tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66891626579627629472024-03-13T20:30:40.807-07:00Field Trips With GodA Little Christian Teaching BlogAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-59103931106798234192017-11-26T17:29:00.000-08:002017-11-26T17:32:07.524-08:00Rainbow Reflections and A Final Word<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>An Apology</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Wow. So, it's been a while since I last posted. It seems I have broken a promise and need to apologize to those who once followed my posts, or received them by email. My only reason for not writing is that other things in life took my attention, and I simply lost the motivation to research and blog. Nevertheless, I ultimately left a job unfinished and may have let some down for my abrupt departure. For that, I'm sorry. Recently, God reminded me of my blog and how I had left things undone, so I decided to make one final blog post about how God speaks to us through His creation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />I start this blog by recounting some changes that have occurred since my last post. For starters, Jeremy and I both obtained new jobs that prepared us for more new jobs. Jeremy gathered more carpentry and building skills, while I grew my experience in social work and management. Jeremy now designs, builds, and sells closet and other organization systems for families. I, on the other hand, teach individuals about health, insurance coverage, and ultimately protect families with supplemental insurance plans. I literally feel like a missionary most days, as sometimes beyond protecting a family from bankruptcy, I discover another need they may have and with which I can help. In addition to new employment opportunities, Jeremy and I finally felt the timing was right five years ago to purchase our first house...so we did! When we aren't renovating, decorating, and turning our house into a home, we still enjoy spending time with family, friends, and most importantly, each other. I'm happy to report that the cats are still well. Their silly personalities bring much joy to our lives. Finally, after many years and much prayer, Jeremy and I believe the time to grow our family is drawing near. Jeremy's parents even moved closer to us last year in anticipation of this life event. We recently made the decision to foster children in need of a home over having our own pregnancy, though we haven't ruled out the latter, altogether. Our hearts are so excited about this decision, and we are scheduled to take our first foster care class mid-December. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While we are appreciative of all the good things life has brought our way, we have unfortunately experienced our share of sad seasons, as well. This month, marks the three-year anniversary of my father's passing. He died in a sudden car accident that shocked and grieved his family and friends. About one year after receiving the devastating news and viewing the aftermath on the local news channel, I was still wrestling with God about the accident and the way in which my father died. I knew evil occurred every day but still could not fully grasp how a tragedy could come upon my family in such an unannounced and horrific way. While I still do not have all the answers, I can tell you God continues to provide me with signs of his presence and light amidst a dark situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><u>The Rainbow</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />One such way that I have noticed God likes to speak to me is through rainbows. Whenever I am missing a loved one, or perhaps am entering a new season in life, God tends to send me a rainbow. Yes, yes, I know that rainbows are a phenomena that occur after rain showers and that I am not the only one who sees them. Some may argue that my belief in God sending me rainbows is wishful thinking. Nevertheless, from my own experience, I have noticed that when a person has a relationship with God and begins to view Him as a father figure, love messages start showing up. These notes of love seem to be quite reminiscent of ones that an encouraging mother creates and hides inside her child's lunch box with utmost thought and care. I once knew of a woman who saw hummingbirds whenever she was missing her late mother. Still another friend spoke of geese being sent her way when good fortune was soon to come upon her. My husband and God have a special bond. It never fails that Jeremy sees a very rare and expensive sports car on days that are not going that great for him. Since he appreciates rare cars, these messages mean more to him than they would ever mean to me. No, for me, it's rainbows. I am rather certain that rainbows are my love letters, or perhaps kisses, from God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Considering this, it seemed only fitting to study the rainbow for my last post. To summarize in a very basic way, rainbows occur when sunlight and rain meet at a certain angle. When sunlight enters a raindrop, it enters as white light. However, if we remember good ol' ROYGBIV from middle school, we may recall that white light consists of many different colors–red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo blue, and violet. Upon further research, we learn that colors in the rainbow spectrum are reflected in each individual raindrop, as the water droplets act like tiny prisms in the sky. When sunlight hits the "prisms," the light is dispersed as it is reflected as one color back to the person looking at them. A neighboring raindrop, or groups of drops will reflect yet another color. A third neighboring raindrop group reflects another color. After hitting multiple raindrops at once, we finally see a magnificent color combination that we call a rainbow. When I ponder and ask God what He may be trying to show me through this science lesson, my heart quickens. Recently, I have been reading one of Lisa Bevere's newer books called <i>Without Rival</i>. In it, I have been reminded more and more about embracing what makes myself and others individually beautiful and special, as well as about how God dislikes when we make comparisons with others. 2 Corinthians 10:12 reads, "Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves with one another, they are without understanding." (English Standard Version Bible) Of course! If we place ourselves in the picture of the rainbow, it becomes obvious to me that people are much like a cluster of tiny raindrops. Just as raindrops accept the light of the sun, upon accepting the love of God's son into our hearts, is it possible that we are granting God the very opportunity to reflect Himself more powerfully in our lives? During that reflection, could it be that our lives appear more colorful, more vibrant, and more captivating to others around us than they did before we allowed God's love into our hearts? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I wonder what happens when we all stop the comparisons and start coming together to embrace and confirm each of our family, friends, and strangers' uniqueness? Their individual hairstyles, their individual skin colors, their original personalities, stories, dreams, and goals...With actions like that, would it be possible to love the world into a better place? By embracing our differences, couldn't we make a big difference in an individual's life, and our world, for that matter?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I further think it is so inspiring that if we were to see a rainbow from above the rain, such as while in an aircraft- and perhaps from the vantage point of God- we would see a complete circle of color. This is due to a combination of things- from the water droplets being below us, to the angle at which light enters the droplets, to how the light disperses through the water droplets from all directions around a person. A circle is a wonderful expression all by itself, for it says, "I am complete–not fractured or broken." As I silently muse and take a bite of chocolate and honey, I think how sweet it would be to join with one another and always find original ways to uplift instead of discovering new methods to judge, rate, and rank. As John 5:44 reminds us, we don't have time for that, for "How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all of your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?" (The Message Bible)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><u>The Love Letter</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Early last year, I was driving to a friend's house, who I had not visited in a while. One reason I had not visited was due to having to cross over a reminder of pain each time I saw her. That reminder was the bridge on which my father passed away so suddenly. Each time that I drove over it, I felt my stomach clench tightly and the feeling of not being able to breathe threatened to consume me. Because of this, I often drove a much more lengthy way to her house. On this day, I was running short on time and opted to brave the quickest route. I recall driving through a light blanket of rain. However, by the time I neared the turn and saw the bridge approaching in the distance, I became aware that the rain had stopped. I turned the radio off as a sign of respect and began to grip the wheel tighter as I asked God to help me stay focused on my lane. As I continued to rise higher and higher up the bridge, I realized the sky in front of me was filled with big billowy puffs of clouds. Some had silver linings. The splendor was evident, and I simply stared in wonder. Though I didn't know it yet, the wonder was about to turn to elation. Just before reaching the top of the bridge, I felt a nudge to look to my left. "But I don't want to!" my insides screamed. For, to look left meant glancing in the exact location where my father's life ended. Seeing that the nudge was now turning into a push, I finally gave in and looked toward my left. A double-take occurred since much to my amazement, there, encompassing the entirety of the bridge loomed the largest and most beautiful rainbow that I had ever seen up close. A feeling of warmth and love swept over my being, as I felt God gently and safely guide me the rest of the way over the bridge. How encouraging to know that God cares about each one of his unique little "raindrops" that He routinely reaches down from heaven to remind them of His love for them. All that is required on our part is to simply draw near to God, listen, and watch for what our love letter looks like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Dad's Legacy</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />As for my earthly father, I know he is in a better place. As I focus on meeting personal and business goals, I will be sure to remember the lessons of perseverance and hard work that he imparted to me during his time on earth. I may not have liked the lessons at the time, such as how I wasn't allowed to sleep past 8am on weekends, like most of my friends. However, I realize now that a level of perseverance, determination, and grit were being sown into my heart during those years. I have decided that one of the best ways to honor my father and carry on his legacy is to work hard in this life no matter what. I believe that taking lessons from both my earthly father and heavenly Father are important for me to reach my destiny and shine my individual light into the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Final Message</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Though I am closing this blog and one season of my life, I look forward to starting a new one. While this blog was all about exploring a topic and developing a written voice, I realize the content is rather lengthy. My next writing project will likely be delivered on a shortened spectrum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To conclude my entry, I find that I continue to be thankful for the creation God has made for all of us to enjoy. Staring out at the backyard, I am drawn to the once cascading leaves of the mystical weeping willow, which usually reminds me of something taken from a children's novel during the warmer months. Now, its barren branches loudly proclaim the ending of one season and the start of another. If I stood outside during the spring and summer months and listened closely, I no doubt would hear birds chirping in the trees, singing their secret songs. Now, I stand outside and breathe in the crisp November air that whips against my clothing. What is nature saying? Could everything God made be helping to spell out the mysteries that seem so far reaching for us to comprehend as we hustle and bustle about, content with being distracted by the busyness of life? It is my hope that you have enjoyed my little Christian teaching blog and have read something that encouraged you at some point along the way. If I can impart anything to you as I close this blog, it would be this: I hope you grow into the person you were created to be so that your God-given unique light can be seen by all. I hope you work diligently and uncompromisingly toward your goals in life. Each person has unique gifts to contribute. Let's encourage each other to share them! And finally, my friend, as you live, and discover, and move closer to each of your dreams in this life, I hope you remember to slow down. Yes, sometimes slowing down is necessary. We forget that like nature, people also require seasons of rest to renew themselves. Try setting aside some time for yourself to be alone in nature and meditate on this bold world that God made for us all to enjoy. While you're at it, maybe ask God what He wants to show you in all of it. Who knows? You may just find yourself on another field trip with God...</span><br />
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www.physicsclassroom.com</span></span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-1676235380731730422012-04-26T09:13:00.000-07:002012-04-26T09:45:15.821-07:00Strength Like a Redwood<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've been fascinated by trees lately. During quiet times, I constantly find myself staring at the strong oak trees out my window. Swaying in the wind, bending but still standing strong after a storm. What's even more amazing are those redwood trees in California. Most everyone has seen a picture in a tourism magazine of the happy family standing underneath one. Perhaps, you've even been able to do this.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I ponder the strength of the redwood and all trees, I am reminded that their strength resides in how deeply rooted they are in their foundations. Think about it--what destroys a tree during a hurricane? First the foundation must be saturated, weakening the tree's root system, and then the wind topples the tree. Aren't we the same? If not grounded in a foundation of truth, we can be easily swayed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was once mocked by an individual in my own life in regard to my dedication to a particular cause. The cause was human trafficking, and I was attempting to discuss how important it was to me. The individual I was speaking with asked rather insensitively how the fight was going in response to a comment I made about doing my part to "fight human trafficking." I wanted to say, "Well, it's rather discouraging as there are approximately 800,000 to 900,000 victims annually trafficked across international borders worldwide (Department of State). It's rather disheartening to think about as I freely get out of my own bed in the morning, put on my choice of clothes, and head out the door into my free world." I chose in that moment to be polite and forgiving, but the insinuation that was made in that one comment was meant to discourage me. Sometimes the people doing the discouraging don't mean to do so. They don't even realize they were used as tools of the enemy to kill, steal, and destroy a godly heart with a big dream. The simple reality was that the comment was meant to convince me that the money I was giving to organizations that combat sex trafficking, the mission trip I had been on, the shopping decisions I consciously make regarding fair trade, and all of my future goals to help combat modern-day slavery were all in vain...that I could not make any kind of noticeable difference. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh well, perhaps I should just give up and accept the fact that poor little me can not really do anything to make a significant difference in the world. Now, there's an idea--that I am insignificant and minuscule in comparison to the evil that encompasses our world. Interesting thought, for without God, this is true. Thank God that He is great because I am small and can't do it all on my own. As Christians, it's important that we know where our strength comes from. The minute we forget and let others convince us that we are not making a difference in the world by doing good, we open ourselves to negativity that can only distract us from our goals. Like trees, we can be uprooted from our foundation when the flood of negative thoughts, words, and actions come in.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking at the many challenges that lie ahead of me, I know I can't do great things by myself...and I'm ok with that. You see, I don't have to be the strong one that accomplishes good by myself. For, God is my redwood. God is my mighty oak. God is my strength, and together we will accomplish great things in this world. ("Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can't believe that, believe what you see--these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-John 14:11-12, The Message Bible)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-size: large;">(2 Corinthians 12:9-10)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">To provide for them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">(Isaiah 61:3, King James)</span></span><br />
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</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-57962518496677766132012-03-08T15:37:00.006-08:002012-04-26T09:19:13.646-07:00Trails of Trial and Winds of Peace<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love hiking trails. Even as a young girl, the very thought that someone, or something could leave a path behind for others to follow intrigued me, not to mention jump-started my imagination. One of my favorite pastimes was exploring trails in the woods with my dog, Ginger. Many hours were spent acting out adventure stories I had written in my young mind. A favorite storyline revolved around me pretending I was an Indian princess that had been captured by a group of bad guys. In my imagination, my knowledge of nature and keen Macgyver skills always led to my inevitable escape back home to my native village. A late bloomer with braces, something told me there was no use waiting around for Prince Charming in this game. So, off I would run. My adventures led me to cross obstacles such as fallen tree trunks, rocky terrain, flocks of wild turkeys, and badger dens. However, the best obstacle by far was a large creek that ran through the woods behind my parents' house. The body of water was usually small enough that one could easily jump across to the other side. Once the creek widened and the embankments grew taller, however, things became more tricky. Knowing my short legs would never make it if I tried to jump across these wide sections of the creek, I stuck to playing on one side. That was...until the day I discovered I could swing on a vine. I noticed it on a day when I was walking close to the edge of a tall creek embankment. Suspended from high above, it almost smacked me in the face as I walked by. To my great joy, I found after testing it that the vine was so well-wrapped around a tree that I could swing on it. Back and forth, I would fly, with the wind blowing through my hair. The thrill of testing my limits as I soared high above the creek made my heart feel so free. I continued to swing on the vine many times after that.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">However, as the months continued and I grew bigger, the vine one day decided it no longer wished to support the weight of a 90 pound girl. I clearly remember the fall. It happened in slow motion. One minute I was watching the sky peek out from patches of tree branches. The next, I was balancing precariously on the edge of the creek bed.While the vine had dropped, it was still attached to the tree and now served as my rope to safety. Funny as I reflect. Even then, God was there to catch me when I fell. Even more interesting was how I welcomed the physical obstacles in the trail back then. My attitude was always to push ahead with full abandon and joy, choosing to think of my problems as opportunities. I'm 31 now, and I must admit I no longer make games out of how fast I can cross a fallen tree trunk without losing my balance. My steps are a bit more cautious and weary. Certainly, age, health, and experience play a factor. Even so, I can't help but notice a connection. How many times do we as adults grow frustrated and angry when things don't go our way? Leaving the house to run errands only to realize once we've arrived at our destination that we forgot the grocery list, or letter to be mailed is an example of the daily trials we face. Perhaps the condescending comments made by a certain person in your life are making it hard to remain positive. While these are small trials compared to some, it is safe to say the obstacles we face in this life are endless. I will be the first to admit that I often wish all the trails of my personal journey could be flat and smooth. However, as I reflect back on that carefree young girl with a heart for adventure, I realize I can learn something from her. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One thing I love to do when I hike now is listen for the sound of the wind in the trees. Something about the silence of the woods and the sudden rustling of leaves causes me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to look up and marvel at the sight of huge sturdy trees bending forward under the weight of the wind. Who is this mighty God that even the trees bow down to worship him? Ecclesiastes 11:5 answers me simply. "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the maker of all things." Though I can't understand or explain everything that happens in life, I can comprehend the peace I feel as I watch God's breath blow through the trees...as I feel His presence whisping through my fingers, my hair, and my life. This wind is the same wind I felt rushing past me as I soared high above a creek so many years ago. As I breathe in, I realize that I love this facet of creation even more than I did then. Experiencing the peace of God in the midst of an obstacle or series of obstacles in your path is truly exhilarating. I don't ever want to forget the peace of God--the trust that comes from knowing He is is control of everything that I do not understand. What freedom that is! I love that a gentle soft breeze has the power to refresh me even when I'm tired and weak from hiking. Likewise, when I feel I can't possibly climb another hill in the seemingly never-ending twisting and turning trails of life, I will choose to trust in Him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">-Proverbs 3:5-6.</span></td></tr>
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Another new year is upon us. Resolutions have been spoken, and another New Year's Day has gone by where I rebelled against Southern tradition. Yes, mom. If you're reading this...your little girl forgot to buy collard greens and black-eyed peas AGAIN. To those of you who aren't Southern, or who are just plain unaware, this is a tragedy according to superstitions that date back to the American Civil War.<br />
I'm sorry you had to find out this way, Mom...<br />
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On a more positive note, I start this year's first blog post with a New Year's resolution to write at least one blog post a month. This decision comes on the heels of a two-month stint of non-posting. Yes, the Field Trips with God blog was beginning to look like just an empty barren field in the blogosphere. I do apologize to those of you who actually look forward to reading my posts. Truthfully, the word "resolution" bugs me. Something about it sounds so final...something you can't back out of once you've declared it. Personally, I would much rather call it an "attempted goal." This is because I've noticed we often set huge goals higher than we can attain in the beginning instead of setting smaller realistic goals to accomplish along the way. (This is how I got to the place of not writing, by the way. I wrote weekly blog posts that were so long my husband constituted them as sermons.) When we fall off the wagon, or get burnt out from trying too hard all at once we often get discouraged and quit. We've all heard or experienced it... "I'm going to get out and enjoy the outdoors more this year--NO MORE Prime Time television for me", "I'm going to lose 10 pounds this year because I'm going to exercise EVERY SINGLE DAY", "Only steamed vegetables--NO fried foods for me this year"...The list goes on, and more often than not the end of the year finds us carrying the same 10 pounds, with a remote in one hand, and a KFC bucket in the other. I'm sorry...the truth hurts me, too.<br />
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That's because we're always growing to be more like God. While we are growing, we will no doubt fall. However, Proverbs 24:16 reminds us "Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again." Every morning the sun reminds us of this verse. For, every morning no matter how late I sleep in,the sun always rises. To take it a step further, I think the very nature of the sun is a representation of the nature of God...always good and constant, always there--to bring light and clarity to a situation, or simply a warming presence. There will certainly be times of trial and darkness in this life, but how encouraging to know that God's sun will rise again to bring light and hope to people. (If that isn't a play on words, I don't know what is...) What if the darkness is too much? So much that it seems it will never lift? That's when we must keep our attention focused on God, remaining hopeful to see His shining face through the clouds of despair and to rest in the warmth of His presence. Some may ask, "How do I rest during those times of trial?" The best answer I have to offer is "Rest assured." Even though we can't always feel it in a dark moment, rest assured He is there...like a light at the end if the tunnel, or a beacon in a stormy night. If we ignore the negative circumstances swarming around us and focus intently on His promises to us, we will surely see the light of His goodness. Did you know there is a place called Barrow, Alaska where the sun doesn't rise for two months in the winter? As we speak, the next sunrise for this northern city is in nine days. Do you know how hopeful those inhabitants must be becoming? I imagine people watching for the sun expectantly...perhaps another good picture of how we should anticipate God even when things look bleak. To be sure, God always shows up at the appointed time, and if we keep our eyes fixed toward Him we will not be disappointed. For "weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." (Psalm 30:5)<br />
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We should remember this display of God's faithfulness when we struggle with resolutions made throughout the new year. If you find yourself falling away from your goals, don't fret. Forgive yourself and simply focus on the strength of God and His son. With His help, you will surely rise again.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat." </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">(</span><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=19&v=1#1" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Psalm 19:1-6</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">)</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 28px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><b>Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” – Hosea 6:3</b></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-29077954022723459942011-10-25T11:25:00.000-07:002011-10-31T19:06:32.591-07:00A Lesson from the Pumpkin Patch<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SH6ETBBkNE4/Tqb9T3VniBI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/XmlqPVAO4ro/s1600/IMG_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SH6ETBBkNE4/Tqb9T3VniBI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/XmlqPVAO4ro/s640/IMG_0705.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's no secret my favorite season is Fall. I love the slightly cooler weather, the changing colors of the trees, the decorations, and of course the smells which depict the season. Even now, the smell from crunching fallen leaves in the woods can bring back memories of jumping in leaf piles as a little girl. By far one of my favorite smells of the season is that of pumpkin. Every Fall, my usually frugal self rushes to Yankee Candle to purchase the best pumpkin spice fragrance in all of creation... I admit I'm a bit biased. If it's a really good day, I make a Starbucks run just to order their famous Pumpkin Spice Latte. With my new fall candle in one hand and the best seasonal coffee drink in the other, I can believe for a moment that the whole world is right. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This Fall, God nudged me to study pumpkins further. No doubt, there was something to learn about Fall's famous fruit. After researching a bit, I found that the main thing that God wanted to show me was that pumpkins are nourished by the vines which they are attached. So, it seems the pumpkin is a perfect picture of the first few verses of John 15. “Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much fruit. However, apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5) Just as the pumpkin gets its nourishment from its vine, we must get our nourishment from God, through the power given by the Holy Spirit which comes from believing in Christ Jesus. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The scriptures in John 15 had special meaning for me this week, as I have recently interacted with more rude people than I care to count. Realizing that I can not love on my own but must draw nourishment from the “holy vine” is definitely a requirement when dealing with non-loveable people. If we can remember where we draw our nourishment from in difficult times, surely we will grow to our fullest potential and produce much fruit. When we bear much fruit, Jesus says God is honored and glorified. Not only that, but we show ourselves to be true followers of Jesus. (John 15:8) As a Christian, isn't that the point?</span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-35147702981522015822011-09-30T16:04:00.000-07:002011-09-30T17:19:07.710-07:00Ponies and the Presence of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~ Sitting on the bow of the pontoon boat looking into the face of the wind, my anticipation grew. My husband, Jeremy and I had boarded Daisey's Dockside Nature Cruises earlier that morning holding the promise of a brochure, which boasted some of the greatest opportunities for viewing island wildlife. The journey was to be the highlight of our trip to Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Made famous by its wild ponies depicted in the children's book, <u>Misty of Chincoteague</u>, the island was a welcome retreat for travelers who just wanted to escape the daily grind. Filling my lungs with the Chesapeake Bay air, I could see why. For myself, being so close to the ocean brought childhood memories flooding to the present. Memories of visiting my grandmother when she lived by the sea both refreshed and nurtured my soul. The intrigue of the island ponies only further excited the little girl living inside of me. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Woof! Woof!” Bailey barked, running up to the bow. His owner, Captain Tom had trained the little dog to scout dolphins, much to our amusement at the beginning of the trip. However, while barking had attracted the curiosity of dolphins, silence was needed as we scoured the island for wild ponies. Captain Tom shushed Bailey before informing us that the ponies were being allusive that morning. “They're usually in three places,” he explained. My heart sank a little as our guide further informed us that we had already visited two of the animals' grazing spots. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now as I sat at the front of the pontoon boat, my eyes scanning the horizon, I let my heart gain hope again. Nearing land, Captain Tom suddenly cut the boat's engine. As the boat glided to a halt, everyone stood up to see the main attraction they had paid to see that day. Handing me his binoculars, Jeremy smiled and pointed. Being a bit uncoordinated with the device, I stared up into the sky and down into the marshy land before pointing it in the right direction. Finally finding my target, I was delighted to observe two ponies through the lens—one tan and white, the other a dark chocolate. Nearby, a bush rustled and the head of a blond pony peaked though the foliage. A few seconds later, it moved to reveal the rest of its beauty. All the while, the small horses' manes whipped wildly in the wind, and I was left to wonder in awe at these mysterious inhabitants on a peaceful island. The brochures were right—the sight was breathtaking.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As Captain Tom slowly started the engine, I sat down with the satisfaction of knowing I had just witnessed a very special part of God's creation. With that knowledge, I knew God also had a message to teach me. A few days after my trip it soon struck me that sometimes we look and look for God, while it doesn't always seem like He is there. I have experienced such seasons of life, in which God seems too far away. Sometimes, I become so caught up in my circumstances that I no longer see Him or feel His presence. In those moments, I believe we must remember to not lose hope. You may have heard the motto, “Don't get your hopes up.” If you're like me, you may have lived that motto. I did so to protect my heart. That way, I would never be disappointed if someone didn't come through for me, or if something I wanted didn't come to pass. While many of us may still use this defensive thought process to prevent ourselves from uncomfortable heartache, I think it is important that we remember not to apply it to God. On the contrary, we must always continue to get our hopes up when it comes to God. For, while things may still happen that we do not understand, one thing is certain--God's nature always has and always will remain constant and good. (Numbers 23:19, Psalm 34:8) While we may feel like His absence surrounds us in a moment, we can not allow ourselves to forget that He is always with us. (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5) Sometimes we only need to refocus our spiritual binoculars to see Him. ~</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bailey the First Mate helping us look for ponies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Misty of Chincoteague" statue<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremy enjoying the cruise</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-62952636469062284352011-09-15T14:48:00.000-07:002011-09-15T18:01:13.030-07:00Oh Deer, God! Teach me how to rest!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">CC image courtesy of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Izuen Gordelekua</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span">on Flickr</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/izuengordelekua/2840724863/</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~ This week has been a busy one. Swamped with extra work at the group home, tending to a leaky roof on the homefront, celebrating Jeremy's birthday with family, helping my husband send out book proposals, all while trying to fit in my other errands has proven difficult to balance. God tried to grab my attention to slow down earlier in the week. Have you ever noticed how He does this? For me it happened when my husband and I were going shopping. Sitting in the passenger seat, daydreaming about my future while checking off a list of shopping items in my head, I gazed out the window. I don't know why I looked up in that particular moment. Houses, houses, then a bridge overlooking a construction zone, then...what was that in the distance? I couldn't believe my eyes. Deer resting in a small clearing just alongside a wooded lot. How contrasting their graceful brown bodies looked against the cold hard steel of the bulldozers and busy dinner time traffic rushing by us! How and why did I look up in time to see that sight? Reflecting only a moment before getting swept back into the rush hour traffic of my own mind, I knew exactly what God was trying to say. <i>Be still and know that I am God. </i>It was that simple. <i>Slow down, little one. Rest in me and renew your strength. </i>Ephesians 4:23 tells us to "be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude]." (Amplified) What a great reminder for all of us!</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In accordance with this message, my post will not be a long one. I'm learning how to rest. I'm also learning what's most important in life. The more I listen to those wiser with more wrinkles than me say, "I wish I had spent more time with those I loved than on mundane tasks", the more I am compelled to find this rest which the Bible speaks. Today, I am learning how not to be everything to everyone. If my house is a little untidy, so be it. If my hair is a bit unkept, who cares? I'm tired, and I'm renewing my strength like deer resting in a meadow. Won't you join me? ~</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-61612079079783360452011-09-06T18:03:00.000-07:002011-09-15T15:15:20.486-07:00Shake It Up!<span style="font-size: large;"> Last week's post influenced by the hurricane stole this post's thunder. Oh well, better late than never:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">CC image courtesy of J</span>aymi Heimbuch <span class="Apple-style-span">on Flickr</span></div>http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaymiheimbuch/5442875782/</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">~ I am pleased to inform you I survived the 2011 Virginia earthquake with little to no story to report. Building structures sustained little damage, all in all. More importantly, there were minor injuries and no reported deaths, making the 5.8 East Coast earthquake a relatively well-behaved one in my opinion. No, this geological phenomena wasn't God pouring out His wrath on a modern day Sodom and Gomorrah. However, while news teams focused on logistics, statistics, and the random local story of a supermarket customer getting hit in the head by kamikaze soup cans, I believe God was broadcasting His own “Breaking News” coverage. The question is, <i>Are we tuning in to His frequency?</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you think I'm going to say God has something to teach us through an earthquake, you get a gold star. While earthquakes don't have the greatest reputation, they are undeniably a part of creation. FEMA defines an earthquake as “a ground shaking caused by a sudden movement of rock in the Earth's crust.” More specifically, Earth has tectonic plates which move around under its surface, sliding past and bumping into one another. The edges of the plates are rough, causing them to oftentimes get stuck while the rest of the plate keeps moving. Over time, this causes friction and pressure to build up between the plates. The plates are held in place by friction along a fault, or fracture between two blocks of rock. When a plate finally moves far enough, its edges unstick. This motion causes a sudden amount of energy to be released in the form of seismic waves, which travel through the earth. The shaking that we feel is the movement of the seismic waves under the Earth's surface. In the case of the recent Virginia earthquake, reports that seismic waves could be felt as far north as Canada and as far south as Georgia caused jaws to drop. After all, while a 5.8 earthquake is significantly great for the East Coast, it shrivels in comparison to the popular tremors of its West Coast sister, or the devastating 9.0 Great East Japan Earthquake. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then God spoke to me: <i>Size doesn't matter in the kingdom of God, Amanda</i>. The Lord then reminded me that He calls the small and insignificant to do big things in this world. Stories that model this lesson for us fill the Bible. The names of Joseph, Rahab, David, Esther, and Ruth are only a few of the “smaller” people that God used for bigger purposes. If we look at what each of these characters had in common that led to them being honored by God above others, we will find one simple answer: They each had a humble and willing heart. Because of their ready hearts, the Lord was able to greatly manifest His power through their lives. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing that I have learned from the Bible is that earthquakes can occur when the power of God is upon us. Matthew 26:51 describes an earthquake occurring immediately at the point Jesus gave His spirit to be with the Lord in heaven. In Matthew 28:2, we read that an earthquake occurs when Mary of Magdala and the other Mary go to look at Jesus's tomb, only to find He had risen and an angel sitting upon a boulder. As I ponder what a modern-day earthquake has to do with us, the thought strikes me that when an individual has God in their heart and seeks to do His will on Earth, magnificent things can happen. God can cause that one willing person to cause a rumbling in the spirit. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please bear with me as I paint a spiritual earthquake parallel of sorts. As a Christian, you may notice that oftentimes when trying to step out and be who God called you to be, you are met with resistance—much like the plates that move back and forth against one another under the Earth's surface. People may discourage you by saying you can't do something that your heart is set on. Others may try to persuade you to live a different life if you are choosing to live opposite of their “normal.” If you feel pressure, don't lose heart. That's just the Earth calling out for you-- the sons and daughters of God-- to arise. Keep pressing toward God, straining forward to the prize. Sooner or later, you're going to push so hard toward your destiny and calling that one day you're going to feel a break. There's going to be an “unsticking” of plates, if you will, in the spiritual realm as you move away from the norm and into the higher things to which God has called you. That breaking away is going to cause a rumble in the spirit. People will be affected by you as you step boldly into the shoes of the person God always called you to be. There will be no turning back then. People will feel the effects of God's energy flowing through you to them no matter if they are near or far. You're capable of creating seismic waves, yourself, beloved. It doesn't matter if you are a 1 or 10 on the Richter Scale.<i> </i>The point is that you have a willing heart that is focused and determined to shake things up for God's sake. Does this mean we do things a little differently than the rest of the world? Of course, but no worries lest we forget that Jesus also caused waves. Some people didn't like the way Jesus shook things up, but that didn't stop him from accomplishing the mission God sent him to complete on Earth. (Thank God!)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we follow our Heavenly Father's voice which leads us to accomplish our own mission on Earth, we would be wise to look to the model He gave us. Jesus, himself, teaches us to pray for God's will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. (Matthew 6:10) If you will, take a moment and contemplate these words before asking yourself, “What exactly do we think is going on in Heaven?” Lots of joy? Sure. Peace? Absolutely. Worship? Yes. The power of God? You'd better believe it. Jesus isn't simply reciting pretty words that we can repeat in church service...He is instructing us to pray that the <i>things in Heaven be brought to Earth!</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> It doesn't matter how insignificant you think you are. The power of God is what will change the world. The question is do we have a ready and willing heart which He can move through? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope so, friends because one things for sure...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God is ready to shake things up! ~</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.fema.gov/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.fema.gov</span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.earthquake.usgs.gov/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.earthquake.usgs.gov</span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.enchantedlearning.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.enchantedlearning.com</span></a></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-74719405910906501652011-08-28T22:55:00.000-07:002011-09-05T12:05:55.102-07:00Hurricanes and Human Trafficking<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aiXmPJu5r9Y/Tlskua_cl_I/AAAAAAAAAEk/_CKUowxiQvY/s1600/5701127896_6f5083ac0f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aiXmPJu5r9Y/Tlskua_cl_I/AAAAAAAAAEk/_CKUowxiQvY/s1600/5701127896_6f5083ac0f_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">CC image courtesy of jinterwas on Flickr<br />
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The day after Hurricane Irene barreled through my Virginia town, I awoke not knowing what I may find in its wake. I had already thanked God that a tree had not fallen onto the house the night before. Part of our roof had leaked throughout the storm, but as news reports of injuries and deaths poured in it became increasingly evident that things could have been much worse. Opening the door and stepping onto the front porch, I stared grimly. While the storm responsible for the second largest power outage in our state's history had departed, one look outside proved that Irene had left an “I was here” message on creation. Walking the perimeter of the yard, I viewed a blanket of tree branches and leaves. The bushes and trees that <i>had</i> managed to remain intact looked as though they had been in a fight, their once upright branches now draping their arms of bark over waterlogged ground. My heart sank as I caught a glimpse of flower petals stuck in mud. My beautiful wildflowers that once stood so tall were thrashed so badly by the wind they now laid defeated on their sides. I sighed as I noticed that a particular flower once adorned by a radiant headdress of colorful petals now practically appeared bald. There was no denying it-- <i>Life had definitely taken a beating the night before</i>.<br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Suddenly my mind flashed to a memory from eight months prior. In the memory, I was riding in a van with nine other women through the streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand. We were participating in a mission trip under the umbrella of Zoe Children's Home and were en route back to our hotel after visiting an orphanage outside the city. It was around 10pm, and we were exhausted from the events of the day. However, as our driver sped along toward our comfortable hotel beds, it soon became evident to us that some individuals were just beginning their day. From inside our van, my vision fixated on several Asian women walking up and down the sidewalks. While slender and beautiful, they appeared cheaply decorated to me in slinky tank tops, short skirts, and high heels. Some looked very young. In the shadows, I noticed men sitting at cafe tables. As my brain processed what I was seeing, I heard someone in the van whisper, “<i>Red Light District</i>.” While I did not want to stare, my spirit would not allow me to ignore what we were passing by. Tracing their makeup lined faces with my eyes, I wanted to cry out for God's creation in that moment.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">If I had not known how tightly human trafficking was woven into the world of prostitution, my heart probably wouldn't have cringed so badly at the sight before me that January night in Thailand. However, the veil had been lifted from my eyes about two years before, and I was now very aware of the statistics. Let me share some of them with you: According to the U.S. Department of State, there are an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 children, women, and men trafficked across international borders annually. Eighty percent are women and girls. Seventy percent are forced into prostitution. The typical age of a girl that enters prostitution is between twelve and fourteen. Thailand is a "source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking." (humantrafficking.org) </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Friends, human trafficking is truly <em>creation under assault</em>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The assault is much like that of a hurricane. Human life that was intended by God to stand strong and glorify Him is beaten and bruised by torturing winds of cruelty and evil. Battered physically, mentally, and emotionally, human trafficking victims are much like flowers in a hurricane. If I was saddened when I saw my lovely wildflowers pushed mercilessly to the ground by a hurricane, how much more must God's heart ache when He sees His most precious creations abused in such a way? Psalm 34:18 tells us that “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and He saves those crushed in spirit.” (New International Version) The Message translation of the scripture right before that (34:17) states, “Is anyone crying out for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.” Friends, as children made in the image of God, our hearts should be positioned in such a way that they reflect the heart of our heavenly father. Are <i>we </i>close enough to hear the cry of the brokenhearted? Listen closely, for their voice is often silent. Furthermore, will we do our part to save these worthy creations from the destructive gale force winds of evil? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For more information about human trafficking and how you can help, click on the “Blogging for a Cause” page above. Together, we can rescue "wildflowers in a hurricane." </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-78406503750228576632011-08-21T14:57:00.000-07:002011-08-29T20:52:31.128-07:00Fog of Faith<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olZgNm8hRkM/TlFnFQPNKNI/AAAAAAAAAEg/4NbE002Vwsk/s1600/5014985199_be28b9f8bb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olZgNm8hRkM/TlFnFQPNKNI/AAAAAAAAAEg/4NbE002Vwsk/s1600/5014985199_be28b9f8bb_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">CC image courtesy of marfis75 on Flickr</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/marfis75/5014985199/</div></div></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~ Perhaps you’ve heard of sayings, such as “He looks like he’s in a fog” or “I’m feeling kind of foggy.” These statements lead us to believe that fog is most often a bad thing—something that causes an impairment of some kind. Lately, God has been showing me that sometimes he allows fog in our lives for His glory. Let me explain:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a person who loves envisioning the big picture. I think big. I dream big. Though a person of short-stature, I have come to accept the belief that God has made me (and others) to be someone who does big things in this life. Jesus himself said, “if anyone steadfastly believes in Me, he will himself be able to do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these…so that the Father may be glorified.” (John 14:12-13)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God loves a big heart that longs to live life doing great things for Him. However, God is a good father that knows what we are capable of handling. There have been times in my life that God has only let me see one thing at a time without showing me the end result. Take this blog, for instance. I have no idea what the effects of writing it will be. I can always guess, but all I truly know is that God told me to write it. So, in obedience I write. If God had told me the whole picture of what I’m supposed to do and who I’m supposed to be, I may get ahead of myself and go forward to accomplish the task independently without consulting God any further about the matter. Therefore friends, I believe God sometimes puts a fog of faith in our paths so that we can only see so far ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meteorologically speaking, fog is nothing but a very low stratus cloud. Sometimes this cloud even touches the ground. Science tells us that when there are winds, fog near the ground can become thick and reduce visibilities to zero. Have you ever driven at night when there is a cloud of fog in your path? One of the scariest times of my teenage driving years came when I took a wrong turn on a country road coming home from a friend’s house. The night was pitch black and the road was curvy. To top it off, a thick fog had settled on the road. I remember bats darting through my low beams. Feeling panicked, I thought back to my driver’s education lessons and what little I knew about God. Gripping the wheel tightly and driving slowly, I used the edge of the road as a guide and prayed a very poignant prayer that went something like, “Oh God, oh God, oh God!” I made it home safely, but must say it was quite an experience for a new driver! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our journey of life is similar. If left to our own devices, no doubt we are going to get ourselves lost. God will always lead us if we lean on Him. However, to make sure we know from where our strength comes and to who the glory is attributed, He may only let us see what’s right in front of us at any given time. After we accomplish the task at hand, He will allow us to see a little bit more. Instead of letting this frustrate us, how much easier would our lives be if we learned to embrace this fog of faith, keeping our eyes fixed on Him and trusting that He will lead us to our destinations? ~<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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</div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-5386790025940322872011-08-11T21:09:00.000-07:002011-08-29T20:34:30.875-07:00A Rain Dance with God<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">CC image courtesy of lighthack on Flickr</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">http://www.flickr.com/photos/lighthack/5465360178</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~ Does anyone remember dancing in the rain as a child? "Play rain," as my mother called it, was rain that came down in spring or summer which was unaccompanied by lightning. My mind drifts to memories of running gleefully outside in a bathing suit just to lift my hands and twirl under the often tepid bath water temperature of rain droplets on my skin. If a bathing suit was unavailable, I would endure the feel of a wet t-shirt and shorts. The worst feeling was being in a place where I could not partake in a play rain soaking. Such times included riding in a car when all I could do was wistfully stick my hand out a window. Attending a formal occasion in which wet clothing was not part of the dress code also made the list of times when I felt like a wallflower on the sidelines of a missed rain dance opportunity.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I sit on a porch now and watch a summer downpour, I feel God's invitation to dance in the rain once more. If not physically...certainly spiritually. Meditating on the pitter-patter of rain droplets hitting the ground, I become acutely aware of another pitter-patter at the door of my heart. God was once again trying to impart wisdom through nature.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Truly, rain is a life source. Every flower, tree, and shrub needs it. Even animals need the rain, for when the creek beds dry up they must search for another place to drink. Just as plants and animals need water to live and thrive, so we as humans need a life-giving source. As the ground must be soaked when it is in dire need of being quenched, so too do our souls need to be satisfied when we are beat down and stressed out. A Christian that has experienced how life-giving God's Word is knows there comes a point in his or her Christian walk when a Sunday church service once a week, or a Bible verse here and there just doesn't cut it anymore. How many flowers really thrive with a little sprinkling of water every now and then? Just as plants look quite shriveled and downtrodden from lack of water, so do our spiritual lives look when we lack quality time with our heavenly Father. Psalm 42:1-2 speaks clearly: "As the heart [deer] pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O God. My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God." (Amplified)</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rain reminds me of how all-consuming God is... just as not a leaf is untouched during a heavy soaking, so nothing in our hearts is left untouched by the hand of God. I must tell you friends, that once you accept God's invitation to dance in the rain He will leave no stone in your heart unturned. I tell you this from personal experience... There is no half-way with God. You either give yourself up to His ways entirely, or you are left living a life less full than what God desires for you. If we choose to die completely to ourselves and live for Him, He will not stop pursuing our wholeness as He soaks us to our cores. This is because He wants to fill every ounce of our being to overflowing with His Holiness. Did you know that rain cleanses? Any pollen sufferer can tell you this. So too does God want to cleanse us of our imperfections.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGpPiZZgAAQ/TkSUcrgnM4I/AAAAAAAAAEU/erCcJ34dVKU/s1600/Moms+Flowers008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGpPiZZgAAQ/TkSUcrgnM4I/AAAAAAAAAEU/erCcJ34dVKU/s400/Moms+Flowers008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jeremy Conrad</td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now that I'm older, I realize how peaceful and refreshing play rain is. When God ushers Himself in, it's like a cooling breeze. In fact, the first time I realized God was in play rain I was driven to my knees to worship. Isaiah 55:10-11 says "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (New International Version)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Friends, when was the last time you danced in the rain with God? ~</span></div></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-29370314445459702152011-08-04T16:10:00.000-07:002011-08-29T21:00:55.773-07:00To Love a Mockingbird<span lang=""></span><br />
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<div class="wp-caption-text"><div style="margin: 0px;">CC Image courtesy of Chuqui on Flickr</div></div><div class="wp-caption-text"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/#/photos/chuqui/435233">http://www.flickr.com/#/photos/chuqui/435233</a></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="">~ Until recently, the mockingbird really wasn't my friend. Let's face it--once you've been dive-bombed by a bird, you're never quite the same. Just last summer, a mockingbird decided to build its nest close to an area in the yard where I park my car. Every driving excursion soon turned dangerous --or humorous-depending on whether we're talking about my experience or the experience of those observing me. A ritual developed, which usually included me making a mad dash for the car. Sometimes I would make it to the point of safety undetected. Other times, I would get half way across the yard before hearing a squawking "war cry" from above. Much to my horror, the mockingbird would swoop down toward my head. This was usually followed by a flailing of arms and squealing on my part, much to the delight of passer-by drivers. </span><br />
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Another year has passed, and I believe the same mockingbird has returned. It has built its nest in the same spot as before, and I am wise to park elsewhere. I've also noticed that this year it seems to have brought a few more friends. While spending time with God and reflecting on nature, I was drawn to these creatures as they sang multiple songs and flew from one tree to the next. I just knew in my spirit that God had something to teach me through them. <br />
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Over the next few weeks I studied other things in nature, but my spirit would not let go of the mockingbird. One day I was walking around my yard when I heard high pitched cheeping coming from a mockingbird nest. Peering up, I caught a glimpse of baby birds being fed by their mother. After this observance, I began to allow God to minister more wisdom to me regarding this animal. No doubt, they are among the most territorial of bird species. "Why was this?" I pondered. <i>Their nest is their territory and in it is their lifesource. </i>God's answer hit me like a ton of bricks. As I listened further, God drew me to Proverbs 4:23. "Keep <i>and</i> guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life." I breathed deep. If God (through King Soloman) says the heart must be guarded above all else, it must be our most valuable possession--much like a nest is a mockingbird's most valuable possession. Look at a few scriptures regarding the heart: Matthew 5:8 says "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!" The Lord told Samuel that "the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward apearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (I Samuel 16:7) Having a pure heart is one of the ways which a man may receive blessing from the Lord (Psalm 24:4-5). No wonder King David asked God for a clean heart! (Psalm 51:10) Why <em>wouldn't</em> God instruct us to guard it above all else?<br />
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"But what are we guarding our hearts against?" you may ask. Well, like the mockingbird has enemies from which to protect its nest, as God's child you too have an enemy. Apostle Paul tells us: "Be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring, seeking someone to seize upon and devour." (I Peter 5:8) It always amazes me when I hear about Christians who do not believe in spiritual warfare. Some are even deceived to think if they leave the devil alone, he won't bother them. Friends, let us not kid ourselves. There's a reason God uses the picture of a lion to portray the devil instead of say, a sloth...but that's for another lesson. Ephesians 6:16 is quick to instruct us how to "extinquish all the flaming darts of the evil one." (English Standard Version) This verse lets us know attacks <em>will </em>come. There is no question about that. Even the mockingbird knows it must protect its nest from a predator. Oftentimes, as seen in my own personal story above, one is unable to pass through the vicinity of a mockingbird's territory without being chased away. Turns out, a mockingbird is wise--it knows it can not just sit by and do nothing when a perceived enemy is nearby. I am humbled as I meditate on this, for how many times do we as Christians sit by and refuse to fight when our enemy the devil prowls near our territory? How many times have we been caught sleeping spiritually while the enemy sneaks up and takes our ground?<br />
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The mockingbird knows it has life inside its nest to protect. Likewise, we also have life inside our hearts to protect. As we discover and accept all the truths and promises God has spoken over us from the time we were first formed in our mother's womb, our hearts become f</span>orever changed. We obtain godly confidence in who He says we are. With God's guidance and this newfound confidence, we are able to live the kind of life He intended for us to live all along. From our heart, this God-influenced life will begin to<em> flow out-- </em>as Proverbs 4:23 tells us-- thereby changing all it comes in contact with. As a son or daughter of God, you are meant to bring life into the world just as your heavenly Father brought life into the world. "God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life." (Genesis 2:7) Jesus tells his disciple, Thomas in John 14:6, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life." I love that Jesus is vocal about who He is. He is certain about who God created Him to be, and He's not ashamed to proclaim it boldly.<br />
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Interestingly, the mockingbird is known for being one of the most vocal bird species and can oftentimes be heard singing throughout the night. More than that, the mockingbird is famous for using mimicry to copy the bird calls of other species--some of which are its enemies. I love the picture of the mockingbird learning the voice of its enemies and proclaiming loudly what it knows. Shouldn't we too learn the voice of our enemy, so we may be able to answer his accusations with words of truth? Isn't that what Jesus did when he was accused by the devil? May we become so keen at discerning the voice of our enemy that we are never caught off-guard. Ephesians 6:18 teaches us to pray at all times in the Spirit, keeping alert and interceding on behalf of others. Just as the mockingbird sings all day and well into the night, let us not grow weary when it comes to spiritual warfare. When the "evil days" come (Ephesians 6:13), may we be vocal and bold to proclaim who God says we are. Let us never be shy to remind the enemy that we are aware of his whereabouts, and if he so much as steps near our territory we will be ready to protect it like a mockingbird. ~ <br />
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<a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/id">http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Mockingbird/id</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/about_6562147_mocking-bird-information.html">http://www.ehow.com/about_6562147_mocking-bird-information.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.helium.com/items/509309-introduction-to-the-mockingbird">http://www.helium.com/items/509309-introduction-to-the-mockingbird</a></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-75793391354233697312011-07-28T22:04:00.000-07:002011-07-30T08:19:44.144-07:00Sunflower Stance: Part Two<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello, Sunshine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">~ The very word, "Sunflower" comes from the scientific name, Helianthus. Helios means sun and Anthos means flower. The French word for Sunflower is <i>tournesol</i>, which literally means to "turn with the sun." From our previous study, it's easy to see how the sunflower lives up to its name. Its actions speak for itself. Likewise, look at the word "Christian." It is derived from the greek word Christ. Shouldn't our actions exemplify those of our Savior? I believe that the world should be able to look at a person and tell whether or not he or she is a Christian. So many times, though, Christians compromise their name by getting caught up in the ways of the world. Their thoughts are often, <em>Well, everyone else is doing it. It's no big deal.</em> These souls have forgotten who they are, or perhaps they never even quite knew who they were. Jesus spoke to the Father regarding believers before entering the garden in John 17:16. "They are not of the world (worldly, belonging to the world), [just] as I am not of the world." (Amplified) Friends, let us remember we are not of this world. Let us always keep at the forefront of our minds who the head of our family is, for we have a mighty heavenly Father. Let us take the Romans 12:1-2 verses seriously and represent Him well. "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life--and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (The Message) ~ </span></span><br />
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<em><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: maroon;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><shape alt="" coordsize="21600,21600" id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 19.5pt; width: 18.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:href="file:///D:\Seldom%20Seen's%20Stuff\My%20Webs\Sunflower%20Festival1\sunfl4.gif" src="sunflower_poems_files/image001.gif"></imagedata></shape></span></span></span></u></em></div><div style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"></span></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;"><u>Poem to a Sunflower</u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">I see you there in glory shining bright, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Following the sun and its path of light.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Standing tall above all others in the field, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">You grow, conquer, and do not yield.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">The little birds take great delight</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">In playing round you, from day to night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">With your petals of yellow and leaves of green</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">How very easily you are seen.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">But there is more to you than first sight, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">More than beauty and grander to delight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Every beautiful aspect that appears,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Gives praise to the Father dear.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">He made you a part of creation,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">And you praise Him in glorious celebration!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">The beauty that within you is expressed,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Gives testimony to his greatness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Sunflower, how I long to be like you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Glorifying God in all I do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Following the Son and His path of light, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">To worship Him in His glory shining bright.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">I can learn from you, my friend, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">With every breath, praise to God, I might send.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">With all of His creation telling the story,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;">Might I, with you, proclaim His glory.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">~By</span> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">Katherine R. Lane </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">(April 19, 1995)~</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></div><div style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Sunflower Research References</span></span></span></u></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></u></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2069432-interesting-facts-about-sunflowers">http://www.helium.com/items/2069432-interesting-facts-about-sunflowers</a></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html">http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html</a></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html">http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html</a></span></b></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html">http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html</a></span></b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-87584717815602699322011-07-27T15:09:00.000-07:002011-07-30T11:25:34.377-07:00Sunflower Stance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNs8QGoVlb8/TjArwtgTJ3I/AAAAAAAAAEI/FG26qM3VKa8/s1600/GardenFlower037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lNs8QGoVlb8/TjArwtgTJ3I/AAAAAAAAAEI/FG26qM3VKa8/s400/GardenFlower037.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflower in my backyard :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>~ Yesterday was a bad day. Friends, I have noticed since I started working on this blog I have been stricken twice with a terrible feeling of depression. This is something, with which I would greatly appreciate prayer. I've been fortunate to only have experienced this depleting feeling a few times in my life. Don't get me wrong...I've certainly experienced hardships and feelings of sadness before. I'm just usually able to handle negative situations with a positive outlook. Generally, I am a joyful optimistic person. However, as some of you may know more than I, depression is more than sadness. In fact, it feels so oppressing that there might as well be an elephant sitting on one's chest. It can be overwhelming, accompanied by panic attacks. It is also very debilitating, making it difficult--if not impossible-- to accomplish anything. What brought on this feeling, you may ask. Quite simply, distractions and lies from the devil. I had become distracted by worldly issues--the things I could only see with my physical eyes. I forgot my faith, and soon--like Eve-- came into agreement with the lies that were being thrown at me like darts.<br />
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I had been studying the sunflower and really wanted to share in my blog what I had learned. Unfortunately, the depression was inhibiting my ability to write. Instead of sitting in front of my computer, there I was--laying in bed--feeling quite defeated. The truth is that I <i>was</i> in a position of defeat. I had prayed, but my prayer was symbolic of a newborn Christian prayer. It went something like, "Oh God, please take this depression away!" Why do I say this was a newborn Christian response? Let me explain... Newborns can not do much for themselves. They rely on their caregivers to do everything for them--feeding, changing their diapers, cleaning up their messes, etc. However, as a child grows, they begin to model what their caregivers teach them. Soon, they are able to feed themselves, go to the bathroom independently, and clean up after themselves quite well. Wouldn't it be the same for Christians? Wouldn't it make sense for God to spoon feed us everything we need when we are young believers, but to train us to take independent steps forward toward Him as we grow stronger in our faith? I began to realize that my crying out to God to take the depression away was much like a baby that cries out when they have wet themselves and are in need of a diaper changing...a very humbling revelation, may I add. While the kind of prayer I prayed works very well when we are nonbelievers, or infant Christians, I believe God eventually grows us up to a place where our prayers and actions become more mature than when we first began to learn how to walk with God. Perhaps I should have prayed for God to help me stand and grow through the situation. This response would have been much more mature than laying in bed, simply asking for Him to make the problem disappear. It would require a different stance...much like a "sunflower stance."<br />
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Let's look at the sunflower's response to the sun: While all flowers need sunlight to grow, not every flower follows the sun. Only heliotrophic flowers move their plant parts toward the sun throughout the day, taking in as much light as they can. This daily motion of plants was first described by Leonardo da Vinci, and is now more often called phototropism. Sunflowers are heliotrophic, which is why people report seeing a change in the growing young flower's orientation from east to west during the day. How does this happen? Well, sunflowers produce a plant hormone called auxin, or indoleacetic acid. The auxin serves as a growth regulator. At night the auxin can be found throughout the plant. However, in the morning it migrates to the shaded west side of the sunflower, which causes the stem to stretch gradually to the east. In the afternoon and as the sun is moving, the auxin moves. This causes the stem to stretch toward the west, making it appear as though the sunflower is "following the sun." As the sun sets, the sunflower resets itself back to facing the east. When a sunflower is mature and the stem becomes woody, it stops moving with the sun. This is why most blooming sunflowers can be seen only facing their sunny faces eastward. Isn't it interesting that the sunflower always goes back to facing toward the east? Didn't Jesus appear to the wise men after they followed a star which first rose in the east? "...Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child." (Matthew 2:9, The Message) I'm also reminded of the song, (East to West) by (Casting Crowns) (2007). If you get a chance, spend some time listening to the lyrics of that song. You are sure to be encouraged!<br />
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<div style="background-clip: initial; background-color: #f7f7f7; background-origin: initial; border-bottom: rgb(153,153,153) 1px dashed; border-left: rgb(196,196,196) 1px; border-right: rgb(196,196,196) 1px; display: block; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 5px;">As I pondered the information above, I realized the actions of a sunflower portray a great picture of how we are meant to position ourselves before God. Just as the sunflower grows the best when it can "see" the sun, how much taller spiritually do we stand when we are facing God and His Son? What significance does our life really take on when we set our face like flint on God and are unhindered by distractions? I believe God is looking for a people that are really serious about facing Him. When we are facing God, or setting our minds and hearts on the things He sets His mind and heart on, I think we will be amazed at the beauty our life begins to take on. ~</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">"</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Keep your face to the sunshine</span></span></span></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">and you will not see the shadows." </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">~Helen Kell</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">er</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: maroon; font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></u></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div></div></div></div></div></div><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">References</span></span></span></u></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm">http://sunflowerfestival.tripod.com/sunflower_facts.htm</a></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.helium.com/items/2069432-interesting-facts-about-sunflowers">http://www.helium.com/items/2069432-interesting-facts-about-sunflowers</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html">http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html">http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html</a></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><b><span style="color: #d31712; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html">http://lifeofplant.blogspot.com/2011/03/heliotropism.html</a></span></b></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #ff9900; font-family: Arial; font-weight: 700;"><br />
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</span></span></span></span></div>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6689162657962762947.post-45379073865304562262011-07-20T16:20:00.000-07:002011-07-28T13:14:34.706-07:00Dragonfly Food for Thought<div style="clear: right; float: right; font: 12px Helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 0px;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_208782177" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qWeu0frJE4c/TieMKD3FgmI/AAAAAAAAACw/09WE1TKyGmg/s1600/dragonflyflicker.jpg" t$="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="wp-caption-text">CC Image courtesy of New Orleans Lady on Flickr</div><div class="wp-caption-text"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/neworleanslady/2091865095/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/neworleanslady/2091865095/</a></div></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>~Wow! So, over the past few days I've noticed there are tons of dragonflies outside. Everytime I try to open my front door, I have to pause to wait for one to fly away from the door knob. Reminds me of the time I used to have to stop my car in the middle of the road in our apartment complex to wait for the mommy mallard duck and her ducklings to cross the street so they could get to the pond on the other side. That's nature... It's almost as if God's creatures are saying, "Hey, slow down! Look at me! Take a moment out of your busy lifestyle to view how magnificent I am." Or, <i>perhaps</i> that's another mighty voice we're hearing... Elijah said we would hear God in "the sound of gentle stillness as a still, small voice." (I Kings 19:11-12) Colossians 1:16 further tells us all things "exist for Him." (Amplified) I believe along with being created for God's great pleasure and delight, the dragonfly--like all of creation--exists to magnify His glory. Just as I knew Christians could teach others about our great God through actions and by being who He created us to be, I believed the dragonfly also had some wisdom to impart.<br />
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So, with a curious and determined mindset to learn more, I hurried outside toward one of my favorite places to talk with God and observe nature--underneath an apple tree in the backyard. From this location and for the past two days, I had observed many dragonflies swarming in the same open field. There could easily have been about fifty of them, if not more--it was truly an amazing sight! By doing a little research, I learned that they were having a "feeding frenzy." Dragonflies love to eat mosquitoes, which immediately gained my respect since I'm a magnet for those little blood-suckers. They also feast on gnats, termites, and other small insects. When you see multiple dragonflies swarming about, chances are they have located a large quantity of prey. It seemed that this field was like the all-you-can eat buffet at Golden Corral! Another interesting thing that drew my attention was the fact that not only did these creatures come to the same location each afternoon, but they also showed up about the same time. It never failed: 3:30pm-5:30pm seemed to be their prime meeting time in my backyard. The previous day, I had come out about 2:30pm and had seen no sign of them... too early. The day before that, I had been watching them at 5:00pm for quite some time before returning inside to do some housework. After about an hour, I curiously went back out to see if they were still there. They were not...too late.<br />
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Funny--the dragonfly was smart enough to know the best location and time of day for which there would be the greatest harvest to choose from. This is attributed to instinct, or "a largely inheritable and unalterable tendency of an organism to make a complex and specific response to environmental stimuli without involving reason." (Mirriam-Webster Dictionary) The creation of instinct validates my belief of how much God cares for the things He created. It reminds me of Matthew 6:26-28, which speaks of God's concern for the birds and flowers. It made complete sense that the dragonflies would <i>know</i> when and where the best time to eat was. These creatures had been blessed by God with a "timer." As I pondered this, God began to minister to me about the importance of timing. "<i>Timing is everything"</i>, He said. Oh how true I knew this was. I reflected on my own life and the many times I had rushed into something too fast, only to regret my anxiousness later. There were also the times I had been too slow and missed out on a good opportunity. Then my mind drifted to the magical times I had gotten it just right. It's those times we must hone in on, my friends. As we draw nearer to God and our relationship with Him grows stronger, His spiritual nudges become easier to sense.<br />
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What of the times we feel we misinterpreted God's voice and direction? Are those wasted? Certainly not. God doesn't waste anything. When those times occur, I thank God for His amazing grace and for Psalm 37:24, which reminds us, "Though he [a good man] falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him." (Amplified) Another way to look at it is this: When a baby is learning to walk, how many times does he/she fall down? Do we yell at the child for not walking perfectly upright the first time? What about the second? Third? 30th? I am certain a good parent would never get angry at their baby for falling as they learn to walk upright, no matter how many times they have to try again. How then must God view us as we are learning to walk upright, or righteously toward Him? As we study the Bible, we find verse after verse of His unfailing love for us. No doubt, God wants to make sure we know who He is and how much He cares for us. He also wants to make sure we know who we are--His sons and daughters, who are to <i>be holy</i> as <i>He is holy</i>. (I. Peter 1:16) Truthfully, I believe those spiritual nudges are God's way of training us to be like Him. He is training us to be so in tune with him that our timing matches his...almost like a dance--one in which He is the leader. When He speaks, we speak. When He moves, we move. The goal is to be one and the same with God, just as Jesus was one and the same with God. "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." (John 5:19 NIV) Friends, isn't it time we heeded what the Great Teacher modeled for us so long ago? Just as Jesus was the Son of God, you and I are called sons and daughters, or "children of God" (John 1:12-13) Jesus's above words not only serve to teach us who Jesus is, but to remind us of who we are!<br />
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Going back to the dragonfly, I want to share some interesting facts I learned about his sight and movement because I believe there is a correlation between the above verse and our educational model. Dragonflies have large compound eyes. Though we can not see them with the naked eye, each of its compound eyes are made up of thousands of tiny cone-shaped simple eyes. The dragonfly's eyes allow it to distinguish between colored, ultraviolet and even polarized light. It also enables it to detect reflection in water. Because of their large, multifaceted eyes, the adult dragonfly is able to see nearly 360 degrees around it at all times, which is bad news for its prey. Dragonflies also have superior movement and speed, often flying upward of 30 miles per hour. Further, their four wings and flight muscles allow them to move as a helicopter--sideways, backward; they can even hover in place. They can do all of these movements quickly and accurately, which makes them well suited to eat other insects right out of the air. What a picture of following God! Shouldn't we also be like the dragonfly with its 360 degree eyesight? Whatever God is doing, we are alert and ready to follow suit. And what of the helicopter movements? May we be as agile and flexible as the dragonfly, especially when God's timing requires us to move sooner than we would have chosen--or worse for some of us--to wait.<br />
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Truly-- just as God's gift of instinct tells the dragonfly to flock to the countryside filled with small insects, we must discern the move of God and flock to where He is leading us through all the phases of our lives. Sometimes it can be difficult to listen to God if He seems to be telling us to do something that is not in accordance with our life plan and agenda. However, I've noticed that it becomes much easier to heed God's gentle nudges when I remember "His plans are to prosper me and not to harm me" (Jeremiah 29:11). Let's face it--He's our Heavenly Father, and He knows best. If we succeed in listening to His voice and timing, there will no doubt be rewards to reap, just as Jeremiah 29:11 promises. Such as the dragonfly who goes by obedience to the nudging of something within that seems to say, "The harvest is ready. The timing is now," so we too must listen to the still small voice within each of us. ~<br />
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<u>Dragonfly Research References</u>:<br />
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http://www.21facts.com/animals/dragonflies.php<br />
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http://a-z-animals.com/animals/dragonfly/<br />
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http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dragonflies.html<br />
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http://insectzoo.msstate.edu/Students/odonata.html<br />
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http://www.mndragonfly.org/journal.html <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"></span>Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109306474560205202noreply@blogger.com5