tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20672688744238730052024-02-02T00:46:41.570-06:00Ginger Sanders, BGEA RRT ChaplainGinger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-62653238832947663312023-09-05T06:17:00.000-05:002023-09-05T06:17:08.579-05:00Feeling like a Hummingbird?<p> Several years ago on the farm, we had a big back porch and I loved to sit in the swing and sip my morning coffee. I enjoyed watching the hummingbirds coming for their morning refreshment and chatter to me as they flew past. They sounded like a dolphin as they chattered their thanks to me for the food. Sometimes they paused right in front of my face! It seemed they each had their own personality. One felt safe and secure as it sat sipping away. The other was nervous and skittish at any movement. </p><p><br /></p><p>I can’t help thinking about those hummingbirds and how we might relate to God in the same ways. The hummingbird who comes to the feeder will sit and drink to his delight without fear of me or his surroundings. Similarly, those who trust in God’s goodness will dwell near Him and enjoy His provision. They have learned to trust in Him and His goodness. On the other hand, the flighty bird is not quite sure he can trust his provider enough to land on the feeder, like the person who enjoys God’s goodness and provision but hasn’t come to trust Him completely.</p><p><br /></p><p>If we are honest, we can admit that sometimes we can be like both hummingbirds. At times we fully trust God with our lives, unafraid of where He is leading us. We experience His peace and enjoy His presence. But at other times, when we experience difficult circumstances, or we doubt God, not sure what He is doing in our lives, we may become anxious. We still partake of His provisions, but we become fearful and our trust wavers.</p><p><br /></p><p>Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious about anything and instructs us how to regain our peace—by prayer and thanksgiving. Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (ESV). Yet, we can ask God to increase our faith, that we would trust Him no matter what our current circumstances are or how we feel. We need to learn to trust and rest in His presence so we can say, like the psalmist: “I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5 ESV)</p><p><br /></p>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-9885652163709509862020-04-04T21:15:00.000-05:002020-04-04T21:15:35.379-05:00Ginger''s Blog 'What in the World Is Going On?'It has been awhile since I have paused to write a blog, but with a lot going on in my head and heart, I thought I would share with you.<br />
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Many states are on lock down due to the CoVID19 virus that has surrounded our world and has changed our lives as we once knew it. I don't think we will ever be the same again. We used to talk about the 'good ole days' and now even that has a different meaning.<br />
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Time together with friends and families will be closely guarded because of the separations we now are experiencing. I can now understand my grandparents saving rubber bands and aluminum foil due to lack of availability during the depression. Habits are forming in our lives, some good, some not so much. (I have always given hugs!)<br />
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What is happening in our world? News and media are constantly telling us about the virus. Did the wars in our world stop? Did the earthquakes and storms stop? Has there been a halt in the political world to the point no one cares anymore? What is happening in the lives of Prince Harry and Megan, have we forgotten the royal family? It is like everything disappeared, except for the virus!<br />
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God was not surprised by any of this virus panic that we have going on around us.<br />
Whether it is something He sent, like the plagues of Egypt, or something He allowed to happen, it has certainly gotten the attention of the people on earth. After seeing the almost panic run on food and paper goods at the store, it made me think of the rapture! If a little thing like this virus can do this, can you imagine what is going to happening when all the Christians are raptured up to heaven and the Holy Spirit is gone from earth? Wow, talk about a run on toilet paper! <br />
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Folks, I don't know about you, but I don't want to be left behind on earth to deal with any of that chaos. I am so very thankful to KNOW in my heart and soul that I have asked forgiveness of my sin and accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord of my life. I don't need to worry about the virus or my death or the rapture. I am secure in the arms of Jesus.<br />
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I don't know where you are right now, if you know for sure where you are heading after death. But if you are sure you have a home in heaven, I will see you there. If you aren't sure, just know that Jesus is waiting on you to turn your life over to Him. He loves you enough to let this virus be just a sampling of what life could be without Him. He also loves you enough to die on the cross and rise again three days later. Wouldn't it be wonderful to celebrate this Easter being a child of God?<br />
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Please contact me by comment or message of your decision so I can pray for you.<br />
God Bless, love you all......and wash your hands!<br />
gs<br />
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<br />Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-10869086822555285752018-02-27T09:10:00.001-06:002018-02-27T09:10:20.126-06:00Remember Erma and Forrest Gump? Life is full of Pits<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes I laugh when things so crazy happen in our life, such as tonight as I presented my husband with a beautiful piece of Key Lime Pie right before I dumped the remaining pie upside down in the floor! He was delighted it was right AFTER he had received his slice of pie.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erma Brombeck was a wonderful author that put life into perspective in her book "Life is a bowl of Cherries and I live in the Pit." Sometime I am in total agreement with her, because it seems no matter how careful we can be, the pie gets dumped or something goes wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Right after I thought of Erma's book, I thought about Forrest Gump (my mind bounces often) and what his mother always said, " Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your going to get."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It made me think about all the choices we have in life, just like in a box of chocolates, we never know what we are going to get, or how it will turn out, until we bite into it. We make a choice and then we must eat it or spit it out. Just like life itself, it could be that gooey cherry filling, which I think is awful and must get it out of my mouth. If we look closely at the candy, we may make a wise choice and get one with a wonderful, crunchy nut filling. Oh my, how sweet it is!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes we make a choice and it is not the best and we must stop, before it is too late and get it out of our life. But here is where I think we mess up, for several reasons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In Romans 7:15-20 Paul said it best:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Rom-7-15" id="en-HCSB-28106" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>For I do not understand what I am doing,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28106A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28106A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> because I do not practice what I want to do,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28106B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28106B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but I do what I hate. </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="text Rom-7-16" id="en-HCSB-28107" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good. </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="text Rom-7-17" id="en-HCSB-28108" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me. </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="text Rom-7-18" id="en-HCSB-28109" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-28109C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-28109C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="text Rom-7-19" id="en-HCSB-28110" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do. </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="text Rom-7-20" id="en-HCSB-28111" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>Now if I do what I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but it is the sin that lives in me.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-7-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sin can be so relevant in our lives, we no longer care, or not disciplined (in Christ) enough, to hold on to what is right. Often times we allow ourselves to be deceived by Satan to make the sin enjoyable enough that we make excuses to ourselves. When I get ahead of God and try to make my own decisions, I usually mess up big time. There are many reasons we cause our own lives to be disruptive, but not focusing, praying and waiting on God is probably at the top of the list. We must always pray and ask forgiveness, even when we know He already has forgiven us. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-7-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God the Father loved us so much, He sent His own Son to die for us and our sins. This is where we decide about sin. Do we realize we have so many choices everyday in life? What if before we opened the box of candy, taking the plastic paper off and opening the lid, that we decided to only eat the good chocolates? Then we could toss the box and the bad candy in the trash and never look back...could you do it? That is the way should be everyday with our choices. We should wake up and decide right then to focus more on Jesus and make good decisions for the day. We should never wait until the choice is before us, Satan is a professional tempter! </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-7-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bottom line here, don't be like Forrest's mother, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get." I am telling you that you can know. You can live the life God has planned for you. Make wise choices in life by starting you day with Him and the Bible. Don't live in a pit, for Satan will be there! </span></span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-86115055884517594542018-01-19T20:01:00.001-06:002018-01-19T20:01:31.222-06:00Has God Messed Up? <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we look into the Bible, we see several instances where things happened and we wonder why God didn't 'fix' it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We look at our own lives sometimes with illnesses, finances, death, divorce and many other troubles we go through, and wonder why God hasn't 'fixed' it. It sometimes makes me wonder, "Has God messed up?" I know He hears and answers prayers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">1 John 5:14 </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="text 1John-5-14" id="en-ESV-30622"><sup>"</sup><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us."</span></span></span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When God put Jacob's hip out of joint and left him with a permanent, painful limp </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Jesus caused a minor panic among the disciples by telling them to feed a hungry crowd . . .</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When three times the Lord refused Paul's request for healing....</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">When reading in the bible, I have often wondered why things happened the way they did, I see no immediate benefit. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">For instance, there are things we have read where we are not sure </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">exactly what happened or specific details of 'the rest of the story' as Paul Harvey would say.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was it to keep Jacob in pain, so that as he walked he would praise God? I don't think that was why he had a limp. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was He trying to pull a trick or embarrass the disciples in front of the crowd? I do not think that was it at all.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did he not hear Paul's request the first time, so he had to ask over and over? No, I am sure He heard Paul, loud and clear. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, we often have things happen in our lives and wonder, "What is going on here? Is God not seeing this? My world has just turned upside down!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, let me assure you there is nothing that surprises God. He knows what is coming into our lives, He is aware of the troubles we are going through and He walks with us through them. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes we come out humbled, like Jacob, and continue in life with scars (or limps) to remind us of those troubled times. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe we see God perform a miracle in the middle of our panic, like He did with the disciples and the fish and bread, and we can praise and give Him glory immediately. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He hears our repeated prayers and requests, but His timing for answers is not always our timing. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some answered prayers may not be completed until after we are gone from this earthly life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In any event in our life, God never messed up. He knows right where you are, hurting in pain, hungry for answers, or pleading with Him over and over.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luke 12:28 "But if God so clothes the grass which is alive in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O men of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be of anxious mind. 30 For all the nations of the world seek these things; and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things shall be yours as well. 32 Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom it is not hid from you."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God 'fixed' us completely when He forgave us and we received Him as our Lord and Savior. We need not worry about anything else, period. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We should focus on Him and serving Him. If we do that, start everyday focusing on Him, He will take care of any needs we have that really matter. We should allow His priorities to become our priorities. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We may mess up our priorities, but thank goodness, our God never messes up!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span></div>
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Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-8077822011686499142017-09-23T12:26:00.000-05:002017-09-23T12:26:34.175-05:00The FOG Could be in our Own Lives!! BEWARE! <span style="clear: right; color: black; float: right; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="800" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bktF2T9RDJnedT8lWeNMKc8d1Vk66mRC4b1aslHymvNlUOfoyT85fI8pm5KgueMknG6XHWe-h3WpxQtPEthoXZ72DO1uFd5O1YHjkmcQt4zGgs0-Pmyba4ct8gSlZIi_13xnS0XH8WOu/s200/fog.jpg" width="200" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sitting out on our back porch, early before daybreak, coffee in hand and a throw around my shoulders to keep the chill off, I watched as the silent fog crept across the waters. It started out on the main river, at the base of the mountain, and it crawled into the lagoon by our home. As I watched, it was so slow </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was almost in a daze, as the docks across the way quietly disappeared. It was almost smoky at first, then cloudy, then a heavy mist and then poof, a total whiteout. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I looked around, the lightness of the fog began to encircle the very place I was sitting. The screens on the porch were turning to water as it ran down the wires. I noticed it was like I was in the middle of a rain forest with no rain as the dampness surrounded me. The stillness of this moment was overwhelming. I sat so still, afraid to move for fear of breaking the fog, I barely breathed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not sure how much time passed as I sat there, watching and waiting. It was then I noticed it, the dock across the lagoon was slowly reappearing. It was just as subtle as it disappeared, slow and quietly. As I realized what was happening, the sun cast a light shadow through the trees as the birds started to chirp in them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day had awakened, a new start, a new beginning for everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This reminded me, as I sat there in the stillness, of sin, of depression, and so many other things going on in lives today. It begins slowly, so quietly, until it completely surrounds our very being and soul. It will completely hide you from the world if we are not careful. It will eat away at you, just as the fog ate away at the docks and houses that disappeared from my sight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only thing we can do when things start creeping into our lives, is give it to God. Be still, listen, let Him be the SON that comes upon your life and push away the fog, sin or depression. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I know this sounds like an easy thing to do, but it is not easy if you are the one that is covered in the mist and need a friend. Jesus Christ is the lighthouse to guide you out of whatever you are dealing with in your life. He is more than just a friend, He died for you and would do it again. He loves you that much. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone out there needs this blog, I am not sure why God is leading me to write this to you. But you know who you are and you must listen to His call. It is time to let Him shine into your life and let your very own heart start singing to Him. He is waiting on you and He has a plan for your life. Don't stop now, you will miss all the blessings He has for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 15:13</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step out of your own fog and find Jesus. If you need help doing this, please contact me at gingersanders0@gmail.com. If you have a praise or make a decision, please comment or let me hear from you so I can pray for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, I am praying for YOU!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gs</span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-45351834679047266732017-06-03T08:21:00.001-05:002017-06-03T08:21:56.070-05:0050 years is a 'Short' time<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have shared about 'time' before in my blogs and most of you would say 50 years is a long time. But in reality, as you will see, it is not. When I accepted my best friend's proposal at the Chicken in the Basket restaurant 52 years ago, 50 years seemed so far out in the future. But now, as I look back on our lives of 50 years of marriage today, it seems it happened too fast! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I remember, Chicken in the Basket was just a drive up where teens frequented in Scottsboro, AL, and as he came back to the car, he opened my door and got down on his knees and said, "Will you marry me?" Puzzled, I thought what does this have to do with chicken! I really did not expect him to ask me, even though we had been talking of the future. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now you must understand that even though we talked of the future, we were young and in love and had no idea of what the future was going to hold for us. Thank goodness God was smiling down on us and had it all under control! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we look back today on our lives, we see that God knew exactly what He was doing and now we must praise Him for all the prayers (many) and blessings (many) He has given us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Just to name a few: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Our children from Korea, Jamie and Kara</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Our children we were told we could never have, Todd and B.J.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Saved lives in car/train wreck</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Saved life in motorcycle wreck</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Protection as we have traveled around the world serving and blessings to see salvations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Denny is now cancer free</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Healthy children and grandchildren that all love the Lord and serve in local churches</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Blessed with fantastic son in law and 3 daughter in laws</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could go on, but you would not believe how many times we have looked back and seen His hand all over our lives. He has been a major part of this marriage and that is why is has been soooo good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am personally thankful for my mother who prayed for a christian mate for me and then encouraged me to 'go out with that Sanders boy' just because he sang in church with his family! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This blog has been one of reflection for me, but I hope you will understand that marriage is a 30-70, never equal, give and take relationship. It must have God working in it to be the balancing presence. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RQRp6UgJ1SrPHTSVXtV2jmiqXIXs3vMM8TeWho8dzGK-PXL5vg5pwFF4nWwAsMYxXAWCZPUhbqovtgg22zQ9GKfHtKR4OKUZRYVkAuGowRcP8K1tfn7gKpgM1tmAMvqhcQbX_imAy1qT/s1600/Marriage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RQRp6UgJ1SrPHTSVXtV2jmiqXIXs3vMM8TeWho8dzGK-PXL5vg5pwFF4nWwAsMYxXAWCZPUhbqovtgg22zQ9GKfHtKR4OKUZRYVkAuGowRcP8K1tfn7gKpgM1tmAMvqhcQbX_imAy1qT/s400/Marriage.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We must learn to forgive and (I know this is hard ladies) forget and move on. Let your marriage be an adventure, don't get bored in it. ( I look for adventure, but always understand he needs his coffee before we can walk out the door!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Find reasons to do things together (I had never played golf until last year!) Find things to laugh about together! Watch a funny movie....anything that will create a smile you can share together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But out of all the things we both would highly, highly, recommend, would be to pray together. When you humble yourselves before God daily, praising and talking to HIM, it ties the knot in the string of love, binding your marriage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember we were sent to talk with a couple who were having marital problems and we asked them when was the last time they had prayed together. Their answer was, "Six years ago, our wedding day." Eh hello, do you understand? Prayer is essential for each of us and even more so for a couple! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">50 years! Wow God! You did it again! We have survived, arrived and You delivered! This has been the most amazing journey anyone could ever have and You were in our midst! You made us best friends in high school and we never stopped loving each other, we learned to forgive and love even more. You had to grow us in You, to be able to grow us together. I praise You for my life and the one You chose for me to share it with....50 + years! If I never have another day on earth, You have given this old girl a good life and I fall before You with a thankful heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Denny Sanders, thank you for being a Godly man that kept me on track and focused on Him. Thank you for taking me for a ride on the ferris wheel, where you first told me you loved me, and I giggled because I thought you were just trying to steal a kiss! Thank you for being about as romantic as you get, on your knees at Chicken in a Basket! Thank you for giving me everything I have ever wanted in life. Thank you Denny Sanders for praying with me and for me, as we have searched for His plan together through the years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love you, Denny Sanders, more than you will every know, and I give God the praises for it all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">gs</span><br />
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<br />Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-33619347593431606272017-05-31T15:09:00.001-05:002017-05-31T15:09:06.380-05:00Ginger Sanders, BGEA RRT Chaplain: Sounds of Communication<a href="http://rapidresponsechaplain.blogspot.com/2017/05/sounds-of-communication.html?spref=bl">Ginger Sanders, BGEA RRT Chaplain: Sounds of Communication</a>: As I sat outside this morning, in the still and quietness of dawn, I noticed the sounds of communication going on as the world came to life....Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-22486942573104428612017-05-30T13:00:00.000-05:002017-05-30T13:00:17.030-05:00Sounds of Communication<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I sat outside this morning, in the still and quietness of dawn, I noticed the sounds of communication going on as the world came to life. There in the distance was the sound of trucks on the highway, which are usually not heard during the busy day hours. There in the trees were the early chirping of the birds and then a loud splash of water in the lake caught my attention. A squirrel started barking in a nearby tree as a water crane walked by too close and then the sound of a train in the distance silenced them all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend we had some of our family for a visit and we had the chattering of a two year old in our home. We listened closely to her wants and wishes, but not always making her happy when we could not understand her desires. We noticed she could perfectly say "My <u>b</u>aby" when she loved on her baby sister, Eliza, but she would say "Ride in Papa's <u>d</u>oat (boat)" when she wanted to go for a ride on the lake. She would repeat 'peas' (please) when she wanted something and say she 'lubs you' with her cutie pie smile. Sometimes she would just walk up to you and chatter and smile and then walk away thinking we understood what she said, when we really had no clue, but she was happy! What joy to see her growing and learning to communicate. </span><br />
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<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkinO2YzwwCZhsiOROorvrLPfZOMCdLVYc_JVXyLSdqhe_dgDo8cytBycgs4_xok2JiKi9g7mbBj-3R39pdTsOBJCL2n_wA1G3AKvYc1YWUxJl0lQfWUWrTsxwtpV92vAuqicrABkz_q7/s1600/Haiti+2011+Jean+Gilbert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1296" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkinO2YzwwCZhsiOROorvrLPfZOMCdLVYc_JVXyLSdqhe_dgDo8cytBycgs4_xok2JiKi9g7mbBj-3R39pdTsOBJCL2n_wA1G3AKvYc1YWUxJl0lQfWUWrTsxwtpV92vAuqicrABkz_q7/s200/Haiti+2011+Jean+Gilbert.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denny, Gilbert, and Ginger in Haiti 2011<br />See note below about Gilbert</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have traveled extensively around the world and have had a blessed time. We have had to count stops on the subway in Milan, Italy since we could not understand where we were or where we were to get off! Our interpreter in Romania was Rudy and called us Mama and Papa, but was so afraid he would make us unhappy. Actually our happiest times when we traveled was when we had an interpreter (it makes it easier to find the necessity rooms). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our sweet interpreter, Gilbert, in Haiti a few years back was the best. He was a young, Godly man, but also had a sense of humor. He had compassion for his people, but also knew when we needed to leave an area for our safety. His translating for us helped lead many to Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The computer social sites have translation links to them so we can now talk around the world. Many that read this blog (amazes me!) are from Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Poland, UK, PR and several other countries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Communication between mankind is at an all time high. We can blog, tweet, facebook and instagram. I am probably leaving out some areas that have been created just while I am writing this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my main thought that I would like to share with you today is about the communication we have with God. Listening to all the sounds this morning, I thought how God must be listening to all His children, waking up all over the world, praying to Him. He would not have needed to ask any of them to repeat what they said like we did my granddaughter or need an interpreter, like we did in a foreign land. God has a listening ear that understands our hearts and our prayers before we even pray. That is true, but we still need to lift our praises and needs to Him, interceding for others. He wants the communication from His children just like I loved hearing 'lub you' from Ellie. It made me smile, I wonder if God smiles when He hears us pray? Really aren't we continually learning to communicate with our God, just like Ellie is trying to communicate with us? None of us think we pray the perfect prayer, but isn't it perfect if we just do it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make a point this week to a new beginning, if you aren't already, praying to Him in the mornings. Wake up and let Him hear the sound of your voice among the many other sounds, as the sun rises upon the earth. Let Him hear your praises and that you love Him. Make God smile upon you this week! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremiah 29:12 "T</span><span class="verse-12" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hen you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gs</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. Gilbert and his 4 yr our daughter were both killed this past New Year's Eve in a wreck in Haiti. His wife, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesula, is still in need of our prayers!! She still is in need of specialized care in Haiti for her traumatic brain injury.</span></span><br />
<br />Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-72341898339334396652017-02-01T07:08:00.001-06:002017-02-01T07:08:52.291-06:00The Reflection of Me in my Granddaughter!! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sweet little granddaughter 'Lucy' dressed up as an old woman and she immediately adapted to the southern accent! It was apparent that she took on the role of the 'old' lady she knows from Alabama that she calls 'Nana'. It is with joy in my heart that this little one</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">envisions me as an old lady, when truly I feel as young as her 8 year old heart! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it also gives me pause that she is watching us, as children do, and with exaggeration mimics me. It should scare us all, as we show our actions and make comments in front of children! Are we setting an example of who we want them to think we are or would want them to become? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It made me wonder, as I looked at this picture of Lucy, what were her actions? Did she love on her baby dolls, or was she too busy to take time for them? Was she pretending to enjoy life or was she a grumpy old lady? (I do think I see a little pucker of a smile on her face!) So many thoughts of how do I show love, to family and friends, and do they know how much I love them from my actions? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It reminded me of Mary and Martha when Jesus was confronted by Martha about Mary not helping her with work. The scriptures does not say what Martha was doing, but we do know that she was hosting Jesus at her home. I cannot imagine what I would be doing if I was hosting Jesus!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes when my grandchildren come, I get busy cooking and preparing for them and maybe I do this too much while they are here. I have just recently started to relax and know that nothing is perfect anyway, so why not enjoy their presence and the time we are together. So many families get caught up in busyness they forget to enjoy the 'reunion' of each other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We always have family times together and we include talent shows by each family, cooking classes, game night with the children and just play time together. Each of these are filled with laughter and more laughter as the children see the adults enjoying themselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a glass sliding door to our lanai and we closed it one night when the children were getting loud outside playing games. The very next night, the adults were playing a game and the children came and shouted through the doorway, "Y'all are entirely too loud!" and proceeded to close the door! Yes, they do imitate us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My heart is filled with peace and joy as I grow old watching the children. Maybe I am getting sentimental, but there is not greater love than God and family. Hopefully, I will grow old with them and get to watch them for many more years, so I ask God for three things. One, that I not grow to be a bitter old woman, but one who enjoys life to the fullest. Two, that my brain will keep up with my body and my memory will last. Three, that my body will keep up with my brain and will not grow weary, but continue to serve Him the best I can as I can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, one more thing should be added, that the children who watch me, will see God's love and want to share that love. What more could one ask for in this life?</span><br />
<span class="text Deut-11-18" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deuteronomy 11:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Deut-11-18" id="en-HCSB-5227" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>“Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-HCSB-5227d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-HCSB-5227d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2011:13-21&version=HCSB#fen-HCSB-5227d" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</span> on your foreheads.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-HCSB-5227e" data-link="[<a href="#fen-HCSB-5227e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2011:13-21&version=HCSB#fen-HCSB-5227e" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="text Deut-11-19" id="en-HCSB-5228" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>Teach them to your children,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-5228D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-5228D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="text Deut-11-20" id="en-HCSB-5229" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-5229E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-5229E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> </span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span class="text Deut-11-21" id="en-HCSB-5230" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>so that as long as the heavens are above the earth, your days and those of your children may be many in the land the <span class="small-caps divine-name" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span> swore to give your fathers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Deut-11-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-86254990385172454402017-01-28T11:09:00.001-06:002017-01-28T11:09:44.638-06:00Week of Ups and Downs! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Don't know how your week went, but my week was sure full of ups and downs and a lot of that was up and down on my knees! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a week of not much on the calendar, it sure turned out to be a busy week of emotions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">First and foremost, our nephew, Chris, was in a horrific, death defying auto accident. From the moment we heard the news, our very soul and heart was gripped with agony, knowing the emotions his wife and children were going through, the physical pain he was in, and for the medical staff as they worked with his broken body. Knowing he is a child of God does give some peace, but the calmness that</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CZvEPvFpqGMBJgIMSE7hk2OJhDmabNud3Pc1oAyUQ2sP5BR1mcmL2DkB02P9FmLenOo2ZlWqPY5KXA19O63whfYI5p7dTln9ERG0QknuuHPC7JLtJzvlKQVZam_fvUer3m0g3mlhxU98/s1600/Isaiah-41-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CZvEPvFpqGMBJgIMSE7hk2OJhDmabNud3Pc1oAyUQ2sP5BR1mcmL2DkB02P9FmLenOo2ZlWqPY5KXA19O63whfYI5p7dTln9ERG0QknuuHPC7JLtJzvlKQVZam_fvUer3m0g3mlhxU98/s200/Isaiah-41-10.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> surrounded the whole situation could only be described as Presence of God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is not the first time I had sensed God's presence, so I quickly knew the feeling. It was same as when my husband was airlifted to Birmingham after his motorcycle wreck. It is a calming assurance of 'God is with us' is the only way I can explain it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A miracle is the only explanation of Chris doing as well as he has done. God was not surprised by any of this, we just needed to slow down and trust Him and his healing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chris came home from the hospital and is on the road to recovery. Praise the Lord!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the meantime this week, Denny had been asked to sing a special at a church this weekend. Not bringing any of his music to FL, we ordered a copy of the accompaniment CD online. It should have been delivered by a certain time the next day, it did not arrive. The post office sent it to another city and had to reroute it through Orlando for the second time. After many messages, trips to the post office, the CD arrived today, just one day before he is to sing! This may not seem big to you, but a man without a song can become very anxious!😊</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In looking back at a week that was supposed to have been a calm week, that was turned upside down, we are so blessed that we can know, without a doubt, that God was in control! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Usually our lives roll along and then something triggers a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. We as Christians should enjoy the ride, seeing God in the middle of the highs and lows, knowing He is in control. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isaiah 43:2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="verse-number" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 3px;">2</strong></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333;"> </span><span class="verse-2" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;">When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am anxiously waiting to see where God is going to show up next week! Watch for HIM!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">gs</span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-33133962627012812932017-01-23T08:42:00.000-06:002017-01-23T11:28:22.699-06:00Meeting Jesus Face to Face! My Story<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many of you have known me for years, but some of you may have only seen me online or on television or radio. You have read stories of my growing up years or where we have seen things God orchestrated while we have been on deployment in the mission fields. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I will be sharing with you a little of both, my growing up years and seeing God at work. I will share the testimony of my salvation experience, the night I met God face to face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Growing up in a christian home, my parents had restrictions and rules, which you have read in my previous blogs. My mother, especially, kept the apron strings tight and I am thankful. I respected my parents and never wanted to disappoint them (my children say I must have been a 'nerd' lol). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mother had heard of the Sanders family and the mother, sister and son singing in churches around our county. She decided (or led by God) that I ought to go on a date with this young man, after all, he was at least attending church services! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">She did not know that he had already asked me out and I had turned him down! But he was persistent and even rode his horse eight miles to my house to see if I was home one Saturday morning. My mother was happy to see him and offered him a seat in the 'parlor' of the old home place. She hurriedly came to my room to tell me, "You have a guest!" She was all smiles and I was curious! As it turned out, I ended up saddling my horse and going riding that day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being strict parents, the only time I could date through the week was to attend church, so my sweet 'fellow' looked for every revival or church singing that summer! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One night, sitting in the back pews with the youth group, the preacher shared the gospel during the revival at the little country church. I do not remember the sermon, the preacher or the song, but I do know my heart was pounding in my chest. The Holy Spirit was calling out my name.....but I did not respond or listen to Him. Instead, I held tightly to the back of the pew in front of me, not wanting to step out in front of the people. I walked out of that church in fear, knowing I would go to hell if I died that night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In bed that night, I talked with God, telling Him I would go up the next night, if He would just give me another chance. What I did not know was that God does not require you be in a church building to accept Jesus and ask forgiveness. I wrestled with my heart that night and the next day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a relief that next evening when the car pulled up in my yard to take me to the revival, it had been a long day. The preacher preached, but I don't think I even heard the message. From the moment I stepped into the building my heart started pounding once again. The invitation was given and the song "O Why Not Tonight" was being sung. My future sister in law stepped out with me to walk the aisle for Jesus that night. My future mother in law, and future aunt, joined me at the altar that night. I don't remember praying, I just remember the moment I stepped out of that pew, my heart quit pounding and my steps grew lighter. I know I did promise to live for Jesus and ask that He lead and guide my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mother was awake when I came home from church that night and as I passed, she called out to me, "How was your evening?" This was not unusual for her to ask, but I will always wonder was she always waiting on this particular answer, "Mama, I accepted Christ tonight as my Savior and Lord." She smiled and hugged me. I don't know for sure, but I think we both slept better that night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mother passed away six months after we were married. God let her see me marry the man she picked out for me and that this very man was the one who took me to church to meet Jesus. My mother had a way about her and I have a feeling it was because of the prayers she prayed. I am certain God had a hand in all of this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now you have read my experience about meeting Jesus. How about you? Do you know that you have a personal relationship with HIM? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Romans 10:</span><br />
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<span class="verse-10" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you believe in your heart, pray and ask forgiveness and ask Him to be your Savior and Lord, He promises your name will be written in the Book of Life for eternity. Then, one day I will meet you in heaven and introduce you to my mother, but greater still would be to meet at the Throne of God and meet Jesus!! </span></span></div>
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<span class="verse-10" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are already a believer and would want to share your testimony, go ahead and comment. If you have prayed today to receive Him, please comment with your name so that I can pray for you! </span></span></div>
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<span class="verse-10" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God Bles</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial"; font-size: 1.3em;">s!</span></span></div>
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Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-11156437820327085892017-01-11T09:07:00.000-06:002017-01-11T09:07:24.748-06:00Emotions<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emotions are feelings, what is going on inside our very being, how we act and respond is from our emotions. We are even putting emotions in our correspondence now. 😊</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be really accurate the definition is: </span><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">e·mo·tion</span></span><span class="lr_dct_ph"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">əˈmōSH(ə)n/</span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">noun</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">plural noun: <b>emotions</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>a natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.<br />"she was attempting to control her emotions"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>instinctive or intuitive feeling as distinguished from reasoning or knowledge.<br />"responses have to be based on historical insight, not simply on emotion"<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When something happens quickly in our life, it can cause all kind of emotions:fear, anxious, anger, and even love. When there is something foreseen to occur in the future, like the death of a loved one, it can cause dread, sadness, sorrow. When the expectant parent feels the movement of the child, excitement, love and joy can occur.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emotions are a state of mind, as the definition says, but it is also the character of a person. People react differently when different things occur. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJea5kbwsrp-jvOsv2TfmdpZUGn1j6zWLJadZcfd4cxINZRLYRuiWIzK3-l-Mkqx8Y4EaENHB_tfHgIoqRvBiQg8vx-7Fyzlmp_4W5IvTbL8xP3BH_ZvHuHqU4YuY-PuYmcUXpURU27jb/s1600/TN_man_with_newspaper_and_coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJea5kbwsrp-jvOsv2TfmdpZUGn1j6zWLJadZcfd4cxINZRLYRuiWIzK3-l-Mkqx8Y4EaENHB_tfHgIoqRvBiQg8vx-7Fyzlmp_4W5IvTbL8xP3BH_ZvHuHqU4YuY-PuYmcUXpURU27jb/s200/TN_man_with_newspaper_and_coffee.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For instance, I get excited when we are planning a trip. I want to be ready and on time to leave, even if we are driving. On the other hand, my husband drags around and sipping on his coffee, in a relaxed state of 'just another trip' !! I am ready to roll!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But my feelings and emotions are closer to my way of life in someways. I get excited, sad, and joyful in a different way than he does when we hear or see something happen. I guess you can say I express my emotions a different way than he does, but he does show emotions. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For instance, he is sensitive to tender moments and is known to shed a tear when he hears a beautiful old hymn sung in praise to our Lord. On the other hand, he gets a little loud while watching a football game, especially Alabama (Roll Tide). He does have quick emotions when it is something he cares about, but when it is daily routine, he pretty much keeps himself in check. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other hand, I can keep my emotions in check, but then have been known to fall apart, in private, as I am talking to God. (now you know how I deal with some things) I guess I try to be strong for others at that time. However, I also have been known to yell loudly at a ballgame as well!! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do families deal with all the different emotions that happen inside a home? It can make a person change their attitude in an instant. But scriptures say </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, ...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But how do we control our emotions? Over and over again, we see in the scriptures that it says 'walk in the Spirit.' How do we walk in the Spirit? We must stay in The Word and in prayer and be around mature Christians for encouragement for when we go into the world.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May you all have a blessed and peaceful week with your emotions. May He watch over you and you can feel HIS Presence in all circumstances. 😇</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God Bless, </span></div>
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Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-89282847899196238982017-01-07T12:59:00.000-06:002017-01-07T12:59:15.976-06:00 Paths Through Life<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here I sit looking at these pages as the wind whips and blows the leaves around and the tall trees sway back and forth. It is the sign that winter has arrived, at least for the day. Stew is on the stove and warming the house with the smell and staying tucked in seems to be a good idea. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our lives have seasons just like the earth. We have times when we go through the days of troubles blowing and swirling around us, sometimes bending us in the coldness of life itself. We often wonder when the sun will shine again in our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sickness and death sometimes touch our families and the holidays and reunions hurt like the winds. But the sun peaks through as we can hear laughter of children playing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life moves on, just as time on the clock. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past few weeks we have had the laughter and enjoyment of our grandchildren filling our home. They played in the field across from our house and played around in our little community. We always enjoy seeing them and having them near and did not think about the loneliness others were having around us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our children and grandchildren left, I must admit, my house seemed larger and quieter, but I sensed the emptiness others may have during the holidays. I begin to understand this when we received a text message from one of our neighbors expressing how he had enjoyed hearing the children playing in the field; and again as I called our 93 year old neighbor to thank her for calling our grandsons over to offer her balls and bats to them to play with, which they did. She told me she pulled a chair up to her window everyday to watch them play. She asked when would they be coming back to visit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We leave a path as we walk through this world. As we walk the weeds or flowers fill up the path. Eventually, when we die, the path will be covered up and our life on earth will have ended. Some paths may be longer than others, some paths may wind across the country or even the world, but they all will end at someplace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we don't like loneliness or hard times in our lives, they are times for us to grow. Solomon wrote i<span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d;">n </span><a class="scripturizer" href="http://www.bible.com/bible/Ecclesiastes.3.1-4.niv" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #6bac43; position: relative; transition: all 0.1s ease-in-out; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank" title="You Version">Ecclesiastes 3:1-4</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d;"> , “There is a time for everything...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d;">I now look back on those few days the grandchildren were here and I am thankful they may have planted a few flowers in the paths of our neighbors as they watched and listened. Sharing joy in lives can be done, sometimes when you are not even aware. Those little children had no idea they were being watched as they played, but they put a dash of joy in those lives around our community. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d;">How easy would it be if we all could know we have sprinkled a little joy in the winds of someone's life? Let's all start this new year with letting the Son shine through us and spread a little joy! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d3d3d;">gs</span></span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-85314562868844834272016-07-30T07:38:00.001-05:002016-07-30T07:38:12.232-05:00Our Choices at the Polls<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elections are the talk on all news, social media and in coffee shops. I don't know about you, but I am about sick of it all. Let's move on to what each person can do for this nation rather than what an individual will or will not do as they sit in the White House. Now let me explain to you that I do respect the office and to please hear me out before you shut me down.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was in the sixth grade when I first heard anything about a president going to be elected. Fellow students had heard their parents talking and so much discussion was going on, the teacher decided we needed to have a classroom election. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really never listened to the news as a child. The only time I knew it was on was when my daddy made me get up to change the channel so he could listen to David and Chet! Then I left the room immediately because that was stuff adults needed to hear, I had more important things to do. Riding my bike and reading had to be more important, right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the teacher passed out the ballots, I did not even know who was running, so I looked over to the boy sitting across from me. He wrote the name 'Kennedy,' so I did too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After writing that name down, I felt I should learn more about this man. I started watching the news, just enough to see what he looked like. I remember seeing his wife and thinking she was very pretty and they had sweet children. I do not remember what his slogan was or what the news said about him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kennedy won and I was happy, but only because I knew I had written his name down on that little piece of paper and no other reason. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When Kennedy was killed I was horrified. Did I really 'vote' for a man and then he was killed? What a shock and tragedy for our country as we watched the news for days as the horse drawn carriage went through the streets of Washington D.C. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When politics get thrown at us today, I still don't like to listen, it is truth and reality vs desire and imagination. It is hard to tell the difference. Many will vote like I did as a child, because others say it is the right one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am sharing all of this to give you my true feelings. We act as robots when we go to the polls. We try to vote the best, but do we really? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We need to be praying constantly, unite together in prayer. God knows who is going to be in office in January. We need to pray for the person as well as the office. We should seek the face of God and plead our case with Him to protect our nation from the evil that is oozing out of the very homes which we live. We see marriages broken, television promoting sin, and electronics taking away our children and completely doing away with communication. No one knows how to talk anymore! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes I just feel like exiting the polling booths, because with the choices I have, there is really not much of a choice. Is this the best America has to offer, the best to represent us in the world arena? I would really just like to get off at this exit please! Now don't get me wrong here, I will go to the polls to vote my heart, but I will go prayerfully. I just don't like all this rederick before election day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ok, I will quit preaching, but listen folks, the political conventions are over, we have THREE choices, yes three. We can chose either party, that is two choices. The third is we can decide as Christians to get off our 'duffs' and stand up for America, Israel and the unborn children! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May God Bless American in these last days! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14</span></span></div>
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Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-45259179391974842932016-07-16T10:46:00.001-05:002016-07-16T10:46:16.401-05:00Stay Between the Ditches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQr3ebxBbmVpysRTB8Q7584CHGXch1REU0Zhc7k7gImk-KSOR7nsbuNEfJ59k88mKjdqjhJxxW4f43NCQRjj94hhi582SRxddLrQ-_na_SyHjCq7P8l9N1rGRhyphenhyphensbb3ZfbZcLCYBukVsH8/s1600/Hay+bales+clip+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQr3ebxBbmVpysRTB8Q7584CHGXch1REU0Zhc7k7gImk-KSOR7nsbuNEfJ59k88mKjdqjhJxxW4f43NCQRjj94hhi582SRxddLrQ-_na_SyHjCq7P8l9N1rGRhyphenhyphensbb3ZfbZcLCYBukVsH8/s400/Hay+bales+clip+art.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As many of you know, I learned how to drive in a hay field on our southern farm. I drove the tractor or truck, pulling the wagon along for others to throw and stack the hay. I would slowly roll along, dipping down into ruts and up on little hills. It was a big challenge for me to watch through the big side mirror on the truck to see when the wagon was beside the hay bales. I did everything I could to make it easier for the men working so hard in the Alabama summer humidity. On occasion, the hay baler would leave the bales far apart, due to the turn at the end of the field, so I would try to drive between the rows to get it closer to the wagon. It was an obstacle course for a young girl who could barely see over the steering wheel and had to practically stand to put on the brakes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was always a treat for me to be included in the hard work. I always enjoyed being outside working more than inside cooking or cleaning. I learned a lot from watching men do a hard day's work and there was a lot of joking and laughter that kept them going. Even when one hay bale had a snake wrapped up in it, the laughter rippled across the field as the one young man gave a big "Yikes, it's a snake!" holler! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But then one day, my daddy said I was going to move onto the road and drive the truck to the barn. I was scared as he told me, "Just stay between the ditches." I drove and I can imagine my eyes were round as headlights, looking over the hood, watching those ditches! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, he came to me another day and tossed me the keys and told me to drive him to the store to get gas. Now I was terrified as I climbed into the truck, but again he said to me, "Stay between the lines and the ditches." I sat straight up, really high, to be able to see and we set off. I was fine as long as daddy was there with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few months passed and we were going on a trip to Chicago to see our relatives and he said he was tired and I needed to drive for awhile, so he could take a nap in the back seat. Mother sat in the front with me as I drove down the highway. When I drove up behind a trailer truck driving very slow, she encouraged me to pass him. I drove slowly behind him a long way, before building up courage to go around. The road was straight and I could seen nothing coming, as I eased out around the truck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> My knuckles were white with fear and my eyes were huge as I watched the lines and the ditch! I passed him and remember my pounding heart in my chest. My mother smiled as she said, " You did just fine." (I have often wondered was daddy really sleeping in the back or was he sighing with relief!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These memories are very similar to when I was young christian starting to walk with God. I enjoyed being at church and loved to watch others work and I could see them enjoy serving Him. Then one day, God pushed me to move forward. This helped me to learn about Him and begin my growing process. He often times seems to be sleeping as I serve and I have wondered if I was going to make it. Often I am reminded, He is always watching over us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sure we get stretched out of our comfort zones, but that is how we learn and grow in Him, just like driving a hay truck. We need to trust Him to get us out of the ruts, so that we can move on around the big stuff. If we keep our eyes on Him, we will stay between the lines and out of the ditches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God's love for us is like that of my parents, even greater. He wants us to grow in Him everyday, not just in seasons. He allows things in our lives, not to overwhelm us, but to help us trust Him more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-4-14" id="en-HCSB-29285" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-29285A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-29285A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. </span><span class="text Eph-4-15" id="en-HCSB-29286" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">2 Peter 3:18</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-weight: 500;">Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)</span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>But grow in the grace and knowledge<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-30539A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-30539A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-HCSB-30539a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-HCSB-30539a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A18&version=HCSB#fen-HCSB-30539a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-30539B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-30539B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Amen.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-HCSB-30539b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-HCSB-30539b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A18&version=HCSB#fen-HCSB-30539b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #b34b2c; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span><span class="text Eph-4-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> into Him who is the head<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-HCSB-29286B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-29286B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>—Christ.</span></span></div>
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Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-46694403066419843572016-07-02T16:10:00.003-05:002016-07-03T17:17:32.859-05:00Summertime Travels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I was a young girl, I remember the excitement building as we packed for our vacations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were the average family, not a lot of extra money to spend to take elaborate trips, but every trip to me was an adventure. Mother would pack a cooler of drinks and snacks for a roadside table lunch, while daddy would throw his tackle box and crab traps in the trunk and his fishing poles would be hanging out the window. Just a few clothes would be packed in a bag to leave room for Florida's oranges, souvenirs and sea shells coming back home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The old radio did not receive reception well as we traveled, so there were many songs to be sung by the family. One of my daddy's favorites was 'On the Jericho Road' because he knew the lead part pretty well. We always sang old hymns and then on to Christmas carols! We laughed and played games in the car and on occasion stopped at a roadside alligator farm to get a cool drink of Florida's fresh squeezed orange juice. Life was good!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The planning of a trip and the travel has always been a time of adventure and enjoyment for me, usually as much as final destination itself. Some like the excitement of putting up Christmas trees and preparing for the holidays, I like the adventure of travel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The unexpected and the unknown, followed by the lasting memories, is what life is all about! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life itself is an adventure from one day until the next. We never know what tomorrow will bring, whether it will be a happy day or a sad, hard time in our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But you know, nothing happens in our lives that God doesn't already know about. Just like mother packing that cooler, because she knew her husband and girls would be hungry down the road, she prepared for us. Daddy, on the other hand, knew we would need something to do at night, so he packed crab baskets and fishing equipment to take us all to the pier to enjoy the cool evenings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now I will tell you that on more than one occasion we ate a soggy sandwich because the ice melted and water got into the loaf of bread. There were many nights on the pier we did not catch anything and went home carrying empty crab baskets. But the joy of being with those who had prepared for us, even when it did not turn out perfect, is what I remember. We did not complain, we usually laughed and skipped and made the best out of a bad situation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those times remind me of trials we live daily. God plans and prepares for us to have the best life we could have in Him. Then something in life happens, choices are made, things said, illnesses, death, things out of our control. We need to remember Who prepared the day for us, He is still there. He prepared for good, but evil is in this world. Evil seeps into our lives like water on soggy bread. We may have to live through the day, but we know He is still with us and loves us beyond measure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now going back to the trip, I don't guess I will tell how I survived many trips sleeping in the back windshield of the car, while my sister slept in the seat! God surrounded us with His protection and just maybe it was my daddy's singing kept Him close! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">gs</span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-58202799536388856122016-05-30T08:20:00.000-05:002016-05-30T08:20:55.597-05:00Yellow Rose Surprise!! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This afternoon I had an unusual, pleasant, never seen before surprise! I went out to water my roses that we had transplanted to a sunny spot, since they apparently did not like where I had planted them two years ago. They had struggled to live the past 24 months and were about to give up. My husband was going to dig them up anyway, so might as well give them another chance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They have perked up, reaching upward as the sunrise catches them each morning, rising to the noonday sky. They cool for a bit in the shade of the trees for about an hour before the setting sun peaks through and bathes them again in it's light. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, as I walked around the house lugging the hose pipe (water hose for those of you in the north, lol ) to spray them with the cool water, I almost tripped over my feet with surprise! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There among the little red rose buds and a couple of weeds, bloomed a beautiful yellow rose! Now how in the world did that yellow rose come up from those transplanted red roses? I am so excited!! For you see, the yellow rose is my very favorite rose of all!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The yellow rose stands tall and proud...any rose can be a red rose, but it take something special to be different and be yellow. My daddy only gave me one rose in his lifetime. I was riding around with him one day and he had to stop at Roper's Florist, because he had been doing some work for Mr. Roper. He told me to stay in his truck and he would be right back out. He came out with a tissue paper and handed it to me. As I unwrapped it, it was a long stem yellow rose, a moment I will never forget! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I stood there, staring at this rose today, I thought about we as Christians, living among the thorns and weeds in this world. There were other roses there, ordinary red roses, budding and blooming as they do. But then, there among them was one that was different, it stood out with it's glow and grace. The yellow rose had somehow come forth after the transplant and bloomed right among the reds! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We should be like that rose, we should bloom right where we are planted. We are God's flowers and He gives us all we need to be nourished among the ordinary people. But we as Christians should stand out with a glow and grace as we reflect the light that shines on us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just pray that one day I will have the beauty inside as much as the yellow rose does on the outside. I will never look at a rose again without thinking about my own life and am I growing for Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gs</span><br />
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<br />Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-29789598970318853502016-05-20T07:27:00.000-05:002016-05-20T07:27:09.187-05:00No Greater Love<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I hear sweet songs about the great love of God, my heart would almost stop if it wasn't leaping in the spirit! God's love is far beyond imaginable to our little earthly minds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we were deployed to Louisiana once, a man came up to me and shared about his death experience. First let me explain that I do believe in these experiences because I too believe in life after death. However, I am always cautious to not let the devil take me on a trip down the wrong path when someone starts to share their stories with me. I can often tell the difference in the beginning when it is too much of 'I did this' or 'I know this' stuff. Because I believe when you die and go to heaven, the love and focus is so much on God, you forget about yourself and bask in Him. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzcCJAs6X-DklCfghyphenhyphenoTQi93ONclq1BJx-hTloGEDD3KDtnrwFy-rdXjrcbkJ-OWkGfbKrZdzZ_ZHrsJdHrvYXoRr2sbuSwREE2FbMDit0pRAHVQSLJzhMPSdf_rcC0U1jjcQfkQkDbBu/s1600/sun-rays-182170_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzcCJAs6X-DklCfghyphenhyphenoTQi93ONclq1BJx-hTloGEDD3KDtnrwFy-rdXjrcbkJ-OWkGfbKrZdzZ_ZHrsJdHrvYXoRr2sbuSwREE2FbMDit0pRAHVQSLJzhMPSdf_rcC0U1jjcQfkQkDbBu/s320/sun-rays-182170_960_720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, back to this gentleman's story of heaven: He said to me, "Ginger, you just cannot put into words or imagine the love that is felt there." He continued, "I love my wife very much, but that love is nothing compared to the love of God which surrounded my very being. My soul was full of Him from the top of my head to my toes, I could feel the love. I felt like I even breathed in the love and it exhaled from my nostrils!" His eyes watered and tears slowly trickled down his cheeks as he remembered the experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past week Denny and I were watching a Christian television show and they spoke of Abraham going to the mountain to sacrifice his son, as God had commanded him to do. Now Abraham was obedient in what God had asked him to do, even when he loved his child beyond measure, he was willing. I love my children and grandchildren so much. I am thankful God does not ask us to do this act. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gen. 22:2</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> "Take your son," He said, "your only son Isaac, whom you love, go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."<span style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other gods had been given sacrifices in the past that included humans, even children, during that era. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, notice one difference here with Abraham, God stopped him from giving his son back to God. God gave him an animal for the sacrificial blood. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As this was being shown on television, my mind ran off again in another direction as it often does. It dawned on me of this scenario of Abraham and what I had never seen before! (now I know you probably already know this, but I am going to share it anyway!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>God asked</b> (already knowing He was going to tell Abraham to stop) for his son, Isaac, to be sacrificed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>God knew</b> He would provide the temporary sacrifice, a ram in the thicket.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But further more, I think <b>God was thinking</b> some things....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He knew</b> Abraham's son was not the supreme sacrifice, it had to be<b>, HIS SON, Jesus</b>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>He asked</b> for Abraham's son, but then <b>He gave</b> His own son for all of us to be the supreme sacrifice! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is how great His love is for us here on earth. I just can't imagine heaven, if it is greater there like they say!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe that is why He tells us to love each other. So we can get used to the love overflowing He has for us. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjDkPPCxjtTv4mxEF0N3vqXDTobWWJma9PohCRPo7OXVCoMHmZ0-oEtN51oqO_XpFCo-RLm7MlMp2kAKCqkwtY6gNBH-xo9F5voke93sWxqVhny4t9UDddC_hh7aQ2R0PBEhLeH8ynMjU/s1600/Clip+Art+snug-bug.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjDkPPCxjtTv4mxEF0N3vqXDTobWWJma9PohCRPo7OXVCoMHmZ0-oEtN51oqO_XpFCo-RLm7MlMp2kAKCqkwtY6gNBH-xo9F5voke93sWxqVhny4t9UDddC_hh7aQ2R0PBEhLeH8ynMjU/s320/Clip+Art+snug-bug.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am going to try to make a habit of loving people more and sharing His love by doing this. So you all better watch out, I have some loving to do! Hope you all will take this and do the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please respond to this in love!! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gs</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-8762321048287609482016-05-12T10:14:00.000-05:002016-05-12T10:14:08.216-05:00Traveling Around<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last couple of weeks, we have been traveling the southeast and even dipping down into Florida. We have done some sightseeing, as I have been doing interviews, and meeting some wonderful people. We have been encouraged and blessed by those we have crossed paths with along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have seen times when we have been anxious to move forward to see what the next hour holds for us, but we have also longed to stay in the moment other times. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx41ohZv9LQAlE-V8cg1g-qDDHi6NMijBZDhlVsAEqrRtFCJUtmJ1iYyiYLuJs43UncU5SXfnG8oMURbja4tCndEzT8QELOe76RcHFgq0DKwtKQgwN_Uxac7LOKkUPrQikUKIigV9ykje/s1600/TN_hitting_golf_ball_out_of_sand_trap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggx41ohZv9LQAlE-V8cg1g-qDDHi6NMijBZDhlVsAEqrRtFCJUtmJ1iYyiYLuJs43UncU5SXfnG8oMURbja4tCndEzT8QELOe76RcHFgq0DKwtKQgwN_Uxac7LOKkUPrQikUKIigV9ykje/s200/TN_hitting_golf_ball_out_of_sand_trap.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day we met up with some friends (also Billy Graham Chaplains) and played a round of golf. The wind was blowing so hard that day, no one knew where the ball was going until it hit the ground, or sand I might add! We laughed when the men decided on the third hole that they were not going to even keep score! They acted like it was for the women's benefit. But after looking for their balls a couple of times or finding them in the sand, we knew better. It was a day of fun in the sun with good friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day we met a new friend that showed us around the area. We found out that she now lives in FL, but her family lived only a few miles from our home in Alabama. Lisa and I will have a lasting friendship and I am looking forward to meeting her mother and dad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These past few weeks reminded me of life itself. We have traveled through this world, renewing our relationships, making new friends and sometimes longing to stay right in the moment. However, there comes a longing and a time to go home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we were on this trip a dear friend of ours passed from this earth to his heavenly home. We have no doubt about his rejoicing in heaven, even though he enjoyed his journey here. He was always laughing and greeting people with a smile. He had lasting friendships and made new friends. But, there was a time to go to his heavenly home.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCd4YeBe0ncMu6X1yC9kxGWrGReU10rHL8uyKEzz4DuF7V0C0iKAjfTCW2kW9eGG2z6tbJ4oQVrkSDPL021Re6XBSNpGc-4KTJmGjqtR7B7DI1gx6GjMTsVTUzR8QsgwWegb4mS3-1xCH6/s1600/TN_girl-waving-rolling-luggage-clipart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCd4YeBe0ncMu6X1yC9kxGWrGReU10rHL8uyKEzz4DuF7V0C0iKAjfTCW2kW9eGG2z6tbJ4oQVrkSDPL021Re6XBSNpGc-4KTJmGjqtR7B7DI1gx6GjMTsVTUzR8QsgwWegb4mS3-1xCH6/s200/TN_girl-waving-rolling-luggage-clipart.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have enjoyed our trip, here the past few weeks, but also our journey on this earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My prayer is that you take this journey with joy and peace He gives you, being ready to go home when He calls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meet up with old friends, play in the wind. Meet new friends for a lifetime. Be ready for the final journey, our heavenly home, it will last forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-4538799078966513312016-03-08T13:01:00.003-06:002016-03-08T13:03:43.668-06:00Mirror of Time<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This past week I rearranged the pictures on the walls in my home. Nothing new to put up, but due to the fresh paint, why not give a change to the sayings and plaques that cover them? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM8r2JhRA-FkLssKwgX2mvutR1SQvtYzqHrSxmF7nc0iclEQewx2DcUau23tavy8yfTyl9bkXb0bnpzq7GTzCTf5ZOiVD1J20R_EKr5LTojdd2iHFjIv3x54kDPD6ACqKbDmg1NqIJZAr/s1600/Mantle+Clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM8r2JhRA-FkLssKwgX2mvutR1SQvtYzqHrSxmF7nc0iclEQewx2DcUau23tavy8yfTyl9bkXb0bnpzq7GTzCTf5ZOiVD1J20R_EKr5LTojdd2iHFjIv3x54kDPD6ACqKbDmg1NqIJZAr/s200/Mantle+Clock.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It all started with replacing the large mirror over the mantle with the large clock that had previously been on the wall between the kitchen and the den. Nice, we can see what time it is without getting up to look around the wall! But the question now is where to put that large mirror. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have put it, temporarily I might add, over the sofa in the front room. It just has not found it's home yet, so I am continuing to struggle with it everytime I walk past it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is amazing is how often we get up to look around the wall to see the clock! Here it is, right before our eyes, but we look back to the old wall. There replacing the clock is a group of crosses, that our friend painstakingly made for us. It is actually a layout of the Lord's Supper, but at each place there is a cross that represents each disciple.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHAehjbO77tXt5sozjg0dYifEtBZDPoTmNuEBoBXfJTISf3bQ4FTWiikdSlyJTQSgHYS_Xj3D2He2l4Pq8buii-XXTEcFX4qXBbZPbAfgLEPa0UMWbHXGEJK_NhtX3zUACSJ4m0pPpf1T/s1600/Crosses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHAehjbO77tXt5sozjg0dYifEtBZDPoTmNuEBoBXfJTISf3bQ4FTWiikdSlyJTQSgHYS_Xj3D2He2l4Pq8buii-XXTEcFX4qXBbZPbAfgLEPa0UMWbHXGEJK_NhtX3zUACSJ4m0pPpf1T/s320/Crosses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have a large cross in the center, representing Jesus and even Judas is a black cross, sideways of the table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So now, when I cast my eyes to where time once hung, I now see the crosses. I stopped and thought about that this morning. The crosses represent time that started the Christian walk for me. Each of the these crosses played a part in where I am today as a Christian. Wow! This made me turn to look at the clock over the mantle and how fast time was ticking in my own life. Have I, do I, make a difference? I am nowhere near where these men were and I know that I still am climbing to be acceptable to Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The difference now in my life is that I can now see the cross, where time literally stood still, where my own clock once hung. This is a message to me focus not on my own time, but that of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We as Christians need to be focused on His timing, not our own, in daily life. We should look to each day as a new beginning and take it one day at a time. For no one knows what tomorrow will bring. Live each day to the fullest, seeking His face in all that we do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mirror is just a reflection of what is on the other side of the room, it has no meaning, just hangs over the sofa. But we as Christians should be a reflection of Christ, shining His light across and around the world. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 14:4</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">gs</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-931443178618115372016-02-18T09:24:00.000-06:002016-02-18T15:36:51.880-06:00The Old Homestead <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My husband has always loved history and visiting the battlefields, history museums, and reading every plaque and card about each display. I, on the other hand, love to be set free from the past. Not that the past was bad, I just like doing something new and making new memories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The travel to the locations has always been the adventure for me, not always the destination. But the older I get, I am beginning to see the truth, not only in the future or the present, but in the past. The clear, cold fact is 'time stands still for no one.' </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We took a trip not long ago to my 'old' home place. Yes, it was old then, being built in the 1800s by Gen. John Coffey. But it was a place of grandeur in it's day, a big, white, southern home sitting upon a big hill, overlooking the Tennessee River. The bricks were painted white to match the columns and the tall ceilings were to keep it cool in the hot Alabama summers. The long, tall windows could be opened to let the night's breeze from the river come through the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While we drove to Jackson County, AL, fond memories of working on the farm and in the garden with my mama and daddy flooded my mind. I grew more anxious to see the home and to walk around the big yard, where Denny and I had played croquet when we first met. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The closer we got, the more anxious I was to see who might be living there and to meet them and share stories of the home. I was hoping to walk to the old cemetery, where the Coffey family was buried down from the house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we pulled up into the driveway going up the hill, we could only go so far because of the grass and weeds literally came up over the bumper of the car. We got out and started walking the path I did as a teenager after school, up the hill. Step by step, my eyes searched the skyline for the roof of the house, gleaning for some sign of life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiIVxrmnzY8Y2UWmq-6UuBKOuVR7Hhk3JMPbqT3mId-w8oA7VK7U0i1L-LmqiHGXju6N7-KzL-bgpgIDJ8AW2RgQLYYITQYaVeMYykhznqNn4bLAfQBXhmLwK1zXhNtZqvA3lwufzITQj/s1600/Old+Plantation+Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiIVxrmnzY8Y2UWmq-6UuBKOuVR7Hhk3JMPbqT3mId-w8oA7VK7U0i1L-LmqiHGXju6N7-KzL-bgpgIDJ8AW2RgQLYYITQYaVeMYykhznqNn4bLAfQBXhmLwK1zXhNtZqvA3lwufzITQj/s320/Old+Plantation+Home.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When we walked into the yard, my heart almost fell out of my chest. There in front of us was nothing but ruins of a broken down house, with windows out, bricks falling off, doors hanging on by a single hinge. We walked slowly up the crumbled path of concrete that used to be the sidewalk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Entering the home, it was if I had stepped back into time in my mind, but my heart and eyes told me different. Time had passed and this home was no more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we looked closer, there were few remnants that showed us that everything here was man made. The bricks had been made by slaves in a pit near the river. The walls were built four brick wide, but still did not endure time. The once beautiful hardwood floors, made by hand, were now rotten and falling through, the cabinets my daddy had built were falling off the walls. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we walked around to the back, the garden that mama and I worked so hard in, was now filled with thistles and thorn bushes so high they were above our heads. The barn was falling in and too dangerous for us to try to enter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time on earth stand still for no one. Look closely in the mirror and you will see for yourself. Look around, this earth has time and that time is passing quickly. Everything we own is made by man, nothing is going to last forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a place called heaven where there is no time! The scripture says 'I go to prepare a place for you' which makes me think about time there. There is not going to be a big grandfather clock inside, there will be no alarm clocks going off, no daylight savings time, no time zones, but it will be a place where there will be no night, which means no time.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever." Rev 22:5 (HCS)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I look forward to going to heaven for several reasons. One of them is not having to be somewhere 'on time' because of appointments or meetings. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">We live here on earth, because we have been given life by the creator. We each have an allotted time here on earth. "</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live.' Acts 17:26 (HCS)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's use the time given to us to the fullest, serving and honoring Him. Let's not become like the house we found, grown up with weeds and collapsing within ourselves. Lean on Him everyday for strength, courage and inspiration. Lift up your hearts, past time, to the One Who gives us hope, knowing when we pass through time we will see HIM. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">gs</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ginger Sanders on Facebook <a href="http://bit.ly/fbgingersanders">Click Here</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Ginger Sanders' website </span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/1EpnViW">Click here</a></div>
Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-61164854521940805282016-02-04T12:10:00.000-06:002016-02-06T08:37:26.910-06:00Practical Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>I grew up with practical parents. A mother, God love her, who washed aluminum foil after she cooked in it, then reused it. She was the original recycle queen, before they had a name for it. A daddy who was happier getting old shoes fixed than buying new ones.</strong><strong>Their marriage was good, their dreams focused. Their best friends lived barely a wave away. They worked hard to make a living and, at the same time, enjoyed life. Even in the tough times, my dad had a joke to create laughter. </strong><b><br /><br /><strong>I can see them now, Dad in work pants, shirt and a hat and Mom in a house dress, broom in one hand, and dish-towel in the other. It was the time for fixing things. A curtain rod, the kitchen radio, screen door, the oven door, the hem in a dress, things we kept instead of replacing. </strong><br /><br /><strong>It was a way of life, and sometimes it made me crazy. All that re-fixing, eating leftovers, renewing, I wanted just once to be wasteful. Waste meant affluence. Throwing things away meant you knew there'd always be more. </strong></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Now don't get me wrong, I never knew we had needs, always felt we had plenty. But just once, I wanted to feel it was ok to get rid of something.<br /><br /><strong>But then my mother died, and on that night, I was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more. Sometimes in the darkest hour, the truth slowly reveals itself. </strong><br /><br /><strong>Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away...never to return.. So... while we have it..... it's best we love it.... and care for it... and fix it when it's broken......... and heal it when it's sick. </strong><br /><br /><strong>This is true. for marriage....... and old cars..... and children with bad report cards.....and aging parents..... and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.</strong></b> <b><br /><strong>Some things we keep forever, like a</strong></b><strong> </strong><strong>best friend that moved away or a classmate we grew up with.</strong><b><br /><br /><strong>There are just some things that make life important, like people we know who are special........ and so, we keep them close! </strong><strong>Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. </strong></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><strong>You are probably thinking of those friends now, let them know you care by telling them. Don't let time pass you by and then have regrets. </strong></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><strong>Enjoy life now, do it while you are able and ready to see what else is out there! It is ok to be wasteful, but only if it can be replaced. True friends cannot be replaced! </strong></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><strong>Love to you....all my friends!</strong></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><strong>Blessings,</strong></b></span></div>
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Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-55170805014392118582016-01-24T15:36:00.001-06:002016-01-24T15:36:21.198-06:00The Bike Ride<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of us have memories of childhood deep inside the wrinkles of our minds. We just have to think, or have a smell, or a sound, to bring the flashback of that memory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watching the children in our neighborhood go out and ride their bikes brought back a sweet memory of mine. I am sure you will be able to relate to this story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At one time we lived in a community where folks knew everyone and spent time chatting, not only on weekends, but during the week. Life seemed to go at a slower pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We lived in a house that sat smack-dab in the middle of a very long block. The street in front of our house went up the hill, around the corner, back down the hill, and around the corner again, coming back up to our house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first started riding my bike, I was given utility poles as my boundaries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBLq4Vo2tlW9e8rl-RUhKdvIsGFW8fNSnN9TAycINo4qDllQJI-eGgQjUa-F_t_uL2LhXReuzuabx2tduheKAIqOxX9Fr26HvghSltsG71dkusj2NXhXaBY7pG3yV6yosHsOmvHg_ecKA/s1600/girl_on_bicycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBLq4Vo2tlW9e8rl-RUhKdvIsGFW8fNSnN9TAycINo4qDllQJI-eGgQjUa-F_t_uL2LhXReuzuabx2tduheKAIqOxX9Fr26HvghSltsG71dkusj2NXhXaBY7pG3yV6yosHsOmvHg_ecKA/s200/girl_on_bicycle.jpg" width="185" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Don't go past the poles!" mother would say as I rushed out the door for the day. Then as I grew older, on occasion, with special permission she would allow me to ride to the top of the hill with my friends! We would come flying down the hill, so fast we would not be able to keep our feet on the pedals! We would just stretch out our legs and scream with delight! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One day my cousin, who lived across the street, was brave enough to ask could we ride all the way around the block. For what seemed like an eternity for an answer, my mother slowly replied, "Yes, but come back to the house and let me know you are back.' </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Needless to say, we were excited as we road up the hill and then slowly we made the turn to go around. Our little hearts were pounding as we had never been this far, alone, without our parents. We were excited, but yet so afraid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the turn we could see the hill, just like our hill on our own street, but we had never gone down this hill before. We stopped at the top and looked at each other. Neither had the courage to go, neither had the courage to turn around. What were we to do? We must complete our mission and go around the block or we would never be allowed to do it again! So go we did......pushing our bikes down the hill!! Well, we actually held them back as we walked down the hill!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the bottom we smiled at each other, hopped back on our bikes and rode back home. We went into the house and told mother we were back, neither said a word about our new hill. We did not even go back out that day and ride our bikes, but we felt an exhilaration of accomplishment. We had been stretched and it felt good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God often puts us at the top of a new hill. Sometimes the climb to the top is slow and we wonder do we really want to do what He has called us to do. We are stretched, out of our comfort zones some would say. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We only get one chance at childhood....and we only get one chance at life. God does allow us 'do overs' on occasion, but we have usually missed the ride down the hill, maybe we even pushed our way down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has a job and plan for everyone of us. He has called us out, to do His Will, to give Him glory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, we did go back around the block, several times in fact, as years past. We grew more comfortable and actually rode down the hill! But never as fast as we did on our own home street. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may call you to just ride your 'bike' on your own home street. But on occasion, He may call you to go around the block. He stretches us to grow us. He is with us, encouraging us to ride the best we can ride. We only have one lifetime and He wants us to ride it with Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 33.28px; text-align: center;">According to your faith will it be done to you.</em><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; line-height: 33.28px; text-align: center;"> Matthew 9:29 (NIV)</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 25.7143px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Consider the following when it comes to the ways God may want to stretch you:</span></span></h3>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to DO something.</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to STOP DOING something.</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to GIVE something.</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to SAY something.</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to STOP SAYING something.</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to SELL something.</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to BUY something. (presumably for a person or ministry in need)</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to START something.</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to END something.</span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God may want you to LOVE <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">someone</em>.</span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 25.7143px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Get out there and ride your 'bike of life' that you can enjoy the thrill of Him and His Plan for you!! Just stretch out your legs, scream with delight, as you follow Him and His blessings! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; line-height: 20px;">James 1:22 </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #454545; line-height: 20px;">But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. HCSB</em></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 25.7143px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 25.7143px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/fbgingersanders">Ginger Sanders on Facebook</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 25.7143px;"><a href="http://bit.ly/Gingersanders">@Gingersanders on twitter</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/GingerSanderswebsite">Ginger's website Giving God Glory</a></div>
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<br />Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-82300671005056397122016-01-14T14:59:00.000-06:002016-01-14T14:59:32.876-06:00Life or Death on the Ride<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other night, my husband asked me how I knew something about what was going on in our community. Being a chaplain, I don't always disclose information, even to him, so I responded, "If I told you I would have to kill you." Now we all know I would never do that, but the truth was I could not tell him my resources. He knew I was joking, but yet serious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I actually started thinking about life or death, the thought came to me, <i>which came first? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being a christian, I believe I will live for eternity in a place that Jesus has prepared for me. However, I also believe that life will be much better than the life here on earth!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pause for just a minute and think along with me as we go into life, living and death:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are conceived---beginning of life or existence as we know it as a human <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+1:5" target="_blank">Jer 1:5</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We live in the womb---beginning of formation of human <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+139%3A13-16&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalms 139:13-16</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;">We are born into the world---life on our own as humans</span> <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A28&version=NIV">Genesis 1:28</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We live our life ---- own choices Joshua 24:15 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+24%3A15&version=NIV" target="_blank">Joshua 24:15</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We die a fleshly death -------end of life on earth </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Ecclesiastes 9 says this:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f3; color: #343434; line-height: 30px;"> </span><span class="text Eccl-9-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: -0.1em; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">9 </span>I thought about all these things. I realized that those who are wise and do what is right are under God’s control. What they do is also under his control. But no one knows whether they will be loved or hated. </span><span class="text Eccl-9-2" id="en-NIRV-17478" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; 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;">2 </span>Everyone will die someday. Death comes to godly and sinful people alike. It comes to good and bad people alike. It comes to “clean” and “unclean” people alike. Those who offer sacrifices and those who don’t offer them also die.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Eccl-9-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">A good person dies,</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 Eccl-9-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and so does a sinner.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Eccl-9-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Those who make promises die.</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 Eccl-9-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">So do those who are afraid to make them.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Eccl-9-3" id="en-NIRV-17479" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>Here’s what is so bad about everything that happens on this earth. Death catches up with all of us. Also, the hearts of people are full of evil. They live in foolish pleasure. After that, they join those who have already died. </span><span class="text Eccl-9-4" id="en-NIRV-17480" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>Anyone who is still living has hope. Even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Eccl-9-5" id="en-NIRV-17481" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>People who are still alive know they’ll die.</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 Eccl-9-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">But those who have died don’t know anything.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Eccl-9-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They don’t receive any more rewards.</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 Eccl-9-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And even their name is forgotten.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Eccl-9-6" id="en-NIRV-17482" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>Their love, hate and jealousy disappear.</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 Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">They will never share again</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 Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">in anything that happens on earth"</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9DkT5p3VEqWnYrQi6zWF5pED8qivDMT3WGPWawiuqFKH-EkQVVdBDJjGPavFNObEP5pxQiWuGiQnd6ZMzBn2GgPoYNEy6ZrEjO97F16BEjvSN2OKPCQxCz1lQv_6MBFmGpyKYhSLTGQ6/s1600/Clip+art+carousel_4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9DkT5p3VEqWnYrQi6zWF5pED8qivDMT3WGPWawiuqFKH-EkQVVdBDJjGPavFNObEP5pxQiWuGiQnd6ZMzBn2GgPoYNEy6ZrEjO97F16BEjvSN2OKPCQxCz1lQv_6MBFmGpyKYhSLTGQ6/s200/Clip+art+carousel_4.gif" width="200" /></span></a><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After reading this, do you understand about 'life and death?' I am thinking that this is like a merry go round, literally called earth. We get on as a baby, we ride the up and downs of life, and yes, some of the riders horses are prettier than the others, but that is the ride! We do make our own choices. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, as the music slows, the ride slows down, slowly, so slow. Some get off by themselves, others are helped off. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But one thing I have noticed about this ride of 'life or death,' some get off the ride excited and smiling to go into the arms of those waiting to take them home. Others cry, not wanting to leave the ride yet, because home is not as much fun as the ride had been. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life, death, life.....round and round, then it is over. I have realized, during my ride, that it doesn't seem as long for some as others. You never know when it is going to be your stop, when the music will quit. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The joy of getting on the ride at all, should be one that we know is exciting! John 10:10 He gives us life....ABUNDANT life! (often we don't choose the best horse!)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, the joy of getting off and going home will be even greater!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eccl-9-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. </span><span class="highl" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also</span><span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> " John 14:2-3</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Watch for me on the ride, I may wave at you! If not, I hope to see you 'at home!' </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Blessings,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">gs</span></span></div>
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Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2067268874423873005.post-49372570904090942922016-01-04T11:21:00.001-06:002016-01-04T11:21:58.056-06:00Life Can Be Messy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As most other families, we had children and grandchildren here during the holidays. We enjoy family so much, setting the time aside to enjoy and laugh together. Some say we have an unusual family, because all the daughters-in-law and son-in-law get along so well with everyone. The three brothers and their sister chatter well into the night. They all just pick and joke and laugh together, setting an example for the little cousins playing together and sharing their new toys. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUOocg6V3ehWEou8_RGZ2VF0VjNudpv6SaUXMyflErhs9T7OpOUDTDSYkz0uwxELLbe1jaWm-9BnlLudG7KMj334XJ0Ht6YqkHnssxgFVRpEQkc7FStt74eR_Wj6WHFk-Kac97ftigh8V/s1600/family_member_design_elements_vector.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUOocg6V3ehWEou8_RGZ2VF0VjNudpv6SaUXMyflErhs9T7OpOUDTDSYkz0uwxELLbe1jaWm-9BnlLudG7KMj334XJ0Ht6YqkHnssxgFVRpEQkc7FStt74eR_Wj6WHFk-Kac97ftigh8V/s200/family_member_design_elements_vector.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, there were toys, shoes, socks and a total disarray in my home, but oh the joy! Once the parents started packing up, the barbie dolls were packed and racetracks put into boxes for the return trip to home, the floors appeared once again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We received text messages as they were getting close to home, or had arrived, after a long day of travel with children. We woke up to a quiet house in the morning, no snugglers coming sleepy eyed out of they beds. No chocolate chip muffins were to be made and our cups of coffee were drank with silence around us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the middle of the morning, we received word that a dear cousin had passed away in the night. She has arrived in heaven after her journey here on earth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seemed that life paralleled the week we had just spent with family. I am certain she is in heaven rejoicing with family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heaven will be a great experience, it will be eternal, no one has to leave! But, the experiences we miss here on earth can and should be like appetizers to heaven. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people carry grudges and 'cool' feelings toward others and cannot enjoy being around family. Some actually refuse to go to family affairs, especially if 'in-laws' are going to be there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Folks, you are missing life and what blessings God has in store for you. He has put people in your lives to enjoy the benefits each one can bring to the table. It is true we are not going to get along with everyone we meet, we are not going to have the same likes and dislikes, but can't we find something nice to say and begin to figure out why God put them in your life? I am sure God did not do this to make you miserable, but maybe to learn something? Maybe we should ask the Lord to change us instead of them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's just step back and think about when the next meeting, with a person you don't like to be around, will be. Plan ahead, think positive thoughts and pray for this person. Ask God to allow you to see the good in them. Ask God to tenderized your own heart, so you may be open to hearing His voice in each situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God cares so much for us, He sometimes stretches us out of our comfort zone to help us grow in Him, learning to love and forgive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relax, it is going to be alright if toys are spread out among the guests, it is alright if the glass of milk is spilled. It will only take moments to clean up the physical mess, while it will take a lifetime of cleaning up hurt feelings in the family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will enjoy the times coming up if you begin praying and preparing now. Learn to pray for others as well as yourself. Who knows you may even find a new friend in your very own family! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh yes, get ready! Easter is coming soon!! :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">1 Timothy 5:8</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Cor. 13:7</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gs</span></div>
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Ginger Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10259584777751724681noreply@blogger.com0