smile and a swagger and a question for lowly lucifer - "Is that your best punch?"<br />
That was cool, incredibly cool. But the coolest thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns: He did it for you. Just for you."<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-61400937119423764582015-03-17T00:00:00.000-04:002015-03-17T13:04:39.705-04:00How to Survive with Only One Car <div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsO5ANDiZVhGCuKLnwCRpNR0kr48SveW6WcCzeOCzyRbSzY3nrHSaLTUjW86dVftgII38Tkz3zTwNnspGO4w8ef-uIMxmTkdL0w-AHTzk8EzMzFvN_MJjlJctSyo8qSVsR0FA__oOLcQ/s1600/HowToSurviveWith1Car.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsO5ANDiZVhGCuKLnwCRpNR0kr48SveW6WcCzeOCzyRbSzY3nrHSaLTUjW86dVftgII38Tkz3zTwNnspGO4w8ef-uIMxmTkdL0w-AHTzk8EzMzFvN_MJjlJctSyo8qSVsR0FA__oOLcQ/s1600/HowToSurviveWith1Car.png" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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When my husband and I were living in Texas with our little guy we had two cars. I was able to go to church functions, mommy playgroups and appointments whenever I wanted. Having two cars was extremely convenient since we lived 15 minutes from everything and everyone. </div>
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I kid you not, our apartment building was the only thing around for at least 5 miles on every side. We were in the middle of nothing and couldn't walk anywhere, we had to have two cars. </div>
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A few months after we got there though, my husbands car of ten years.. died. We had just bought a new family car so we couldn't afford to just go out and buy a new one. So, for almost a whole year we lived with only 1 car. It was difficult being a stay at home mom without a car, but it wasn't impossible. When you have to, you can find a way to make things work. </div>
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Living 15 minutes from anything (even a grocery store) with only one car was especially difficult at first. It was lonely, and boring. I felt stuck -- but quickly figured out how to make it work because I had no other choice. </div>
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Are you trying to survive with only 1 car? With little ones at home and have no idea how to make it work? I'm here to help because I have been there! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Do not be embarrassed to ask friends to pick you up - but, don't be upset if they can't. </span></b></div>
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Having only 1 car is nothing to be embarrassed about. If you have a great group of friends they won't mind helping, if you are open and honest about your situation. If I wanted to go to church, but my husband was working, my good friend Bethany would drive 15 minutes out of her way to pick me up. </div>
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She lived practically next to the church and she drove with her two kids 15 minutes out to pick us up and back, driving a whole hour every Sunday to pick us up. We just met maybe a month prior and those to and from church trips were something I looked forward to. She turned into such a great friend because of my family only having one car. </div>
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However, there were times when I couldn't find a ride and wasn't able to go to a get together or something that I wanted to attend. It is upsetting to miss out but it is so generous for them to pick you up when they can, that you cannot place the expectation on them that they will always be able to pick you up. It's not fair to them or your friendship. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Leave you car seat at home when your husbands at work. </b></span></div>
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This is a good practice for any type of emergency and just in case you are able to make plans for a friend to pick you up on short notice. You will be able to just install the carseat and go. Yes, it is a pain to lug it around if you have a toddler out of the baby carrier but it is so worth it, just in case something happens and you need to get a cab or something. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Get to know and be friend your neighbors. </b></span></div>
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This goes with number 2. If there is an emergency its important to have neighbors you trust if there is an emergency you may need them to take you somewhere. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Plan to take your husband to work at least once a week. </b></span></div>
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This may not work all the time depending your husbands work schedule. When my husband worked nights it didn't work because I wasn't going to wake K in the middle of the night to pick him up. But when he worked days, we could take him to work and have the car all day long. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. I cannot stress enough how much creating good relationships with people you can count on. </b></span></div>
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My husband was rear ending in an accident totaling our one and only car left. I was at church with my Bible Study stranded. My wonderful friend and her husband said that we could borrow their second car until we could get a replacement. That was SUCH a blessing because we couldn't afford for my hubby not to go to work. If we didn't have a wonderful group of friends and support I don't know what we would've done. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Get out of the house every day. </b></span></div>
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For a while our neighborhood didn't have a playground but that didn't stop us from going outside. If you are stranded at your house, secluded, feeling like a hermit crab you will get cabin fever from not being able to go anywhere. Make a plan or time everyday to go outside. And Change it up! We would lay a blanket down and play in our "front yard" or the small small portion of grass in front of our apartment, we would grab the stroller (which we left by the front door) and go for a walk. Or I would set up chairs on our porch and I would read to K. </div>
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There is always something to do outside, weather permitting. Enjoy God's beautiful creation around you! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Pick up a new hobby. </b></span></div>
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This is especially important during winter when it is harder to get outside. If you have something to occupy your mind the time will pass much more quickly and you'll forget ever wanting to leave the house that day. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>8. Be open with how you are feeling with your husband. Always. </b></span></div>
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If you express that you are starting to get lonely at home or need some time out, in a non complaining nails on the chalk board sort of way, I am sure you and your husband can find a time when you can just take the car and go do something for a little while. I know I took every opportunity I could to get out of the house, whether it was to run and errand or to go to Bible Study. I know that if I tell my husband that I am feeling lonely or sad or upset about something, he will do his best to find a solution so that I don't feel that any more. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Do we still have one car? </i></span></div>
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No, when we moved to our new place we were blessed, by family, with a second car but after going through having only one car I now am grateful for the wonderful gift a second car is and I also put some of the things I learned while having only 1 car to use, which saves us money on gas. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Your Turn: </i></b>Do You Only Have 1 Car? What are your tips? </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-68766295118976945132015-03-12T00:00:00.000-04:002015-03-12T15:45:56.519-04:00How to Motivate Yourself to Clean <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZSdsWGcSUf3rbY72fufm6di0yn4bdQcv-qMzK-0JpEGmNEkmgDRres-GclMJeOQu-EOcHOz5rzTx1QZzQSLNZ1KS-CirqjPKgfNDzsqMJWe4IMNuD7yJl15DVBxt9NJMVj1YNNDCqys/s1600/MotivateYourselftoClean.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZSdsWGcSUf3rbY72fufm6di0yn4bdQcv-qMzK-0JpEGmNEkmgDRres-GclMJeOQu-EOcHOz5rzTx1QZzQSLNZ1KS-CirqjPKgfNDzsqMJWe4IMNuD7yJl15DVBxt9NJMVj1YNNDCqys/s1600/MotivateYourselftoClean.png" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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It is a necessary - never ending thing. No matter how much you do it, you will always have more to do the next week. </div>
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<b>It's mundane. It's exhausting. <span style="font-size: large;">It's cleaning. </span></b></div>
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Somedays it's hard to convince myself to clean. I have a million other things on my todo list that I just HAVE to get done that clean ends up taking a backseat. But when put off for too long the cleaning becomes overwhelming. Where to start? Oh it'll never get clean -- it just makes me want to go <i>AHHHH</i>. and I loose all motivation to do it. </div>
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Oh if I could only snap my fingers and have a sparkling clean house. But with a toddler, even that would be a mess after .5 seconds! </div>
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Cleaning doesn't have to be <a href="http://www.faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2014/08/stress-free-cleaning.html">stressful</a>, but I know it takes some motivation sometimes to get things going. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some tips to motivate yourself to clean when you are overwhelmed or just plain don't want to</span>: </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Turn on some upbeat energetic music.</b></span></div>
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I usually pop on my favorite pandora station, the David Crowler (SP) Band and that really encourages me to get moving.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Set a timer. </b></span></div>
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I love this one, it makes it a fun game! Set a time for 10 minutes and focus on just one task. For example, picking up everything and putting it where it belongs. Then when done, move onto the next thing that needs to be done for 10 minutes. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Focus on small tasks at a time. </b></span></div>
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When cleaning becomes overwhelming it is easy to not know where in the world to start. In my post, <a href="http://www.faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2014/08/stress-free-cleaning.html">Stress Free Cleaning</a>, I mention that I separate my house by sections and clean a section a day - just focus on one section at a time. For example: Start with the kitchen and only focus on the kitchen: putting things where they go, wipe counters and refrigerator, sweep, mop etc. If you create small steps for yourself it goes from overwhelming to manageable. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Turn off the TV, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix. Turn it ALL off. </span></b></div>
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When it's off you aren't allowing yourself to be distracted and are forced to figure out something to do. When I turn off everything I become so much more productive that at the end of the day I am shocked to find that I have completed my entire to do list! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Give your cleaning time to God in Prayer. </b></span></div>
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God wants to be included in the mundane every day life. </div>
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<a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/2015/03/is-yoga-against-gods-word.html">And whatever you do</a>, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.</div>
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<span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b style="line-height: 20px;"><i>Colossians 3:17</i></b></span></div>
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As I clean, I pray - I pray for the little hands that play with the blocks I am putting away, the hands that do the laundry, I praise God for my husband and how hard he works for our family as I iron and hang up his work clothes. I pray for this world as I walk by the TV and am reminded of its suffering. You can pray for anything as you clean - it focuses your attention on God, instead of the overwhelming or feelings of unending chores. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Make sure everything is picked up and tidy at the end of every day. </b></span></div>
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I love going to bed with a picked up house, it makes me feel like all is done for the day and I can finally relax. It motivates me the following day to keep things tidy and I become less overwhelmed because I can actually keep up with the mess if it starts off tidy. If it isn't left to pile up for days, it is easier to manage. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. Somedays you just need to demand of yourself to get up and go clean. </span></b></div>
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Somedays you are just going to not feel like cleaning no matter what. The excuses why you shouldn't start popping into your head and you just start grumbling. Trust me, we ALL have these days. In this instances the best thing we can do it to just stand up and tell yourself - Go Clean Now- No excuses, just get up and start. </div>
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Because if you're like me, If you can at least get started - you won't stop until the jobs done and motivation comes the more accomplished you feel. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Your Turn: </i></b>What are things that motivate you to clean?? </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-91152626663132806902015-03-10T00:00:00.000-04:002015-03-10T10:42:46.384-04:00A Lesson In Every Story: Anna's Crossing Review<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #5c5c5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">**This post may contain sponsor, affiliate, and/or referral links. I have been given <a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/302216/">Anna's Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher</a> free of charge in exchange for this review. However, the opinions in this post are my own. For more information please read my full <a href="http://faithineverysingleday.blogspot.com/p/disclosure-statement.html" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; color: #674ea7; text-decoration: none;">disclosure statement here.</a> **</i></div>
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<i>Are you going through something that you can't see to the other side? And you don't know what's going to happen? </i></div>
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<i>Are you recently unemployed worried of what's to come? Did you just get diagnosed with cancer and you don't know what the future holds ? </i></div>
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<i>Are you going back into the work force after years of staying at home? </i></div>
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<i>Has life changed from how you expected it to be?</i></div>
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There are times in everyone's lives where God will put us in situations when all we can do is depend on him. When all sense of control goes out the window and we are just plain scared. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: xx-small;"><i><b>The unknown is a scary thing especially when you cannot control it at all. </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">I can imagine that's the feeling the first group of Amish felt when they made the dangerous journey across the Atlantic ocean to the new world in the 1700s. Unsure of what the new world would hold for them if they made it safely across, because even that wasn't a guarantee. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">In Suzanne Woods Fisher's new book <i><a href="http://www.familychristian.com/catalog/product/view/id/302216/">Anna's Crossing</a></i> she takes us back to the Amish Beginnings as we follow Anna Konig and her amish community looking forward to the freedom to practice their faith in the Americas. Unsure of the voyage across the vast ocean and what is to come Anna has to place her life in Gods hands - giving up all control. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">It seemed to be past time for words, until Christian rose to his feet in the middle aisle and read from Psalm 91 in his Bible, offering heartfelt thanks.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">"'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the distraction that wasteth at noonday…for ge shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways… With long life will I satisfy him, and shed him my salvation.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">A sudden revelation paid a visit to Anna. This was the point of the story of St. Julian of Norwich and her long illness. <b>Even in the midst of great gales, they could know peace.</b>"(<i>Emphasis mine- TJ</i>)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><b>-<i>Anna's Crossing</i>, Suzanne Woods Fisher</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUCzRdCfJuEs1dmCVFW19vsmm-6yzgnkw8Nz8VMmSt9hJZ1etqlgFitIbCS5Y06M7z5dSzgtkcNuseS1O9eGsjh_VdXpXnWGpyzecfQ0oSGGVVm6dClokgkVBi3_l8PLLnlgaB09GEic/s1600/Annascrossing5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUCzRdCfJuEs1dmCVFW19vsmm-6yzgnkw8Nz8VMmSt9hJZ1etqlgFitIbCS5Y06M7z5dSzgtkcNuseS1O9eGsjh_VdXpXnWGpyzecfQ0oSGGVVm6dClokgkVBi3_l8PLLnlgaB09GEic/s1600/Annascrossing5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Bairn, the ships carpenter, has been living on ships for most of his life and he isn't thrilled that the Peculiars are taking this journey with them. Haunted by nightmares of his past he tries everything to leave it behind, but Anna's presence reminds him of it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">With vivid imagery that pulls you in, while reading you will feel like you are there with them on that boat every step of the way. By the end of the book you will be left wanting more, not because it was incomplete but because you didn't want it to end. </span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Though some of the parts, such as the romance included were predictable, the ending caught me completely by surprise. <i>I love when that happens!</i> I can definitely say that I fell in love with the characters and the story, which is why I recommend this book to anyone who loves Amish and Historical fiction. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">"'Mayhap you put an expectation on the Almighty that He has no plans ta meet. What will you do when al h</span>ope is gone?'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Broken expectations aren't meant to crush our hopes, but to free us to put our confidence in God alone. They aren't meant to make us give up, but look up."</div>
<b style="font-style: italic;"></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-style: italic;"><b>-Anna's Crossing,</b><b> Suzanne Woods Fisher </b></b></div>
<b style="font-style: italic;">
</b></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">What I love about Christian fiction novels and especially in Suzanne Wood Fisher's work, is that there is always a bigger lesson to be learned while reading. I know I have read more than 5 of Suzanne's books, all of which I have post-its and post-its full of lessons I have taken just by reading her books. Anna's crossing is no exception. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" id="ssnoshadow" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Through the storms, sickness and death - there was one thing that Anna had that allowed her to persevere no matter what the circumstance - her faith and trust in God. It is a lesson we can all take away: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><b><span style="font-size: large;">When the unknown is waiting just ahead in our own journey, all we have to do is trust in the Lord and know he is in control. </span></b></span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The love of God is like the ocean. You can see it's beginning but not it's end." </div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><i>-Anna's Crossing,</i> Suzanne Woods Fisher </b></b></div>
<b>
</b></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Be still, and know that I am God;<br />
I will be exalted among the nations,<br />
I will be exalted in the earth."<br />
<b>Psalms 46:10</b></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-83211629166730750472015-03-06T00:00:00.000-05:002015-03-06T00:00:07.699-05:00French Friday: Pause! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Majority of you probably are unaware that I own a remote film editing business on top of blogging. It's what I went to school for and one of the things I love doing. Up until this point I have been able to balance pretty well. However, as things are becoming more busy something has to give. I am just one person and unfortunately as much as I would like to, I just can't do it all. </div>
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So for now, French Friday is going to be on pause until I can get a balanced routine of some kind. I will be continuing my French practice on my own however the extra post and video per week has become too much with everything else on my plate. </div>
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Also, I will be switching my posts to Tuesdays an Thursdays to make sure you don;t goo too long without getting a new post from me! </div>
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We are going to have some great reads coming in the next few months so make sure you subscribe so that you get them right into your emails! </div>
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Thank you all so much for your continuous support and readership - it really means SO much to me! </div>
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Talk to you Tuesday Friends! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1975641871783295331.post-49574385591443353602015-03-04T09:57:00.000-05:002015-03-04T09:57:00.611-05:00Kick Your Cold Smoothie <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_NCV4U7IOOrztC4GzZ-LyMQyN784vRutb87ryXHp9PgU6vVMwXq9w07gG8TIIwb6xw4oz0kW7HaJCc236TiqW9C-b7lwsdnQ51IWhtN9jKFolXokpbuWPCKUGyAyKFVCw2RCnT4aihI/s1600/KickYourColdSmoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_NCV4U7IOOrztC4GzZ-LyMQyN784vRutb87ryXHp9PgU6vVMwXq9w07gG8TIIwb6xw4oz0kW7HaJCc236TiqW9C-b7lwsdnQ51IWhtN9jKFolXokpbuWPCKUGyAyKFVCw2RCnT4aihI/s1600/KickYourColdSmoothie.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you, but for me these abrupt weather changes really hit me. If it goes cold to warm suddenly (as it often does where we currently live) I get hit with small colds. They really put a damper on my day and week. So I created a smoothie, that really works in helping expedite the cold out of my system! And it is quite delicious! </div>
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Enjoy! </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Kick Your Cold Smoothie: (Makes 1 Smoothie)</span></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Small Handful of Kale or Spinach </li>
<li>1 Carrot Chopped </li>
<li>1 Banana </li>
<li>4 Strawberries </li>
<li>2 tablespoons Almonds </li>
<li>3/4 cup orange juice </li>
<li>1/4-1/2 water (or until desired consistency) </li>
</ul>
<div>
Place all ingredients (except water) in your blender or Vitamix. Turn on to 1 then up to level 10. If yours has a high level, then flip that on. Blend until it is smooth, if it is too thick add 1/4 cup water at a time until you reach the consistency you want. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00804317198109800669noreply@blogger.com2