tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47542917545945931372024-03-05T04:56:42.895-05:00The Beautiful SideHannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-7558711984976196342014-07-16T16:10:00.003-04:002014-07-16T16:10:45.008-04:00[re]definition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well.<br />
<br />
I think it's time for...something different.<br />
<br />
Fresh and new and innovative.<br />
<br />
The Beautiful Side might just be taking a hiatus.<br />
<br />
And you ask, "And how is that different from its status right now?"<br />
<br />
Hah. Because, honestly, I don't remember the last time I published a post. But that needs to change.<br />
<br />
And I plan on changing it.<br />
<br />
Starting today, this little caterpillar of a blog is going to crawl into a cocoon and undergo a metamorphosis. I think it's going to be spectacular. Bigger and better and more in keeping with what I want to do, and, more importantly, what God wants to do through me. <br />
<br />
Lately I've been peeking at my dreams and realizing that, hey, we can't sit around and simply dream. We need to prepare. Take hold of the present - which is all we have in our hands - and make the most of every opportunity (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5:16&version=NLT" target="_blank">Ephesians 5:16</a>). For me, that means having a place to call my own where I blog about my passions - ministry, social media, the world of advertising, and fashion, to name a few - and prepare for the future the Lord is laying out before me one step at a time.<br />
<br />
So here's to chasing daylight (as author Erwin McManus put it). Here's to newness. <br />
<br />
Here's to a redefinition of The Beautiful Side.<br />
<br />
See you soon!</div>
Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-24987078780417248872014-06-10T20:50:00.004-04:002014-06-10T20:50:55.517-04:00the one on suffering<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sometimes, I think it's safe to say that I simply don't understand life. Today, dear, wonderful, <br />
precious friends of mine are hurting, and I can't do a blessed thing to stop it. Nothing. Nada. And my heart, the very core of me, is crying out, "God, why? Why? I. Just. Don't. Understand."<br />
<br />
And then He whispers to the unsettling.<br />
<br />
<em>Must you understand?</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Yes. Yes, I must! Why shouldn't I?<br />
<br />
<em>My love - could you - could they - bear such a weight of glory, as you are now?</em><br />
<br />
Glory, Lord? What glory? Is<i><b> <u>this</u></b></i> glory? This, this...this stupid crazy insane ridiculous mess that makes me want to kick a hole through the wall and cry away the ache?<br />
<br />
<em>For this light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for you (and the ones you love) a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+4%3A17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 4:17</a>. Right, but...now. What about now?<br />
<br />
<em>Hannah. Look up "suffering" in My Word, and you'll see. Suffering precedes glory. In a fallen world, you cannot have one without the other. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
Suffering precedes glory. Hmm. You know, it sounds cliché, but I guess it's true. A lot of things have to broken before they are truly beautiful and glorious.<br />
<br />
Gold gets melted. Marble gets cut. Stone gets chiseled. The tree gets cut down and run through the mill. The river clatters and splashes and tumbles across the miles before joining the sparkling sea.<br />
<br />
Yes, these things can be inherently beautiful because in creation God made all things good (very good), but to a designer patterning the works of his hands after the Master Designer - they are perfect, but not yet. <br />
<br />
Yes, Lord? Isn't that so?<br />
<br />
<em>Consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in you and these dear ones.</em><br />
<br />
Ah. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:18&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:18</a>. And there's suffering with glory again. One forging the other. The curse foretelling its own demise.<br />
<br />
<em>I who sit on the throne say, “Behold, I make <b>all</b> <b>things</b> <b>new</b>.”</em> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021:5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Revelation 21:5</a>. <br />
<br />
The One Who sits on the throne declares a renewal, a retribution, a transformation. The King reigns. God - that's You.<br />
<br />
<em>Behold, I make <b>all</b> <b>things</b> <b>new.</b></em><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
You make all things new. <br />
<br />
Glory is building.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-39959453669972785732014-05-23T14:11:00.000-04:002014-05-23T14:11:33.171-04:00revisited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This blog is starting to look like my old journal.<br />
<br />
"<em>January 1, 2012 - Really excited about this new year and all that it holds."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>"March 24, 2012 - So, haven't written for over two months. I'm terrible at journaling."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>"August 18, 2012 - I really am a terrible person to keep a journal."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>"December 25, 2012- WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER."</em><br />
<br />
...except...<br />
<br />
....I think my journal was updated more frequently.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
<br />
I don't know quite why I never sit down and clank out a post or two on a more regular basis. I have plenty of time and goodness knows <em>plenty </em>of inspiration. <br />
<br />
I've also read enough miscellaneous blogs in the past few days to be ashamed of blogging and writers and the internet and people in general. Yikes, ya'll. Give a person a blog and suddenly they know everything about everything. I found very few to have a tone that was worth reading, that felt like they truly cared. Instead, I envisioned a person at a decrepit computer in a dark basement, sipping on a lukewarm cup of coffee, musing on the greater realities of life without ever tasting true life.<br />
<br />
In all honesty, I will admit to being afraid of being that person. <br />
<br />
Maybe that's why I don't write more often. <br />
<br />
I believe what I believe - passionately. I have big dreams and deep wells of thought and a love for other people, but I'm not so vain as to think you need to read all about it. My very first blog post established that my blog would never be a personal journal, and I'll keep it that way, thank you kindly.<br />
<br />
But how can I write and be compelling? How can my words bring truth and light and healing while standing on a firm and unshakeable truth?<br />
<br />
Because...what are my words worth if they don't speak truth? <br />
<br />
This pursuit is at the core of why I write and the reason why I even started a blog at all. To speak truth and to compel - propel, even - towards the light of God's truth. Nevertheless, I fear the tone of the arrogant, the rank stench of self-promotion...<em>because I know that's my foolish sinner's heart at its core.</em><br />
<br />
In spite of myself (because isn't that just how the sovereignty of God works?), my prayer is that God gives me the grace to "<span class="text Eph-4-15" id="en-NLT-29248">speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4:15&version=NLT" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:15</a>). </span><br />
<span class="text Eph-4-15"></span><br />
<span class="text Eph-4-15">Will you join me?</span><br />
<br />
</div>
Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-25582747552136068012013-12-27T21:38:00.000-05:002013-12-27T21:38:23.209-05:00An Imitation of God - Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Yes. It's been more than a month since my last post.)<br />
<br />
(I'm sorry.)<br />
<br />
Now, it's time to jump into part 2 of this series. <br />
<br />
We're staying in Ephesians 5 pretty much the whole way through. My previous post covered <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%205:1-2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">verses 1-2</a> and established both the name and the vision of this series of blog posts - "an imitation of God." If you have a moment and haven't read that first set of thoughts, go ahead and stop by <a href="http://onthebeautifulside.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-imitation-of-god-part-1.html" target="_blank">this post</a> to get what will hopefully prove to be a straightforward foundation for what I'd like to muse over in this post and the ones to come. <br />
<br />
After stressing the importance of imitating God in every area of our lives, Paul moved on to point out specific elements that should *not* be found in the life of a believer seeking to emulate the holiness and love of God. Let's contemplate <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%205:3&version=NKJV" target="_blank">verse three</a> for starters, where Paul explicitly states three "no-no's" of the Christian life:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>"But <u>fornication</u> and all <u>uncleanness</u> or <u>covetousness</u>, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints..."</b></i></blockquote>
Fornication? Uncleanness? Covetousness?<br />
<br />
What is this, a Biblical revision of Shakespeare? <br />
<br />
Some definitions may help to clarify the meanings of these words suffering from disuse, because, let's face it - we don't go around using these words in everyday conversation.<br />
<br />
First of all, let's look at "fornication." (Oh yeah, we're going there.) <br />
<br />
Merriam-Webster defines <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fornication?show=0&t=1375217239" target="_blank">fornication</a> as "consensual sexual intercourse between two persons not married to each other." Other Bible versions translate the Greek word <a href="https://net.bible.org/#!l/__hebgrk%3AEphesians%205" target="_blank">πορνεια</a> (pronounced "por-ni'-ah") as "sexual immorality," "immorality," and other similar terms. Basically, the term references any sexual relationship outside of the covenant bonds of marriage.<br />
<br />
Please. We're Christians. None of that going on here. We don't do things like that, remember?<br />
<br />
The Barna Group suggested in a <a href="https://www.barna.org/barna-update/culture/600-new-years-resolutions-temptations-and-americas-favorite-sins#.UktQQHbD-P8" target="_blank">recent survey</a> that 5-6% of churchgoers (Protestant and Catholic) find that their greatest temptations revolve around immoral sexual behavior. Granted, 5-6% may not seem that much, but the survey also commented that sexual temptation is one of the struggles people are least likely to admit to. Also, percentages tend to downplay the true size and scope of an issue; while 5-6% may only translate to 5 or 6 people in a group of 100, this number grows with the size of the group. Pretty soon, the 5 or 6 have grown to hundreds and thousands.<br />
<br />
Bottom line? Christians struggle with this "fornication" too. Our contemporary churches and coffee-laden focus groups won't eliminate this battle between the flesh and the Spirit, and in reality, no one is immune to a crash-and-burn in some form or fashion - or so Paul says in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:12-13&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 1-:12-13</a>,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b><span class="text 1Cor-10-12" id="en-NLT-28540">If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.</span> <span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>The
temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.
</span></b></i></blockquote>
<br />
Next up: "uncleanness," here we come. That one isn't so hard to tackle; I mean, hit the pause button and think about what it means. If something is "unclean," then it's dirty. If it's dirty, then it's in need of a good cleaning. If it's in need of a good cleaning...<br />
<br />
You get the idea. Images of your dog or bedroom may come to mind.<br />
<br />
This Greek word, <a href="https://net.bible.org/#!l/__hebgrk%3AEphesians%205" target="_blank">ακατηαρσια</a> ("ak-ath-ar-see'-ah"), can refer to something that is unclean in either a physical (e.g., grease on your shirt) or moral (e.g., an adulterous affair) way. It's going against the grain, against the way God designed life to work, and it's about as attractive to Him as the mess your new puppy made in his crate last night.<br />
<br />
Is your nose starting to wrinkle a bit? Mine is. <br />
<br />
Finally - "covetousness." Someone who is <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/covetousness" target="_blank">covetous </a>is "marked by inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions; <span class="ssens">[has] a craving for possession." (Thanks again, Merriam-Webster!) <a href="https://net.bible.org/#!l/__hebgrk%3AEphesians%205" target="_blank">πλεονεξια</a> (you knew this was coming), when translated to its bare bones of meaning, comes out to the adjective many of us associate with the little green-eyed monster: greedy. To be plagued by covetousness is to need more and more and more; you're compelled by your cravings to the degree that you will do just about anything to obtain the object of your desire. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ssens">Okay, yeah, you're right. No need to go there. Never mind the materialism plaguing our churches: b</span><span class="ssens">ring your neighbor to church and earn an entry into a drawing for a TV (kiddos, get a game console if you convince Albert from next door to join you at Sunday School!). Never mind our straining and striving and chasing after that prized spot on the morning worship team, the leadership core, or the event management. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ssens">Because, my word, we don't have to worry about covetousness.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="ssens">Well-intentioned sarcasm aside, I hope you've taken note of these three moral pitfalls that Paul addresses. Why? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ssens">Because I want to point out a pivotal phrase. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>"...let it not even be named among you..."</b></i></blockquote>
Some versions of the Bible translate this phrase a bit differently, and I think the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%205:3&version=NIV" target="_blank">New International Version</a> hits the nail on the head:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong><em>"But among you there must <u>not be even a hint</u> of sexual immorality,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29308F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> or of any kind of impurity..."</em></strong></blockquote>
<em>Not even a hint. </em><br />
<br />
Mmmmm.<br />
<br />
You see, we Christians like to regulate our morality by explicit acts. If you went all the way, then that's it for you. But hey, if you only went a little bit of the way - if you only dabbled in a specific sin without actually committing it - then no worries. After all, we're not legalists here; let's not chuck that amazing grace out the window.<br />
<br />
No, indeed. Let's not. But let's also not forget the standard that grace calls us to: holiness. Realizing the implications of Paul's challenge to the Ephesian believers is a staggering proposition, and one that I'm sure I don't grasp fully. Not even a hint? Not even a suggestion? Not even a flickering thought? Really?<br />
<br />
No. Not even so much as a shred of a suggestion of immorality or impurity for the flesh to feed upon.<br />
<br />
For believers who would seek to live a life representing the holiness of the Lord to this disintegrating culture in which anything goes, the implications of holy living dictated by Ephesians 5 are radical. Stupid-sounding, perhaps. Irrational, in some cases.<br />
<br />
(Just like willingly offering yourself to be beaten and mocked and crucified on a cross in the most brutal, humiliating manner possible for people who would continue to spit in your face for thousands of years. Because, of course, Jesus never did anything radical or stupid-sounding or irrational in the eyes of arrogant man seeking after remnants of lost immortality.)<br />
<br />
This passage calls us to seriously evaluate every aspect of our lives and bring each corner into the light of God's truth. For many of us, it won't involve breaking off adulterous relationships or deleting the pornography from our computers (although for individuals struggling in those areas, such action absolutely should be taken). Instead, it will involve a scrutiny of our entertainment: will the music we listen to, the movies we choose to watch and the television we view, match the declaration of hearts committed to radical holiness - the ultimate rejection of <i>even a hint </i>of sexual immorality or impurity? This kind of examination will not only involve explicit sex scenes or lyrics, but inappropriate language and humor - <i>hints </i>- that foster impurity.<br />
<br />
Obedience to Ephesians 5 will demand a stern evaluation of our words, our thoughts, our hearts' desires, because as long as the command of Ephesians 5 is neglected, as long as we dance around sin before a God Who abhors all forms of sin (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119:128&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 119:28</a>), we will be living only a fraction of the life we were created to live, and the world will have very little reason to seek the hope that lies within our hearts.<br />
<br />
So I ask you, as I ask myself: are there any forms of fornication, uncleanness, or covetousness you're tolerating in your life? Any subtle hints of impurity lurking about? Any thought that is not obedient to Christ (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2010:5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 10:5</a>)? Those questions can be hard to answer. Believe me, I know. I still struggle to answer them honestly, knowing that my answer will most likely show a heart not yet fully surrendered to His glory and will demand a change in my life that, quite frankly, I really just don't want to have to make most of the time.<br />
<br />
Why bother, then? I think Paul knew we would ask that question, and so he preceded this weighty subject matter with the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%205:1-2&version=NLT" target="_blank">two verses</a> we looked at in the <a href="http://onthebeautifulside.blogspot.com/2013/06/an-imitation-of-god-part-1.html" target="_blank">previous blog post</a>, giving his answer: <i>"...because you are His dear children." </i><br />
<br />
We're children called to reflect the heart of our Father, demonstrating His worth to this lost and dying world. We do it because we love Him. We do it because He's worth it.</div>
Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-35987873014953838492013-06-18T09:33:00.002-04:002013-06-18T09:33:44.545-04:00An Imitation of God - Part 1Just so you know, my previous post went without a sequel for significantly longer than I intended. You'll just have to be content with knowing that my only consistency (apart from, I hope, a love for the Lord and commitment to His truth) is my inconsistency. If I promise a blog post is coming soon, then I probably mean soon in the long-term sense - a month might even be too much to ask. *sigh* Now, I know so many of you are hanging on every word I say and that these ginormous gaps of time in between my posts are driving you insane, but...<br />
<br />
Oh, whatever. Who am I kidding? :)<br />
<br />
But that's enough drabble about me. Instead, I want to get on with sharing thoughts that have been whispering at the gateways of my head and heart, gently and yet fervently begging for release.<br />
<br />
The topic? Christ-likness. <br />
<br />
I know, I know. You're ready to tune me out (in a really loving way, of course; instead of angrily clicking the big red "x" in the corner of your screen, you're going to skim the rest of this text, nod respectfully at the Scripture interspersed throughout, and go on your merry way) but please. Don't. You should know by now that I hate using cliches (especially the churchy kind) unless there's a very, very, VERY good reason to do so, and this situation is no different. <br />
<br />
I'm not going to talk about loving your neighbor. I'm not going to touch on self-control or anger management. Instead, I'd like to navigate into potentially-dangerous waters and suggest that there's passage of Scripture that has been woefully overlooked by the body of Christ in general. I want to step on toes, because the painful pinching might make you pull back and examine just exactly why your toesies didn't appreciate being tread upon. Discomfort usually indicates that something is not quite right, you know, so I ask this of you: if it hurts, let it. And then find out <em>why</em>. Don't shove your awkward or sensitive or downright irritated attitude into a corner to melt back into your psyche; instead, ask God to speak in a way that you can't ignore. Ask Him to help you to listen and process and, if it's necessary, <em>change</em>.<br />
<br />
And for goodness sake, don't do it for me. What I have to say, ultimately, will never matter. The Word of God is your standard and declares an unchanging truth that will condemn or confirm whether you like it or not. Be compelled by His truth. Do it because He's worth it.<br />
<br />
Originally, I was going to try to pack everything into one blog post, but I don't want to overload your mental circuitry or your spiritual senses. I want to take it one bit at a time - so yes, this will be a series of sorts - and give you just enough to manageably ponder before moving on. :)<br />
<br />
So, then, with my characteristic disclaimer out of the way: here we go.<br />
<br />
The topic, again: Christ-likness.<br />
<br />
The passage: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205&version=NLT" target="_blank">Ephesians 5</a>. Specifically, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205:1-20&version=NLT" target="_blank">verses 1-20</a>.<br />
<br />
(Yes, and now you know why I won't dump it all on you right now. You're welcome.)<br />
<br />
Let's just look at the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205:1-2&version=NLT" target="_blank">first two verses</a> for starters. Easy enough, right? <br />
<em></em><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. <span class="text Eph-5-2" id="en-NLT-29267">Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."</span></em></blockquote>
Right away, we encounter a command. Not a suggestion - no sirree, nothing like that. The verb form here is pretty adamant: <em>"<strong><u>Imitate</u></strong> God</em>..." Not, "think about imitating..." or "what if you imitated..." but point-blank, no-punches-pulled: "Imitate God."<br />
<br />
My personal inclination is to conclude that this phrase is something I'm supposed to do and I'd better get it done - or, at the very least, try. For example, when I was growing up under my parents' authority, their word was law, and strange and unsual punishments followed the child who dared ignore even the subtlest hints. (Well, so maybe not "strange" and "unsual," but try explaining the purpose of writing "I will take out the garbage" fifty times - or more - to a ten-year-old...) This environment quickly taught me the importance of immediate, total, unconditional obedience.<br />
<br />
But why do I care about imitating God? Why *should* I care? In my parents' house, I cared about obeying their commands because my state of health was on the line, but that setting is seemingly worlds away from this scenario. Okay, yes, God is good and loving and kind and just and righteous and holy, but guess what? I was birthed into sin, and my flesh and the Holy Spirit in me still war against one another (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5:17&version=NLT" target="_blank">Galatians 5:17</a>). Naturally, I don't want anything to do with goodness and love and justice and righteousness and certainly <em>not</em> holiness, and it's only by the grace of God that I pursue any of those things now. My sin-infected flesh shudders at the thought of imitating God. The idea is too contrary to my natural disposition. Heaven - errr, hell, I suppose - forbid!<br />
<br />
But then, there is grace! Redemption! I've been set free from the law of sin and death by the blood of Jesus Christ (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%207:24-25&version=NLT" target="_blank">Romans 7:24-25</a>), and the desire to imitate God is present in me. <br />
<br />
And how should I imitate God? <br />
<br />
"...in everything..."<br />
<br />
Fo' real? Everything? <br />
<br />
(Hey, I didn't write that. Don't look at me. Well, I mean, keep reading the blog post, but quit rolling your eyes at me. It's impolite.)<br />
<br />
But really, Paul again makes it clear: down to the tiniest detail of our lives, we are to imitate God. <br />
<br />
In.<br />
<br />
Everything.<br />
<br />
Non-negotiable. Straight-up. Everything is everything, and if you can't reconcile that with your reality, then you probably need to get a new one. Just a suggestion.<br />
<br />
This imitation of Christ extends to our conversation. Our entertainment (music, movies, books...Tumblr, Facebook, YouTube...). Our thoughts. Our spending habits. Our work ethic. <br />
<br />
E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.<br />
(I think you get the picture.)<br />
<br />
If you're alive and you do it, then God says, "Imitate Me in it." And that means maybe you won't do some of the things you're doing now, because you're coming face-to-face with the reality that you just *can't* imitate God while doing it. <br />
<br />
More on that in a later post.<br />
<br />
"But why should I worry about imitating God? Why, Hannah? You asked that question twelve crazy paragraphs ago, and you still haven't answered it."<br />
<br />
Sorry, guys.<br />
<br />
"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, <em>because you are <u>His</u> <u>dear</u> <u>children</u></em>..." And not just "His children." <br />
<br />
His <strong><em><u>dear</u></em> </strong>children. <br />
<br />
Your heavenly Daddy loves you like crazy. No cliches, no warm fuzzies, just truth. He loved you so much that He sent Jesus Christ, Who, as Paul continues to share, "<em>offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God</em>" to the pay the ultimate penalty for our sin and bring us near to God (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2:13&version=NLT" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:13</a>).<br />
<br />
The nature of God, in and of itself, is enough to compell us to imitate Him: truth, goodness, love, purity, beauty, holiness, justice. In reality, He is reason enough. But, since we're a short-sighted bunch of people and need further motivation, gratitude and love will do nicely as well. A heart truly thankful for the sacrifice Jesus offered on the cross and a mind captured by the love that sent Him there will find the desire to imitate God as nothing less than the only appropriate response.<br />
<br />
We imitate because we are loved. We imitate because we love in return (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 John+4:19&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 John 4:9</a>). We imitate because of the sacrifice that was made for us. We imitate as living sacrifices, seeking to be holy and acceptable to God (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12:1&version=NLT" target="_blank">Romans 12:1</a>). <br />
<br />
To look at that love, at the privilege we have of being called God's dear children, and then choose to turn and pursue your own agenda - well, that's your choice. But based on the Word of God and the commands clearly stated, I'd say it's a choice you should probably weigh pretty carefully.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading; keep an eye out for part two, where we look at just exactly what Paul had in mind when he challenged us to "imitate God."Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-4643500775015063952013-05-24T11:52:00.001-04:002013-05-24T11:52:29.243-04:00In-Betweeness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi people. How's it going?<br />
<br />
Marvelous.<br />
<br />
I'm sitting here in my little cubicle at work, waiting for the floodgates to burst open in my schedule later next month as I start running check-ins and check-outs for the various camps that our organization will be hosting. Until then, though, a busy day equates to thumb-twiddling and spontaneously speaking in Russian accents (if my coworkers and I are lucky, we might even battle over who gets to write the two-sentence email that our boss asked one of us to write).<br />
<br />
But, seriously. It's fun. You did see my little blurb about Russian accents, right? I wasn't kidding, I promise you.<br />
<br />
So, with all this time on my hands, I thought that something more than endless online window shopping and skipping around my Spotify playlists might be called for. Something like, say, finally drafting a blog post on that idea I've had floating around in my head for weeks...<br />
<br />
I swear, I do this all the time:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>*blog post idea meanders into head*</i><br />
<i>"Hey, that's neat! I should write a blog post about that!"</i><br />
<i>*idea settles in for a 2-hour stay*</i><br />
<i>"Ummm, yeah...let me get back to you on that."</i><br />
<i> 6 weeks later... </i></blockquote>
<br />
I'm working on it, guys. No promises.<br />
<br />
Now, when I jump started this blog, I didn't really envision it becoming a deep theological archive of churchy-what-have-you's, and to be quite honest, I'm working to round out the concept that was originally in my head a little bit more. I'd like to incorporate some fashion tips, beauty know-how, music, movies, books...all that cultural jazz...but it seems all I ever end up writing about are the lessons God is teaching me from His Word. There's nothing wrong with that situation, I'm inclined to think; in fact, there could be everything right with it. I'm not entirely sure. I do know that writing - anything - has always tapped into the deep well somewhere down inside of me, and suddenly I start uncovering thoughts and feelings and ideas that I didn't know were hidden down there. Sometimes they're beautiful, and sometimes they're hideous and yet still beautiful in a strange way, and sometimes...<br />
<br />
I just don't know. What say I just keep writing, let God have His way with my fingers and computer and heart and mind, and we see what happens?<br />
<br />
Okay then. Here we go.<br />
<br /><i>*Stay tuned for my next blog post - which, I promise, will be much more substantial than this cursory fly-by.</i></div>
Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-48163731796919519012013-05-16T20:40:00.001-04:002013-05-16T20:40:33.025-04:00Year One: This is [Our] God<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"...but the Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me.....For this, O Lord, I will praise You among the nations; I will sing praises to Your name" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2018:19,%2049&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 18:19, 49</a>).</blockquote>
</h3>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7TQFb9yUWomPhStTWnKNx5WJUWoatbdFcaSaSbM5CuRlm_O-IlCylVHyvFavnF6QLShuAwGwZDelFq0OjTEiA8zuj4XGJ5EbiN03Gr4KnEsPVUGbxxRl72J8YHBQrtgef9cKnqvkLFKb/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7TQFb9yUWomPhStTWnKNx5WJUWoatbdFcaSaSbM5CuRlm_O-IlCylVHyvFavnF6QLShuAwGwZDelFq0OjTEiA8zuj4XGJ5EbiN03Gr4KnEsPVUGbxxRl72J8YHBQrtgef9cKnqvkLFKb/s1600/blog.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a>^My sentiments as I heave a huge sigh of relief and wrap up the first year of my undergrad studies. Wow. Have I really completed one entire year of this insanity?<br />
<br />
But I'm so grateful. And amazed.<br />
<br />
I've watched God provide for my needs again and again, from the smallest to the greatest: a meal plan, financial assistance, a job, good grades, supportive friends - all these blessings and more. I've found reminders of His faithfulness at moment when I needed them the most. The sheer fact that I *get* to live this adventure in the presence and power of the Lord overjoys and humbles me all at once. <br />
<br />
I'm not being churchy when I say that I am unworthy of the many blessings He has showered me with; this year has given me enough proof of my weaknesses and the areas in which the Refiner's fire needs to burn deeper and melt away the clinging flesh-attitudes. <br />
<br />
I think it's ridiculously easy for people to share the incredible things the Lord has done in them and for them and conclude with an oh-so-spiritual, "Yeah, it's fantastic. I don't deserve it." <br />
<br />
Inwardly, they're smugly pleased with themselves and the things they've accomplished. Oh, yes, their head may resound with thoughts of God's grace and favor dispensed in their lives, but they have yet to come to grips with their utter lack of worthiness. They've read their Bible, they've baked cookies for church, they have a blog where they write on spiritual themes...they've deserved <em>some</em> of God's blessings, certainly. <br />
<br />
I know. I've done the same thing far too often, largely due to the fact that I haven't been confronted full-force with my weaknesses, with the reality that, apart from Christ, I really am undeserving. <br />
<br />
But this semester - this year - I've watched my humanity seep through whatever veneer I prided myself on having gently smoothed over my faults and failures...my sin. Granted, I had learned much during high school, having grown spiritually and matured in my faith - but I hadn't reached some sort of perfection plateau. College transformed (and, to be honest) is still transforming my view of myself - and of God.<br />
<br />
I've shrugged off the promptings of the Lord in favor of my pride and so-called "busy" schedule (time management issues on top of that, anyone?). I've let satan rule me with fear. My love for others has often been insincere, and my eyes have been so taken up with the glitter of the present that I, at times, haven't been able to see the glow of the future God has in store for me.<br />
<br />
Long story short, ladies and gentlemen? I'm weak. Above all things, this past year has taught me the message of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20corinthians%2010:12&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:12</a>: "<span class="text 1Cor-10-12" id="en-NLT-28540">If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall." In His faithfulness, He forgives my sin, but His glory calls me to nevertheless pursue holiness (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206:1-2&version=NLT" target="_blank">Romans 6:1-2</a>). And I do. And I fail. And His grace is sufficient in my weakness (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Corinthians 12:9&version=NLT" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>) as I cry out for His help to please Him and live a life obedient to His words.</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-10-12"></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-10-12">Thus, I mean what I say when I declare that I am unworthy of what God has done for me. I can only pray that this message, this truth of my utter unworthiness and His supreme worthiness, will invade me like a lightning bolt invades the trunk of a tree and sets it on fire. I want to always and forever be amazed by the things He does for me, to keep gasping and staring and wondering and murmuring in awe that <em>this is my God</em>.</span><br />
<br />
This is <strong><em>our </em></strong>God.<br />
<span class="text 1Cor-10-12"></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-10-12">Another psalm (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Psalm 103, specifically verses 1-5</a>) comes to my mind as I meditate on the year gone by:</span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-10-12"></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3>
"Bless the Lord, O my soul;<br />And all that is within me, bless His holy name!<br />Bless the Lord, O my soul,<br />And forget not all His benefits:<br />Who forgives all your iniquities,<br />Who heals all your diseases,<br />Who redeems your life from destruction,<br />Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,<br />Who satisfies your mouth with good things,<br />So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."</h3>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1Cor-10-12"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Ps-103-5"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1Cor-10-12"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Ps-103-5">And, honestly? That's all I can say. It's all I have to offer: an encouragement to you and to my own soul to bless the Lord, the One Who in and of Himself is the highest benefit, our Great Reward; the One Who has set our sins as far as the east is from the west (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 103:12&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 103:12</a>); our Healer; our Redeemer, Who takes our brokenness and brings forth beauty; our Glory, our Joy, our Satisfier, our Strength.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
Bless Him. Bless Him for Who He is and what He has done. Even when we are (as we are so very often) unworthy, He is utterly, eternally worthy. <br />
<br />
I can't wait to see where He takes me next...<br />
<br />
<em>Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!</em></div>
</div>
Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-77504220734165050572013-03-28T15:12:00.001-04:002013-03-28T15:12:58.609-04:00You See, There's This Band Coming to Town...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
...and I'm really excited about it. <br />
<br />
Really, really, really excited.<br />
<br />
Ever heard of <a href="http://tenthavenuenorth.com/" target="_blank">Tenth Avenue North</a>?<br />
<br />
You haven't? <br />
<br />
SHAME. ON. YOU.<br />
<br />
*starts throwing random Tenth Ave goodies at innocent by...ummm...by-reader?...I don't know*<br />
<br />
Here, watch this:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zulKcYItKIA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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And take a look at this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimX_ROoRd5vCg9XYZ3-9MW0K4lybBj_5HwcDTV9AJhMicMeJWNfiUQDZa19tTXjoBshwp1JQNQZF1MzEYLmuo97tTuCQDRazyLttR-jJlH5g4U2LfmydITTmw_TDdt6ZjkrAMZyv_ykSEp/s1600/instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimX_ROoRd5vCg9XYZ3-9MW0K4lybBj_5HwcDTV9AJhMicMeJWNfiUQDZa19tTXjoBshwp1JQNQZF1MzEYLmuo97tTuCQDRazyLttR-jJlH5g4U2LfmydITTmw_TDdt6ZjkrAMZyv_ykSEp/s1600/instagram.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yep. The Struggle Tour. Snazzy name, eh? Vaguely reminiscent of the title of their most recent studio release...</div>
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And you know what? While you're catching up on the last six or so missed years of your musical life (Tenth Ave's first studio album, <a href="http://tenthavenuenorth.com/music-overandunderneath" target="_blank">Over and Underneath</a>, was released in 2008), go ahead and watch this:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cekM6QSQGHs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://tenthavenuenorth.com/tour/" target="_blank">The Struggle Tour</a>. Happening in a city near me (huzzah!) and, chances are, near you too. Scroll down the list, find the closest city, and skeddadle on over before you miss it. You won't regret it, I promise.</div>
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Now, you may be thinking: why should you care? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Ahem. Excuse you for having the audacity to ask that question. *adjusts spectacles to be more advantageous to peering-down-one's-nose*</div>
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<br /></div>
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But now, in all seriousness: that was a valid question. It would be my pleasure to answer it.</div>
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Boy-bands (or pop-rock bands in general) are a common cultural phenomenon. All you need is five guitarists (seven if you really want to make an impression), a hunky drummer, a melodramatic keyboardist, and a dynamic front man who can belt it WHILE clutching the microphone on its stand WHILE strumming away on his snazzy acoustic Hohner. I mean, it's so simple. You wonder why we don't have more of these pop icons showing up on a regular basis.</div>
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Oh, wait.</div>
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Never mind.</div>
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(I'm not even going to confess that One Direction just popped into my mind.)</div>
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But, all that say: bands these days tend to be overrated. Especially running around in Christian circles. Names like "Rugged Splinter" (an obvious reference to the cross), "Until You" (again, obviously a nudge at the salvation experience of the lead vocalist), and the ever-popular "Light" (because as a Christian, it's all about the light now, right?) are combined with v-neck tees, skinny dark-wash jeans, and I'm-so-cool-I-can't-smile expressions, and there ya' have it. The archetypical Christian band, redeemed and energetic and squeaky clean. They really have some fantastic lyrics, too; they tend to run along the lines of,</div>
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"<i>I love You</i></div>
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<i>I love You</i></div>
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<i>I need You</i></div>
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<i>I need You</i></div>
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<i>Tonight</i></div>
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<i>Tonight</i></div>
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<i>I'm going to come alive</i></div>
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<i>Because You</i></div>
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<i>Arethewaythetruthandthelifeandnothingcaneverseparateusbecauseyourloveisdeepandwideandlongandhigh..."</i></div>
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Deep stuff, you guys. My toes can't find their way out.</div>
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Ahhh, I'm sorry. The sarcasm is just too fun. I promise I'll stop now and get to my point...my point...yeah...oh, no, wait, I've got it.</div>
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You see, in the days of stereotypical religion and the same songs that have simply been rewritten in several hundred variations, Tenth Avenue North is something new and fresh that hearkens back to days when quality came before quantity and words had more worth than filling up the next record contract. At the heart of the ministry of Tenth Avenue North is a desire to do something authentic, something real that leads listeners to experience God. Mike Donehey, the lead vocalist, guitarist, and head writer for the band, wrote rather profoundly:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: 120%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What we’re hoping for with this music that we’re making is to not just entertain people. I think it’s safe to say that we already have plenty of that. What we’re wanting is to see people encounter truth. Remember, we all worked at a church for some time, and there we saw plenty of emotion. We saw plenty of people having a good time, but it wasn’t long until we realized that if emotion isn’t being evoked by truth, well, then it just doesn’t last. And we want this love in hearts to last. I guess you could say we’re done just trying to get emotional from blast beats and hip guitar lyrics. Instead, we desire to be cut to the heart. To be honest, genuine, and faithful to what we believe is truth. </span></span></i></span></div>
</blockquote>
(Source: <a href="http://tenthavenuenorth.com/about/" target="_blank">Tenth Avenue North.com</a>) <br />
<br />
"Honest, genuine, and faithful."<br />
<br />
I'm cool with that idea. In fact, I'm strongly supportive of that idea. When you have a band that says, "You know what? Enough with the emotionalism, enough with the trend-for-trend's-sake, enough with the popular concept of churchiness. Let's just be honest. Let's just be genuine. Let's just be <i>faithful.</i>" Faithful to the truth of God's Word, not our concept of it. Faithful to the power of God that can change lives, not our charged emotionalism that squeezes out a tear or two. Faithful to the message of the cross, which demands nothing less that ultimate, overwhelming surrender.<br />
<br />
Tenth Avenue North accomplishes this mission very well. Far from generic lyrics about an ambiguous "You" (in which the only indication that it's talking about God is the upper-cased "Y" in the liner notes), their songs are introspective, well-crafted, and insightful. They explore multiple facets of humanity - the struggle with sin; the redemption of our sin and poor choices; the deep love of God for us, His beloved; and forgiveness - with word choices that are reminiscent of A.W. Tozer or C.S. Lewis. They're beautiful, they're profound, and they're remarkable.<br />
<br />
So go ahead and plunge into their music. Visit their website, listen to the music, and be sure to check the tour itinerary for an event happening near you!<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>...it's not enough to just say, "I believe," <br />
'Cause truth is that talk is cheap. <br />
So grace, give me eyes to see. </i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>
You came to take us back to the start; </i><br /><i>
You came to touch the hardness of our hearts. </i><br /><i>
You gave us truth; that truth is Who You are </i><br /><i>
It's Who You are. </i></span></span></blockquote>
(Lyrics from "The Truth is Who You Are" by Tenth Avenue North on their sophomore album, "<a href="http://tenthavenuenorth.com/music-thelightmeetsthedark" target="_blank">The Light Meets the Dark</a>") <br />
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Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-47803400188128443702013-02-24T16:57:00.002-05:002013-02-24T16:57:53.562-05:00"Open My Eyes" - Cultivating a Spirit of AnticipationI have a wonderful friend.<br />
<br />
Well, scratch that. I have wonderful <i>friends</i>. Please don't think that my first statement means I eek out a social existence via Facebook, Twitter, and this blog without the joy of any real, face-to-face relationships. I promise you: it's not like that.<br />
<br />
But I was, specifically, thinking about one friend in particular. The fact that I even know her name is a testimony to God's faithfulness, and when I think about the friendship we've cultivated over the past few years, my mind gets blown. Every time. Kaboom. Little bits of baffled brain all over the place.<br />
<br />
We talk about <i>everything</i>: work, church, relationships (both the guy <i>and </i>the girl kind), family dynamics, dreams, successes, et cetera, et cetera. And while we jive on almost any topic our conversation lands on, I think we most appreciate sharing what God is doing in our lives, how He is challenging our faith, and what He's been teaching us through His Word. I would say without a doubt that these more "spiritual" discussions are the crux of our friendship. We're soul-sisters, without a doubt, and I can assure you that there's nothing more incredible than peering in at a person's heart and finding that it, like yours, has been captured by the deep love of Christ.<br />
<br />
So, recently, we had a soul-sister talk. It's what we gals do. Call each other up, say "hi," exchange pleasantries, and then get into the stuff that really matters. Life lessons. Friendships. Our respective relationships with God. Forget the who-likes-who and oh-my-word-did-you-see-this-movie superficiality; we're sharpening iron (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027:17&version=NLT" target="_blank">Proverbs 27:17</a>) before the timer on my cell phone reads "00:02:00." (Now, granted, the latest film version of Jane Austen's <i>Emma</i> has come up occasionally...ish. Okay, frequently. But come on...it's Jane Austen!)<br />
<br />
She (my friend, not Jane Austen) asked me about my life recently, and I gave her the lowdown on college life. (Unlike myself, she chose to forgo college, feeling that God had a different agenda for her life.) In one of our previous conversations I had mentioned the challenge of maintaining a consistent schedule for my time with the Lord every morning; she now asked how I'd been doing in that area. Thankfully, I was able to share how I, by God's grace, had read God's Word almost every morning and was committed to continuing the practice. <br />
<br />
Granted, keeping such a commitment has been challenging at times. On most mornings, my alarm blares in my ear, I hit the "snooze" button, and flop back onto my pillow with a groan. When I finally roll out of bed, I'm still tired - but the day will go on in spite of me, and my professors will have little sympathy for a bleary-eyed student who simply didn't get to bed on time the night before.<br />
<br />
But, before I hit the shower, it's devotional time.<br />
<br />
I used to ultra-prioritize my mornings, showering and getting completely ready for my busy day before I spent any time in God's Word. After all, I had to be ready and prompt; there's no such thing as "fashionably late," right? As you might expect, my theory didn't work very well. By the time I was satisfied with my hair and had gulped down a protein shake, the clock would read 8:00 a.m., and I was out the door. No devotions, not so much as a prayer.<br />
<br />
Therefore, I decided that my very first post-rolling-out-of-bed move would be to open my Bible and a devotional book (currently <i>Springs in the Valley,</i> by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman) with the intent to spend time (however brief) in the Lord's presence before I dreamed of doing anything else. It usually amounted to five minutes or less, but God was (and is) so faithful to show me exactly what I need for the day ahead.<br />
<br />
Now, I know what you're thinking. (Didn't tell you I could read minds, did I?) "Sorry, but that doesn't work for me. I do my devotions, but I don't ever hear from God. I don't even know why I bother anymore." Or maybe...<br />
<br />
"Yes! That's awesome! I totally get what you're saying! I mean, I just read John 3:16 this morning and the part where it says, 'God so loved the world' was just fantastic because it reminded me how much God loves me, and today has been the best day EVER and oh my goodness <b>I LOVE JESUS</b>!"<br />
<br />
Umm... *pats on head* *runs very far away*<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoPRqd5XOCfgUo3jiqRK-S4lU20HuFItLU63BvP7hNbF3y5irVWSaUwvML3LeyiChGP4CrTHWcW3Ai4ndX2i1FiygyN6NGq3me41D-Nthp261gWKAnuZEUCDpFiTvXHPzBHj0fDXDlL-T/s1600/Bible-reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoPRqd5XOCfgUo3jiqRK-S4lU20HuFItLU63BvP7hNbF3y5irVWSaUwvML3LeyiChGP4CrTHWcW3Ai4ndX2i1FiygyN6NGq3me41D-Nthp261gWKAnuZEUCDpFiTvXHPzBHj0fDXDlL-T/s1600/Bible-reading.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a><br />
But now, in all seriousness, let me ask you: what exactly are you expecting from your devotions?<br />
<br />
A spiritual pick-me-up?<br />
<br />
A "Jesus high"?<br />
<br />
A day in which nothing goes wrong, because you read Philippians 4:13 while you were putting on your makeup?<br />
<br />
Or, perhaps: were you expecting anything?<br />
<br />
Before I go further, I feel a need to clarify: John 3:16 is a spectacular verse. It takes the Gospel and wraps it into a concise sentence that is easy to remember and powerful to quote. In the same way, Philippians 4:13 is an extremely important reminder that, as 17th century Christian author and preacher Jonathan Burr wrote, <i>"in myself I am nothing; in Christ, all things."</i> Unfortunately, though, these verses have been overemphasized to the point where they have become church-y cliches that we no longer meditate upon reverently, instead relegating them to common catchphrases that mean about as much to us as the conventional greeting of "How are you?" <br />
<br />
But, to continue: what are you expecting from your time with the Lord? Do you quickly scan the page and the dash off to the next task on the list? Or do you enter into your devotions with a spirit of anticipation, peering eagerly at every word of every verse, eyes open to the message that you <i>know</i> God has for you that day?<br />
<br />
Throughout the Psalms we read of the importance of <i>anticipating</i> God. In <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2025:4-5&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 25:4-5</a>, David prays, <br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Ps-25-4" id="en-NLT-14232">"Show me the right path, O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-4">point out the road for me to follow.</span></span><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233">Lead me by Your truth and teach me..."</span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233">His prayer reflects a heart desirous of and expecting God to respond. He was <i>anticipating</i> God to answer; further, he was willing to follow the path that God led him on.</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"></span><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"></span><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"> </span><br />
<span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"></span><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"></span><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233">Psalm 119 is even richer in examples of a spirit of anticipation. In the description of joyful people found in verses 1-2, one of the characteristics listed is anticipation: "</span><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"><i><span class="text Ps-119-2" id="en-NLT-15877">Joyful are those who...</span></i><span class="indent-1"><i><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span></i><span class="text Ps-119-2"><i>search for Him [God] with all their hearts"</i> (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20119:2&version=NLT" target="_blank">v. 2</a>). Joy is found in actively seeking ("with all their hearts") God. Again, here comes the word we've all grown to know and love: <i>anticipation</i>. In general, you don't look for something if you don't expect to find it. <i>Expectation</i> precedes <i>seeking</i>.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-2">Finally, perhaps the most vivid but to-the-point prayer that reflects a heart of anticipation is found in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20119:18&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 118:19</a>: <i>"</i></span></span></span><i><span class="text Ps-119-18" id="en-NIV-15917">Open my eyes that I may see</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-18">wonderful things in Your law." </span></span></i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-18">This is my prayer every morning, the words my heart cries out as I seek to know the Lord more and more. Open my eyes! Remove the blinders! Show me what I have never seen before!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-18">Whether it be for you, a friend, a coworker, a family member - a total stranger, even- God has a message that He wants you to hear today. He wants to encourage you, challenge you, equip you to share His love in a fresh way to someone who desperately needs to hear His truth. Don't let a busy schedule or a blind heart prevent His words from reaching their intended destination. Preface your quiet time with this prayer:</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-18"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-18"><i>Open my eyes, Lord!</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NLT-14233"> </span> <br />
<br />
<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-59053756330545068462012-12-16T17:20:00.000-05:002012-12-16T17:20:39.085-05:00*gasping for breath*Heya.<br />
<br />
I'm a pretty terrible blogger, eh? No posts for a few months...tsk tsk. Well, I promise there's a good...very good...reason behind my delinquency. Think school. And papers. And tests.<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but for me those items generally take priority over blogging to a handful of disinterested followers. :)<br />
<br />
I'd thought I'd kick off my free time with something sweet and simple - a few new graphics for you to enjoy! The first two are banners specifically sized to function as Facebook cover photos, and the last is a teensy little icon I whipped up on a whim in between classes. <br />
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<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-39639930479396576572012-10-29T12:58:00.000-04:002012-10-29T12:58:05.760-04:00Stars and Dots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2gpoYgW818R4MbSpgDiaB26o097ft_JRxp-blnCUdJ5mzbSuwNxlT1BqpCoJtt2mBf9ZiUomLcb2tsA2xUK-vYoW7Kqj0gfEtbpS6osaHI-iMLffQIWM9xlon19tWBsPRJsLpi7DHmgY/s1600/youarespecial1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2gpoYgW818R4MbSpgDiaB26o097ft_JRxp-blnCUdJ5mzbSuwNxlT1BqpCoJtt2mBf9ZiUomLcb2tsA2xUK-vYoW7Kqj0gfEtbpS6osaHI-iMLffQIWM9xlon19tWBsPRJsLpi7DHmgY/s1600/youarespecial1.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
In 1997 Max Lucado released a whimsical storybook for children entitled <i>You Are Special</i>.
It was a book that I grew up on, and I still remember the moments when
my dad would pull out it out and start reading to me the story of a
little wooden Wemmick named Punchinello.<br />
<br />
"Wemmicks?" You stare at me blankly. "Punchinello? Say wha?" Ohhhh yes. The Wemmicks. Those silly little wooden people who, to my knowledge, have yet to discover any real worth apart from stars and dots and probably to this day know next to nothing about how much their Maker loves them. And Punchinello. Ah, Punchinello. The saddest Wemmick of all who taught me and dozens of other 90's kids that, well, "You are special."<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNICIraxOICT6dGCXcZLeEY19BMNKoJis61swz3dHJiFdVM3WQF9F4qUlqsYYO-VeEZYbysXwpgpddGtct_uY47dPNZhIDjRb3UyX_Vnza-F2cWiTyHLd1BRTwP2CxiZTFkmr8XjONWYMh/s1600/youarespecial_ex31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNICIraxOICT6dGCXcZLeEY19BMNKoJis61swz3dHJiFdVM3WQF9F4qUlqsYYO-VeEZYbysXwpgpddGtct_uY47dPNZhIDjRb3UyX_Vnza-F2cWiTyHLd1BRTwP2CxiZTFkmr8XjONWYMh/s1600/youarespecial_ex31.jpg" width="280" /></a>The premise of the book is simple: what's most important is what God thinks. However, instead of spelling it out in so many words, Lucado decided to use an ingenious illustration involving little wooden people called Wemmicks. They're all special, of course, but seem to need validation from each other to find any real worth. This validation comes in the form of stickers in the shapes of dots and stars. When a Wemmick performs a noteworthy deed, such as singing the most beautiful song or balancing precariously atop a stack of wooden crates a mile high, the other Wemmicks gather around him and reverently apply the star stickers. However, for those who trip on pavement stones or just can't seem to skip a rock across the water, the Wemmicks are also there to plaster the miscreant with loathsome gray dots. <br />
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Such is Punchinello's fate. He can't do anything right. He's the odd fellow tripping over the paving stones and unsuccessfully attempting to skip rocks across the water. He isn't special. He can't possibly be. The star-less bespeckling of dots all over his wooden body are enough to verify that. And he can't do anything about his gray-dotted destiny. That's just the way life is.<br />
<br />
Until he meets Lucia. Unlike all the other Wemmicks plastered with a mix of stars and dots, the stickers just don't s<i>tick </i>to her. Stars and dots alike fall off. And what's more - <i>she doesn't even seem to care</i>.<br />
<br />
Punchinello is dying to know why the stickers won't stay on Lucia and why she doesn't care. When he finally works up his courage to ask her, she smiles and tells him "It's easy. Every day I go to see Eli."<br />
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Eli? Who is He? And why is He so important?<br />
<br />
You see, Eli isn't just another Wemmick. He doesn't even live with the Wemmicks in their village. In fact, he lives down the road and over the hill and away and away and away.<br />
<br />
Who is He, then?<br />
<br />
Eli is the woodcarver.<br />
<br />
The Wemmicks are His own unique creations, carved out with His chisel and fashioned in love to be perfectly who they are. He loves His Wemmicks, even if they have become a little preoccupied with stickers, aren't perfect most of the time despite how many stars they've acquired, and don't really even know Who He is. <br />
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Punchinello swallows his fear and timidly approaches the wood shop, desperate to know what it is about Eli that makes the dots fall off. Hearing Punchinello tiptoeing around the corner of the massive wood shop, Eli calls out, "Punchinello?" He picks a very shocked Punchinello up, sets him on the work bench, and begins to tell the downtrodden Wemmick something very important. "I think you are pretty special," He tells him. <br />
<br />
But why is Punchinello so special? After all, can't Eli see the dots all over his green outfit? Doesn't He know that the dots mean Punchinello is useless, a failure in the eyes of everybody? How can Punchinello possibly be special?<br />
<br />
"Because I made you," Eli gently reminds him."And I don't make mistakes."<br />
<br />
And therein lies the powerful message of the story. Punchinello's value doesn't lie in how many stars or dots he has accumulated, and neither does our value lie in what people have to say about us. Even thought Punchinello was clumsy and unpopular, Eli loved him, because Punchinello was His own special creation. In the same way, even though we humans sin and make a general mess of things, God loves us unconditionally because we are His own special creations. And He doesn't make mistakes (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43:4&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:4</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+46:4&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 46:4</a>).<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's a significant amount of back story, but it's essential to understanding the main point of the rest of this post, namely a poem that I scrawled out not so very long ago. I was inspired by Lucado's illustration of stars and dots and consequently did what any sensible person does when they're inspired: I grabbed a pen, sprawled out on my bedroom floor, and got to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Stars and Dots</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>A star for me,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>should I live </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>my life in such a way</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>as to please mere men.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>And should I fail,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>they tell me so. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>For instead of a star -</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>shining, golden with their praises -</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>they give me a dot; </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>all their scorn in a </i><br />
<i>small,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>gray,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>mocking </i><br />
<i>dot</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>that clings to my flesh</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>and whispers "You are nothing."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>My heart inclines to believe.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>For is this not the lust of humankind,</i></div>
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<i>the way we spend our eternal days,</i></div>
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<i>in craving applause,</i></div>
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<i>fading for lack of praise,</i></div>
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<i>clamoring,</i></div>
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<i>clamoring,</i></div>
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<i>to be heard above the noise?</i></div>
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<i>Stars, stars,</i></div>
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<i>from ones who know not their Maker;</i></div>
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<i>dots, dots, </i></div>
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<i>from those who do not know their own weakness.</i></div>
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<i>And yet all the time,</i></div>
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<i>above the noise,</i></div>
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<i>He is singing,</i></div>
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<i>singing over us!</i></div>
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<i>If we would but cease our frantic madness,</i></div>
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<i>become blind to the stars,</i></div>
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<i>blind to the dots, </i></div>
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<i>deaf to the voices lying to us,</i></div>
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<i>then we would hear...a song </i></div>
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<i>that makes the stars grow dim</i></div>
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<i>and the dots become as nothing.</i></div>
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<i>A song that declares,</i></div>
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<i>"I have called you by name,</i></div>
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<i>I have made you;</i></div>
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<i>You are Mine!"</i></div>
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<i>And then?</i></div>
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<i>Freedom.</i></div>
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<i>For even stars cannot compare </i></div>
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<i>to the brilliance of</i></div>
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<i>His love. </i><br />
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(See <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+3:17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Zephaniah 3:17</a><i>, </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2043:1-4&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:1-4</a>.)<b> </b></div>
Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-31031309111625500832012-10-19T14:54:00.001-04:002012-10-19T14:54:16.627-04:00New Music Video From the Annie Moses Band<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm very excited. Very, very, very excited.</div>
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A certain band released a certain music video that I've been waiting for since May of this year.</div>
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And I thought that you might like to enjoy it. ^.^</div>
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Ladies, and the occasional gentleman that might wander this way, may I present the Annie Moses Band! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tuwtnowZhMw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-54047944989067094822012-09-30T20:26:00.000-04:002012-09-30T20:26:41.997-04:00Pure InsanityI LOVE journaling. Gimme my go-to writing instrument (a Pilot "Precise V5" Extra-fine Rolling Ball pen), the warm glow of my bedside lamp, and a quiet evening, and I'm set to scrawl out twenty pages or so of whatever comes to my mind. <i><b><u>Whatever</u></b> comes to my mind.</i> That means government officials could make a good case to incarcerate me for mental instability based simply on the contents of my journals.<br />
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But I like it that way. Journaling helps me open up and unearth all the little secrets hidden beneath my skin that I didn't even know existed. And, most of the time, the very act of putting all my thoughts to paper is a way for me to get honest before God in a way that verbal praying doesn't allow. I once had a rare moment of brilliance and captured the essence of that idea, writing, <i>"...it's almost as if these journals are their own gateway, an entrance into the very presence of God." </i>I've written everything from the secular to the sacred, letting my pen go with the flow of my heart. Sometimes my words are soft-spoken and whisper prayers; in other cases, I eek out my frustrations in some kookier ways.<br />
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The following entry is a case-in-point:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>September 11, 2011</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>I would wish upon the world sanity and with it an escape from the ludicrous, self-induced chaos that plagues it.</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>At the very least, I propose sending the majority of Earth's population to another planet. Once this is done, then those who possess at least a measure of sanity could find each other and cease risking their mental health.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>Or maybe the sane ones could pack off to another planet and leave the bedraggled rest of the populace to their own devices.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>Ah. Whatever the case, a split is most certainly called for. I think I'll telegraph Pluto (probably their most advanced form of communication) and negotiate immigration affairs.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>Will update when more is known.</i></span></blockquote>
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Whew.<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
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I really did write that. Eeek.<br />
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But it really was a very valid rant on the blight of general human insanity. Not the think-outside-the-box-and-break-the-cool-status-quo insanity (that's the one I'm pleasantly plagued with), but the insanity that occurs when we try to live life apart from the way God designed life to work. I've watched people seemingly lose, as they say down south, their "ever-lovin' minds" by choosing to reject God's way and go with the flow of whatever the culture...or their friends...or their boss...or their girlfriend/boyfriend...says.<br />
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Sometimes the errors they make are so blatant that I want to punch something and scream, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHERE IN THE WORLD DID YOUR MIND GO?"<br />
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And then God whips back my mental punching bag and plants His truth right in front of me like a hybrid wall of bricks, concrete, and steel ringed with barbed wire on top. And my mental fist connects rather solidly - rather painfully - with that mass of immovable truth.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 1Cor-10-12" id="en-NLT-28540">"If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall</span>"</span></i></span></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">(<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:12&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:12</a>).</span></i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">*winces* Oh, hello, Pride. Ummm. Wow. This is awkward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541"><span style="font-size: large;">"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:13a&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:13</a>)</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">So...I'm capable of being just as stupid? Even though I think they're making some pretty terrible decisions right now, I could turn around tomorrow and do something just as bad? I could "lose my mind"? </span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">Yes, you poor deranged self. Apart from God's grace (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015:10&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Cor. 15:10</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15:5&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 15:5</a>), you are dead to any impulse that would lead toward doing right. In reality, you should be doing everything <i>wrong</i>! The Apostle Paul understood this reality clearly: <span class="text Rom-7-18" id="en-NLT-28071">"I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. </span></span><span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541"><span class="text Rom-7-18" id="en-NLT-28071"><span class="text Rom-7-18" id="en-NLT-28071">I want to do what is right, but I can’t.</span> <span class="text Rom-7-19" id="en-NLT-28072">I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.</span> <span class="text Rom-7-20" id="en-NLT-28073"></span>" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%207:18&version=NLT" target="_blank">Romans 7:18</a>). In and of ourselves, we're pretty useless when it comes to doing good - when it comes to pleasing God. That's where His grace comes in.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541"></span><span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">"And God is faithful" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:13&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:13</a>).</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">Get that? While this statement clearly reminds us what a faithful God we serve, it also shatters our self-sufficiency, that clingy hang-up that tells most of us human beings that we can do it ourselves. First, in verse 12, we're reminded that we're just as "accident-prone" as anybody else. Second, we're told that we all deal with temptation. The final death-knell for our pride sounds when we read "And God is faithful." It's almost as if this author (Paul, again) is saying, "Now, let me tell you how messed up you really are apart from God. And once you've figured out that there's nothing you can really do about it, let me reinforce that idea by saying, point-blank, that <i>God</i> is faithful. Not you. Not your friends. <i>God </i>is faithful." </span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">But don't get down because you've just been blindsided by the reminder that you can't live a holy life on your own. Celebrate! Rejoice! Get excited! Why? Because there's another meaning to that phrase that should fill you with joy. What is it? Well...<i>God is faithful</i>! Not, "God is sitting in heaven cooking up fire and brimstone for you." Not, "God is experiencing an intense hatred of you." No! <i>God is faithful! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">"For indeed I am for you, and I will turn to you..." (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekial%2036:9&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ezekial 36:9</a>).</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">Today, I just pray that God makes us realize our utter need for Him (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205:3&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matt. 5:3</a>) and shatters our pride. That's where revival starts, after all. And then, I pray that He will remind us that He is faithful, that He is <i>for us</i>, working beyond our weaknesses to showcase His glory in our lives. For when we are weak, then He is strong (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+12:10&version=NLT" target="_blank">2 Cor. 12:10</a>).</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-10-13" id="en-NLT-28541">" </span>I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need." -C.H. Spurgeon</span></i></div>
Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-84318510387386162082012-09-25T10:31:00.001-04:002012-09-25T10:31:52.830-04:00Shhhh!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_S5TO3uYAlt13eZzVpCUiB9wI1rZ-kDsbeX_itJteYrXvj5I_oawobInlH329uWaxsV9ppP2937wDX5S7R5y9jMooCMTy54vweuhKBwkrzuc6mz3aab7iEj0G1uhbmZfyx0_4BziLIyP/s1600/251005379202110161_L36BEGWu_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_S5TO3uYAlt13eZzVpCUiB9wI1rZ-kDsbeX_itJteYrXvj5I_oawobInlH329uWaxsV9ppP2937wDX5S7R5y9jMooCMTy54vweuhKBwkrzuc6mz3aab7iEj0G1uhbmZfyx0_4BziLIyP/s640/251005379202110161_L36BEGWu_f.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-44939761963230123562012-09-16T18:12:00.000-04:002012-09-16T18:14:32.059-04:00It's Almost Monday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kHKCnGoIPy7s1fiYNWjTx5wAurnbbe-5Lapsz7AeG6sB0E6whhtW_UrHR9Us-XzUQY3F-U-VMN5QfnV2kiFcm_J2lOl6c1vf60Y0lLHyf9081BM4Gd-HS-8IXKpTQxPQhllSwO516vrW/s1600/136445063681080295_EbJBHL1f_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kHKCnGoIPy7s1fiYNWjTx5wAurnbbe-5Lapsz7AeG6sB0E6whhtW_UrHR9Us-XzUQY3F-U-VMN5QfnV2kiFcm_J2lOl6c1vf60Y0lLHyf9081BM4Gd-HS-8IXKpTQxPQhllSwO516vrW/s640/136445063681080295_EbJBHL1f_f.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Let this be your prayer as you head out into a new week! Trust Him, seek Him, and submit to His will - and be prepared to have a truly amazing Monday...and Tuesday...and beyond! Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-10636393450706537732012-09-12T14:56:00.000-04:002012-09-12T14:56:53.893-04:00Fly-byWell, I've been running around like one of those chickens (you know, those presumably headless ones), but I have a moment to share some miscellaneous graphics with you. The first is a 1024x768 wallpaper (an extinct size, I know, but...) and the last two are sized specifically to serve as Facebook cover photos. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkalU7WVOJ1IN2VfGSrie4jSn7dfyYVFpOWbi-VNN7XT3XRzbMAY-Jh5ogvg6qwgCAW9FxmwTkb3W-twWIHa-frkDALTzcM3LGsEOyZg4N5-8rThbCDHLTx5ShmQXCkwkRVrNxMP1rcfez/s1600/free.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkalU7WVOJ1IN2VfGSrie4jSn7dfyYVFpOWbi-VNN7XT3XRzbMAY-Jh5ogvg6qwgCAW9FxmwTkb3W-twWIHa-frkDALTzcM3LGsEOyZg4N5-8rThbCDHLTx5ShmQXCkwkRVrNxMP1rcfez/s640/free.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjo25ZU4cwDOVUVk2WqGHbmPwuWj2ZaleFh4OntDi0uaiXmqFdoYlwvakxGYdtSDP6PcYPj3scRo7qIn2QLSxN7bwKvX-w6VkwnM0xPxqTGvYQ7jokqhJOMW4ZeirLOFDx6qqk1whqRIU/s1600/cover1friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjo25ZU4cwDOVUVk2WqGHbmPwuWj2ZaleFh4OntDi0uaiXmqFdoYlwvakxGYdtSDP6PcYPj3scRo7qIn2QLSxN7bwKvX-w6VkwnM0xPxqTGvYQ7jokqhJOMW4ZeirLOFDx6qqk1whqRIU/s640/cover1friend.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWCKC8GEMA5Y4AmvYqq3QuHxIJ8w_SEAQzcTUeUeJa7Jp2uq1olyomjgc5h7aFyUu6WzuDvE8l_dTFq-T4MzTAyvXhRIhuVrdtf7cMfcZuVz3jQYrKjUVPgHvjGrG6vfLZ_1tSz0qQTqN/s1600/newthingcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWCKC8GEMA5Y4AmvYqq3QuHxIJ8w_SEAQzcTUeUeJa7Jp2uq1olyomjgc5h7aFyUu6WzuDvE8l_dTFq-T4MzTAyvXhRIhuVrdtf7cMfcZuVz3jQYrKjUVPgHvjGrG6vfLZ_1tSz0qQTqN/s640/newthingcover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-2179237332346770722012-09-09T15:26:00.000-04:002012-09-09T15:26:33.516-04:00Ardent Lovers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever feel as if you're just a little too average - you don't hate yourself, but then, you're not exactly thrilled with the person you are? </div>
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"If only I looked like _______"</div>
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"I wish I could ________"</div>
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We all experience moments of identity crisis. Mild or absolutely untamed, these feelings of insufficiency are normal. But we must never let them go unresolved. Why? Because God, our Creator and the Lover of our souls, has already definitively resolved who we are in His book (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139:16&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 139:16</a>) and longs for us to come to grips with the fear-shattering reality of His love (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204:18&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 John 4:18</a>). "<span class="text Isa-43-4">You are precious to Me," He declares.</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> "</span><span class="text Isa-43-4">You are honored, and I love you" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+43:4&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 43:4</a>). Subtle fears like "I'm not loved," "no one wants me," "I'm not anyone important," etc...all of those crack and crumble to dust in the wake of His love.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-43-4">If you haven't figured it out yet, get ready:</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-43-4">You are His treasure.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLy1ol5HcbzGs49A056T-JsU8w4WaPaiZuNiwvWDqJCjF2oqVJLMh5A63D-GUazx1B9FJxUDmn5ituYlCmBiHLxruog3RdLBs5nkzsp3zyBNFRuzA32YhhXD-c7eXp4PWwOXO-alDX523/s1600/551760_10151040538573133_1703319417_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLy1ol5HcbzGs49A056T-JsU8w4WaPaiZuNiwvWDqJCjF2oqVJLMh5A63D-GUazx1B9FJxUDmn5ituYlCmBiHLxruog3RdLBs5nkzsp3zyBNFRuzA32YhhXD-c7eXp4PWwOXO-alDX523/s400/551760_10151040538573133_1703319417_n.jpg" width="318" /> </a></div>
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*contemplates photo* Yes. Enough said. </div>
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<i>The King is enthralled with your beauty.</i></div>
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Just let that sink in. He is<i> enthralled </i>with your beauty, inside and out.<i> </i>Not just happy with, satisfied with...but <i>enthralled</i>. The King - God - looks at you with perfect love and says, "<i>Very</i> good."<i> </i></div>
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<i>Honor Him, for He is your Lord.</i><i> </i></div>
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Your response? Don't simply absorb the glow, the warmth of His love, although there are certainly moments when being still in His presence is the best thing you could do. But don't settle into a cozy spot on the couch and never leave your comfort zone, merely content with a me-oriented faith. Only ungrateful people respond that way.<i> </i>Get up, get out, and share the love that has so richly been gifted to you. The prophet Micah put it rather succinctly: "<span class="text Mic-6-8">Do what is right,..love mercy, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Mic-6-8">and...walk humbly with your God" (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=micah%206:8&version=NLT" target="_blank">Micah 6:8</a>). </span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8">Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India in the late 1800s/early 1900s, was one person who undoubtedly grasped the potent reality of God's love. During her life, she saved the lives of over one thousand Indian children who would otherwise have died or experienced a living death in the Hindu temples due to the harsh beliefs of the Indian culture of that day. On God's love, she wrote:</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent">"God wants lovers. Oh, how tepid is the love
of so many who call themselves by His name. How tepid is our own - my
own - in comparison with the lava fires of His eternal love. I pray that
you may be an ardent lover, the kind of lover who sets others on fire."
-Amy Carmichael</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: small;">Because of the love that has been lavished upon you, be a God-lover who goes out and sets others on fire. And don't forget...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The King is enthralled with your beauty.</i> </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Honor Him, for He is your Lord.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-81451626303088314852012-08-18T21:23:00.000-04:002012-08-18T21:23:52.085-04:00Fall Fashion InspirationI don't know about you, but I've been ready for fall to make its annual appearance. It's time for golden light so thick that you could swim in it. It's time for jeweled treetops, crystal blue skies, and crisp air that sets your heart to dancing.<br />
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Ah. Fall.<br />
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I absolutely love the creativity our Creator displayed in His orchestration of our seasons. Each one marvels the senses and is a complete work of art in itself, reflecting God's excellence and love of beauty. And there isn't just one beautiful masterpiece of a season, either; there are several!<br />
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(Wow. Three short paragraphs, and my mind is already blown. I think I tried to type out at least five different conclusions to that above paragraph.)<br />
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So. It's fall. That means a wardrobe mix-up. Yay! While clothes aren't to <i>ever </i>be
the focus of our lives or serve as our identity - that God's position -
they do give us a fantastic outlet to express the creativity that God
built into <i>our</i> personalities. Thus, I rarely tire of sticking
this top with those pants, draping several necklaces over shirts to see
which matches best, or posing in front of the mirror and debating the
flats-versus-heels-and-which-color question. It's just fun! (And let's not forget some fun updos and tricks for my hair...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTuKj8uF8TYJHlNn1NvTVCaK7sr6_LXVpTPZWY8L-Z66A5D5Z95ALpNmWC8N8dadF0K6Bbvz4eLi1ciV6kH_r5LfNzjQV9wa5hCrN7aRsRw0cB8YAgCXgmMdcmPZn5bOrwlbqI1IO7rGy/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTuKj8uF8TYJHlNn1NvTVCaK7sr6_LXVpTPZWY8L-Z66A5D5Z95ALpNmWC8N8dadF0K6Bbvz4eLi1ciV6kH_r5LfNzjQV9wa5hCrN7aRsRw0cB8YAgCXgmMdcmPZn5bOrwlbqI1IO7rGy/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" /></a></div>
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When it comes to picking out my clothes for the day, I can get so caught up in looking great and boosting my self-confidence that I often forget that, really, <i>I'm </i>not the center of attention here. The apostle Paul wrote a crystal-clear reminder in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+10:31&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:31</a> - "<i>Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or <u>whatever you do, do all to the glory of God</u></i>" (empahsis mine).</div>
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Guess what? "Whatever" includes what I put on in the morning. Now, that doesn't mean I don a dumpy tee with Scripture emblazoned on the back and a burlap sack as a skirt so that people will only think about Jesus when they look at me. On the contrary. They could be debating my mental stability (or lack thereof). BUT - wear cute clothes, please and by all means! Enjoy expressing your unique, God-give personality through how you dress. </div>
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Nevertheless, consider what people will note about you - or Jesus Christ, Who you represent (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians+5:20&version=NLT" target="_blank">2 Cor. 5:20</a>) - by observing what you wear and how you act. Are they thinking, "Wow. What an attractive girl with a good taste in clothing. She's not flashy, but she's looking good - I bet she's a really nice person" ? Or are they too distracted by tight pants or a low top, or some bling that, you know what, is just a little over the top? Allow author, pastor's wife, and speaker Carolyn Mahaney to clarify my point:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="userContent">"Our conduct</span></i><i><span class="userContent"> has a direct influence on how
people think about the gospel. The world doesn't judge us by our
theology; the world judges us by our behavior. People don't necessarily
want to know what we believe about the Bible. They want to see if what
we believe makes a difference in our lives. Our actions either bring
honor to God or misrepresent His truth." -Carolyn Mahaney</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span class="userContent"> </span></i><span class="userContent"></span><i><span class="userContent"></span></i><span class="userContent">How we dress and our motives for doing so really do impact our ability to shine our lights in the midst of a very dark world. If I'm overly focused on my appearance on a certain morning, I've noticed in retrospect that I usually miss opportunities to share truth with someone who really needed it, love on someone who was hurting, or serve as an example for a weaker Christian or unbeliever. Maybe, however, I just throw on an outfit without much thought. Look back at the end of the day, and I might have distracted a brother in Christ from thinking pure thoughts, missed a chance to model the holiness of Christ before an unbeliever, and overall just really messed up my testimony.</span></div>
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<span class="userContent">So the next time you head for the closet, and before you get excited planning your next outfit, take a moment to commit your wardrobe to the glory of God. Purpose in your heart to model Christ - in all His holiness, love, and grace - through the clothes you wear and your action while wearing them. Let that little light shine, and you might be surprised at just how bright it is.</span></div>
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<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-32919215553334369162012-08-13T13:24:00.000-04:002012-08-13T13:24:25.287-04:00A Thought for the Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I encountered a pretty powerful thought on Pinterest. (Yes, yes, I was pinning. Guilty as charged.) But I wanted to share it with you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrjQRTzi72Yo-Q823myX4VzV7JDS7ZsltAOQM-FR2c8yre9sj_pgJUoE7FL38d4MlayeesKjGPjbQ9r-lm5ztdKmNogbWFMCPjFZQlLVl2honuyBovISn3DzVcUh9LRqu5nt2fInmcxBv/s1600/229683649716199922_njubtfV5_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrjQRTzi72Yo-Q823myX4VzV7JDS7ZsltAOQM-FR2c8yre9sj_pgJUoE7FL38d4MlayeesKjGPjbQ9r-lm5ztdKmNogbWFMCPjFZQlLVl2honuyBovISn3DzVcUh9LRqu5nt2fInmcxBv/s640/229683649716199922_njubtfV5_f.jpg" width="425" /> </a></div>
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<b><span class="woj" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"A
good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and
an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.
What you say flows from what is in your heart."</span></b></div>
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<span class="woj" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206:45&version=NLT" target="_blank">Luke 6:45</a>}</span><b><span class="woj" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b></div>
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<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-57125151780171318992012-08-06T19:31:00.001-04:002012-08-06T19:32:10.602-04:00The Grand ObsessionIt's only been very recently that I've joined the great virtual pinning phenomenon known as Pinterest. (Anybody heard of it?) In all honesty, I really do enjoy scrolling through all the miscellaneous photos, videos, quotes, and links that are to be found in its endless archives. Being the EXTREMELY visual person that I am, I get a big kick out of browsing through the mass of digital files. Dreamy photographs, breathtaking scenery, adorable puppies, clever quotes, interior design ideas, fashion that I'll never afford...<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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*forces attention back on blog post*<br />
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Ahem.<br />
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Like all the other new trends popping up in the world of social networking, Pinterest has its pros and cons. You can use it as a tool to share God's truth (which, I might add, pertains to every aspect of life) and have a little fun on the side, or you can sit there for hours having fun and subsequently rationalizing your horrendous waste of time by <i>saying </i>you were doing it for the common good (of whom, I'm not entirely sure...). Or, you can kind of skip through it blithely, pinning here and there, enjoying yourself, giggling at the cute puppy faces, sighing at the wedding dresses...<br />
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Ah. The wedding dresses. And the guy in the tux. <i>Now</i> comes the entire point of this discussion. :)<br />
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Pinterest (and Facebook before it) seemed to brimming with photos from girls dreaming about their future significant other. They might look like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2-9R7FSA01Tof_8_qPOiPcQgxO_XiFgkxRkN2QYVJBJw7xTxm_QNbTsiFzm8mvLCuXpSjEYlu2vWRPHKqED4FVbZvQFCZn0GeDrs4qQrFJkvQeSN3wOQMXabbEFmMyARgWfTPdGFw_9e/s1600/60094976248469726_yoHgjJJE_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2-9R7FSA01Tof_8_qPOiPcQgxO_XiFgkxRkN2QYVJBJw7xTxm_QNbTsiFzm8mvLCuXpSjEYlu2vWRPHKqED4FVbZvQFCZn0GeDrs4qQrFJkvQeSN3wOQMXabbEFmMyARgWfTPdGFw_9e/s320/60094976248469726_yoHgjJJE_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or maybe they're focused on things a little more spiritual, like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG2eR8Isp6oJkox68y5yHErXsUoh_eO5cW3o56pZdMJy_9xlqHrLzDS4zJ19XKmo5BXkMmHIRVj9CeGkMgr_K-xk3uPDIpTu6653yKpRDj3oprQiZMP36hVGZqKkTo9raod18CoT0sc5X/s1600/pinterest.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBG2eR8Isp6oJkox68y5yHErXsUoh_eO5cW3o56pZdMJy_9xlqHrLzDS4zJ19XKmo5BXkMmHIRVj9CeGkMgr_K-xk3uPDIpTu6653yKpRDj3oprQiZMP36hVGZqKkTo9raod18CoT0sc5X/s320/pinterest.com.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Or this: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrba0kD0EUTAqXGLjm16aTp0BA5MsqeSK3dcFdeUM-Vdr1jZ-_jFowD2nvRMomNlT3PKjR0mu3J2VZEG1QtH0ZHt168pnJFlY-S_npL7kd379ys2f71xbxaM2N4m0eCkzJlRSrA8dRdQFH/s1600/239394536413078088_ZskTQF07_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrba0kD0EUTAqXGLjm16aTp0BA5MsqeSK3dcFdeUM-Vdr1jZ-_jFowD2nvRMomNlT3PKjR0mu3J2VZEG1QtH0ZHt168pnJFlY-S_npL7kd379ys2f71xbxaM2N4m0eCkzJlRSrA8dRdQFH/s320/239394536413078088_ZskTQF07_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But they're all pretty much the same. Same overall message: boy meets girl, boy smiles at girl, dear-future-mister, holding hands while the sun is going down behind them... <br />
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Now, come on, girls. You <i>know </i>you like this kind of stuff. I'm right there with you. I think it would be AMAZING to have a hidden photographer waiting to snap a shot of the moment when my future husband proposes to me. And I certainly think there's nothing more important in a man than his relationship with God and a love for His Word.<br />
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But isn't a <i>whole </i>album entitled "Here Comes the Bride" or "We Can Dream" featuring photos like this just a little...much? Even a considerable smattering of such futuristic pins in any album might be a bit over the top. Think about it. Does the word "obsession" come to mind? For me, it definitely does. We want to find our soul mate, somebody we can love and be loved by, a good and godly man that we can share the rest of our lives with. It's a natural desire and a beautiful one, placed in our hearts by the God Who the very source and fuel of pure, perfect love. Nevertheless, I would suggest that perhaps there's something wrong when we plaster our lives with dreamy reminders of our romantic aspirations - however spiritual they may be.<br />
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My father, one of the wisest people in my life, once noted that humans are created to be obsessed. It's built into us just like love and fear and joy and all of the other emotions that make us what we are. We were created to be obsessed with our Creator. However, because our world is fallen and sin has defaced its beauty, we tend to be obsessed with everything BUT our Creator. Like fashion, electronics, trends...our future Mister...<br />
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Are you getting the idea? Instead of being obsessed with dreaming about whoever God might have in our future, why not celebrate the beautiful life He has <i>already</i> given us - and be obsessed with Him?<br />
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John Piper put it well: "He is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in Him."<br />
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Make Him your grand obsession. He'll take care of the rest. <br />
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<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-73189610927366617832012-07-19T13:23:00.001-04:002012-07-19T13:24:22.975-04:00A Bit of This and ThatSo I don't currently have much time to write a decent post on anything, but I figured a few graphics might suffice. Now, they're not the greatest, and none of them correspond to the others - making them a kind of random mash-up - but you might appreciate them all the same. There are four 100x100 icons, two 500x250 banners, and a 1024x768 wallpaper. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n3KKtnKDHAKZDlZN0-9LLFVfUVCj3A40ynqJC4Up79kEeKpkCKI5YR7XlywFg_cIiItY3fpVbimSlHHEJqRrMB1rcO0UHjZE70A9QsW7juvAvbPyZN-Ss-JMNp4BFCTjOeXWPuWFk4Cz/s1600/paris.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3n3KKtnKDHAKZDlZN0-9LLFVfUVCj3A40ynqJC4Up79kEeKpkCKI5YR7XlywFg_cIiItY3fpVbimSlHHEJqRrMB1rcO0UHjZE70A9QsW7juvAvbPyZN-Ss-JMNp4BFCTjOeXWPuWFk4Cz/s1600/paris.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirraAty8ZoJitk4otAGsXI-NEq7lafnKhUU2HZ1E2Zqoge9eVBi_0wiC-QQjcqgrrYtj-0gwBDCq5aR-9gIGfq18vDBFxkHlJyl6eErf6jw6oti_mMlAvXdBx-Y3S7JAq1AdOGRy2suN38/s1600/treelight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirraAty8ZoJitk4otAGsXI-NEq7lafnKhUU2HZ1E2Zqoge9eVBi_0wiC-QQjcqgrrYtj-0gwBDCq5aR-9gIGfq18vDBFxkHlJyl6eErf6jw6oti_mMlAvXdBx-Y3S7JAq1AdOGRy2suN38/s1600/treelight.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-58149443587298810852012-07-11T20:51:00.002-04:002012-08-29T19:19:13.047-04:00As Surely as the Dawn<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4PM7sVG0sPN5vuvz9U1REW6LhgCYn9C_jizVWh_OJPMBA-2F6aPm5h2IG2xatl7_P5kLCb2-N0G8K48E0XSA8o6h0fV1YviJq1gv9Zdcc401DP_OP0ukFzaJnow2SDTG5IZe0W9OFOYv/s1600/surelyasthedawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4PM7sVG0sPN5vuvz9U1REW6LhgCYn9C_jizVWh_OJPMBA-2F6aPm5h2IG2xatl7_P5kLCb2-N0G8K48E0XSA8o6h0fV1YviJq1gv9Zdcc401DP_OP0ukFzaJnow2SDTG5IZe0W9OFOYv/s320/surelyasthedawn.jpg" width="320" /></a>They go by various names.<br />
<br />
"Dry seasons."<br />
<br />
"Times when God is silent."<br />
<br />
"Days when your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling."<br />
<br />
"Spiritual deserts."<br />
<br />
But whatever Christian lingo we end up tacking on to these scenarios doesn't really make much of a difference. We've lost a certain vitality, that power-packed edge that seems to fuel our Christian walk, and we want it back. God seems far away; we can only attempt to re-live the times when we'd open our Bible and get that soul-zap of encouragement.<br />
<br />
I've recently been sloshing through this scenario, and while it hurts, I've committed to hold fast to the truth. What more can a child do, than trust in the unchanging character of her Heavenly Father?<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, I've needed some encouragement. And God knows that. He led me to this passage:<br />
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<i><span class="chapter-1"><span class="text Hos-6-1">“Come, let us return to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></span><br /><span class="text Hos-6-1">He has torn us to pieces;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hos-6-1">now He will heal us.</span></span><br /><span class="text Hos-6-1">He has injured us;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hos-6-1">now He will bandage our wounds.</span></span><span class="text Hos-6-2" id="en-NLT-22146"></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text Hos-6-2" id="en-NLT-22146">In just a short time He will restore us,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hos-6-2">so that we may live in His presence.</span></span><span class="text Hos-6-3" id="en-NLT-22147"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text Hos-6-3" id="en-NLT-22147"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Oh, that we might know the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hos-6-3">Let us press on to know Him.</span></span><br /><span class="text Hos-6-3">He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hos-6-3">or the coming of rains in early spring.”</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3">{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea%206:1-3&version=NLT" target="_blank">Hosea 6:1-3</a>}</span></span><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I read this, I can only sit and contemplate in awe. Hosea is issuing a challenge - "Oh, that we might know the LORD!" - that echoes in my heart. The mental picture created in my mind is one of a race (cliche, I know, but it fits perfectly). Your breath is being snatched away, your muscles are screaming, your head is pounding - but you press on. The finish line is ahead; why on earth would you stop running and forfeit a chance to win? </span></span></span></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Let us press on to know Him."</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could sit here, clacking away at the keys, delivering my thoughts on this sentence...but is there really anything more that needs to be said? Hosea doesn't engage in in-depth philosophical language. "Just. Do. It. Press on."</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Let us press on to know Him."</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I do gain from this is the awareness that Christian life is not - has never been - easy. The subconscious assumption that salvation is the gateway to an early spiritual retirement is a lie. Children of God are called to a great adventure, an epic trek, which includes (cliches again; beware) mountains and valleys; streams and deserts; sun and rain - the instruments by which God refines us into the image of His Son. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Let us press on to know Him."</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He will come. As surely as the sun rises in the morning, as surely as it rains in the early spring - He'll come. He'll restore.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Let us press on to know Him."</i></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> </i></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hos-6-3"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're dealing with a similar situation, I hope these musings have encouraged you. Breath deeply, and take a moment to listen to this song (performed by Brooke Fraser and Darlene Zschech). Your Heavenly Father is faithful; He'll come. Just trust.</span></span></span></div>
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Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-82987649300955836982012-06-01T16:36:00.000-04:002012-06-01T16:36:28.191-04:00My Frame <i>This bit of rambling poetry (if that is what it may be called) was prompted after peering closely at the heart of a beloved sister in Christ and seeing the struggle that lay beneath the surface. Like the rest of us, she was battling for her identity in a world that refuses to give a satisfying answer. Her war is our war - a war from the beginning of time that we wage against "<span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NLT-29310">evil rulers and
authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark
world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places" </span></i><span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NLT-29310">(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%206:12&version=NLT" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:12</a>). <i>We must remember in the midst of it all that </i></span><i><span class="text Col-3-3" id="en-NLT-29481">our "real [lives are] hidden with Christ in God" </span></i><span class="text Col-3-3" id="en-NLT-29481">(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3:3&version=NLT" target="_blank">Col. 3:3</a>)</span><span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NLT-29310"> <i>and that in Him is life, and life abundant </i>(<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2010:10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 10:10</a>)<i>. Isn't that the heartbeat of grace?</i></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NLT-29310"><u><b>My Frame</b></u><i> </i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
With one eye I seek Your glory;<br />
The other craves the glitter<br />
Of a world that is fading.<br />
One foot<br />
Firmly planted in the Kingdom,<br />
The other<br />
Scuffing about for a softer ground.<br />
But I'm not a demon,<br />
Masking the truth with lies and telling myself<br />
With one breath<br />
That I'm "all in,"<br />
Then mumbling a straddler's half-hearted prayer.<br />
God, You know me.<br />
You know this fragile frame,<br />
Dust to be caught on the softest wind,<br />
In a moment blown away.<br />
Help me to know myself,<br />
To look past the veneer of stereo-typed humanity<br />
And see the war that rages in my very soul.<br />
Teach me the meaning of words that only my ear seems to know,<br />
Words like "grace"<br />
And "freedom"<br />
And "forgiveness"<br />
And "redemption";<br />
And oh, teach me how to understand Calvary!<br />
Show me that grace is my gift and my responsibility,<br />
That I should not "use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh"<br />
But "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly" before You.<br />
For when my days are done<br />
And my number of breaths spent<br />
Then before whom else will I stand,<br />
To whom else will I be called to give account,<br />
But my Savior<br />
And my God?</blockquote>Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-814612453164808632012-05-28T15:27:00.000-04:002012-05-28T15:37:28.240-04:00Happy Memorial Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I try not to be guilty of flaunting my ignorance, but I recently did so in a conversation with a friend. We were discussing, of all things, the importance of Memorial Day. In the spirit of revolting against meaningless traditions (which, you'll admit, <i>do </i>exist in the trappings of American life), we both casually shrugged off Memorial Day as another excuse for grilling hamburgers and taking trips to the lake. (And has anybody else walked up their driveway to get the mail, only to feel like an idiot when the empty mailbox reminds you that, hey, it's another government holiday?)<br />
<br />
But I was wrong. While Memorial Day may seem to be a generic re-run of July 4th, it isn't. <br />
<br />
Since its establishment as a national holiday on May 5, 1868 (under the name of Decoration Day, due to the fact that observers <i>decorated</i> the graves of dead soldiers with flowers), Memorial Day has been the herald of heroes who loved their freedom, their country, and their families more than life. Their courage and sacrifice give us the freedom to grill those hamburgers and take trips to the lake and grumble when the national postal service decides to take a day off.<br />
<br />
We're remiss if we just glaze over the holiday with red-white-and-blue tablecloths and potlucks. The very, very, VERY least we can do is pause and thank God for the heroes that lived and died for the United States of America.<br />
<br />
So, then:<br />
<br />
To all the families who have lost loved ones in the fight for freedom: thank you. To all the heroes who fought long and hard and survived to share the victory in this life: thank you. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:13&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 15:13</a> says it best: "<sup class="versenum"> </sup><span class="woj">There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."</span> Happy Memorial Day!<br />
<br />
(For more information on the history of Memorial Day, check out this site: <a href="http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp" target="_blank">http://www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp</a>).Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4754291754594593137.post-58951088214709527072012-05-24T19:37:00.000-04:002012-05-24T19:37:14.853-04:00What's On Your Tongue?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know firsthand the fine line one often has to walk when it comes to communicating with others. Words, phrasing, context - it's something akin to tiptoeing through a mine field. Since verbal communication is arguably still the most important way we interact with others (despite the overwhelming popularity of tools like Facebook, Twitter, and...oh yes...Blogger), it's often the hardest to navigate peacefully. All too often, we open our mouths and subsequently find ourselves victims - or perpetrators? - of unkind speech. We never meant to say <i>that</i>...or did we?</div>
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"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness," the famous actress Audrey Hepburn once said in a long dialogue summarizing how to be a beautiful woman. I find it interesting that she got the whole thing rolling with a adage on how to properly use the words sitting on the tip of your tongue. At its heart, Audrey's suggestion was more than a feel-good, look-better-by-being-nicer, pop-culture-morality quip. Instead, it almost directly mirrored a characteristic of one of the Bible's most famous characters: the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31.<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Prov-31-10"> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Prov-31-10">Who<sup> </sup>can find a virtuous wife?</span><span class="text Prov-31-10"> For her worth is far above rubies.</span></span></i></div>
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{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2031:10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 31:10</a>}<br />
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Substitute "woman" for "wife" in the above verse (because to be a virtuous wife, one must first be a virtuous woman), and it's immediately apparent that Proverbs 31 isn't just the go-to chapter for wives and homemakers-in-waiting. It's a set of guidelines for every daughter of the King who wants to live to please her Heavenly Father and shine as a light in this very dark world. (If Proverbs 31 is a new one on you, then take some time here and now to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2031:10-30&version=NKJV" target="_blank">read verses 10-30</a>. Go ahead. The rest of this post will still be here when you're done, I promise.)</div>
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I've known about - studied - the virtuous woman for years, but recently one of her characteristics - the one Audrey Hepburn mentioned - jumped out at me in a way I couldn't ignore.</div>
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<i><span class="text Prov-31-26" id="en-NKJV-17311">She opens her mouth with wisdom,</span><span class="text Prov-31-26"> and on her tongue is the law of kindness.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text Prov-31-26">{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2031:26&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 31:26</a>} </span></div>
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<span class="text Prov-31-26"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nope. Can't ignore it. If it said something like "She wants to say wise things and when she speaks she tries to say nice things that don't offend people," then I could just move on to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2031:27&version=NKJV" target="_blank">verse 27</a> (which, incidentally, would also need a rewrite, since I can tell you down to the tiniest detail what the bread of idleness tastes like). But it doesn't say that. It doesn't mention <i>trying, attempting, wishing</i> - it talks about <i>doing</i>. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Prov-31-26"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"She opens her mouth with wisdom..." </i>The heart of this kind of woman is so bent on seeking and applying God's wisdom to her life that when she opens her mouth, wise words practically fall out. She has intentionally focused on becoming wise - reading and obeying God's Word, interacting with older believers who share with her from their depths of godly wisdom gained by experience, etc. - and not without results. What's in her heart is coming out. And it's looking - errr, <i>sounding</i> - good. Her speech is reflecting the heart of a wise God.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Prov-31-26"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"...and on her tongue is the law of kindness..." </i>Notice that Solomon (the author of Proverbs) didn't say, "She tries to say kind things" or "She says kind things" or "On her mind is the law of kindness." No, indeed! First of all, kindness isn't expressed here as a wishful thinking process. This gal actually is kind. She actually says kind things to actual people in actual scenarios with actual results. (Getting the picture?) Her desire to be kind has made the trek from her head to her heart to her tongue.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Prov-31-26"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Second, notice that what's on her tongue is vividly described as "the law of kindness." Now, when you think of the word "law," you probably think of police officers, the Ten Commandments, and court rooms. That's exactly the idea implied here. The virtuous woman has a tongue that's <i>ruled</i> by kindness, just as our roads are ruled (in a loose sense) by the police officers patrolling them. Hers is a tongue whose every word is dictated by the God-given laws that make kindness what it is: "</span></span><span class="ssens" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">of a sympathetic or helpful nature<span class="break"></span><em class="sn"></em><strong>:</strong> of a forbearing nature<strong>:</strong> gentle<strong>:</strong> arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance <span class="vi"></span><strong>:</strong> of a kind to give pleasure or relief" (<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kind" target="_blank">Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary</a>). </span><br />
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<span class="ssens" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but I get the message. God has a heart for women - and men and children - to be intentional about guarding their speech and using their words to bring Him glory. This includes everything from the obvious, like obscenities and their derivatives, to the subtle, like snapping back at another person or (*gasp*) gossiping. </span><br />
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<span class="ssens" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why don't you do what I'm doing: surrender your tongue to God's law of kindness and ask Him to control the words you say (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+141:3&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 141:3</a>)? Make a resolution to be the kind of person who opens their mouth with wisdom and has the law of kindness on their tongue. It's not easy, but you can depend on God to help you every step of the way. He is faithful!</span><br />
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<b><i><span class="text Ps-19-14" id="en-NLT-14159">May the words of my mouth </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-19-14">and the meditation of my heart</span></span><span class="text Ps-19-14"> be pleasing to You,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-14">O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, my Rock and my Redeemer.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b>{<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19:14&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 19:14</a>}</b></div>
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</div>Hannah Gabriellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00766907938910049795noreply@blogger.com0