tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18344925795814534112024-03-13T12:23:43.889-07:00kmama's kitchenkmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-16198628273907011112019-07-08T13:00:00.000-07:002019-07-08T13:00:55.515-07:00I'm Not 20 AnymoreWhen I try to put two thoughts together...
When I try to remember where I just laid that item...
When I try to keep up with my grandchildren...
When I'm cleaning and need more breaks between jobs...
When I'm doing the summer's college apartment cleaning...
When I turn over in bed, get up 3 times a night, etc.
When I look over our grown children...
When I look at old pictures...
I remember - I'm not 20 anymore.
When I read the obituaries before the births in the paper...
When I watch the daily news and see the cataclysmic activity...
When I realize I'm closer to going Home than staying here...
Makes me celebrate - I'm not 20 anymore!
And it's ok with me!
kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-27737091358172287292016-02-09T14:04:00.001-08:002016-02-09T14:04:30.594-08:00When I thought I had it all together, I forgot where I put the piecesThis is life. Wife for almost 35 years. Mother for 31.5 of those. One would think that I had life all figured out by now. The older I am, the less I know and the more I know I need more JESUS... not only does He know me well - He knows where all my lost marbles are.kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-80690655972509683092015-04-29T07:34:00.000-07:002015-04-29T07:34:51.829-07:00Mrs. Criddles Kitchen cooks up a giveaway. Check out this website for a Trim Healthy Mama giveaway!
http://mrscriddleskitchen.com/my-thm-testimonial-thm-giveaway/kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-81475800912863745682014-07-21T17:00:00.000-07:002020-03-11T10:13:29.496-07:00Father's Day is Coming~ Father's Day is coming
<br />
<br />
<br />But my daddy isn't here
<br />
<br />I only want to see him
<br />
<br />Yet all I see are tears.
<br />
<br />~Father's Day is coming;
<br />
<br />My name he will not say
<br />
<br />My ears no longer hearing
<br />
<br />His corny jokes today.
<br />
<br />~Father's Day is coming,
<br />
<br />My daddy I do miss
<br />
<br />I hope all my babies there
<br />
<br />Today, my dad, will kiss.
<br />
<br />~Father's Day is coming;
<br />
<br />My daddy isn't here,
<br />
<br />He's chatting now with Jesus
<br />
<br />True that, I am sincere.
<br />
<br />~For now, I surely miss him
<br />
<br />But cannot wish him back
<br />
<br />Daddy's walking straight again
<br />
<br />On heaven's golden track.
<br />
<br />~Daddy's Day is coming,
<br />
<br />Lord, would You be so kind
<br />
<br />Tell my dad I'm coming, too;
<br />
<br />I won't be far behind!
<br />
<br />~That will be the best you see
<br />
<br />Of Father's Days to come
<br />
<br />When we shall be reunited
<br />
<br />When all are safely Home.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />I love you, Daddy. Forever and always,
<br />
<br />
<br />Your Little Girl
<br />
<br />
<br />Kimery (Father's Day 2011)
<br />
<br />kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-71057133601684021852010-11-08T07:34:00.000-08:002010-11-08T07:36:55.701-08:00Never enough of HimThe more "I" increase, the more I dislike me. I'm cranky, tired, achy and oh-so-picky. When I think about the Lord, however, I want to be more like Him. If as in Jeremiah, I seek the Lord with ALL my heart, I will find Him. I need to put away my own indulgences and get into His presence. "Sir, we would see Jesus."kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-32551792974512594842010-04-21T15:54:00.000-07:002010-04-21T15:54:02.938-07:00Stacey Noll - I'll Hold You In Heaven<object style="background-image: url("http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/4Qtvf94sCY4/hqdefault.jpg");" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4Qtvf94sCY4&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4Qtvf94sCY4&hl=en_US&fs=1" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-36267723089655307332010-03-10T17:59:00.000-08:002010-03-10T18:02:25.676-08:00Full House Yet Vacant RoomsFull House Yet Vacant Rooms
<br />By Kimery Lorenz
<br />
<br />Once upon a time, in a land not so far away lived a husband, a wife and three children. It was a happy sort of life, you see. All she dreamed of, was being wife and mom to 4 beautiful, well-adjusted children. Then, one day, quite suddenly it seemed, she found out she was carrying child number four. All was well with her world, or so it seemed.
<br />She should have been leery when she felt not one bit queasy. She was a bit nervous, but reasoned, “The luck of the draw, I’ve paid my dues with the other three nauseating pregnancies.” Days passed by quickly and before she knew it, she was one week shy of the 12 week, first prenatal check. Then IT happened! The spotting, which she’d never encountered before! She panicked but rationalized she’d been doing lots of lifting with her children and made mental note, to let hubby do the lifting. Things settled for a week or so, until. . . The spotting reappeared. This once happy mom-to-be tried to calm herself and just to be sure all was well, she called the doctor’s office. A bit nervous was she, but never prepared for what came next. The ultrasound, normally displaying a heartbeat and sweet kicks of a tiny babe, glaringly displayed only an empty sac. Because she was leaving town the next day, and given dire ‘you could hemorrhage” warnings, she was given the choice – procedure to eliminate tissue needed to happen tonight or the next morning. The couple opted for that night. That “couple” was us.
<br />The journey that miscarriage took us on was surreal. Never had I had to have a ‘procedure’ done before. It was a cold, calculating experience where the nurse and doctor bantered back and forth as if this was everyday occurrence. I wanted to shout, “my baby’s dead and all you can do is casually converse?!”
<br />It was only the beginning of a whole new world; one that I had never counted on.
<br />I’d always assumed I would have my four wonderful pregnancies with no complications, yet here I was.
<br />From the dear nurse at the doctor’s office, who’d had two or three miscarriages before she ever gave birth, to family members, to the neighbor and the church ladies – everyone had their story to tell. Yet, why was I just hearing their sorrows? Why hadn’t I heard of the statistics before of the actual number of miscarriages that happened? Or was it, I hadn’t been listening? Why didn’t I hear about this in the caring community called the church?
<br />My first loss of a child was physically traumatic. There were health issues, caused because all the tissue had not been retrieved by the surgeon, tricking my body into thinking it was still pregnant. Although my body healed fairly quickly after I had surgery the next month, my heart was forever altered. I’d want to look away, yet my eyes were inexplicably drawn to friends’ bellies growing round with their developing children.
<br />There was always to be that, “I wonder if he/she had lived” questioning in my mind. There’s something about once a mama conceives, she never forgets.
<br />I’ve since gone on to have a total of six living children, interspersed with the loss of five babies miscarried.
<br />Forever altered, now I know to send cards, notes of encouragement, drop a phone call to a mom who has lost her precious child. I understand, now, that words “I’m so sorry for the loss of your baby” is both all a person can and should say, followed by, “I’ll be praying for you.” Then, I want that mama to know, I will listen, when she needs to talk. I will offer resources, such as the book by Dr. Jack Hayford, “I’ll Hold You in Heaven.” I will encourage others to do the same, especially those who call themselves prolife.
<br />All life is precious, no matter the stage of life. We don’t know why these babies are taken so prematurely, we just know they are forever molded in our hearts. Even if only for a few short weeks, that baby was ours to nurture! Sometimes when I go out with my living children, there are times that although every one is present and accounted for, I find myself recounting. There gnaws on my mind I’m missing someone. It’s then I remember, yes, there are children missing from my current head-count, but they wait ahead in heaven’s grand stands. Some day soon I think, I shall be reunited with five more beaming faces and then, my head will nod. Yes, all are present and accounted for.kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-5829877047303106562010-03-03T13:35:00.000-08:002010-03-03T13:39:47.566-08:00At times it seems life is too hard. Raising children too difficult a task. Being a godly wife, mother, friend is not attainable. And, well, the 'watchman on the wall' thing? It's waaaaaay out there -- far beyond reach. I can't, I won't, but I must?! Oh can we ignore things that God brings to our wall, slides under the crack of the heart's door? How can we see so much potential in our children, see them supercede their self-expectations in so many ways, yet fall so far from what God has for them in other ways? How can they see when friends are but for a season and the season has passed? How can we show them this? How do we determine when we speak to them, or when we speak only to the Father? Raising toddlers was so much easier. "Lord, hear our cry."kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-5922648524994793882009-08-26T12:10:00.001-07:002009-08-26T12:12:34.339-07:00School's started but am I readyLord, help me this year to plan well -- not to overload. Help me with a do-able, overseeable schedule and help me to plan and stick to fun as well. Lord, You see the character issues that need work. Help us to properly shape those 'characters' for Your Kingdom.<br />Thank You, Lord!<br />In Jesus' name...<br />Amenkmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-83094472820487377872009-07-07T08:13:00.000-07:002009-07-07T08:15:06.672-07:00Jungle Woman<h3 style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There she was, crawling through the thick, murky underbrush, trying hard to stay on top of things. Why her, she wondered, brushing her sweaty strands aside. Elbow-by-elbow, knee-by-knee, she pressed onward, forcing her way through dead bodies of insects, some intact, some 'not so much'. Foraging on, finding a stick, she began hacking her way through. Somehow, someway, she determined to see daylight and fresh air again. If only there was someone who'd heard her frantic call, someone to rescue her. Wielding the stick like a mighty sword, she quickly flung debris far and wide. Little by little, she began to progress toward an opening. Yes! The path was widening! Gulping in deep breaths, she could tell there was fresh air ahead! She was almost home. Agilely, the sojourner deflected more animal bodies, more copious sharp, sometimes unimaginable objects, she steeled herself onward. One...last..."hi-YA"! Yes! She saw the light! Sucking in her breath, she exhaled slowly, savoring the moment. Daylight had broken - there she was just before the open door. Heaving one last sigh, as she sat down with a feeling of utter satisfaction. She HAD made it unscathed! She was victor! Free at last, thank the Lord Almighty, she was free at last!</span></h3> <h3 style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3> <h3 style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3> <h3 style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3> <h3 style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="uiintentionalstorynames"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Moral of the story:</span></span></h3> <h3 style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="uiintentionalstorynames"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> young Reaganmeister ever leaves a mess like what she found under his bed again, she vowed to hang him by his toenails and feed him ONLY his dreaded tomatoes and cooked green beans and peas!!!</span></h3>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-25887674818740146062009-01-06T20:32:00.000-08:002009-01-06T20:34:50.964-08:00spoiled it again, God, didn't ya?<input id="post_form_id" name="post_form_id" value="0321534e0e63f4e542c15a716f0fc17b" type="hidden"><div style="font-style: italic; font-family: lucida grande; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" class="note_header"><div class="note_title_share clearfix"><div class="note_title"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span>spoiled it again, God, didn't ya?</span></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div></div> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: lucida grande;">We were sitting watching a movie as a family that was MOSTLY ok, but had some cursing, raunchy sex scenes. We fast forwarded, there was even some stuff about casting spells -- 'just a little bit'...again we fast forwarded. We were of course, saddened that the movie producers had to add that crud, but satisfied that we didn't watch it....</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: lucida grande;"> But, said that still small voice, 'you paid for it - by buying or renting that movie, you actually told them you are supporting that with your money. Hollywood is about money...'</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: lucida grande;"> God ever ruin that stuff for you? My family is now thinking, mom is a spoilsport. I don't answer to them; when I close my eyes here for the last time, I stand before the One who sacrificed everything...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: lucida grande;"> So far, I'm thinking I've not passed the test...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: lucida grande;"> Glad, He's given me another chance. Wonder what would happen if we went to a theatre and saw this or blasphemy and actually got up, went out and asked for a refund if Hollywood and the local theatre might ask for changes...</span></span>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-4376491718979967132008-11-29T18:49:00.000-08:002008-11-29T19:27:54.169-08:00<h3 style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 Samuel 30:6<br /></span></h3> <p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> </p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <span id="en-KJV-7985" class="sup">6</span>And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.</span></p><div class="dictionary"><h1 style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/encourage" title="[19114] 9 ">Webster's 1828 dictionary definition: encourage</a></span></h1><span><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>ENCOUR'AGE</b>, v.t. enkur'rage. To give courage to; to give or increase confidence of success; to inspire with courage, spirit, or strength of mind; to embolden; to animate; to incite; to inspirit.</span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm not really sure the whys or wherefores; I just 'feel low. Is it physical or just emotional or is one causing the other? I'm not sure. I think haywire hormonal imbalance is part. Nonetheless, I know God is faithful. The scripture that comes to mind was one Miss Gamble was famous for quoting: David encouraged himself in the Lord...when I look up 'encourage' in Webster's dictionary, I see words like courage, embolden, inSpirit!<br /></span></p><p style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:100%;">I'm guessing it's time for me to shut this down and spend time in the Word - to encourage myself in the Lord. For by my God, I can run through a troop and leap over a wall!</span></p><p style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p></span><h3 style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic;">Psalm 18:28-30<br /></h3> <p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic;"> <span id="en-KJV-14147" class="sup">28</span>For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. </p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic;"> <span id="en-KJV-14148" class="sup">29</span>For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. </p><p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic;"> <span id="en-KJV-14149" class="sup">30</span>As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.</p><p><br /> <br /></p><span><dd><br /></dd><dd><br /></dd></span></div>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-12892714862953373282008-11-26T08:23:00.000-08:002008-11-26T08:34:41.457-08:00Stuffed up, but still getting air<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Today is the day before the Thanksgiving festivities. So much to do, cleaning, prep work, cooking and here I sit at the computer. I'm all stuffed up in my sinuses. Little air is getting through so I'm not fully breathing through my mouth. I'm just 'snuffing' a lot. It's bearable, but not optimal.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >Isn't that just how most of us spend our spiritual lives? Spiritually alive, but not optimal. We listen to Christian radio, but are not avidly in the WORD like we are the latest 'religiously themed' book or the latest "IN" TV program. Why is that? Why is it when the winds of trial blow, we fall over? Is it because we are spiritually fed and watered, or is it because we've filled our spirit man with preservatives and synthetic materials instead of the meat of the WORD and the fellowship - you know the One-on-One time with our Lord, that our spirit man is stuffed up. Breathing, but not optimally. Why are we not more discerning? More loving, but with mercy and justice, walking humbly with our God. He has shown us, but if we are not looking in the right direction for our focus, we are becoming blinded by the angel of light and we lose hope. Let us blow out the dust of this world, do a cleanse with tears of repentance, wash our walk with the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb, get back to our post...on our knees, on our faces, in His Word and in His time, making something beautiful of our lives. Then we will be on track to birth our Isaacs, not impatiently forcing issues and bringing Ishmaels into our lives...That's it; take a deep cleansing breath...</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 51, 153); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;" >See, aren't we feeling better already!</span>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-3427655719455159812008-11-24T19:32:00.001-08:002008-11-24T19:42:35.000-08:00My heart, Whose Home?There's a song by Lanny Wolfe that says "if you're not Lord of everything, then You're not Lord at all."<br />One throne room. One throne. Who sits there today? Was it my desire? Was it my husband's or children's? Did I put something else on the throne today? Was it my need to be right, my need to be loved, or my need to be left alone? What does it mean to be Lord? What does the world think the church means to be Lord? What does the world see as how the church behaves? Does it see her as the virginal bride-to-be, waiting her beloved groom? Does it see her as the town party girl - staining her dress, her vows, her bed, only to be scrubbing them quickly as dawn approaches. Is the dust of the night blown off? Is the smell of the burning earth been 'febreezed' off? How did my life impact my world today? Did it make any difference, to anyone , that I say "Jesus lives in me?" If my Jesus is LORD and I'm His handmaiden in service, really, please tell me, how does that look to you?<br />"From the inside out, God's looking at me. From the inside out, I hope He likes what He sees. From the outside, I might not look so good, but you might change your mind, if only you could, see me from the inside out." Or...<br />would you?<br />Make me like you, please, make me like You. You are a servant, make me one too. O Lord I am willing, do what You must do, to make me like You, Lord. Make me like You.kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-48017882363695475142008-11-14T21:39:00.000-08:002020-03-11T10:17:22.760-07:00under dressed<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 51, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ever feel like you invited to a costume party, only when you got to the party, you were the only one wearing a costume and the only one with egg all over you? Or that you'd had a bad dream, been sleep walking only you find yourself really awake after all and you've stumbled into a party room and everyone stares and snickers...It's then you remember you sleep au naturelle and you have no where to hide?</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is where I feel I am... Always longing to be an insider, never quite making it anyway, then saying or doing the proverbial wrong thing... If I ever had to do another college paper and it was a descriptive one, I think mine might be entitled "My life as a prune". </span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Facing facts that you are doing no one any favors is pretty tough. To be able to just shut up and become an introvert, when all you've ever been is an extrovert is like asking a frog to never move from his lily pad. Yet it's what I want. To fit in, to fill in the background. The one always smiling and being smiled at. The one whose motives are never questioned.</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yeah, that is it. Utopia...</span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now where did I leave my address book... I was just about up to the "U"s...</span></span>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-30162006610095685922008-11-13T19:57:00.000-08:002008-11-13T20:16:12.553-08:00Tired and oh, so weary<span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0); font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today has been a long week. What started to be a quiet explanation of a request for prayer and why, by entering a wrong address has now turned a lot of internet worlds upside down. Intent misinterpreted, twisted and skewed to mean hate and judgment. Do I go or do I do I stay? Do I add a group apology or keep it to the ones I privately conferred. The things I am being castigated for are the things that are being skewered at me. Funny how that works. Yet, I opened this can, so I must take responsibility for the results. Some of it, though hurtful, I'm ok with. Hurting innocent people who truly care for all, was the hardest part. I made someone else cry. It bites hard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">What can I learn? Keep out of discussions, keep mouth shut, just keep things light. It suits me fine. It's cold and drafty and harsh up here on the outer walls. The armor has holes in it and the feet are o so pained. The chest aches and the mind blurs. </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's time for the infirmary; stoke back into the word...that's been too far and few between lately. Good thing I had reserves. Will it be time for retreat? Is there ever a time for retreat?</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Does the pain ever go away? Will I always be more apt to do the wrong thing at the wrong time or will there ever be a word 'aptly' given?</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I feel so like a sponge, absorbing so much anger, hostility, frustration around me. I'm not sure who or what I am...what is my calling? </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm just weary Lord...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well, Im tired and so weary but I must go along,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Till the lord comes and calls, calls me away, oh, yes,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">And the mornins so bright and the lamb is the light,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">And the night, night is as black as the sea, oh, yes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Chorus</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">There will be peace in the valley for me, some day,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">There will be peace in the valley for me, dear Lord, I pray.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Therell be no sadness, no sorrow, no trouble I see,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">There will be peace in the valley for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bear will be gentle and the wolf will be tame,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">And the lion shall lie down with the lamb, thats what it</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Says, and the beasts from the wild will be led by a child,</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">And I will be changed, changed from this creature that I am, oh, yes.</span></span>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-17068145323485091832008-09-02T13:50:00.000-07:002008-09-02T13:57:03.588-07:00transition...<span style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Only to be what He wants me to be,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Every moment of every day.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yielded completely to Jesus alone</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Every step of the pilgrim way.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Just to be clay in the Potter's hand</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ready to do what His Word commands.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Only to be what He wants me to be</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Every moment of every day.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Truly that is what transition of any type in the life of believer is. Right now so many are in times of transition. Some into other areas of ministry. Some into other areas of education. Some are transitioning with their children. Some are beginning to transition withOUT children. Some are letting go of people. Some are letting go of things that might tangle them...Some are seeing new things...<br />Change.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Metamorphosis.<br />Old passing;<br />new beginning...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">May I be willing to be obedient; to be attentive to the call. May I truly be able to rise to HIS occasion.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Amen.</span></span>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-22433734695843127802008-07-04T20:22:00.000-07:002008-07-04T20:26:04.808-07:00On the fenceWords the Lord wants me to share with one in particular, just not sure when...<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">On the fence....</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">I sent out a word from a list, that was part of this...</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Something I must share with YOU alone...</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">The Lord says you've been on the fence too long... You yearn to be close to Him and follow His ways, but there are things of/in this world you have not been willing to let go. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">How long will you expect His patience? How long do you think you can play 'halve-sies'?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Choose you THIS day whom you will serve. The WORD says to whom much is given, __________, much is required...you have been saved long enough to be a meat eater, not just a milk drinker. When you eat meat, you don't go back to bottle feeding. Stepping up means just that. The Lord knows you have a tough situation at home, but He would remind you that those He calls, He equips. He asks you to set aside YOUR expectations of what YOU want and ONLY pick up HIS Cross for you. There are things He's asked you time and time again to set aside; you do for a time, then like a dog digging for a bone, you seek out old patterns again. He reminds us that OLD things are passed away and all things become new. If we go back to old ways, we re-crucify Him and bring Him to an open shame. We must then come back to repentance and renounce old patterns and then walk away. We must not look back.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Sin IS fun for a season, but the long term repercussions will be felt. Remember, the books will be open and all will come to light. Let our words, works and every thought be brought under HIS captivity.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">OK __________ I'm not sure what all this is about - trying to second guess will only get me in trouble, so take it - read it, check with the WORD and in prayer. I leave it with God and you.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">He loves you so!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 191); font-family: bookman old style,new york,times,serif;">Mrs. Lorenz</span>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-63603453943465517702008-06-30T17:58:00.000-07:002008-06-30T18:00:49.250-07:00<p class="blogContent"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Personal note: These words are always timely. Some are intrinsically "mine", others received , "well I know xxx and yyy are going through zzz, this might help them." Some just hit us all universally...This is one of those. It brought me to tears. One I'm printing it out and re-reading a few times! Be encouraged, be convicted, pass it on, work it out...whatever the Lord works in you, be open, be challenged! To top it off, read the devotional...think it is co-incidence I got these BOTH?</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Humbly,</span><br /> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Kimery</span><br /><br />Walk In Holiness Before Me<br /><a ymailto="mailto:kmklorenz@yahoo.com" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vdXMubWMzMzYubWFpbC55YWhvby5jb20vbWMvY29tcG9zZT90bz1rbWtsb3JlbnpAeWFob28uY29t"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1214869485_1"></span></a><br /><br />THIS EMAIL LIST IS SPONSORED BY GODSPEAK INTERNATIONAL. <br />PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD OR DISTRIBUTE ANY OF THE WORDS FROM THIS LIST<br />TO ANYONE YOU DESIRE TO SHARE THEM WITH.<br />WWW page/archives:- <a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmdvZHNwZWFrLm5ldC9wcm9waGV0aWNfd29yZA==" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1214869485_2">http://www.godspeak.net/prophetic_word</span></a><br /><br />(This list will send out no more than 1 word a day and no less than 1 a week).<br />This word is submitted by Teresa Seputis [<a ymailto="mailto:ts@godspeak.net" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vdXMubWMzMzYubWFpbC55YWhvby5jb20vbWMvY29tcG9zZT90bz10c0Bnb2RzcGVhay5uZXQ="><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1214869485_5">ts@godspeak.net</span></a>]<br /><br /><br /><br /> Walk In Holiness Before Me<br /><br />Dear child, don't you realize that there is a difference between having<br />been purified and walking in purity? It is true that the blood of My Son<br />cleanses you from all unrighteousness, and that blood cannot lose it's<br />power--No matter how badly you fail or how low you fall, the forgiveness<br />and restoration that My Son purchased for you is yours when you put your<br />faith in Him.<br /><br />But, dear one, I do not expect you to continue in sin and rebellion and<br />disobedience after you have been redeemed. I have placed My Holy Spirit<br />within you to transform you. I am at work in you to change your nature,<br />so that you might be more like Myself. I want you to think like Me, to<br />begin to desire the things that I desire, and to distain the things that<br />I distain. I will make these changes in you if you let Me, but you have<br />to choose to cooperate with Me in this process.<br /><br />Dear one, once you have been redeemed and cleansed, you are not supposed<br />to return to the mud and filth of this world and continue to wallow in<br />it. You have been transformed from death to life--don't run back to death.<br />If you embrace the ways of this world, then you will also embrace the<br />sorrows and troubles of this world. That is not a good choice for you,<br />dear one, since the riches of Heaven are available to you here in this<br />life. But you cannot access them in this life unless you choose to walk<br />in holiness and purity before Me.<br /><br />Don't you realize, little one, that if you give yourself to sin and<br />uncleanness, that you nullify and void My promises of protection and<br />provision over your life? I have so many blessings that I want to pour<br />out on you, but you must learn to walk in holiness and purity before Me<br />in order to receive them. I am a Good Father, and as such, I cannot<br />reward shameful behavior and misconduct. But when My children choose<br />to obey Me, and to honor Me, and to walk in My ways; then I begin to<br />pour out all of My promises and blessings on their lives.<br /><br />Dear child, you need to choose to walk in holiness and righteousness if<br />you want Me to pour out My blessings upon you. If someone has told you<br />that you can do whatever you want and sin and rebel, and yet still<br />receive My blessing and favor; they have lied to you. It is true that,<br />as you repent, the blood of My Son is applied to your account and you<br />are forgiven. Your walk with Me on this earth can be a failure the<br />majority of the time, but your sins are still forgiven because you<br />believe in My Son; because you put your faith in Him.<br /><br />But if you live in the sins of this world, you will not walk in My<br />blessings and you will not be an overcoming one.<br /><br />I am looking for a Holy people, who obey Me because they love Me. I am<br />looking for those who will lay aside their own will for Mine. I am<br />looking for those who will turn aside from the shallow pleasures of the<br />world that are in disobedience to My word. I am looking for those who<br />will honor Me and choose to walk in My ways. I am looking for those who<br />will forgive others because I have forgiven them. I am looking for those<br />who lay aside bitterness and desires for revenge to embrace My ways. I<br />am looking for those who will choose to set themselves aside as My own;<br />who will obey Me without question; who will love Me with all of their<br />heart.<br /><br />Those are the ones who will see My goodness and My blessings in this<br />life. Those are the ones for whom I will supply their needs in miraculous<br />ways. Those who honor Me in this life--I will honor them. I will take<br />care of them and I will bless them. They will have peace when others do<br />not. I will provide for them when there is much lack, and I will release<br />My angelic resources to watch over them and keep them safe.<br /><br />I am a holy God and I desire a holy people, set apart from the ways of<br />this word for My purposes. Choose to be Holy before Me, dear one.<br /><br />If you want to walk in the fullness of My blessings and abundance in<br />this life, then learn to walk in holiness before Me. Learn to obey Me<br />because you love Me. Give yourself to Me, set yourself apart for My<br />purposes--and I will pour back of My glory, My riches, My protection<br />and My blessings upon your life.<br /><br />__________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /></span></p><br /><table class="blog" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="30"><img src="http://x.myspace.com/images/spacer.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" width="30" /></td> <td> <p class="blogSubject"> Secret Places </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">June 30, 2008</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:red;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: red; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134); font-weight: bold;">Secret Places</span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#738639;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(115, 134, 57);">By Lisa Whittle, She Speaks! Graduate</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><i><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#bc3f00;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(188, 63, 0);"> </span></span></i></em></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><i><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#bc3f00;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(188, 63, 0);">"He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light."</span></span></i></em></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><i><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#bc3f00;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(188, 63, 0);">Job 28:11</span></span></i></em></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134); font-weight: bold;">Devotion:</span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Have you ever noticed how often Satan uses <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1214841688_0">secret things</span> to trip us up on our journey…those secret places that reside deep within our soul that we keep hidden from others and even try to hide from God? </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <h1><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Think about it… pornography is usually done in secret. Excessive shopping can be done over the Internet, with no one watching. Eating disorders develop in isolation when we binge by ourselves, then purge with no one around. Or when we publicly pretend to eat, but privately starve ourselves. <i><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></i></span></span></b></span></h1> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">The things we watch, what we think and how we spend our time are the "secret places" Satan can and will use against us. Yet often we continue in our secrecy, afraid to reach for Truth. <i><span style="font-style: italic;">Why?</span></i> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Secret places seem safe. Secret places are familiar. Secret places feel comfortable to us. So we cling to them.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">It's not that we don't want to be honest and get real about the secret places in our soul. It's just sometimes easier to keep the truth hidden than it is to get real about things from the inside-out. Though most of us crave authenticity, our fears of being "found out" are what keep us living in secret, exactly where Satan wants us to stay. The crafty, conniving one knows that if he can get us to continue to bury our secret places deep within our heart, we can't be effective for God. He knows that thoughts of our private sins will eventually eat away at us, causing us to feel fraudulent and unworthy of the love and acceptance of others, and most of all, our Heavenly Father. But the truth is, we are the ones who don't love and accept ourselves. Not God.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Friends, the message of <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1214841688_1">Jesus Christ</span> is one of hope and restoration. It is one of freedom. It is one of unconditional love and acceptance. And it is one of Truth and spiritual exposure. What He is after from all of us is greater authenticity, greater genuineness, and the Truth, found in Him. In His sovereignty, He knows it is what we truly crave. "What you're after is truth, from the inside-out" Psalm 51:6 (MSG).</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">So, how do we combat those secret keeping habits we've developed over time? </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="">1)<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Practice telling the truth.</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Telling<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></b>the truth is a choice and needs to be a conviction. Healthy habits can and will be formed when practiced repeatedly, and truth telling is an important habit to get into.<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="">2)<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Develop a genuinely authentic faith. </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Recognize the importance of authenticity, and begin making it of utmost priority. Do things to strengthen your walk (prayer, Bible study, etc.) and guard your mind.<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="">3)<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Recognize that no one has it all together. </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> See Satan's lie for what it is and determine not to get into the comparison trap with others. You cannot know what a person is all about by what they look like on the outside.<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> <b><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="">4)<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Stop trying to be perfect, act confident, appear happy, and seem super spiritual. </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These are some of the most common ways we, as women, pretend. It is only when we operate in a spirit of truth and openness that we will be able to live without pretense.<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"><span style="">5)<span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;">Determine to live your life with a genuineness that others will cling to and want to emulate. </span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Honesty facilitates honesty. When you begin to get real and honest, hiding nothing in your relationship with God and others, people will begin to take notice and follow suit. This will strengthen all of your <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1214841688_2">relationships</span> and build up your self-esteem!<b><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></b></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">When we no longer hide in our "secret places," we can venture down a different path of greater authenticity and truth, bringing us to a place of ultimate and lasting freedom. And it is in freedom that we find no value in being a secret keeper any more. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#bc3f00;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(188, 63, 0);">Lord Jesus, thank You for knowing me completely, and loving me just the same. Help me to seek Your Truth and deny my natural tendency to hide from You and others. In Jesus' Name, Amen<i><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134); font-weight: bold;">Related Resources:</span></span></b></span></p> <h1><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#738639;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(115, 134, 57); font-weight: normal;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vc2hvcHAzMS5jb20vaW5kZXguYXNwP1BhZ2VBY3Rpb249VklFV1BST0QmUHJvZElEPTE3NA=="><span style="color:#738639;"><span style="color: rgb(115, 134, 57);">The Seven Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do</span></span></a> by Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle</span></span></b></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></b></span></h1> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#738639;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(115, 134, 57);"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcHJvdmVyYnMzMS5nb3NwZWxjb20ubmV0L2RveW91a25vd0plc3VzL2RvWW91S25vd0plc3VzLnBocA=="><span style="color:#738639;"><span style="color: rgb(115, 134, 57);">Do You Know Him?</span></span></a></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <h1><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#738639;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(115, 134, 57); font-weight: normal;">For more on this topic, visit <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcmFjaGVsb2xzZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw=="><span style="color:#738639;"><span style="color: rgb(115, 134, 57);">Rachel Olsen's blog</span></span></a> as she discusses the new book </span></span></b></span></h1> <h1><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#738639;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(115, 134, 57); font-weight: normal;">"<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vc2hvcHAzMS5jb20vaW5kZXguYXNwP1BhZ2VBY3Rpb249VklFV1BST0QmUHJvZElEPTI2OA=="><span style="color:#738639;"><span style="color: rgb(115, 134, 57);">Behind Those Eyes: What's Really Going on Inside the Souls of Women</span></span></a>" by Lisa Whittle</span></span></b></span></h1> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134); font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134); font-weight: bold;">Application Steps: </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">Submit yourself to the scrutiny of the Lord and ask Him to show you the areas of your life that you are trying to keep hidden. Write them down and pray over each one, claiming the victory in your life by the power of God over each and every area. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134); font-weight: bold;">Reflections: </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">How does keeping secrets affect my relationship with others, God and even, myself?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134); font-weight: bold;">Power Verses:</span></span></b></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134);"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;">John 8:32, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (NIV)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><i><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; font-style: normal;">Job 28:11</span></span></i></em><em><i><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-style: normal;">, "He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light." </span></span></i></em><em><i><span style="font-family:Arial;color:black;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-style: normal;">(NIV) </span></span></i></em></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial;"> <span style="color:#862e86;"><span style="color: rgb(134, 46, 134);"><span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1214841688_3">Proverbs 31 Ministries</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134);">616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#862e86;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(134, 46, 134);">Matthews, NC 28105</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><u><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#738639;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(115, 134, 57);"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnByb3ZlcmJzMzEub3JnLw=="><span style="color:#738639;"><span style="color: rgb(115, 134, 57);">www.Proverbs31.org</span></span></a></span></span></u></span></p> <p class="blogContentInfo"> <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=103527827&blogID=410569978&Mytoken=988F6148-ACE6-4618-8CE541823B2450655837519"><b></b></a><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.confirmRemove&blogID=410569978&Mytoken=988F6148-ACE6-4618-8CE541823B2450655837519" onclick="if( confirm('Are you sure you want to remove this blog?') ){return true;}else{ return false; }"><b><br /></b></a> </p></td></tr></tbody></table>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1834492579581453411.post-79019964335389999002007-11-21T20:30:00.000-08:002007-11-21T20:33:25.759-08:00Love's ways from "Far Above Rubies" devotions<span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Love’s ways, 5/5<br />LOVE'S WAYS, PT 5 of 5<br />Matthew 5:44, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.""<br />We love and enjoy our friends and family with phileo love. But agape love goes beyond this. With God's love we can love our enemies. With God's love we can love those who make us mad. With God's love with love those who hurt us to the very core of our being. Agape love is...<br />Never Failing Love<br />"Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:8) I cannot make a better comment than the J.B. Phillip's translation, "Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that stands when all else has fallen."<br />Abiding Love<br />"And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13) Abiding love does not fluctuate because it is not based on feelings. It does not hate one day and love the next. Agape love remains the same and remains to the end.<br />Fearless Love<br />"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18). Agape love does not fear to love. It does not fear for itself. It can continue to love in the face of situations that would naturally cause fear. In her article, A Different Road (Above Rubies 72) our daughter, Serene talks about fearless mothering as she continues loving with God's love in the face of circumstances that could easily make her fearful. You may like to read her testimony again. The Knox translation of 1 John 4:18 says, "Love has no room for fear; and indeed, love drives out fear when it is perfect love...The man who is still afraid has not yet reached the full measure of love."<br />Holy Spirit Love<br />"The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:5) Way's translation says, "The brimming river of God's love has already overflowed into our hearts, on-drawn by the Holy Spirit, which He has given to us." If you are born again, the Holy Spirit indwells you. If He indwells you, the love of God indwells you. It is shed abroad in your heart. The word 'shed' comes from the Hebrew word shad which means 'breast'. It speaks of the pouring forth of sacrificial and maternal love.<br />Why not stop now and affirm these words out loud, "The love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit." Did you notice that it says, IS? It does not say "it might be." It does not say, "one day when you get to heaven." It says that it "is" shed abroad in your heart right now! Yes, even when you are feeling the opposite. It is important to confess this wonderful truth out loud. As you do, it will become more and more your personal experience.<br />Romans 15:30 Way, "the love inbreathed by the Spirit."<br />Colossians 1:8 Way, "the love kindled in you by the Holy Spirit."<br />Reactionary Love<br />We have reached the last point. I have been convicted of each one of the 32 revelations of agape love that we have shared together. But more than all, God is speaking to me about reactionary love. What do I mean by this? I want it to become my habit in life to react with love. To react with love to every vibe, word or action that is negative, abusive or hurtful.<br />What a challenge! When a glass is bumped, what spills out? Whatever is in the glass! In the same way, what is inside me will immediately spill over. My longing is that when I am rubbed up the wrong way, when things don't go the way I want, when words are spoken that would ordinarily make me mad, that I would, without ever having to think, respond with love. I want to automatically react with love.<br />Jesus gave us the example. He told us to react to our enemies with love. (Matthew 5:39, 44)<br />Paul gave us the example. When he was reviled, he reacted with blessing. (1 Corinthians 4:12)<br />Peter tells us to not pay back injury with injury, or hard words with hard words, but to react back with a blessing instead. (1 Peter 3:9) Read also Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 20:22; 24:29; Romans 12:14, 17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15.<br />In the same way, I want to react to negative behavior with love. How on earth can I do this? I certainly can't with my earthly nature. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit. The amazing truth is that I am filled with the love of God because of the Holy Spirit who lives in me. Therefore it is possible.<br />Let us seek to "Walk in the ways of love, love like Messiah's love for us..." (Ephesians 5:2 Way).<br />Love from NANCY CAMPBELL<br />PRAYER:<br />"Lord, I thank you that your brimming over love fills my heart because you live within me. Please help me to react to every situation with your love. Amen."<br /><br />AFFIRMATION:<br />Love's flower-petals never fall!<br />Many women like to save these devotions. They print them out and keep them in a folder to read over and over again. Some print them out and pin them on the fridge with a magnet to read through the week.<br />If you have missed the previous four devotions in this series, go to the </span><a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=GB9J_&m=1aGHWutePCFkiD&b=_8d_E.ilfaP25HvPwpC_Mg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="color:#993399;">Above Rubies Archived Devotionals</span></a><span style="color:#993399;"> web page, where you will be able to pick them up under Previous Devotions.<br />If you know others who would be blessed by these devotions, you are welcome to forward them or let them know they can subscribe by sending a blank email to </span><a title="This external link will open in a new window" href="http://us.f336.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=subscribers-on@aboverubies.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:subscribers-on@aboverubies.org"><span style="color:#993399;">subscribers-on@aboverubies.org</span></a>kmamalorenzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10380736960333178668noreply@blogger.com0