tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79152719254476969302024-02-19T20:34:49.148-05:00Lilies Among Thorns Magazine Songs 2:1-2; Luke 12:27A Christian magazine blog for teen girls who strive to be a lily among the thorns on life.Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.comBlogger408125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-71961936873312534142012-09-28T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-28T09:00:08.134-04:00Show Them~ Hogan Stevens<div>
As Christians in today's world, there are going to be a lot of things that we do not particularly agree with. There are going to be <i>people </i>that we do not agree with, especially. And a lot of times, our thoughts and beliefs as Christians are going to be scorned...and some people may even hate us because of it.</div>
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We really do live in a great country, but though the 1st Amendment gives us the right to speak and believe whatever we want, Christian ideals sometimes seem to be the most hated and critized. Even though everyone is encouraged to speak what they feel without any consequences, whenever we try to let others know our thoughts on things we get shut out and judged. </div>
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But that's okay, right? It's best not to let the oppression of this sin-filled world discourage us. There are going to be many instances when you as an individual Christian are accused of being self-righteous and wrong because of your beliefs. That's just a proven fact. But are we to judge others because they believe differently than we do? No!</div>
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We should be accepting, loving. It isn't our right to judge what others think, even if what they are thinking is wrong according to God's Word. Only God has that right. Only He has the power to justly judge and govern His people. If someone gets angry with you because you voice your belief in Christ or anything from His Word, don't grow just as angry with them for their own beliefs. </div>
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</span></span><i><span style="color: #9b00d3; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #9b00d3; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="EN">Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8</span></span></span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""><div>
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Instead, show them the love of Jesus. Show them that Christians aren't all judgmental and condemning of the world. Even if we don't agree with what the world holds as right today, we shouldn't go around condemning those who choose to follow the way of this world. We should show them <i>love.</i> </div>
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</span></span><i><span style="color: #9b00d3; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #9b00d3; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span lang="EN">Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God</span></span></span></i>." <em>1 John 4:7</em><div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">By showing them love and kindness, you take away their reason for contempt. And maybe, with Christ's love, you'll ignite a curiosity within them, a small spark that might make them soften their hearts toward Christians--and most important of all, toward the Lord.</span></span></div>
Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-91199377659100646412012-09-26T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-26T09:00:05.454-04:00SOAPing Up~ Abigail Massung<em>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What you need:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">~Bible (study Bible with notes preferred)</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">~Notebook or paper</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">~Pen or pencil</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> I recently learned about a Bible study method known as SOAP (Study, Observe, Apply, Pray). The first time I ever did it was in a small group. Instantly, I fell in love with it. Some of you may already be familiar with this study type, but for those of you who don’t know about it, here’s how it works. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> First, you have to pick a passage from a Bible that you want to study. The passage can be one you or your group thinks about beforehand or it could be one chosen at random. It works either way. Next, you read the chosen passage. After that, look over it again and decide on a part you find interesting and want to focus in on. Grab your pen and paper to write down your chosen verse(s) and your thoughts about what you chose along with how you could apply it to your life. Afterwards, pray or write out a prayer about it. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1344688054578979" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> If you’re doing this as a small group (which I recommend), you could take turns discussing what you chose to focus in on and your thoughts on it. Although I’m not a big sharer myself, I do really love this part because it deepens the lessons you can learn from the whole experience. Even if you don’t share yourself, you can really gain quite a bit by listening to the thoughts and perspectives of others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> SOAP is a fun, refreshing Bible study that can have many or only a few people, and last only as long as you want. So, if you’re just interested in a quick study by yourself before work or a big group study at camp or something, it’s perfect. It gives you a moment to slow down, zone in on God, and step away from everything. So why not try it out this school year? It’ll probably be the most refreshing soap you’ll ever use!</span></div>
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</em>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-7194280907958931012012-09-24T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-24T09:00:05.999-04:00Wet Seal Review~ Renee Arnold<div class="flag " data-action="msg-flag" title="Click to mark as important">
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<span>Tuesday, July 24, 2012 8:12 PM</span></div>
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Waking up for school can be a drag, and a hassle! Often it helps knowing that you have a show stopping outfit waiting to be worn in the morning. Although most of you are done with back to school shopping, you don't need a legitimate excuse to do a little more shopping. One of my favorite stores is Wet Seal and so I visited their website to find a motivating outfit that would be comfortable to wear through classes.</div>
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This bright, screen printed graphic tee is very pretty and intricate and should be worn with a camisole or tank top to maintain modesty. It looks like regardless of your body type it will show cleavage because of the deeper v-neck. This shirt is only $9 so it will not break your budget!</div>
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These comfy pants are not jeans but they're not leggings either! They are a revolutionary fabric called moleton. Moleton fabric is stretchy and versatile but offers the coverage and modesty of jeans. They have five pockets just like jeans and can purchased for a decent price of $25.</div>
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In case you didn't notice, the graphic tee shirt shown above has swirls of silver running through the lower right side. These gladiator sandals are $17 and will bring out that stunning silver.</div>
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Stay ahead of the fashion curve this school year while being modest, money conscious and stylish! Have a great start to the school year!</div>
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Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-8310823344811947692012-09-21T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-21T09:00:10.255-04:00Re:Creation by Steven Curtis Chapman~ Review by Michelle PellThe newest album from Steven Curtis Chapman is very fun because it contains some stellar new songs along with exciting "recreations" of some of his past hits. Including some of my personal favorites: Dive, Live Out Loud, and Speechless. <br />
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<br />This album is also special because it has two currently popular singles on it (Do Everything and Long Way Home). Even though Steven Curtis Chapman could be called a seasoned veteran when it comes to the christian music realm, his attitude has remained humble. He has been able to remain trusting God even when going through a terrible tragedy: the death of his young daughter. <br />The tracks on this album speak of doing EVERYTHING to God's glory, the long journey we are taking to our Home, and how to experience heaven here on earth. <br /><br />Track List:<br />1. Do Everything (Single)<br />2. Long Way Home (Single)<br />3. The Great Adventure (Re:Created)<br />4. Dive (Deeper)<br />5. All That's Left<br />6. Heaven in the Real World (Re:Created)<br />7. Speechless (Re:Created)<br />8. Live Out Loud (Re:Created)<br />9. For the Sake of the Call (Re:Created)<br />10. Magnificent Obsession (Re:Created)<br />11. Meant to Be<br />12. More to This Life (Re:Created)<br />13. Sing Hallelujah<br />Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-76464010164787861952012-09-14T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-14T09:00:07.975-04:00Humility vs. Pride, Part 1 ~ By Heather Young<div align="center" class="yiv800898141MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">In this article, I will talk about humility.<span> </span>I will attempt to explain what humility is, why it is good to be humble, and how we can become truly humble.<span> </span>What is humility? According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, to be humble means “having or showing a consciousness of one’s shortcomings.”<span> </span>Surprisingly, this definition matches up almost exactly with what the Bible has to say about humility.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">During my search for verse about humility, I discovered four different types of humility:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span>1. Humility as a slave/servant</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span>2. Humility as a child</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span>3. Humility toward God</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span> </span>4. Humility toward others</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">1. Humility as a slave/servant</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv800898141reftext1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 8.5pt;">“</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;">and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,</span></b></span><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;">even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Matthew 20:27-28</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="yiv800898141reftext1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 8.5pt;">“</span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;">The greatest among you shall be your servant.</span></b></span><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;">Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;">Matthew 23:11-12</span></b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, <span class="yiv800898141reftext1"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://bible.cc/philippians/2-6.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">6</span></a></span></span>who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Philippians 2:3-11</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="yiv800898141woc1"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Jesus is the ultimate example of humility.<span> </span>Although He could have disobeyed His Father by rejecting the cross, he chose to follow God’s plan for His life by humbling Himself as a lowly servant.<span> </span>Even to death He was obedient.<span> </span>After Jesus became fully aware that He was God’s Son, He could have made everyone bow down and serve Him like a king.<span> </span>Instead, as Matthew chapter 20 says, He “came not to be served but to serve.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">2. Humility as a child</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv800898141reftext1"><b><span style="font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="color: #001320;">“</span></span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: <span class="yiv800898141nivred"><span style="color: #001320;">‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.</span></span> Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Matthew 18:1-4</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">“[Jesus] said to them, <span style="color: black;">‘</span></span></b><span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;">Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.’”</span></b></span><span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><u><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></u></b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Luke 9:48</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">In a way, children are forced to show humility toward their parents.<span> </span>A baby cannot feed itself, clothe its body, or change its own diaper.<span> </span>We need to be dependent on God for our daily sustenance, or we will often fee empty.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Humility toward God</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us’? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">James 4:1-10<u></u></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">After reading this passage, you may be puzzled, as I was, by verse 9, “Be wretched and mourn and weep.<span> </span>Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy be turned to gloom.”<span> </span>How does this verse even fit into the context of the beginning of James chapter 4? In John Calvin’s commentary on James 4:9, he explains:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">“[James] addresses those who, being inebriated (drunk) in their minds, did not perceive God's judgment. Thus it happened that they flattered themselves in their vices. That he might shake off from them this deadly torpor (stupor), he admonishes them to learn to mourn, that being touched with sorrow of conscience they might cease to flatter themselves and to exult on the verge of destruction. <u>Then laughter is to be taken as signifying the flattering with which the ungodly deceive themselves, while they are infatuated by the sweetness of their sins and forget the judgment of God.</u>”<span style="color: #001320;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Humility toward others</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">‘God opposes the proud</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">but gives grace to the humble.’</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 Peter 5:1-6</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv800898141reftext1"><b><span style="color: black;">“</span></b></span><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”</span></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Romans 12:3-5</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">When we humble ourselves toward one another, we allow room for God to use us together as the body of Christ.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“[The LORD] mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.”</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Proverbs 3:34</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">James 4:10</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">God is very serious about rewarding those who do what He asks.<span> </span>When we humble ourselves in obedience to God, He will give us grace, which results in eternity in heaven with Him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv800898141reftext1"><b><span style="font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="color: #001320;">“</span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">An argument arose among [the disciples] as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, <span style="color: black;">‘</span></span></b><span class="yiv800898141woc1"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt;">Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.’”</span></b></span><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Luke 9:46-48</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The following comments on this passage are credited to Pastor Ron Mehl:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Even though the disciples had walked with Jesus for many years, they did not yet understand true humility.<span> </span>A lack of humility makes you compare yourself with others like the disciples were in verse 46.<span> </span>Also, a lack of humility also makes you critical of others like the disciples were in verse 49, where it says, “John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’”<span> </span>In the next verse Jesus informs John that the person was not against them.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13459367124531100" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13459367124531099" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_13459367124531098" style="font-family: Times New Roman;">True humility is a right perspective of God, yourself, and others.<span> </span>When we have a right perspective of God, we should be focused on not our inadequacies, but God’s greatness—not focusing on what we’re not, but seeing Him for who He is.<span> </span>When we have a right perspective of ourselves, we should not be self-degrading, but instead we should be self-accepting.<span> </span>Lastly, when we have a right perspective of others, instead of being judgmental like the disciple were in Luke 9, we become accepting and want to serve others.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">What does true humility look like? I believe Isaiah was one great example.<span> </span>Once he realized what a wretched sinner he was, and what a great God he served, he said,</span><span style="color: #001320;"> “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">To overcome a lack of humility, we must constantly remind ourselves that we are always in the presence of God.<span> </span>If we imagine Jesus sitting right next to us all the time (which He is!), just imagine how much different our lives would be!</span></span></span></div>
<br clear="all" />Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-79430351019439617382012-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-12T09:00:03.013-04:00How to Gain Inner Strength~ Abigail Massung<em>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, it takes more than just wanting to grow strong. It takes determination and God. To become truly strong we need God in our lives 24/7. So guess what, going to church once a week and calling it good won’t cut it. So if you think you’ll go to church, go to youth group, than party with your friends and forget God, think again. You have to determine to turn to God for, and in, everything. He needs to be a part of your everyday life and actions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Our strength comes from God. If we want to survive then we have to grow under His light. We have to deliberately take time out to seek Him through focusing on the Bible; praying and just talking to God about life; sitting in the silence to just acknowledge His presence with us; and praising Him with our lives. Don’t just do it when it’s convenient, but push yourself to constantly be seeking God in some way in every aspect of life.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1344688054578973" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> There are going to be days when the last thing you want to do is go to youth group. Times when you’re tempted to turn back to what’s easier or a lifestyle you’re more familiar with. Those are the times when Satan tests how strong the branch is supporting the new life. That’s when you need to force yourself to open your Bible, pray, talk to your Christian friends about how your feeling, and go wherever you know you need to be. Because those are the times when the branch is tested, and the cost may be high if you don’t.</span></div>
</em>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-29668533066489588572012-09-10T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-10T09:00:11.578-04:00Nail Designs~ Renee Arnold<div style="position: absolute; z-index: -5;">
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With social networking sights such as tumblr, instragram and pinterest gaining popularity by the day, you probably have seen many examples of intricate <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1344688275_0">nail designs</span> that you want to know how to do. Nail designs are unique because they stand out and give a little break from the standard solid color or French manicure. <br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedLxRyVMTCNgckITwMwhyphenhyphen69AOnDYBW8IOl5s5TJkmJyztj5MncuMO7AwP0gAbDTOPmS5Fl7ulfTacuCdciyX5fZvoL_d1aRVIcVeLe_0oJQPVp4QCNpkYK8UVhCxgBIJ2mGT0LY1O_h8/s1600/DSC02773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedLxRyVMTCNgckITwMwhyphenhyphen69AOnDYBW8IOl5s5TJkmJyztj5MncuMO7AwP0gAbDTOPmS5Fl7ulfTacuCdciyX5fZvoL_d1aRVIcVeLe_0oJQPVp4QCNpkYK8UVhCxgBIJ2mGT0LY1O_h8/s320/DSC02773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This design can be used with any compatible color combination and can be completed by using a toothpick or specially designed nail tool to simply create little circles in a loop around your nail. Depending on the colors you use this can be extremely casual or very dressy. For a special touch, you can add little jems which can be bought at a convenience store and use them in the middle of the circles.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYmcRssXXym1c5JwjbxUE0PdBMfWYi5dAecR-Xb6qkCdkeapJhot0-extoz4TkKXKs815iwsM_3VmnwGPA934o9-9ir7DQJ8FD6moDuNJTHAlswp6VE80bhEtqWEW-e5C3z9HvDoSdyI/s1600/DSC02821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYmcRssXXym1c5JwjbxUE0PdBMfWYi5dAecR-Xb6qkCdkeapJhot0-extoz4TkKXKs815iwsM_3VmnwGPA934o9-9ir7DQJ8FD6moDuNJTHAlswp6VE80bhEtqWEW-e5C3z9HvDoSdyI/s320/DSC02821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, this design can be created one of two ways. First, if you don't feel like doing the designs yourself, you can purchase sticker flowers and tips but fake tips can over time ruin your nails by making them soft and weak so just be careful. However, you can buy supplies that help you paint French tips on your real nail and draw flowers. This however can be time consuming and potentially frustrating so don't try unless you're up for it! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJU1n3rOiMHJ7f4dkR5vs-iUZIAbW-TTneWGiJ91FRydASQ4GIdsN_5o1-hSlATBcz91BYlSeRdoZILIohVxpGQZtM8p9F7Rb_7n0DeIzeSbFh8eFmt8bFfDkAVnT2P2zbBprAHDm5UY/s1600/DSC01368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJU1n3rOiMHJ7f4dkR5vs-iUZIAbW-TTneWGiJ91FRydASQ4GIdsN_5o1-hSlATBcz91BYlSeRdoZILIohVxpGQZtM8p9F7Rb_7n0DeIzeSbFh8eFmt8bFfDkAVnT2P2zbBprAHDm5UY/s320/DSC01368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, when all else fails, go freestyle! I love this design because all it consists of is a base color and random sparkle streaks that somehow look very neat and fashion forward. <br id="yui_3_2_0_36_1344688054578544" /><br />Don't be afraid to experiment when it comes time for an at-home manicure! If anything, being an individual is encouraged these days! Just look at Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga or other eccentric fashion icons. <br id="yui_3_2_0_36_1344688054578546" /></div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-68100671719160498752012-09-07T09:00:00.000-04:002012-09-07T09:00:12.756-04:00And the Bride Wore White by Dannah Gresh~ Review by Michelle Pell<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://cdn-parable.com/ProdImage/Large/36/9780802408136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kda="true" src="http://cdn-parable.com/ProdImage/Large/36/9780802408136.jpg" width="213" /></a>You will love how Dannah Gresh tackles the tough issues of physical and emotional purity in her newly-updated version of "And The Bride Wore White." Dannah uses pages from her own journals, testimonies of real-life success stories, and celebrity interviews to bring to you the "7 Secrets to Sexual Purity." Not only does the author give practical ways to maintain your purity commitment, she presents lies the devil will throw at you and she teaches you how to defend yourself against his lies. Aside from the cute cover and stylishly-designed inside, Dannah uses her God- given talent to teach girls about their true value, encourage them to speak boldly, and equip them for tough situations. </div>
<br />Every teen girl should read this book and join the thousands who've learned and embraced the "how to wait" skills. <br />Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-84880062474606757302012-08-31T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-31T09:00:06.676-04:00Masquerade by Nancy Moser~ Review by Michelle Pell<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGeaFaOpAiHLEkNz4kJOQVfqoO0hWB_6VUnIt6WAPi6hFtWV0x0Eej6jpWjF6OJi9o13OPZMD61rsXckwwOrzqegrRsBO16e9oHLw2M8XGS2L_WE1iHXfJCR_JhQBmm2G8fOB_d2w9rlW/s1600/masquerade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGeaFaOpAiHLEkNz4kJOQVfqoO0hWB_6VUnIt6WAPi6hFtWV0x0Eej6jpWjF6OJi9o13OPZMD61rsXckwwOrzqegrRsBO16e9oHLw2M8XGS2L_WE1iHXfJCR_JhQBmm2G8fOB_d2w9rlW/s320/masquerade.jpg" vca="true" width="206" /></a>Have you ever wished your life was different? Charlotte Gleason does. Even though she lives a privledged English lifestyle, she is bored by the endless parties and meaningless flirting. </div>
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When her parents arranged for her to marry a wealthy American business man, and ship her away to the states, that is the last straw in Charlotte's eyes. On the boat to America, Charlotte, or Lottie for short, thinks of an absurd idea: what if her traveling companion and lady's maid, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1340985982_1">Dora</span>, poses in her place? Her future fiance has never seen her, and neither him nor his family would ever know the difference. If they were to switch places, Lottie would get the adventure she longs for, and Dora would be able to experience a life of glamour and riches.</div>
<br />But considering all the lies and deception required to make their plan work, will either Lottie or Dora ever be comfortable to be themselves? Will they ever realize that true love only flourishes in honesty and trust?<br clear="all" /><span style="color: #990000;"></span>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-49437098334645938352012-08-27T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-27T09:00:07.590-04:00Fundraising Ideas~ Heather Young<div id="yui_3_2_0_19_1341845944734437">
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_19_1341845944734543" style="font-size: 12pt;">Even though summer is almost over, and autumn will soon begin, there is still plenty of time for fundraising! Of course, there are many opportunities to raise money, such as garage sales, bake sales, car washes, and going door-to-door selling something.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Garage Sale Tips:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">colorful signs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">easy-to-read signs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">consistent signs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">good prices</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_19_1341845944734556" style="font-size: 12pt;">Garage sales are one of my favorite ways to earn money, even if it’s not for fundraising! The number one rule to a successful sale: have good signage! Have colorful signs that people can easily see and read from far away, and place a lot so no one will get confused about where to go. Moreover, have consistent signs. Once, I was on my way to a garage sale following a yellow sign that read, “Huge Sale!” As I got closer to my destination, the sign changed to a smaller orange sign that read, “Garage Sale.” Obviously, I became puzzled, wondering if both signs indeed belonged to the same sale. I soon found out yes, they were, but if you have a garage sale, <i>please</i> make everyone’s trip easier by not have varying signs. When pricing, try to sell items for less than their original worth, while not going so low that you won’t get much profit. Or, you could even not put prices on anything and let people decide what they want to pay!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKu1Yhg1PMWTeWrPNqeXMYkzgc9eC4MMfn3gArWIbf-a07ANPXKPxeHxyjqtQJypzJcRv9SOgmpJecG2eU2I-8Pjfh6INXj-Lvs8pToM8o2ofmzKoRyN_vzeH3VKx36qBMBpLryO6q5M8/s1600/fund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKu1Yhg1PMWTeWrPNqeXMYkzgc9eC4MMfn3gArWIbf-a07ANPXKPxeHxyjqtQJypzJcRv9SOgmpJecG2eU2I-8Pjfh6INXj-Lvs8pToM8o2ofmzKoRyN_vzeH3VKx36qBMBpLryO6q5M8/s320/fund.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bake Sale Tips:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">good location</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">samples</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">fresh food</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">· </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">reasonable prices</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_19_1341845944734564" style="font-size: 12pt;">Personally, I have not had much success with bake sales. Sadly, I only tried once because my first and final attempt only attracted one customer, not counting my friends. But, I am sure many of you could sell a lot of goodies if you choose a location within view of cars. One thing the consumers enjoyed about my sale was the samples I laid out. Be careful not to cut them too big, or some people might only eat samples. Also, instead of baking a huge batch of goodies in the morning, bake a small amount every hour or two to keep your food fresh.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_19_1341845944734585" style="font-size: 12pt;">A car wash cannot only earn a decent amount of money; it can also be fun! Most importantly, have good advertising (see “Garage Sale Tips”).</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_19_1341845944734578" style="font-size: 12pt;">Lastly, when you go door-to-door (with a buddy!) you can find numerous ways to earn money, whether by selling a product or doing yard work! Be sure to always have a smile on your face and make your offer look appealing. No one wants to buy something from someone who doesn’t look friendly! Also, make sure you have a flyer to hand out or show to your customers so they know you aren’t just some kid trying to make a few bucks for yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although you may have already finished your summer fundraising, I hope you will take these ideas into account for the future! Have you tried any creative ways to raise money? If so, please leave a comment!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">For more fundraising ideas, go to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/" id="yui_3_2_0_19_1341845944734441" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span id="yui_3_2_0_19_1341845944734440" style="color: purple;"><span id="lw_1341846379_1">http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/</span></span></a> </span></div>
<br /><strong><em>Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Phtograph taken by Lauren Jaji.</em></strong></div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-6675408981657169642012-08-24T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-24T09:00:11.462-04:00How-To: Fishtail Braid~ Hogans Stevens<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
This is one of my all-time favorite braids, especially for the summer. <br /><br />Just like a regular braid, you start out by taking three strands of hair--but instead of separating all of your hair into the three parts, simply take small sections: one directly in the middle and two sides. <br /><br />Now, start to bring in more strands, adding more hair to both of the side strands as you go. But do NOT add hair to the strand that is in the middle. <br /><br />Keep adding your hair as needed, continuing the braid as normal. <br /><br />And there you go! It's as simple as that. You can either take smaller strands for a more detailed and tight braid, or you can take bigger sections (as seen in the photos), which will give the braid a looser feel. <br /><br /></div>
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Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-85829069170743551462012-08-22T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-22T09:00:08.060-04:00Lessons from a Tree Branch~ Abigail Massung<div class="yiv397701147MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This summer my family decided to visit Michigan’s upper peninsula for a week. While hiking to one of the many waterfalls located up there, we saw a tree. The main tree was normal enough. I barely remember the tree itself because one of the branches held my entire focus. The branch grew out horizontal to the ground for a couple feet, appearing dead. Then, right at the end, it curved up sharply to stand proudly in the sun. That proud little tip grew up straight and green. My mom said something along the lines of: “It would do anything just to survive.” That idea echoed through my soul because lately I’d been trying not to give up my fight to survive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Looking back at the branch, I think about all it faced merely to reach out for a chance at a new start. How strong that branch had to have grown inside so it could support the new life! On the outside, it appeared to have died, but life must have coursed through it to feed the new life. It fought through the dark times to reach the sun. The strength it gained in those times gave it the base it needed to hold it up later on. All of us struggle in life –one way or another. We all face dark times when the sun never seems to shine. The thing is, we have to choose to keep growing through those times. If we keep struggling and not giving up, we’ll not only survive to see the sun, we’ll be strong enough to support the new life we’ll gain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-49781147701558656632012-08-20T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-20T09:00:09.315-04:00Finding the Perfect Eyeshadow~ Mikayla McMahenEyes are beautiful and intruiging and finding the right eyeshadow for your eyecolor can be a very important part of your makeup! Here are some ideas to get you started,<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #17365d;">Blue eyes</span><span style="color: #0c0c0c;">: I have found that more neutral colors such as light golds, tans, and copper tones beautifully bring out blue eyes.</span><br /><span style="color: #0c0c0c;">Go bold: If you like bold eye makeup try a dark blue with a light grey blended in the crease and along the brow bone. </span><br /><span style="color: #0c0c0c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0c0c0c;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0c0c0c;"><span style="color: #76923c;">Green eyes</span></span><span style="color: black;">: Sage green makes green eyes really pop especially when paired with a light tan or cream shadow along the brow bone. </span><br /><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1343150666437529" style="color: black;">Go bold: purple purple purple!!!! If looking at a color wheel you will see that purple is a complementing color for green, bright purple for a very dramatic look and lavender for a softer. a word of caution for when using bright purple make sure you let the heaviest coverage on the lid and fade out towards the crease and brow bone! otherwise the effect is a bit less than pretty ;)</span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #974806;">Brown eyes</span></span><span style="color: black;">: If you have brown eyes you can pretty much wear any color of eyeshadow well! Green shadow looks great with brown eyes, often causing them to have a hazel tint! </span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><span style="color: black;">If you have any eyeshadow tips I'd love to hear them! </span>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-75853513451248986782012-08-17T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-17T09:00:11.885-04:00The Three Brothers~ Hogan Stevens<div>
"She's caught tight!" Othniel called from atop the ravine. </div>
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Quinn sighed in aggravation, but Nolan stood off to the side, thoughtful.</div>
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The three brothers were sheep herders. For half an hour now they had been searching for one wayward lamb, which had wondered off into the ravine. Its wobby legs had somehow led it toward the most dangerous part of the slope, where just below the rushing river threatened to sweep it away should it fall. The rocks were more like boulders here where the small creature had succeeded in tangling itself in some reeds wedged just between two large rocks. The poor lamb bleated mildly as Othniel carefully made his way out of the ravine and back to his brothers standing safely at the edge.</div>
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"I can walk down to him, Quinn. It won't take but a second, and then we can be on our way." Othniel crossed his arms over his chest and surveyed the rocky slope, determination set on his rugged face. He was the oldest of the three and by far the most adventurous and confident. Once when he was just Nolan's age<var id="yiv1749710023yui-ie-cursor"></var>, he had slain a wolf with his bare hands. </div>
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Quinn snorted. "Yes, you would <i>slide </i>down to it, and be eaten by the river." The second brother, by far the most intelligent, squinted at the raging waters below. Calculating. "We need to think this through. Perhaps if you tied a rope about your waist and tied it to that tree--"</div>
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"Oh, and tell me where we'll get a rope that long!" Othniel interrupted with a barking laugh.</div>
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Quinn scowled at him and fell silent, but by the look on his face he was still forming a delicate, flawless plan.</div>
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"I can take a running start at it and avoid the rocks, alright? And then I can throw aside the boulders, scoop up the wee lamb, and <i>there.</i> Problem solved."</div>
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"By the steep set of the incline, you would fall to your death by running! I say we use the rope to help you down half of the way, and then you can crawl the rest of the distance. You'll need to roll the rocks aside, of course--"</div>
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"Of course--"</div>
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"--and try not to scare the lamb into running off."</div>
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Othniel frowned, insulted. "What? You think I don't know how to handle a lamb? I've been doing this far longer than any of you can--"</div>
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"Oh! Don't start that up again!"</div>
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The two brothers had forgotten all about their youngest, and assuredly most thoughtful and quiet, brother. Nolan had been standing off to the side, ignoring his siblings' bickering. He was quite used to being forgotten, pushed to the side. But this day, he knew exactly what to do. He was surprised neither Othniel nor Quinn had already thought of it, but then again, they were too busy arguing to really <i>look. </i><br />
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Without a word, Nolan slipped away. Othniel and Quinn didn't even notice his leaving.</div>
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With a growl of aggravation, Othniel glanced up at the sun. "We're losing daylight, brother. I'm going down. Without that blasted rope." He scowled at the length of rope that Quinn was now holding.</div>
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"At least start from the least dangerous spot, Othniel." Quinn pointed with the rope, indicating what looked to be the least dangerous way to start the descent.</div>
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Othniel laughed again. "Least dangerous?! And where would be the fun in that?"</div>
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He turned from Quinn, his movements sure and confident as he readied himself for the run down the ravine. Cracking his knuckles dramatically, he turned to spot the lamb--and stopped. From behind Othniel, Quinn gasped as he saw it at the same time.</div>
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The lamb was no longer pinned. </div>
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It was now resting safely in Nolan's arms as the boy slowly made his way back up the rocky slope. The two brothers watched in shock as Nolan cleared the edge.</div>
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"What...How did you...?"</div>
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"You could've been hurt--"</div>
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With a smile, Nolan interrupted, "While you two were bickering about the best way to avoid sliding down the rocks, that's exactly what I did. They actually helped me get down safely, and I used them as handholds on the way up."</div>
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The light of understanding lit Quinn's face, but Othniel simply continued to frown. </div>
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Setting the lamb safely to its feet, Nolan shrugged. "Sometimes, brothers, what we see as a hindrance...can actually be used to get us out of the problem we're in. We only need to see it."</div>
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Othniel glanced at Quinn, both of them wearing expressions of complete surprise. Then smiles broke forth, and Othniel nudged Quinn in the ribs.</div>
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"I think I like this kid. He's not too bad!"</div>
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</span><em><strong>Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Vanessa.</strong></em></div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-72998477835878621372012-08-13T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-13T09:00:09.940-04:00John 15~ Heather Young<div class="yiv1467235130MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you ever found yourself puzzling over John 15? “What’s so important about a grape plant, anyway,” you think.<span> </span>Here is an article that I hope will clear up your confusion.<span style="color: #001320;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;">“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.</span></b></span><b><span style="color: #001320;"> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.</span></span> <span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span>These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”</span></span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">John 15:1-11</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” (v. 1)</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">The vine is the trunk of the grape plant that grows out of the ground.<span> </span>Branches are connected to the vine<b>… </b><span> </span>The vinedresser is the keeper of the vineyard.<span> </span>He works hard to coax from his plants the most pounds of grapes possible.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">The branches of the plant are the main focus of the vinedresser’s efforts because they produce fruit.<span> </span>They are tied to a trellis or propped up with sticks to let air circulate, to provide the maximum amount of sunshine, and to allow full access for tending.<span> </span>Lovingly, the vinedresser cultivates each branch so that it will bear as much fruit as possible.<span> </span>Yet every branch responds differently to his efforts, and when the time for harvest comes, each branch will have produced a different-sized crop, displayed in verse 2.<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span><span style="color: #001320;">“</span></span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Every branch in me that does <i>not bear fruit</i> he takes away, and every branch that does bear <i>fruit </i>he prunes, that it may bear <i>more fruit</i>.” (v. 2)</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fruit represents good works, as shown in Titus 3 and Psalm 1:<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Titus 3:14</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm 1:3</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">The phrase, “take away” in verse 2 suggests that one might be “cut off” from God, severed from ever having a relationship with Him.<span> </span>However, a better translation for the Greek word “airo-” would be “take up” or “lift up”.<span> </span>Examples of where this is used can be found in Matthew 14:20, Matthew 27:32, and John 1:29.<span> </span>One expert said, “New branches have a natural tendency to trail down and grow along the ground.<span> </span>But they don’t bear fruit down there.<span> </span>We lift them up and wash them off.<span> </span>Then we wrap them around the trellis or tie them up.<span> </span>Pretty soon they’re thriving.”<span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.” (v. 3)</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">See John 13:10 for an explanation as to why Jesus said this.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span>“</span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (v. 4)</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Notice that “Abide.” is said as a command.<span> </span>When someone commands someone else to do something, it is because it won’t come naturally.<span> </span>To abide means to remain, to stay closely connected, to settle in for the long term.<span> </span>The branch shares an ongoing, vital connection with the vine; if it is disconnected, we wither and die and become of no spiritual use (v. 6).</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">You bear inner fruit when you allow God to nurture in you a new, Christ-like quality (Galatians5:22).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">You bear outward fruit when you allow God to work through you to bring Him glory (Ephesians 2:10).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span><span style="color: #001320;">“</span></span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears <i>much fruit</i>, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (v. 5)</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">More abiding is performed by keeping Him in your thoughts and activities throughout the day.<span> </span>Have an attitude like David did in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for water, so pants my soul for You, oh God.”</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span>“</span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (v. 6)</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span>“</span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (v. 7)</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span>“</span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (v. 8)</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span>“</span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” (v. 9)</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span>“</span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” (v. 10)</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv1467235130reftext1"><b><span>“</span></b></span><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><b><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (v. 11)</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">We are here not to fulfill our own dreams, but to fulfill God’s dream of us giving Him glory.<span> </span>In this way, we find our greatest joy.</span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">1. no fruit (v. 2a)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Producing no fruit is a result of enduring sin.<span> </span>In order to correct us, God can make Himself heard in many ways.<span> </span>Just as the vinedresser takes necessary measures to correct a wayward branch, so does God take necessary measures to correct wayward believers.<span> </span>Throughout each of our lives, He persistently offers us opportunities to respond to His loving and wise nudging us in the right direction.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Deuteronomy 8:5</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="yiv1467235130line1"><span style="color: #001320;">‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,</span></span><br /><span class="yiv1467235130ln-indent1"><span style="color: #001320;">nor be weary when reproved by him.</span></span><br /><span class="yiv1467235130line1"><span style="color: #001320;">For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,</span></span><br /><span class="yiv1467235130ln-indent1"><span style="color: #001320;">and chastises every son whom he receives.’”</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130ln-indent1"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #001320;">Hebrews 12:5-6</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">2. fruit (v. 2b)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">To prune means to thin, to reduce, to cut off.<span> </span>As your relationship with God grows, you will need more of your lesser priorities cut away to make room for God to get greater glory.<span> </span>Similarly, as a grape plant grows, more and more branches must be cut away each year to let enough sunlight in for a maximum fruit product.<span> </span>One difference between disciplining and pruning is during discipline you need to repent, and during pruning you need to give God permission to work in your life.<span> </span>The most fruitful and the most joyful Christians are the most pruned Christians.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">3. more fruit (v. 2c) and 4. much fruit (v. 5b)</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span class="yiv1467235130woc1"><span style="color: #001320;">During abiding, only what’s happening on the inside matters.<span> </span>The process begins with activities such as Bible reading and prayer.<span> </span>Also, the key is to break through from duty to relationship with God.</span></span><span style="color: #001320;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">In conclusion:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">1. If your life consistently bears no fruit, God will intervene to discipline you.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1344688054578655" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1344688054578654" style="font-family: Times New Roman;">2. If your life bears some fruit, God will intervene to prune you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">3. If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will invite you to abide more deeply with Him.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">God can use you no matter what season you are in!</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">***Credit to Bruce Wilkinson’s book, <u>Secrets of the Vine</u> for the majority of information in this article***</span></span></div>
<br clear="all" /><strong><em>Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Corrine Voelp.</em></strong>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-43992928779208227192012-08-08T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-08T09:00:03.975-04:00World Watch List~ Emily Ciszewski<span style="font-family: Arial Narrow; font-size: large;"></span><br />
Crazy to think that in one moment I’m praying that I won’t get my period this week because I have a party to go to, Mom’s trying to decide if we should have tacos or chicken for supper, my sister is complaining that she doesn’t know what to wear to Church and someone in Asia is being beaten for singing a praise song in her own home. <br />
Ridiculous, isn’t it? And I just hum along with my stereo blasting my favorite Jamie Grace song.<br />
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We forget. We’re humans. Not elephants.<br />
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And I apologize when I remember what a spoiled little American girl I am.<br />
I really do - and I know many of you do as well - so I’m not raining on your good life. Just reminding the lot of us to hear the thunder. <br />
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Over 1 million Christians in this world are daily persecuted for their love of God. <br />
And it’s not me receiving that weird look from the guy in A&W after he heard me thanking God for my chicken and root beer. That’s not persecution; that’s curiosity.<br />
I don’t know where we come up with our American idea of persecution. <br />
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So, in those five minutes that I prayed for my period to wait a week, my friend to invite me over, my nerves to relax, the sun to shine in the morning…I could’ve been praying for somebody being tormented in Belarus Poland.<br />
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Want to start praying a little more? <br />
Great - I hoped you might! <br />
Here’s a link to help you pray for the whole world of the known persecuted Church! (Isn’t it crazy how God made even the Internet to further His cause?)<br />
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By the end of 2012 Open Doors International and all involved will have prayed for all of these countries and peoples, and you can be apart of it! Go to the World Watch List website and sign up for the weekly emails, and help us pray for these 50 countries.<br />
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To be honest, I’m still struggling with praying for the Church…the Bride of Christ - that’s us you know…and so it’s not like I’m little Miss Perfect ranting on you. But I bet I if spent one day in the shoes of that Asian woman being beaten by hate filled locals…I’d remember to pray.<br />
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And just remember as well, that God gives us grace to do the things He asks of us - <br />
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<b id="yui_3_2_0_1_1343150666437425">2<sup>nd</sup> Corinthians 9:7-8 </b><i></i> <br />
Will you accept the grace so that you may do every good work He’s prepared for you?<br />
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</span></span></span><a href="http://www.worldwatchlist.us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial Narrow; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial Narrow; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial Narrow; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN">http://www.worldwatchlist.us/</span></span></span></span></u></a><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN"> </span></span></span></u></div>
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Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.</div>
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work…Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-67135396441930479332012-08-06T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-06T09:00:00.222-04:00Confidence~ Renee Arnold<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCvCArWkw_p_NARH3slEd5Oj9PIoQyFx-VhdkIv9iP5tnPJFjx2CCQB8TtGk4tkZl1j4oOa_dBca7ZwDUQvGdp0u_FUrkFN9v5-GRPLHPAcSHwt4_ralX294GSX6fy0uSIIcEeor9LsM/s1600/confidence.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCvCArWkw_p_NARH3slEd5Oj9PIoQyFx-VhdkIv9iP5tnPJFjx2CCQB8TtGk4tkZl1j4oOa_dBca7ZwDUQvGdp0u_FUrkFN9v5-GRPLHPAcSHwt4_ralX294GSX6fy0uSIIcEeor9LsM/s320/confidence.JPG" width="320" /></a>These days, being confident in yourself and your abilities is a gift. The world tries to tear us down at every turn telling us that we are not good enough, smart enough, pretty enough or talented enough. It is important to find an area of your life in which you are sure in your abilities whether it be a sport, school subject or area of service in which you participate in. <br /><br /> However, confidence can have its downfalls. For example, if you put all of your self worth into a talent and an injury occurs and you can't participate in the season, what do you have to fall back on? And if you base your confidence in a boyfriend and you break up, you are going to be an emotional wreck because you are going to feel like you have nothing left.<br /><br /> You never have any need to feel hopeless or worthless because you have God on your side. Although God takes pride in your gifts just like you, he yearns for you to have a deep rooted confidence, a kind based in your faith that won't waver based on circumstances.<br /><br /><strong><em>Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Abby Whear.</em></strong></div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-11382803868038624422012-08-03T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-03T09:00:07.494-04:00Casting Crowns~ Come to the Well Review by Michelle Pell<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Come To The Well" is the fifth studio album of one of Christian music's most successful acts, Casting Crowns.The Atlanta based music group is committed to delivering thought-provoking music about topics that truly matter to their listeners. "...these songs are among the most intensely personal offerings the group has ever shared," says the group's website. The group does not preform shows on Sundays because the seven band members are all worship leaders at their own home churches. "Courageous" is showcased on Sherwood Pictures newest movie of the same title and challenges men to lead lives committed to Christ while imploring husbands to be leaders for their families. Popular single, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" is all about compassion and love for the broken, and "Face Down" is a beautiful worship song. For the romantics out there, "Wedding Day" and "Angel" are both adorable love songs. One is about the best day of the singer's life and in the other the singer is amazed that an "angel" would love him. Whether you are a seasoned Casting Crowns fan or you are just now discovering the band, you will be greatly satisfied with the blend of scripture-based lyrics and contemporary rhythms the newest album offers.<br /><br />1. Courageous (see the movie trailer for this song's inspiration: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9VT_NBIVfs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1340985943_1">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9VT_NBIVfs</span></a>)<br />2. City On A Hill<br />3. Jesus, Friend of Sinners (hear more about this song: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9HuJJ-5AyY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1340985943_2">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9HuJJ-5AyY</span></a>)<br />4. Already There<br />5. The Well<br />6. Spirit Wind<br />7. Just Another Birthday<br />8. Wedding Day<br />9. Angel<br />10. My Own Worst Enemy<br />11. Face Down <br />12. So Far To Find You<br clear="all" /><span style="color: #990000;"></span>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-38931721208809336712012-07-31T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-31T09:00:06.153-04:00The Small Things~ Nataleigh Robinson<div class="yiv898383837MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;">If you had been told to do something great you would have done it. How much more than when it is something simple. 2 Kings 5:13</span><br /></div>
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<span style="background: white;">I remember sitting up late one night reading a book and just crying. I had just started the book that day but I just couldn't put it down. After finally finishing it I turned out the lights but I still couldn't get to sleep. I felt as if God was telling me something and I just couldn't get it out of my head. It was that night that I decided that God wanted me to be a teen guidance counselor and not only that but that he wanted me to go to public school.<span class="yiv898383837apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="background: white;">I had been homeschooled all my life and I was afraid to go to public school. I wasn't even sure what my parents would think of that idea. But I obeyed God and began the process to go to public school. The amazing thing was that when the time finally came for me to walk through those doors for the first time. I wasn't even the tiniest bit nervous and my first day went better than I had ever imagined.</span><br /><br /><span style="background: white;">Sometimes the things God asks us to do might scare us at first. But God doesn't always tell us the things he wants us to do right that instant.</span> <span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171118" style="background: white;">While God wanted me to go to school he didn't necessarily want me to go running to my mom and tell her that I was going right away. It took nearly 2 years of me preparing myself and working out the details before I was ready to walk through those doors and by then I had thought through it so much and had so many people give me their input that it was like a normal part of my life already.</span><br /><br /><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171114" style="background: white;">All God asks of us is that we trust that He's got it all under control. But don't overlook the little things that He asks you to do at that very moment that may one day affect that future dream that he has placed in your mind. Sometimes we get so caught up in looking for the big things God wants us to do that we overlook the little things. It’s been almost 6 years since that dream to become a counselor first began to germinate in my mind. That dream has gone through numerous changes over the years but the heart of it is still the same. </span><br /><br /><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171116" style="background: white;">In the verse at the beginning of this entry The leper Naaman had gone to the prophet Elisha to be healed and Elisha told him to go and wash in the dirtiest river there was. Naaman refused and left dejected. It was his servant who said the words at the beginning of this entry telling him he would have done anything to be healed but yet refused to do something as simple as washing in a dirty lake.</span><br /><br /><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171117" style="background: white;">We must never think that something we do is not as important as something that someone else does because everything is important in the kingdom of God . It is God who put dreams in our hearts and He is kind enough to allow us the responsibility and the choice to do what we wish with what we are given.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"> </span></div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-2285626535443675872012-07-30T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-30T09:00:01.426-04:00A Word From the Wise(The Wise being God)~ By Nadia Dear Nadia,<br />
<br />I have a crush on this really cute guy. I'm 12 and I know this is natural for my age, but how do I handle it? I mean, I'm no beginner to the whole boy thing. I dont date, but I've been having crushes since age two and I got "engadged" about ten years ago. Back to the current boy. I only see him at church. We dont' go to the same school. Sometimes I babysit his baby sister, but that's it. What do I do?! How do I handle this?!<br />
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--A Little Confused<br />
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Dear A Little Confused,<br />
<br />"Cast your cares on God, for He cares for YOU" (1 Peter 5:7). I've<br />probably quoted this verse before, but that's because it's super<br />important! God cares about us with a depth that we can't even begin to<br />understand. I mean, if He cares about us and knows us so well that<br />He's even numbered the hairs on our head (Luke 12:7), I know He'll be<br />with you as you develop relationships with guys and seek His will on<br />those issues.<br />
<br />Bring everything to God. Sometimes I start to over-think issues or<br />just focus on them way too much, so what helps me is to just give my<br />heart and mind up to Him every time I even start thinking about the<br />issue, no matter how many times it takes (this is one of those 7 times<br />70 things).<br />
<br />Maybe one thing you can commit to right now is letting God write your<br />love story. Put the pen in His hands, because He is the best Author in<br />the universe! If you dedicate your heart to that right now and<br />continue to pray about it, He will help you and keep you on His path.<br />God bless you, girl!<br />Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-2049989703767051522012-07-25T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-25T09:00:17.611-04:00Writing Notes to God~ Hogan StevensThis has been a very stressful year for me. I’ll be a senior after this summer, so I’ve been researching all kinds of colleges and majors. I am sure a lot of you know just what this is like. Super stressful! And doesn’t it sometimes seem like no one really understands what you’re going through when they try to tell you not to stress? <br />
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Well, <i>Someone</i> understands. And He is the best person you could talk to when you’re feeling down or anxious.</div>
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And while I’ve found that praying can relax me and help me through the day, I also love communicating to God through another way. I write notes to Him. Most of the time, I’ll write Him a letter in my diary or my prayer journal, but just the other day I heard of another way to write notes.</div>
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Get a box--any kind you want--and cut a hole in the top. And then, when you are feeling low or just want to talk to Jesus, write out a simple note on a slip of paper and drop it into your prayer box. Keep it next to your bed or on your desk, and once your prayer has been dropped you can know that God has received it. The Lord knows what is best for you and He truly wants to make you happy; just remember that sometimes He has something different in mind than you--and that often times His plan turns out much greater than you could have ever imagined.</div>
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<var id="yiv1158850356yui-ie-cursor"></var>I know I’ll be dropping several notes into my box! Mostly I think I’ll be asking for patience as I search for the right university, and I definitely will need His guiding hand this coming year and beyond. I am looking forward to filling up my prayer box and--years from now, when I have finally found my way-- I will open it up and sift through the forgotten prayers and marvel at just how God answered them all. Not in my way, but in His perfect will.</div>
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</div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-15928487677915865622012-07-23T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-23T09:00:13.689-04:00Gap Store Review~ Renne Arnold<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">The GAP is a very popular store that carries mostly <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1339771503_0">casual clothes</span> and is very well known for their sweaters, jeans and flowey tank tops. I went to GAP looking for a semi-casual outfit, somthing you would wear to a picnic or barbeque, under $100.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">First, I found this adorable striped tank top that is not only cute but also modest as it features thicker straps and has a higher neckline. This tanktop is $22.95.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5715&vid=1&pid=134976&scid=134976042" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="yiv1672568371gridProdImg" id="yiv1672568371cimg_134976_134976042_5715" src="http://www3.assets-gap.com/webcontent/0004/802/320/cn4802320.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1339771342515330" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">I love these shorts becasue they will keep you cool in hot temperatures but they are not revealing or inappropriate. They are made out of canvas so they are very durable and will last a long time which is a good thing becasue they cost $40. These shorts have a very good size range, they are available in 00-20 and GAP also has petite and tall sizes.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=80177&vid=1&pid=138725&scid=138725022" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="yiv1672568371gridProdImg" id="yiv1672568371cimg_138725_138725022_80177" src="http://www1.assets-gap.com/webcontent/0004/709/486/cn4709486.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1339771342515326" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">This outfit will look good with just any old rubber orange flip flops but if you want something a little more upscale, these bright leather flip flops would be a perfect addition. They are $25 and will last a lot longer then plain rubber flip flops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">GAP has a lot of great options for teenage girls. They are a more conservative store so they don't have any clothes that made me cringe. Their clothes are more expensive but they are very high quality so they are worth it if you are willing to pay the price. I highly recommend this store and highly suggest that you check it out.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1339771342515328" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">This entire outfit came out to be $88 which is a lor for one outfit but thankfully, all of these pieces can be worn with a lot of other clothes you already own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span> </div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-91757971713384357032012-07-20T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-20T09:00:15.618-04:00Michelle's Summer Music PicksMichelle's Summer Music Picks:<br /><br />For lazy days spent sitting by the pool, for dance parties with friends, and for bonfire-lit evenings, here are some music suggestions to help keep you spirits high. <br /><br />Albums:<br />•Jamie Grace - One Song At A Time<br />This album is full of contemporary beats and rhythms but also creative lyrics packed with solid messages. It is perfect for a sunny summer day. <br /><br />• Dia Frampton - Red<br />The close runner-up of the first season of the hit show "The Voice" has recorded an album perfect for a day lounging around the pool. A perfect balance of soulful rhythms and unique tunes makes this entire album feel like a breath of fresh air. But beware, she does throw the "D" word into one of her songs. <br /><br />Songs:<br />•Rooftops - Jesus Culture<br />Listen to this song throughout the summer and it will remind you to make the most of your days by proclaiming His name in everything you do. <br /><br />• Ready or Not - Britt Nicole (featuring Lecrae)<br />No matter what you plans are for the summer, this song challenges you to take action to show the love of Christ. The world may be ready or not.Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-91638689041723553612012-07-17T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-17T09:00:00.680-04:0010 Things to do This Summer~ Nataleigh Robinson<div class="yiv898383837MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171133">
<b id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171132"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171131" style="background: white;">10 Things to do in the Summer</span></b></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171129" style="background: white;">1. Go to the Beach and soak up some rays</span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">2. Build something in the sand</span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">3. Start a collection of cool shells or sea glass</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171121" style="background: white;">4. Get up enjoy the early morning sun while it’s still cool</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171123" style="background: white;">5. Go stargazing on a cool night</span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">6. Go for a bike ride around town</span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">7. Curl up on the porch with a good book</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171125" style="background: white;">8. Get some girl friends together for a backyard campout</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171119" style="background: white;">9. Play in the Sprinkler or turn your backyard play gym into a water slide</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1340045530171127" style="background: white;">10. Start a garden</span></div>Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7915271925447696930.post-38324546597826167092012-07-10T09:00:00.000-04:002012-07-10T09:00:19.951-04:00Summer Challenge~ Cassie Stout Hey guys! Summer's starting and I want to challenge you on something! :)<br /><br /> This summer, whether you're at the beach, visiting family, or just spending<br />all your time at the pool, I want to challenge you to give thanks for even the<br />smallest things.<br /><br /> The first part of the challenge is this:<br />
<br /> When you see things like trees, clouds, and water, think about how God<br />graciously made all these things with so much detail, and still He easily<br />fit them together to complete His perfect plan. Take sand for instance.<br />First think of how many beaches God put in the world. Next think of how<br />many grains of sand are on each beach. Now think of how many molecules<br />are in each grain of sand. Amazing isn't it?! God cares so much!<br /><br /> The other part is this:<br />
<br /> When you're thinking about those small things, pray and thank God for<br />blessing us with such wonderful creations. God Himself says to do so in<br />Psalm 100:4 "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts<br />with praise:be thankful unto him, and bless his name." After all, He<br />deserves it and much more!<br /><br /> So when you're jumpin' in the water or sittin' in the sand this summer,<br />don't forget to stop and thank God for all the wonderful blessings He's<br />given us! :)Haylie Jo Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10397498198063704909noreply@blogger.com0