tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216811802024-03-18T22:40:52.928-05:00 Bright Light in big darkness BlogEstreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-83769565627427887332019-07-12T18:32:00.000-05:002019-07-12T18:38:04.615-05:00The Impossible Conception on The Unseen Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back in May, I had the opportunity to share Erik & my testimony with Adam & Brooke Fish for <a href="https://theunseenstory.org/stories-posts/an-impossible-conception/" target="_blank">The Unseen Story </a>podcast on how <a href="https://www.brightlightbigdarkness.com/2019/04/for-17-years-we-prayed-and-believed.html" target="_blank">God is the God of the Impossible for this 17 year miracle in the making</a>!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For 17 Years we prayed and Believed we would one day conceive and God Answered. <a href="https://www.brightlightbigdarkness.com/2019/04/for-17-years-we-prayed-and-believed.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the detailed account visit</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">So honored that our testimony is blessing & building faith in others to believe that with God all things are possible. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;" /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21;">“So in November, we tried one more time, again, resulted in no eggs or embryos, like completely. We went in, they give you all the hormones to get everything all puffy and ready to take out. When she went in, it was empty. </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;">There was nothing there. And she even told my husband, “I think she might be in early menopause.” So when I woke up the next day, my husband shared what the doctor said. And it was very, very, very devastating. Like, okay, God, why did we have to go through all of this?”<br />⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline;">Here's the podcast⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This ministry is powerful ministry that is declaring the power of testimonies and the of love of Christ. If you are interesting in supporting this worthwhile mission please visit: <a href="https://theunseenstory.org/giveandfollow/">https://theunseenstory.org/giveandfollow/</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">#thegospel #godisgood #seekhim #redeemed #theunseenstory#revealrecordrevive #hisstory #tellyourstory #lovedoes #perfectlove#jesussaves #hope #christinyou #dailyinspiration #infertility #ivf #pregnancy #babykluetz #babykluetzmiracle#miraclesdohappen #miracleoflife #thisishowifightmybattles #26weekspregnant @the.unseen.story
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-80686094319495904272019-04-22T09:49:00.020-05:002022-09-10T01:25:30.858-05:00For 17 Years we prayed and believed that 1 day we’d conceive & GOD ANSWERED!<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwj98bxnUaG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background-color: white; background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwj98bxnUaG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background-color: white; background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; 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<h2><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></h2><h2><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">For 17 Years we prayed and believed that 1 day we’d conceive & GOD ANSWERED #MiraclesDoHappen </span></h2>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">As of Last Friday we are 18 Weeks pregnant! </span></h2>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">OUR JOURNEY TO CONCEIVE, CARRY & BARE A CHILD </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span></h3>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">If you have follwed my blog or know me personally you know that I have always wanted to be a mom and to have a symbol of my husband and myself, our love for God and each other displayed through our children. However, until now we have gone through a roller coaster of trials and tribulations and challenges to get us to the place we are to day.</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In 2014, in a moment of desperation I cried out to the Lord and said, “God I don’t want to continue to believe for something that isn’t going to ever happen. I need a sign that one day I will conceive, carry & and bare a child.” At that point, I had not had a menstrual cycle in 6 months, meaning I didn’t ovulate. 3 days later I got my period then for the next 4 years I had like clock work I’ve had it consistently on time like clockwork. That never happened in my entire life. So that began as my fleece and sign that I held on to as well as other confirmations along the way. #GodKisses</span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In October 2017, After 4 years had passed we decided to try IVF and thought maybe this is how God is going to make it finally happen for us. I had gone to my OBGYN because of the heavy mental cycles and she did an ultrasound and found a polyp in my uterus. I had surgery in December to remove it.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BcsUqiXFksK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background-color: white; background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BcsUqiXFksK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background-color: white; background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; 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</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Then on December 30, 2017, I got the pathology report back and I was diagnosed with “endometrioid adenocarcinoma figo grade 1” - uterine cancer. It was devastating news. I met with three oncologist. Two of the three oncologist advised me to get a hysterectomy, due to my previous history with breast cancer in 2007. </span>However, as you know doing so would have eliminated my deep desire and promise I had been standing on to ever conceiving a child. I found a doctor who was willing to try placing a IUD to treat the uterus directly. When I went through <a href="https://www.brightlightbigdarkness.com/2007/08/praising-lord-in-midst-of-trial.html" target="_blank">breast cancer in 2007</a>, I had the same issue with the surgical oncologist two advised a double mastectomy and one was willing to just do a lumpectomy and radiation for breast conservation, because she knew one day I wanted to have kids and breast feed and the Brest cancer biopsy report showed that it was only in stage 0. But warned there could be a 20% chance of recurrence. And 12 years later I’m still breast cancer free. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">So after about two or three weeks of dealing with this process of meeting the doctors and coming to a final decision, I was reminded by one of my best friends that God is the God of the impossible and He would do what he promised me and I will overcome the cancer. That reminder gave me the boost I needed and I stepped out in faith and believed God would heal my womb.</div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span style="-en-paragraph: true; text-size-adjust: 100%;">In the meantime, I also immediately started #innerhealing to try to get to the root of why cancer was attacking my womanhood.</span><span style="-en-paragraph: true; text-size-adjust: 100%;"> </span><span style="-en-paragraph: true; text-size-adjust: 100%;">I began a journey to seek total healing - mind, body, and spirit. </span>
<span style="color: #1d2129;">I never in a million years thought I would have SO MUCH BREAKTHROUGH as I have had in that short amount of time. When I first started personal therapy</span><span style="color: #1d2129;">, I thought I had already dealt with past hurts, family issues, and traumas but I knew there were unresolved things that were linked to me getting repeated cancer diagnoses. My counselor helped me work through those things as I pursued healing and forgiveness of all the unresolved things in my past. I realized in the process that there was a definite link between thoughts (conscience and subconscience) and my overall health. Then began to work on taking care of myself instead of always taking care of others and the paradigm shift began even as I was walking through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. We worked through trapped emotions linked with my fertility journey as well as trauma I had experienced when I was younger. It was an eye opening experience and so much healing came out of those sessions. Which I will be forever eternally grateful.</span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Due to the uterine cancer diagnosis and the state of our finances, we had no idea how God was going to make this happen. Then after meeting with Fertility Doctor to discuss out options after this diagnosis, she told us about a program through <a href="https://www.livestrong.org/what-we-do/program/fertility" target="_blank">Livestrong</a> & <a href="https://www.ferringfertility.com/paying-for-treatment/save-on-your-medication/heart-beat-program/" target="_blank">Heartbeat</a> that offered scholarships to cancer patients to assist the fertility drugs with preserving their chances to conceive. Savings us close to $15k. So before we began treating the uterus with an IUD, we did our first IVF in February 2018 and created an embryo. However, when the genetic test came came back, the embryo had missing chromosomes and extra chromosomes, which would have resulted in a miscarriage. We were devastated I cried for a week. </span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Then IUD was placed. Then a month later the IUD came out during the next menstrual cycle, because it was so heavy. Then I had to do a CAT scan to be sure it didn’t get embedded into my uterus. Thankfully, there was no sign of it doing that and I decided not to repeat the iud procedure.</span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Then May 6, 2018, I had another surgery but this time it was for my parathyroid, which had grown to the size of an plumb and was causing a myriad of Issues.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BikZ3tiH8_1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Just woke up, had chicken noodle soup. The parathyroid surgery went well just saw dr she said the gland was almost the size of a plum when she expected to be the size of a grape. was about 3 Cm. I can talk fine, but neck is a little sore!</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/estreitta/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Estreitta</a> (@estreitta) on <time datetime="2018-05-09T19:42:22+00:00" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 9, 2018 at 12:42pm PDT</time></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BimbrVknkZ6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="background-color: white; background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BimbrVknkZ6/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Dr Simone just stopped by said my calcium & Parathyroid Hormone levels went down to normal. She took the dressing off and now we can see where she cut me open and my #hospitaltattoo. I’m being discharged and HAVE TO go home. This was a great hospital stay, all the staff here super helpful and really were attentive to me and my needs. I also love the ethnic diversity. Staff is from all over the world from Nigeria, Belize, New York. I would highly recommend Dr Valeria Simone and @texashealth #Southlake. #happiesthospitalstayever #sadtogohome #hospitaltattoo #ilovemylife #positiveexperience</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/estreitta/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Estreitta</a> (@estreitta) on <time datetime="2018-05-10T14:36:38+00:00" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 10, 2018 at 7:36am PDT</time></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">On May 30, 2018, </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I went in for my 4 month biopsy follow up and the results came back negative #noSignsofCancer.</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> Our Doctor said to us, "Now Go get pregnant, the best treatment for this kind of uterine cancer is getting pregnant! Come see me in 4 months" Here's a 5-minute video of our sharing the results with our friends and family!</span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tGGGoUMRYrI" width="560"></iframe><br /></span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Then in July we tried another round of IVF but that resulted in no embryos. Then in October 2018, I had another biopsy, which again resulted in "no Signs of Cancer". </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Then In November 2018, we tried for our last round of IVF that resulted in an egg.. but it stalled out on day 5 and did not fertilize, so again we had no embryos and the Doctor told Erik that it appeared I may be in the early stages of menopause!!!! </span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">We went home disappointed and disillusioned and we gave up. We were utterly distraught, broken, and thought we were done and had completely given up on the idea that we would ever have a child... but God.... He had other plans instead... our story of becoming parents is just beginning.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGTVf3HBJb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="background-color: white; background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGTVf3HBJb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">So we just got a disappointing report. Please continue to pray for our hearts as we process through this. I am believing for Hope to Continue to Arise and that God will reveal his purpose and plan. Thank you for walking alongside us, praying for us, standing in faith with us in this crazy rollercoaster. ❤️</a></div>
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A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/estreitta/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Estreitta</a> (@estreitta) on <time datetime="2018-12-07T19:50:36+00:00" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Dec 7, 2018 at 11:50am PST</time></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Little did we know, few weeks after our devastating news, we apparently created this baby! It truly is a Miracle, 17 years we have been trying to conceive and then God steps in our place of despair and disappointment and creates this beautiful life! </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">If I could tell you the amount of fears and struggles I have had since 2017 with the diagnosis of uterine cancer then 3 failed ivf's then we get pregnant naturally...</span></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">So in February 2019, I realized that I hadn't had a period since December and noticed some things that weren't normal for like a month. I</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> was feeling extremely nauseated and getting motion sickness every time I was in the car! I asked Erik to go get the test that said Pregnant/Not Pregnant. After 17 years of negative test, I thought at the time if I was pregnant I didn't want there to be any question that the test was positive! So I woke up at 4am, took the Test and waited for 3 minutes.......</span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing, I said, "Oh My God Erik, It says Im Pregnant!" </span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">He was in bed half asleep in bed, said, "WHAT!!!!" </span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">He then Jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom to see, He was Like, "REALLY??? How accurate is this test???" </span><br />
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I was like it says "99.8% Accurate, Go get your phone and take a picture in case it goes away. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxpYdEEl8UkQzcvHeRk-rbpZ_Zma_tXPlPz0WY-M5nu7ZXKHOpEGkBHejklpT2DnQV1I4O499ygucOfZef2G_DUQhNoVpOUf1q0swH8eOlOCBqE4ujL_sx3TUdsXGQZckiQiq/s1600/IMG_2103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxpYdEEl8UkQzcvHeRk-rbpZ_Zma_tXPlPz0WY-M5nu7ZXKHOpEGkBHejklpT2DnQV1I4O499ygucOfZef2G_DUQhNoVpOUf1q0swH8eOlOCBqE4ujL_sx3TUdsXGQZckiQiq/s640/IMG_2103.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">in 17 years of taking at home pregnancy test we have NEVER EVER seen a POSITIVE test result. I couldn't wait till 8AM came around so I could call my OBGYN to get an appointment to confirm, but she was booked and couldn't see me for a week! So I called and made an appointment with my Internal Medicine Doctor, who back in November prayed for me before I had my last ivf procedure, the sweetest prayer. She ordered a blood test and 2 days later I came back and confirmed I was PREGNANT!!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">We were Amazed and Shocked and just Blown away at God's Faithfulness. Then a week later we went into to see the OBGYN and I had an ultrasound and we saw Baby A , heard their heart beating and shared the news with our immediate family and inner circle of friends that I was</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> indeed 6.5 weeks pregnant</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF99y8K-mfRmwIGC4kAxDIpaKKZnd8pCk3kZVlildmK9lINV8D8UBcxPhZCXEZGcHEFwcnhf8cbnZmHyE5dJ_ODU6rBARHDzm39zIJrYR2ccIdiUcb8UxQ0rs9aEx0LfdJKekQ/s1600/IMG_9217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1340" data-original-width="1600" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF99y8K-mfRmwIGC4kAxDIpaKKZnd8pCk3kZVlildmK9lINV8D8UBcxPhZCXEZGcHEFwcnhf8cbnZmHyE5dJ_ODU6rBARHDzm39zIJrYR2ccIdiUcb8UxQ0rs9aEx0LfdJKekQ/s640/IMG_9217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">Thank you God....The testimony of healing, wholeness, and growth in so many areas of my life that speak to the Grace and Faithfulness of God to get me where I am right now, who He created me to be, and what is to come in my future for my marriage, family, work, ministry... Erik and I are, so Richly Blessed!!! We are so grateful for the opportunity to finally become parents and train this child up to know and Love God and serve Him all the Days of their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">We have soooooooooooo many friends and family that we want to thank for being with us on this journey, praying for us through our pain and devastation, believing God for us when we felt we had no faith left to believe that this dream would ever come to fruition. The words of encouragement and support over the course of our marriage, EACH ONE OF YOU, are all part of this testimony and the story we will one day tell our child when she/he grows up, EACH OF YOU are part of this child's legacy. and For that we thank you and pray God blesses you exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond whatever you ask or think!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">During this entire ordeal, I created this Spotify Playlist called "This is How I Fight My Battles" in my times of pain and feeling numb i would listen to this playlist and it really helped me get into a place of mental victory. If you are needing encouragement, strength, hope, peace the best advice I could give anyone is to Seek God, Get in His Presence, and pour out your heart on the altar in a place of worship. He will meet you where you are and heal you from the inside out!</span></span></div>
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/estreitta/playlist/3sJODCXL2LtEmuZkh2pRkq" width="300"></iframe>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX, USA32.7554883 -97.330765831.901301300000004 -98.62165929999999 33.609675300000006 -96.0398723tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-27244698944383030572017-10-20T14:22:00.000-05:002017-10-21T13:09:52.790-05:00The Change Perspective<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="9k6kj" data-offset-key="fii3a-0-0">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKJi5U-CfqXcz-IyMl_LO2us4I6F9h3c6yB-aNF_QMBU3ec8ZB_rm9IKC0ohH9rdKiGIAb0ccREuM-2IeseFnC_56c4QN7t0WEoL-3uPIYUDPJKlA7nB89cp8Cx3iGR9fIsiX/s1600/Change+Perspective.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKJi5U-CfqXcz-IyMl_LO2us4I6F9h3c6yB-aNF_QMBU3ec8ZB_rm9IKC0ohH9rdKiGIAb0ccREuM-2IeseFnC_56c4QN7t0WEoL-3uPIYUDPJKlA7nB89cp8Cx3iGR9fIsiX/s640/Change+Perspective.png" title="The Change Perspective " width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I absolutely love the fall. I love the cooler temperatures that's relief from the texas sweltering heat. I love the changing colors of the trees and the eye candy that brings. I love getting to wear scarfs and getting to cuddle up with my husband to warm my feet. I love going to bonfires and cookouts and hay rides that comes with fall festivals.<br /><br />On the flipside the fall marks a time of change, the old dying off in this season so the new can come bursting forth in the spring. It's the changing of the seasons the things that can be a mess for a time - especially having to rake up the dead leaves, then bag them up for the trash collector to retrieve. Change can be a lot of work and overwhelming at times...<br /><br />I think we all can admit...sometimes change can be hard. REALLY HARD.<br /><br />But I have come to the conclusion that it really boils down to how you look at the change.. truly it is a matter of your perspective.<br /><br />What I have found to be the most beneficial when change is on the horizon whether it be in my family, my life, my work, my friendships, my dreams, my ministry, my giftings, my limitations when I don't understand the who, what, where, why, and how come... Is that I need to only focus on what I do know not on what I don't. <br /><br />Ask the Lord what is His perspective about this situation/relationship? < THIS IS WHAT YOU KNOW<br /><br />Then ask the Lord how do I align my perspective with His perspective? < THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> So What Do I Know?</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Most of the time I come to the realization that He is in Control and I am not and I just need to lay it all down and Focus my thought on Truth. Because focusing on the truth of God's word is what sets me free from worrying about what is going to happen, how it's going to happen, when it's going to happen. The agony of trying to figure out stuff and the anxiety and stress that develops in every area of my life is a manifestation of my Lack of Trust in God, and his plans for my life... Misery the only fruit that comes from worry which is a symptom of having a lack of trust and lack of faith in God's process, timing, perspective.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />After Years and Years of struggling, when things happen that are out of my control... understanding almost everything i am not directly responsible for is out of my control...</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">I don't control other people</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I don't control time</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I don't control circumstance</span></li>
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The only thing I am in control of is how I respond to the change. Do I come up higher and look above the fray or do i stay low in the muck and whine and moan and cry about how horrible things are. While I cannot control all of the other things I can control my will, my thoughts and emotions and align them with truth. (Phil 4) <br /><br />Knowing what you are called to - being a worshiper of Jesus, following his precepts, and walking in the fruits of the spirit - is what will keep your eyes on Jesus and in the process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Remember there is a Process to the Progress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />So if it feels like things are moving along at a snails pace don't grow weary... you will get to the other side</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />If things feel like it is smooth sailing and then all of a sudden it feels like your whole world is crashing down around you... Jesus is there to bring peace and hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />And like that oldies song written by Pete Seeger, sung by the Byrds that is based on Ecclesiastes...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large;">LYRICS to TURN TURN TURN</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To everything, turn, turn, turn.There is a season, turn, turn, turn.<br /> And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, a time to die. A time to plant, a time to reap. A time to kill, a time to heal. A time to laugh, a time to weep.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn.<br />And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to build up, a time to break down. A time to dance, a time to mourn. A time to cast away stones. A time to gather stones together.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn.<br />And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time of love, a time of hate. A time of war, a time of peace. A time you may embrace. A time to refrain from embracing.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To everything, turn, turn, turn.There is a season, turn, turn, turn.<br />And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to gain, a time to lose. A time to rend, a time to sew. A time for love, a time for hate. A time for peace, I swear it's not too late.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remind yourself often that He has provided for your every need and He has put specific people in your life to help you get there. Those you have surrounded yourself with have helped your along the course to that Goal of getting to the other side of the shift.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some have given me directions and resources</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some have taken time to show me what they have learned</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some have spoken truth when I needed to hear it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some have prayed for me through what seemed was the darkest of hours and seasons of my life</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some have been there since day one</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some have come in and out at crucial times</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Some have contributed for a short period of time and then never to be seen or heard from again</span></li>
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Value all of those people no matter if they were in my life for a minute, 5 days or 42 years. Everyone of them have contributed to make you into who you are today .<br /><br />I know I am grateful all of those have contributed to who I am today.<br /><br />Knowing that God works everything out in the end, I Promise!!! Does it ever look like I thought it would in the end... hardly... But most of the time it is so better than I could have ever imagined. <br /><br />Don't keep dwelling on the shoulda, coulda, woulda's... Just lean into Jesus and press forward to your higher calling while declaring:</span></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-44713596103192906142017-09-06T08:48:00.001-05:002018-08-15T13:32:48.984-05:00Crossing the Racial Divide Pt 1: The Pursuit of Racial Reconciliation<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="at5ja" data-offset-key="8vfe4-0-0">
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<img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMI1FvUXMTX5_HOhciYYbBLqZh3yrkVmPNHWWCNH2mhbKLQvME4_Vqsml2EEBZ9E-fyPbJtwsAopKOiXAKKM2TzH0ZY4fTf4SLOVVPvgHLvuJ2ZdqRI_nwtP_2mqkrCsTgnhFr/s1600/Crossing+the+Racial+Divide.png" title=" Crossing the Racial Divide Pt 1: The Pursuit of Racial Reconciliation " /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since the Charlottesville attacks, at my church <a href="http://urdallas.com/" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><i><b>Upper Room Dallas</b></i></a> our leadership has been discussing racial reconciliation and how we as followers of Christ should address the tensions in America inside and outside the church. It has been a powerful few weeks of teaching and getting the opportunity to hear candidly from our pastors as well as church leaders in the community and those in our congregation their perspectives, insights and life experiences as it relates to prejudices, bigotry, and racism.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have grown up in Church my ENTIRE Life and I have NEVER EVER heard the topic of racial reconciliation spoken in Church. This is has been a prayer of my heart since my 20's and I am so blessed to be a part of a church who is willing to approach this topic with a desire to see healing, restoration and reconciliation in the body of Christ and in our community.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Growing up we attended predominantly caucasian churches with the exception of one when we lived in Fort Worth. My family was typically one of maybe 2 - 4 other families that were Hispanic in our tiny country town AG church. I am blessed to say that I have never experienced any prejudices and or bigoted attitudes towards me or my family because of our ethnicity in the churches i've attended.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In 1982, our family moved from Pennsylvania to Texas. I honestly had no clue I was different until I moved to Texas. I was bullied, made fun of, and treated horribly by other kids because i didnt look like them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had never experienced such hatred and disdain and I was 7 years old. In Pennsylvania I wasnt treated any differently never received any type of bullying in school. I didn't understand why this was happening to me. I didnt understand why other kids were so mean to me. Then in the summer of 1983 we moved from the city to the country the bullying & teasing increased and was worse than in the city. I went home crying myself to sleep every night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn't until I was in college that I realized most of this behavior was a result of systemic racism and prejudices towards Hispanics in the south.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In middle school I was made fun of and was told I was mexican, my mother is from central american country Honduras. In Texas, Mexicans were (an often still are) considered the lowest class of people. Maybe because of my name or because of my skin tone, I was being basically told that I don't matter or I am not valued because of my ethnicity. I tried to tell them I was white and I wasn't different then them, I even brought my baby pictures to school to prove to everyone I was Born White...</span>They did not relent.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;">DISCOVERING MY OWN HIDDEN PREJUDICES</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was sixteen I was volunteering as a candy striper at a local Ft Worth Hospital. I was informed, "You're still a wetback you family just swam further" after I told the 16 year old boy that I was not mexican because my family originated from Spain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With the exception of that ignorant boy, the tone in which people would ask me, "Are you Mexican?" would quickly change when I inform them I was of Spanish descent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This perpetual association built prejudices in me towards Mexicans and even my own Hispanic heritage. I began to have a sense of superiority because my Great Grandparents were from Spain. I even decided I didn't like Mexican Food, as a form of protest. I began to think since I wasn't Mexican I was better than them. In high school my friends gave me the nickname Estreitta "I'm Not A Mexican" Martin because of the continual question being asked of me and my response.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It took till I went to my Christian college in Minnesota for me to realized the prejudices I had towards Mexicans and my Hispanic Heritage. I repented for my mindset and began embracing who I was and my Hispanic roots. I even went from being called Es-tree-dah to Es-tray-ee-tah.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While most of the blatant prejudices have subsided in my adulthood. After a ten year break from living in the midwest, I discovered there are more subtle forms of racism that I have seen since I moved back to Texas in 2004. Most of the ignorance is coupled with the fact that while many of the individual may be seemingly nice people, they have unfortunately been raised with a prejudice mindset and philosophy passed down generation after generation within a southern culture that perpetuates and degrades people of color.</span><br />
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DO YOU REMEMBER EVER SEEING THE DISNEY MOVIE "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_of_the_South" target="_blank">SONG OF THE SOUTH</a>"?</span></h3>
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<a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/60021/10-zip-dee-doo-dah-facts-about-song-south" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="532" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kT9EHHrSJhYdrXEVaio4vzAHSfinUAPfdaLNQXw1pv4AeXfiBxoU2h8_gctsWgzQS8SKmsIr4Ky1NqPfXKvErfhmGAqbw0lBgHaCU7JFvrT1jzniUgfJDFr6Kf_8McTsjXjx/s640/Song+of+the+South.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a lot of <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/60021/10-zip-dee-doo-dah-facts-about-song-south" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><b>controversy surrounding</b></i></a> this movie because it:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Downplays the tension around the reconstruction era</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Portrays former slaves as incoherent unintelligent buffoons</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">It glorifies plantation life as something cheerful and pleasant </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This movie was released in 1946, 83 years after President Lincoln declared the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Proclamation" target="_blank"><i><b>Emancipation Proclamation</b></i></a>, 80 years after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Crow_laws" target="_blank"><i><b>Jim Crow Laws</b></i></a> were put in effect, and segregation was a way of life in the south. It took about 20 more years afterwards till the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1964" target="_blank"><i><b>Civil Rights Act of 1964</b></i></a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_Rights_Act_of_1965" target="_blank"><i><b>Voting Rights Act of 1965</b></i></a> to become law of the Land that abolished the latter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I actually have fond memories of this movie, I remember going to the movies to see as a 5 year old little girl when it was re-released in 1980. This movie is etched in my mind and when I recall it often and I see Uncle Remus walking down the cartoon path singing Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. We even bought a disney record that had this song on it and we would play all the time and sing along.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a child you have no idea about any of these complex issues or the somewhat subliminal messaging that is being instilled and ingrained subtly. (There are <a href="http://www.vh1.com/news/310/racist-disney-movies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i><b>many other Disney movies</b></i></a> that when you see them.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I remember the first time I learned about Slavery was when we moved to Texas and I didn't understand why the kids were teasing me because I was a Yankee. I asked my mom why they were calling me that. My mom told me about the civil war and how the Yankees defeated the Rebel forces that led to freedom of the slaves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was so heartbroken over this horrible history in our nation. Yet, I was proud to carry the label of a Yankee. Understanding fully at 7 years old that my being a Yankee meant that I was on the right side of history. So when they teased me the next day I proudly declared, "Yes, I am a Yankee. At least, WE won the civil war! You are the losers." They had no rebuttal.</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: red;"><b>TAKE THE FIRST STEP</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This last Sunday at church two members with whom our pastor </span><a href="https://twitter.com/freelandmiller" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank"><i><b>Michael Miller</b></i></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> has been meeting and discussing the issue of racism regularly were asked to share their stories. Very Eye Opening and once the message is made public I will add below. At the end of the service there was a call for repentance and renouncing of mentalities that may have been unknowingly taught to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I encourage you to search your heart, mind and spirit. Seek the Lord for any roots of racism, bigotry, or prejudices towards a people group because of your upbringing, or the part of the country you grew up in or your parents and grandparents attitudes towards people of a different race or being a recipient of mistreatment from certain people groups because of your ethnicity. It is an eye opening experience, one that is terrifying and revealing but the outcome is totally worth it. </span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Repentance & Renouncing Generational Racism, Bigotry & Prejudices is the first step to crossing the racial divide.</span></i></b></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some of the recent Messages that I HIGHLY Recommend:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.urdallas.com/podcast/2017/8/28/gj0q7m0jjzqij4c6sp5i7bwet1kcwc" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1600" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3W9Lcuy2N-hkugipFOdSYVvXupADd9QlDm4TWZyqPPVBkfjhjsi0CeE2jtZsJqqGEgNn4OLHZKx46aE0FMh7Vtc2hY4f3m6DODHmFwQ-OrMP8QNLrm_ExEsNsmc0WfobrGaa/s640/download+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.urdallas.com/podcast/2017/8/20/guest-speaker-michael-hats-miller" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="741" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqD8mu1vS_Tt4WfK6m1oRUYXoks-Wf_vRoYZ0uZuOyE01m7sfzY-lTtr43EJNtBOyGGI6Dcs6MTm9OwqlNsy7bbpwZaMT37Xl5ddOP_XLBakKXXBw-FivnH3nIOaBPXCD5DfO9/s640/Guest+Speaker-+Michael+-Hats-+Miller+%25E2%2580%2594+UPPERROOM.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.urdallas.com/podcast/2017/8/6/the-key-that-reconciles" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="690" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhUyB07SOM6f_ZZFTwhDrd-Ilrh0yVyRs0cvXLQV0myookbQeRH8jSRQBRgGwYu_enQgee5TE04HA80x9LU7BE18V2ARHyAYXMqpYUQlScamNK0VG9jA14sn5LkcYaxy2vP09/s640/The+Key+that+Reconciles+1%25E2%2580%2594+UPPERROOM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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To read the original post please visit my blog:
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-49607350119689853202017-08-23T13:09:00.001-05:002017-08-23T14:49:38.311-05:00A Different Warrior<br />
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I wrote this poem after taking a class at Northwestern College called Biblical Racial Reconciliation. I wrote it as part of my final paper for the class.My own experiences coupled with hearing stories of friends who experienced the same kind of injustices of racism and prejudices from all over the country branded me today with the desire to speak out and hold fast to pursue racial reconciliation in the communities i belong to inside and out side of the church:<br />
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<h2>
A DIFFERENT WARRIOR</h2>
Written by I. Estreitta Martin (1999)<br />
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To change one's perspective<br />
To know one's pain<br />
To be a person that's differnt<br />
Sometimes pay the price to feel a little bit the same<br />
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To sense what it was like, by walking in their shoes<br />
For Family<br />
To God<br />
Their cries echoed<br />
Through the night<br />
<br />
The life they were allowed to live<br />
There wasn't a lot of choices<br />
They had no choice to make<br />
<br />
All they knew was<br />
One Day<br />
Some Day<br />
Even Any Day,<br />
Freedom would be in sight<br />
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To hear their heart wailing for change<br />
The barriers that seem to never Go AWAY<br />
Knowing that this victory would not be done in vain<br />
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No matter if anyone else might try<br />
Try to Stop<br />
Stop the Truth they have to say<br />
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The warrior is crying within them to pursue this to the end<br />
Something must be done<br />
Something must stop this agony flowing through their veins<br />
These issues are vital and but be made amend<br />
Their Leader is the Almighty and His presence ultimately rules and reigns<br />
<br />
No obstacle, nor distraction can hod back these warriors<br />
Warriors ready to stand and fight<br />
They do this in honor and acknowledgement for the One who is their Guide<br />
To the One that empowers and and strengthens them<br />
With Him before them, around them, and behind them<br />
They will truly see and walk in his might<br />
They will rise up against the enemy to fight<br />
Suited up are these warriors of light<br />
Their journey begins with roaring chants that God is on their side<br />
Which will lead them to victory and the devil's final demise<br />
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They keep faith, and not loose hope<br />
So God makes a way<br />
Pulling out all the roots of bigotry, along with strife, hostility and shame<br />
For they know that love, peace and joy will be the enemy's dismay<br />
<br />
All dressed for battle holding the sword of righteousness<br />
Cutting out all bondages of demonic strongholds that have plagued out society even to this day<br />
Their mouths filled with truth to break the powers of darkness over the centuries of lies<br />
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Keeping the vision in their hearts and souls<br />
Staying prepared<br />
For the path that is rugged and steep<br />
With the knowledge that there is much work ahead<br />
<br />
This warrior of a different kind<br />
To some may appear to be weak, inferior, insignicant<br />
But this warrior is determined to pursue justice that he is called to defend<br />
They have a Christ centered Message<br />
With confidence<br />
that ignorance, prejudice, and racism will finally come to an end<br />
<br />
They keep moving forward<br />
Pressing on til unity is positioned in it's rightful in place<br />
Because when it does<br />
Everyone will know<br />
The Message will finally be heard of what needed to be said.<br />
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To read the original post please visit my blog:
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-5475237295788425312016-10-08T00:10:00.000-05:002016-10-08T03:34:38.479-05:00Close Encounters with A Smile<div>
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Check out the recent Talk Amongst Ourselves Podcast on this topic:<br />
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WHAT SMILING DOES FOR YOU</span></h3>
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They say when you are having a stressful day to put a pen or pencil in you mouth horizontally because it makes your brain think you are smiling and alleviates stress. I know it works because I have used this tactic during my college years when I would be studying for a test and I could feel a stress headache coming on. </div>
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From what I understand, the messages a smile sends to the brain activates the pleasure & reward mechanisms and produces feelings of happiness, tranquility and comfort. Your body feels like it just won the lottery and ready to face what ever comes your way with positivity and focus.</div>
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WHAT SMILING DOES FOR OUR CULTURE</span></h3>
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I have noticed over the course of my 41 years on this earth that the simplest kindest thing you could do for another person especially a stranger in passing is gaining eye contact with them then say hello (acknowledging their existence) with a smile (a gift with no expectations).</div>
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When I was in college at what is now known as University of Northwestern... This was part of the campus culture, an unspoken one, but whenever you'd pass by someone especially walking to and from class to the dorms you'd always say "Hey, how's it Going..." Or "Hello" with a smile, wether you knew that person or not. When I attended there we had under 2000 students attending so it was small enough to be close knit but yet as large as the small town in Texas I grew up in.</div>
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In the back roads of small country towns of Texas like I grew up in, there was a thing I noticed even at a 10 year old that was different from the east coast where I was born. My father who grew up outside of Philadelphia, moved us to Texas so he could fulfill his life long dream of owning a farm in the southwest and become a cowboy. seriously though. My dad was the kind of guy that could talk to anyone anywhere at any time, there were no such things as strangers for Bill Martin. I mean even wrong number calls my dad would engage with them and get to know them.</div>
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So as a little girl, my dad would take my mom, brother and I on Saturday drives and we would just drive drive drive all over the back roads between Azle, Decator, Weatherford, Peaster and Springtown just sightseeing listening to oldies music as we drove around in my Dad's pick up truck. The thing I noticed is in Texas you would signal a driver that was coming from the opposite direction and you would raise your hand and wave with a smile. When ever I go visit my family who still live in the area the drivers still do the same thing as they did 30 years ago.</div>
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WHAT SMILING DOES FOR OTHERS</span></h3>
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A few weeks ago, I was walking inside a local QT to grab a drink and as an older black gentleman was walking out and I said, "Hello" and smiled at him. He immediately stopped dead in his tracks looked at me, Smiled and went back and grabbed the door.</div>
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It was a kewl moment where two strangers who will probably never cross paths again intersected for a moment and kindness was shared. Smiles transcend cultural, religious, economic and racial differences and if more of us, Especially those who are believers in Jesus this should be part of the great commission. Smiling shares the Love of God, Smile offers compassion and understanding, Smiling offers Hope. A Smile doesn't judge it just lightens up a room. And you really don't even need to say a word... Just Smile... The words will come as you step out in do it more.</div>
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The thing about smiling at a perfect stranger is that more often than not they will smile back at you. I only once had someone give me a scowl when I smiled at him. It was an elderly man on a train in Germany. </div>
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We were traveling to the airport with a huge group (36) of friends from church. We Americans are a little more rambunctious than our German counter parts. We were singing and laughing and having a good time. </div>
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Then I could feel these eyes staring at us and I looked at this Man right in the eyes and smiled. You know this man who had a sour face just tightened up his scowl even more then when it was time for him to get off the train he got us shook his head and mumbled "Aüslander" which means foreigner and got off the train. </div>
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So even if your smile gets rejected its still better to give one as you never know how that may impact on the person. A Smile is the perfect gift we can give the world and it doesn't even cost us anything. Yeah it might feel awkward at first, but just like with anything you have to step out and take the first step and the more you do it it becomes more natural and you don't even think about it.</div>
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Yesterday was World Smile Day, but I think everyday should be World Smile Day! Try to make an effort to smile at those you encounter you never know how profound that moment could be!</div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX, USA32.7554883 -97.330765831.901301300000004 -98.62165929999999 33.609675300000006 -96.0398723tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-82956478000097852062016-07-24T18:25:00.004-05:002016-07-24T18:25:56.494-05:00Principles of Sowing & Reaping - Walking in the Fruits of Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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THE PRINCIPLE OF SOWING & REAPING</h3>
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<b>2 Corinthians 9:6</b></h4>
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<i>Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously</i></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The biblical principle of reaping & sowing is so much bigger than just the financial benefits of giving and tithing then receiving supernatural financial blessings. Most of the time when we hear this message it's about giving your tithes and offerings but I believe that we can apply this to how we walk out the fruits of the Spirit in our everyday life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The principle says that if you sow or plant something you will reap something. There are lots of other factors that contribute to the growth of the thing you plant. It has to be good soil and you have to cultivate it by taking all the rocks out and taking the weeds out and watering regularly and it will grow. While I may not have a green thumb when it comes to plants, I try to apply the principle in my life by how I respond to circumstances or people that may come my way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was thinking the other day about with the Help of the Holy Spirit I am able to walk in the fruits of the Spirit and when I do that there are supernatural benefits to it: </span><br /><h4>
For every deposit of love I sow, I will reap supernatural love<br />For every deposit of peace I sow, I will reap supernatural peace<br />For every deposit of joy I sow, I will reap supernatural joy</h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That means, when I make those deposits I have the ability to supernaturally cash in and cancel out any hate, anxiety, fears, poor thinking... and the reason is because of how I have sowed the fruits of the Spirit in the past. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />So every deposit we make, it is put in an account for us ready and waiting for us to get it when we need it. and it just gets added to our account everytime we walk in the fruits of the Spirit. And it is waiting ready for the taking in our time of need! No when we have sown the fruits of the Spirit, when a challenge comes - we get to make a withdrawal to help us walk in the fruits of the Spirit even when every evil thing comes against us.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />It's because it's supernatural and only thru the Holy Spirit can we walk in the fruits of the Spirit in the face of crisis and destruction.</span><div>
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APPLICATION OF WALKING IN THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT</h3>
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<br /><span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago when there were some questionable things that popped up on my mammogram and the doctors wanted to do a biopsy. I struggled with so many emotions and I felt old fears and anxieties creep in.. That I had thought I dealt with 8 years ago. I walked through it trusting in the promise that <a href="http://www.brightlightbigdarkness.com/2007/08/im-overcomer.html" target="_blank">I am an overcomer</a> and that I would not be a victim of cancer! <br /><br />I had a choice in this instance... Was I gonna let my mind kill and destroy every good thing... every dream... every vision the Lord has put in my heart for the last 8 years or was I going rise above this and trust that God would indeed show me how I am an overcomer again.<br /><br />When I got the news I was with my husband... We were both in shock... Confused and at a loss for words. He had to go back to work.. And I didn't want to go home and be alone with my thoughts. So I immediately went to one of my BFF's Rhonda's house told her what was going on and her family rallied around me and prayed for me. The heaviness I felt creeping in dissipated. My fear turned to faith, my sorrow into Gladness. <br /><br />I honestly believe if I had not spent the last few years sowing faith, joy, peace, love... I would have been an nervous wreck which wouldn't have helped anything...<br /><br />But instead when I stood on God's promises then I stared at fear and anxiety in the face I said my strength comes from the Lord... And I know God is not finished with me yet.</span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So how much so would the Lord provide supernatural peace when a great devastation or turbulence come into your life? Or provide Supernatural Love when your husband isn't being nice to you or you've been dealing with disrespectful and condescending people, or some stranger judges you because of you are Hispanic, Asian or Black and mistreats you because of their own prejudices and bigotry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dear friend <a href="http://amycoello.com/" target="_blank">Amy Coello</a> and I were discussing this today and she said, </span></div>
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<i>"It's easy to love some one and walk in the Spirit when they are nice to you, it's supernatural when you have to choose to do it in faith and love them anyway."</i></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With that I conclude with this... start applying this principle into every area of your life and see how your perspective, your reactions, your perceptions completely change! That's how the economy of Heaven works!</span><br /><h4>
<br />Galatians 5:22-23 </h4>
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<i>But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control</i></h4>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">We aren't promised that we won't go through trials and tribulations but we are promised that he will help us get through it. Walking in the fruits of the Spirit is how we have strength to overcome it all!</span></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX, USA32.7554883 -97.330765831.901301300000004 -98.62165929999999 33.609675300000006 -96.0398723tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-45819934984549242902016-07-11T14:49:00.000-05:002016-07-11T14:49:03.099-05:00What's in a Name?<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="3noth" data-offset-key="79gce-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #4b4f56; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Most of the time when I first meet people I get asked if I have a nickname. Infact like 3 people asked me that just this weekend. I totally understand I have a unique name and for some it may be difficult to pronounce at first, but over time people usually get it. <br /><br />I usually say it first with the Spanish r's then tell people "if you can't roll your R's its Es-TRAY-ee-TAH like a Tray that you Eat on" then I see the light go on and they get it. <br /><br />I don't get offended if people don't say my name correctly Infact I worked with a pastor for 3 years and it took him 3 years to pronounce it correctly. But is it wrong of me that I get annoyed when people ask me if I have a nickname?<br /><br />When I was 21, the Lord convicted me that I was ashamed of my Hispanic heritage because of the prejudices others had towards those of latino descent especially in Texas and I accepted those prejudices. As a result, over the years I introduced myself to others to call me variations of my name: E, Est, Streets, Streeda, Estrayda, Estreeda. <br /><br /> All just so I could fit in and be more accepted... i realized assimilated and instead of embracing my heritage I fled as far from it and even though my skin color and features revealed i was of Hispanic decent... In all reality I wanted to be considered white... i even brought my baby pictures to school to show them that I was born white.<br /><br />When I realized what I had allowed into my own heart, I repented and asked the Lord to help me embrace my culture. I began to advocate and communicate about the plight of people of color and the effects of assimilation has on our society. <br /><br />I remember the Lord saying to me "Estreitta, 'Estreeda' doesnt mean anything but Estreitta means Little Star in Spanish and I have called you to be a bright light in a big darkness, so when people say your name they are Speaking out (prophesying) what I have called you to!"<br /><br />That changed everything for me and It has lead me over the last 20 years of discovering and embracing my Hispanic heritage. When I got my DNA Test last year it has been an amazing journey of discovery as well and now that I know that I also have Native American 25% and West African 11% heritage as well and I am looking forward to #findingmyroots</b></span></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-50547701276209412642016-02-04T13:57:00.000-06:002016-09-06T05:07:38.785-05:00My Reality Roller Coaster<div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Last week was a really emotional week for me. The reality of another month going by and I am not pregnant is so incredibly challenging. Almost 14 years on this roller coaster. It is nauseating and frustrating, I want to get off of it and I don't want to ride any longer. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The reality of only having a few more "fertile" years left brings me to tears. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The reality that I have friends have children ready to go to college and I have still have none breaks my heart. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I know God has a plan, purpose and a season...I know God's timing is perfect, I know he is a miracle working God. I know this deep in my heart. But then reality comes in and tells me a completely different story.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I feel like I have prayed all I can pray about it. I seek his face ask for confirmation that I am to continue to stand and believe for this miracle of life to happen to me and I receive it.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But then when the reality that I am not pregnant, the dream comes to a screeching halt and seems so out of reach and unattainable, I just want to stop standing and just curl up in a ball.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7 Years ago When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was told I needed to go for atleast 3 years before trying to get pregnant. So we waited. Then when we decided to go to a fertility specialist i was hopeful but then I did feel like i was trying to make it happen in my time rather than the Lord's timing - just decided to give up and Trust that he would make it happen when it was the right time.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Just in case you were wondering...The adoption plan has been on hold indefinitely...partly because of us being procrastinators, being in transition, and partly because I was hoping, standing and believing for me to conceive, carry and bear a child by now the last official year of my 30's. Yes We still want to adopt... And plan on it in near future... But I wanted to "try" one last time before we focused on adoption again. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I have experienced my fair share of comments and "encouragements" from well meaning people that don't make me feel any better and can even make me feel worse. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Feeling isolated or a social pariah because I'm not a mom and can't do play dates... Rarely do I get invited to baby showers even some friends scared to tell me they are pregnant, or invite me to their kids birthday parties because people "don't want to hurt my feelings"... It really sucks to be me sometimes. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Every month that goes by I grieve year after year of this. I go through seasons where I don't even want to think about it, talk about it or acknowledged it because facing the reality is the most painful part of this... So if I don't look or think about it I won't be reminded how real this truly is.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I do think of Sarah, Hannah and Elizabeth from the bible, being "older in years" & barren... </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then God did a miracle and Sarah birthed a nation, Hannah the nation's prophet and Elizabeth a forerunner prophet & evangelist of the coming Messiah. I want to be a bearer of life of someone who will do many exploits for the Lord.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">With God I do believe in the impossible being possible. But right now I feel as though I am walking on water towards Jesus see the storm and start to drown...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">standing,</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">believing,</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">having faith in the unseen and yet reality is saying another. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you do when you start to question everything you thought you heard from the Lord and at the same time reality is telling you its not happening its never going to happen? </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I see and hear all these awesome testimonies from friends or in church of people trying to conceive and getting pregnant even when doctors said it isn't possible. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I know people in the church like to talk about the miracles & testimonies but what about those still believing for a miracle with the reality of barrenness.</span></b></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Its so hard when I thought I heard the Lord clearly give me confirmations, signs, and promptings when I least expected it yet it hasn't happened... </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've prayed, begged, pleaded, made deals with God to have just one child.... and almost 14 years later nothing has come to fruition.</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lord,please help me to get through this...</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I haven't given up I just need to unload, and get it out there. I know I do have several friends that have been praying for us and have been faithful to do so for a long time... this is probably the area I am most vulnerable the most emotional about and I am all over the place about this. I do believe in God's ability, in his word, in his promises to me... I just struggle a bit every now and then in this area.</span></b></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX 76112, USA32.7476771 -97.21136050000001232.6408371 -97.37272200000001 32.854517099999995 -97.049999000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-2399035361476338242015-07-04T01:11:00.001-05:002015-07-04T10:45:07.759-05:00God Bless America > Happy Birthday USA<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEtHLusqwqjMuxIxKn7DLD_9l6jpfwU9O-DWOjpnwVwfiZ07886Beg3E7zq3qi4UXmCnklLpeGsRFFhzf8JFyqgOkyBOPCS97k1m_V3_vYOsRK5CW5qUM1P60NzbxKZmU0cRv/s640/blogger-image--1262853904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEtHLusqwqjMuxIxKn7DLD_9l6jpfwU9O-DWOjpnwVwfiZ07886Beg3E7zq3qi4UXmCnklLpeGsRFFhzf8JFyqgOkyBOPCS97k1m_V3_vYOsRK5CW5qUM1P60NzbxKZmU0cRv/s640/blogger-image--1262853904.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>I speak blessings over my nation the United States of America. <div><br></div><div>The country in which I was born, was raised and I have a deep burden for. </div><div><br></div><div>Many are called to the nations but this is the nation I am called to. I will speak life & destiny & share the Love of God With all of those I meet.</div><div><br></div><div> I am grateful that this country was a country that opened its arms to my & my husbands forefathers & foremothers that immigrated to the United States with little to no means to create their own American Dream.</div><div><br></div><div>God I ask that you pour out your sprit I on all that dwell her. Reveal your purpose and plan.</div><div><br></div><div>Raise up more innercessors that will pray blessings over our country, pray for our leaders and our President. Those that will pray for breakthru, revival & and healing to our land. </div><div><br></div><div>Raise up more worshippers that will sing your praises and worship your majesty that will bring your presence to destroy the tactics of the enemy. Let the fragrance of your presence thru worship permeate the churches in America that those who call on your name will repent and unite as the body of Christ. Lord make it so that your anointing will flow in the live's of every true Christ follower an that we would lives that are holy and acceptable to you that will be a testimony to those that do not now you and that they will repent, turn from ungodliness and live a life wholly and acceptabl to you!</div><div><br></div><div>Raise up more prophets to prophesy this nations destiny. They will speak life & truth that will lead o the setting free of the captives, bring healing and revival to thi this nation.</div><div><br></div><div>God I ask for forgiveness on behalf of my country. I repent for the wickedness and selfishness that permeates through our society. I ask that you remove the cultural blight that has swept across this nation. I ask that you would heal this country and its people Lord. Only you can do what needs to be done! In Jesus Name I pray!</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><i>God Bless America, <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Land that I love. <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stand beside her, and guide her <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thru the night with a light from above. <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">From the mountains, to the prairies, <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">To the oceans, white with foam <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">God bless America, My home sweet home.</i></b></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">=================================================
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Ryanwood Fort Worth32.74821 -97.202785tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-77181940753359547252015-07-03T00:57:00.001-05:002015-07-09T17:22:01.011-05:00What a Day...<div>
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It's been a very crazy day and as I think all that has transpired I am dealing with a lot of racing thoughts & feelings. </div>
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If you did not see my status updates earlier today my purse got stolen. Here's a run down of what happened.</div>
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As I entered the Mid-Cities Antique Mall and made my way to my original Starlite Vintiqs booth to clean up some loose ends from the move I made the day before to my new more prominent space in the mall, I saw a full-figured Dark-skinned African American woman. Little did I know that this woman would do something to define this day for me. As I approached her I looked directly in her eyes and said "Hello, how are you doing today", she said, "Good thank you." She had a kind smile and I went on with the tasks at hand. </div>
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Hope, My Personal Assistant, was with me to help me organize & reset my old booth space. I started to pick up some of the remaining fixtures. Then turned my back and went to go get something when I came back I noticed that my purse was gone! </div>
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I have had a booth in this mall for almost 2 years and have had my purse in a cart on numerous occasions like I did today walked around the corner with no problems before. I had intended to bring my purse to the register like I typically do, but got distracted with all the stuff I had to do when I arrived.</div>
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then I immediately went to the front to tell the store manager then we all started looking throughout the mall to see if some one moved it. But it was no where to be found. </div>
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Thankfully the mall has security cameras everywhere so be backed up the video and it captured the culprit on camera at 1:34-1:36 as she put my purse in their bag then made a B-Line for the Door. This is her pictured below:</div>
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<ul class="-cx-PRIVATE-PostInfo__comments -cx-PRIVATE-PostInfo__commentsStackedVariant" data-reactid=".0.1.0.0.0.2.1" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; -webkit-flex-grow: 1; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li class="-cx-PRIVATE-PostInfo__comment" data-reactid=".0.1.0.0.0.2.1.0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 7px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><h1 data-reactid=".0.1.0.0.0.2.1.0.0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 17px;"><span data-reactid=".0.1.0.0.0.2.1.0.0.1" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span data-reactid=".0.1.0.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$text0:0:$text0:0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you recognize this person please call City of Hurst, Officer T Brown w/ Incident# <a href="tel:2015-003609" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">2015-003609</a> She is wanted for theft </span><a data-reactid=".0.1.0.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$text0:0:$entity0:0" href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/shestole/" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#shesto</a>lemy<span data-reactid=".0.1.0.0.0.2.1.0.0.1.$text0:0:$end:0" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">purse</span></span></span></span></h1>
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Then I remembered my iPhone had the Find My Phone App turned on and pulled it up as I called the police to report the crime. I let the 911 Officer know wher the phone was pinging at down the street a few miles away. The 911 officers started they would send an officer to me...</div>
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The events after that kinda all run in slow motion for me. I then called the gas station where the suspect was pinging on my phone to see if the bought has there. Then a police officer Moralez entered the gas station to look for the suspect and the manager told them they were talking to me and handed me the phone to them. I told that officer where it was pinging and they told me to call them to their cell if they moved locations. The phone stayed there the entire time. Then Officer T Brown came into the mall to take may statement & watch the surveillance video as well as see where the phone was located. Then Officer Milchew came in to see if it was the same person that matched the description of the suspect and it was not. </div>
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Then officer Milchew asked if I was "the one who was violated" and I confirmed. He then said he would go back over there to see if my purse was in the area. And would let me know if they found it. </div>
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I just started praying. I prayed for conviction coming to then and I pray that Jesus would encounter them in a real & powerful way. I wanted to wait to see, hoping that they would find my purse in the trash before making any calls. </div>
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So after about 20 minutes I called my husband to let him know what happened then started calling my bank & credit cards. Then as I was on the phone with Wells Fargo, Officer Milchew was walking in and asked me to enter my data on his phone so he could located more accurately with an Apple a Product. Then he left again.</div>
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Then maybe 30 min later office Milchew came walking in again with my phone <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">in his hand!</span></div>
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I was so elated! He said they found my phone. One less thing to worry about. But he said he found my phone in the trash but didn't find my purse. I was still grateful but sad no luck with my purse. So by this point it was about 3pm and I then called Capital One & then Discover to report the theft. Then my Wells Fargo Business Account. </div>
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By the time I was finished with the calls she made purchases at </div>
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Shell, Walmart, Walgreens, Starbucks @ spent about $150 with my business account & credit cards. Thankfully my credit cards are almost maxed out so there wasn't hardly any credit for them to buy stuff. But the inconvenience and the whole ordeal has taught me a lot about how depraved some people are that they have the audacity to steal from someone else. </div>
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To this woman who violated me by stealing from my purse: if you didn't have money for groceries and needed food i would have helped you if you asked. I may have even gone to the grocery store with you to buy the essentials, if you needed gas I would have pumped it for you and paid, if you would have just asked. If you wanted to go to Starbucks for a treat I would have taken you just would have taken a moment. My purse didn't have much but it was mine not yours to take. You used my credit cards to pay for items you wanted, but they weren't yours to take. Regardless of all that you have taken from me... I forgive you. I Pray for you. </div>
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You may have stolen my money, my time, my energy & my purse but you will not anything more from me. you will not steal my peace & hope that I have in Jesus. I Know that whatever you have stolen from me My God whom I Serve says in his word that what ever was stolen from me he will not only give me 100 fold of what you stole from me but he will also bring about justice on my behalf. What that looks like isn't for me to decide but I pray that the Lord will use this event today to bring about his Glory in both of our lives. because as he said in his word what ever the enemy meant for evil He will turn it around for his glory. And he is faithful to complete what he has promised in his word.</div>
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Update 7/9/2015: </div>
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Here is the Interview on #NBCDFW video from the 4pm Broadcast</div>
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Here's A Video from the 4pm News Broadcast, it will also air at 5pm & 6pm on NBC DFW #iguessimacrimefighter<br />
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StarliteVintiqs">Starlite Vintiqs</a> on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StarliteVintiqs/videos/1548179871988422/">Thursday, July 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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To read the original post please visit my blog:
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-8967563119786218832015-06-19T12:27:00.001-05:002015-06-20T01:47:47.063-05:00The Key to Looking Young...<iframe title="Stupeflix Video Player" class="SxPlayer" src="//studio.stupeflix.com/embed/n4Iro7Ek27xZ/?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" mozallowfullscreen="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>
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It is bittersweet celebrating my birthday on Sunday, June 21st. I am not remotely ready to claim the 4th decade of my life, so as long as i look it i will continue to celebrate the anniversary of my 35th birthday! <br />
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Several years ago, I was talking to my very good friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/soulscount" target="_blank">Robert Coello</a> who at the time had recently had a major birthday. He is of Honduran descent like me, so we were talking about how our Hispanic genes could play a factor in keeping us looking young.. but he also said something else that has stayed with me. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholm0FV7tfcDmNICVZRFSzOo3-MABdfJKBMkBdfED4Poe3FDUfIwb3X6tAAf7AayjD1eD-6y_sHvKkWJEMOWB9uXSc2fWHirkIPNinRZRis6aqs3IyTSP8G3HipunTKb1GluK4/s400/IMG_0317.JPG" /> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWqNvAUw5c286LbnCClAK82qBK8FHDMGEvr4e1AVXI3aM2vtIFqTKSLbuMw_GzYv8PiPeqcsJYjK-_as1NdCZwTTLm58119g4Y-Kkgcye3FIR-r8FXFcmWxAj-eOSSonuI_h5/s320/IMG_0316.JPG" /></div>
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He said what he believes, besides living a healthy lifestyle of eating right & exercising, The key to looking and staying young is worshiping, seeking and pursuing God's presence continually. He talked about how he had seen some friends that were the same age as him and they were amazed at how young he still looked. He said he hadn't really thought about it before but when he analyzed the differences in their lives versus his and others that were about the same age as him that looked young still he realized it was God's Presence. He said that its a by bi-product of being a worshiper. He said he really thinks that being a worshiper not only rejuvenates your spirit and soul but the physical manifestation of God's presence also has an outward effect on us all.<br />
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I love God's presence. I am not the type of person that is satisfied with just 15-20 minutes of worship. If I could worship Jesus 24-7 in the prayer room at <a href="http://www.ihopkc.org/" target="_blank">IHOP</a> or <a href="http://www.bethel.tv/" target="_blank">Bethel </a>I would love to do that... but since that isn't possible for me to do. So I just worship Jesus through out my day in the shower, in the car, doing errands, before i go to bed in my Spirit through out the day. Over the course of my life I have been blessed to attend several worshiping churches as well as been a part of the worship ministries, which i know has been a factor. I am also blessed to attend a Church called the <a href="http://www.uroom.org/" target="_blank">Upper Room</a> Dallas that doesn't sacrifice God's presence for anything. This is a non-negotiable for them and for me and Erik!<br />
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So maybe that is why i look younger than i am and also why i dont feel as old as i am its because of Gods Presence...<br />
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As I reflect over the past 39 years on this earth, I am ever so grateful for the Lord's hand on my life from the time I was conceived to this day, and the many years ahead of me. While my hair styles, colors, interests, dreams, friendships and eyebrow thickness have changed the One remaining constant that will never change even after I leave this earth is my no-compromise pursuit of God's Presence.<div class="blogger-post-footer">=================================================
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX 76112, USA32.7476771 -97.21136050000001232.6402596 -97.373409000000009 32.855094599999994 -97.049312000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-17277428885890450782015-05-12T21:11:00.001-05:002015-10-12T14:55:48.914-05:00I Need your Help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://j.mp/WFWSV7244" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguR99Tw8sy2CDuY1F6ACUxFz-YsHnPKp1pMJ0W0zTD042gkgSkNuYLp-POw1Reaz3z_qzxyF3FbPBDYHRUATiO7cRRv2lRkSHn4-DU-s8Qq_0GUMNhNuL-01oj6oTfSoKsFjrM/s640/Tiwtter_Header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I am not sure if you are aware that I started a Vintage resale business in October 2013 called <a href="http://starlitevintiqs.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Starlite Vintiqs</a>. We have two locations one in Hurst, Texas and the most recent addition in Arlington, Texas both are inside local antique malls. It's been a fun and rewarding experience and Erik and I have met so many interesting people and have made several great friends along the way.</span></div>
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<a href="http://starlitevintiqs.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEBzdRpgWVA/VK-dfIzjbrI/AAAAAAABGFU/EquvaCZBBjA/s640/banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">On Sunday, I</span><span style="color: black; font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> entered the <a href="http://j.mp/WFWSV7244" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Wells Fargo Works Project contest for Starlite Vintiqs.</a> Monday my entry was accepted. If I win my company will receive $25K and an industry mentor to help me grow and expand my business. I wrote an essay of 600 Words about my business and what I would do with the money if I receive it, then was asked to upload a Picture that best displays my business. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StarliteVintiqs" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhfvSR6Gc1KkFOdEYlLT51li25wUXgqBvr45MHREDnXj5Dah31BZ0Tpk86dPx_JAORf3IJG91wtihtzGQymJeMpx3gAWbPkUksUMnPKMFsMXcd3mUU6dbWhqOD-Nt3cjgUyJa/s640/IMG_6036.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Here is an excerpt of the essay:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><b>It’s been a lifelong dream
of mine to be a reseller of antique and vintage items. I have had a deep
appreciation and love for those things since I was a little girl. On the
weekends, my parents would cart me and my little brother around to flea markets
and antique malls all over Texas. Mesmerized by the menagerie of antiques I
saw, my love for historical items came alive. <span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i><b>With my husband’s help in
June 2013, we decided to open a vintage resale business named Starlite Vintiqs.
My first booth opened in October 2013 inside a local antique mall in Hurst,
Texas. My primary mission is to provide unique, vintage items from the 40’s –
60’s at an affordable cost. I believe everyone, regardless of financial status,
who has an appreciation for antiques should have the opportunity to purchase
them.</b></i></span><span style="font-family: Vegur;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You can read the full essay about Starlite Vintiqs on the <a href="http://j.mp/WFWSV7244" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Wells Fargo View Entries Site</a> at</span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="http://j.mp/WFWSV7244" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; font-size: large;" target="_blank">http://j.mp/WFWSV7244 </a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">One of the main elements of the contest is also getting people to Vote for my Entry. Your Vote will add points to my overall score once the Judges have reviewed and scored my entry. If you could take a moment and vote for me, I would greatly appreciate it! You can access the site by clicking this link: <a href="http://j.mp/WFWSV7244" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://j.mp/WFWSV7244 </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I would also like to note that a person may vote once per Entry per day through 07/19/15, so if you can vote daily that would be AWESOME! Also If you want to pass this message along to others please do. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: arial narrow, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">I am really excited about this opportunity and would be immensely grateful for your help.</span></div>
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<a href="http://j.mp/WFWSV7244" style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img class="CToWUd" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=681f1c3ff4&view=fimg&th=14d4954f016cc3f5&attid=0.1&disp=emb&realattid=ii_i9l3dslg0_14d475e216063400&attbid=ANGjdJ_ydRFlQY2wxTvWm6RciXBxgx2quH8-lKT53YWYn6MqHwb2NgYGz6gXlliYltYDzRJE2FiSPnO_H20VYiu2Ht4nwEqK9DtoWylcznfH-gFVjE2x33Pk1sNIMWw&sz=s0-l75-ft&ats=1431476024837&rm=14d4954f016cc3f5&zw&atsh=1" style="margin-right: 0px;" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: 'arial narrow', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">#WellsFargoWorks </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">#WellsFargoWorksProjectContest </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">#Businessplan </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> #WellsFargoWorksProject</span></div>
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#SmallBiz <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">#SBO </span><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">#Entrepreneur</span></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX, USA32.7554883 -97.330765831.901301300000004 -98.62165929999999 33.609675300000006 -96.0398723tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-53923345004305463192015-02-27T15:16:00.000-06:002015-02-27T20:22:17.398-06:00Remembering John Paul Jackson<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Growing up my BFF, Mandy Burns-Crum, and I would always talk about our night dreams. We knew that God could speak to us through our dreams. We would spend hours talking about them and wondering what the meant and what the Lord could have been saying to us through them. We began to write them down, praying about it and asking the Lord and our Youth a Pastors for Wisdom in interpreting them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At an early age God used dreams in both of us to speak direction and also warn us of things to come for our lives, family, and friends. As we got older Mandy started researching it more in depth and told me about John Paul Jackson. She explained to me how the Lord taught him about biblical dream interpretation and how to reveal the Lord in non-believers lives through interpreting dreams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We would try to find out as much as we could about Biblical Dream Interpretation to help us in our endeavors to navigate and interpret our our own dreams. People also would come to us asking us to help us interpret their dreams too. We did the best that we could with the knowledge we had. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then in late 2006, we learned about a class that was being taught at Jack Deere's church by someone who learned under John Paul Jackson. We were so excited. We learned a lot about how the Lord uses symbols to speak to us and how some dream literally & others dream symbolically. It was so eye opening. I wrote some blog posts <a href="http://www.brightlightbigdarkness.com/2006/08/our-dreams-can-mean-something-part-1-of.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.brightlightbigdarkness.com/2006/08/our-dreams-can-mean-something-part-2-of.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.brightlightbigdarkness.com/2008/02/our-dreams-mean-something-part-3-of-3.html" target="_blank">here</a> from what we learned in the class.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Little did I know at the time that I would be applying for a Job shortly after that and I'd be working for John Paul Jackson & Streams Ministries. I interviewed and got the job and became a part of the Stream Ministries Family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I was on staff at Streams, every morning we would worship, pray what was in our hearts to pray for going on in our nation and the world. There was about 8 of us. John Paul would share with us the things the Lord had taught him over the years of ministry as well as things he was sensing prophetically for our nation. We talked a lot about the<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRTglw2Q8o0" target="_blank"> Perfect Storm</a> and seeing that prophecy unfolding before our eyes. I have pages and pages of notes of those awesome nugget one liners from John Paul that just spoke truth in the things going on in and around the world & the church at large. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He was a such great leader. I so loved his leadership style. He let us explore ideas and implement them. I know John Paul loved to see us flourish in our gifting. He never micromanaged us but gave us clear boundaries & deadlines to get things done. He was always so encouraging and complimentary of everything I did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">John Paul gave me one of the best compliments I have ever received, he said, "Estreitta, I am astounded by your ability to grasp things so quickly. It usually takes most people 6 - 8 months to get up to speed to learn a new Job but You are not like most people, you've done it in 2 months! I've never seen anything like it!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved my Job there and it's kewl to see how the work I did there helped advance the kingdom of God. I was the media marketing coordinator and one of my responsibilities was helping get the word out about John Paul's books, teaching, speaking engagements. I helped get all his social media off the ground and he began posting & tweeting on a regular basis. He loved posting & tweeting. and was amazed about the reach and impact Social Media had in our culture. He loved how it could be used to share the Wisdom the Lord showed him to the world in an instant. In the year I was there, I think the social media reach surpassed all our expectations, the impact & response of so many by connecting him to the World. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of My favorite projects I did was when all the teachers from around the world for Streams Ministries came into town, John Paul asked that I teach the class (about 100 people) how to use Social media to advance the kingdom and to promote the Understanding Dreams & Visions Classes and more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was so honored at the opportunity to do so. Then at the end of the conference he asked us, those on staff members to pray for all the teachers. I felt so honored that he trusted me to do so especially the fact that many of these people were seasoned believers and were way more anointed than me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a powerful night. the Lord used me to speak life over them and agree with their destinies God had for ordained for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would say that was probably #1 on my list of things I will never forget! And I am so very grateful for the opportunity to had worked and served in his ministry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is hard to believe John Paul Jackson is no longer here with us sharing his immense wisdom & knowledge about the revelations God has shown him. Yet I know that he is loving being in The Fullness of & the Awe of Gods presence.<br /><br />Last night I was at the United Cry Banquet for #DC16 and Will Ford closed the evening with prayer, but before he closed he shared how the ones that have gone before us people like John Paul Jackson led the way and taught us how to pursue the heart of God.<br /><br />John Paul Jackson will be greatly missed by many and the ripples of his ministry have impacted and changed the lives of many! Me being one of them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.streamsministries.com/pages/a-letter-from-diane-jackson" target="_blank">From the Streams Ministry Website:</a><br /><br />The public memorial service for John Paul Jackson will be held Monday, March 9thfrom 10 am until Noon at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas.<br />Gateway Church<br />700 Blessed Way<br />Southlake, Texas 76092<br /><a href="https://www.google.com/maps?q=32.950185+-97.124444+%28700+Blessed+Way,+Southlake,+TX,+76092,+us%29">Map</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />In lieu of flowers, your gift may be sent to the family.<br />Please make checks payable to John Paul Jackson Memorial Fund and send them to;<br /><br /><br />CO/ Streams Ministries<br />1420 Lakeside Pkwy, Ste 100<br />Flower Mound, TX 75028 </span></blockquote>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX 76112, USA32.7476771 -97.21136050000001232.6408371 -97.37272200000001 32.854517099999995 -97.049999000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-21532093830209781682015-01-22T13:44:00.001-06:002015-01-23T00:11:51.488-06:00I'm a #ClockWatcher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D9gf3bUnkbcYTuF3n5u-lY_R834QAEdIUv0BPXS2AF8Dk8K-J78qGl7YQm9FjJJKWXQonVnG-qY42br7arSmgNox6s7CwZ-0MwBPawRpNM-XSezMlwGNWHUvZSa9uXYYonbm/s640/blogger-image--1667119166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D9gf3bUnkbcYTuF3n5u-lY_R834QAEdIUv0BPXS2AF8Dk8K-J78qGl7YQm9FjJJKWXQonVnG-qY42br7arSmgNox6s7CwZ-0MwBPawRpNM-XSezMlwGNWHUvZSa9uXYYonbm/s640/blogger-image--1667119166.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I wonder if it's just me that I see 12:12, 11:11, 10:10 & 7:11 at random #allthetime #clockwatcher</div>
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Then today I was looking though my pictures in my photostream & saw all the screenshots I took over the past few months. </div>
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See, I try to take a pic when I see them to record & remind me that I actually saw it. I just happen to pick my phone up to check my email or something trivial & there it is A Reminder of the Lord's Promises to me. </div>
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I also see them on other clocks too, but don't always have enough time to take a pic b4 it changes. </div>
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I believe God can speak to us in so many ways: directly in a clear audible voice, in visions & dreams, & I also believe in prophetic symbols like this. It's one thing for it to happen once or twice but as you can see it happens to me on a weekly basis! It's amazing how the Lord Speaks to us & Loves to remind us of his Promises & Destinies for our lives!</div>
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When I see these times I am reminded of the following scriptures:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdZZgLbPPnXFyVLsnK-C9wfGsk75nkt2ioCRPO29A6wBT8e6Ujc3hbnYqgl_vqvQ0fXs5Qy-MkcePvo7lsmrpVhgDrrNO23PsVXm-XqD4hn2nZUsEqQEiFo52XhdB5BhPQLD6/s640/blogger-image--1527153366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdZZgLbPPnXFyVLsnK-C9wfGsk75nkt2ioCRPO29A6wBT8e6Ujc3hbnYqgl_vqvQ0fXs5Qy-MkcePvo7lsmrpVhgDrrNO23PsVXm-XqD4hn2nZUsEqQEiFo52XhdB5BhPQLD6/s640/blogger-image--1527153366.jpg" width="597" /></a></div>
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Romans 12:12</div>
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If you aren't aware, I have been trying to conceive for the past 12 years. We started to pursue fertility treatments, but I didn't have a peace about it. I felt like I was not trusting the Lord with bringing it to pass. And Adoption has always been in my heart, but a series of events family health issues, a roof leak & then my waiting for the hubby finding time to repair took to long which prevented us from going forward with adopting at this time. I kinda gave up and tried not to think about it any more cause it just made me sad and depressed...</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's hard when you are the only one of your married (and not married) friends to not have kids. while they seem to pop them out like rabbits... They then have birthday parties for their kids and then you are the only friend not invited. It's hard when you see the most adorable pictures & videos of their babies & kids on Facebook & Instagram. It's challenging when you go through walmart and hear a mom yell at her kids that they are gonna get it when they get home when all you want to do is love a child of your very own. I try not to think about it too much cause it's really not good for me!</span></div>
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Then in November 2014, I just laid all my dreams of being a parent before the Lord and said God you need to either fix what's preventing me from getting pregnant or take away this desire to conceive and birth a biological child that is an expression of me & my husband's love for each other.</div>
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Then I asked the Lord, in a desperate attempt for a sign, "if it's still possible for me to conceive and carry a child I need you to bring my period." I hadn't had my cycle since Feb 2014. Which is pretty normal for women who have been diagnosed with PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome). And I'm in the last few months before the 5th anniversary of my 35th Birthday so I know the biological clock is ticking away!</div>
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I seriously thought my faith was smaller than the size of a mustard seed, but I prayed it once and forgot about it. Then TWO DAYS LATER, it appeared in full effect for 8 painful days! ;)</div>
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It was a bonafide miracle. I don't think I have ever received and answer to prayer that quickly!!!!!! I now have had a renewed faith for the Lord to open my womb to conceive.</div>
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These clock times serve as a reminder to me that God is still there & he is fully able to fulfill his promises to me no matter what.</div>
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Thank you Lord for repeatedly moving in ways in my life that are beyond what I even can comprehend. You are so faithful and your Timing is perfect.</div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Ryanwood Fort Worth32.7486 -97.203014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-48195623772324038112014-08-15T13:17:00.001-05:002014-08-15T17:22:45.895-05:00Go & Sin No More<div>
When Jesus spoke into the life of the woman at the well and to the woman caught in adulery. He called out her sin. He addressed her choice to be in an adulterous relationship. He didn't shame her but he called her on it, clearly and directly. The Last thing Jesus said to her and to many of people he ministered to was to "Go and sin no more"</div>
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What Jesus did it was lifted the veil of her sin. Revealed to her what was hindering her life and causing separation from God and told her that she didn't have to live that way any more. </div>
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When we sin, it separates us From God. There is no if's and's or but's about it. The more we give over to our sin, regardless of what that sin is, it will succumb and over take our lives:</div>
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Our choice to sin brings about confusion, torment and disillusionment. We then start seeing the world, our walk with God though the shade of the color of our sin. Meaning it then starts to make us begin believe the lie that the sin we choose to be is a way of life and it is who we are, and God should and will be ok with that sin. The Enemy loves to cloud our judgement and and have us see God through his perspective. </div>
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Once we have been taken over by our sin, we then begin to accept our sin as the only and best way to live and become intolerant towards those who take issue with our sin. </div>
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We then isolate ourselves from those who love us, speak truth to us and want us to walk away from that sin. </div>
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We start making friendship and surrounding ourselves with those who agree with our sin, who enjoy doing the same types if sin, who encourage us to continue to sin because it is way more enjoyable and fun... and all the others who want us to walk away from the sin just don't want us to have fun. </div>
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Then the sin isn't just that one sin other sins begin to jump on board, boundaries are crossed. Things we once said we would never do or participate in gradually enter into our lives. We then become so deeply engrossed in our sins that we begin to forget what our lives were like before we made sin our best friend. Years pass and we have forgotten what our lives we like before the sin and now start actively recruiting others to join in our sin with us.</div>
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That is what sin does to our lives. But Jesus came to set us free from our sin. He wants us to have best life. He wants us to be free from the things that our sin cost us. He wants the bondage of the sin to be removed from our life. All we have to do is surrender our lives to Jesus. Repent and go and sin no more. Then once we do that it, he removes the burden if our sin and the healing begins.</div>
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Go and sin no more means,choosing to change the way if thinking, eradicating the obstacles and things associated with the sin from our lives by rebuilding and rehabilitation the crumbly foundation of the old sin in our lives and building walls of hope peace, joy, strength, wisdom, hope, faith. Depending on how embedded the old sin was in our lives, rebuilding our lives with the Truth may take some time. Allowing the truth to shine a light on the darkness we invited into our lives exposes it and the darkness dissipates completely.</div>
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We are able to see the effects of the old way of life had on us. But now that the Master Architect is leading the team, he knows how to fix, clean, restore and remove any residue of the old sin so much so that he makes all things new and better before with a stronger foundation.</div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth Fort Worth32.748276 -97.202896tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-68362657329347822192014-07-08T15:59:00.001-05:002015-01-22T21:52:42.378-06:00Caring for the Least of These!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs5ltZQcFXvd6pYct19R-tmuSoQ6Lq6yUHdEpB4lPWTx3dIIyKjtYvsPwMc6BEoG1IwMQCUqwYve-hY9YroxqihiXK6si8D9hHysCJ3f6gUN321n-RDlCYDecz_UHWXjSWLds/s1600/jesus_loves_the_little_children_by_jdblanco17-d55bmbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKs5ltZQcFXvd6pYct19R-tmuSoQ6Lq6yUHdEpB4lPWTx3dIIyKjtYvsPwMc6BEoG1IwMQCUqwYve-hY9YroxqihiXK6si8D9hHysCJ3f6gUN321n-RDlCYDecz_UHWXjSWLds/s1600/jesus_loves_the_little_children_by_jdblanco17-d55bmbc.jpg" height="640" width="491" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://jdblanco17.deviantart.com/art/Jesus-Loves-The-Little-Children-311271096">Jesus Loves The Little Children</a> by <span class="username-with-symbol u"><a class="u regular username" href="http://jdblanco17.deviantart.com/">jdblanco17</a><span class="user-symbol regular" data-gruser-type="regular" data-quicktip-text="" data-show-tooltip=""></span></span> on <a href="http://www.deviantart.com/">deviantART</a> </div>
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I will never understand how Bible-believing professing Christians will have compassion for some but not others.<br />
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You don't have to agree with them or even approve of their choices or how they came to our country.<br />
Jesus called us to love our NEIGHBORS (not just those that live on each side of our dwellings but people who are outside of our culture, ethnicity, even political or faith belief system).<br />
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Would you want to be treated with the same prejudices, snobbery, hateful language and snide remarks as I hear from some who are speaking about the immigration issue? I think not!<br />
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I think this also goes for those who lifestyle choices are contrary to our Christian faith. It is the true Love of Christ that will bring them to the Cross. We are called to be a light in the midst of the ever darkening world. Offering ourselves as living epistles to those we encounter. Giving compassion, helping those in need, caring and praying and bringing encouragement. <br />
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Brothers & Sisters in the Lord, PLEASE ask the Lord to reveal how to Love those that may not look like us, talk like us, or even believe like us. Think about it, how can we go into all the world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ - that He came to save us and set us free all from the darkness of sin that is inside of us so that we could no longer live in the bondage of this world and have hope and eternal life of freedom and liberty - if we have bitterness and prejudices towards others?<br />
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How can we stand for the lives of the unborn, yet have such negative feelings about the children literally fleeing for their lives for a better way of life? If we are truly Pro-Life we must also be pro-child both pre-born and born.<br />
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I know this issue of Immigration is very complex and many people are probably sick of my post and status updates about this. But hear my heart we must care for these kids no matter the circumstance just as we would those in Foster Care waiting for adoption. It is our Christian duty and responsibility to love, feed, and care. The Bible says to care for the orphan and the foreigner in our land. These Children are both!<br />
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“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. </h3>
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And here’s why: </h3>
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I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.’ </h3>
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“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ </h3>
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Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ </h3>
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“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. </h3>
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And why? Because— I was hungry and you gave me no meal, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was homeless and you gave me no bed, I was shivering and you gave me no clothes, Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’ Matthew 25:31-46 MSG</h3>
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#soapbox #enoughsaid #immigrationreform #ProLife #Stand4Life<br />
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To read the original post please visit my blog:
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-71202159810315595952014-06-21T11:19:00.001-05:002015-01-22T21:53:17.454-06:00Things to do the Last Year in my 30sSo 39 years ago on the first day of summer June 21, the world welcomed a beautiful brown eyed little girl with a full life ahead of her..<br />
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Over the course of my 39 years of my life on this earth, I have accomplished many things that I said I would do so far in my life. Which I am so grateful that my mom always encouraged me to dream big and accomplish anything with Jesus beside me.</div>
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When I was 16 years old in the early 90s while visiting my Mamá (what we called my Spanish Grandmother - my Mom's mother) my brother and I had been given the chore of going to do the laundry at the laundry mat. My <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mamá lived in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn, NY. We had tons of laundry to do and knew it be a whole day event. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So we got the laundry started and I went to sit down and there was a women in her mid to late 50s who had the horned rimed glasses with a tinge of gray. She was dressed in a retro floral smock apron with a cotton blue dress underneath.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She was sitting with her arms folded watching the little tv in the corner hanging from the ceiling. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I said, "hello"</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She seemed a little startled, but said "hi' with a strong New York accent.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I proceeded to chit-chat with her and learned over the course of our conversation that she was a single woman who lived with her mother and had never been out of the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I asked her why she never wanted to go see the Statue of Liberty or Time Square or other national landmarks just a train ride away. "There's so much to see in the world beyond Brooklyn" I exclaimed. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She then said something that I will never forget, "Everything I need is here, my work, my family, grocery stores in every Block. I never saw the need to see the world when everything I need is right her."</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In shock I asked, 'So you never wanted to go to Europe or even the beach in Atlantic City?"</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Well I'm sure I may thought about it once or twice but the chance to go never came up, so I never went," She said</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I told her about my travels to that pint going back and forth between Texas and Pennsylvania , New Jersey & New York by trains, planes & automobiles. I told her that I was going to Jamaica with my Church at the end of summer. I also told her how I planned to go to college in Minnesota and one day visit every country I could.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">She was amazed at all I had visited so far and I was shocked how she never traveled anywhere in her whole life.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am reminded by my birthday of all my dreams I wanted to accomplish over my life. But there are many things I still want to do and I am making a bucket list of sorts of things to do the last year in my 30s:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Join a health club - last night Erik & I got a gym membership to Lifetime Fitness and plan on becoming psychically fit with a great bod :)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Loose weight - # 1 will help me get there</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Eat better</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. Finish organizing & decluttering my house</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. Have a baby and/or adopt </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Finish projects that I've started but never finished like remodeling, painting, podcasting</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">7. Finish my college degree. I have one class to complete.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">8. Travel more: I'd like take a cruise or go to Europe again</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">9. Develop multiple streams of income</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">10. </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Write worship music & collaborate with worshippers & musicians</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">11. Volunteer with organizations and causes I believe in: ProLife, Adoption, FosterCare, Immigration Reform, Ending Sex trafficking, Outreaches & prayer movement </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm sure I have more but as I think iPod them I will add :) if you have any recommendations please share!</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I believe this year is my year of fulfillment and I'm standing on that as my promise. God have your way mold me and make me into the woman you created me to be!</span></div>
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To read the original post please visit my blog:
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-71627807599013194132013-12-03T10:00:00.000-06:002015-01-22T21:53:47.874-06:00How I OVERCAME Breast Cancer!<span class="”fullpost”"></span><br />
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Six years ago in November, I was preparing for surgery, I had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer in September of 2007. No woman ever wants to hear a doctor tell you, at any age let alone 32, that you have breast cancer.... This is my story on how I OVERCAME Breast Cancer! </div>
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When I received the diagnosis, you can probably imagine how so many racing thoughts run through your mind. As I prepared for the surgery I had so many tests, biopsies, and breast scans. IT was a crazy weird dream in the be. Even with all that going on I knew in my heart the Lord would carry me through this every step of the way. I didn't ask why I got cancer because when you ask questions like that it only builds resentment and bitterness in your heart, especially when you come from a place of hurt. However, I did ask the Lord if I would survive and I heard the Lord say to me, as clear as day:<br />
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"Estreitta, a survivor is a victim of something and you WILL NOT be a victim of this cancer but an Overcomer of this Cancer! " </blockquote>
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I am so grateful for the strength and relationship I have with the Lord that be with me through every thing. I never worried cause, I had that word to stand on as well as the Word of God & his promises to believe and have faith in His abilities to get me though this as he had done SO MANY times in the past. Pulling me out of bad relationships, deep depression and even suicidal thoughts as a result of the poor choices I made, how much more would He, the God of the Universe, who holds the world in the palm of his hand get me through this season in my life. <br />
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So I just wanted to take a moment, remember and celebrate what the Lord has done in my life. What I experienced has given me more reason to love life, share with others about How I Overcame Breast Cancer by standing on the Truth of his Word and the light of his love to those I encounter. </div>
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No matter how deep or dark your valley is, i want to encourage you to just lift your hands, reach out to the Lord and I PROMISE YOU He will hold you in the palm of his hand, Love you, and HE will show you the purpose and reason he has put you on the earth and reveal to you GREAT and Mighty things that are unimaginable. Even though, bad things do happen to Good, kind, loving, never hurt a fly people everyday if you Trust in the Lord with all your heart lean not in your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and HE will direct your path! (Proverbs 3:4-6)</div>
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In other words, He is God and you are not, when you realize this and have the full understanding of Who God IS, the devastating things that happen in our lives will look completely different. Your perspective will change, your paradigm will shift 360. Those things from the past that used to consume your thoughts and the lies that the enemy tries to get you to believe will no longer effect you or the choices you make<br />
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After 2 lumpectomies, 8 weeks of radiation, tons of praying, and so many AMAZINGLY supportive friends and family members, I made it through it and Overcame the cancer. I just Celebrated 6 years of being cancer free this November. God is Good!</div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-51751467055456814082013-12-02T17:30:00.000-06:002015-01-22T21:54:24.741-06:00Marriage isn't for Everyone<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For all my single friends I love you and want God's best for you. God's best is and can look different for everyone... But don't settle for anything less than Gods best for you.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">I know how this time of year can be a little lonely and sometimes annoying especially Around the holidays. I </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">remember when I was I your shoes and how the inevitable question that came up is: "Are you were dating anyone." then that would lead to the comment: "why not, you're a great catch, you are such a beautiful & amazing person."</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those questions cut like knife it was like they are saying being married was the pinnacle of every single persons life... While it is one of the best decisions ive ever made and its great to share my life with someone I love dearly.....</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dare i say it, marriage isn't for everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Just look at the statistics for Christians & divorce.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> According to <a href="https://www.barna.org/barna-update/family-kids/42-new-marriage-and-divorce-statistics-released#.Up0P-MRDt8E" target="_blank">Barna Group: 32% of Christians have ended their marriage in divorce</a></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> It is an epidemic in the body of Christ and it needs to stop. Below is the US statistics:</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do not know the specifics of every situation, but personally believe it really goes back to seeing the signs before a couple gets married, heeding wisdom from our pastoral leaders, friends and family. Truly listening and seeking The Lord on if this person is and should be the person you marry. If you HAVE ANY reservations... </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even as you walk down the isle with everyone watching you have every right to JUST SAY NO! </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The moment of embarrassment and disappointment will pass but it is and will be worth it in the long run that you did not marry someone that you were not 100% sure about being and staying married to for the rest of your life thru the good, bad, ugly, stinky, happy, funny, silly, sad, distressing, annoying, horrible times of your life. DO NOT marry them no matter how much potential they have or how attracted you are to them or feel like you will never have someone like this enter in your life again or you feel you are destined to be a virgin until Jesus Comes back... </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is not worth it especially if you are not completely and totally 100% sure. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even if you've slipped up and broken passed boundaries you never thought you would pass as a single Christian who wants to live righteously... again the long term pain of divorce is not worth it and the fall out is so much greater not only to you personally but if there are children involved and those that admire you and look up to you.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 12 years Erik and I have been married we know of about 50+ couples who've gotten a divorce. 90% of them we know have a relationship with Christ. This BREAKS my heart and to see the aftermath is so hard for my friends... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Only in some situations are there biblical grounds for the marriage to end in divorce. A</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">bout 5 of them ended because of either infidelity, addiction issues, abuse and/or the safety and well being of the children.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> However, majority of the reasons i have heard over the years why a couple is ending this covenant made between man and woman and God is either for irreconcilable differences or they "fell out of love" with the person....</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have such a huge problem and its the proverbial elephant in the room no one in the church wants to address or come up with a solution solve. Instead of other believers encouraging couples to stay together, I've heard stories that even some pastors and leaders are encouraging couples to leave the marriage with no biblical justification for divorce. this is REALLY getting frustrating me! Why are we allowing this to happen in the Body of Christ?</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can the church stand for the sanctity of marriages when our divorce rates almost exceed the rates among secular society? </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok I'll get off off my soap box now...</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think it's so important to really know the person and see who and what their character is like... Because when you marry you are also marrying those issues. those issues won't be fixed and no matter how absolutely amazing you are you cannot fix them only God can. And the person has to allow God to heal that issue. If anything when you are married those issues rear their ugly heads in a bigger and sometimes scary way.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have SEVERAL amazing single friends that i know would make a great spouse someday, especially if that is what God has destined for them. And for the most part I think most will get married but some may not. Both are Good and Both are something that God has called people to and that is God's Best for them. As a single person you have the opportunity to cultivate who you are and who God created you to be and be whole inside and out. Get your issues dealt with now. Many have grown up in dysfunctional homes the effects of that can affect your future marriage. 1 in 3 women have been sexually abused and 1 in 5 men have as well. Many have seen violence in the home or some form of substance abuse.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those things can skew our perspective and outlook on the world, marriage, and God, and with The Lord by our side you can be healed completely. Deal with those things now rather than later. Find a Godly Mentor and surround yourself with Godly friends now so they can speak truth into your life so when the time comes you can be prepared and have someone objective in your life that you know won't lie or just tell you what you want to hear. While the honesty may hurt and makes you some times want to avoid them especially when you know are making the wrong decisions in your life they will always try to speak life, truth and want God's Best for you. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't settle for the counterfeit don't give up on the vision God has for your life whether single only for a season or for the rest of your life. You should trust The Lord to guide your steps.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And to my single again friends, I know you've been through a lot and worry that God won't or can't make things good again.. I know he can and I know he will. Seek his face and honor him in all your ways and he will direct your path. He is in the restoration business and loves to bring you back to what he originally planned for your life. So go after that and he will reveal so much more than you could ever imagine.</span></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-12584180847139560572013-09-06T13:00:00.000-05:002015-01-22T22:27:41.002-06:00For the Single Women in my Life<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't had the opportunity to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0736917187/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0736917187&linkCode=as2&tag=idorecom-20">What to Do Until Love Finds You</a> by Michelle McKinney-Hammonds, you need to it is an <b><i><span style="color: red;">Amazing Book</span></i></b>. When I was in college and pining for my Mr Wonderful to come along I read this book and it changed my life and perspective on relationships entirely. Here is an excerpt from her book that I printed out and had on my wall to read every day:<span class="”fullpost”"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
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<div class="post_title" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 22px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.3; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>I want God’s man</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>I want a man</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> not just any man</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> I want God’s man Hand-picked</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Kingdom appointed</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> for such a woman as this…</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> I’m looking for a love</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> not just any love</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> I want the God kind of love</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> filling a heart that beats </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> to the kingdom’s rhythm</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Unadulterated</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Holy Ghost saturated</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> the kinda love that</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> can’t be rated…</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> poured out</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> runnin’ ovah</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> like a water in a glass</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> already full of good things</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Smooth as silk</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> yet tough as rope</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Wrapping around my soul</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Keepin’ it all together forever</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> With room enough for me to be</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>a woman</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> not just any woman</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> God’s woman</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> whole and free to love you</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> the way I want you to love me</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> With a love, not just any love</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> But the God kind of love</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Rich as a sinful dessert</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Pure as tried gold</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> The kind of love that can hold onto your hand</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> and God’s at the very same time</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Delivered from all other ties that bind</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> And yes, I’m free enough to wait…</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> For a man, not just any man</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> But the man who understands</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> and knows what love means</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> and lives what God says…</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> And wants what I want</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>A real love</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> A strong love</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> A tall love</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> Agape love.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i> <strong style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-bottom: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">God’s love.</strong></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;" /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; margin-bottom: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;" /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">- Michelle McKinney Hammond</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-37995404194078447362013-09-03T11:30:00.000-05:002015-01-22T21:55:29.837-06:00Life Lesson #7: Just Let Stuff Go... Pt.2 - The Slippery Slope of Offense<h2>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life Lesson #7: Just Let Stuff Go... Pt. 2</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Slippery Slope of Offense</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZUFPsxow5i5xmSG5cRXzrYib16ySWvtbYxxTXDcMGwjSZEalv9JjQi7PRGhIaAXS74Wsu6EeoJV8iwT651_-L8e3Tf7cXV8CSh6wqoVKpWIKsMQtN2HeZqt4usPmBSB7_l7g/s1600/hold.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZUFPsxow5i5xmSG5cRXzrYib16ySWvtbYxxTXDcMGwjSZEalv9JjQi7PRGhIaAXS74Wsu6EeoJV8iwT651_-L8e3Tf7cXV8CSh6wqoVKpWIKsMQtN2HeZqt4usPmBSB7_l7g/s640/hold.png" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I accomplished a big personal goal about two months ago, a three week long process. I had about 20 boxes full of paper, letters, mementos junk mail, poems, songs, school work from high school to present that were in my office literally piling up for about a year! My friend Rhonda helped me put them in there a year ago this week! Oye vey!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then my papers were more of an organized mess and in folders waiting to properly labeled with the file system I started using. Then two weeks ago Rhonda's family came over and helped us paint the kitchen and the girls helped me organize the file system.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It really had been a 25 year process for me! As I and anyone with whom I have ever lived with (36 roommates counting my final and last one ever, Erik) I am a keeper. I cannot believe some of the stuff I kept. But at the same time I am glad I kept some of it for entirely other reasons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going through every thing was like going through a time capsule of my life. I came across letters from people I hadn't talk to in years and even letters I wrote but never sent ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's fun to look back at my life from a different perspective: seeing my immaturity and how things were such a huge issue in my life at the time and now how it isn't even remotely on my radar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A kewl thing also happened during this process of cleaning and organizing: I had lost touch with a good friend that I had in college. We used to do everything and everyone knew we were the best of friends, cause we were always together in college. To this day when we see people from college they always ask about how the other is doing, but somewhere between 1998 and 2000, we just stopped talking and interacting with each other completely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the longest time, I had felt that a mutual friend had come between us and they sided with the other friend rather than me. I felt this person who I considered a dear friend wronged me in some way and I walked in resentment and offense for a long time about it. The weird thing about it is that we never talked about it, we just stopped talking to each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in the midst of my organizational and purging process I have been doing, God revealed so much to me about myself and how I allowed offense get in the way of a friendship that God really put together from the get go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She and I were so similar in so many ways and we were so different in others. But we just Got each other from the start. You ever have a friend like that? You just clicked you didn't have to talk about it just was like two peas in a pod with us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We shared so much commonality between us: our charismatic beliefs, the novelty of us both being from another part of the country with fun accents and us both being not the blonde-haired, Blue-eyes of Scandinavian heritage - we were the farthest you could get from it! We also lived in the same dorm and I was the mascot and she was a cheerleader and we went to the same church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Actually she invited me after she found out we came from similar church backgrounds in a school that frowned even some times spoke against the power of the moving and flowing today (they were cessationist and we are dispensationalist - if you wanna look it up). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were like a secret tightly knit group at our school cause all the Pentecostal kids would band together, who most of were the minority students as well. Then we became roommates and lived together for about 2 years but we were close for about 6.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a lot of great and fond memories, but with any friendship there can be moments of tension and annoyance, and we really knew how to get on each others nerves ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in the process of living life together, I got offended and just stopped interacting with her on a regular basis. Even though we went to church together, we were cordial and all and she even came to our wedding but it just wasn't the same ever again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in the midst of my nostalgia, I came to the realization that in the 12 years we haven't really talked, even though we are fb friends and I had missed her friendship and antics, that girl is hilarious! So the night before I posted a conversation we had in a class with a note I found</span><br />
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</span>So the next day and she liked and commented to it. It was 3:30 am my time and she lives on the west coast so it was 1:30am her time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really felt like the Lord orchestrated for it to all come into place and we started to instant message about what I had posted. After a while of chit chatting, I told her that I came to the realization that she was a loyal friend and I apologized for walking in offense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She appreciated my gesture, she said she couldn't recall what had happened, so I shared with her how I had been in offense all these years and how I allowed it to come between us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So We have decided to rekindle our friendship and start over again. We have scheduled a time to talk next week. Praise God for his divine appointments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know what is the worst part about offense is one party can be totally oblivious to the offense, no fault to them, and the offended party can just hold on to it forever. The offense binds you up and you walk in bitterness and close yourself to the world </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had another really good friend that I had felt really hurt by the situation that had happened between us. We lost touch around a year before with this other friend ironically. I felt again that another person came between our friendship (which we both admit that this other party did, but I won't go into that). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we finally talked through stuff earlier this year and cleared the air. As I was saying to my friend how sad I felt that we had lost so much time and I couldn't believe we let this person come in between us, he said in a firm but loving way, "Estreitta, you just gotta let this stuff go! What's done is done! Can we just finally move on from this, please?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What he said hurt a little bit, no it hurt a lot and i even blurted back... "Well if you only knew what I was going through, he said, "Okay next time we talk I want to hear about it." he had to go and said, "okay next time."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since everything was fresh on my mind I decided to write it out what all happened, how i was so alone and felt abandoned and he was one of the truest friends i had ever had and it was unbearable that someone That was in my life just poof is gone without a trace..." As I wrote those few paragraphs, the Lord then spoke to my heart, "He's right, just let it go."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So then I began to argue with the Lord about it, "You saw my hurt and pain and the stupid choices I made out of that pain and he would have been my voice of reason he would have been my constant in the hurricane i created in my life, as he had been for years previously. He was so instrumental in helping me pick up the pieces of my Life..." The Lord in all his goodness allowed me to ramble and get it out of my system, then I realized that I was walking in this offense and that the Lord wanted me to be solely dependent on Him and Him alone. I had begun to rely on this friendship more that Jesus. And maybe even in part the Lord may have removed him from life as a result of my neediness need to be fulfilled by Christ alone and not this Friendship that i probably valued more than anything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember an instance sitting on my couch in my dorm where i had 7 other roommates feeling depressed and frantically calling everyone I could think of getting but no answers from any, and flippantly saying, "God why can't I get a hold of anyone, I need to talk to someone!" God gently prodded me and said, "You can talk to me, I am right here!" Talk about conviction, but I leaned onto the Lord at that moment and he took all the depression I was feeling and showed me to trust in him completely and that he would never leave me or forsake me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking back at all this with my guy friend and my girl friend too, i am realizing that's is why I needed to let it go and move on cause this offense has held me captive and I didn't need to be in bondage to it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Offense is a really ugly thing, you may feel so justified to be offended especially when you feel and others also say they see how you could be rightfully hurt in this situation...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the word says to "Walk without offense" and justifying your pain rather than allowing the Lord to heal your pain only lets pride, in which we all know is a slippery slope. This reminds me of a story I heard once at church and I often shared this story with others, not realizing that I needed to apply it to my own life:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Greek word used for offense in the New Testament is skandalon which can be translated as "bait stick." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now there were these hunters in Africa that had a particular way of capturing monkeys.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hunters would place a cage in the jungle containing a bait stick that the monkeys desperately wanted. As the monkeys approached the cage, they saw the bait inside and reached through the bars of the cage to grab it.<br /> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, as long as their fists were gripped around the bait stick, they could not pull their hands out of the cage. Although the animals could have been set itself free from the trap, they desired the bait so badly, they refused to let go of the stick, making their seizure effortless by the hunters hiding in the bushes.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the hunters approach with their clubs, the monkeys began jumping up and down and violently squealing, still unwilling to release the bait. They could have been set free at any time by simply letting go of the bait stick and pulling their hands from the cage, but they wouldn't. The closer the hunters came to them the louder the monkeys would get. But the monkeys wanted that bait stick and could easily be saved if the just let it go! The hunters simply had to approach their target and clubbed them to death. The monkeys literally held life and death within their grasp.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is a perfect illustration of what happens to someone who takes hold of offense. Whether we realize it or not, offense is Satan's bait stick. This is just another way we allow him him to to kill, steal and destroy our lives. As long as we are determined to cling to the offense, we will never attain the freedom we can have in Christ by just letting Go and letting God do his part. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can honestly say that at the time I didn't think I was offended I didn't even feel offended when I conversed with my friends. But whenever, I'd think or talk about it the pain would come rushing back into my heart as it when the offense occurred the first time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would always say I've forgiven these people who hurt me but I just don't plan on ever trusting them again! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not just talking about the friends I mentioned previously, but there are several others I am realizing right now that i've felt slighted or wronged by over the course of my 38.25 years on the earth - friends, exes, pastors, family, doctors... There are a 1 or 2 situations I'm discovering that I still need to reconcile with and resolve the issue but the first step is absolutely just to let it go!</span><br />
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX, USA32.725409 -97.32084959999997431.871222 -98.61174309999997 33.579596 -96.029956099999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-40615198668392792372013-08-28T11:12:00.000-05:002013-08-28T11:12:26.991-05:00Where two or more are gathered...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2Zw5xO0AeqHuRSS0P9omwXhrulxFBjxmLOqve7nEWesHPqc9XuVAdanKAiGYE_U6Sg4CxqpeZzQlnL3QzHk8GQn8EDJDd5DAve5t_ME4vsKY3gsaqwkxxrxvQTd6Zm4po0ib/s1600/Where2Gathered.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2Zw5xO0AeqHuRSS0P9omwXhrulxFBjxmLOqve7nEWesHPqc9XuVAdanKAiGYE_U6Sg4CxqpeZzQlnL3QzHk8GQn8EDJDd5DAve5t_ME4vsKY3gsaqwkxxrxvQTd6Zm4po0ib/s640/Where2Gathered.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="MAT.18.18" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">I assure you that whatever you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. And whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="MAT.18.19" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 34px;">Again I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you.</span><span style="line-height: 8.5px;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.18.20" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them. Matthew 18:18-20</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have so many memories that branded me about the power of prayer when God's people gather... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember when I was little and someone was sick in our church or someone in a church members family... calls would go out to the prayer chains and the entire church body would pray for the family and in many cases would even hold prayer meetings in their homes to intercede</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for the God to intervene in the circumstances. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, whenever a family in our congregation would move into a new home all the church members would go to the home and pray a blessing over the family and the home. We would anoint the doors and the walls and each room. We would Ask that the Lord's presence would dwell in the lives and the home of the family we were praying for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a teenager God branded me with the burden to pray for my school, my nation and the ending of abortion.When my mom would send me to bed at 10pm I couldn't sleep </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(i was a night owl even then) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">so one day I decided to write our my prayer list and put it on my ceiling and then every night I would pray for everything thing and anything on that list then anything else the Lord put on my heart. What i didnt know at the time was that God had called me to be one of the night watchmen. God and I would talk all night and I would intercede for my unsave friends, my school, my family, my future husband... I probably would be up till 1 or 2 am till i prayed myself to sleep. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In high school every Monday i'd wake up early in morning to go and pray for my school at the flagpole. Sometimes with a few of my friends join me. When <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/See_You_at_the_Pole" target="_blank">See Ya At the Pole</a> happened, everybody and their mom </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sisters</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> would come then we'd have 200 students praying, but then only have large groups of students for a week or two afterwards but then it would dwindle back down to the few friends or just me, the flagpole & God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 1993, I moved to Minnesota to attend Northwestern College (Now University of Northwestern). I had this deep burden to pray for our school and the students. I asked friends to come together every night at midnight to pray for everything and anything. We had some amazing times of prayer and we saw God move in so many powerful ways and He answered so many of our prayer request. Some nights there'd be 5-6 people then others there would be 150 students gathered just to pray and seek the face of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During and after I graduated from College I would have gatherings at my house to hang out and eat good food, you know build community... I'd invite all my friends from school and church sometimes we would have close to 100 people there. It never failed that when this group of us got together, God would show up and we would break out in singing and prayer. We'd pray for our families, each other, our city and our nation. I cannot even describe the encounters we had with the Lord but just writing about it right now is stirring me up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After Erik and I got married in 2001, we'd invite friends over for nights prayer, many said they'd come but maybe two people would show up, we tried to do it once a month, then once every other month, then once a quarter, but then i guess life got in the way and the zeal we had to plan it and it just fizzled out....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in 2006 I reconnected with some colleges friend on myspace one lived in California another in Minnesota. At some point we decided that we would do a conference call once a week and pray for one another and anything that was on our heart. We had just moved into our house and began looking for a new church at the time so it was good to connect with other believers even at a distance. But then as time when one and schedule conflicts, we stopped doing our conference call....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Somewhere along the way I forgot or stopped giving priority to gather and pray on a regular and continual basis. Something happened that I lost the passion to pray. But the Lord is renewing the passion in me now...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was talking my close friend, Xaundelle, on Sunday, who is moving into a new place next month. She was telling me how she would normally have her father come bless her new home but her family moved to another part of the country. She got a little teary-eyed and said, "This will be the first time my dad won't be able to pray and bless my home!" I immediately told her that the day we move her into her new place we will make a point to pray a prayer of blessing over her new home. "I know it wont be the same as your dad but those that love her will be there to bless it" Then we even talked about Skyping him in so he could do it with us! (Ain't Technology grand)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I have another close friend, Rhonda, who has had many challenges in her life in the last year. Her mother Pam passed away unexpectedly (I was with her when it happened) and lost an uncle Stan who she was very close to a few months before that. Recently her eldest son, Justice, was rushed to the hospital with a major blood clot in his leg, Praise the Lord he is on the mend but continue to pray for good reports from the Doctor. Then their family vehicle transmission went out, then the clothes dryer. Now she is dealing with some undetermined health issues in her own body and waiting on test results. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart grieves for her and everything she has gone through. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever since her son got out of the hospital, the Lord has been putting on my heart to hold an old school prayer meeting for her family. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told her yesterday that I want to schedule a time we can come together and pray for her, her family and draw a line in the sand and tell the enemy NOOOOOO MORE and rebuke the devourer!!! She agreed...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe more than ever it is so important that we need to begin making conscious efforts of coming together and praying for one another. Are you With me!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm concerned that over the years I have become so passive about my prayer life. I do pray throughout the day. I pray when people post requests on facebook or specifically ask me to pray. But I feel like i've become so inwardly focused that I've have forgotten that Jesus CALLED us ALL to pray for and lay our hands on the sick, raise the dead, break off strongholds in peoples lives, and plead the Blood of Jesus, pray for God anointing to remove every burden... I am tired of the enemy thinking he has power and dominion in my family and friends health, finances and lives! God has given us the AUTHORITY to Proclaim that JESUS has and is protecting those we pray for! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As followers of Christ this is our ministry, to pray for one another and to gather and pray...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I often think about the early church and the Upper Room Experience on the day of Pentecost. They were all gathered praying and seeking God's Face when the bible says "suddenly the Holy Spirit like a rushing wind came and filled the room" The Holy Spirit shook those people to their core. Their entire perspective on how they saw God changed and they were empowered to Go do what Jesus did when he was on the earth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our search to find a new church, had become somewhat daunting then two Sundays ago we went to the <a href="http://www.uroom.org/" target="_blank">Upper Room Dallas</a>. I have to tell you, I have not experienced the presence of the Lord like that in almost 15 years. I am realizing how complacent I'd become. I stopped being radical and compromised my desire and passion for Jesus for mediocrity. Erik and I have always talked about the things we want to do with Jesus and we must have let life take over and we sacrificed it for something we never wanted and now we don't have much to show for the last 12 years. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> never wanted to be a Just-Enough-Christian. I always desired to be one of the Radical Burning Ones! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.uroom.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM36EGfJ-TwH_4an3DJ6HVlqPra4Y72cvdR322em0f4Zhn9vqnR6tklTnDQtQuKf5c2KZ_xWkcdBXh9i6ebHMmnk1PNAZD-EoUZrCMLY_5fVPsX1bLxtJ3MVx7sp6m78V0K7G/s1600/995468_10151787027501999_1921559941_n.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.uroom.org/" target="_blank">Upper Room Dallas</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever Since we went to the upper room, Its like I got reignited again. All these things that I used to be so passionate about I put on the back burner have all come to the forefront and I feel like I can see and hear so clearly again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those dreams and visions the Lord place in my that I have long been standing and contending for I will see come to fruition. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.857142448425293px; line-height: 12px;">Lord Jesus I intercede for my family & friends that U bring supernatural breakthrough in every area they need U to intervene! </span><a class="tweet-url hashtag" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23GodisAble" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(223, 241, 155); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 2px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.857142448425293px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="#GodisAble">#GodisAble</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friends Gather and pray you will see God move in miraculous ways!!!</span></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX, USA32.725409 -97.32084959999997431.871222 -98.61174309999997 33.579596 -96.029956099999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-31014825158150811102013-08-02T18:21:00.001-05:002013-08-02T18:32:09.902-05:00We need the Wonderful Working Power of the blood of Jesus #PRAYAMERICA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today my Nana called to check on things here at Casa de Kluetz. We started talking about our hunt for a new church. She then started mentioning the revival meetings she would go to as a young teenager and into her adulthood. She was talking about how when someone was sick in the church body everyone would come together and pray for heaven to come to earth and ask for a healing touch. She said, "I couldn't tell you how many miracles I've seen God do, its sad that you don't see it in the church anymore. People don't even pray in tongues or plead the blood of Jesus any more!" She then began to tell me about how the young people would be laid out on the floor praying, crying, being touched by the Lord. After the Adults were done the parents would have to search for the kids because there were so many. She said, "Church just isn't like it used to be..."<span class="”fullpost”"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I totally agree, we have visited several churches over the past few months and there were only a few of them where you could see the hand of God moving on the lives of the people. This church hunt hasn't been easy, there are only two that we really feel closely meets <a href="http://www.brightlightbigdarkness.com/2013/06/change-is-comin.html" target="_blank">what we are looking for in a church</a>, but we still have so many more to visit. I wish this process wasn't taking so long.Even though I had a about a specific church, we're visiting them this week, however, I am not totally sure that church has everything we are looking for either. God help us!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We want a church that isn't afraid to go after the power of God's presence. There are so many people leaving the church because as my friend Mandy put it, "People Crave the reality of Jesus," and the reality is that many Churches are scared to present the reality of who Jesus is. Yes Jesus said all who are weary and heavy laden come unto me and I will give you rest and in some translations it says peace... Peace that comes in knowing that Jesus rescued us all from our sin. We need to hear more in church about the basics of Christianity, such as repentance, holiness, sacrifice, how to witness to the lost, prayer, Gods's anointing, the Blood of Jesus, the Cross. We need to move back to the simplicity of who God is and what his Word says not peoples (mis) interpretation of his Word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember in the church growing up as young people our Youth Pastors Dave & Lea Bianchi would have these nights of prayer and worship at their house called Friday Night Fire. God moved, God Spoke so many powerful things during that time. Nowadays many youth or young adults don't even know how to pray or how to share their faith or what being consecrated unto the Lord even means. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lord, I repent for the lackadaisical approach of the church. Lord, let those who do claim they do the work of the ministry but do not pursue your presence be drawn unto you Lord. Brand them with a passion to save the Lost, a heart for your people. God help them to seek YOU Alone to for guidance and direction of their ministry and not the latest trend in the church. Bring Unity back to the body of Christ! Bring revival to America! Bring the manifestations of your Wonder Working Power like we have never seen before. Lord I also pray for those church leaders that are doing things that do not align with your precepts that you bring conviction and repentance. For those leaders in the church that are on assignment from the enemy, I pray you expose them and you bring greater discernment to the Body of Christ. Lord prepare your Bride for the things to come in this age, make us ready to be aware of the enemy's schemes and keep guard and keep watch. Bring all believers in Jesus back to the true thing and focus. Have your way Jesus!!!</span><br />
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth, TX 76112, USA32.7476771 -97.21136050000001232.6408371 -97.37272200000001 32.854517099999995 -97.049999000000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21681180.post-68942114258943343962013-06-23T23:07:00.002-05:002013-06-23T23:08:26.011-05:00¡Thai Tea Heaven!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Hubs and I went to a Thai Grocery store today cause we were craving some Thai Tea and boy did we get our Thai Tea Fix! </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">YUMMY here's our recipe:<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />- 6 Tbsp of Thai Tea leaves<br />- 5 Cups Boiled Hot Water<br />- 2 Cups Coconut Milk<br />- Ice<br />- Agave Nectar to Taste<br /><br />Instructions<br /><br />1.) Brew 6 Tbsp of Thai Tea Leaves (We did it in our french press)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />2.) Steep for about 2 hours</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />3.) Once tea is cooled put in a glass pitcher</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />4.) Add about two cups of coconut milk</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />5.) Serve Thai Tea mixture halfway in 8oz glass</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />6.) Add Ice and Agave nectar to taste</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />7.) Enjoy!</span></div>
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http://brightlightbigdarkness.blogspot.com</div>Estreittahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08440977492035815920noreply@blogger.com0Fort Worth Fort Worth32.748445 -97.202837