tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81356253027797170122024-03-12T20:16:35.044-04:00The Mangum FamilyHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-24196402268543232142016-06-23T00:58:00.000-04:002016-06-23T01:30:06.239-04:00Dear momma,Thank you....<br />
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Thank you for sacrificing your wants to take me to girl scouts, gymnastics, dance, soccer, safety patrol...<br />
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For volunteering as classroom parent, as girl scout leader, coach, taxi driver...<br />
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Thank you for staying up late to help finish school projects, staying on me to start my homework early, for spending any and all extra money on my dance costumes, sports uniforms, pictures, private lessons.<br />
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Thank you for teaching me manners, making me clean up behind myself, staying on me about my room, standing by my side at each dance recital, beauty pageant, soccer game.<br />
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For believing in me. You took me to get my license, brushed and curled my hair, put on my make up. You gave me space when I was too stubborn to let you help me.<br />
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Thank you for enduring my attitude. You taught me to never leave people out, how to decorate my house, match clothes, and how to host a party.<br />
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You gave me the best birthday parties. You made sure I had everything I needed and most things I wanted. You worked long hours to support us. You took each phone call from us, although you had to referee over the phone.<br />
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Thank you for giving me a curfew, calling my friends parents. Thank you for not letting me hang around just anyone. For taking the phone away from me, and for giving me consequences.<br />
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Thank you for finding me when I wasn't where I was supposed to be, for setting rules and giving me boundaries, for not letting me call boys. I know you were only trying to protect me. You let me go when I thought I knew better, and you accepted be back in, when I was broken and torn.<br />
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Thank you for your constant love, even when I pushed you away. Your love always continued. I hurt you, I disobeyed you, and I'm truly sorry. I didn't understand, I only thought I did. Your love, Mom, is so deep for me. I wish I listened more. I wish I cherished the time I had at home with you.<br />
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It may have taken me 39 years and 8 children to realize the true sacrifice and love of a mother, but I want you to know that I honor, respect, and love you!<br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-59606665763820207922016-03-12T10:41:00.001-05:002016-03-12T11:21:37.968-05:00What I've learned (and am still learning) in the past 11 years of home educating1st- It's not really school. School is a place you go. I know we say homeschool or home school, but we're really just teaching from home, or home educating.<br />
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2nd- I only assign my kids a grade because that's what the rest of America does. I could care less if they were in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade.<br />
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3rd- I'm learning to NOT say, "They're behind in...." or "They're ahead in...." Once again this is just a way to compare our children to other children.<br />
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4th- Bible first, everything else second.<br />
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5th- Without God, I can't do it.<br />
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6th- I cannot let a curriculum, community, friends, or family become my idol. I work to please God, and Him alone.<br />
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7th- Sometimes the best way to encourage another family, is by not saying anything at all. Your ways, may not be their ways.<br />
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8th- It's exhausting!<br />
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9th- It's self revealing! Lord, how I need You!<br />
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10th- There's a lot of curriculum out there. Most of the time you need less of it, and instead more dedication to a couple of them.<br />
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11th- I will drive the curriculum, the curriculum will NOT drive me.<br />
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12th- My children's souls are more important than that math lesson.<br />
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13th- Playing is learning<br />
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14th- Character development is a subject<br />
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15th- It is imperative that my hubby and I are on the same page. Even if he doesn't understand every book or subject we've invested in, he still supports us.<br />
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16th- We're over socialized. Seriously, it's okay to not go anywhere, not meet up with anyone, lock your doors, cuddle on the couch, and just be together.<br />
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17th- My house is never going to look the way I imagine it.<br />
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18th- Home economics is ALSO a subject. (see #17)<br />
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19th- My goals have changed a little over the years. Besides wanting their affections to be towards Christ, I want them to be passionate about sharing God's Word, to be hard workers, responsible, self learners, lovers of books and information, able to argue well and respectfully, able to thrive in a crooked and depraved world.<br />
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20th- I can do it. Well, not me, but CHRIST who lives in me! Taylor is graduating next month. Her diploma, cap, and gown has been ordered. Some days I wonder if anyone will take us seriously. Other days I look to the heavens and thank God for what HE has done through our home education journey.<br />
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<span id="goog_956028310"></span><span id="goog_956028311"></span><br />Martiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15099062838454942287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-55276015183837081612015-08-19T00:54:00.000-04:002015-08-19T01:28:19.674-04:00My life is an offering...<div>
It seems the Mangum family is not getting much relief these days. If I've been neglecting your email, text, or phone call I'm sorry. From my mom's cancer, to my decision to step down from my position with CC, Martie's nerve issues, Tabitha's Madelung Deformity (wrist issues), my own health scare, school planning, relaunching a church, and today Taylor's fall down the stairs, we've been pretty busy. </div>
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I don't want pity. I hope by this post you see God's grace and mercy. I pray by our testimony, our joy, our hope, our faith that you too may find peace. </div>
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I want to be honest. I have cried, I've been frustrated, I've questioned.... However, it seems with each new trial, my faith grows stronger. I'm sure that's what James is talking about in 1:2-3, <i><b>"Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." </b></i></div>
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Early on I was convinced the Lord was calling me to just sit at His feet. It has been the prayer of my Christian life to be more like Mary (Luke 10:38-42). For the first time in a long time, I can say that I've yearned to meet with Jesus daily, not out of habit or duty, but out of love and dependence. The fire that I had so early on has been re lit. I've been reminded of the urgency of the gospel to those around me. He's shown me how much He loves me. (As if dying for me wasn't enough) Oh, He's so patient. </div>
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Martie and I have also been reminded of the realities of spiritual warfare. Ironically he is preaching through Ephesians. The last couple sermons have been specifically on 6:10-20. Verse 12 has been fresh in my mind, <i><b>"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." </b></i>There is a war going on. We forget so quickly. John 10:10,<b> <i>"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." </i></b>The promise comes from our Shepherd (vs. 11), He came to give us life! </div>
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So often we welcome the blessings and condemn the trials. Job's own wife challenges him to <i><b>"Curse God and die"</b></i> (Job 2:9) However, if we believe what we say we believe, then Romans 5:2-6 is good news to us.<i><b> "Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."</b></i></div>
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Last week, I received my first mammogram. With my family history, the doctor thought it would be a good idea. Friday afternoon, the imaging office called and requested I come back for more pictures. These new images would be taken at the Cancer Center at Duke. Easy enough, I'm very familiar with those offices. We had all weekend to think about the possibilities. I knew there was something God wanted me to know, and to share through all this. I prayed, and I requested prayer. I can honestly say, His Spirit gave me strength, confidence, and joy. I have not been afraid. Today, we went to get the imaging. The radiologist explained that I have a mass, and they want to figure out what it is and get a plan. After the second mammogram, they decided to do an ultrasound. </div>
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While waiting in the room by myself, I felt a little anxiety rising. I started to sing (out loud), My Life is an Offering. I couldn't remember all the words, so I just started singing, "God you are good, and your mercy endureth forever...." Peace, overwhelming peace. </div>
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I wrote in my journal just days before: </div>
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"Lord, I do not understand completely what's going on, but I trust You! God you are sovereign. You know the plan. Use me how you will, but You will have to equip me. I am weak. My faith is little. But I'm willing to be used by you. My life is yours. I want to be faithful to you more than I want health."</div>
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The doctor then called Martie and I back for the ultrasound. There it was, the mass. My stomach sank. After he finished the measurements, he called in a second doctor. She walked in and said, "So, do we have a cyst?" Yes! It's clear, There's NO cancerous tumor in my breast. </div>
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I echo the words of Paul in Philippians 1:18-21, <i><b>"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."</b></i></div>
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If you are a brother or sister in Christ I challenge you to fall to your knees, worship Him, run hard after Him. If you've never trusted Christ as your Savior, I plead with you to trust Him. Turn from trusting in yourself, your deeds, this world.... He is the only one who can save. It doesn't matter what you've done, He already knows. He loved you so much that He was willing to die for those things. Three days later He rose from the grave and conquered death. By putting our complete faith in Him, we can live. There's no greater joy and peace that comes with that surrender. </div>
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Thank you for reading. I will leave you with a link to the song I was singing today in the doctor's office. Below the link are the words. </div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn8_br6O72s" target="_blank"><b>My Life is an Offering</b></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">This life is an altar </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Where I want to offer </span></div>
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My soul and my mind and strength </div>
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Cleansed by Your mercy to live a life worthy </div>
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Of the One Who called my name </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Jesus, be glorified </span></div>
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Jesus, be magnified </div>
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Let me be a pleasing sacrifice </div>
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Jesus, be glorified </div>
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Jesus, be magnified </div>
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Here on the altar </div>
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My life is an offering </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">How could I not love You? </span></div>
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You authored my rescue </div>
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Raised me up, from death to life </div>
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Your Spirit is in me, revealing Your glory </div>
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Oh what joy as I give my life </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">I choose to lose my life, Lord </span></div>
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And find it in You </div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-62130579560269295512015-06-17T06:06:00.000-04:002015-06-17T06:06:01.635-04:00Other big news, and an even bigger God...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We found out my mom has breast cancer on Wednesday, June 3. By Friday, June 5 Martie and I made the decision that I would quit directing our homeschool community, Classical Conversations. Our family has been involved with CC for going on 9 years and I've directed most of those years. This was a very difficult decision for us. I want to be available to care and serve my mom in this next year. The only way I can be available to my family and my mom is to cut out any extra activities. I talked with my area manager on Saturday and told her our decision. Although sad, she was extremely supportive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Sunday, June 7 Martie confessed that he's had something going on physically. A strange tingling sensation that started in his neck and traveled around to his right side of the head and face. Along with the tingling, he was also experiencing some numbing. With the recent loss of a friend from a stroke, I was concerned. He agreed to go to the doctor the next day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday, June 8, I sent the email to our community. I let them know of our decision to leave CC. Martie and I then headed to his doctor's appointment at 10:00 am. The doctor did his full exam and then ordered an MRI. Martie then took me to my mom's house so I could attend her doctor's appointment at 1:00. Fortunately, my in laws watched our children all day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day, I took Martie to get his MRI. That was non eventful, just a long day sitting in Duke Regional's Outpatient Services. The day after that, on Wednesday I took my mother back to the exact place to get two different tests. We then went shopping for a wig. By Wednesday night, I was exhausted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday was wonderful and refreshing! Some sweet friends from church took our children for the day. I dropped them off at 10 in the morning. They played with Lego's, dress up clothes, went to the pool, and ate dinner. I was able to have breakfast with my husband, get caught up on house work, and even rest a bit. Martie and I picked them up at 6:00 pm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday, Martie and I headed back to the doctor to follow up. His numbness had spread and now covered his body. He had not lost any balance, his speech was fine, and he still had strength. The MRI was clear, and the doctor was/is stumped. He then gave us a referral to a neurologist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That same day, I received a phone call. After I sent our CC community the email that we would not be returning, several families got together and raised enough money to pay for my children to still be enrolled in the program! Although I would not be directing, we will still be with the people that encourage us each week. My children's lives will not be disrupted, as much, from all the change. This is a huge blessing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I say all this to give you a glimpse into what's been going on in our lives. I ask you to continue to pray for us. Life is hard right now, but God is better! He has given us multiple friends and family who have stepped up, watched our children, text us, prayed for us... He has provided for us. I'm reminded of</span> <b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Proverbs 16:9 "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."</span></i></b> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before we officially quit CC, I remember crying out to the Lord, "Show me... Direct me... Tell me...." I wanted direction, clear direction. He never spoke audibly, but I knew He wanted me to trust Him. In the end, I fearfully obeyed, He provided. He established our steps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We still don't know what's going on with Martie. He's still having the numbness, it's not constant, but it's coming and going. We'll see the neurologist next month, unless something changes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mom chose a treatment plan. She'll start chemo. next Monday. It will be a 4 drug cocktail to fight this aggressive Her2 positive cancer. My brother an his family will be here, and I'm excited to see them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This has been a much better week. We only have one day of appointments. I've been able to catch up on housework and just be home with my kiddos. I can truly feel the prayers of many. God's grace is sustaining us. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, served, given...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Psalm 16</i></b></span><br />
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-16-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Preserve me, O God, for in you I <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14094B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14094B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>take refuge.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-16-2" id="en-ESV-14095" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>I say to the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “You are my Lord;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14095C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14095C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I have no good apart from you.”</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-16-3" id="en-ESV-14096" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>As for <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14096D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14096D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">in whom is all my delight.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-16-4" id="en-ESV-14097" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">or <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14097E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14097E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>take their names on my lips.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-16-5" id="en-ESV-14098" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14098F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14098F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>my chosen portion and my <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14098G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14098G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>cup;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you hold my <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14098H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14098H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>lot.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-16-6" id="en-ESV-14099" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14099I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14099I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-16-7" id="en-ESV-14100" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>I bless the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> who <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14100J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14100J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>gives me counsel;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">in <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14100K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14100K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the night also my <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14100L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14100L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>heart instructs me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-16-8" id="en-ESV-14101" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14101M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14101M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I have <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14101N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14101N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>set the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> always before me;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">because he is at my <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14101O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14101O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>right hand, I shall not be <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14101P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14101P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>shaken.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-16-9" id="en-ESV-14102" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Therefore my heart is glad, and my <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14102Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14102Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>whole being rejoices;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">my flesh also dwells secure.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Ps-16-10" id="en-ESV-14103" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For you will not abandon my soul to <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14103R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14103R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Sheol,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14103S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14103S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>or let your <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14103T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14103T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>holy one see <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14103U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14103U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>corruption.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><span class="text Ps-16-11" id="en-ESV-14104" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>You make known to me <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14104V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14104V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the path of life;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">in your presence there is <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14104W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14104W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>fullness of joy;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-16-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">at your right hand are <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14104X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14104X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>pleasures forevermore.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-64898979642478543122015-06-16T10:00:00.001-04:002015-06-16T10:00:51.124-04:003 dreaded words...<b><i>It is cancer.</i></b><br />
<br />
Silence.<br />
<br />
Gulp.<br />
<br />
Breathe<br />
<br />
Grab your notebook and pen, listen, write down everything he is saying.<br />
<br />
This happened Wednesday, June 3. Exactly. I sat in a tiny room, more like a closet, with my sister, my mom, her fiance, a doctor, and a nurse. After those words, it was pretty much a blur. I remember scribbling all the big words, we asked for the pathology report, and tried to hold back the tears. Within a few minutes, we had the news. Mom has Invasive Adenocarcinoma (Ductal), breast cancer.<br />
<br />
This is not the club I wanted to join.<br />
<br />
We've been here before...both my grandmothers, both Martie's grandmothers...<br />
<br />
But not with our own parents. We're too young. Our parents are too young.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, this is our new reality. It's been almost 2 weeks since the diagnosis. It's becoming more real. After sitting through multiple doctors appointments and numerous tests, our life has been forever changed.<br />
<br />
To lessen the heartbreak would be injustice. To pretend that I was not afraid would be a lie. I was broken. I am scared. I've fallen to my knees, literally, numerous times.<br />
<br />
Why???<br />
<br />
I do believe strongly that God does not like disease. He doesn't like sickness, hunger, war, or DEATH!<br />
<br />
This is not the way He designed it. It is good for us to grieve these bad things. However, the Bible tells us He will use <i><b>"ALL things for the good of those who love and who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28</b> </i><br />
<br />
I also know that we are to <i><b>"Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." James 1:2-3</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
I'm reminded in <b><i>Romans 12:12 to "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
This cancer has changed things, no doubt. BUT, it has caused me to pray more, love Him more, and trust Him more. He is God, He is all powerful, He is sovereign. There is no other! I will praise Him. Each morning I will command my soul to bless the Lord, even when my body doesn't feel like it.<br />
<br />
Jesus, loved us so much that while we were sinners, Christ came and died for us. Therefore it is my pleasure, as His daughter, to be an imitator of God,<i><b> "And walk in love, and as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us." Ephesians 5:1-2</b></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
We will get through this, for sure. The goal now is to bring Him most glory through it all.<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-84437795400611707112015-05-26T00:54:00.000-04:002015-05-26T00:54:55.236-04:00Duggar Drama<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know how controversial this topic is right now. It's certainly one that makes everyone squirm in their seats. It's provoking anger, generating feelings of sadness, and reminding some of their own abuse. I am not writing to add to this debate, not to separate friends, not to cause anger, or sadness. It is my sincere prayer that you would read this blog and try to suppress any immediate defenses that are ready to leap out of your chest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will start by saying the same thing that most people are saying. Josh Duggar's actions were wrong! There is nothing anyone can say that can try to even slightly justify his actions. Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! His decisions not only affected the rest of his life, but the life of his wife, his children, his parents, and the victims. He, just as all of us, has a conscious. At some point his conscious told him what he was doing was wrong. He ignored that, and made the decisions to violate others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know the full details of what happened after that. I can't say what his parents did was right, what the sheriff said was the best, how everyone responded in the days after were acceptable. That's not what this post is about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At some point Josh confessed to his parents his actions. He asked for forgiveness, was dealt some consequences, and started "Living for the Lord." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Deep Breath*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"That DOESN'T make sense!" I get that. I don't expect it to make sense. The gospel, which is the good news of Jesus, DOESN'T make sense. The bible says it is "Foolishness" to some people. Let me explain. God created people, people to worship Him, live for Him. People made and are making the decision to turn away from God and seek after their own desires. Those desires have led to murder, abuse, slander, adultery, drunkenness... We all have sought after things like money, popularity, beauty... If we were honest, and I hope we all can be. We know the deep dark secrets of our hearts. Admittedly, they're wicked! You don't need to sit and think long before you realize that your thoughts and your actions have not always been honoring. (To God, or anyone else)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See, we are guilty. We are guilty of the things I listed above. If you're not guilty of any of those then maybe your guilty of not loving God more than anything else. Because God is Holy, Perfect, without any wrong, we've been separated from Him. In order for us to have a sweet reunion with Him, there had to be a sacrifice. The crazy part is this... He (God/Jesus) LOVES us, that in spite of us, He was willing to come and live on this earth. He lived perfectly, to show us how we were/are supposed to live. Although He lived without sin, the people accused Him. Eventually, Jesus was brought before the people and they had a choice, set Him free or crucify Him. He was then killed on a cross and buried in a tomb.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's why Jesus came. Not only did He model to us the way to live, He died a perfect death so that we can have fellowship with our God, and He rose from the grave. If Jesus had not risen on the third day, He would be like anyone else. But He rose! He conquered death! Because He is alive, we also get to live. If we have faith in Him, trust in His death and resurrection, ask for His forgiveness, turn from ourselves and to Him, we too can be saved from our wrongdoings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So why do Christians continue to sin? Why is this world so broken? Why is the name of Jesus being rubbed in the dirt. Well, those are some deep and packed questions. I'll give a short answer... sin still exists. He has promised that He will return one day. Eventually things will be how He once desired them to be. Right now there is a war going on here. It is a war for our souls. Those who don't currently believe, the enemy (Satan and the demonic forces) want you right there, in disbelief. He wants those who do believe to lose hope, to sin, to kill us, to steal our hearts... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus knew this war would exist. When He rose from the grave, He did not go away to leave us as orphans. He sent us a helper, the Holy Spirit. As believers in Christ, His Spirit lives in us. He convicts us, guides us, and comforts... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can someone who commits murder be forgiven and be transformed? Absolutely! I believe that. He saved me! He changed me! He gave me new desires! I also have to forgive. Just as Jesus forgives, believers are challenged to forgive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am praying for the Duggar family, and yes even Josh. I am praying that he was truly sorry. I am praying that he has truly been changed. I am praying the victims can have peace and forgiveness. I don't expect that to make sense to everyone. What I am asking you to do is seek God, go to Him with your frustrations, ask Him to help you understand. The enemy would use this to keep people angry, hate Christians, question God. But God will use this to bring people to Himself. He will get the glory. He uses the brokenness of this world to help us see our need for Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Cor-2-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 24px; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">1 Corinthians 2:1-5 "</span>And I, when I came to you, brothers, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28379A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28379A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>did not come proclaiming to you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28379B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28379B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-2-2" id="en-ESV-28380" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">For I decided to know nothing among you except <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28380C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28380C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Jesus Christ and him crucified.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-2-3" id="en-ESV-28381" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">And <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28381D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28381D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>I was with you <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28381E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28381E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>in weakness and in fear and much trembling,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-2-4" id="en-ESV-28382" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28382F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28382F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the Spirit and of power,</span><span class="text 1Cor-2-5" id="en-ESV-28383" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28383G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28383G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>in the power of God."</span></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-17962079219307062482015-01-08T14:45:00.003-05:002015-01-08T14:45:56.311-05:00Thoughts on people leaving the church...<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$2:0">Martie read a blog recently titled, "<a href="http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/244545-dear-church-heres-people-really-leaving.html" target="_blank">Dear Church Here's Why People Are REALLY Leaving You</a>". Below is his response to the blog. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$2:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$2:0">Mixed thoughts on this one. Some good things to ponder.</span></span><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.3599996566772px;"><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$3:0" /><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">1--Sunday morning productions, we can't do a better job than the world at entertainment nor should we try. The Sunday gathering should be about worshiping, equipping the saints to serve, building the people up until they reach Christlikeness. </span><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$5:0" /><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$7:0" /><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$8:0">2--Speaking a different tongue. Again some of it needs to be cut out, but we need to teach Biblical truth, but take the time to teach those who don't understand. I agree the building too often is the focus, but we also don't need to lose sight of the purpose of the building. It is not the temple, but special in that we should leverage the building/property/resources for the kingdom. The Church (people) are missionaries sent to Declare/Preach and Display/Live/Love. </span><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$9:0" /><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$11:0" /><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0">3--Lousy battles, I couldn't agree more. </span><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$13:0" /><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$15:0" /><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">4--Love...This part frustrated me, the person wants love without of the "spiritual riff-raff". We wouldn't know love without the "Spiritual Riff-Raff" (Gospel) The Spiritual Riff-Raff is what motivates our Love. Is our love perfect...NO! We too are struggling like you who are leaving...we too want our lives to be about us...we too don't feel like we have the energy or the drive to deal with other people's drama, but that is what we are committed to doing regardless of how bent and broken our efforts may be. </span><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$17:0" /><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$19:0" /><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$20:0">You say you want us to hear you before we debate you. The problem is you are not talking and if you do talk you are not speaking the truth. Most of the people who leave church won't be honest about their thoughts and feelings when they do talk. Most often it is the same language, "its not you its me". They won't allow others to ask pressing question and most often rather flee unannounced and unnoticed. </span><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$21:0" /><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$23:0" /><span data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$24:0">In conclusion, it breaks my heart that many are leaving churches. I certainly have had to deal with a great deal of departures in my 10 years of ministry. I have wept many tears over many people and most of them never knew it. Break-ups hurt both parties. I wish I could tell you many stories of reconciliation, but typically when people have made up their mind to leave there is little chance they will return. At the heart of the issue is you will never love the church and be satisfied in the church until you are in love with Jesus and satisfied with Him. Soon after you will grow to love what He loves, which is His Church. You will love like Jesus, unwilling to leave and forsake His Church regardless of their constant battles with sin and Satan. Your first step to reconciliation is just like ours. Humbling ourselves, asking God to forgive us for being to self-centered, seeking to know and love Jesus with all we are and praying He would unite us in His Body, the Church.</span><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$25:0" /><br data-reactid=".8v.1:3:1:$comment10205584985365525_10205585946909563:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$27:0" /></span></span></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-43732514227967851432015-01-04T16:28:00.000-05:002015-01-04T16:28:19.652-05:00Give thanks!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because Scripture commands me to give thanks in all situations, I am choosing to do just that. The kids might be sick, I might still be in my pj's, the laundry still needs to be folded...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But...I am thankful today for:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New TV that we received as a gift for Christmas.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amazon Prime account that allows us to rent movies anytime we want.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A husband who appreciates me, and knows when I need a break.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warm showers in a locked bathroom.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emergency chocolate that I've hidden in my room. (and forgot about)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warm blankets- another Christmas gift</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner brought to us by friends.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A 20 oz. coke that was in the bag with dinner, just because my friends know me. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Store bought bread, peanut butter, and jelly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Family and friends who will genuinely and lovingly pray for us at any time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friends who are willing to take on my role in other areas of my life, so I can take care of my family. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Viruses, yes I'm thankful for viruses. Although my kids are pretty miserable, whiny, and needy it could be worse. They only have a virus, it's not a disease and they will be better....eventually. And on the bright side, it's building up their immune systems. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">Psalm 13:5, NIV</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"> I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">Nehemiah 8:10b, ESV</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"> And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">Psalm 28:7, NLT</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"> The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">1 Thessalonians 16-18, NIV </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">Romans 12:12, ESV </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"> Never Stop Praying.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;">Philippians 4:4, ESV</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"> Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.</span></span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-16898555988433837732014-12-31T16:08:00.002-05:002014-12-31T16:08:48.436-05:00Happy New Years!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each year I contemplate New Years Resolutions. The best I've found were written by <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards" target="_blank">Jonathan Edwards in 1723</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love goals. I happen to love lists. My lists love lists. It just fits so nicely with my ESFJ personality. The problem is, I tend to put more on myself (and others) than what's reality. I add "weights" to my life." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a while I've felt so heavy. Like each day was just harder and harder. I realized that I was looking more and more forward to bedtime than I was rising in the morning. In my journal I wrote,<i> "My run has gotten heavy. It's like I'm running with weights. More things, more responsibilities, more lists... I feel like I'm carrying about 500 lbs. right now, and my race has stopped."</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was sitting in Starbucks the other day, and read from Hebrews.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Hebrews 12:1-2 <span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">"</span><span class="text Heb-12-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every <b>weight</b>, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>sin which clings so closely, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>let us run <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>with endurance the race that is <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>set before us,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-ESV-30198" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the shame, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I realized that there was a separation between weights and sin. Both can entangle. But weights could be good things, sin is definitely not. I started wrestling with the text, and ended up listening to two of <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/running-with-the-witnesses" target="_blank">John Piper's sermons on the text</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I made a list. (laugh now) Actually I made two lists. I made a list of "Weights" in my life and sins that cling closely to me. What I noticed is the things that I labeled "Weights" could be summarized as "Life," or the race itself. Is it possible that my race/life could be a weight that prohibited me from running well? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes! I'm trying to do so many <strike>good</strike> great things, things that glorify God and bring Him honor, but I'm trying to do them in my own strength! I've realized over and over again that I am not as strong as I like to think I am. Truth is, I'm weak. The reality is, I can do NOTHING, on my own or in my own strength. That's why my race has come to a screeching halt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weights are not bad, actually they make you stronger. As a Christian, I'm not supposed to carry those weights. It is my job to lay down, grab onto Jesus by the cloak, weep at His knees, trust in His steps, and FOLLOW! He leads, He carries, I obey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1 Timothy 6:11-12 "But as for you, O man of God, <b>flee </b>these things. <b>Pursue </b>righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. <b>Fight </b>the good fight of the faith. <b>Take hold</b> of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you mad the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scriptures like that have the potential to weigh me down more. I see commands I want to obey. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 sound like great New Year's Resolutions if you ask me. BUT, it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to please God on my own. I can not obey His scriptures and commands perfectly. Only He was able to come to this earth and live perfectly, die perfectly, and lead perfectly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The story that I most relate to in the Bible is the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was "distracted" or "busy about so many things." Mary, "Sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching." Jesus' reply to Martha when she grumbled to Him was profound. Honestly, it was painful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Luke 10:41-42 "Martha, Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things, but ONE thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year I resolve to run hard with my eyes on Jesus and sit at His feet and listen to His Words. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The rest will be carried for me. He will get the glory. The victory is His. The joy is mine!</span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-72535874351268380812014-12-22T07:25:00.002-05:002014-12-22T07:30:36.391-05:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Merry Christmas! December
14, 2014<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2014,
where did you go? These days we find ourselves wanting to hit the pause button
on life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We enjoyed
a family vacation in late July through early August. The first part of the trip
was spent in New York with our good friends the Wesleys. In addition to the
wonderful Indian cuisine consumed, we played at a local park, celebrated our 12<sup>th</sup>
wedding anniversary, worshipped with the brothers and sisters at the Wesley’s
church, and enjoyed a full day at Niagara Falls! We left New York and drove to
Pennsylvania for the remainder of the trip. There, we stayed with our faithful
friends, the Trunicks. The Trunick family has 5 boys and 1 girl. Our children
have grown up together. It was a full house, with lots of fun, laughter, and
food! We celebrated Andrew’s 8<sup>th</sup> birthday while in PA, the adults
had a date night, and we enjoyed a small group bible study with the believers
of their church. Before we left NY and
PA we sat with the Wesleys and the Trunicks, read scripture, and prayed
together. We are so blessed by these two families and their friendship to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">August 8<sup>th</sup> we threw an adoption
celebration at the church. August 9<sup>th</sup> marks the one year anniversary
of when the girls moved in. It was a fabulous time. We invited families from
our Classical Conversation’s community, from church, foster families, DSS
workers… There was plenty of hotdogs, cake, chips, snow cones… We also gave a
short overview of our story. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The family started pioneering and visiting a
farm this year. Each Friday we’d meet Mr. Green, the farmer and guide, and some
other families at different trails. The children have put together “Survival
kits” for these adventures. Martie’s created a way for us to carry enough water
for the family. We’ve really enjoyed learning more about farm life and
hiking/pioneering from Mr. Green. He is
a wealth of knowledge and a blessing to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Martie and Heather were asked by DSS to appear
on WRAL for a three minute spotlight on adoption in November. This was a neat
opportunity to share our experience and tell of the grace of God. We followed
up the interview by scheduling an Adoption and Foster Care Event at the church.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We’re excited to share that the church will be
re-launching in 2015! We’ve been at Parkwood for 10 years now. There have been
many ups and downs. God has been so gracious throughout the years. He has kept
us, led us, and now brought us to this point in ministry. A few years back we
voted on the new bylaws and constitution. We’ve appointed one additional elder
and a couple deacons. Martie has been talking with a contractor and we
anticipate many renovations. The new name of the church will be 4D Church. The
D’s, which will encompass our mission, are delight, display, declare, disciple.
We are praying that others will join us in this new adventure. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Martie has enjoyed hunting again this year. He’s
taken the boys with him a couple of times. He still hasn’t killed anything. He
enjoys the quiet time to be alone and still in God’s creation. Each Monday
Martie has been teaching the 8<sup>th</sup> graders at our Classical
Conversation’s group. He’s loves the opportunity to pour into those kids. Each
Sunday he continues to preach the Word, and we’ve been walking through the book
of Ephesians for a while now. On Wednesday’s we meet with our small group and
walk through the scripture Martie preached and incorporate the 4D’s. This has
been a rich opportunity to grow deeper in our understanding.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Heather continues to stay home with the
children. This is our 10<sup>th</sup> year home schooling. We’ve now
experienced elementary, middle, and high school. Heather is still directing the
Foundations and Essentials programs at CC. This last summer she also organized
a couple practicums and led some tutors through Foundation’s training. She’s
really been passionate about getting us all healthier. We changed our diets
back in February and she and Martie started working out at the YMCA in March.
She enjoys going to the gym about 3-4 times a week. There are also days she’ll
run/walk with friends. In October she completed her first 5K. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Taylor is 17 and in the 11<sup>th</sup> grade.
She started working at Chick fil A this year, and has done really well. Each
Thursday she continues to serve as a prosecuting attorney in Durham County’s
Teen Court. This has been a wonderful opportunity for her, as she looks forward
to attending law school one day. She attends Classical Conversation’s Challenge
III program each Tuesday. She’s been with the same group of friends for the
last several years. Taylor continues to amaze us with her artistic abilities.
She can teach herself how to do just about anything. We’re now having the
conversations about colleges, and trying to narrow down some options. She’s
already taken the SAT’s and ACT’s once. We’re thankful for the youth group at
King’s Park for welcoming Taylor into their gathering. Praise God for the grace
He’s shown us in raising a teenage daughter. Her faith, relationship, and
dependence on our Lord have remained strong. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Aaliyah is 11 and in the 6<sup>th</sup> grade.
She started taking piano lessons this year, and received a piano for her
birthday in April. All the children love playing with Aaliyah, as she is
usually leading up some new game or playing make believe. Seth, especially
loves Aaliyah, and will often call for her if Heather is occupied. School is
going great. She loves to diagram sentences and is proving to be driven and
self-motivated. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ethan is 9, but will be turning 10 on the 28<sup>th</sup>
of December. He is in the 4<sup>th</sup> grade. Ethan went hunting with Martie
for the first time this year. On his second outing, he shot and killed his
first deer. This provided 12 pounds of meat for our family. He was very excited
and loves to tell the entire story. Ethan also started gymnastics this year.
We’ve wanted to get him and Andrew into a wrestling program, but can’t find one
in the area. Instead, they’ve been getting their exercise each Thursday on the
gym mats. Ethan loves to read and play with his friends.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Naomi is 8, and in the 3<sup>rd</sup> grade. She
continues to go to gymnastics each week. This is her second year. Besides
Heather, Naomi is our home hairdresser. Each Sunday, she’ll line several
children up in the bathroom and make sure they all look presentable for church.
After having Naomi tested this summer, we decided to back up with some of her
academics. She seems to be doing much better and is a lot less stressed. There
were too many “Holes” in her education to keep moving forward. We needed to
fill those gaps, so she won’t struggle in the upper grades. She is really
enjoying teaching Carissa Math, while Heather works with the other children.
Naomi loves to read now, and will lie around reading often. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Andrew is 8, and in the 3<sup>rd</sup> grade
also. He started gymnastics this year with Ethan, Naomi, and Carissa. Andrew
has always been super strong, so this has really been a neat opportunity to see
him use that strength on the bars, rope, or rings. Most days he is outside,
barefoot, with no jacket, climbing trees, and chasing squirrels. Getting him to
sit at a table to do Math continues to be a struggle, but he can climb a pine
tree with no branches barefooted without any problems. Andrew is definitely our
most passionate child, and we look forward to seeing how God is going to use
that piece of his personality. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tabitha is 6, and in the 1<sup>st</sup> grade.
She has learned to read much better this year, but Math is her thing. She loves
her timed math sheets, and gets her work done in only a few minutes. Tabitha
continues to take ballet with several of her friends. She loves to come home
and share the new positions and movements that she learned. She and Naomi
continue to share a bedroom, and now even clothes. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Carissa is 4 and working on some Pre-K “Stuff.”
She loves to do school and will sit at a table for hours if you let her. She
has a unique ability to focus and concentrate on a task for an extremely long
amount of time. She plays really well by herself, but she and Seth are best
buddies. You can often find her telling him what to say and do in their make
believe games. He joyfully follows her lead. She is always smiling and giggling
and willing to go with the flow. Carissa has also memorized most of the Frozen
songs, and sings everywhere she goes! As a matter of fact, as I was typing this
she came up the stairs with Tabitha, singing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Seth is 2, but will be 3 on January 5<sup>th</sup>.
Seth is everyone’s baby. He travels to Martie and Heather’s bed most mornings
to cuddle. He has very specific ways he likes things done such as getting milk
in the morning, only Heather is allowed to pour it. There’s a systematic way
Seth likes things to work. He is talking well and carrying on full
conversations now. We’re starting to see some of the baby ways he used to say
things, change. He is very fun and always keeps us laughing. Seth is very
independent and plays well alone or with Carissa. It’s really neat to watch him
play with his toys and use his imagination. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1PbDRsE7rCW3TsgJAwSvfMNJaQ2tLz2CvvzPfofz9ns9JiAgx8sHdkMqrJfurO3wSiFKzXz_G6AiUMlRTV3qVy76E42p-LyZCOUzZ58dtcgDLNMlPXTT_eWEcplovT1HvTX5QhEbWQY/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1PbDRsE7rCW3TsgJAwSvfMNJaQ2tLz2CvvzPfofz9ns9JiAgx8sHdkMqrJfurO3wSiFKzXz_G6AiUMlRTV3qVy76E42p-LyZCOUzZ58dtcgDLNMlPXTT_eWEcplovT1HvTX5QhEbWQY/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are grateful to God for every recipient of
this letter. Specifically we are thankful for how many of you have encouraged
us to walk more closely with Jesus, prayed for us and/or invested in our family
in some way. Our hope is that each of you will experience the fullness of joy
found in Christ Jesus this Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Love, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Mangum
Family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Centaur","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Martie,
Heather, Taylor, Aaliyah, Ethan, Naomi, Andrew, Tabitha, Carissa, Seth<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-70325702873545426282014-12-19T08:54:00.001-05:002014-12-19T08:54:18.330-05:0015 years agoDecember 19, 1999<br />
<br />
I went to a Christmas party with a friend. Later we decided to head downtown Chapel Hill and dance the night away at Tree House. That's where I saw "Him." Yes, "Him." Corny, I know. I looked at my friend Brandy and said, "That is going to be my husband." Psycho? Probably. He had "The look," he could dance, and his eyes....(no depth there people) So we danced, and danced, and danced. We eventually exchanged numbers. (Something I've never done at the club, just sayin') I waited for three days for the call, which never came.<br />
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I eventually paged him, yep it was when pagers were cool. He <i>eventually </i>called me back. That was the beginning of many conversations. One conversation we had was Christmas night. I wanted to get to know him on a deeper level, you know to see if he really was the one. That was an awkward conversation. He communicated to me that he didn't want to be married, didn't want any children, and really couldn't see life beyond 25. Wow! That was encouraging! Just what I was looking for in a husband. (insert sarcasm)<br />
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So, I continued to pursue. We began to hang out more. I was more and more convinced that I wanted a relationship with him. Graciously, he even came to church with me a couple of times. Both times he seemed uninterested and annoyed. That was a huge flag. At that point in my life I wanted a husband, but I wanted a Christian husband. I was trying to get my life together. However, I knew only a few Christians. No one reached out to encourage me, teach me, or model Christ to me. So, I did <strike>everything </strike>many things wrong.<br />
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I finally asked him, "Do you have a problem with God?" He said no, that he just didn't like my church. See he was brought up in a traditional Southern Baptist Church. My nondenominational, pants wearing, drums playing church caused him to go into major culture shock. We agreed to start searching for a church together.<br />
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We eventually found Cresset. The pastor faithfully preached the Word, and we began to grow in our knowledge and understanding. Long story short, we both dedicated our life to following the Lord. We were married in 2002, Martie started seminary shortly after.<br />
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I say all this to show you God's grace, and how magnificent it's been in our lives. I try to remember all that He's brought us through. The days that I feel like I'm a total failure, which is most days. I KNOW His grace is sufficient. He rescued this poor, insecure, selfish girl, His patience is unbelievable. His loves reaches to the depths of my wicked heart that I didn't know could be reached. What God has done in me and Martie is truly a miracle. One that I'm thankful for each and everyday.<br />
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So today I remember 15 years ago, when I first met the love of my life. No, he wasn't perfect, and neither was I. We loved ourselves far more than we loved Jesus. A relationship which seemed impossible in the beginning, was made possible by the pure GRACE of God.<br />
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Thank you Lord, for my husband. Thank you for allowing me to meet him in the most unfortunate place. Thank you for your patience and your grace in our lives. May we continue to grow in our knowledge and understanding of you. May You grant us wisdom as we seek to honor you each day.<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-75216779620473328182014-12-11T00:43:00.000-05:002014-12-11T00:43:10.387-05:00Christmas TraditionsLet me just say, I love this time of the year!<br />
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I've always loved this time of the year. There was a season in my adult life where I dreaded portions of this season, however we're figuring those things out. As a little girl my mother made sure that Christmas was "Perfect." We always had a "Perfect tree," with "Perfect decorations," hung in the "Perfect places." There was Christmas music, freshly baked cookies, and the anticipation of Santa. Each year on Christmas Eve, or near there, we'd drive around with my aunt and cousins to look at lights on the houses. My dad and uncle always stayed home. It didn't take us long to figure out they were taking the hidden gifts out and putting them together for us.<br />
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Most of all I loved the warm and cozy feeling I received each December.<br />
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Martie and I wrestled for years how to celebrate, what to tell our children, gifts or no gifts... I still believe this has to be a family conviction and decision. <i>*No judgement zone*</i> We don't do Santa. We're too selfish and love getting all the credit for what we buy. Just kidding, kind of. We don't do Santa because we don't want to lie to our children. We're afraid that if we make this person up and play along, then they might question our honesty about Jesus. Don't worry, our kids will not tell your kids the truth. They think they're cool and privileged because they have information that others don't have. We also have that <i>one </i>child who still refuses to believe us and swears to us that Santa's real. Again, we do NOT judge those who eagerly anticipate the coming of the weird, fictional, round guy that likes little children to sit on his lap. I also really love the pictures of the elves in your house causing all sorts of mischief. I'm just too boring for that. It would also ruin my reputation as the "Fun killer."<br />
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There are some things that we've incorporated into our family and I hope our children will have fond memories of. We decorate a Christmas tree. I have several favorite ornaments, that no one is allowed to touch. That dead thing that sits in my living room for a few weeks still has the potential for being an idol.<br />
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We also have a Jesse tree. This is a small Christmas tree that sits in our foyer. Each night we read Ann Voscamp's Jesse Tree Journey and place an ornament on the tree. Each scripture points to the coming of our Lord and at the end there is a portion called, "Unwrapping more of His love in the world." There are great ideas that give you easy and practical ways to show love to others, serve others, ask for forgiveness...<br />
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We also light advent candles and read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jothams-Journey-A-Storybook-Advent/dp/0825441749" target="_blank">Jotham's Journey, A storybook for Advent</a>. There are three books in this series, but it begins with Jotham. You only read one book a year. The other two are Tabitha's Travels and Bartholomew's Passage. After reading, reflecting, and praying we put the children to bed by candlelight. They LOVE this part of the night. We always tuck them in and pray with them, but something about bringing a candle just adds a new level of excitement.<br />
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Lights! We love to look at Christmas lights. The crazier, tackier, the better! I so appreciate the people that put hours and hours into making your house look festive. I'm so boring that I haven't given into the pressure of colored lights. So, my children love all your bright, colorful, and flashy lights. We usually travel to <a href="http://www.meadowlights.com/" target="_blank">Meadow lights.</a> They also have a wonderful Old Country Store with all kinds of candy favorites.<br />
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We drive by the Parkwood home multiple times a week. My children have lovingly named this the "Gingerbread house."</div>
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We bake, and bake, and bake. The kids love to take treats to the neighbors and the "Gingerbread house." I still use my mom's old recipes and haven't really found any new favorites. Although, I'm always looking. </div>
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This year we created a bucket list. I was surprised that most of the things on that list involved people. My family loves being with people. One of the things I've been focusing on this year was being more intentional with relationships. This list has only helped me with my struggles. Martie and I want to go out more with other couples, our kids want to have play dates, and we want to serve those around us. So we've already enjoyed a couple date nights, the kids have had sleepovers, and play dates, and we even went on a field trip! (Watch out now, my kids are getting socialized) We made Christmas ornaments, had cookies, and enjoyed cider and hot chocolate. There's still plans to decorate gingerbread houses, have a family movie night, and bake a cake for Jesus. </div>
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I'd love to hear what your family does, but whatever that is, I pray you make time to reflect on the coming of our Lord. Without this season we would still be waiting. He is our hope this year, He is our salvation, He is our joy!</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Psalm 61:1-4 "Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. </i></span></b></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-73439235434072660372014-06-12T12:26:00.000-04:002014-06-12T12:26:17.039-04:00God is gracious!This weekend is one of so many emotions.<br />
<br />
So much good, so much sad.<br />
<br />
God is gracious.<br />
<br />
Last year, Thursday, June 13, 2013, I was sitting in Essentials training, in Cary. Martie was at Jason's Deli, meeting with a pastor. Taylor was at home with the children. It was around 2:00 and I got the text.."Martie needs to get here, it's not going to be long..."<br />
<br />
Rainey, one of Martie's best friends, had been battling cancer for almost one year. He was then at the hospice center in Durham. A week earlier, we celebrated Rainey and his life. The hospice center was nice enough to let his church family and friends come and have an amazing time of worship. It was an evening that I'll never forget.<br />
<br />
But now that day, Thursday, June 13 Rainey was in his final hours on this earth. Our heart literally broke. I called Martie, and he immediately left his meeting. After being in the car for about 2 minutes, he received a call. It was Deidre, our social worker. She had already told us about the girls and we had agreed to get them on Friday for the weekend. She wanted to know if she could bring them early, like in 2 hours. Because his mind was in a billion places, he stuttered, mumbled, said a few ums and ahs, and then said, "Of course!"<br />
<br />
Martie calls me, I panic, and then I call home. I left my training in Cary and raced home. On the way, my mind was all over the place. My husbands heart was breaking, Rainey's other friends and family members hearts were breaking, and we were about to meet two girls that could possibly become our daughters!<br />
<br />
My good friend Stephanie beat me to my house and played a game with the children. Everytime they cleaned something, they got a little plastic duck. It worked people! My house was spotless in about an hour! I started dinner and the wait began.<br />
<br />
Because it was Thursday night, my dad, step mom, and step sister were all coming over for dinner. I debated whether or not to cancel but I couldn't decide. So, I didn't. We had our regurally scheduled "Wright night." It was pouring raining that night. The wind was horrific. My mind went from Martie to the girls. I paced and panicked for what seemed forever.<br />
<br />
Martie finally got home, and before the girls arrived. They were running late. God's providence. Martie and I talked for a minute or so, and on went his game face. Somehow through all his pain, he was able that night to totally mask it all and press on.<br />
<br />
The girls finally got here. They were grinning from ear to ear. Taylor showed them around the house as we got some instructions from Deidre. We ate dinner and then had smoothies for dessert. Everyone left and we started to tuck the children in bed. Dasiyer (Aaliyah) and Shyana (Naomi) shared a room that first night. Tabitha also slept with them. It was so nice tucking the girls in and praying with them.<br />
<br />
Then it was quite. For the next several hours, my husband, the strong one, just broke. I hated that night. I hated seeing him hurt. I hated the fact that Rainey was dying. I hated knowing Laura, his wife, was hurting. I hated the pain, the sickness, the sadness...<br />
<br />
Rainey passed that next day, Friday June 14th.<br />
<br />
That also happened to be Father's Day weekend. My brother and his family surprised my dad with a visit from New Mexico. We had a big celebration at my mom's house because we were certain it would be my granddaddy's last Father's Day.<br />
<br />
Because of God's providence, that weekend my girls got to meet my brother and his family. They also got to meet my grandaddy. That weekend was a whirlwind of emotions.<br />
<br />
But God...<br />
<br />
He is so good, He is so faithful, only He can truly comfort, only He can pick us up...<br />
<br />
Wasn't it so cool and so like God to take a very sad and horrible weekend and bless us with 2 beautiful smiles to help us smile? Wasn't it like God to plan for my brother to be there the same weekend the girls were coming for a visit? Wasn't it like God to have my grandaddy meet and spend time with the girls before he passed?<br />
<br />
Last year, Martie and I had to say, "See you later," to two very important people, my grandaddy and Rainey. Last year, God also gifted us with two very important people to love on for the rest of their lives.<br />
<br />
God is so so gracious! To Him alone be the glory!<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-24605249086160804362013-12-22T04:19:00.000-05:002013-12-22T04:25:17.252-05:00Merry Christmas from the Mangum family<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUggUorrRbyHr6JINcCoj-7gRo6YCh6Hkxmvz4YMRVKdlj5q0EulKBLgF9nUkIf_dAMCqMel3e4R3cppeKDBPA_6yh5uFcTs_T20Uxo_JC2sf671QEK467HQQG_4yk5tR7A2fiRVnICg/s1600/DSC_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUggUorrRbyHr6JINcCoj-7gRo6YCh6Hkxmvz4YMRVKdlj5q0EulKBLgF9nUkIf_dAMCqMel3e4R3cppeKDBPA_6yh5uFcTs_T20Uxo_JC2sf671QEK467HQQG_4yk5tR7A2fiRVnICg/s400/DSC_2051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2013</b></span></td></tr>
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Merry Christmas! <br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We hope this letter finds you full of joy as we look forward to the
coming of our Lord. 2013 is quickly coming to an end. This year has been full
of many emotions for the Mangum family. We welcomed a new nephew to the family,
lost a friend due to cancer, adopted our girls, and lost our grandfather.
Through all of this, our God has remained faithful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The most exciting news, our adoption has been finalized! Aaliyah and
Naomi have been decreed by the courts, “Adopted for Life.” This has been an
amazing process and God’s presence has been constant. The girls have been
issued new birth certificates, which only add to that sense of permanency. We
are reminded of the scriptures and the entire reason for Christ’s coming. To
adopt us into the family of God. Our sin, which once separated us from God, has
been washed away. We’ve been bought by the precious blood of our Savior. Just
the same, our girls are now in our family. They have been rescued from a life
that was not ideal for a child. By God’s grace, they will grow up to know Him
and have an opportunity to follow Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Martie is still pastoring Parkwood Baptist Church. This is our eighth
year. Life at PBC has had its
challenges, but we are hopeful God will build His Church. Martie started back
hunting, but has not had any success. Most of all he enjoys the time alone with
God & His creation, but desperately would like to bring home a deer to his
eager children. Every time he returns home the children run to the door or
windows to see if he has a deer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Heather stays home with the children each day teaching them about the
Lord and the world He has made. Along with the normal chores of daily life,
Heather also directs our homeschool community. Classical Conversations has been
a blessing to our family for 7 years now. Heather is desperately missing our garden and
has talked about cutting several trees down so we could have another one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Taylor turned 16 this November and is in the 10<sup>th</sup> grade. She
is excelling in school and loves attending her Challenge II class each week.
Thankfully, she is motivated and self-driven. She swims with a swim team
weekly, and most recently started serving as a prosecuting attorney with Teen
Court in Durham. Taylor has grown into a beautiful and responsible young lady.
We praise God for her love and relationship with Him. She is also an excellent
big sister. Each sibling loves taking turns riding in her car, helping her in
the kitchen, and camping out on the floor in her bedroom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Aaliyah is 10 and in the 5<sup>th</sup> grade. She is a bright and loving
young lady. She loves to care for her younger siblings, play games with the
others, and help Taylor cook. She and Taylor also like to sing and dance while
cleaning the kitchen. We are learning lots about Aaliyah. She has a condition
called, Marfan syndrome. Thankfully, with medicine and a watchful lifestyle
she’ll be okay. Marfan is the reason she
is tall, needs glasses, and has an enlarged aorta. She can’t participate in
competitive sports. However, this sweet and full of energy girl hasn’t let
anything stop her. She swims weekly with Blue Dophins Aquatics. She also loves
going to her Foundations and Essentials class weekly at Classical
Conversations. She is zipping through her academics and is proving to be
self-motivated also. She’s probably most excited about learning to write in
cursive this year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ethan will be turning 9 on December 28<sup>th</sup> and is in the 3<sup>rd</sup>
grade. Ethan is a natural leader. He will be the one organizing the games and
letting everyone know their place. He loves playing spy, reading history, and
aggravating his sisters. He likes things organized and always has a plan.
During school he wants to get his notebook and books and get his work done. He
understands the quicker you get your work finished, you can move on to more fun
things. He loves camouflage and wears it almost daily. He also loves to pick
out Seth’s outfits each morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Naomi is 7 and in the 2<sup>nd</sup> grade. She has a huge smile that
lights up her whole face. She loves fashion, hair, and anything girly. Tabitha
and Naomi share a room and are truly inseparable. Recently they traded beds and
closet space. Naomi has made huge progress with her school work. Excitedly she
now exclaims, “I can read!” We’re starting to slow down a bit as we’re seeing
some areas she needs to keep working. Naomi’s giggle is contagious. Heather
takes all the kids, except Taylor, to watch Naomi practice gymnastics each
week. We are pretty sure she likes the attention. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Andrew is 7 and in the 2<sup>nd</sup> grade. He is basically Martie’s
little clone. This boy loves to be outside admiring God’s creation, chasing
squirrels, climbing trees… He is completely content playing by himself and is
easy to get along with. School is a bit more challenging for all the above
reasons. Heather has taken him outside to do work some, but then he gets
distracted. We are thankful to be able to keep him home and encourage him
through his studies. Although his nickname is Bam Bam, he is super gentle. Each
morning he has to have cuddle time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tabitha is 5 and in kindergarten. Smart, silly, girly, giggly, and
mature! Tabitha has always been very driven when it comes to academics. She can
also hang with her older siblings in any fun creative game. She is learning to
read, add, and subtract. Most often she is working alongside of Andrew and Naomi.
Tabitha is self-proclaimed, “Taylor’s girl,” although there’s an ongoing battle
to steal her away. Tabitha loves attending ballet each Wednesday with Ms.
Jessica. She’s often been caught twirling around the house in her own little
world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Carissa is 3 and participating wherever she can in school. Carissa is
Andrew’s sidekick and has been given the nickname, Pebbles. She likes to try
and call the shots, which is why she still is not potty trained. She is also
very content playing in her room with dolls and other toys right by herself. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Seth will be 2 on January 5<sup>th</sup>. This boy is into everything!
He has to be the most loved on baby, ever. By Tabitha and Carissa you might
hear him called, “Sethy.” He pretty much sticks close to Heather throughout the
day. You might find him, rummaging through the kitchen cabinets, grabbing books
off the book shelf, or playing with many toys. Because of Carissa, he now loves
Dora the Explorer. He is also being
potty trained, and surprisingly excited about it! His favorite songs are, The
Itsy Bitsy Spider, Bringing Home My Baby Bumblebee, Ten little Indians, and
Jesus Loves Me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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During this season we are focusing on the “Good news of great joy which
is for all people” as declared by the angel to be the Savior who was born and is
both Lord and Christ. We hope that you too will spend time reflecting on Jesus
who came to “Save His people from their sins.” He is our life and hope. We are
looking back on 2013 and giving thanks to Him for all He has done while looking
forward knowing He is still at work completing the good work He started in each
of our hearts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May God fill you all with Grace and Peace,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The Mangum Family<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
(Martie, Heather, Taylor, Aaliyah, Ethan, Naomi, Andrew, Tabitha,
Carissa, and Seth)<o:p></o:p></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-45480911060735998302013-11-28T02:05:00.000-05:002013-12-22T04:25:38.251-05:00Taylor's sweet 16 party!A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Taylor's sweet 16 birthday. It was a fun night filled with food, games, music, pictures at the "photo booth," and cake. Below are just some of the many many pictures that I haven't even attempted to go through and edit yet. We had her party at Hotel Indigo in RTP. It was a wonderful experience.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUImjcQ9lpZdJ7Nz8nja8bCxK2eLq6Pr2r6NTaM62NnvAT2RaGK4SlsgK-6_3EFI5-jm28jnsVHsxPDmLksQKf2jKUVMOT3nYfxl2CCoVVEj__UhyfF_Orsyy4ZAyoeNhQUZ1BjV0_KOI/s1600/IMG_7141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUImjcQ9lpZdJ7Nz8nja8bCxK2eLq6Pr2r6NTaM62NnvAT2RaGK4SlsgK-6_3EFI5-jm28jnsVHsxPDmLksQKf2jKUVMOT3nYfxl2CCoVVEj__UhyfF_Orsyy4ZAyoeNhQUZ1BjV0_KOI/s320/IMG_7141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The candy bar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjcqEzsRWbhyZzJvQu1itZc7l15_fTsb5a6VBZjI9Lmwhc6151WYNhxbc_40g9eZ3V1xdDc6AwBuey9kYB1_rGuQ-bOjAraPfZNdq7layxwFC_Y5wmsM1DqqJPH7fDv_T0S3pvEjb80Y/s1600/IMG_7145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjcqEzsRWbhyZzJvQu1itZc7l15_fTsb5a6VBZjI9Lmwhc6151WYNhxbc_40g9eZ3V1xdDc6AwBuey9kYB1_rGuQ-bOjAraPfZNdq7layxwFC_Y5wmsM1DqqJPH7fDv_T0S3pvEjb80Y/s320/IMG_7145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Booth props</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwCf6gR7iQyLv97ghmWzX7pXanmb0lDCCDwyVu1N02s-duLiSzzMI0qtMgzNmJaJw8VBT0dy7TKsTXlo1RDNnpeHPWCVMgw5CLiE3sEM7fFKTl0A_Xqncd9HGbP43aZuLiIyUhHP1WF8/s1600/IMG_7146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwCf6gR7iQyLv97ghmWzX7pXanmb0lDCCDwyVu1N02s-duLiSzzMI0qtMgzNmJaJw8VBT0dy7TKsTXlo1RDNnpeHPWCVMgw5CLiE3sEM7fFKTl0A_Xqncd9HGbP43aZuLiIyUhHP1WF8/s320/IMG_7146.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Booth Backdrop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJJtW36duU9TVxgqBctzb4QbZfRyLXXGjQ-3sBhHlnAYMrX21aLGzoPFillWwYc10jWkRNdGO7xH37t9fz3Z62qlfbBLqfvd7dfLmD4g9NJC8OAAugXe1PMZ5PlkodmH0GZ21Tt81gkk/s1600/IMG_7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJJtW36duU9TVxgqBctzb4QbZfRyLXXGjQ-3sBhHlnAYMrX21aLGzoPFillWwYc10jWkRNdGO7xH37t9fz3Z62qlfbBLqfvd7dfLmD4g9NJC8OAAugXe1PMZ5PlkodmH0GZ21Tt81gkk/s320/IMG_7147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her theme was vintage. I did coke and root beer in the bottles and I fancied up some water bottles . </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNYdX3x66aS2n1Thzzk3QloFe01TSHVhEiT_IqWij3_7YPBY46PhMWcS7YdTlx58UazA4tgftLX0Vvsii7cM08q5SBXr0eXSV7vvh1HEK1-kIlvRPn-JIw9jOqKcORGipGKZiJELrcuU/s1600/IMG_7151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNYdX3x66aS2n1Thzzk3QloFe01TSHVhEiT_IqWij3_7YPBY46PhMWcS7YdTlx58UazA4tgftLX0Vvsii7cM08q5SBXr0eXSV7vvh1HEK1-kIlvRPn-JIw9jOqKcORGipGKZiJELrcuU/s320/IMG_7151.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPHTfhQj__ZtKoCaaWqQqWI-pkiN8ztwdpVotxTg6ZnnPclZEbMJqnaK1jBzsB70wbLxOyCVlGXLFQ69fnoSj1QscFZ5fPsLlQVResHNEXOdkgiqAfD8VhCOEOuhD0SMGRtMQ1E57q2o/s1600/IMG_7157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQPHTfhQj__ZtKoCaaWqQqWI-pkiN8ztwdpVotxTg6ZnnPclZEbMJqnaK1jBzsB70wbLxOyCVlGXLFQ69fnoSj1QscFZ5fPsLlQVResHNEXOdkgiqAfD8VhCOEOuhD0SMGRtMQ1E57q2o/s320/IMG_7157.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BEAUTIFUL cake. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu_lqezlGo0fFY6OiISR_o7I__HzLdNd0Yqb64T3BRVQTeAZBXhR5dOVBWGfJLJfwC1DBfuPU-6sfG7rt2Fxd-xYZMLOkmuzEE8aUDwMPnSmGzkEmXSjXx7Misz6_ScAXlug95ugz2n0/s1600/IMG_7160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu_lqezlGo0fFY6OiISR_o7I__HzLdNd0Yqb64T3BRVQTeAZBXhR5dOVBWGfJLJfwC1DBfuPU-6sfG7rt2Fxd-xYZMLOkmuzEE8aUDwMPnSmGzkEmXSjXx7Misz6_ScAXlug95ugz2n0/s320/IMG_7160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNQ5w9-ox83Vvh-OI1lCY2DcU1CZOaao0wo31p2v3Tqhf4V9zQW4InBJC112PSeOBviHmnJVeKt2snMPeOjyCVNfO36vdKmKLk5excMqF5bUu_b9Dqu3gYrxX1JPlUnN96_LKW0eil4c/s1600/IMG_7187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNQ5w9-ox83Vvh-OI1lCY2DcU1CZOaao0wo31p2v3Tqhf4V9zQW4InBJC112PSeOBviHmnJVeKt2snMPeOjyCVNfO36vdKmKLk5excMqF5bUu_b9Dqu3gYrxX1JPlUnN96_LKW0eil4c/s320/IMG_7187.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The amazing birthday girl. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WYBTnIrtqeZD7ouRKyRK35VrKr5S91YU81Te4WHb5WDQQ7xjnzQNWR58BVRpNZ5PMMmu2k32ngeJhfY5qh7syvMfDnY1Kbi2jMuJpSS-SQ0RGSHK5J8w1fbPjiBsThcwRrAvxqvv_ls/s1600/IMG_7195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WYBTnIrtqeZD7ouRKyRK35VrKr5S91YU81Te4WHb5WDQQ7xjnzQNWR58BVRpNZ5PMMmu2k32ngeJhfY5qh7syvMfDnY1Kbi2jMuJpSS-SQ0RGSHK5J8w1fbPjiBsThcwRrAvxqvv_ls/s320/IMG_7195.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other kids had quite the time too. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2NjxjOu7DNRCVYy5VRIUIdjtoAFF30CPsKH4RQEdIjs0vE0fozcpYvMAfTkAhLT-6JAyfN1gMJpynAk1mx9NhzKPXQm1-ZQn9QEOm1aHWqZEhibsvOn9gT3GApAeKAQ-Gc2DxnqHIpw/s1600/IMG_7229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2NjxjOu7DNRCVYy5VRIUIdjtoAFF30CPsKH4RQEdIjs0vE0fozcpYvMAfTkAhLT-6JAyfN1gMJpynAk1mx9NhzKPXQm1-ZQn9QEOm1aHWqZEhibsvOn9gT3GApAeKAQ-Gc2DxnqHIpw/s320/IMG_7229.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister aka Pinterest partner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB9lsTD7X_6Ad0uh_YUUna9FNnKJvkQl8oO1Hc4RfKkId7pe-aUlRCefZQKO2LsaVDpaVEch_zB4X-NeE9aiqacM0mh06RPrN7iH_EaqPDILJm_MbGWLfBImkPrAPKLFBVEVwmH3XrIs/s1600/IMG_7248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEB9lsTD7X_6Ad0uh_YUUna9FNnKJvkQl8oO1Hc4RfKkId7pe-aUlRCefZQKO2LsaVDpaVEch_zB4X-NeE9aiqacM0mh06RPrN7iH_EaqPDILJm_MbGWLfBImkPrAPKLFBVEVwmH3XrIs/s320/IMG_7248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor and Alley painted this bow. It was the signing board for all her friends.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhYhzXZnQ-ibCpwp9lt5bYmgHKLxqd0OGM0wMBuARb9R3-vjwUtBFkhtlPZ72MoPVv4Rz6QaOmmFVhQRvmFACGdf-frFV8zR2TXUbZIZqx30Z5mW0xLZsCmSHS0Z16surluXkKcMI9nI/s1600/IMG_7279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhYhzXZnQ-ibCpwp9lt5bYmgHKLxqd0OGM0wMBuARb9R3-vjwUtBFkhtlPZ72MoPVv4Rz6QaOmmFVhQRvmFACGdf-frFV8zR2TXUbZIZqx30Z5mW0xLZsCmSHS0Z16surluXkKcMI9nI/s320/IMG_7279.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of her friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBuAT9fYM08pSd8V0aTcHx1pYDY2_KdjMKJyl2E17PAaTcOJ2vM_PuGBvLZ1HaqJPI-7f1Fw2rZeh9V9O7Kvyx8RvTL-qRUwXjQKOhLHgyHFDtrnjX0sAyb90I0YCw5Gb8n0XcxgF-c0/s1600/IMG_7284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBuAT9fYM08pSd8V0aTcHx1pYDY2_KdjMKJyl2E17PAaTcOJ2vM_PuGBvLZ1HaqJPI-7f1Fw2rZeh9V9O7Kvyx8RvTL-qRUwXjQKOhLHgyHFDtrnjX0sAyb90I0YCw5Gb8n0XcxgF-c0/s320/IMG_7284.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaliyah and Rachel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKufWwAFmkpf91DTntijHw0ERbZhDwkxYoXKDgcMyF5Wl_dKMM5fbLz7l2Urj1mg_JCuo4cItOrEeRi-I5shM1REb93vwGSBufcBdWEbPz_SnD9fynzs177dhBD8fnV3UFs_mRDGUYiE/s1600/IMG_7415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKufWwAFmkpf91DTntijHw0ERbZhDwkxYoXKDgcMyF5Wl_dKMM5fbLz7l2Urj1mg_JCuo4cItOrEeRi-I5shM1REb93vwGSBufcBdWEbPz_SnD9fynzs177dhBD8fnV3UFs_mRDGUYiE/s320/IMG_7415.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my cousin Alisha getting in on the fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqVhpNoYeJ3SsN-evvgn-wFPCfHaY8MRzVOGGZt3aPYoyg2BWLLPiY2pg4wMzBT9g0fxA0EeD5YJIetZTGM2X1b6wCPH_MzE4P_sawQFm3FgkbtFndkk7zM_0HHWry_ItiFg4FQn3cCY/s1600/IMG_7455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqVhpNoYeJ3SsN-evvgn-wFPCfHaY8MRzVOGGZt3aPYoyg2BWLLPiY2pg4wMzBT9g0fxA0EeD5YJIetZTGM2X1b6wCPH_MzE4P_sawQFm3FgkbtFndkk7zM_0HHWry_ItiFg4FQn3cCY/s320/IMG_7455.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor and a friend that she's had since elementry school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_CD5i3Oq5r9mEozrUFqQbqFDjUBloCufhuJuUiPE3gyGFxjYJm8AgBAO6qotd5msWEDc71CgyBx0VqKUqwtaCWOLcxgHBBfbw_Su23M4wbuMhlYckqLveBIbhQVmWr_qfh4ElpjcYWY/s1600/IMG_7466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_CD5i3Oq5r9mEozrUFqQbqFDjUBloCufhuJuUiPE3gyGFxjYJm8AgBAO6qotd5msWEDc71CgyBx0VqKUqwtaCWOLcxgHBBfbw_Su23M4wbuMhlYckqLveBIbhQVmWr_qfh4ElpjcYWY/s320/IMG_7466.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musical chairs! Yes, you can get a bunch of teenagers together and play a "friendly" game of musical chairs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zg11UY9xsZxaENwcclWlG39PX7BYUvPUq9rh88jvkK1N0C62QKStDt06R-r5dmjC-utDvXjdivwuChE5cQNWHFOquThIObVoAAlw0tGI0p86yn3bjpWlRtoelUOVmLcOiqKHiecoiKg/s1600/IMG_7519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zg11UY9xsZxaENwcclWlG39PX7BYUvPUq9rh88jvkK1N0C62QKStDt06R-r5dmjC-utDvXjdivwuChE5cQNWHFOquThIObVoAAlw0tGI0p86yn3bjpWlRtoelUOVmLcOiqKHiecoiKg/s320/IMG_7519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of her friends</td></tr>
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So thankful to everyone who helped out with the planning, decorating, and cleaning up. For now I am<br />
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DONE with party planning and Pinterest. It's a good thing you're only 16 once! </div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-88335005804460806322013-11-05T23:13:00.004-05:002013-12-22T04:25:52.422-05:00Sweet 16!!!!Sweet! Sweet? Sweet.<br />
<br />
My Taylor Alise 16 years old. What, how, when....<br />
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You know what that means? All the baby pictures I have of you are in print, which means they're not in digital form, which means I can't post many on here. We'll save those pictures for the big party. ;) It also means you're "that old!"<br />
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There are so many things I could say about you. You're smart, driven, artistic, determined, funny, responsible, loving, kind, passionate, organized. You are a great cook, a beautiful singer, a self learner, you like fashion, you will spend 2 hours just...to...curl...your...hair... :) You have matured into a God fearing young lady. I love watching and hearing how you encourage others towards Christ. You're honest. I am so proud of you. God has been so gracious to you.<br />
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Your life has not been easy. But it's been a breathtaking journey. Our Father has protected us, led us, healed us, and kept us. You have a testimony, and I'm sure He will use it for His glory.<br />
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I am so proud of you. Unlike many teens today you are not afraid to stand apart, to be different. That is not always comfortable. It can often times feel lonely. But you know that you are walking with your Lord. You have learned how to discern when to be "in" the crowd and when to "exit" the crowd. Hopefully He will use that attribute to draw others to Himself. It is difficult to be in the world and not of it. This will be a lifetime struggle. But you MUST cling to Him and the Word, which are His Words. Whenever you have questions I hope you go straight to that Truth.<br />
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When we started homeschooling you in the 2nd grade, I didn't have a clue. I don't have much of one now. I questioned how will we ever do this? Will she thrive? Taylor, you have just blossomed in these high school years. To be honest, I can't keep up with you. I praise God that you are so driven and you desire knowledge. It is a gift from Him. You are not quick to believe anything that is thrown your way. You question for yourself, research, hold things against the Word, and then figure out your opinions. You can defend your faith.<br />
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People are always so quick to say to me, "Oh, but you have Taylor to help you." Yes, I do have you to help me. It is true that you can cook, bake, clean better than most adults. It is also true that I trust our children with you more than I do others. You're responsible and you love your brothers and sisters. I have tried hard to balance giving you responsibilities and letting you be a child. I can honestly say that I feel you are prepared for life and you've also had fun along the way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor and Rainey at mine and Martie's wedding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBuE75TQf0s1e31ekosoB5uttlPskoAQuUz7mpNElD7TR8arbfWLDinPz7pZUwTchrkQqyVYCzQ6HuBfwAZocRvHCYgZzDYIwbnt9RZxqR7QRVoU6DJauAfRvLyr-9Xnu2cbqMzRtdQk/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBuE75TQf0s1e31ekosoB5uttlPskoAQuUz7mpNElD7TR8arbfWLDinPz7pZUwTchrkQqyVYCzQ6HuBfwAZocRvHCYgZzDYIwbnt9RZxqR7QRVoU6DJauAfRvLyr-9Xnu2cbqMzRtdQk/s320/IMG_2679.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor and Grandaddy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHKUKG1Lu8VxGXgQ1OgbSvGp4N_z6-Y0y7ukSepK3R3Vc0KOAcpHIc6rnVBYhsyS4tRLcz-uC-DUC_AR20TeGPJ0VRrHmfTfLwJMLV7OM7pZK9aQ26ZY5C63spOODMoWLPIEUQJrYkmk/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHKUKG1Lu8VxGXgQ1OgbSvGp4N_z6-Y0y7ukSepK3R3Vc0KOAcpHIc6rnVBYhsyS4tRLcz-uC-DUC_AR20TeGPJ0VRrHmfTfLwJMLV7OM7pZK9aQ26ZY5C63spOODMoWLPIEUQJrYkmk/s320/015.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBog0k2L4NHLUmEgyALSKzXGHUiA__3A6B5SIorwzNcyhwkOLPKN8qab_rhvKBeOXyJ-JnWqiUh7KDXBeYRPcQnnMGAMVWGwumpNBf5NNQJm6NIbgpK0AuzPF-EU5zcP8NWZSbe8EQT-o/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBog0k2L4NHLUmEgyALSKzXGHUiA__3A6B5SIorwzNcyhwkOLPKN8qab_rhvKBeOXyJ-JnWqiUh7KDXBeYRPcQnnMGAMVWGwumpNBf5NNQJm6NIbgpK0AuzPF-EU5zcP8NWZSbe8EQT-o/s320/IMG_0848.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got her permit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So, 16! Yes, it's true I'm scared to death. You are my baby, my first born, my little girl. It is also true that I trust you and I have faith in our Sovereign Lord. This is just another chapter in your life. (A very exciting one) Another sign to me that you are growing up. Another opportunity for me to offer you back to God. He is your Father. He loves you far more than Daddy or I could ever love you. So I hope you have the happiest of birthdays yet! </div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lord, </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please keep Taylor safe. Protect her mind, guard her steps. Guide her on the straight path. Help her to love and trust you more and more. Use her and her testimony to save others. Continue to give her discernment and conviction. Help her make much of You! Help her understand what it means to die to self and live for You. God, please help Martie and I. Help us know when and what to say, how to say it. It's true, we don't know what we're doing. But we trust You. You know what You're doing. We will follow. Help us follow. Thank you for giving me that precious baby 16 years ago. Again, You knew EXACTLY what You were doing. She is a blessing. I offer that blessing back to You. She is Yours. Take her, mold her, do with her what you will. I will trust You. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In tears~Amen</span></i></b></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-67504640713974330192013-10-08T14:31:00.000-04:002013-12-22T04:26:19.013-05:00I'll fly away...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a couple days before grandaddy died he looked up and started singing the old hymn, "I'll fly away." My Aunt and I immediately joined in. It's a moment I'll never forget. My grandad the fighter. He lived through The Great Depression, he served in the military, he was a retired fireman, the father to 2 daughters and 2 sons, an awesome grandfather and great grandfather. </div>
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Selfishly I want him here. I want to watch he and my boys share western movies and talk about them. I want to cook him pot roast. I want to take him to Mayflower, Golden Corral, or anywhere. I want to watch him Christmas morning as he calls all the great grandchildren and pretends to be Santa Claus. (Which he got more pleasure out of than anyone) I want to take him to the fire station again and listen to him tell us about the fire trucks he rode on, the fires he fought. I want to take him to eat lunch there next weekend when they have their annual fundraising event. I want him to give me safety lessons about the kids on the stairs. I want to hear stories of his life as a kid, how his father worked on the railroad, how his father saved lumber during The Depression...</div>
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I know he's better. As I stared at his chest to see if there was anything left, my own breath was taken. In that moment my world was shaken. I lost it. It took a few minutes but I regained my thoughts. I went back into the room and it hit me. He is seeing Jesus right now! He was meeting his Creator right then, in that second! We were/are crying, he is rejoicing! Grandaddy is not struggling anymore.</div>
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Amazing grace... Grandaddy grew up going to church, but never fully embraced "Religion" or a relationship as an adult. He always had questions. He often visited the church service that was held at his old apartment building. He loved the way Martie preached. I remember one night when we took him out to eat at Kent's Seafood, he asked Martie if he would preach his funeral. It was sweet. Just in his last year of life He prayed and completely surrendered his life to Christ. While in the hospital he asked me to help him with prayer. He wanted to know how to pray. One early morning after having a decent nights rest he woke up praising God and saying how thankful he was that he was a Christian. </div>
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Yes, I am so sad. My heart is literally broken. You can never fully be prepared for the passing of a loved one. But I am so thankful there is HOPE! I am grateful granddaddy found that hope. I am thankful for God's grace that is lavished on us. I am so thankful that He (God) is patient with us and loves us in spite of our rebellion to Him. Most of all I am thankful that Jesus did come to a selfish people and chose to lay down his life for us so that by believing in Him we can be reconciled to God. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">Some glad morning when this life is o'er, </span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">To a home on God's celestial shore, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away (I'll fly away). </span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away, Oh Glory</span><span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away; (in the morning) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away (I'll fly away). </span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">When the shadows of this life have gone,</span><span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">Like a bird from prison bars has flown, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away (I'll fly away) </span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">Just a few more weary days and then,</span><span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">To a land where joy shall never end, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f7fb; font-family: verdana, arial, verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: start;">I'll fly away (I'll fly away) </span><br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-63671254498085295562013-09-22T22:23:00.001-04:002013-12-22T04:26:52.632-05:00Picture overload...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">I dream of updating the blog more frequently, but I just don't think that's a reality. Thank you to those of you who have asked about, prayed for, and loved on our family. We are still transitioning and I expect we will be for at least the next 6 months to a year. ;) The girls are doing great. For those who understand adoption, the honeymoon is over. This is a bittersweet time. I am thankful we are all feeling comfortable with each other. I am discovering who these girls really are, as they are making the same discoveries about me. (The good, the bad, the beautiful, the silly...) It is a time of testing but also a beautiful time of trusting.<br />
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We are clinging to the Lord and asking Him to be the "builder" of this family.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPN-edBnOh5JN0_sFN015h2lku88Z3R4EWpIKA3-ImrZv0RfSjnTqDnxgBOkc-jIDUTYSj0PW5LtrGoV56UVFctv4dP78MTb3peO-h3NQ6ryWYwGOG84VHX91SiLW-vBATB7yl-BbDW4/s1600/IMG_6620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPN-edBnOh5JN0_sFN015h2lku88Z3R4EWpIKA3-ImrZv0RfSjnTqDnxgBOkc-jIDUTYSj0PW5LtrGoV56UVFctv4dP78MTb3peO-h3NQ6ryWYwGOG84VHX91SiLW-vBATB7yl-BbDW4/s320/IMG_6620.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaliyah's new style. I'm getting better. </td></tr>
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Our church small group served Parkwood Fire Dept. on Sept. 11. It was a neat opportunity to teach the kids about serving others. They really enjoyed making cards and drawing pictures for them.</div>
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On Sept. 14th we went to my hubby's hometown, Angier. We enjoyed their annual Crepe Myrtle festival. The kids loved the bounce toys, the rock wall, water balloon fights... We also enjoyed spending that time with Martie's family. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water balloon fight!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm thinking this is a new and fun way to get "revenge" on the siblings. ;)</td></tr>
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I keep waiting for life to slow down. I just don't think it is for a long while. All the kids are in some kind of extra curricular activity right now. We also have weekly appts. for the girls, we are hosting our small group bible study, CC on Monday, Taylor goes to Garner on Tuesdays for her CC group...</div>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-51902787124458049822013-09-14T22:39:00.001-04:002013-09-14T23:12:08.751-04:00Tabitha's turn...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tabitha started ballet last Wednesday. <strike>I'm</strike> She's so excited! Taylor tried ballet when she was about three and hated it. She said she didn't like to "Plie." I have hope once again that one of my daughters will love dance as much as I did/do. Martie is not too sure about the leotard get up. I think she is the cutest ballerina ever!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I must say 1st position is looking pretty good on my girl. ;)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKif6OQfksAbgWOsJr0tQ9l4V_JBDtSsrIgJOXoCMmb1hCF0kIYQW4LLbyZu9jNRuRUUU_T8grzG7OpqGJHUV82yZm4vAK6GnHMynAhJpkFOYnHUoeja-ef_Mwd_ncj5kcEX9HANhEBs/s1600/IMG_6362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGKif6OQfksAbgWOsJr0tQ9l4V_JBDtSsrIgJOXoCMmb1hCF0kIYQW4LLbyZu9jNRuRUUU_T8grzG7OpqGJHUV82yZm4vAK6GnHMynAhJpkFOYnHUoeja-ef_Mwd_ncj5kcEX9HANhEBs/s320/IMG_6362.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUlU4O7te6gc8R16zyytGLSmBMyjXXGVa6TOemCcovIRFu17HxbohiyT7N8q8j792Zj21e7J-ai0wUl5mBDNf2kJHTk0A0zKJEWxu_rxBcV_bEk-tY8GP0wHBeD8SL8kERck9MhzqQIY/s1600/IMG_6376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUlU4O7te6gc8R16zyytGLSmBMyjXXGVa6TOemCcovIRFu17HxbohiyT7N8q8j792Zj21e7J-ai0wUl5mBDNf2kJHTk0A0zKJEWxu_rxBcV_bEk-tY8GP0wHBeD8SL8kERck9MhzqQIY/s320/IMG_6376.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj1ejSJNcT1mn8K0idNVMqoYldTWXmZ2cm7lGmFdj_3EqVddoEZAU4Y5SVbI5RYZMmPsGs-unoHd4xRG02MoXXAq-yFm3TuSr_89LSAYK3DlC2FqAn5tSZCqaczGEzAf2pcw3s5a6ODM/s1600/IMG_6399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPj1ejSJNcT1mn8K0idNVMqoYldTWXmZ2cm7lGmFdj_3EqVddoEZAU4Y5SVbI5RYZMmPsGs-unoHd4xRG02MoXXAq-yFm3TuSr_89LSAYK3DlC2FqAn5tSZCqaczGEzAf2pcw3s5a6ODM/s320/IMG_6399.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting to be a butterfly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpo_65y3hM4VnK76vEGOPRyRke_8n1tWnrTHOwdcYkzVW9fn6FKBFHKn0-FkE44BNSDVc2w7vGUtBvY-KZ-Xor4A3ms9wjVJi8drGCl9QwxRkztEFNNOKalCApm98oD7n8bZlWkN1-64/s1600/IMG_6400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpo_65y3hM4VnK76vEGOPRyRke_8n1tWnrTHOwdcYkzVW9fn6FKBFHKn0-FkE44BNSDVc2w7vGUtBvY-KZ-Xor4A3ms9wjVJi8drGCl9QwxRkztEFNNOKalCApm98oD7n8bZlWkN1-64/s320/IMG_6400.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking dance with friends makes it even better.</td></tr>
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<br /><br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-28038070200650886942013-09-07T00:45:00.004-04:002013-09-14T23:16:26.403-04:00What we've been up to...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The girls have been here a month now. A lot has happened in this month. We started back school, got into a new routine, church small groups started back, church outreach, CC started back, Naomi started gymnastics, visit with our social worker, signed kiddo's up for swimming and ballet, and we filled out the paperwork for the lawyer....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqtCmuIP3n1JDFtDP10E-TTsSLxEbdQDm3TID1asoX-QyvMWF8USGT-X8A283Y5_aHnexbj6Ig6lRsABF7vcTHBDUVPFgx8EtjeMLUtSJ0sZEpT1TUY6Gzb0Q6uvcwu86kyj7Pj-3lKuf/s1600/IMG_6283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqtCmuIP3n1JDFtDP10E-TTsSLxEbdQDm3TID1asoX-QyvMWF8USGT-X8A283Y5_aHnexbj6Ig6lRsABF7vcTHBDUVPFgx8EtjeMLUtSJ0sZEpT1TUY6Gzb0Q6uvcwu86kyj7Pj-3lKuf/s320/IMG_6283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kiddo's had a lemonade stand. They were very excited about their first dollar. Here they're singing, "I got a dollar, I got a dollar, I got a dollar so hey hey hey." (Little Rascals)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l89YSCtDHjXJdzqX0N4RvOtXgCjICflVWy8s_qTugAjxwwtjN-WmCGIUZrXfFyTh0sZ-RjXv2Y0qq87XhqDRpnkjivwnCAqtD9Xo-nGu7Hp3EgAKzAKTnv1oJ743Qwqme-02Ryq1GROd/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l89YSCtDHjXJdzqX0N4RvOtXgCjICflVWy8s_qTugAjxwwtjN-WmCGIUZrXfFyTh0sZ-RjXv2Y0qq87XhqDRpnkjivwnCAqtD9Xo-nGu7Hp3EgAKzAKTnv1oJ743Qwqme-02Ryq1GROd/s320/IMG_6290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dress up is an everyday occasion.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xhzsJ5tO1_3H5IFLOvN4xeeyaT3Slq1XsHG6qUIzC5tluzs8v3wRQakCvgBfvGVqVF9UUtgu8byGbHJmsBYum0l277CShRa-Lb1GMZowu_MPVsiJ8RVC7dGQDfqzuvwx-8jUwasn2ziE/s1600/IMG_6308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xhzsJ5tO1_3H5IFLOvN4xeeyaT3Slq1XsHG6qUIzC5tluzs8v3wRQakCvgBfvGVqVF9UUtgu8byGbHJmsBYum0l277CShRa-Lb1GMZowu_MPVsiJ8RVC7dGQDfqzuvwx-8jUwasn2ziE/s320/IMG_6308.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">School work!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaw0YbcvOvrDfurIvIOXw-YhyfRosKQpaOavkcemwaA-B9XUVQBpp4nUjUifDwcV97iMyCs7lYRaLaYTK5Q_QVS8_awkvuIS61Kk_CwcXVtXq9V2GnOB3KUe4G49QbG8ke6-IHmzhm23VG/s1600/IMG_6311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaw0YbcvOvrDfurIvIOXw-YhyfRosKQpaOavkcemwaA-B9XUVQBpp4nUjUifDwcV97iMyCs7lYRaLaYTK5Q_QVS8_awkvuIS61Kk_CwcXVtXq9V2GnOB3KUe4G49QbG8ke6-IHmzhm23VG/s320/IMG_6311.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkTTuF6vPgdgrv5AcfkKW_ssXZOYYhXQbf1MQaeYCsb-xsK9epSDvuxo7GQtxnVUWjfhtX3f8eIAC1hfXCtEoBXU5mHQPk6Ap_1WeaPruMlVv2WevSLtDYBr3zESadPUrUalmnq2LdTLu/s1600/IMG_6313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkTTuF6vPgdgrv5AcfkKW_ssXZOYYhXQbf1MQaeYCsb-xsK9epSDvuxo7GQtxnVUWjfhtX3f8eIAC1hfXCtEoBXU5mHQPk6Ap_1WeaPruMlVv2WevSLtDYBr3zESadPUrUalmnq2LdTLu/s320/IMG_6313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aaliyah is still doing great. I discovered the holes in both the girls education very quickly. I'm disappointed they weren't taught any English grammar. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkua8Iuj25oH2TNfJbrxj_BnbSNqZlH1vdxyIHIaYIPtMgrpTIpmseCk8JayxwlcuKrkljCiz1gp4Ai06p9blf4Dc-4GK2ba8DRnp7slvVg7wMunTnTJQE0J_Lui_PzRMJ1FEIgrZJC0A3/s1600/IMG_6314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkua8Iuj25oH2TNfJbrxj_BnbSNqZlH1vdxyIHIaYIPtMgrpTIpmseCk8JayxwlcuKrkljCiz1gp4Ai06p9blf4Dc-4GK2ba8DRnp7slvVg7wMunTnTJQE0J_Lui_PzRMJ1FEIgrZJC0A3/s320/IMG_6314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just so you know we're "real." This is me catching up on laundry. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoyfQFd88e7Xk6Ot4uFIa95NakORycBRZRTtTpsiAo3_2X87SvWVnu59BjJydgDcxpDcQdkVkdf-_qDd3N51ws91hEyJ0Qo4rjmdG2W-qMPFY1Olqbog1vIkb2_8SjfcF08wgnT1ExKmf/s1600/IMG_6320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPoyfQFd88e7Xk6Ot4uFIa95NakORycBRZRTtTpsiAo3_2X87SvWVnu59BjJydgDcxpDcQdkVkdf-_qDd3N51ws91hEyJ0Qo4rjmdG2W-qMPFY1Olqbog1vIkb2_8SjfcF08wgnT1ExKmf/s320/IMG_6320.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They love playing with all the different size legos.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ_FIKF9yrng6cTwDvgcpVV5Ws8_1qeJMYT9SjQTtdiu14-6XEybfE_RjNV2HoSrwVdhmb3y8hyphenhyphenYdoIpj8GJRYp58vW20GHI_6ie-3MxHqEsAjbwFrXGw5omzFccrO12Qdn7XdQ_yGjIz/s1600/IMG_6325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ_FIKF9yrng6cTwDvgcpVV5Ws8_1qeJMYT9SjQTtdiu14-6XEybfE_RjNV2HoSrwVdhmb3y8hyphenhyphenYdoIpj8GJRYp58vW20GHI_6ie-3MxHqEsAjbwFrXGw5omzFccrO12Qdn7XdQ_yGjIz/s320/IMG_6325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwhkhr5XoMJ72-FF8Bac1-rph-4eyO4fCeKtcSEsGT12QNuDJuhkbq7i-62tpM256ayYdFQQ-Mw5ZDt7wXdxvUWJP6dHpRkErLgZ6KE1gbwqeBt_uDFVfuGiK6qOCqtwf3wX7mkniy8xW/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwhkhr5XoMJ72-FF8Bac1-rph-4eyO4fCeKtcSEsGT12QNuDJuhkbq7i-62tpM256ayYdFQQ-Mw5ZDt7wXdxvUWJP6dHpRkErLgZ6KE1gbwqeBt_uDFVfuGiK6qOCqtwf3wX7mkniy8xW/s320/IMG_6328.JPG" width="213" /></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4SVtO0ptaG6TpWaVpUgyK-YpK7_pjjbVGZ6hqvX5JK08Q8FbQz4udHMHREeZ_G3YYO5fTDRg0LAU7i70ctz5GkRcCFh8AqAD5zED3atwr93Dfw7zsCACDGx6VfxAOWdj-F7sUC6BM1FV/s1600/IMG_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4SVtO0ptaG6TpWaVpUgyK-YpK7_pjjbVGZ6hqvX5JK08Q8FbQz4udHMHREeZ_G3YYO5fTDRg0LAU7i70ctz5GkRcCFh8AqAD5zED3atwr93Dfw7zsCACDGx6VfxAOWdj-F7sUC6BM1FV/s320/IMG_6337.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />Martie and Taylor working on Algebra.<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made another attempt with Aaliyah's hair. This time it was a total success. I am in my groove again. Below is her "before" picture. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAkEEDPjHQ1IVV8BdnMWS_P9iBUe_3QOPJ90Fw20UfGVf0l1bhpxTlpNr1v4Lx0s8j3QFpttt_5tt3ij1hyvpgSbGYQ7XyD70aT8Gl_G1F_ytX3sJVY7pUhaORoeu_-6f_SryhJbUBhfI/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAkEEDPjHQ1IVV8BdnMWS_P9iBUe_3QOPJ90Fw20UfGVf0l1bhpxTlpNr1v4Lx0s8j3QFpttt_5tt3ij1hyvpgSbGYQ7XyD70aT8Gl_G1F_ytX3sJVY7pUhaORoeu_-6f_SryhJbUBhfI/s320/IMG_6323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before we did her hair.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfGvOBjEZsGI7Z-tOV8j6lraAZc6rx5qdmhq-Jlb1nNDvgKJyhSKsZjpax4NMJT6h3A1-xc0pBYIzbwMeBlxDLv13LeeU-4uS3F0PrtvzI3jwr-uhzOwFgL1jnzX9-yAH9tOqcLX1SuJM/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfGvOBjEZsGI7Z-tOV8j6lraAZc6rx5qdmhq-Jlb1nNDvgKJyhSKsZjpax4NMJT6h3A1-xc0pBYIzbwMeBlxDLv13LeeU-4uS3F0PrtvzI3jwr-uhzOwFgL1jnzX9-yAH9tOqcLX1SuJM/s320/IMG_6334.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7RErA9ew2USiIUJ5grEoqVQ8vqmJhKQ3NrV9iGprfqjxEp4yC5AsBwAZX5lOUrRMY0laP6q8gMlZrDWl0n5XNltm4T9kOX4dNueQ__QHNPCUL132wKKD5bJWWd6kvEvhNchCKOc9Umef/s1600/IMG_6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7RErA9ew2USiIUJ5grEoqVQ8vqmJhKQ3NrV9iGprfqjxEp4yC5AsBwAZX5lOUrRMY0laP6q8gMlZrDWl0n5XNltm4T9kOX4dNueQ__QHNPCUL132wKKD5bJWWd6kvEvhNchCKOc9Umef/s320/IMG_6330.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is after! I found some products I really like. </div>
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Life has been crazy. We are still adjusting. Overall, we are thankful and blessed. Exhausted, but filled with joy. I am learning more and more that it is ok if we don't complete our schedule and if we don't check every box. I am grateful to be given this opportunity to teach and train these children at home. My eyes are looking to Jesus, the author and perfector of my faith. I am hopeful that He will redeem my shortcomings. I'm trusting that He is going to use Martie and I to bring our children into a full understanding of Himself. </div>
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In the end, to God be the glory!</div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-5338084269851018222013-08-30T01:58:00.002-04:002013-09-14T23:12:27.473-04:00Gymnastics!As soon as the girls moved in Naomi asked, "Now that you're adopting us, can you enroll me in gymnastics?" This girl is crazy about handstands, back bends, flips... She has even watched gymnasts on You Tube. I found a great gym that offered a home school hour only about 20 minutes from our house.<br />
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Today was her first day. I loaded up the car and we headed off. Me, Naomi, and her fan club. All the other children can't wait for their turn in the spotlight. The boys will start wrestling in November. Aaliyah and Taylor will be swimming and Tabitha will start ballet in September.<br />
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We are going to have a busy school year! But these smiles make it all worth it!<br />
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-84323509853401902492013-08-27T23:44:00.002-04:002013-09-14T23:12:18.573-04:00more than just hairI had my first, "Am I good enough?" moment today.<br />
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Okay, maybe this wasn't my first but it was hard. It had to do with hair. </div>
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Hair is my area of "expertise." In our adoption meeting, I was excited that I could answer DSS confidently, "Of course I can do their hair." I went to Carolina Beauty College and practiced on 95% black hair. I had one instructor that requested I give her twists and curl the back. I am comfortable with all types of hair. </div>
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Last night we took out Aaliyah's kinky twists. I had help and it still took about 4 hours. Today Naomi, Aaliyah, and I went to the hair salon where I used to work to finish it up. I shampooed it 3 times, gave her a deep conditioning treatment, sat her under the dryer, used a leave in conditioner then attempted to comb it out. About 2-3 hours later I had a huge mess staring at me. I was just before breaking down in tears.</div>
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Thankfully, a lady that works there stepped in to help. She finished her up and got it all straightened and pulled in a ponytail. All the way home and for most of the day I felt inadequate and frustrated. </div>
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Then I realized, the issue was about more than just hair. Hair just happened to be the situation at the moment. The problem was/is (once again) my heart. I have more "Fear of man" than "Fear of God." I feel like I have something to prove to the outside world that I know is watching. </div>
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The truth is I'm not good enough. If you keep watching, you'll see me mess up. I don't necessarily know what I'm doing. But... I AM being obedient. I have, serve, and love a God that IS good enough. I am trusting that He is doing something amazing through me. </div>
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After a total of 9 hours working on Aaliyah's hair, I still paid to have it finished. That's okay. I don't have to know how to do their hair. Not every white, black, Asian person that adopts knows how to take care of their new child's hair. That is not what is going to make me a good momma or not. There are far deeper things that matter. </div>
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I will figure this hair thing out. Only because I love my daughters and I'm determined. ;) If not, I'll pay to get it done. But more importantly I'm going to pray for my daughters, I'm going to pray with them, I'm going to walk beside them, I'm going to teach them, I'm going to correct them, and I'm going to love them!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Proverbs 29:25 "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe."</span> </i></b></span></div>
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Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-62967477459840641322013-08-25T01:07:00.001-04:002013-12-22T04:33:26.741-05:001st week of school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made it! Whew! By mid week Aaliyah and Naomi weren't as excited about homeschooling as they were before. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Neither was I) </span>So Thursday and Friday I slacked off a bit. I slept in a little later, started school later, didn't finish all the subjects....(Gasp!) It was great! </div>
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This is our 9th year teaching our children at home and I still struggle with trying to mimic the traditional school setting. After teaching Aaliyah and Naomi this week I was quickly reminded, we are different. We do school differently. It's okay. </div>
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I still <b><i>LOVE </i></b>a schedule. I have to have a schedule. It gives me peace. Although I was more relaxed Thursday and Friday, I felt more organized and together Monday-Wednesday. So, next week we'll once again wake up at our "scheduled" time, do our chores, and start school work. If by Thursday, I need to <strike style="font-size: x-small;">(sleep in)</strike> loosen up, it's okay.</div>
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I do not want my children to hate school. One of our goals in home educating is to foster an environment where learning is fun! That doesn't mean there won't be tears. Because as we experienced this week, learning can also be hard. There are those moments where we must push through and then there are moments where we must take a break. </div>
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Here are a few pictures that I was able to capture one day in a very short period of time. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mf7sYKl-Gcu-Tqc0E7kWWrNEOTojWzCL_EbPDoDcC4SqFH_7E_ykrFNjD-JB-E69El1h2ArNCzlKt5hArXdOdbnxoDqbBToZp1GlCjj9Ky0KhP0xP-3IhDHfDGR8qxTrbBZKpZAxdO5c/s1600/IMG_6221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Mf7sYKl-Gcu-Tqc0E7kWWrNEOTojWzCL_EbPDoDcC4SqFH_7E_ykrFNjD-JB-E69El1h2ArNCzlKt5hArXdOdbnxoDqbBToZp1GlCjj9Ky0KhP0xP-3IhDHfDGR8qxTrbBZKpZAxdO5c/s320/IMG_6221.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaliyah working hard on her math drill sheet. By the end of the week she was able to finish this sheet in a faster time than the rest of the week and with no mistakes! She also made a 100 on her spelling test, wrote a paper about the Middle Ages, and memorized loads of new grammar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51KMhnffM98cXh5J-RQDXyTq6KBhX4_MkIrT2-DlfdOaw5vG3iJGZPx-3GeVAad6sy8TDQaocJyQKm8AXrgLZXFzoDC-zsfh3zgyE2B5ubOfW0o04mpD6g2-Q66VPAwo0ToHHdXd5VA21/s1600/IMG_6222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51KMhnffM98cXh5J-RQDXyTq6KBhX4_MkIrT2-DlfdOaw5vG3iJGZPx-3GeVAad6sy8TDQaocJyQKm8AXrgLZXFzoDC-zsfh3zgyE2B5ubOfW0o04mpD6g2-Q66VPAwo0ToHHdXd5VA21/s320/IMG_6222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan loves the flash master. All the children work on math at the same time. I set him up with this for a bit while I get the others going. This is definitely one way to make math facts fun. Ethan made a 90 on his spelling test, finished his first cursive handwriting book, and memorized loads of new grammar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD0k3_-rRyl4AsxKsAcxLfIDjlUlnTdA_1C026JchULIxs1Gsq0NIogtDY8ZlkPRR4k0OPFUkOFIlIJHQWyY5Eedsg4kwM-NlRmX7vk2EEre36ylpYtRrWBASLGRKmtzuoWHRgHcuWLe7/s1600/IMG_6225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdD0k3_-rRyl4AsxKsAcxLfIDjlUlnTdA_1C026JchULIxs1Gsq0NIogtDY8ZlkPRR4k0OPFUkOFIlIJHQWyY5Eedsg4kwM-NlRmX7vk2EEre36ylpYtRrWBASLGRKmtzuoWHRgHcuWLe7/s320/IMG_6225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi made huge progress this week! My goal is to build her confidence up so that she is motivated. Tonight I heard her tell someone excitedly, "I can read!" She also worked through some math worksheets, memorized many different sounds of letters, learned about the different biomes.... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb04VqotcVm_hI__DcFDWI1g7yZ4Xl3IX6KkxKG2bCpqBi3pRBLub_Vnl7D5v-Q_W51h3VtsuwiXXIUbvBfZD8YdOgf-rToeoq1MCCNV1TnyP-jQ3pI3WwYqKO8aRaMcdVQyoN0SIf-I7/s1600/IMG_6226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb04VqotcVm_hI__DcFDWI1g7yZ4Xl3IX6KkxKG2bCpqBi3pRBLub_Vnl7D5v-Q_W51h3VtsuwiXXIUbvBfZD8YdOgf-rToeoq1MCCNV1TnyP-jQ3pI3WwYqKO8aRaMcdVQyoN0SIf-I7/s320/IMG_6226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh my sweet perfectionist, Tabitha. She started "doing school" before she could talk. This is one ambitious little girl. Most of her life I've begged her to go play. There will be plenty of years to do school, I'd tell her. This just happened to be one of those days. She's crying in this picture because her number eight wasn't perfect. Although, it was perfect, especially for a 5 year old. She wrote it, erased, rewrote, erased and rewrote... 10 minutes later, she was all smiles. You can see those pictures further down. Tabitha also learned several sounds for letters, made words with letters, did several pages in her Explode the Code book (which she is in book 2.) I started those books with her a couple of years ago when she was begging for work. She flew through books A, B, 1, 1 1/2, and now 2!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uKPa0hPdP1SKW_epqRuSr_8GHvLbeZ-eVv9OdKqI-doN0_jDDymbqNpPPJp0S0KjRGnPBYeguyFZb0L_QP6upPiXLbzEi_xeOQ5-ZVbynAUwWPEGfumAyLzO0vkOFZbGggrNZwviBYdS/s1600/IMG_6227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uKPa0hPdP1SKW_epqRuSr_8GHvLbeZ-eVv9OdKqI-doN0_jDDymbqNpPPJp0S0KjRGnPBYeguyFZb0L_QP6upPiXLbzEi_xeOQ5-ZVbynAUwWPEGfumAyLzO0vkOFZbGggrNZwviBYdS/s320/IMG_6227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carissa is much like Tabitha. She really wants to do school. She sees the others worksheets and wants "Papers like theirs." I have worked hard to keep up with her. She's had several books read to her, talked about colors, counted, sorted counting bears...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF6CazP32ykD8rLX4vUA_wmxcUmOdhhWBIQtb41JFZk_bj86k_xgKMOyhJ6OE9taua0jK1vUVUAl3RX8N08NaaTDkQ0k7u6opYqnmZCr9NBGUzyVrvhd_oCpTqsU6PEnmw6DYK4l0eckp/s1600/IMG_6228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF6CazP32ykD8rLX4vUA_wmxcUmOdhhWBIQtb41JFZk_bj86k_xgKMOyhJ6OE9taua0jK1vUVUAl3RX8N08NaaTDkQ0k7u6opYqnmZCr9NBGUzyVrvhd_oCpTqsU6PEnmw6DYK4l0eckp/s320/IMG_6228.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A smiley, happy Naomi!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeHriNK_vZECzvEMNnuvvX_lZINPfhENSg9zcVI-LsK0MQ5268h1AX80gm2dAjgtbUGBL5B6dh8elRiS3a_pRR-Y-B1bT_CWe4Cmxg_7hmKR1F_w_U7XwcekkhHjBWudXybCAi7c3ewaT/s1600/IMG_6229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeHriNK_vZECzvEMNnuvvX_lZINPfhENSg9zcVI-LsK0MQ5268h1AX80gm2dAjgtbUGBL5B6dh8elRiS3a_pRR-Y-B1bT_CWe4Cmxg_7hmKR1F_w_U7XwcekkhHjBWudXybCAi7c3ewaT/s320/IMG_6229.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.....and there's Andrew. Oh wait! Where is Andrew???</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-xjgxX0dvtiSXFjMqy2zy_wSWjjvmaoABmRemGOBagWiyXeWl8ya89Qxld7RolP1PxxwwIOVOoyGVFz-IkIcEzasffu2gMJGsIcbXnMQ04AVkMHU6-vwWSf2Y4hVfrFQMBjXd7BGaR0X/s1600/IMG_6230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-xjgxX0dvtiSXFjMqy2zy_wSWjjvmaoABmRemGOBagWiyXeWl8ya89Qxld7RolP1PxxwwIOVOoyGVFz-IkIcEzasffu2gMJGsIcbXnMQ04AVkMHU6-vwWSf2Y4hVfrFQMBjXd7BGaR0X/s320/IMG_6230.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There he is! I need to frame this picture because he didn't stay in this seat for long. Andrew had a great day, Tuesday. He struggled the rest of the days. Andrew does school the best in forts, under pillows, outside, or on my lap. We only did one of those ways this week. He and I placed pillows all around us and on top of us while we read Language Lessons. It was great. However, we have to figure out a way to motivate this boy when he's out of the fort or the pillows. Oh, Andrew....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the pictures I was telling you about. Literally 10 minutes after the tears. Note the perfectly written 8.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwtSDrJsCLNAOIn_9XBPz2PtkxrT2MLL7itQR-bi8IWvpeNb_ZuBmRLpXT_w6uUq6HL5T4fXxVN0ni0qgISvo6reYhQyH5vBUIR6HRzqkbBHXgFps3oKhfIHY6WmJlFVfpJFuqJwKTEzJ/s1600/IMG_6232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwtSDrJsCLNAOIn_9XBPz2PtkxrT2MLL7itQR-bi8IWvpeNb_ZuBmRLpXT_w6uUq6HL5T4fXxVN0ni0qgISvo6reYhQyH5vBUIR6HRzqkbBHXgFps3oKhfIHY6WmJlFVfpJFuqJwKTEzJ/s320/IMG_6232.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take a picture of me now, Mom! (runny nose and all)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My class. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan proud of his work.<br />
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The Lord is so good and gracious to me. Yes, this week was hard. He showed me my heart. He showed me my struggles. He showed me how much I need Him.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Philippians 1:6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."<br /><br />Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you (me) in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever."</span></i></b></td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-33573988881596363292013-08-18T23:29:00.001-04:002013-09-14T23:11:46.549-04:00The hard things....There are so many difficult things about adoption. If you see me gazing off into space, walking around like I've been hit by a 2 x 4, talking a lot, changing subjects mid-sentence, or not talking much...show me grace. I need grace.<br />
<br />
There are so many new things in our life. We have to make so many new decisions. Everything we do or decision we make is thought through to the 10th degree. Try not to judge. We're hard enough on ourselves.<br />
<br />
I thought I would give you a glimpse into some of the "Hard stuff." Adopting is kind of like having a new baby. However, when you're adopting older children there's no time to slowly transition. One day they're just there. (and they come with lots of stuff) Older children have already developed patterns just as you have. Children within the foster care system have learned "How to survive." Once placed with a family, they have to learn there's no need for those survival skills. They are loved, accepted, forgiven no matter what.<br />
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One of the most difficult decisions we made was to change our girls names. We always knew we had that option. When you adopt, the children are issued a new birth certificate. Being that they are older, Martie and I didn't originally think we would give them new names. From the beginning D has begged us to change hers. I prayed about it, talked to her in depth, I tried to get to the heart of the issue. S just wanted to do what her big sister was doing. I still don't think she grasps the whole concept but none the less she is thrilled with her new name. D is now Aaliyah and S is now Naomi.<br />
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It is strange and we talk about it being hard. I think it's helpful to be honest. Looking at the bigger picture we really believe this is just another way God uses adoption to point to the gospel. Looking through scripture you often see God changing names. When we are "Adopted" into the family of Christ we are "A new creature; the old things passed away." (2 Cor. 5:17)<br />
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The Mangum family is different now. We are no longer a family of 8, we're a family of 10. We didn't just have another baby, we had TWO! They are 10 years old and 7 years old. We are adjusting. There have been some absolutely beautiful God glorifying times in this last week. There have also been times where I needed a few minutes by myself.<br />
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But see this isn't about the Mangums. This isn't about Heather or Martie or even Aaliyah or Naomi. It is about God. He laid adoption on our hearts. We know it is close to His heart so it has to be close to ours. Galatians 4:3-7 says this,<br />
<b><i>"So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father! Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God."</i></b><br />
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Christ was willing to come and pour out Himself for us, even to death. We didn't ask for Him to do that, we weren't even searching for a "Savior." He just loved us so much that He wanted to rescue us from this world and ourselves. He adopted us as sons/daughters.<br />
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I pray that He equips Martie and I to continually pour out ourselves for the sake of all our children and their salvation. No, we can't save them but we can point them to the Savior. The One who is perfect, holy, righteous, patient, gracious, merciful, mighty, loving, kind, forgiving...<br />
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<b><i>"For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love." Galatians 5:5-6</i></b>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135625302779717012.post-82829278359612348572013-08-18T00:37:00.001-04:002013-09-14T23:18:29.251-04:00Immersed in Truth Academy 2013-2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seth (1 1/2) Tot school</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carissa (3) Tot school</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tabitha (5) Kindergarten</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Andrew (7) 2nd grade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi (7) 2nd grade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan (8) 3rd grade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaliyah (10) 5th grade</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor (15) 10th grade</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhcJpv8QFANaGRWCy7eeZEjihfhFjRCHM6X3CQDUJWKGBB8L0H-kwk-BNQzmNfjUkxSSDp0TOiJ8lWOZeTis3RPCcWzj7pL-jeFxqbsxI8oepFUzN0jwRyim1G9DHKrFmmpz2RCW76Vrt/s1600/IMG_6073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhcJpv8QFANaGRWCy7eeZEjihfhFjRCHM6X3CQDUJWKGBB8L0H-kwk-BNQzmNfjUkxSSDp0TOiJ8lWOZeTis3RPCcWzj7pL-jeFxqbsxI8oepFUzN0jwRyim1G9DHKrFmmpz2RCW76Vrt/s320/IMG_6073.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdtaQoIkFohjJGacf0CLv2ZobkS9sf74w8Y__3tA53lX_wx9aJF2bixEPfBx32J45QIubfvS_EVTdJb8T36WCo3efVEkHnkxrKA8sYLxYHBLn6riVUFzDvUp2L4NW9e76A3KlqaSbdpru/s1600/kids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdtaQoIkFohjJGacf0CLv2ZobkS9sf74w8Y__3tA53lX_wx9aJF2bixEPfBx32J45QIubfvS_EVTdJb8T36WCo3efVEkHnkxrKA8sYLxYHBLn6riVUFzDvUp2L4NW9e76A3KlqaSbdpru/s400/kids.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My kids... My class... My blessings!</span></td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895058463547084059noreply@blogger.com0