tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59621469060844044282009-07-11T23:28:44.563-05:00SonflowerAngiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.comBlogger209125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-9371694081159408192009-07-04T07:49:00.003-05:002009-07-04T08:04:16.470-05:00celebrating freedomI will walk about in <strong>freedom</strong>, for I have sought out your precepts. Psalm 119:45<br /><br />The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim <strong>freedom </strong>for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Luke 18:19<br /><br />Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is <strong>freedom</strong>. 2 Corinthians 3:17<br /><br />It is for <strong>freedom</strong> that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-937169408115940819?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-42637513243795496952009-06-30T13:11:00.002-05:002009-06-30T13:49:43.475-05:00pressed but not crushed<div align="center"><em>We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9</em></div><br />Five minutes until 12pm, I file in behind other parents at the high school gym waiting for basketball camp to let out. I glance over at 9-year-old son leaning against bleachers as another group of boys play five on five. Our eyes meet and he instantly casts his down to the shiny wood floor where tennis shoes squeaked all morning. Dejected is the best word to describe his countenance. My mind races.<br /><br />Boys are called to line up on the court to receive ribbons. The same three boys spin their blue, red, and white treasures on fingers while mine walks to me as he did yesterday, shoulders slumped, head down.<br /><br />We make our way to car where he instructs me to not ask questions. I don't. Silence.<br /><br />Upon coming home, excitement builds at the prospect of seeing Dad's truck home. This time it doesn't matter that Dad is a scholarship athlete or NAIA National Champion in basketball. What's important is that he is a champion encourager and lifter of a little boy's chin...Dad, who has a way of bringing all things into perspective. <br /><br />I stand on the sidelines with pom-pons, make lunch, do cheers and toe-touches of sorts. We pull back from our family huddle, ready for another day, another opportunity to build character...the same kind of character that comes when same said boy had to ride sister's purple bike for a period of time...the same kind of character that comes from being the new kid in school...the same kind of character that comes from going into the girl's bathroom on the first day of school...character.<br /><br />This boy's got character.<br /><div align="center"><em><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-4263751324379549695?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-39118380979304177102009-06-22T12:00:00.000-05:002009-06-22T12:00:02.822-05:00summer gifts<div align="center"> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">take me out to the ball game</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~a great minor league discovery & </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">a little boy's persistence to remain in this position the entire game~</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj99jlLu5ZI/AAAAAAAABNc/C0oLnCGYcuU/s1600-h/May+024.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350132932569654674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj99jlLu5ZI/AAAAAAAABNc/C0oLnCGYcuU/s400/May+024.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">milk moustaches at lunchtime</span><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">our nightly dose of Andy Griffith</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~we never grow tired of this classic~</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">newly discovered nearby pond</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">we enjoyed a sunset into the water </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and mother duck with ducklings in tow</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~thank you Lord for this precious moment with my son~</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj99ZHkwPGI/AAAAAAAABNU/6j5mLPXNDp8/s1600-h/Bike+Fun+(21).jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350132752822844514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj99ZHkwPGI/AAAAAAAABNU/6j5mLPXNDp8/s400/Bike+Fun+(21).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">traintrack adventure<br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350132386784429090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj99Dz-ZRCI/AAAAAAAABM8/C6LQoNiIB10/s400/Bike+Fun+(20).jpg" border="0" /></span></div><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">remnants of another visitor ~thank you Lord, for Christian neighbors~</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350132510942020258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj99LCf3wqI/AAAAAAAABNE/1c9ygqPuPBI/s400/Bike+Fun+(17).jpg" border="0" /> <span style="color:#ffffff;">..</span></span><br /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">remembering the nails in His hands ~praise You Jesus~</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj99Rinr-yI/AAAAAAAABNM/6m4FivrZXF0/s1600-h/Bike+Fun+(18).jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350132622643952418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj99Rinr-yI/AAAAAAAABNM/6m4FivrZXF0/s400/Bike+Fun+(18).jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> <span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">. .</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">making a new friend </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~God's perfect timing~</span></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2003/06/gratitude-community.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350137787887916034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sj-B-Mp0FAI/AAAAAAAABNk/bQNkefURdeY/s320/giftsgraphic.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-3911838097930417710?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-61879565817430596012009-06-19T15:26:00.004-05:002009-06-19T15:55:41.932-05:00good news<div align="center"><em>Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!</em> </div><br />I had surgery this morning to remove a skin cancer. There ended up being more to it than I thought...IV, five-inches worth of sutures, and a lovely bald spot at the crown of my head. The surgeon went all the way to the skull to make sure there was no infiltration. The underlying muscle was also removed so pathology could check for sarcoma.<br /><br />Upon coming home, I pulled out the mirror to assess the damage. Boy did I have a flashback. You see, one evening when I was about 10 years old, I was shining my daddy's dress shoes with his electric shoe shining kit. My long locks draped over shoulders got caught in the spinning mechanism and boy did I hear the most awful sound coming from the motor on that electrical unit. It all happened so quickly. Dad looked at me. I looked at hair wrapped around the shoe shiner. Dad looked at Mom. Mom looked at me. Mom looked at Dad. Their expressions are seared in my memory.<br /><br />I immediately wanted to run to the mirror. The song "You're So Vain" was written for me during those pre-adolescent years. They wouldn't let me see myself in the bathroom mirror, which only created more anxiety, but it was inevitable. That night I caught my reflection in the sliding glass door of our dining room. About a three-inch bald patch sat on top of my head in plain view. It wasn't anything a side combover couldn't handle. That was the 70's style anyway. Let's just say that Donald Trump would have been proud.<br /><br />Today, I could care less about my hair (or lack thereof). I'm just praising God for the good report.<br /><br />Anyway, I hope you all are having a great summer, but for goodness sake, wear your sunscreen and hats!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-6187956581743059601?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-80272884810813594392009-06-10T10:10:00.005-05:002009-06-15T15:01:38.849-05:00jump inI haven't been swimming much this summer in an effort to stay out of the sun after <a href="http://goodfaithfulservant.com/here-comes-the-sun/">discovering I have a basal cell carcinoma on my scalp</a>, but on my latest trip to the pool with the kiddos, while slathered with sunscreen, I heard these words, <strong>"Come on, Mom. Just jump in!"</strong><br /><br />I've always been one to ease into the swimming pool in an effort to bypass the shock of the cold water to my body. After this latest remark from my daughter, I began to consider how often I take this same approach in life, cautiously easing into new endeavors, sometimes so meticulously that it leaves little room for faith.<br /><br />No, there's nothing wrong with being prudent in decision making, using common sense the good Lord has given, but what about, <em>"Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path (Prov 3:5-6)."</em><br /><em></em><br />I can't help but think of the Steven Curtis Chapman song:<br /><br /><div align="center"><em>I'm diving in, I'm going deep in over my head, I want to be.</em></div><div align="center"><em>Caught in the rush, lost in the flow, </em></div><div align="center"><em>in over my head, I want to go.</em></div><div align="center"><em>The river's deep, the river's wide, </em></div><div align="center"><em>the river's water is alive.</em></div><div align="center"><em>So sink or swim, I'm diving in.</em></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">I'm tired of standing on the banks of Jordan with fear-based hesitancy. No more testing the waters. It is trust and obey time. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><center><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VRQruZ_oX-8&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VRQruZ_oX-8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /></center><center></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-8027288481081359439?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-6534336609524759062009-06-02T10:11:00.007-05:002009-06-02T10:29:33.221-05:00update<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Whoa, I looked back and realized I had only one post in May. Where have I been you may ask...well let me tell you.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">helping with science fair projects</span></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVDM7TSx8I/AAAAAAAABMk/b2MwJHR1Q9k/s1600-h/May+2+125.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342750422301067202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVDM7TSx8I/AAAAAAAABMk/b2MwJHR1Q9k/s400/May+2+125.jpg" border="0" /></span></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">going on a field trip to San Antonio with Lady Olivia</span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVCx_jhVkI/AAAAAAAABMU/wTbahA4fMkY/s1600-h/May+2+075.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342749959586403906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVCx_jhVkI/AAAAAAAABMU/wTbahA4fMkY/s400/May+2+075.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />feeding dolphins</span><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVClmuhZBI/AAAAAAAABMM/4zrZjMI7xdA/s1600-h/May+2+088.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342749746763228178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVClmuhZBI/AAAAAAAABMM/4zrZjMI7xdA/s400/May+2+088.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />sleeping in the penguin exhibit<br /></span><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVCbG9bdnI/AAAAAAAABME/sWtkuwQ1vD8/s1600-h/May+2+053.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342749566437127794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVCbG9bdnI/AAAAAAAABME/sWtkuwQ1vD8/s400/May+2+053.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />golfing with old friends<br /></span><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVCNSSZ0rI/AAAAAAAABL8/fwQeprcfAQo/s1600-h/May+2+029.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342749328959722162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVCNSSZ0rI/AAAAAAAABL8/fwQeprcfAQo/s400/May+2+029.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />track and field day<br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVB7Z3HDXI/AAAAAAAABL0/O5qsvQEbxQ4/s1600-h/May+2+006.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342749021755084146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVB7Z3HDXI/AAAAAAAABL0/O5qsvQEbxQ4/s400/May+2+006.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">late afternoon bike rides with the family</span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342750187333523330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SiVC_P-ql4I/AAAAAAAABMc/kelKVWZ_8M4/s400/May+2+121.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />So you see, I have been quite busy with...well...life. I hope you all are doing well. I will be getting back on track visiting all of you, my friends. </span></div></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-653433660952475906?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-24461675370513985972009-05-07T11:40:00.000-05:002009-05-07T12:11:26.284-05:00an illusion<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Se9I9mdSQbI/AAAAAAAABLc/oWxty69IFDk/s1600-h/Misc+1+136.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327557107335184818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Se9I9mdSQbI/AAAAAAAABLc/oWxty69IFDk/s400/Misc+1+136.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Things aren't always as they appear. </span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When we look at problems with our physical eyes, we are prone to feel discouraged, hopeless, and helpless. However, when we view these same matters with our spiritual eyes, faith rises up. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Comforter shines light and hope in the midst of our troubles. God's promises come into view and we are suddenly on a different plane, seated in heavenly places with a new perspective. Creative power is ignited and we can scale obstacles never thought possible when looking from an earthly vantage. Only with Him is this possible. Thank You Jesus!</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-2446167537051398597?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-24040732689404440642009-04-25T10:02:00.009-05:002009-04-25T19:09:11.247-05:00the flower song<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SfMmgJAnllI/AAAAAAAABLs/Q8HtWLQzSW4/s1600-h/04-09+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328645117725611602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SfMmgJAnllI/AAAAAAAABLs/Q8HtWLQzSW4/s400/04-09+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div align="left"><span style="font-family:courier new;">It seemed that the flowers were singing a color language which could only be understood by the heart and not by the mind. They seemed to have a little chorus all their own which thousands upon thousands of them were singing in different color notes.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Courier New;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">This is the law by which we live--</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;">It is so sweet to give and give.</span></em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;color:#ffffff;">.</span></em></div><div align="right"><span style="font-family:courier new;"></span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">by Hannah Hurnard</span></span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><em>Hinds Feet on High Places</em></span></span></div><div align="right"><em><span style="font-family:Courier New;font-size:85%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></em></div><div align="right"><em><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Meditating on this idea as I enjoy these flowers from my garden. O Lord, may this be the song I sing, a chorus of <a href="http://goodfaithfulservant.com/">service</a> and love unto You and my fellow man.</span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img class="gl_photo" alt="Add Image" src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" border="0" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-2404073268940444064?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-66292073611055334852009-04-22T10:19:00.010-05:002009-04-22T12:22:37.133-05:00His gifts<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">He is faithful to give. I am happy to receive.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~daughter in a white eyelet dress</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~son patting the seat beside himself for me to join</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~interlocking fingers</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~fruit trees in full bloom</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~grapefruit, the color, the taste, the smell when I walk by a big bowl full of them</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~fishing on the dock of a pond</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327539130720070210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Se84nOWQKkI/AAAAAAAABKc/2hPpTiG-w8U/s200/03-09+034.jpg" border="0" /> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~working with the wind instead of against it</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327539496213072370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Se848f6kyfI/AAAAAAAABKk/cEjYkhytLe8/s200/03-09+048.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~the way daughter's hair smells</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~pillow talk--notebooks filled with secret thoughts from family members, hidden under one another's pillows</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~first ladybug of the spring</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~</span><a href="http://brushstrokesfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2009/04/god-is-so-good.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">a good report</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~adding to my collection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327539741439379826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Se85KxdFSXI/AAAAAAAABKs/W-IwWIFehBw/s200/03-09+059.jpg" border="0" /></span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">~a very, very happy family</span> <p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327539976667486290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Se85Ydv1WFI/AAAAAAAABK0/xhXUigbQWdg/s200/02-2009+091.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p></p><p align="center"><em></em></p><p align="center"><em>Consider~~joining the </em><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2003/06/gratitude-community.html"><em>gratitude community</em></a><em>.</em></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-6629207361105533485?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-58376567613718490772009-04-16T14:09:00.004-05:002009-04-17T08:32:10.909-05:00a sweetie called wanda<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SeeCoBWqlMI/AAAAAAAABJ0/qIBWJ3napRM/s1600-h/Pink%2520Ribbon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325368708458779842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SeeCoBWqlMI/AAAAAAAABJ0/qIBWJ3napRM/s200/Pink%2520Ribbon.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I'm thinking and praying for a dear friend today. </span><a href="http://brushstrokesfromtheheart.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Wanda</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> is such an amazing soul. She's the kind of woman who makes cookies for her grandkids because she knows they will be visiting her in the hospital after her surgery today. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">She is a gifted artist, homemaker, wife, grandmother, and friend to many. Her cheery outlook on life is positively contagious. Won't you join me in praying for her as she has surgery for breast cancer and is in recovery? I am so thankful she is in God's good care.</span> <div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-5837656761371849077?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-12597199645262794772009-04-09T09:40:00.006-05:002009-04-09T11:35:38.250-05:00where has she been?<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">No, I haven't dropped off the blogging radar. I've simply taken up residence at a new locale on the world wide web. You see, Fly Daddy's work has slowed down a bit with the changes in the economy. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Well, tough times call for a change in plans, so I have set up shop at a little place called </span><a href="http://goodfaithfulservant.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Good and Faithful Servant</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. I have long desired to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted me with, so this place was born from that idea (Matthew 25:14-30). You'll have to come give me a visit! </span><br /><br /><p><a href="http://goodfaithfulservant.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322703260999941634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 114px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/Sd4Kajy2_gI/AAAAAAAABJc/DiWup6ialJE/s320/good-jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I don't plan on leaving Sonflower. It will remain an ad-free site, but you will see that </span><a href="http://goodfaithfulservant.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Good and Faithful Servant</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> has been monetized, as I have become an "affiliate" at various stores. All the while, I will be able to get the word out on how to watch over one's soul, possessions, health, time, and talents. I am taking baby steps for now, but hopefully over time, God will bless my efforts in this new endeavor. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In the meantime, please be patient with me as this has taken a lot of energy for the initial setup. (<a href="http://brushstrokesfromtheheart.blogspot.com/">Wanda</a>, please know that I'm still praying for you and Pastor Don.)</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-1259719964526279477?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-39549659620970684762009-03-17T17:35:00.011-05:002009-04-22T12:21:03.311-05:00invitation<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAqpudx3JI/AAAAAAAABJU/l83pbn0fP0U/s1600-h/fort+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314294456633121938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAqpudx3JI/AAAAAAAABJU/l83pbn0fP0U/s320/fort+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">come and go with me to my Father's house</span></div><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></p><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314290208184176530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAmybwnj5I/AAAAAAAABIk/FudRsPBKkCk/s320/fort+017.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">to my Father's house</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314290674722542642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAnNlwCFDI/AAAAAAAABIs/l87tiKa1D8M/s320/fort+043.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">to my Father's house</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314291073732507570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAnk0La97I/AAAAAAAABI0/ZUqA0f963ho/s320/fort+024.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Jesus is the way</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314292104112781906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAogypOOlI/AAAAAAAABJM/cIkZ5l0yAuE/s320/fort+050.jpg" border="0" />to my Father's house</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAoJRNapWI/AAAAAAAABJE/fsOxiweVgEc/s1600-h/fort+051.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314291700000793954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAoJRNapWI/AAAAAAAABJE/fsOxiweVgEc/s320/fort+051.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> where there's love...love...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.<br />.</span><br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAn5euOHlI/AAAAAAAABI8/5aXWaALAs1I/s1600-h/fort+055.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314291428750138962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/ScAn5euOHlI/AAAAAAAABI8/5aXWaALAs1I/s320/fort+055.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;"> love...</span><br /><br /><div><div><div></div><div></div></div></div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-3954965962097068476?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-20209149898941762009-03-09T09:35:00.007-05:002009-03-09T10:29:32.379-05:00lessons from the garden<div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Birds singing, dirt under my fingernails, children giggling on the trampoline...there is no other place I would rather be, but here in my garden. One by one I pull weeds with great satisfaction. As I fill the bucket, my mind trails off. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Garden spade in hand, sword of the Spirit at work, examining...<em>Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting Ps 139:23-24. </em></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I will allow you to consider the implications of the following list of observations I made. Ponder with me how weeds compare with sin.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">They're ugly.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">They're hard to get rid of.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">They flourish in poor, uncultivated soil.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">They detract from the beauty of the flowers.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The more they are watered, the more they grow.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The tops are easy to pull off, but t</span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">he roots often times grow deep and are difficult to remove.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">They often grow with other weeds.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">If you don't tend to them quickly they can get away from you.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">A healthy stand of grass chokes out the weeds.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">You must have the right tools to get rid of them.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">They propogate easily.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">They are often prickly and hurt when you come in contact with them.</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">They are fast growing.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 392px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://foto.svanhovd.no/fotoweb/ugras/Images/LovetannScaled.JPG" border="0" /></div><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">taken from the weed garden of </span></em><a href="http://foto.svanhovd.no/fotoweb/ugras/UK/Index.fwx"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Professor Korsmo</span></em></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-2020914989894176?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-58065447277866167602009-02-23T10:31:00.006-06:002009-02-23T10:57:49.291-06:00who are you wearing?<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SaLS0ozyuqI/AAAAAAAABIE/Z2x6gCdzTSw/s1600-h/Anne+Hathaway.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306035112745548450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 199px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SaLS0ozyuqI/AAAAAAAABIE/Z2x6gCdzTSw/s320/Anne+Hathaway.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:78%;"> Associated Press photo</span></div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:78%;"></span><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The annual parade of stars on the red carpet has come and gone. I didn't watch the Oscars last night. I hung out at a ball field and went out to eat with an old friend instead. I can say I didn't see one movie, but I love a pretty dress, just like any good woman should. Though I hear there was a barely mint princess dress fit for a 10 year old's birthday party, fishtail flops, and long trains that were being stepped on all night. The belabored question of, "Who are you wearing?" was asked an untold number of times.</span><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This issue of what you are wearing is actually a very important one. So, what then shall <em><strong>we</strong></em> put on?</span> </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The night is far spent, the day is at hand: </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and let us <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>put on the armour of light</em></span>. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=52&chapter=13&verse=12&version=9&context=verse"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Romans 13:12</span></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For as many of you as have been baptized </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">into Christ have <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>put on Christ</em></span>. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=55&chapter=3&verse=27&version=9&context=verse"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Galatians 3:27</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And that ye <span style="font-size:130%;"><em>put on the new man</em></span>, </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">which after God is created in </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">righteousness and true holiness. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=56&chapter=4&verse=24&version=9&context=verse"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Ephesians 4:24</span></a> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Put on the whole armour of God</em></span>, </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">that ye may be able to stand </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">against the wiles of the devil. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=56&chapter=6&verse=11&version=9&context=verse"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Ephesians 6:11</span></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Put on therefore, as the elect of God,</span></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, </span></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">k</span></em></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">indness, humbleness of mind, meekness, </span></em></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em><span style="font-size:130%;">longsuffering;</span></em> forbearing one another, </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and forgiving one another, </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">if any man have a quarrel against any: </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">even as Christ forgave you, </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">so also do ye. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=58&chapter=3&verse=12&version=9&context=verse"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Colossians 3:12</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">-13</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And above all these things <em><span style="font-size:130%;">put on charity (love)</span></em>, </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">which is the bond of perfectness. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=58&chapter=3&verse=14&version=9&context=verse"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#000000;">Colossians 3:14</span></a></span> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-5806544727786616760?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-67023302743470730072009-02-20T09:45:00.004-06:002009-02-20T09:53:45.363-06:00come visit next door...<div align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">I am <a href="http://asonflower.wordpress.com/">here</a> today.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"></div><a href="http://asonflower.wordpress.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304906470162899490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SZ7QU_i7IiI/AAAAAAAABH8/o00BXA8GklI/s320/bulb.jpg" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-6702330274347073007?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-54281370710729722272009-02-17T08:24:00.005-06:002009-02-17T09:43:58.515-06:00punica granatum<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em><strong>"Thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks (veil)" Song of Solomon 6:7.</strong></em> Upon reading this verse, my thoughts traveled to trips to the supermarket and the growing popularity of a new "superfood". </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Punica granatum, better known as pomegranate, seems to have become all the rage in food products these days. I am certain you have seen it mixed in juices or food products as well as being the new scent in candles and shampoos. I have even discovered it as a new gum and breath mint flavor of all things. It is touted as having antioxidant properties, preventing prostate, breast cancer, and clotting of the blood. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SZrPTiXxmxI/AAAAAAAABH0/uUF9Wuk3reE/s1600-h/pomegranate.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303779445733169938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 261px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SZrPTiXxmxI/AAAAAAAABH0/uUF9Wuk3reE/s320/pomegranate.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So what is this mysterious fruit? Bound up in a leathery skin are ruby red seeds full of juice and fiber. Clusters of seed are separated by a white spongy tissue. The fruit is native to the Middle East, but is becoming increasingly popular in California and other temperate climates. I recently tried to purchase one, but found that they were available in my area only from September to January. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">There are numerous mentions of this fruit in God's word. We learn in 1 Kings that pomegranates were carved on the Temple. They were embroidered upon the hem of the priest's robe. </span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Look into the fruit which is pictured here. Do you see the red fruit juice? Red represents the blood of Jesus. In the Song of Songs, it appears at her temples. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The actual temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon, was where <em>sacrifice and worship</em> took place. Do these things take place behind the veil of our minds? From them come words and deeds which bring forth good fruit or bad. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;color:#ffffff;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">*The fruit of the pomegranate is in the seeds. If the seeds are red, then they may be eaten and the sweetness savored. If the seed is not red it will taste bitter! Thoughts are seeds! <em>For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he...Prov 23:7. </em>Oh how important it is to apply the work of Calvary to everything that would enter your mind. Isn't this where true sacrifice and worship begins? If we sow the good seeds of His Word in our minds and abide (continually obey) in that Word, it will result in producing a pleasant crop of adoration and service for your Bridegroom to enjoy.</span> <br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">by Isaac Watts</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Alas! and did my Savior bleed, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">and did my Sovereign die! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Would he devote that sacred head </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">for sinners such as I? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Was it for crimes that I have done, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">he groaned upon the tree? </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Amazing pity! Grace unknown! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">And love beyond degree! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Well might the sun in darkness hide, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">and shut its glories in, when God, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">the mighty maker, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">died for his own creature's sin. </span></div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;color:#ffffff;">.</span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Thus might I hide my blushing face </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">while his dear cross appears; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">dissolve my heart in thankfulness, </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">and melt mine eyes to tears. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">But drops of tears can ne'er repay </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">the debt of love I owe. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here, Lord, I give myself away; </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">'tis all that I can do.</span> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"></span>*taken from Esher Shoshannah's Song of Solomon devotional.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-5428137071072972227?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-28964513680900609892009-02-13T08:28:00.004-06:002009-02-13T08:37:36.417-06:00eighteen years ago today...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>...I met the Prince of Peace, Jesus. I'm revisiting this post on my spiritual birthday. </em></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">There once was a little girl who had a good life. She had a warm safe home, loving parents, food a plenty, trinkets and toys to occupy her days, and lovely clothes to wear. All her needs were fully and completely satisfied, but there was something amiss in her life, a void which could not be filled.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So, as the little girl grew in stature she began to try and fill that empty hole with all the enticements and foolery that the world had to offer. These vain attempts to satisfy an unexplainable yearning in her heart only proved to create greater turmoil and strife. Fear became her friend and constant companion. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The now young lady felt very lonely and began looking for love. The problem was that she looked in the most inappropriate places. No matter how hard she tried, all the cravings and desires of her soul could not be satisfied. Instead, more pain and emptiness was heaped upon her depraved heart. She yearned for approval and lost herself in pleasing others. She was completely lost.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">While utterly alone and devastated by all the trappings of the world and people therein, she met a nice man who seemed different from all the others. He exuded love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, qualities that she desperately wanted to acquire, but thus far had been elusive.The nice man so generously taught her about the One through whom these things could be found…to be found…oh how she longed to be found!</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As a grown woman, one who had shared the company of many a book, she picked up a new Book…the Book which was spoken of when she married the nice man who was full of the fruit she wanted to taste. She cried out to the Author of the Book, “If You are real, show me.” Her eyes fell onto a page which read. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Suddenly, her cheeks were wet and her heart was flooded with hope she had never felt before. Her life was soon filled with joy unspeakable. The Prince of Peace, named Jesus, filled her new heart and the barren places of her soul. Fallow ground was broken and like a seed planted in fertile soil, faith sprung up along with the other sweet fruits of the precious Spirit. Fear was cast down and instead of pleasing people, she began to please Him who died in her place. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And so the story continues. It is being lived out by me, Angie. This restored life perseveres, growing in grace and nurturing a new generation of children who God so generously bestowed in our care. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! </span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-2896451368090060989?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-45552171360778089512009-02-09T09:58:00.003-06:002009-02-09T10:26:26.883-06:00kari jobe<div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Walking to the mailbox yesterday, I found the name <a href="http://www.karijobe.com/index2.html">Kari Jobe</a> written on our driveway in sidewalk chalk. I'm happy Lady Olivia would rather scribble that name over Miley Cyrus or some other person from today's pop culture. If you aren't familiar with this young lady, you should make every effort to hear her voice. I've posted past songs of hers, in particular the </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL0nDrEYDnk"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Revelation Song</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. She ministers through music </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">like no other. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">We were blessed to go to her CD release concert last night. The church was packed even though we were early getting there. We watched in an "overflow" room on big screen, but God's presence was manifested so sweetly even though we were somewhat removed from the live performance. Afterwards, Olivia was able to meet Kari and have her CD signed. </span></div><br /><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300831298195647810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SZBV-w85bUI/AAAAAAAABHk/CleLKLmlRbU/s320/Kari+%26+Liv.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Here is a song titled "Beautiful" from her CD, which will be officially released on February 10th. Sony has picked it up and it will be available at Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon, etc.</span><br /></div><p align="center"><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A3Jv1Hf2oCw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A3Jv1Hf2oCw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In addition, please make note of the February edition of Growing in Grace Magazine for Ladies. We are celebrating our one year anniversary. This month features the women behind the magazine in addition to numerous articles for the young ladies in your life. Every month I feel so honored to be a part of this publication. It is so practical, helpful, and informative.</span> </p><p align="center"><center><a href="http://www.growingingraceonline.com/2008/01/previous-issues.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm244/ggmstaff/Site%20Graphics/ggmminimag.png" /></a></center></p><p align="left"> </p><p align="center"> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-4555217136077808951?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-76887088873932102132009-02-03T07:54:00.006-06:002009-02-03T12:56:11.730-06:00texan gifts<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2006/11/gift-list-thousand-things.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298600383450265746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SYho-b5NOJI/AAAAAAAABHc/sxPd1UltHxk/s200/gift+graphic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I don't think there is anything more Texan than a good rodeo. When Flydaddy got complimentary box tickets from his boss who herds cattle by helicopter at the largest enclosed cattle ranch in Texas, we couldn't possibly decline. I was in such a rush to get ready that I forgot my camera (stink!) but this was the best one I could get with my cell phone. Can you see how close we were to the action? Hopefully, these word pictures will suffice to show the multitude of gifts that can be obtained on a cold winter night at an arena in the Lone Star State.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SYhMwJxJhII/AAAAAAAABHU/f-wpJxxSrGQ/s1600-h/colors.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298569351740884098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SYhMwJxJhII/AAAAAAAABHU/f-wpJxxSrGQ/s320/colors.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* a dark arena building with anticipation</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* pretty, long-haired girls riding in with the colors </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* spotlight on the American flag </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* cowboys holding hats over their hearts </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* a prayer offered in Jesus' name </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* black angus hotdogs with plenty of mustard </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* red dirt licking up into our cold drinks when horses make their turn </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* a warm Carhartt coat </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* husband's arm around me </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">* watching kids eat nachos, licking cheese off their dirty fingers (I've learned to relax a little)</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* beauty of a black and white paint horse </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* good ropin' </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* buckriding cowboy Zane, all of 5 ft 4 in, 117 lbs soaking wet with quarters in his Justin boots. It was an ugly ride and fall...sure hope his mama wasn't watching.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* chuckwagon races </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* corny clown acts </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* barrel racing (my fav) </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* live band playing throughout the night</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* snot slinging bull riding (please forgive the visual, but it's true) that threw an ole boy like a lawn dart (that one's for you, <a href="http://championyourdreams.blogspot.com/">Lauren</a>) </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">* Ferdinand, the ugliest bull you ever saw, who stole the show when he decided he didn't want to go back to his pen. It took countless cowboys and finally some pretty cows to get him out of the arena. It was some boot stomping fun I tell you!</span> </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-7688708887393210213?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-27199747889055068712009-01-28T08:42:00.006-06:002009-01-28T15:00:58.379-06:00one thing's for sure<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The weather has been unpredictable these past couple of days. The forecasters were cautious in calling for ice. Prognostication is a tricky thing, but the precipitation came and the thermometer hit 32 degrees farenheit. As a result, we have had slippery sidewalks and plenty of hot chocolate.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Along with the uncertainty of the weather, we have experienced a similar thing in the life of a dear loved one. My daddy, one of my very best friends who has undergone two bypass surgeries in the last two decades, underwent a dreaded angiogram this week after having chest pains. It revealed more blockage and brought two new stents to help with blood flow, but the doctors are unsure of his outlook. Prognostication is a tricky thing. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">He is up and about his usual business, but there is an underlying feeling of the unknown. We are learning to walk by faith and not doctor reports. This existence can feel perilous sometimes, but there is One who holds our hands and keeps us from lying prostrate and helpless on the slippery sidewalk of life. Our faithful Father is the one certain thing we can rely on. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you feel led, please pray for my dad. I am an only child and we are a pretty tight bunch. Pray for his healing, his peace, and for him to feel hope in this time of uncertainty. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thanks ever so much,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Angie</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-2719974788905506871?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-6047910098814571482009-01-15T08:45:00.009-06:002009-01-15T18:04:38.830-06:00partakers<div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SW9Mf9ghvrI/AAAAAAAABEA/b6Od_NR81Rg/s1600-h/Misc+4+013.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291532199154269874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SW9Mf9ghvrI/AAAAAAAABEA/b6Od_NR81Rg/s320/Misc+4+013.jpg" border="0" /></a>Pieces of plain white pottery sat on shelves. Lady Olivia and I carefully looked over and fingered each one. We had looked forward to coming to this little shop for some time, the perfect opportunity for mother and daughter to sit across from one another, paint, hum to background music, and visit until we exhausted every topic of conversation.</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">With great anticipation, she chose a petite cross trinket box. I settled for the blank canvas of a little trivet square. We eagerly dashed over to a yellow checkered table built for just the two of us. While brushing off a bit of dust clinging to the dull, matte finish, we held these delicate objects and brainstormed design ideas. What would they become?</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SW9Mu-LU1iI/AAAAAAAABEI/N_s4ozPpD-I/s1600-h/Misc+4+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291532457031816738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SW9Mu-LU1iI/AAAAAAAABEI/N_s4ozPpD-I/s320/Misc+4+015.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">For us though, it wasn't the outcome that was as important as it was the experience, which was a good thing, because after we had finished painting our pieces, we were unable to take them home. We had to wait for what seemed like an awfully long week to Lady Liv. You see, in order for the pottery to be complete, they had to be fired in the kiln. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I asked if we could visit the back of the store to learn more about the process of firing pottery. There was shelf after shelf of painted plates and bowls, each one unique in its design and color.</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> We learned that the kiln was to reach a temperature of 1750 degrees. I also discovered that removing the pottery from the heat too soon would cause the piece to crack.<br /></div></span><div align="left"><br /><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SW9M2yjAQWI/AAAAAAAABEQ/KuuDa7xY_Bk/s1600-h/Misc+4+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291532591348859234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SW9M2yjAQWI/AAAAAAAABEQ/KuuDa7xY_Bk/s320/Misc+4+017.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Aren't we all uniquely shaped and formed lumps of clay? Perhaps you were once picked up off the shelf by the creative hands of the Master Potter and painted with heavenly hues. As it may be, you might even be experiencing a fiery trial. Do we plead to be removed quickly and risk being fractured or do we share in the sufferings of Christ, a man of sorrows, completely acquainted with our grief as He endured it all at Calvary and is able to help and guide us through times of uncertainty.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><div align="center"><em>Beloved, </em></div><div align="center"><em>think it not strange </em></div><div align="center"><em>concerning the fiery trial </em></div><div align="center"><em>which is to try you, </em></div><div align="center"><em>as though some strange thing </em></div><div align="center"><em>happened unto you.</em></div><div align="center"><em>1 Peter 4:12.</em></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#ffffff;">.</span></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></em></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After the waiting and wondering, Olivia and I were presented with our new and improved pieces of pottery, the once dull finish now glossy and smooth to touch. The texture was seemingly changed from the fragile to a more durable state.</span> </div><br /><div align="left"><em></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291559452391318978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SW9lSTulJcI/AAAAAAAABEY/vlph1yrCELc/s320/Misc+1+001.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left"></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And so it will be for us who endure, who wait upon the Lord as He conforms us into the very image of Christ. You will be able to <em>rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:13</em> Hallelujah!<br /></span><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SW9M2yjAQWI/AAAAAAAABEQ/KuuDa7xY_Bk/s1600-h/Misc+4+017.jpg"></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-604791009881457148?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-21066671347945634282009-01-09T11:38:00.003-06:002009-01-09T11:58:05.419-06:00inner peace<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My friend, <a href="http://byprayerandsupplication.blogspot.com/">Uli</a>, shared something she found tucked away in the pages of her Bible. I believe you will appreciate this and find great use for application in your life as much as I did.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>Characteristics of Inner Peace</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than fears based on past experience</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy the moment</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">3. A loss of interest in judging other people</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">4. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">5. An inability to worry (this is a very serious characteristic)</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">6. Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">7. An increased tendency to let things happen rather than make things happen</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">8. Frequent acts of smiling</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">9. An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others, as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>These were all achieved by:</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1. Prayer</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2. The presence of the Holy Spirit</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">3. The perspective of God and not your own, nor the world's</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">4. Peace that passes all understanding</span><br /><br /><em></em><br /><em>Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7</em><br /><em></em><br /><em></em><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Also, be sure to bless the young ladies in your life with the January edition of </span><a href="http://www.growingingraceonline.com/2008/12/january-2009.html"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Growing in Grace</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. There are numerous give-aways and countless articles of encouragement. You will be glad you visited this free and wonderful resource for tween and teen girls.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Shalom,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Angie</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-2106667134794563428?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-47642011397427513832009-01-06T09:35:00.011-06:002009-01-06T11:24:51.533-06:00twitter anyone?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SWN9_XZme_I/AAAAAAAABCw/Xer45d_3Czg/s1600-h/twitter-logo3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288208915029720050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SWN9_XZme_I/AAAAAAAABCw/Xer45d_3Czg/s320/twitter-logo3.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">As of today, I am twittering. No, not at </span><a href="http://asonflower.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Consider the Birds</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> (my new blog), but at </span><a href="http://twitter.com/asonflower"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">TWITTER</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This is a wonderful little platform for microblogging, i.e. sharing simple text or "tweets" with fellow users. You can configure these updates to be sent to your email account, cell phone, IM, or facebook.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">If you would like to learn more about Twitter, you can view this </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">video</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> to find out what it is in plain English.<br /></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Other Twitter accounts that I have found worthy of following are: </span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">A </span><a href="http://twitter.com/devotional"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">devotional</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> from </span><a href="http://soundofasoftbreath.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Sound of a Soft Breath </span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and </span><a href="http://twitter.com/red_letters"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Red_letters</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> which is simply the very words of Jesus from the Bible.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">You can follow me </span><a href="http://twitter.com/asonflower"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, where I will of course be pointing you to the Son. If you have an account, please let me know in your comment. Thanks, Angie</span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-4764201139742751383?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-29212238121671229262009-01-03T01:00:00.000-06:002009-01-03T13:57:05.858-06:00a bevy of blessings<em>Seeing every good and perfect gift that is from above and needing to tell about it...</em><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">being outwitted at checkers by an eight year old * origami * 27 paper airplanes on the floor * Clementine oranges--the smell, the sweetness * watching daughter brush her doll's hair * steam rising from a morning cup of coffee * revelation: my problem isn't just what I do, but who I am apart from His nature * dancing with Olivia * an early Christmas present from Mom and Dad * daughter's skirt twirling as she spins in socks on hardwood floors * Charlie Brown's Christmas soundrack * the Sound of Music * gentleman in training: my son opening the car door for me * jumping unabashedly on a trampoline * </span><a href="http://www.fernandoortega.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Fernando Ortega</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> * "Mom, look at that hawk in the tree!" * Kashi chewy cookies * skipping rocks in the creek</span> * <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">gorgeous <a href="http://asonflower.wordpress.com/2008/12/31/5/">sunset</a> on the eve of a new year<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2006/11/gift-list-thousand-things.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287110451409525250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SV-W8XiFGgI/AAAAAAAABCg/OvCHO9esEJU/s200/giftsgraphic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad. Psalm 126:3</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-2921223812167122926?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5962146906084404428.post-34761494417158254222008-12-31T21:09:00.005-06:002009-01-03T08:20:59.745-06:00ringing in a new blog<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SVw2Ae72BBI/AAAAAAAABCY/-BmYbCu5fYw/s1600-h/IMG_0723.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286159444558087186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__8d6u8P4j20/SVw2Ae72BBI/AAAAAAAABCY/-BmYbCu5fYw/s200/IMG_0723.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I have been struggling with my words as of late--letting them flow, feeling limited by the confines of punctuation and grammar. I now have a new outlet for my words at </span><a href="http://asonflower.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Consider the Birds</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. I hope you will join me there as I reflect on the last day of the year and anticipate possibilities for the coming one. Happy New Year to all!</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5962146906084404428-3476149441715825422?l=asonflower.blogspot.com'/></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06509406606871767338noreply@blogger.com4