tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61178484078529174102024-03-13T11:21:27.179-05:00Places of my HeartKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-17922478059434616842013-07-20T11:57:00.001-05:002013-07-20T11:57:33.321-05:00~seeing hearts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">the sun rose after we had dressed for the day</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">not only our clocks, but our bodies were not on the same time</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the roosters were crowing and the smell of wood burning</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> was already in the air</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">sharing HIS love comes from overflowing hearts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">our mission team spent time in prayer and worship,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">before leaving for our first visit to a village </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">what heart-warming captures that are mine to treasure</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">her heart is one devoted to ministry and to the people</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">as she works alongside her husband</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">she is such a gracious hostess</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">they were already gathering on the front porch </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of this home when we arrived </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">their place to gather for weekly worship</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it was amazing how far they walked</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">or rode a horse to the weekly worship service</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">waiting with expectant hearts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to sing praises</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to hear words of encouragement from the LORD</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">physical needs met for as long as she can make it last</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWk0qILSWmg/UeYRT7lGNwI/AAAAAAAAFuU/tMktyrLV5Hs/s1600/IMG_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="477" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mWk0qILSWmg/UeYRT7lGNwI/AAAAAAAAFuU/tMktyrLV5Hs/s640/IMG_0351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to be shown love</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">have pictures taken</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and to allow this girl (me)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">who had traveled all the miles</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">have 1 Samuel 16:7</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">become real to her</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it took this first village</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and all the smells and sights</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to have my vision changed ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"for the LORD sees not as man sees;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">for man looks on the outward appearance,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but the LORD looks on the heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">from a heart still seeking to keep HIS vision,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Karen</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-66701231343562793762013-07-16T07:53:00.001-05:002013-07-16T07:53:07.458-05:00~packing with prayers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"> the gospel and love of Jesus Christ in our hearts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">plus 1100 + pounds of blessings packed in 23 suitcases~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">made the trip to Honduras </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our hearts were overflowing with gratitude as donations</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">were given from individuals and businesses.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Money to purchase food for food bags.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Tennis shoes (147 new pair)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Toothpaste & Toothbrushes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Clothes, Frisbees, Soccer Balls</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Bubbles, Bibles, Umbrellas,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sewing Kits, Hair Accessories,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">only begins the list of items packed</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">a few days before leaving </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and after a lot of packing and repacking,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">weighing luggage and reweighing luggage</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">my heart became burdened for our luggage-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">YES, the luggage!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Lord, we have all these wonderful things</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and each item would be such a blessing to the ones </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">we are going to minister to, please deliver the luggage!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This was my prayer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must say, </span><span style="font-size: large;">the most stressful part of the whole trip,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">is handling the baggage and having it checked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, worth it all, when you put shoes on feet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> who have on pink and blue socks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The LORD was gracious and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> HE was our Shield and Protector.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Amazing stories could be told how we</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> breezed through customs and</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">not one item taken out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Everything arrived safely with us.</span><br />
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(our youngest showing off this little fellow's new shoes)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These two admiring their reusable shopping bags,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">is one of those moments I framed forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">They were able to place their food bags in them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The food bags we packaged contained rice, beans,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">sugar, lard, and spaghetti and tomato paste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To attempt to weigh out blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> the scripture</span><span style="font-size: large;"> comes quickly to mind,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">found in Acts 20:35</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "it is more blessed to give than to receive"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-still laboring to share words from a heart </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">that is full of blessings.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Karen</span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-4435153655152566792013-07-03T14:13:00.000-05:002013-07-03T14:13:56.218-05:00~asking for freshness and words<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">this morning as I pulled the soft blue cotton shirt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> over my head, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">the one that has a flower pot on the front</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and the words</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">love + grace = life + joy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">a fresh mental reminder came flooding</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBE-jA2CJBQ/UdRYdY66teI/AAAAAAAAFpA/bN4pRQ9EEOc/s1600/989656_4210754445670_382914032_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBE-jA2CJBQ/UdRYdY66teI/AAAAAAAAFpA/bN4pRQ9EEOc/s640/989656_4210754445670_382914032_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">babies were held close to this one</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XG-q54pXXKU/UdRcMq26xTI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/VLQNnOTo0Ho/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XG-q54pXXKU/UdRcMq26xTI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/VLQNnOTo0Ho/s640/IMG_0092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I have struggled for weeks ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">how to find words for the fullness of my heart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">to be able to share what my eyes have seen</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmGmLPobE0A/UdRcxLtLnRI/AAAAAAAAFpY/eSq6MCNphPE/s1600/IMG_0412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmGmLPobE0A/UdRcxLtLnRI/AAAAAAAAFpY/eSq6MCNphPE/s640/IMG_0412.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">hoping to describe how humbling it was for </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">my hands and feet to be "HIS hands and HIS feet"</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bu5wd3XiG4/UdRgSkWrMLI/AAAAAAAAFpo/998Wyva7yDc/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--bu5wd3XiG4/UdRgSkWrMLI/AAAAAAAAFpo/998Wyva7yDc/s640/IMG_2450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and how HE overcame the language barrier</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">with tears and a touch!</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart;</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">marvelous works and wonderful deeds!</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 9:1</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Praying HE keeps it fresh in my heart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and continues to give me the words to describe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Great Adventure!</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-31345552884345643042013-05-28T21:44:00.000-05:002013-05-28T22:08:01.560-05:001,300 pounds +<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leaving on a jet plane...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">don't know if I'll be packed or not ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">we are allowed 26 checked bags of luggage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> - each weighing 50 lbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">26 X 50 = 1,300 pounds of supplies</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0emW9XZZA0/UaUxi-G5l1I/AAAAAAAAFj0/k2diHWMzpv4/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0emW9XZZA0/UaUxi-G5l1I/AAAAAAAAFj0/k2diHWMzpv4/s640/photo+(4).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">147 pairs of brand new shoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">250 T-shirts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">100 + Frisbees</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">130 + reusable grocery bags</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">150 + toothbrushes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Umbrellas, School supplies, Bibles</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">the list goes on until we reached</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">our weight limit </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l9-NVWMYgw0/UaUx2x1K-XI/AAAAAAAAFj8/niZkAJdLmcQ/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l9-NVWMYgw0/UaUx2x1K-XI/AAAAAAAAFj8/niZkAJdLmcQ/s640/photo+(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Please excuse quality of pictures - these were made with my phone)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Did I say...I AM EXCITED??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will be one of 13 on a mission team headed to Hon</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">duras.We are leaving this week and will be ministering</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> outside Tegucigalpa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">A lot of prayers have been prayed, seeking God's</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">direction and will for this trip. The LORD has given</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">affirmation in so many different ways. I am so thankful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">to see HIM at work in my life and in the lives of those</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">who are going to share GOD's love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">My prayer and heart's desire for 2013,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">has been "LORD, I long to see hungry hearts",</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> hearts that </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">long to hear of HIS love </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">and desire to spend time in </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">fellowship with HIM.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> I never dreamed HE would let me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">experience this 1200 miles from home. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Please pray as we go ~</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Pray for our hearts to be tender with HIS compassion.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Pray for our touch to be sweet with HIS love.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Pray for our eyes opened to needs HE would have us meet.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Pray ALL our work & efforts will be done to bring</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> honor and glory to the LORD.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">My prayer today has been - LORD, deliver the luggage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">After all the things have been donated, purchased, and packed, we hope everything arrives with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I hope to share on my blog, while I am there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> This of course, will depend on internet access and time. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have given the LORD the flight number and surrendered myself to HIS desires, now a</span></em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>nticipating with JOY what the LORD has in store.</em></span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Finding Joy in the Journey,</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em>Karen</em></span><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-71380988498265311332013-05-21T09:23:00.000-05:002013-05-21T09:23:38.640-05:00~Doing A New Thing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> I will even make a way in the wilderness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlh4DB-rQDA/T7ETC-Q5GRI/AAAAAAAAEwo/hnrKeNppsW8/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wlh4DB-rQDA/T7ETC-Q5GRI/AAAAAAAAEwo/hnrKeNppsW8/s640/IMG_0867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the LORD says to awake and be alert,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> we need to ready ourselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Our minds cleared from the clutter,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> our ears open to hear HIS voice,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> and our shoes tied and ready for the way ahead!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> He wants us moving forward, forgetting those things behind. Forgetting what? Those past mistakes that we have asked forgiveness for. Those hurts and disappointments that we are being held captive to. We need to place them under our feet once we have placed them at HIS feet. Allowing them to become stepping stones we can stand upon as stones of testimony - remembrances of HIS faithfulness. We are not to put them before us, allowing them to slow and stumble us on our way forward. They are to be as the stones that are laying at the bottom of the creek bed, allowing the flowing waters to make smooth, while flowing freely through and over. The polishing of these remembrance stones are reminders of HIS work and faithfulness in our lives. He is continually smoothing, reshaping, and moving us forward so we can allow HIS love and grace to flow freely in and through us.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqHrYngc6O0/T7E4kdKuVhI/AAAAAAAAExE/tnRZBgx76Aw/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqHrYngc6O0/T7E4kdKuVhI/AAAAAAAAExE/tnRZBgx76Aw/s640/IMG_0958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A lot has sprung forth ~ not speaking time & flowers only ~ in my life, these past months. The seeing & perceiving HIM at work while doing this new thing has brought such joy and excitement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we are allowing JESUS to fill our hearts daily, through our time spent with HIM, we cannot keep the overflow inside,</span></div>
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it must be shared with others. </div>
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<em>Places of my Heart</em>, has a new look, and a much clearer direction. Guess you could say HE has set my feet on a new path!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrOi8h2zsTY/UZsAJfNzWQI/AAAAAAAAFjk/kFkAQvdEmfM/s1600/IMG_6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrOi8h2zsTY/UZsAJfNzWQI/AAAAAAAAFjk/kFkAQvdEmfM/s640/IMG_6161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am hoping to share on a more consistent basis. I have enjoyed blogging and sharing for almost three years now. It's just my way of journaling life and my walk with the LORD. </div>
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The next few weeks will be an adventure - packing and getting ready for a mission trip to Honduras! My first!! My husband and I, along with our youngest son, will be traveling with a mission team from our church. He has placed a peace and excitement in my heart about the trip and I look forward to sharing it with you, right here, at <em>Places of my Heart</em>.</div>
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Seeking JOY in the Journey,<br />
~Karen </div>
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</span>*Update: I had made plans to move Places of My Heart over to a Word Press site. This will not be happening. Google reader issues and receiving updated posts via email could not be worked out. I will continue using my BlogSpot site. Thank you for bearing with me as I have worked through these issues. <br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-19113130159514108032013-02-08T12:37:00.002-06:002013-02-08T12:41:24.299-06:00Temporary Moments ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Distractions mean we are in the mode</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">of FAST & FURIOUS</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I don't have time for this"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">our focus may have the wrong perspective</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">we are full speed ahead</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and waiting is not in the picture</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When our pace slows</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">as sand through an hour glass</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">there are less interruptions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our view of interruptions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">shifts to "opportunities gained".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Questions?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What can I learn from this bump</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in the road?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lord, where are you taking me?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Maybe, distractions are</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>his way of slowing us</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>to gain a new perspective.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To seek His wisdom</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to learn total dependence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Heart-thrilling to Jesus</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">for us to cry out "I need you!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even more than once a day </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">His way of slowing our pace</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and gaining </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">access to you? </span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">It is a</span><span style="font-size: large;">n eternal perspective </span></strong></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>that changes the way we live our</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em> temporary moments.</em> ~Steven McAbee</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-70532583774440495952013-01-21T12:52:00.001-06:002013-01-21T12:52:31.478-06:00HE orders the snow~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>SNOW DAY ~</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in the South</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the weather channel had</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">given us a warning</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but, who knows</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWtLnhQ4asY/UPtPycJHP2I/AAAAAAAAFWQ/m-08-tHtMCg/s1600/IMG_8676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWtLnhQ4asY/UPtPycJHP2I/AAAAAAAAFWQ/m-08-tHtMCg/s640/IMG_8676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of course we don't know how to</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">keep it straight, we usually </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">don't drive under these</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">conditions but once a year or twice</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">MAYBE</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mnbsfOXbNbE/UPtQAVGWKWI/AAAAAAAAFWY/9J1GdonghpU/s1600/IMG_8677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mnbsfOXbNbE/UPtQAVGWKWI/AAAAAAAAFWY/9J1GdonghpU/s640/IMG_8677.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but these nice guys helped straighten him back up ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(the one on the far right is my husband)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sat in the truck taking pics. :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGxtBgC_QMI/UPtPXZWe0PI/AAAAAAAAFWE/NT47l91gtGc/s1600/IMG_8665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGxtBgC_QMI/UPtPXZWe0PI/AAAAAAAAFWE/NT47l91gtGc/s640/IMG_8665.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It snowed really hard in a short period of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The remaining pictures, I took </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">while on our drive into town.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IlbUW_uimo/UPtQhE0mULI/AAAAAAAAFWg/UeMUa2ZOkD4/s1600/IMG_8689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2IlbUW_uimo/UPtQhE0mULI/AAAAAAAAFWg/UeMUa2ZOkD4/s640/IMG_8689.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qVpaJKxzUo/UPtRXHlSC_I/AAAAAAAAFWs/EaagOLPXZbM/s1600/IMG_8711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1qVpaJKxzUo/UPtRXHlSC_I/AAAAAAAAFWs/EaagOLPXZbM/s640/IMG_8711.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxAY1PiiXf8/UPtTIC08_lI/AAAAAAAAFXA/IMc0PkgERRo/s1600/IMG_8715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uxAY1PiiXf8/UPtTIC08_lI/AAAAAAAAFXA/IMc0PkgERRo/s640/IMG_8715.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The flag picture was taken </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">while driving down the road</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">with the window down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe it is my favorite!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6agNjagV0ms/UPtTW68nKXI/AAAAAAAAFXI/QiE1QnDFKIw/s1600/IMG_8734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6agNjagV0ms/UPtTW68nKXI/AAAAAAAAFXI/QiE1QnDFKIw/s640/IMG_8734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RGBc7PsSjI/UPtTz2-vDLI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/bR1aeJ84vRo/s1600/IMG_8755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2RGBc7PsSjI/UPtTz2-vDLI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/bR1aeJ84vRo/s640/IMG_8755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is just something about snow~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>"the child in me returns"</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">But, the beauty & stillness</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">is such a wonderful reminder</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">of God, Our Creator.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Job 37:1-13 The Message</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Whenever this happens, my heart stops— I’m stunned, I can’t catch my breath. Listen to it! Listen to his thunder, the rolling, rumbling thunder of his voice. He lets loose his lightnings from horizon to horizon, lighting up the earth from pole to pole. In their wake, the thunder echoes his voice, powerful and majestic. He lets out all the stops, he holds nothing back. No one can mistake that voice— His word thundering so wondrously, his mighty acts staggering our understanding. He orders the <strong>snow</strong>, ‘Blanket the earth!’ and the rain, ‘Soak the whole countryside!’ No one can escape the weather—it’s there. And no one can escape from God. Wild animals take shelter, crawling into their dens, When blizzards roar out of the north and freezing rain crusts the land. It’s God’s breath that forms the ice, it’s God’s breath that turns lakes and rivers solid. And yes, it’s God who fills clouds with rainwater and hurls lightning from them every which way. He puts them through their paces—first this way, then that— commands them to do what he says all over the world. Whether for discipline or grace or extravagant love, he makes sure they make their mark.</em></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-6402144728420487732012-12-18T22:21:00.000-06:002012-12-19T18:23:44.335-06:00~Open House for Friends & Family <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gOqB0QigCq4/UMpNfyJJTvI/AAAAAAAAFPY/2DRaX7zTJJ4/s1600/IMG_7667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gOqB0QigCq4/UMpNfyJJTvI/AAAAAAAAFPY/2DRaX7zTJJ4/s640/IMG_7667.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">longing to share our home</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">with friends & family</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spaQpSYe7Wk/UMoVcKt9QxI/AAAAAAAAFMw/Plyn9OBK7MY/s1600/IMG_7068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spaQpSYe7Wk/UMoVcKt9QxI/AAAAAAAAFMw/Plyn9OBK7MY/s640/IMG_7068.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and when distance hinders</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ-oB4anIYw/UMoWVA4MsWI/AAAAAAAAFNI/Rfd79b237Rw/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oZ-oB4anIYw/UMoWVA4MsWI/AAAAAAAAFNI/Rfd79b237Rw/s640/IMG_7003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">you do the next best thing </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">you share through blogging :-)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54Y1wl6zuYI/UMoYrcls_LI/AAAAAAAAFN0/nszvSk-Os_c/s1600/IMG_7213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54Y1wl6zuYI/UMoYrcls_LI/AAAAAAAAFN0/nszvSk-Os_c/s640/IMG_7213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the glow from the twinkling lights</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to the smells of Christmas</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">brings such comfort</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0jisZ0mDQ8/UMoY4FeFu1I/AAAAAAAAFN8/xh2L0adrC3o/s1600/IMG_7285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V0jisZ0mDQ8/UMoY4FeFu1I/AAAAAAAAFN8/xh2L0adrC3o/s640/IMG_7285.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do love to decorate & enjoy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">opening my home to others this time of year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We were blessed to be a part of the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">hostess team for a progressive dinner</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">this past Friday night.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_GuHA37Tzs/UMoVz6c1FII/AAAAAAAAFM4/ez0bBgSq8Pw/s1600/IMG_7060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_GuHA37Tzs/UMoVz6c1FII/AAAAAAAAFM4/ez0bBgSq8Pw/s640/IMG_7060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">our Christmas decorations </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">are such great reminders ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of different times in our lives</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of our dear friends</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and of our family</span> <span style="font-size: large;">members</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have enjoyed the lighted wreath</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">on the foyer mirror this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It adds a special touch to the</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">nativity scene.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> red & green ornaments</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> add color to the crystal bowl</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">on top of the china cabinet</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0RDsuO0sZ4/UM0pV8dO5VI/AAAAAAAAFPs/Wln7qwJAI5w/s1600/IMG_7872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0RDsuO0sZ4/UM0pV8dO5VI/AAAAAAAAFPs/Wln7qwJAI5w/s640/IMG_7872.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I nestled Mr. Rooster in a fresh green wreath</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and added the real candy canes for a little whimsy. :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(notice the lighting in this picture - I love it!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The evening sun had started to shine</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">through the dining room windows and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">created such great shadows & light.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the lantern filled with the colorful ornaments</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">is sitting on top of the fridge</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope you have enjoyed your visit~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">just wish I could have shared a cup of</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> hot chocolate </span><span style="font-size: large;">with all of you</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Linking to:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2012/12/2012-christmas-tour-of-homes.html">Kelly's Christmas Home Tour</a></strong></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-29027327932639805942012-12-05T11:33:00.000-06:002012-12-05T11:35:49.612-06:00Simplicity ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Simplicity allows the main thing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> to be the <em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Main</strong></span></em> thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In all of our holiday festivities</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">where are we placing </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Him,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> <em>Jesus, the Reason for Christmas?</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVUhreqxesI/UL4XdYiUCQI/AAAAAAAAFJc/9DeQ1w5yjUg/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVUhreqxesI/UL4XdYiUCQI/AAAAAAAAFJc/9DeQ1w5yjUg/s640/IMG_6899.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Is He the center of all </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">the hustle and bustle?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I strongly believe the Prince of Peace</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">would not choose the busyness...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">but rather the pondering.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">like His mother chose~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"Mary, kept all these things, </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>pondering them in her heart"</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Luke 2:19</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Remembering...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of </span><span style="font-size: large;">how He came into this world</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">why He came to you and me</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><em><strong>For God</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em> so</em></span><span style="font-size: large;"><em> loved</em></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em> the world that He</em></span></strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size: large;"><em>gave</em></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>His only</em></span></strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em> begotten</em></span><span style="font-size: large;"><em> Son,</em></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>that </em><em>whosoever</em></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><em><strong> believes in </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Him </em></span><span style="font-size: large;"><em>shall</em></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><em><strong>not perish,</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><em><strong> but have </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><em><strong>everlasting</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><em><strong> life.</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>John 3:16</strong></em></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
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<strong>The nativity scene was handcrafted by </strong><strong>my mother-in-law in 1963.</strong></div>
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<strong>She places each piece on her </strong><strong>entry table to remind those</strong></div>
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<strong>who enter her home, of Jesus birth.</strong></div>
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<strong>The nail used to mark </strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Isaiah 9:6</span></strong></div>
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<strong>is a reminder of </strong><strong>His love for us,</strong></div>
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<strong> by His death on the cross.</strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Merry Christmas from our family </strong><strong>to yours!</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~<em>Karen</em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>I pray we all </em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><em>slow and ponder...</em></span></strong></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-48762589524811533432012-11-06T12:41:00.000-06:002012-11-06T12:44:45.071-06:00~Worshipping Well<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Lingering thoughts on Worship~</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Sundays,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> the day we set aside </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have seen ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Hands folded</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Hands opened</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Hands lifted</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">a heart expressing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">worship outwardly,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">telling God how much </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">her love is for HIM.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">declaring answers to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">the whys </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">of her existence</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Created for Fellowship</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Created to Worship </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zW4JINiz8MA/UJlFvqenfCI/AAAAAAAAFIg/n7G4PHz7e-M/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zW4JINiz8MA/UJlFvqenfCI/AAAAAAAAFIg/n7G4PHz7e-M/s640/117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Our Creator and the</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> Creator </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">of the Universe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">longs for </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Praise & Worship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">It is He,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> God </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">who desires our fellowship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Worship costs...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">requires time & attention</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">But, is HE not worth it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">When it is over, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">life on this earth,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> my worship to God</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">will be all that was of value.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">In His word it speaks of </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">something filling my spot</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">in worship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aM_-xXZ61-Q/UJlEQ8121eI/AAAAAAAAFIY/PTQ5fmIamdc/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aM_-xXZ61-Q/UJlEQ8121eI/AAAAAAAAFIY/PTQ5fmIamdc/s640/077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">His creation can take my place,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">because the majesty of God demands worship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">The blessings can be ours</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">when we worship...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">we become more like Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Psalm 24:1-6</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>The earth is Jehovah's, and the fulness thereof;</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> The world, and they that dwell therein.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>For he hath founded it upon the seas,</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> And established it upon the floods.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Who shall ascend into the hill of Jehovah?</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> And who shall stand in his holy place?</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart;</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> Who hath not lifted up his soul unto falsehood,</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> And hath not sworn deceitfully.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>He shall receive a blessing from Jehovah,</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> And righteousness from the God of his salvation.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>This is the generation of them that seek after him,</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> That seek thy face, even Jacob. Selah</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Her hands</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em>folded</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em>open</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em>and lifted</em></span></div>
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<em></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">are spotted with age</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">her vision is dim</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">and her days are</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">numbered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">She sits in a </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">wheelchair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">at the end of the pew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">and lifts her</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">weak voice </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">to utter praises</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">to Him.</span></div>
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<em>The sight is mine to treasure</em></div>
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<em>and the heart of God rejoices.</em></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>How well do we worship?</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Lord, may my worship be </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">pleasing to you, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I desire clean </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">hands and a pure heart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> filled </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">with praise to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">~Karen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-23324612907746258482012-10-23T11:47:00.002-05:002012-11-01T10:49:11.922-05:00Welcoming~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EB4YNHNrQB4/UIarLk4ISmI/AAAAAAAAFFk/NfBZ2p3n5kE/s1600/IMG_6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EB4YNHNrQB4/UIarLk4ISmI/AAAAAAAAFFk/NfBZ2p3n5kE/s640/IMG_6030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Fall is one of my favorite</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">times of the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The colors and textures of the season</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">are so appealing to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The rich jewel tones can be found</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">in many things from nature.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Gourds to pumpkins</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">and sometimes even in the unexpected.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">like the left-overs in the garden ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">dried okra</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWHO2Nu1jzQ/UIau4vJEmuI/AAAAAAAAFF0/Bn6PxVk2Gcw/s1600/IMG_5976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VWHO2Nu1jzQ/UIau4vJEmuI/AAAAAAAAFF0/Bn6PxVk2Gcw/s640/IMG_5976.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it is amazing what we can find to decorate with </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">even on a budget</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15RxqmHLiNQ/UIav8N6KmOI/AAAAAAAAFF8/QULs01L2CkY/s1600/IMG_6064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15RxqmHLiNQ/UIav8N6KmOI/AAAAAAAAFF8/QULs01L2CkY/s640/IMG_6064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my seasonal </span><span style="font-size: large;">decorations are used from year to year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but, just regrouping or placing something</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in a different place can add newness</span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4WR7lQbyoE/UIa7hWawERI/AAAAAAAAFHE/UHeapkGZ_0I/s1600/IMG_6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4WR7lQbyoE/UIa7hWawERI/AAAAAAAAFHE/UHeapkGZ_0I/s640/IMG_6208.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">vignettes can be created by adding</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">items that have meaning</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">from a hand painted greeting card framed</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to an old decoy that belonged to a grandfather</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wj-rKmSTLhw/UIayUjmZldI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/eJs3q_TmU4w/s1600/IMG_6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wj-rKmSTLhw/UIayUjmZldI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/eJs3q_TmU4w/s640/IMG_6230.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">my desire is for our home to be</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> welcoming and </span><span style="font-size: large;">relaxing for our guests</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUJFwz6EqIw/UIax5cSbZeI/AAAAAAAAFGE/NempW2vECfw/s1600/IMG_6223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUJFwz6EqIw/UIax5cSbZeI/AAAAAAAAFGE/NempW2vECfw/s640/IMG_6223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">this can be accomplished with</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">our sense of smell~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> autumn and fall have many smells</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">which are</span><span style="font-size: large;"> comforting and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">hazelnut being one of them for me</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">hazelnut coffeebeans were placed</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in the candleholder and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> then a candle was </span><span style="font-size: large;">added</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfBnshXk0KU/UIa07SmmFnI/AAAAAAAAFGg/czrcodURYPI/s1600/IMG_6242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfBnshXk0KU/UIa07SmmFnI/AAAAAAAAFGg/czrcodURYPI/s640/IMG_6242.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it doesn't take much to add a touch</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">of fall into our homes ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> a bowl of fruit salvaged from a wreath</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2_7P6717pU/UIa4QgWucYI/AAAAAAAAFG0/FYfuAi5zQew/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2_7P6717pU/UIa4QgWucYI/AAAAAAAAFG0/FYfuAi5zQew/s640/IMG_6328.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">acorns, horse apples, fall leaves, pinecones,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">branches, and cotton are just a few things</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">that come to mind that are easy to find</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">place them in your favorite or most </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">special bowl and add some</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">warmth to your home</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">as a reminder </span><span style="font-size: large;">of the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">changing of the seasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am linking to </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Richella at</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2012/10/grace-at-home-no-32-welcome.html">Imparting Grace</a></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <a href="http://www.impartinggrace.com/2012/10/grace-at-home-no-32-welcome.html"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w351/laurenjh04/Custom%20Designs/athome.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and to <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/31-Day-Fall-Challenge-Making-Your-HOme-a-Haven.jpg">Courtney</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">at <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/31-Day-Fall-Challenge-Making-Your-HOme-a-Haven.jpg">Women Living Well</a></span><br />
<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/31-Day-Fall-Challenge-Making-Your-HOme-a-Haven.jpg"><img height="200" src="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/31-Day-Fall-Challenge-Making-Your-HOme-a-Haven.jpg" width="200" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>To everything there is a season,</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>and a time for every matter or purpose</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>under heaven.. Ecclesiastes 3:1</strong></em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span></em> </div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Father, I ask you to open my</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">eyes to the beauty you have </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">surrounded me with,</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">may my heart feel </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">your touch</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">and our home reflect</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Your Presence with</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">those who grace us with a visit.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">~Karen</span></em></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-23346069468432151372012-10-17T13:28:00.002-05:002012-10-25T13:44:36.254-05:00Joy ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> these past few weeks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">a three letter word has continued</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">to appear</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> my eyes are seeing </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">my ears are hearing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">my thoughts are lingering</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> & even my emotions </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">are being drawn to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">this word</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Joy</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em><u>Am I a Woman of Joy?</u></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I've worn the T-shirt that read</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Women of Joy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> am I really?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">I'd rather not be labeled something,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">that I'm not!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">my latest devotional book</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">which appeared "right before my eyes"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">at </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">the book store, has the title</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>Choosing Joy</em> by Angela Thomas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><u>Do I choose joy?</u></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Joy just doesn't happen!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">If your "living life", is kinda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">like mine, it doesn't fall in your lap.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>Trials & Tribulations</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>you are either in one,</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>coming out of one,</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>or fixing to go into one.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Joy is a Pursuit - you have to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">pursue joy in the midst of "living this life"</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOnTKHHfw0o/UH7VVvU-DdI/AAAAAAAAFFA/5k3Z4u_sLXQ/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UOnTKHHfw0o/UH7VVvU-DdI/AAAAAAAAFFA/5k3Z4u_sLXQ/s640/194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">K-Love tweeted a statistic recently,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>40% of your happiness comes from</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>intentional behavior:</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>things you can do on a regular basis.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>Be intentional about seeking God. </em></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>(and Joy)</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">We must seek Joy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"> because happiness </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">is not enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"> Happiness is short-lived,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">and brought to us from things & people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"> We should all know by now, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">"things" will never be enough</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">and people will disappoint us or</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"> we may </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">possibly be left to finish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">the journey without them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Joy - a source of Happiness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Webster's definition</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>Joy has much more depth than Happiness</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">it is the source of happiness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">My Bible Study was directed to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Joel this past week</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Joel was giving the Israelite people</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">a warning about complacency & being self-centered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">They had turned from God to things (idols) and were</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">seeking satisfaction & happiness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Joel 1:12 describes the fruit trees being dried up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">and </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">then Joel adds, oh and by the way</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">surely your Joy has withered too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Who have we allowed to steal our Joy?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">What has robbed us of our Joy?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">(do we allow circumstances to dry up our Joy?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">When did our Joy leave?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Where did our Joy exit?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Questions that we can ask ourselves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">and then re-visit the </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">place we </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">allowed Joy to exit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Sometimes the exit is painful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">to return to, but healing comes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">when we face it head on</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">and let the Lord get us back</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">on the road to this </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Journey He has placed us here to travel</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVq1xm7nGZI/UH7YOdLG1gI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/h5PIELKeQVg/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aVq1xm7nGZI/UH7YOdLG1gI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/h5PIELKeQVg/s640/007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Are we "thriving or surviving"?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">My lips will shout for Joy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">when I sing praise to You,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">because You have </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">redeemed me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"> Psalm 71:23</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>Lord, I pray for so many things,</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>but, I fail to ask you for Joy.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>Give me new eyes to see </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>the things you place in my path,</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>that will bring the deepest joy my soul desires.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">I pray you seek </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Joy in the Journey~</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Karen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-72363139085944441532012-10-12T10:54:00.002-05:002012-10-12T10:57:52.695-05:00Weekend Wanderings~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0TwouBl99M/UHgnfGFBjQI/AAAAAAAAFCY/YODqYjRBh3c/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0TwouBl99M/UHgnfGFBjQI/AAAAAAAAFCY/YODqYjRBh3c/s640/IMG_4477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">some weekends you just need to</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">slip away</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7mRjrSQeRo/UHgtlVjIyyI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/WnGV2YJTsnU/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7mRjrSQeRo/UHgtlVjIyyI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/WnGV2YJTsnU/s640/IMG_4312.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">slow and take the back roads</span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ0ovQTvIe4/UHgom8HoDmI/AAAAAAAAFCg/fN72sjc-ivw/s1600/IMG_4275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iQ0ovQTvIe4/UHgom8HoDmI/AAAAAAAAFCg/fN72sjc-ivw/s640/IMG_4275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> soak in the air</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and look for the hidden </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4uFL5ojE8I/UHgrfwMbAQI/AAAAAAAAFCw/_JRqhMNFAPo/s1600/IMG_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4uFL5ojE8I/UHgrfwMbAQI/AAAAAAAAFCw/_JRqhMNFAPo/s640/IMG_4288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">smile and enjoy the simple</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tjIIfo10tRM/UHgueVQ6nII/AAAAAAAAFDg/1yFfCiF0HDE/s1600/IMG_4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tjIIfo10tRM/UHgueVQ6nII/AAAAAAAAFDg/1yFfCiF0HDE/s640/IMG_4459.JPG" width="432" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">let our minds rest and change our focus</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncphHXVtWJw/UHgr2gmlw-I/AAAAAAAAFDE/IyqASPIzDec/s1600/IMG_4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ncphHXVtWJw/UHgr2gmlw-I/AAAAAAAAFDE/IyqASPIzDec/s640/IMG_4281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a change of scenery</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">always does the body good</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICkukoEmNJ8/UHg3OtX6JvI/AAAAAAAAFEU/1Ug1D9LedX0/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICkukoEmNJ8/UHg3OtX6JvI/AAAAAAAAFEU/1Ug1D9LedX0/s640/IMG_4719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">rest & a new perspective</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">is hoped and prayed for those who are need...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">~~~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Better a handful of quietness</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">than both hands full,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">together with toil and grasping for the wind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ecc. 4:6</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>may your weekend be filled with a handful</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">~Karen</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>(all photos were taken on a recent visit</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>to the Aimish Country outside of Lawrenceburg, TN)</em></span><br />
</div>
</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-39912830149114372932012-10-03T19:53:00.004-05:002012-10-03T19:53:35.781-05:00~Time spent at The Grove Park Inn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It seemed we had just arrived,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">when it was time to leave.</span> <span style="font-size: large;"> :(</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
If you have not read my previous post about<br />
my recent trip to Asheville, NC,<br />
you might like to scroll down to <br />
<em>~On the Road Together</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My husband's conference was held at</span><br />
<a href="http://www.groveparkinn.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">The Grove Park Inn</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> in Asheville and I tagged along.</span><br />
<em>You may click the link to view more </em><br />
<em>history & details about the Inn.</em><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J8x_86GKM4/UGPGMKpnDbI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/x6Zoc4gUAH8/s1600/IMG_3659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J8x_86GKM4/UGPGMKpnDbI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/x6Zoc4gUAH8/s640/IMG_3659.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">the rear view of Grove Park Inn</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">which overlooks the Spa Facilities</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We had a nice dinner with others attending the conference</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and watched a beautiful sunset from </span><span style="font-size: large;">the</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Sunset Terrace Restaurant</span> .<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6khxtC2_yI/UGx5bVQm36I/AAAAAAAAFBg/BR2sP66lFMc/s1600/IMG_3991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6khxtC2_yI/UGx5bVQm36I/AAAAAAAAFBg/BR2sP66lFMc/s640/IMG_3991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the hotel is noted for the spectacular views</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> from any area</span> <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyvcjUPUrLA/UGxxeOUHkzI/AAAAAAAAFAE/rKeVsJz6E6s/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyvcjUPUrLA/UGxxeOUHkzI/AAAAAAAAFAE/rKeVsJz6E6s/s640/IMG_3674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">one of the many hallways</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">each rocking chair you see on the left </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">had a view </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoBcn2EhCe8/UGx7DMyoHvI/AAAAAAAAFB4/QmfrgbFw56E/s1600/IMG_4032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoBcn2EhCe8/UGx7DMyoHvI/AAAAAAAAFB4/QmfrgbFw56E/s640/IMG_4032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The grand stone entrance to the hotel</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I really don't know how I captured a picture</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">without someone sitting in one of the rockers,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">this was a favorite spot for the guests.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EB-1jeq5M-E/UGx7ij7QbyI/AAAAAAAAFCA/LXY04QVc06Q/s1600/IMG_4037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EB-1jeq5M-E/UGx7ij7QbyI/AAAAAAAAFCA/LXY04QVc06Q/s640/IMG_4037.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the flowers on the grounds were amazing</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">if that is not a container flower garden</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OsLWFOcLTTk/UGx23c9lqQI/AAAAAAAAFBA/iUNbi18qohQ/s1600/IMG_3979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OsLWFOcLTTk/UGx23c9lqQI/AAAAAAAAFBA/iUNbi18qohQ/s640/IMG_3979.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I watched these friendly girls </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">each morning, </span><span style="font-size: large;">while I drank my coffee.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> They would stroll onto the</span><span style="font-size: large;"> golf course.</span> <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUd9j8Cz7mA/UGx38DDbG5I/AAAAAAAAFBI/3_xJwrKpGic/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUd9j8Cz7mA/UGx38DDbG5I/AAAAAAAAFBI/3_xJwrKpGic/s640/IMG_4008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">one of the large fireplaces in the lobby</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">notice I said "one"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">look at the beautiful inlay in the ceiling</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and the light fixtures </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSw5KwKUJho/UGx5-jEG49I/AAAAAAAAFBo/To7Vx4f2oUM/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LSw5KwKUJho/UGx5-jEG49I/AAAAAAAAFBo/To7Vx4f2oUM/s640/IMG_3995.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> fresh flowers in the lobby each day</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">this one was my favorite </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- especially the tall silver container</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJRGqLLF3QE/UGx6Rg28_zI/AAAAAAAAFBw/vzCrZOe8kDU/s1600/IMG_4005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJRGqLLF3QE/UGx6Rg28_zI/AAAAAAAAFBw/vzCrZOe8kDU/s640/IMG_4005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">could not resist getting a close-up of the flowers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I could not begin to name each one</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but, the orchids caught my eye</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fykKiuqgzY8/UGR3MtgJZQI/AAAAAAAAFCE/-5R4nL2FpME/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fykKiuqgzY8/UGR3MtgJZQI/AAAAAAAAFCE/-5R4nL2FpME/s640/IMG_4051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The entrance to the Inn</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Notice the guy in the red vest to the right ~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">he greeted you upon arrival</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and I even captured a picture of him doing a little dance </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He must love his job.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I do know he enjoys visiting with the guests.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgUXRiexxBA/UGx4ru_zmaI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/jkQHBVbHcOM/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgUXRiexxBA/UGx4ru_zmaI/AAAAAAAAFBQ/jkQHBVbHcOM/s640/IMG_3987.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I could not help but end this post,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with one of the quotes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">inscribed in the large stone of the fireplace. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Grove Park did have charm and I do hope</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> to return one day </span><span style="font-size: large;">for a special occasion.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>~~~</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a busy trip for my husband</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">since he was there for a conference,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">but we were able to have one </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">morning together to sight-see.</span><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">I will share those pictures on another post.</span></em><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Association who conducted</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the conference also provided </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a guided tour to the Biltmore and dinner there.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That was my first time to see the Biltmore.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I loved it! It was raining, so that meant</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">no really great pictures.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One day I did hang out at the Spa, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">all by myself. The other wives/girls went shopping.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I would choose spa over shopping any day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It was <em><strong>Breath-taking</strong></em> to say the least!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Of course no pictures were allowed in the area,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">for privacy sake.</span><span style="font-size: large;">You </span><span style="font-size: large;">can view pictures on line</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from the link I have shared.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed seeing the pictures</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and I was not too <em>wordy </em>with this post.</span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-89210731943653400912012-09-24T11:39:00.000-05:002012-09-24T11:39:07.812-05:00On the Road ~ together<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">My appointment/calendar notebook had the days circled</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> for quite some time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Excitement & Anticipation would be using a general description</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> to convey my feelings. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not only seeing a new area and getting away,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> but A Get-AWAY with my husband!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What a treat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I had him all to myself on the way up and on the way back.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnLRGS6UyUA/UGB43PjzN6I/AAAAAAAAE84/6Kph-jVLDJM/s1600/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnLRGS6UyUA/UGB43PjzN6I/AAAAAAAAE84/6Kph-jVLDJM/s640/IMG_3392.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we took a few extra days for travel time,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">there and back</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9ugiPkEi94/UGB5MjTcNVI/AAAAAAAAE9A/DmAZLqgmblw/s1600/IMG_3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B9ugiPkEi94/UGB5MjTcNVI/AAAAAAAAE9A/DmAZLqgmblw/s640/IMG_3417.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ The Occoee River</span> ~</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">kinda scary seeing it without water</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> flowing over all those big rocks</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrUPgp4hEIE/UGB5cFXlcrI/AAAAAAAAE9I/6Yq0L89ruPw/s1600/IMG_3414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrUPgp4hEIE/UGB5cFXlcrI/AAAAAAAAE9I/6Yq0L89ruPw/s640/IMG_3414.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The 1996 Olympics were held at the Occoee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We traveled 74 out of Murphy, NC</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to Asheville, NC taking the back roads</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and stopping alone the way.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3U6qoJ4grgI/UGB5pyEojuI/AAAAAAAAE9U/vh1Z4GRWeXo/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3U6qoJ4grgI/UGB5pyEojuI/AAAAAAAAE9U/vh1Z4GRWeXo/s640/IMG_3432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Episcopal Church of the Messiah</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Murphy, NC</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkVg8SF9lFY/UGB5yX8yklI/AAAAAAAAE9g/TiVVv17uQzk/s1600/IMG_3443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkVg8SF9lFY/UGB5yX8yklI/AAAAAAAAE9g/TiVVv17uQzk/s640/IMG_3443.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">great restaurant if you are ever in Murphy~</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki5DCgs5mpE/UGB6K9_RT8I/AAAAAAAAE9o/BlDNpnI4lgQ/s1600/IMG_3452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki5DCgs5mpE/UGB6K9_RT8I/AAAAAAAAE9o/BlDNpnI4lgQ/s640/IMG_3452.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we even turned off of 74 and </span><span style="font-size: large;">drove down some side roads</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> - and found this beautiful hay meadow</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jszGl-UyqlI/UGB6d_LQ8vI/AAAAAAAAE9w/N0dfd7miYpY/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jszGl-UyqlI/UGB6d_LQ8vI/AAAAAAAAE9w/N0dfd7miYpY/s640/IMG_3467.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw8MjxTa0n4/UGB6vTEQo7I/AAAAAAAAE94/5r9QFIVVtqA/s1600/IMG_3481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw8MjxTa0n4/UGB6vTEQo7I/AAAAAAAAE94/5r9QFIVVtqA/s640/IMG_3481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">this river flowed for the longest </span><span style="font-size: large;">beside 74 ~ </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMhWNjcd2ek/UGB6_UE5xzI/AAAAAAAAE-I/7KN1JyPD7PE/s1600/IMG_3569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LMhWNjcd2ek/UGB6_UE5xzI/AAAAAAAAE-I/7KN1JyPD7PE/s640/IMG_3569.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we had lunch in the small town of </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sylva, NC</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">this is Sylva's (Jackson County) beautiful courthouse </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the library was attached to the back of it</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The town is very proud of their library.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We toured the courthouse & library ~ breath-taking views!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tM53GyalnY/UGB7TLAkHnI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/90zNY2x78JA/s1600/IMG_3593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tM53GyalnY/UGB7TLAkHnI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/90zNY2x78JA/s640/IMG_3593.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This shot was taken from the top of the courthouse steps </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">overlooking the town of Sylva.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utLMJ7Ctx0E/UGB7kTJetwI/AAAAAAAAE-g/XdtDC_hUEhE/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utLMJ7Ctx0E/UGB7kTJetwI/AAAAAAAAE-g/XdtDC_hUEhE/s640/IMG_3599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The stained glass inside the atrium of the library.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A $1.5 million dollar library, with money being raised from the people in the town, along with some </span><span style="font-size: large;">grants.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atCAxJXWKzM/UGB7xvhKSQI/AAAAAAAAE-o/KIA0IOtX1tU/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atCAxJXWKzM/UGB7xvhKSQI/AAAAAAAAE-o/KIA0IOtX1tU/s640/IMG_3606.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The husband enjoying the views</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> outside the children's wing of the library</span>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Stko3jbW9Ro/UGB8QmWkk0I/AAAAAAAAE-w/hub9BOYW2-s/s1600/IMG_3545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Stko3jbW9Ro/UGB8QmWkk0I/AAAAAAAAE-w/hub9BOYW2-s/s640/IMG_3545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We do not know how we missed the beautiful courthouse</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> when we drove into town,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but my husband looked in his rearview & saw this sight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Sylva, NC was such a nice stop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wx3wvOeaei4/UGB8nwIa5QI/AAAAAAAAE-4/Gsf5CCfLjag/s1600/IMG_3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wx3wvOeaei4/UGB8nwIa5QI/AAAAAAAAE-4/Gsf5CCfLjag/s640/IMG_3619.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The view from the rocking chairs on the balcony of the library.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I believe if I lived in Sylva, NC ~ I would be reading more! :)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucKxPokpTI8/UGB9bhKTEnI/AAAAAAAAE_A/CQS4uC0obno/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucKxPokpTI8/UGB9bhKTEnI/AAAAAAAAE_A/CQS4uC0obno/s640/IMG_3642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we arrived in our hotel room of </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Grove Park Inn ~ </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I opened the drapes, this was the view.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not too bad?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We enjoyed watching the sunsets & seeing the lights of Asheville for </span><span style="font-size: large;">a few nights.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLvy20ycSbk/UGB-HtfyyUI/AAAAAAAAE_I/OF_xXI8o-Lc/s1600/IMG_3656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLvy20ycSbk/UGB-HtfyyUI/AAAAAAAAE_I/OF_xXI8o-Lc/s640/IMG_3656.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The husband had meetings to attend once we arrived,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and I took this time to relax. We did attend</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the evening events and dinners together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(that was the only <strike>stress</strike> of the trip - what to wear)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>to be continued....</em></span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-3733575960588492052012-09-19T19:27:00.004-05:002012-09-19T19:27:34.848-05:00Freshness of Fall ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9v97W_G5UPE/UFjHm3AsA9I/AAAAAAAAE5g/MMWW-64nptk/s1600/IMG_4566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9v97W_G5UPE/UFjHm3AsA9I/AAAAAAAAE5g/MMWW-64nptk/s640/IMG_4566.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">T</span>he calendar pages are dwindling and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">the bold letters on the <em>22nd of this month</em> are</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">being affirmed by the temperatures </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">& sights seen.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vj0vEPc5aJ8/UFjHuzBJXNI/AAAAAAAAE5o/kfFTyp9yZ7g/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vj0vEPc5aJ8/UFjHuzBJXNI/AAAAAAAAE5o/kfFTyp9yZ7g/s640/IMG_3432.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"Creation's revealing His majesty"</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"></span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> one would be safe to say</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">" the skies & the air are fresh & crisp"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Enjoy ... Breath ... Refreshing the body & Soul</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">My Bible study & prayer time have been</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">spent outside the past few days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">In my quiet time the Lord has reminded me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">how He longs to give me HIS word <em><strong>fresh & new</strong>.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Not only through others but straight from HIM!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em>that's exciting</em> ~</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku4jHAWUN7E/UFjIikJfsPI/AAAAAAAAE54/NB9JRAgwwsA/s1600/IMG_3481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ku4jHAWUN7E/UFjIikJfsPI/AAAAAAAAE54/NB9JRAgwwsA/s640/IMG_3481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I love reading my favorite authors, preachers,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">bloggers & certain devotional material - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">but, if I still myself with His Word</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">HE gives <u>directly to me</u>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Deuteronomy 30:14</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">But, the Word is very near you,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">in your mouth and in your heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Just what I have need of -</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">like refreshing waters.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzdStPTxgG0/UFjJ_xJsE9I/AAAAAAAAE6I/k3ekdnTGris/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EzdStPTxgG0/UFjJ_xJsE9I/AAAAAAAAE6I/k3ekdnTGris/s640/IMG_4657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has stored up treasures </span><span style="font-size: large;">for us</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> to open up in His Word and through time spent alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>~ ~ ~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 24</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Amazing~ </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">if we still ourselves before Him </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He will direct our thoughts to refreshment</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and wisdom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our Father knows our needs & hearts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> better than any other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">~~~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quick Update: I have taken some time off from </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">blogging. I guess you could say, testing the waters to see if blogging </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">is really for me. All at the same time trying to limit my time on the computer. I am humbled that traffic to my little space in the cyber world has not declined. You, my readers, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"> have encouraged me face to face & via e-mail </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">to continue. For now I will continue to blog because I do enjoy sharing my heart & pictures with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> But, I will</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> not be sharing weekly - just too much time behind</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">the screen. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8wrPbXPvnY/UFjKvvUyLkI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/BBD_Z5Hf7V4/s1600/IMG_3686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8wrPbXPvnY/UFjKvvUyLkI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/BBD_Z5Hf7V4/s640/IMG_3686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">this photo was taken in Asheville, NC</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">I hope to post some of my pictures</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">from this trip soon. </span></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-81847584594545004562012-06-22T10:38:00.003-05:002012-06-22T10:38:21.565-05:00~the joys of summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rest is not idleness,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and to lie sometimes on the grass</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> on a summer day listening to the murmur </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">of water,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> or watching the clouds float across the sky,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> is hardly a waste of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> ~ John Lubbock</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>update: the past month has been filled with</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>travel, visits, and rest - blogging has taken</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>a backseat - but I know you understand.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>I am sure it will return on a regular schedule</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>once the "joy" of summer is enjoyed!</em></span></div>
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</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-22388959634362559502012-05-19T17:17:00.000-05:002012-05-19T17:17:17.656-05:00~The Way Home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We left The Potter's House Retreat on Sunday around</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">lunch ~ our first stop was in the town of Blowing Rock, NC. The town was bustling with tourists & activity. We were able to go inside this church ~</span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7FFmgSuV4/T7VPbxycgWI/AAAAAAAAEzA/Q2t9cM7ILws/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY7FFmgSuV4/T7VPbxycgWI/AAAAAAAAEzA/Q2t9cM7ILws/s640/IMG_1108.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The stone walls were insulated with horse hair and I tried to get a close-up shot of it, but was not able to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The foyer ceiling was recently painted by an artist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">One Side</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Other Side</span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Later that evening we drove into Asheville and visited with another blogger, Sandy, at Faith, Hope, and Love.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our hearts were so blessed by our visit with her and her husband.</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I left my camera in the van, so I did not get a picture. :-(</span></span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We traveled on down into Brevard, NC on Sunday evening - lovely town. I have marked this stop on the map, definitely want to re-visit Brevard. We spent the night and enjoyed shopping there.</span> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x71P8MTimog/T7b6r_mZH6I/AAAAAAAAE0A/xMskZVFD6vQ/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x71P8MTimog/T7b6r_mZH6I/AAAAAAAAE0A/xMskZVFD6vQ/s640/IMG_1357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">just a short drive out from Brevard, is Pisgah National Forest</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vADxjOAghh8/T7VSxJXa11I/AAAAAAAAEzE/EXW4vuH9pMg/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vADxjOAghh8/T7VSxJXa11I/AAAAAAAAEzE/EXW4vuH9pMg/s640/IMG_1231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Looking Glass Falls is located in Pisgah </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAj0BaPATss/T7VUQh5bgzI/AAAAAAAAEzU/UC6jgi8neTU/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAj0BaPATss/T7VUQh5bgzI/AAAAAAAAEzU/UC6jgi8neTU/s640/IMG_1269.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can see the waterfall off to the right in this picture.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dianne researched and found the waterfall is over 60 feet high.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Marilyn, my Mother-in-law taking a break from going down the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">stairs to the waterfall.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVsBavDYoGg/T7b6iKDT_tI/AAAAAAAAEz4/Op_4BoRWd0w/s1600/IMG_1328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VVsBavDYoGg/T7b6iKDT_tI/AAAAAAAAEz4/Op_4BoRWd0w/s640/IMG_1328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The rhododendrons were beginning to bloom.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CdPsxMZf6E/T7b3ns9bH7I/AAAAAAAAEzg/Il9L7cIASVk/s1600/IMG_1289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CdPsxMZf6E/T7b3ns9bH7I/AAAAAAAAEzg/Il9L7cIASVk/s640/IMG_1289.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I really don't know who had more fun snapping pictures, me or Dianne. It was such a blessing to be able to share this adventure</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">with her and Marilyn.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHBdLRRqBJw/T7b39xd2PMI/AAAAAAAAEzo/GLAbC-QP3J4/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHBdLRRqBJw/T7b39xd2PMI/AAAAAAAAEzo/GLAbC-QP3J4/s640/IMG_1307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">such a peaceful area out in the Pisgah National Forest - lots of people walking and this great poser for the camera was enjoying being out with his owner - his name is Titus.</span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaAMkMXEN9g/T7VNJWL7_LI/AAAAAAAAEyM/r8yhUAaWmjk/s1600/IMG_1133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaAMkMXEN9g/T7VNJWL7_LI/AAAAAAAAEyM/r8yhUAaWmjk/s640/IMG_1133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">after leaving Brevard, we headed out on the Blue Ridge Parkway for quite a few miles, </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">but eventually left the Parkway for a much more curvy and narrow road - very slow going! oh, the blessings of taking the back roads - we did pull over for a few pics, but not alot of pull off spots.</span> </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iT-F68fk2mQ/T7b-N7McVXI/AAAAAAAAE0s/MRhckjbs3g4/s1600/IMG_1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iT-F68fk2mQ/T7b-N7McVXI/AAAAAAAAE0s/MRhckjbs3g4/s640/IMG_1437.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Bridal Veil Falls and we did not take the road underneath it - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">we played it safe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">The next few pictures were taken around The Highlands of NC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The highlight of my trip ~ a covered bridge!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The white house in the above picture is a Bed and Breakfast in </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">The Highlands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The little church below is located in Dillard, GA. We came down through the north part of Georgia and spent the night in Gainsville.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We decided the Presbyterian churches were some of the most beautiful ones we found </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">along the way ~ the picture below is a stained glass window of the Presbyterian in </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Aliceville, AL. established 1837.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We made a wrong turn and found this one in Aliceville</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">also - no sign and don't believe they still meet here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It was fun and I hope you've enjoyed coming along for the </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">re-cap of the journey.</span></div>
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</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-4478163366661789602012-05-15T10:03:00.001-05:002012-05-15T10:10:51.764-05:00~Reaching the Destination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>You might like to read the previous two posts about the trip to The Potter's House before continuing...</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">In these next moments as you scroll, I pray you will be able to capture the beauty and stillness the Lord desires to enjoy with us each day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Whether it be in the mountains of North Carolina or the clay hills of MS, He desires our fellowship... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>We arrived to this view...</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>and to the magnificent sound of this</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>and was greeted by these two precious ladies</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Nancy (L) and Pat (R)</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Amazing how the Lord has given these</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">two ladies a place to serve and minister together</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">to hearts that are ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>desiring a fresh encounter with the LORD.</strong></em></span></div>
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(sharing from my journal)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">clearing the right paths through our hearts and minds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Colossians 1:10</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>in a manner worthy of the LORD,</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>fully pleasing to him...</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>growing and increasing in a knowledge of him</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">removing the loudness & distractions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> [self, fears, pride, outside hinderances.....]<br /><em>Draw near to God and he will</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><em>draw near to you.</em> James 4:8</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BDMbyLO1Yus/T7E8vlaGgkI/AAAAAAAAExk/YBXh_cvGtBE/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BDMbyLO1Yus/T7E8vlaGgkI/AAAAAAAAExk/YBXh_cvGtBE/s640/IMG_0845.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">move beyond the Past</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"I have placed you in the Present [right where you are]"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I have met with you,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">mark it, [write it down] </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">for a rememberance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>your steps are charted...</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>what peace this brings LORD</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> knowing you see</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>my footprints in <u>front of me</u></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~~~<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In his heart</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">a man plans his course,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">but the LORD </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">determines his steps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> Proverbs 16:9</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">We spent a weekend renewing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">our minds and having our</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">hearts re-shaped for HIM.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89hKknW_Pmk/T7E-CfGLhnI/AAAAAAAAEx8/_CJ3yctG2uI/s1600/IMG_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89hKknW_Pmk/T7E-CfGLhnI/AAAAAAAAEx8/_CJ3yctG2uI/s640/IMG_1068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nancy, Marilyn (my MIL), Pat, & Dianne</div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">But, now you have arrived at your destination:</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">By faith in Christ you are in a direct relationship with God.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Your baptism in Christ was not just </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">washing you up for a fresh start.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It also involved dressing you in an adult </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">faith wardrobe~Christ's life, the fulfillments of </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">God's original promise.</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Galations 3:25-27</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">more information about</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wwwfootprintstothepottershouse.blogspot.com/2012/05/pat-and-i-were-blessed-to-meet-and-have.html">The Potter's House</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">&</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">be sure to visit <a href="http://www.everythingelsethrownin.net/">Dianne's blog</a></span></div>
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</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-52934746887872007042012-05-11T13:42:00.002-05:002012-05-11T13:42:47.073-05:00Day 2 ~ almost twice the time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Day Two</span></em> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>dawned after an evening of laughter</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>and a night of rest...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>the view from our hotel room</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em> Breaking of Dawn</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>I did have to climb a steep embankment to get the picture</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>but it was well worth it ~ never crossed my mind</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>about how I was going to come down</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>flip-flops, wet grass and a steep incline</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>just don't go together</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>I made it safely as my mother-in-law</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> watched from the hotel window</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">~~~</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">You did read the title of the post?</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEfF4fk87fI/T60mWu3HbKI/AAAAAAAAEu4/ZfRzwXmJ_0U/s1600/IMG_0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEfF4fk87fI/T60mWu3HbKI/AAAAAAAAEu4/ZfRzwXmJ_0U/s640/IMG_0700.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>map quest did not like the route</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>we mapped ~ it was adamant</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>about staying on the much larger roads</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U02alzRiNpo/T60pBmLdUhI/AAAAAAAAEvI/dv4x_oFADw8/s1600/IMG_0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U02alzRiNpo/T60pBmLdUhI/AAAAAAAAEvI/dv4x_oFADw8/s640/IMG_0707.JPG" width="388" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Approximate four hour trip</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>calculated up to a 8 hour trip :-)</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>but, I cannot tell you how many times</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>we said,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> "<em>we would not have seen this </em></strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>if we had not come this way</em>"</strong></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cte0HY6_Obw/T60pnhLCaMI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/iWu-D5R4YOk/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cte0HY6_Obw/T60pnhLCaMI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/iWu-D5R4YOk/s640/IMG_0775.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>a beautiful maple tree</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>in the yard of the church below</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhngYAzEFTo/T61Z07bOSrI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/U_VZjv8takU/s1600/IMG_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jhngYAzEFTo/T61Z07bOSrI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/U_VZjv8takU/s640/IMG_0756.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>New Providence Presbyterian Church</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Founded 1786</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Maryville, TN</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfuk_NbBLhk/T60tY89eVrI/AAAAAAAAEvc/DTJiA8Rcv3o/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hfuk_NbBLhk/T60tY89eVrI/AAAAAAAAEvc/DTJiA8Rcv3o/s640/IMG_0768.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>notice the engraving above the doors</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Enter Into His Gates With Thanks</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>And Into His Courts With Praise</em></strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Fo3W17fMpM/T60t4xzQ7EI/AAAAAAAAEvk/6XGthB6X7dI/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Fo3W17fMpM/T60t4xzQ7EI/AAAAAAAAEvk/6XGthB6X7dI/s640/IMG_0781.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>we were in the town of Maryville, TN</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>and I snapped this one out of the passenger side window</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>such a beautiful firestation</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: black;">and </span>"yes, I was driving"</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYPnakBqPFc/T60wZ4M8_6I/AAAAAAAAEvw/RPF3xMaC4xc/s1600/IMG_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qYPnakBqPFc/T60wZ4M8_6I/AAAAAAAAEvw/RPF3xMaC4xc/s640/IMG_0791.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>didn't take long for her to catch the fever</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>of snapping pictures of churches</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nnduWZ1PXI/T61aqDtAjGI/AAAAAAAAEwY/s65GOwdvLs8/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nnduWZ1PXI/T61aqDtAjGI/AAAAAAAAEwY/s65GOwdvLs8/s640/IMG_0783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Seventh Day Adventist Church outside of Maryville, TN</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftWXychkuKA/T61QRklYXKI/AAAAAAAAEwE/-qLsl0yA5b0/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ftWXychkuKA/T61QRklYXKI/AAAAAAAAEwE/-qLsl0yA5b0/s320/IMG_0987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>just a small pic relating to my next post</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">~<em><span style="color: #660000;">Reaching the Destination</span></em></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and you will not want to</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">miss the next post either</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">~<span style="color: #660000;">On the Way Home</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">it took two nights stay on the way back :-)</span></em></span></span></span></strong></div>
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</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-60069899562042599932012-05-09T11:13:00.001-05:002012-05-09T11:13:05.951-05:00~the journey to The Potter's House<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anticipation and Preparation filled </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the days and weeks prior to April 26th ~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mother-in-law, Marilyn, and I <em>definitely</em> knew the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lord had gone before us and prepared</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the way for the trip to <a href="http://wwwfootprintstothepottershouse.blogspot.com/">The Potter's House</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We both shared such a peace</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">as we made plans.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>And the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, he it is that doth go before thee;</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong> he will be with thee,</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong> he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee:</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong> fear not, neither be dismayed.</strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>Deuteronomy 31:8</strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <em>desire </em>to invite someone along for the journey</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">was shared </span><span style="font-size: large;">by both of us. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> W</span><span style="font-size: large;">e asked the Lord to</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">send us someone to share in the adventure and </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.everythingelsethrownin.net/">Dianne @ Everything Else Thrown In</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">was the designated guest ~ <span style="color: #660000;"><strong>amazing</strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>how God worked!</strong></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dianne shares more in-depth how</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it all came about. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dianne drove in from Little Rock, AR</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">on Wednesday afternoon and the </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">three of us, departed from my home</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">for North Carolina on Thursday morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We made quite a few stops along the way to stretch the legs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and snap a few pictures ~</span></div>
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(I believe Dianne's love for churches & clouds has rubbed off on me)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">so sit back and enjoy scrolling through</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> the first day of our</span><span style="font-size: large;"> trip</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dYz9F7FYFo/T6qIbIi-37I/AAAAAAAAEuM/hDDjCEEA90I/s1600/IMG_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dYz9F7FYFo/T6qIbIi-37I/AAAAAAAAEuM/hDDjCEEA90I/s640/IMG_0591.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mashulaville Baptist Church ~ Noxubee County</span></div>
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10 minutes from my house :-)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPANXlplXAY/T6h-RyyFK_I/AAAAAAAAEtU/npOgUrc0B6Y/s1600/IMG_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YPANXlplXAY/T6h-RyyFK_I/AAAAAAAAEtU/npOgUrc0B6Y/s640/IMG_0595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everhope Plantation - Eutaw, AL</span></div>
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circa 1852</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_zaS86ZWNA/T6h_BD_Wn7I/AAAAAAAAEtc/yCCJb37Opgc/s1600/IMG_0599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_zaS86ZWNA/T6h_BD_Wn7I/AAAAAAAAEtc/yCCJb37Opgc/s640/IMG_0599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>~ ~ ~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Later that afternoon, w</span><span style="font-size: large;">e stopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> in the lovely little town of Athens, TN</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> to spend the night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Athens is about an hour outside of Chattanooga.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XMzZVlz1jg/T6iAVjyuGoI/AAAAAAAAEtk/8yWsmCtCI44/s1600/IMG_0607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XMzZVlz1jg/T6iAVjyuGoI/AAAAAAAAEtk/8yWsmCtCI44/s640/IMG_0607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">McMinn County Courthouse</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Athens, TN</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24cv_BaCJz0/T6iBk-zQ8-I/AAAAAAAAEts/GUbAPjqcyco/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-24cv_BaCJz0/T6iBk-zQ8-I/AAAAAAAAEts/GUbAPjqcyco/s640/IMG_0649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was the fellowship/activity building of</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">St. Paul's Episcopal Church</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hacik9QtL1g/T6qKP4SXZqI/AAAAAAAAEuU/td4hGYGl0w4/s1600/IMG_0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hacik9QtL1g/T6qKP4SXZqI/AAAAAAAAEuU/td4hGYGl0w4/s640/IMG_0641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5j2ZaIgvuI/T6qLf4XeWRI/AAAAAAAAEug/rDDbJZ1Lw88/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5j2ZaIgvuI/T6qLf4XeWRI/AAAAAAAAEug/rDDbJZ1Lw88/s640/IMG_0624.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>years meshing two hearts</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>and HIS love binding new found friends</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">loved the rocking chairs on the porch</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>the journey is more fun when</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>traveled with those of kindred spirits ~</strong></em></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Thank you for being patient with my posting.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I have been enjoying time with company</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and doing some projects, before the hot</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">summer sets in.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">~~~ </span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Be watching for my next post - </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Part 2 of the Trip</span></div>
</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-9923209445724682252012-04-19T12:05:00.000-05:002012-04-19T12:05:05.234-05:00~breathing deep<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Relaxing, letting down and <em>breathing deep...</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><strong>do you know those feelings?</strong></span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Listening for the sounds of all...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>the bullfrogs croak</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>and the crickets chirp</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Our awareness awakened</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DreP8mnNQXM/T3YRGrwJilI/AAAAAAAAEr0/4SK3Qxedrak/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DreP8mnNQXM/T3YRGrwJilI/AAAAAAAAEr0/4SK3Qxedrak/s640/IMG_0385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>(<strike>making</strike>) taking the time to escape</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Remembering TIME is in HIS hands</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4B8JBmjtms8/T3YRN8STB8I/AAAAAAAAEr8/XWBheHcd4Zo/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4B8JBmjtms8/T3YRN8STB8I/AAAAAAAAEr8/XWBheHcd4Zo/s640/IMG_0393.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>from the rising to the setting</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdyr-6vE0Kg/T3YR-DKYeqI/AAAAAAAAEsE/CjUIcheEbOQ/s1600/IMG_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdyr-6vE0Kg/T3YR-DKYeqI/AAAAAAAAEsE/CjUIcheEbOQ/s640/IMG_0484.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>the lungs are filled</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>no shallow or fast breaths</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">no hurried feelings</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Amazed</strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong> by HIS gifts</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>God's color wheel is <u>so</u> much more vivid</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">color coordinated :)</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDzSG42620g/T4yKqdxi4GI/AAAAAAAAEsk/b4mZs7ZUZK0/s1600/IMG_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDzSG42620g/T4yKqdxi4GI/AAAAAAAAEsk/b4mZs7ZUZK0/s640/IMG_0355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>relaxing and resting</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>in HIS beauty</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>brings refreshment </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>to the soul and body</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>"need to get away"</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>this phrase is used by all</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>living in this world of fastness</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>our bodies know</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>We were made for a "getaway" with </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Our Creator.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJxJKmViQCY/T4yLiVbXvGI/AAAAAAAAEs0/ZRGuDVZYGPE/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJxJKmViQCY/T4yLiVbXvGI/AAAAAAAAEs0/ZRGuDVZYGPE/s640/IMG_0486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>We are freshened in HIS goodness.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>We become fixed on God.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>We leave focused on HIM.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URYO1sf05zs/T3YSWcHO3bI/AAAAAAAAEs4/3Yq41yJcAq8/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URYO1sf05zs/T3YSWcHO3bI/AAAAAAAAEs4/3Yq41yJcAq8/s640/IMG_0529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>These shots were taken one evening back in March,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>my husband and I slipped away to chase a sunset</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>and we stayed way to late...</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>but, it was so worth it.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Today, as I began putting this post together</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>the LORD used these captures again to remind</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>HE is desiring a "getaway" with me.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">~~~</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just a personal update. It has been quite some time</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">since I posted. My family was "sweet" to me and </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">were able to "make do" without me for almost a </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">week, as I visited with my mother and mother-in-law.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time slipped by as I prepared for the visit</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and when I returned life was busy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~from decorating for a bridal shower </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to sitting in a dentist chair</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and a few other things </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in between~ :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mother has remodeled her home and I helped</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">put things back in place. A dear friend of </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">mine came over one day and we had a fun time</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">decorating. I know I'm bad, (I did not take any pics),</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> but when I return, I promise I will!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She is enjoying all the work and it looks really great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Prayer request</strong> to all my blogging friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Please pray for my mother, she is having </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">health problems. She has lost alot of weight and is</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">continuing to lose, the doctors have found a bacteria</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in her stomach along with a lung condition. She</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">will be having a biopsy on her lungs next week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am overloading you with updates,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but one last thing, that I am so excited about!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My sweet mother-in-law and I are planning</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">to attend a weekend retreat at the <a href="http://wwwfootprintstothepottershouse.blogspot.com/p/foot-prints-to-potters-house-retreats.html">Potter's House</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nancy and Pat have created</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">a weekend "getaway" for ladies to spend</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">time with the Lord in the mountains of North Carolina.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Click on <a href="http://wwwfootprintstothepottershouse.blogspot.com/p/foot-prints-to-potters-house-retreats.html">Potter's House</a> and read more about</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">this great place. I can't wait to meet them</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and see what God has in store, while we are there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>I will share when we return~</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Karen</span></em></div>
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</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-32054145299990686082012-03-20T10:43:00.001-05:002012-03-20T10:49:16.520-05:00~wrapped up in LOVE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">No better comparsion of God's love and comfort</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">than the thought of being wrapped in the</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> heirlooms of our grandmothers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>~~~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Scraps stitched and held in place with the work of hands</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">whose love reaches beyond the threads of life.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smcwtyTz1BY/T2iYf6E7y4I/AAAAAAAAErI/3pgW_fVYfD4/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smcwtyTz1BY/T2iYf6E7y4I/AAAAAAAAErI/3pgW_fVYfD4/s640/IMG_0212.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Wrapping ourselves in God's comfort</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">when we can't piece together the unknowns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>***</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Those times when we can't share with others</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">we can wrap our hearts in His Love and Word.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHVjTvXT9_Y/T2iX_5M5Y0I/AAAAAAAAEq8/lTs_Yi9ZK7I/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHVjTvXT9_Y/T2iX_5M5Y0I/AAAAAAAAEq8/lTs_Yi9ZK7I/s640/IMG_0222.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Remembering the sweetness and dedication</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">of those Grandmothers </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">who took the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">time and devotion to stitch each one,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">is a gentle comparison to the faithfulness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">of our Saviour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">***</span></div>
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<span class="st"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="st"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Who is like you, LORD God Almighty?</em></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span class="st"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em> You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds.</em></span></span></div>
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<span class="st"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 89:8</span></span></div>
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<span class="st"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>***</strong></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Recalling those past times</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">he wrapped </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and soothed when no one knew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> the hurt and the struggle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Allowing ourselves to wrap our mind around</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">these rememberances, brings the peace</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">knowing HE will do the same for the future.</span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXeW7wMeWiU/T2iZM5ektgI/AAAAAAAAErU/rxouh9nygPk/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXeW7wMeWiU/T2iZM5ektgI/AAAAAAAAErU/rxouh9nygPk/s320/IMG_0234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Blankets wrap you with warmth,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">quilts wrap you with love.</span> </div>
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-author unknown</div>
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this featured collection of quilts belongs to my mother-in-law</div>
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she has them displayed on a quilt hanger in a room of her home</div>
</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-16426289460239415222012-03-09T21:47:00.000-06:002012-03-09T21:47:47.062-06:00~leaving you with a touch of early spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqd24sFGhWA/T0Z686_OIiI/AAAAAAAAEqE/AELi6NcWB3c/s1600/IMG_9906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zqd24sFGhWA/T0Z686_OIiI/AAAAAAAAEqE/AELi6NcWB3c/s640/IMG_9906.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Longing for time to stand still in the days ahead...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">as time is treasured with those</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> we don't sit with often</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">we don't squeeze before daytime ends</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">and meals are not shared </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">as often as our heart desires</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">***</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Enjoy your week ahead</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">while I am enjoying my time with family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">I hope to return and share </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">wonderful memories</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">and even a few captured through my lens.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AZS5CsF_TU/T1qTrLoF23I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/7DcsywBePvo/s1600/IMG_9905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7AZS5CsF_TU/T1qTrLoF23I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/7DcsywBePvo/s400/IMG_9905.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Spring is close by~</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">'For behold, the winter is past,</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rain is over </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">and </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">gone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">'The flowers have </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">already </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">appeared in the land;</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The time has arrived for pruning</span> </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">the vines,</span></i></div>
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</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">'The fig tree has ripened its figs,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the vines in blossom have given forth</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">their </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">fragrance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Song 2:11-13 (NASB)</span></div>
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</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6117848407852917410.post-28395073985251066312012-03-08T17:27:00.001-06:002012-03-08T17:29:17.898-06:00~Unexpected Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Let's hear it ~ I have finally quit pinning</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">and completed a project!</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Inspiration was gained from this source</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>on Pinterest.</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/228557749809007391/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="611" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/138978338470866966_2LuqyDhU_c.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/decorating/quick-and-easy-easter-decorations/#page=10" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bhg.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/kscarb/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Karen</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I love the old antique umbrella,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>but I did not go on the hunt for one with a wooden handle.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The one I found for $5.84 from Dollar General</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">gives the same effect.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7a3LIraUyfA/T1k49UjlTfI/AAAAAAAAEps/mbw-8DPxou0/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7a3LIraUyfA/T1k49UjlTfI/AAAAAAAAEps/mbw-8DPxou0/s640/IMG_0053.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>I added tulips, morning glories and hydrangeas.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Most of the items I already had on hand.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WBsT3t7how/T1k4fUB_2QI/AAAAAAAAEpg/c_qryyrie9c/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8WBsT3t7how/T1k4fUB_2QI/AAAAAAAAEpg/c_qryyrie9c/s640/IMG_0032.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The eggs were wired and added for a touch of fun!</strong></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWFgd9-dWhY/T1k4HaTovaI/AAAAAAAAEpU/X4HKv2_XhOI/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWFgd9-dWhY/T1k4HaTovaI/AAAAAAAAEpU/X4HKv2_XhOI/s640/IMG_0028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Just never know what unexpected welcome</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">you might get at our front door.</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fW3t6KbaB0o/T1k52bTq0jI/AAAAAAAAEp4/Nn8th1tGtpc/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fW3t6KbaB0o/T1k52bTq0jI/AAAAAAAAEp4/Nn8th1tGtpc/s640/IMG_0074.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>But, one thing for certain I love to make</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong> our guests feel welcome.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Joining the others for </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Inspiration Friday.</span></strong></div>
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<center><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_iNH7eCND5Ws/TdAvsLg_lhI/AAAAAAAABis/OUO1vU_fEoA/Inspiration%20Friday%20Graphic.jpg" /><br /> </a></center><br />
<br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10832351275957994130noreply@blogger.com15