tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51180641912670680302024-03-05T16:14:51.769-06:00Life in BeranvilleSeeing God in the ordinary moments of life!Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-41588012662087788462015-08-20T10:54:00.004-05:002017-06-28T10:17:20.677-05:00Remain Faithful Last August I attended <a href="http://www.renewedlifeevent.blogspot.com/">ReNEWed Life Women's Event</a> for the first time as an attendee rather than an organizer. I had just made it through eight weeks of recovery after spinal surgery, so it was good just to be out and feeling decent. The music was good. The speakers were good. The atmosphere was good.<br />
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But I was distracted.<br />
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I heard the speaker talking that morning about God's goodness and faithfulness. These were things I know to be true. In fact, I had experienced God's goodness and faithfulness personally in the past, through all my health issues and three miscarriages. Yet, my mind was spinning this particular morning. I wasn't experiencing peace. My husband and I had just received our first call for an adoptive placement...of three children. <br />
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I questioned the LORD. "Is this really what you want us to do?" I questioned my own ability. "How can I do this? We already have two young children...now three more , virtually the same age as our two. Really, Lord?" I questioned God's direction. "Is this really what you're wanting us to do?" My mind was whirling through all the details. I couldn't concentrate on anything else it seemed. I was trying to figure it out. Reason. To see what God was doing. I was anxious.<br />
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It wasn't until the afternoon session that my mind settled down a bit. At least enough to hear the speaker say something like because God is good and faithful, He asks us to remain faithful. Then, while another speaker shared her testimony, she said something like through her experience she had realized she was a control freak, and my eyes filled with tears. It hit me. I didn't need to have it all figured out. No, I needed to relinquish control and remain faithful. To do the next right thing. To trust Him. That's what God was calling me to do.<br />
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Well, it turned out, as usual, I had no idea what lied ahead in the days to come. But God knew. And I was thankful for the reminders I heard that day.<br />
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It didn't work out with the three children. God made it clear that it wasn't the right placement for them or us. So I had wasted a lot of time fretting about something that didn't even happen.<br />
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In September, we received another call, this time about an 11 month old boy. Our family spent two months getting to know this little boy in hopes of adopting him, only to have some distant relatives in another state come forward and say they wanted him. In Iowa, relatives get top preference.<br />
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That really hurt, not only my husband and me, but our two little boys who had fallen in love with him. They were excited to welcome him as their little brother. This made no sense to me. I truly felt we had followed God's lead to pursue this adoption. Sure, we had prayed for God's best. But how could we not be the best for him, right?! So, again, I wondered what God was doing. I wondered why He allowed this to happen. But we kept moving forward in faith. <br />
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In November, there was a precious baby girl. That didn't work out. I just wasn't ready physically or emotionally. I didn't realize it at first. Fortunately, she went to another loving home instead.<br />
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Then, in December, we found out I was pregnant! After me having 2 years of early pre-menopausal symptoms and having had three miscarriages, we were just thrilled to be expecting a baby! We reasoned, this must be why things didn't work out with the other kiddos (always trying to figure it out). <br />
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It seemed like the pregnancy was progressing well. I was showing early and experiencing all the pregnancy symptoms that I experienced with my two healthy pregnancies. We announced it to the world in January. We were excited! Everyone else was excited along with us!<br />
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A few weeks later we lost our baby; a fourth miscarriage. Honestly, it just seemed too much. I mourned deeply. But the same words came out of my mouth, "God is good. God is faithful." I was reminded again, that I also needed to remain faithful...even though I didn't understand (and still don't). <br />
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This scripture ministered to me in my grief:<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="passage-display-bcv">Romans 11:33-36 </span><span class="passage-display-version">(NLT)</span></strong></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-11-33" id="en-NLT-28204"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!</strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Rom-11-34" id="en-NLT-28205"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup>For who can know the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s thoughts?</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Rom-11-34">Who knows enough to give him advice?<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-28205a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-28205a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11%3A33-36&version=NLT#fen-NLT-28205a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Rom-11-35" id="en-NLT-28206"><sup class="versenum">35 </sup>And who has given him so much</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Rom-11-35">that he needs to pay it back?<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-28206b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-28206b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11%3A33-36&version=NLT#fen-NLT-28206b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup></span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-11-36" id="en-NLT-28207"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><sup class="versenum">36 </sup>For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.</strong></span></span></div>
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We were still grieving and we were on hold from taking foster and adoptive placement calls, when one day I opened up my Facebook to read a message from a dear friend I had made through the connection with the 11 month old boy I mentioned earlier; the foster mom of the little boy we didn't get to adopt. She said she knew it might not be the right time, but the situation was time sensitive so she was just going to throw it out there. She had heard about two children legally free for adoption that she thought might be a good fit for our family.<br />
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At first my husband, Alan, said, "No way!" We were still mourning. I was still recovering physically. So I thought about just saying we weren't interested. In fact, I went to my Facebook and began a message. But I didn't feel right saying no. So, instead, we agreed to pray about it for a few days.<br />
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After a lot of prayer, a few phone calls, meeting the kids and having visits with them for a month, those two precious kiddos moved in with us in March. Legal adoption day is quickly approaching.<br />
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Through this adoption process God has asked me over and over to surrender. To relinquish control. To stop trying to figure it out. To trust Him. To walk forward in faith, faithfully. It hasn't always been easy. But... <br />
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God is good. God is faithful. We need to remain faithful to Him. Surrendered.<br />
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Through all the ups and downs of life this past year, God was a work. Even though I don't need to know all the "whys", God is good to give us little glimpses into His glory. It helps us press forward in faith. For instance, when things didn't work out with the then 11 month old boy, it just didn't make sense to me. But it was through our connection with him that we met his foster mom who connected us with the two children we have now. He's also in a very good place for him. The LORD is good and faithful. He is sovereign. He provides.<br />
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Faith is something we talk a lot about. But it's another thing to live it. Faith is an action. It's taking God at his Word. It's remaining faithful, even when (especially when!) it doesn't make sense to us. When we can't see. Because even when it doesn't feel true, God is good and faithful. And He's always up to something...so much more than we can even fathom, in fact.<br />
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I mess up a lot. I want to control. I want to know. I'm not always faithful. But God is! I'm so thankful for His grace. But I long to live a life more wholly surrendered to Him. To trust Him more. It's a process and a daily choice. None of us know what tomorrow holds. God does. I must remember His faithfulness in the past...and keep moving forward.<br />
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Will you join me, friend? Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-21418541107242684672015-07-18T15:58:00.004-05:002015-07-18T17:56:29.746-05:00Necessary Silence (Adoption)I wrote this a month ago, but didn't post it....<br />
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I've been silent on my blog for a while. <em>Necessarily</em> silent.<br />
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The process of <em>Adoption</em>. It's complicated. Both good and hard at times. It's a beautiful blessing. A huge adjustment. A high calling. Exhausting. An indescribable joy. It can be isolating. <br />
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Nothing has made me more aware of the brokenness of this world. The world's depravity. My <em>own</em> need for a Savior. And, in turn, it freshly reveals His grace upon grace upon grace.<br />
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To have another woman's children tightly squeeze my neck and say, "I love you, Mom." Bittersweet. My heart aches for her loss. Yet, my heart sings over my gain, over God's redemptive love and sovereignty. He gives a future and a hope! I don't understand all the "whys". I don't need to. <br />
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There are so many words flowing through my mind. But, right now, I'm (mostly) silent on this blog. Not because I don't have anything to say. Instead, I'm choosing, in the small snippets of times I'm allowed, to be still and listen to the<em> One</em> who created me. Not because I'm so holy. Because it's a <em>necessity</em>. <br />
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I'm more acutely aware of my desperate <em>need</em> of His wisdom, peace, perspective and Holy Spirit guidance through this whole process. Aware I am not in control of things.<br />
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I don't want pity. I am <em>so blessed</em>! I <em>love</em> these kids! But the fact is, adjusting, no matter how amazing the kids are or how closely I'm walking with Jesus, takes time, patience, prayer and motivated effort, not just for the kids, for Mom and Dad too. <br />
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He is doing His work. Refining. Reshaping. Lovingly revealing those deep places that need to be more <em>wholly</em> surrendered. As my husband and I try to live out the Gospel, the truths of Scripture are coming alive. He's growing and maturing us as we're pouring into all four of our children. The LORD is so cool like that! :)<br />
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His ways are so beyond my ways. Yet, as we journey ahead, He gives me these beautiful glimpses into His vast glory and goodness and answers to prayer. He's showing me His faithfulness (again!). I praise Him for that. It keeps me moving forward in faith. <br />
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Sometime I hope to share here at least a few of the testimonies of His goodness through this process. There's so much to tell. But for now, I will choose silence in His presence over blogging. I want to prayerfully listen, lean in and hopefully learn as we continue to find our new "normal."<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">I pray we will lead a life worthy of our calling, for we have been called by God."</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">(Ephesians 4:1)</span></strong> </div>
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I pray the same for you, dear reader. Have you taken time today to be silent? Are you listening for His voice? He's there. Waiting. Eager to engage. Ready to help. You <em>need</em> Him. <br />
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Another month has passed now. Our new "normal" is feeling more normal. I'm counting my blessings as well as counting down the days to legal adoption day. And I'm praising the LORD for all He has done, continues to do and what I believe He will do in the future. God is good all the time!<br />
<br />Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-72771679883230850902015-02-15T21:49:00.000-06:002015-02-17T09:49:53.816-06:00Grief and Hope ~ Fourth Miscarriage<div style="text-align: center;">
Grief is a peculiar thing.</div>
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Miscarriage, a fourth one. It seems almost too much.</div>
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I've <em>cried</em>...and <em>wept bitterly</em>.</div>
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I've <em>talked</em> it out with my husband.</div>
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We've <em>shared</em> moments of <em>sorrow</em> as a family. </div>
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We've shared great <em>conversation</em>, growth opportunities. </div>
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I've <em>analyze</em>d it from every angle...</div>
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With no resolution.</div>
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I've asked <em>why</em>...</div>
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With no answer.</div>
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I've <em>blamed </em>myself...</div>
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Then reminded myself of <strong>Truth</strong>.</div>
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I've physically <em>suffered</em>...</div>
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Then found some much welcome relief.</div>
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I've been <em>angry</em>...not at anyone in particular.</div>
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I've been <em>hurt</em> by the insensitive things people say and do...</div>
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Then chosen to <em>extend</em> the<em> grace</em> that's been given to me.</div>
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I've also been <em>thankful</em> for many compassionate, praying friends.</div>
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I 've been <em>fearful</em> of the future.</div>
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I've been <em>sad</em> for the present.</div>
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I've <em>grieved</em> over the past, we all have....</div>
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Especially over the child we hoped to adopt.</div>
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I've <em>prayed </em>in groans that can't be expressed in words...</div>
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And other times in earnest.</div>
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I've <em>searched</em> His Word for answers.</div>
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And found much consolation.</div>
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Then the sunshine came back out...</div>
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It's been there all along.</div>
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There is <strong>hope</strong>. There is <strong>Jesus</strong>.</div>
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He is my Light and my Salvation.</div>
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He <em>sanctifies </em>and <em>strengthens</em> us in the hard.</div>
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He is faithful to those of us who <em>believe</em>.</div>
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I've <em>counted</em> my blessings.</div>
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I've hugged my treasures on earth.</div>
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I've <em>praised</em> the Giver...Who gives and takes away.</div>
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I've experienced the <em>peace</em> that passes all comprehension.</div>
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I've <em>seen</em> how He uses our circumstances for good,</div>
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Although I know I haven't seen it all entirely yet...</div>
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And most likely won't this side of heaven.</div>
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I <em>trust</em> that God has a plan, although I can't see it all now.</div>
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We live in a broken, fallen world...</div>
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Where there is pain, tears and death.</div>
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But there comes a day when this will end...</div>
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And I will meet my four treasures in heaven.</div>
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When grief comes, because it will keep coming,</div>
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I will keep <em>looking up</em> to the Faithful One.</div>
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He is my <em>hope</em>. He is my<em> joy</em>.</div>
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He is my Shield and Defender.</div>
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Now I move forward in <strong><em>faith</em></strong>,</div>
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<em>Knowing</em> something better is coming.</div>
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<em>Enjoying</em> the blessing of Life all around.</div>
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I will <em>glory</em> in the One Who is good all the time.</div>
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Tomorrow is a new day, full of fresh mercies.</div>
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I'm so grateful to know <strong>Truth</strong>,</div>
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To know the One acquainted with our grief.</div>
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What would I do without Him?</div>
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Are you going through something?</div>
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Run, leap, bound toward Him, my friend.</div>
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Abide and trust. You won't regret it. </div>
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His love never fails. It heals and restores.</div>
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He gives strength for today. </div>
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Peace for the past.</div>
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Hope for tomorrow. <br />
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You might also want to read <a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2012/03/miscarriage-3-faith-in-waiting.html">"Faith In the Waiting"</a> about my Third Miscarriage...<br />
and there you will find links to posts about previous losses.<br />
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Click the following link if you want some tips on <a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2012/04/miscarriage-how-to-help.html">"How to Help the Hurting</a>".</div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-26679453344224268612015-01-06T17:05:00.001-06:002015-01-06T17:08:27.640-06:00RestI have to admit my mind spins too much most of the time. And like most people I get on the "crazy cycle" at times. Life in this modern world can get busy, too busy sometimes. <br />
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When 2014 dawned I found God leading me to simplify, to cut back on commitments and re-focus on the most important. I reduced my number of commitments. Yet, life kept spinning. I slowed down for spinal surgery. But, I recovered and jumped right back in. I wasn't running as much. Still, my heart felt unsettled, restless. <br />
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I hear people complain about winter. I've complained about it plenty of times myself. However, the last few years I've seen the beauty in it. No, not the snow necessarily (but if you have eyes to see, it is beautiful too) or the cold or the wind or the ice. The beauty I see in it is: the call to <strong><em>rest</em></strong>. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;"> “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Psalm 116:7</span></strong></div>
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We had an unseasonably warm December. But now it's January. It's well below zero today with much more wretched wind chills. A fresh layer of snow fell last night. Schools are closed (not that it matters much to us homeschoolers), roads conditions are hazardous and we don't have to go anywhere. On days like this we hunker down. Once our chores and school work are done (farmers and homeschoolers don't take snow days), we play games. We eat soup and other comfort food. We snuggle up on the couch together with a good book or movie. I enjoy time with my family!<br />
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When I find a few moments to myself, I am still. I find time to read, write, reflect and breath. I might even taken a nap. I give my mind a rest and just "be". I find rest for my harried soul. <br />
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I've had time to talk to God about what He wants for me (and my family) in 2015. I hear Him whispering, "Don't forget how good it is to rest." And I realize winter isn't all that bad. In fact, it's the season of rest God knew I needed. <br />
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I certainly am not an expert at this resting thing. It has taken me time to rein in my spinning mind and restless heart. Still, I'm glad the rest came when I saw winter as a chance to quiet my soul.<br />
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How about you? Will you spend this winter feeling restless and complaining, or will you be intentional and find rest for your soul? <br />
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-7536370679749065862014-12-12T17:16:00.002-06:002014-12-12T19:35:52.963-06:00Another Lesson I Learned From My ChildMotherhood can be so humbling...especially when it's your children who keep teaching YOU things. <br>
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I'm a homeschool mom. I spend my days with my two boys. I teach them reading, writing, arithmetic, etc. But we also talk a lot about character and Biblical truth. <br>
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Recently our family fell in love with a foster child. He spent weekends bonding with us. We all enjoyed him so much and it felt so perfect, a great match in every way. We thought he would soon come to live with us, that he would become our son/brother. <br>
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Then, as the termination of parental rights hearing neared, after the child had already spent several months in foster care, some distant relatives who had never met him and live in another state came forward. They decided they wanted to be considered as the primary adoptive family. In our state (Iowa), relatives to the fourth degree of kinship (!!!) receive preference over foster/adoptive families.<br>
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I've found myself irritated at "the system" and the laws in our great state of Iowa.<br>
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I've found myself frustrated that caring DHS workers can't make decisions that seem to be in the child's best interest, like turning away distant relatives who don't even know a child and live all the way across the country, because of laws that don't make sense and seem to even frustrate them. Have we lost all common sense?<br>
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I've found myself so angry that this precious little one will remain in foster care much longer than necessary, remaining in limbo and unable to get settled into his forever family, because of relatives who don't seem to be thinking of what is best for him. If they pass their home study process months from now, he will be drug off across the country with complete strangers, having everyone and everything he knows disappear from his life, and without any transition into his new home. Perhaps they think he's too young to remember. They're probably right, but he won't forget the feelings associated with such loss and change. It's unfortunate that they don't mind putting him through this when it could be avoided. He's a real person with real feelings. We have developed a relationship with his foster family and would continue his contact with them, the only family he's ever really known. It's a great loss for them too. It just doesn't seem right! <br>
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My heart has been breaking over the loss of this little one! I've prayed. I've cried. I've consoled my two little boys many times as they mourn this "little brother". I've asked God "Why?" many times...with no real answer. I've asked for strength, wisdom and peace for everyone involved. I've tried to remain faithful and faith-filled, trusting the One in control of all things.<br>
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Last night our 7 year old, Andrew, brought up this little one in conversation again. We both agreed, we miss him. I asked him, "Have you been praying about it?" He quickly said, "Not really." My heart cried out, "Have I taught you nothing?!" Then, I calmly asked, "Why not?" And here it is...the moment when it felt like a 2x4 across my head...<br>
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He said, "Well, I believe God is doing His best. We already prayed about it and I don't think I have to just keep on asking. He's doing His best, Mom."<br>
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"Oh, yes, Andrew, you're right! We need to thank God that He's working."<br>
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When we prayed together before bedtime I thanked God for the lesson I received from Him through my son. For the reminder that He is doing His best...just as we asked Him to. Oh, to have the faith of a child!<br>
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I remembered a quote from author and speaker, Susie Larson, "God's will for you is your best-case scenario."<br>
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I don't understand why. I'm still frustrated with "the system". But, ultimately, God is in control. I can choose to trust that He's looking out for our best interest, and the best interest of this darling child. I will keep praying that God's will, will be done and that we and others involved will cooperate with Him. I will thank Him for hearing and answering our prayers. I will praise Him for giving us His BEST. <br>
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Thanks for the reminder, Andrew! You are part of God's best-case scenario for me. :)<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew with the pumpkin he carved for me this fall :)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>“And when you are praying, do not use <em>meaningless repetition</em> as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. “So do not be like them; for <em>your Father knows</em> what you need <em>before you ask</em> Him. </strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Yo</strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>ur kingdom come. </strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em>Your will be done</em>, On earth as it is in heaven. </strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Give us this day our daily bread. A</strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>nd forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. </strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. </strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." </strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Matthew 6:7-13</strong></span></div>
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/matthew/6-14.htm" target="_top"></a></span><br>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>For I know the plans I have for you,” says the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11</strong></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-33-4" id="en-NLT-14347"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Ps-33-4">For the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> holds true,</span><br><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-33-4">and we can trust everything he does.</span></span><br><span class="text Ps-33-5" id="en-NLT-14348">He loves whatever is just and good;</span><br><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-33-5">the unfailing love of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> fills the earth.</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Psalm 33:4-5</strong></span></div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-62988104306107791612014-11-24T14:20:00.002-06:002014-11-25T08:07:45.838-06:00Joy In the Ordinary ~ Fun Day Monday ReturnsA few weeks ago my sons and I made a cake with lots of sprinkles. It wasn't anyone's Birthday or a holiday or anything. It was the middle of the week. <br />
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Who needs an excuse to celebrate? Life is a gift from God, one to be celebrated.<br />
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Susie Larson says in her book "Growing Grateful Kids: Teaching Them to Appreciate an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Places" (I am paraphrasing) when we take time to play it communicates to our children that all is well and more rests on the shoulder of God than on ours. Susie's words are full of wisdom. <br />
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Our family has been through some real ups and downs in the past week and a half. It's felt much like a roller coaster ride. Then today, more news came that brought (more) tears and saddened our hearts. Yes, we wonder why. We can't see what He's doing exactly. This life can be tough. But we trust that God is in complete control! We want to communicate that loud and clear to our children.<br />
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So today, we keep counting down the days to Thanksgiving by modeling gratitude for our kids. We've been going around the table at dinner time and writing down what we're grateful for. Not as elaborate as our <a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2013/11/fun-day-monday-returns-thanksgiving-tree.html">Thanksgiving Tree</a> last year, but it works. :) We keep walking forward in faith, trusting that God sees all of this, hears our prayers, answers faithfully and rightly, that He loves us and has good plans for our family. We keep celebrating the gifts He's given us.<br />
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There is so much hope, joy and peace in knowing Jesus. If you know Him you have much to celebrate. I encourage you to join us in taking the time to celebrate His goodness in the ordinary; to pause to give thanks to the Giver today!<br />
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Cake with sprinkles, anyone?<br />
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<span class="text John-10-10" id="en-NLT-26457"><span class="woj"><span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Jesus said, "The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a <em>rich</em> and <em>satisfying</em> life." John 10:10</strong></span></span></span></div>
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-57561142163298454512014-11-22T12:45:00.000-06:002014-11-23T20:44:45.314-06:00Hard Can Equal Easy<a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2014/11/we-want-easy.html">Last time</a> I wrote about my friend Janet and the struggles she faced in this life; how she endured and grew in her faith in the process. I wrote "I can honestly say I don't want easy. I want to endure the hard stuff with joy and faith. To set my eyes on things above. To finish strong!"<br />
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I've thought about this quite a bit recently. I meant what I said. But I want to make something a bit clearer. The thing that really marked Janet's life wasn't that she faced hard times, it was the fact that she faced them with <em>peace </em>and even<em> joy</em>. She could do so only because she had a thriving, dependent relationship with the One true Savior, Jesus.<br />
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Not wanting easy doesn't mean making it hard on ourselves. It doesn't mean striving and straining to do more or be more. It doesn't mean taking on fifteen things when God's only called us to two. There's a name for that: perfectionism. Perfectionism is the opposite of peace. And peace is found in God Himself through Jesus Christ (Phil 4:6-7). <br />
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In this life we will face trials. Life can be tough! It's inevitable. That's part of living in this world. But we don't need to go out looking for crosses to bear. We don't have anything to prove to God, or anyone else. I heard a quote recently from Luis Palau, "God is not disillusioned with us. He never had any illusions to begin with." We need to be discerning to follow His lead...only where He leads us.<br />
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When we know and follow Jesus closely we can face the ups and downs of life with <em>peace</em> in our hearts. We can choose to <em>rest</em> in His love for us. We can know where our hope is found, in Him. We can know we are not alone and that we can Trust everything He does (Psalm 33:4). We can even find <em>joy</em> in the process (James 1:2-3). Life will be better, <em>easier</em> in that way. We can be grateful for that.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Fo<span class="highl">r My yoke is <em>easy</em> and My burden is light. </span></span></div>
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<span class="highl"><span style="color: #990000;">Matthew 11:29-30</span></span></div>
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<span class="highl"><strong>In this way hard <em>can</em> equal easy!</strong></span></div>
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<span class="highl">How about we hang up those heavy yokes of striving, proving and perfectionism...</span></div>
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<span class="highl">To <em>choose</em> to trade them in for His yoke </span></div>
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<span class="highl">which is easy and light...</span></div>
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<span class="highl">Learn from Him,</span></div>
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<span class="highl">Find rest for our souls,</span></div>
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<span class="highl">Put on His peace.</span></div>
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<span class="highl">Even, and especially in, the "hard".</span><br />
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-17966617030647064942014-11-09T13:49:00.000-06:002014-11-09T16:12:43.494-06:00We Want EasyThe truth be told, we want easy. We often say, "We want your will LORD" while in our hearts we think, "Surely your will is to bless me." We prefer to coast along in ease and happiness. We believe a loving God would want to shower us with "good". And He does. The thing is: His blessings often come disguised in hard things. <br>
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Today a friend of mine died to this life. She lived well. She died well. She suffered much. For over forty years Janet struggled with her health. She experienced pain ongoing. It wasn't easy. It was hard! But it was in these struggles that she drew closer to the LORD. She did not become bitter or angry. She did not grumble and complain. No, she chose a better way. She was gentle, kind and prayerful. She chose to rely more heavily upon the LORD. She relied on His strength and His truth more than her feelings. She was humble, yet strong, so strong. Her strength came from the LORD.<br>
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In the last weeks of her life she lied in a hospital bed waiting on impending death; waiting to meet the Savior she'd served and relied so heavily on. She asked why she was still here and wondered aloud at what HE had for her to accomplish each of her last days. She knew He wasn't done with her yet.<br>
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She was assured that He was in complete control. She took every opportunity to tell of His goodness; to give Him glory and point others to Him even from her hospital bed. She didn't waste a breath. She was intentional. She gave life giving words. She didn't fear the future. Yes, she hated to say goodbye to her loved ones left behind. But she eagerly awaited seeing face to face the One with whom, through both hardship and joy, she had developed a true relationship. <br>
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Janet didn't have an easy life. But it was in those struggles that she developed her <a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2014/11/building-faith-muscles.html">faith muscles</a>. It was in them that she developed perseverance. It was in them that she had an opportunity to set a beautiful real life example of "To live is Christ, to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). <br>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the <em>testing of your faith</em> develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;"></span><br></strong> </div>
We often think we want easy. We want to be spiritually mature, lacking nothing, but we don't want the testing and trials that seem to get us there. Just like a teenager or 20 something desires the nice cars, homes and cash flow his parents and grandparents worked for years to attain. It takes doing the "next right thing" to get there. It doesn't usually come easy. It takes time and effort, patience and endurance. It's often hard. <br>
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I don't know how many times I've written this. I say it again and again because I'm preaching it to myself. God did not promise us easy! In fact, He said we <u>will</u> face trials. We live in a broken, fallen, sinful world. It's not a matter of <em>if </em>we will face tough times, it's a matter of <em>when</em>. <span style="color: #990000;">Isaiah 43:2</span> says, <span style="color: #990000;">"<u>When</u> you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and <u>when</u> you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. <u>When</u> you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." </span><br>
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See, He didn't promise us that we wouldn't go through tough times, maybe even for a long time. He <em>did</em> promise He would go with us; protecting us, strengthening us. Then, as we see Him work, our faith will grow. <div><br></div><div>When I consider all of this I can honestly say I don't want easy. I want to endure the hard stuff with joy and faith. To set my eyes on things above. To finish strong! I want to be more like Janet. Because being more like Janet means being more like Jesus.<div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">"Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life (eternal purpose) to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses." </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;"> I Timothy 6:13</span></strong></div>
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I'm thankful Janet endured. She fought a good fight for the faith. I'm thankful she pointed me, and many others, to Jesus. She was a great example and will be greatly missed. Yet, what a joy and comfort to know she is in Heaven now; in the presence of our Beloved Savior. She's completely whole, free from pain and sickness. She received the ultimate healing! Thank you, LORD, for answered prayers and for the life you gave Janet...both earthly and eternal!</div></div>Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-18687403558640016822014-11-03T08:01:00.001-06:002014-11-03T08:19:26.418-06:00Building Faith Muscles It seems like it would be easier not to change things... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONE3N2zpZIBHnKvw_KQSVuYdj1AtrPjxZg75MqeXRRu1OHyK9JV_X1yxSR2U_koWGGhyphenhyphenP9W555JdRCjebDRz_Dt4h9ixwBmOVMmrTHf3V9GdCJqwAC_2MyNceDNJSEFgY-7e7tOfYcHo/s1600/Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONE3N2zpZIBHnKvw_KQSVuYdj1AtrPjxZg75MqeXRRu1OHyK9JV_X1yxSR2U_koWGGhyphenhyphenP9W555JdRCjebDRz_Dt4h9ixwBmOVMmrTHf3V9GdCJqwAC_2MyNceDNJSEFgY-7e7tOfYcHo/s1600/Hands.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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It seems like it would be easier to leave our family structure the way it is; everyone knows their role. <span style="color: black;">Our boys are getting bigger, more self-sufficient. Although we always thought we would like a bigger family, we've become quite satisfied and content with the one God's given us. Life is good.</span><br />
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It seems like it would be easier to avoid the stress; not to have to wait on court dates and judges rulings, important phone calls, DHS decisions that could change everything; to depend on a bunch of people we don't know to do their jobs and to do the right things. Easier to stay where we're comfortable. To avoid the anxiety inducing variables that seem to accompany every adoption process.</div>
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It seems like it would be easier to just stay home rather than running off to visits, drop offs and pick ups. To avoid the chaos of going back and forth, changing routine and having to say goodbye again and again to a child we wish we could keep with us.<br />
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It seems like it would be easier not to have to answer so many questions. While it's nice people are interested (and praying), it's not easy explaining over and over again; hearing everyone's comments and opinions. It's even harder to know what to say and what not to say. There are rules we need to follow. <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> (But I don't want people to stop asking. We'll share what we can...and ask you to pray)</span></div>
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It seems like it would be easier <em>just not to</em>. Not to set ourselves, and our two biological children, up for potential heartbreak. It feels risky. There are so many unknowns, uncertainties and undetermined details. We've been investing in, and now have fallen in love with, a child we're not even sure we're ever going to get to call "ours". And no one can tell us if we will or won't. No one knows but God.</div>
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Yes, it seems like it would be easier. But would it? The real question is, is it suppose to be easy?!<br />
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We didn't go into foster care and adoption because we were seeking easy and simple. We began this journey because we felt the LORD prompting our hearts. We felt called. We had a desire to help children. We saw the need. We wanted to obey God.<br />
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Let's go back a little...<br />
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Honestly, it would have been easier not to go to ten weeks of three hour classes an hours drive away. To go through background checks, fill out mounds of paperwork, be analyzed and have three home studies! But we kept stepping forward in faith believing we would be used of God to make a difference in the life of a child or two.<br />
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It seems easier not to...<br />
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Then we see the face of this child; smiling, sweet, precious. A completely lovable child who deserves a stable, loving family; one like ours. A vulnerable child who depends on strangers to make right choices on his/her behalf. A child who is worth the effort! A child who fits right in to our family and brings much joy to our hearts. It becomes obvious...this is why we're doing this! We only want what's <em>best</em> for this dear little one; dear to us and dear to God. It's really not about us, or our comfort level. We would <em>never</em> turn our backs on this little one.<br />
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Then we hear another uncertainty, a huge hitch in "our plans". Then another one. Things I can't share. But, trust me, they are anxiety inducing. <br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><em>"But God doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn't come through." Francis Chan</em></span></div>
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Yep, today it seems easier to avoid all of this....but it wouldn't be. God has called us here for such a time as this; for such a child as this. We love this child already. God loves this child much more! We pray. We hope. We believe. If we never get to adopt this child, we will still be better for having known him/her. We've already learned quite a bit through this process.<br />
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God whispers to our hearts, "You say you trust me. Do you?" We are building faith muscles that apparently needed a bit more exercise. <br />
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Things may not go the way we think they should. He never promised this life would be easy. In fact, He told us in His Word that there would be trials of many kinds. BUT He did promise that He would walk closely with those of us who love Him. He promised good things for us who love Him. When we're coasting along, in ease and comfort, there's no need to cling to such promises. It's when we recognize how much our lives are out of our control that we turn more fully to Him. <br />
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So for now I meditate on scriptures like this one...<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the <em>testing of your faith</em> develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4</span></strong><br />
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When I consider these verses I don't want easy...I want to be a woman who walks in faith, develops perseverance and fully trusts the God I serve to do what is best; knowing His best is truly our best case scenario. I will ask for what I want. I will do the next right thing. Not because I'm so awesome...because I serve a God who is!! I will remind myself that He is God and I am not. It is a choice to believe what His Word says; He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and we can trust Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).<br />
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I've had a bit of experience with <a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2012/03/miscarriage-3-faith-in-waiting.html">Faith in the Waiting</a>. It's definitely not easy! But I can choose faith. When my flesh feels anxious because I can't see what He is up to (which is often) and my heart is troubled, it's just another opportunity to take Him at His Word. I pray we will, and believe our faith muscles will be strengthened in the process.<br />
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As we continue to wait I will find joy in the honor to know and pray for this little one. We will love on this child as if he/she is staying forever. And I will remind myself...<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>"Don't let your heart be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (Jesus)...I am leaving you with a gift ~ peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:1, 27</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10</strong></span></div>
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-3289819928321640682014-05-21T13:26:00.003-05:002014-05-21T13:37:39.090-05:00It's Okay Not to Be Okay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
Is it? Is it okay not to be okay?</div>
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I've spent so much of my life being "strong". As a young girl I built up walls to protect myself from the feelings of grief and loss, fear and sadness I felt. I decided I would no longer allow myself to cry; to me a sign of weakness. I refused it. And for years, I pushed back the tears, to the point where they just didn't come anymore. I still felt things. I just didn't often show it. I put on a smile. I was an extra good girl. I was "fine" always.<br />
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I grew up in church. I went to Christian school. I knew all the right words and phrases. I knew the right scripture verses. I saw all the "perfect" people; how private they were and just how strong, and always okay, they were. I learned how to be strong, or at least how to fake it. Although no one ever said it, I learned by example you hide weakness and try to overcome it. To look good, because we're suppose to be strong...and full of faith...always peaceful...full of joy...never wavering...and never weak. At least that's what I learned.<br />
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Yes, scripture does teach us to look to Christ for strength and peace and joy in all circumstances and not to waver from our faith. But that's not ALL scripture teaches us...<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>For everything there is a season,<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-1">a time for every activity under heaven.</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-NLT-17338"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>A time to be born and a time to die.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-2">A time to plant and a time to harvest.</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-3" id="en-NLT-17339"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>A time to kill and a time to heal.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-3">A time to tear down and a time to build up.</span></span><br /><span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-NLT-17340">A time to cry and a time to laugh.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Eccl-3-4">A time to grieve and a time to dance.</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Eccl-3-4"></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Eccl-3-5" id="en-NLT-17341"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></strong></span><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Ecclesiastes 3:1-3</strong></span></div>
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Really? Did you catch that? A time to cry. A tie to laugh. A time to grieve. A time to dance.<br />
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It's not a sin to cry...or grieve. It's not a sin to be sick, weary, downhearted, disappointed, angry or depressed either (check out David in the Psalms, my friends). We do <em>not</em> have to feel guilty for it. It's okay not to be okay all the time. In fact, it is healthy to work through those normal, human feelings. Yes, there will be a day when we will laugh again, there is a time for that too. But that day doesn't have to be today. Today we can cry on His shoulder because He understands. Yes, Jesus, understands...<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>He was despised and rejected—<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-3">a man of sorrows, <em>acquainted with deepest grief</em>.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-53-3">We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-3">He was despised, and we did not care.</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Isa-53-4" id="en-NLT-18692"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Yet <em>it was our weaknesses he carried</em>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-53-4">it was our sorrows that weighed him down.</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-53-4">Isaiah 53:3-4</span></span></strong></span><br />
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Paul asked the LORD to take his afflictions from Him, but...</div>
<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Each time he said, <span class="woj">“My grace is all you need. My power <em>works best in (your) weakness</em>.”</span> So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. <span class="text 2Cor-12-10" id="en-NLT-28993"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. </span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text 2Cor-12-10">II Corinthians 12:9-11</span></span></strong></div>
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If we are never weak, and honest about it, than how can God be shown strong in our lives? If we're so dependent on our own strength how will we ever boast in His strength in us; how He works in our very real, broken lives? How else can we learn just how sufficient His grace is for us?</div>
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Dare I say it? It is in the times of sorrow, weakness and trial that we turn more fully to the One who is our true strength. It is in those times that we allow Him to do His work in us and realize our utter dependence on Him. It is when we draw closer to Him...and we recognize just how close He is to us.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is close to the brokenhearted;<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-18">he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-18">Psalm 34:18</span></span></strong></span></div>
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We should not despise this refining, sanctifying, maturing time. Some Christians seem to think that if we were better Christians these trying times would not come or if we had stronger faith things would go well for us or that God promised us smooth sailing. God did not promise us that hard times would not come. He <em>did</em> promise us that He would walk through them with us, protecting us. </div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Isa-43-1">Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-1">I have called you by name; you are mine.</span></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Isa-43-2" id="en-NLT-18484"><sup class="versenum"> </sup><em>When you go</em> through deep waters,</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">I will be with you.</span></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Isa-43-2"><em>When you go</em> through rivers of difficulty,</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">you will not drown.</span></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Isa-43-2"><em>When you walk</em> through the fire of oppression,</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">you will not be burned up;</span></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-2">the flames will not consume you.</span></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="text Isa-43-3" id="en-NLT-18485"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, your God,</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-43-3">the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.</span></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-43-3">Isaiah 43: 1-3</span></span></strong></span></div>
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What a beautiful promise! Once we've walked through the difficulties of life, we can, in turn, comfort others with the same comfort we have received. We become witnesses to His faithfulness. Our faith is strengthened. If we never experienced hardship, how could we relate or know how to comfort those hurting around us?</div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">II Corinthians 1:</span><span style="color: #990000;">4</span></strong></div>
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How can others be blessed if we're never honest enough about our weaknesses and pain to allow them to comfort us, to pray for us, to help as the hands and feet of Christ should? It's a double blessing, for us and them. What if we're so busy being strong and courageous that we make others feel as I felt, that being HUMAN is wrong? We live in a fallen world where troubles come. Life is not easy. We need each other. We are the body of Christ...</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Romans 12:4-7</span></strong></div>
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In recent years I have been humbled time and time again. Hard times and hard things have taken me to my knees in prayer. . I began to clearly see that walls I built around myself for protection were really a barrier. Thankfully the LORD has opened my eyes to see my need for HIS strength...and the support of His people. My definition and understanding of <em>true strength</em> has changed. Those walls are slowly coming down, stone by stone. I know I can't do it alone. Sometimes I need help. That's okay. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be weak and vulnerable, to be REAL. It's okay to allow others in. It's okay to not be okay all the time, not fully anyway. </div>
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It's in Him and His people that I find comfort and hope. And it's in the hard times that I have matured the most. I have seen the goodness of the LORD.</div>
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No matter what you or I are going through...</div>
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There will be a day when we will see the good He promised to us in all of this, in everything (Romans 8:28). </div>
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There will be a day when we feel strong again (Philippians 4:13). </div>
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Even in the midst of this we can find joy and thankfulness in knowing HE is near (Psalm 145:18). </div>
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He is our hope (Psalm 33:20). </div>
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He will turn our tears to gladness (Psalm 30:11). </div>
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We will be okay...as long as we keep turning to Him. </div>
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<strong>But it's okay not to be totally okay today...</strong></div>
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<strong>Just keep going to the One who heals </strong><strong>and allow Him to bind your wounds.</strong></div>
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(Psalm 147:3)</div>
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<strong>Joy will come in the morning!</strong></div>
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This song by Jason Gray has recently ministered to my soul. Take the time to listen...and be blessed.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>The Spirit of the Sovereign L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> is upon me,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>for the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> has anointed me</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>to bring good news to the poor.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>and to proclaim that captives will be released</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>and prisoners will be freed.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>He has sent me to tell those who mourn</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>that the time of the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span>’s favor has come,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>To all who mourn in Israel,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>a joyous blessing instead of mourning,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>festive praise instead of despair.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>that the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> has planted for his own glory.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Isaiah 61:1-3</span></strong></div>
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-50155462827257883762014-05-09T18:43:00.002-05:002014-05-09T18:43:51.446-05:00God is Sovereign. I am GratefulLife happens. We live in a fallen, imperfect world. Struggles are part of it. Because it's unpredictable, it can seem scary to us at times; even frustrating. We can't control it. We don't see the big picture...or even the small one sometimes.<br />
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Several loved ones struggling hard. A friend who lost her dad to cancer. Another friend walking through infertility. Others killed in their prime. Another friend walking through the devastation of divorce. Others hospitalized. So many lost and hurting. My own neck pain and upcoming surgery...just as we finish our foster care classes. <br />
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Why God? Where are you in all of this mess? What are you doing?<br />
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<strong>But God is Sovereign.</strong> <br />
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<strong><span style="color: #351c75;">Definition: Sovereignty means that God, as the ruler of the Universe, has the right to do whatever he wants. Further, he is in complete control over everything that happens.</span></strong><br />
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I am so grateful to know this.<br />
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When we're thinking clearly, with a proper perspective (as my Pastor has been teaching), we will know what seems bad, downright lousy, completely devastating and out of our control will turn out for good because HE is good. HE <em>is</em> in control! We <em>can</em> trust Him...even when we don't see it. Even when we don't feel it. Even when our prayers are not answered the way we think they should be. Believing this requires us to put faith into action; to take God at His Word.<br />
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What seems adverse will advance THE agenda (as my Pastor also taught), God's agenda. He has a plan. And that plan includes the spreading of the Gospel...through me, through you. How we react will determine how He is glorified. How much we lean on Him will determine how much He is able to strengthen and comfort us in all of our afflictions. He is able. He is willing. We must turn to Him and truly trust Him.<br />
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I'm praying that through our Seemingly Adverse Affairs (my Pastor's words, not mine) that our LORD will enable and strengthen us, me and you, to cooperate with Him in THE agenda, His agenda. And that our faith will rest in Him, the Faithful One.<br />
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I am so grateful to know He is Sovereign!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21</strong></span></div>
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I am participating in 5 Minute Friday with <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/">Lisa-Jo Baker</a>.</div>
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Click on the 5 Minute Friday icon above to see what others wrote about today's word: GRATEFUL</div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-74006669624008454832014-04-23T12:21:00.001-05:002014-04-23T12:29:58.118-05:00Why Have We Chosen Foster Care and/or Adoption? PART 2If you missed my last post <a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2014/04/why-have-we-chosen-foster-care-andor.html">Read Part 1 HERE</a>.<br />
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The thing is when we say we're pursing foster care and adoption many people respond with something like, "Oh, how exciting!" Others respond, "Oh!" with a confused and concerned look on their faces, but we'll address that later. For now, let's address the "exciting" comment. <br />
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You know, it is kind of exciting in the sense that we're following God's lead; we're going to have the opportunity to invest in the lives of children; there is a huge need and, God willing, we're going to do something rather than just talk about it. Yep, that sounds kind of exciting, right? But, the truth is, most often good, worthwhile things are also not easy things. They stretch you. They require self-sacrifice. It's hard work. <br />
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At first, it was all a little scary. Yes, we had faith (and still do). Apart from that faith, this all seemed crazy. Although we have nothing to hide, having "the government" invade (not really, but that's how it felt at first) our home and analyze our every move, seemed a bit taxing and intrusive. Undergoing background checks, turning over our tax records, going through 10 weeks of 3 hour classes ~ a one hour drive away, piles of paperwork and 3 home studies, all seemed inconvenient and a bit overwhelming. We worried about the safety of our own children. We were concerned that "they" would discriminate against us because we're a bit "outside the box"...conservative Christians, homeschoolers, etc. We're not dealing with a Christian agency. In fact, that's not even an option in Iowa. I wish it were.</div>
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As time has passed and we've connected with the people of the system, it doesn't seem like they're "out to get us". The more we learn, the more we understand just why all of these rules, guidelines and procedures are in place. It's to protect the kids. So I'm thankful they're in place, even if it does seem a bit crazy at times. I really question how any unstable couples/individuals ever manage to make it through without being detected. </div>
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So pursuing foster care and adoption is about as exciting as being an overseas missionary. It's not glamorous. But it is important, necessary, gospel spreading...and not for everyone.</div>
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Announcing you're doing foster care/foster care adoption isn't like announcing a pregnancy. Although we will welcome a little one with joy into our home, LORD willing, for all the joy and excitement we will feel, that little one will most likely feel just as much sorrow and loss. <br />
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You see, every foster child in the system represents a broken family. It's sad. For every child we have an opportunity to nurture and protect there is a devastating reality of neglect and/or abuse behind them being in foster care in the first place. There's nothing exciting about that. Every child, no matter their age, wants to be with their birth family. This is something we knew, but understand a lot better now that we've taken the PS-MAPP classes. Although it's wonderful to have the desire to help children, the very fact that foster care (and adoption) is even necessary is a sad reality. As foster and adoptive parents we will need to help children work through much pain, confusion, loss and grief. </div>
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When you have a better understanding of the things many innocent children are facing in this modern day world, your heart can't help but feel burdened for them, these beloved children of God. <br />
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No matter what type of orphan care, foster care or adoption you pursue or support, it represents the dark realities of this fallen, broken world where children are mistreated or unwanted or abandoned...or all of the above. And there are repercussions. <br />
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International adoption, domestic adoption, foster care adoption, <a href="http://www.embryoadoption.org/">embryo adoption</a>...all come with their own set of challenges and triumphs. All are vital and important in nurturing LIFE! If you're not familiar with any of these types of adoptions, I urge you to Google them (I added a link to embryo adoption since it is perhaps the least well known option). <br />
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I've had a few people ask how they can help us through this foster care/adoption process. My first request is PLEASE PRAY! Pray for:<br />
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<strong>Us (our family)</strong> ~ for protection, wisdom, strength, open hearts that will follow the LORD's leading and move as He directs us, and only as He directs us, so that He may be glorified.<br />
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<strong>Children in foster care</strong> and those who will be entering care, all of them, but especially for those the LORD will bring to us. We are trusting God with every detail!<br />
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<strong>Parents</strong> <strong>and families of the children in foster care</strong> ~ as I mentioned in my previous post many of these parents faced the same neglect and abuse as children themselves. The cycle needs to be broken. Many are facing addictions, incarceration or mental health issues. They need to know that there is hope and a better way. They need JESUS.<br />
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<strong>Social/Case Workers, Licensing Workers, Adoption Workers, Judges, etc</strong> ~ They have a huge weight on their shoulders and the decisions they make effect the lives of many.<br />
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Secondly, I ask you to pray about getting involved. I'm NOT saying everyone should do foster care or adopt. I AM saying:<em> find a way you can help</em>. (Get ideas on how you can help by following the links below)<br />
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We understand today, even more than when we started this process, there is a great <em>need</em> for Christians to step in and be the nurturing arms of Christ. <em>Not </em>so we can pat ourselves on the back. So that we can live out the Gospel, impact lives and honor God.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27 (NLT)</strong></span></div>
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I recently started following the <a href="http://jasonjohnsonblog.com/">Jason Johnson Blog.</a> Jason Johnson and his wife are adoptive parents and foster care providers. He has some wonderful insights. Here are a few links I highly recommend; ones that echo my own heart!<br />
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<a href="http://jasonjohnsonblog.com/blog/orphan-care-the-church-evangelical-fads#.U1foNHEo7IU">Orphan Care, the Church and Evangelical Fads</a> (Zeal without Knowledge is dangerous and Orphan Care is not a Fad)<br />
<a href="http://jasonjohnsonblog.com/blog/orphan-care-you-cant-do-everything-but-you-can-do-something#.U1fps3Eo7IU">Orphan Care: You Can't Do Everything, But You Can Do Something</a> (Can't do foster care or adopt at this time? Other ways YOU can support children ~ modern day orphans ~ and adoptive families). <br />
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<a href="http://jasonjohnsonblog.com/blog/giving-a-family-not-just-getting-a-child#.U1fzLHEo7IX">Adoption: Giving a Family, Not Just Getting a Child</a><br />
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Once you are on Jason's blog you will find all kinds of other links to good, relevant blog posts!!<br />
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-38494778397898951372014-04-12T22:28:00.000-05:002014-04-12T23:05:00.074-05:00Why Have We Chosen Foster Care and Adoption? PART 1We've already heard the typical crazy comments and questions about foster care and adoption from the foster care system...and we don't even have our first placement yet. Heck, we haven't even finished the classes yet. <br>
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It's clear most people don't have a great understanding of how the foster care system works or about the kids it helps. <br>
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Allow me to start by clearing up a few misconceptions and maybe answering some of your questions.<br>
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The children in foster care are not bad kids. They have done nothing wrong. They're not second rate citizens or "less than" our biological children or anyone else's. Although they've been victims of neglect and/or abuse and these things effect their development, they were not necessarily born that way. They did not ask to be born into dysfunctional families or to parents who need to work on their own issues. They didn't do anything to deserve the treatment they've received.<br>
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Just as their are misconceptions about the children, there are certain "labels" put on all birth parents who end up with kids in the foster care system. But I'm rarely quick to slap a label on anyone. Don't judge someone until you've walked a little while in their shoes. Many of these parents were victims of the same things their kids are now going through. It's a cycle that needs to be broken. Many of these parents need mentors to give them hope and show them a better way.<br>
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Even though there are obvious reasons that children are taken from their birth parents and put into foster care, it doesn't change the fact that those kids still want to be with their parents. No matter what their parents have done or how dysfunctional they're home life was, every kid wants to be with his/her parents. Likewise, many of these parents love their kids and fight to get them back.<br>
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The point of foster care is not to rip families apart. In fact, from everything I'm learning, there has to be real, solid evidence of abuse and/or neglect. I know you hear of "horror stories" of kids being taken from their parents when they shouldn't have been. From what I am learning, that is not the norm. In fact, DHS doesn't want to remove the children and work to do everything they can to keep families together. Once the kids are taken into care, the goal is <em>reunification </em>of the children with their birth family. Only when it becomes clear (usually after multiple chances) that reunification is impossible are the parental rights terminated and the children put up for adoption. That's why many of the children you hear of who need adopted out of foster care are older children.<br>
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That being said, not all the kids in foster care are teenagers. In fact, from what we've learned, 43% of the children in foster care in the state of Iowa, where we live, are 0-5 years old! The reason the child welfare service is always advocating for foster teen care and adoption is because there are so few people willing to take teenagers, especially teenagers with special needs. So many of these kids stay in foster care homes or group homes and eventually "age out" of the system without a family. Sad, but true. <br>
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We have two young sons, 7 and 4. Because we are thinking of their safety and well-being, and what child(ren) will work best in our little family, we are hoping to foster young children. This isn't some selfish, self-protective stance. Actually, in our PS-MAPP classes they have emphasized "knowing your family", really assessing your family and knowing what would/would not work best for/with your family, before taking placements. This is better for everyone involved, including the foster children who do not wish to be moved again and again. I have utmost respect for people willing to foster older children and that may be something we do in the future, but, for today, we're in "little kids" zone around here. We hope that some day we will have the opportunity to adopt out of the foster care system. <br>
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This is not PLAN B. When I was a <em>teenager</em> I knew I wanted to adopt some day, whether I had my own biological children or not. I felt strongly about it. I wanted to help hurting children, to show them the love of Christ. After Alan and I were married I mentioned the idea of adoption to him, he didn't like the idea. I was shocked because up to that point we had agreed on so many things. I decided that I wouldn't nag him or even mention it again, I would just pray. And that's what I did. Four years later, he said out of the blue one day that had been thinking...maybe we should adopt some day. GOD is amazing!!<br>
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We're not pursuing foster care/adoption because we had three miscarriages and have given up on having more biological children. We don't know whether we will have more biological children or not. Only God knows the answer to that question. We're open to what He has for us. We believe that children (ALL children) are a blessing from the LORD.<br>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Psalm 127:<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/127-3.htm">3</a></span> Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb <em><span style="color: black;">(*any womb)</span></em> is a reward. <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/127-4.htm">4</a></span><span class="highl"> Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth.</span> <span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/127-5.htm">5</a> </span>How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.</strong> </span><span style="color: black;"><strong>*extra words added by me</strong></span></div>
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I thought adoption was something we would pursue later, when our children were older, especially if we went the foster care route. But last year God changed my heart and mind. Over the whole year He was working on me. It seemed like everywhere I turned, everything I heard or saw was about adoption. And I kept hearing about children in foster care. Still, I was leaning toward the idea of international adoption. However, the first time (last year) that I mentioned this stronger tug on my heart, the idea that the time might be now not later, to Alan, he wasn't enthusiastic. I asked him to begin praying about it, which he did. <br>
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As the year proceeded (we) kept processing and praying and it still felt like the Lord was leading that way. I couldn't shake it. The tug eventually became a burning conviction. Alan and I had several in depth conversations about it. In one of those conversations he expressed a desire to adopt children <em>right</em> <em>here</em> in Iowa. Together we decided that foster care was something we should do; that we could also care for and love children that we may never have the opportunity to adopt. In fact, we felt God directing us that way. We've always known God calls us to care for the widows and orphans. These are our modern day orphans.<br>
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Would it be easier <em>not</em> to do foster care and/or adopt? Sure seems like it. But what blessings would we miss? What about the children? Is there anything a person/family could do to impact the course of another person's life than this? Most things worth doing are not easy. We're moving ahead in obedience, peace and with joy. We know God has good plans for us and our family! <br>
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Our understanding of foster care has changed since we started this process. We have learned so much...and we continue to. The reasons we began were perhaps a bit different than the reasons we're continuing to pursue it. We can see more clearly now <em>why</em> God has called us to this!<br>
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But I will share more about that next time. I have so much more to say. This has to be more than one post...<br>
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Join me next time. :)<br>
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"Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path...I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently, for the LORD." Psalm 27:11, 13<br>
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At the beginning of the year I chose my words for the year 2014. God gave me: FEAR NOT. :)Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-74189818736639102852014-04-01T17:23:00.001-05:002014-04-01T17:35:17.069-05:00Random Rachel ReturnsWhat do I write about. Which thing? <br />
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I've been stepping back...simplifying...allowing the refining. <br />
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I've felt pressured to write (I mean, this blog is just sitting here...) and yet, I don't. <br />
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Do I write about the things He's been showing me? The way He's been chipping away at my character. The way He's been renewing and restoring things lost...and giving what perhaps never was. Understanding. Change. Newfound joy.<br />
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Do I write about the foster care classes? The stuff we're learning. The way God is opening my eyes and heart <em>even more</em> to just why He's called us to this. The class content is absolutely fascinating and educational. Not sure what I expected, but the classes are better than I thought they would be. <br />
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Do I write about the licensing process and the preparation to care for a foster child? It's quite a process. Many steps, a lot of paperwork, home studies and preparation necessary. Sometimes it seems taxing, then I remember the goal. It's worth it!<br />
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Do I write about one of our classes? About Managing behaviors? Assessing strengths and needs? Maybe about gains and losses?<br />
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Do I write about our loss? It was 2 years ago that we lost our <a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2012/03/miscarriage-3-faith-in-waiting.html">baby Faith to miscarriage</a>; our third miscarriage. Two years!! Wow. We've grieved. We've questioned. We've processed. We've accepted God's promises to be true. He has a good plan for us and we can trust Him, even when we don't understand. As we move ahead, we see more clearly how He has worked in it. How He has grown us; prepared us; lead us. In joyful anticipation we look forward to seeing what He will do next, in His timing and in His way. <br />
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Do I write about our two precious little boys? They're constantly changing, growing, learning, bringing joy to our lives and home. What about my 3 year old asking me what breasts are for! :) Or his little sweetness telling me daily, "You're the best mom! I'll never forget about you." Melts my heart! Or what about my 7 year old who's suddenly a big boy; changing, growing increasingly independent and pulling away from mommy in some ways. He's a little man. Time is passing.<br />
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And I realize more and more and more the need to be here, to be fully present. I can't be attached to a computer screen or my iPhone. I can't be running around to numerous commitments. I could miss it. I don't mean just missing them growing or missing my chance. Even worse, I could miss <em>their hearts</em>. THIS is my call: to love God and others, starting at home with my husband and sons. To spread the gospel, starting here.<br />
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To spend time just being with them (and their daddy), modeling, loving, nurturing relationships...</div>
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maybe even get a BONUS ride in the wagon every once in a while. :)</div>
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Do I write about the disconnect between what our culture (as a whole) says is important and how we actually live? How are we, especially we Christians, living out what we say we believe? We say our mission field begins at home and yet it seems to me that the people in our homes often tend to get the worst of us rather than the best; as if everyone else "out there" is more important. This is the true test of love...in the every day. <br />
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Or do I write a Random Rachel post to just say...I can't write that much here? I guess so. That's what I'm doing. I'm saying I just can't write that much right now. At least not here. Not now. It's just not the time. Today is the day to Simplify...as He leads me/us to the next place of promise. I know it's a good place to be.<br />
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What would you write about? What is God showing you? <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Philippians 2:1-11</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? <span class="text Phil-2-2" id="en-NLT-29354"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-NLT-29355"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.</span> <span class="text Phil-2-4" id="en-NLT-29356"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Phil-2-5" id="en-NLT-29357"><span style="color: #990000;"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Phil-2-6" id="en-NLT-29358"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Though he was God,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-29358a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202&version=NLT#fen-NLT-29358a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-6">he did not think of equality with God</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-6">as something to cling to.</span></span><br /><span class="text Phil-2-7" id="en-NLT-29359"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Instead, he gave up his divine privileges<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-29359b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202&version=NLT#fen-NLT-29359b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-7">he took the humble position of a slave<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-29359c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202&version=NLT#fen-NLT-29359c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-7">and was born as a human being.</span></span><br /><span class="text Phil-2-7">When he appeared in human form,<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-29359d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202&version=NLT#fen-NLT-29359d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Phil-2-8" id="en-NLT-29360"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>he humbled himself in obedience to God</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-8">and died a criminal’s death on a cross.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Phil-2-9" id="en-NLT-29361"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-9">and gave him the name above all other names,</span></span><br /><span class="text Phil-2-10" id="en-NLT-29362"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-10">in heaven and on earth and under the earth,</span></span><br /><span class="text Phil-2-11" id="en-NLT-29363"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Phil-2-11">to the glory of God the Father.</span></span></span></div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-43830289727474727212014-02-22T14:03:00.000-06:002014-02-22T14:03:03.835-06:00Feeling SmallSometimes I feel so small. I feel insignificant, of little use or value. I live in the boonies, not even a small town. I'm not rich or famous. I'm not "special" by the world's standards. I'm just me; a farmer's wife.<br />
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My days are spent taking care of small things. Two small children. Seemingly menial tasks. Small ministries, at least in numbers. <br />
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It's easy to feel small in such a big world. I tell God this and He lovingly corrects me.<br />
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The enemy of my soul would love to keep me feeling small. To lead me to believe that I have no influence or power. The Truth of God's Word tells me different. In His Word I find that:<br />
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God has good plans for ME! </div>
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The Savior of the world knows me, sees me, loves me and has a purpose for my life.</div>
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I am significant and what I do matters. It matters very much.</div>
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In the small stuff...that really adds up to the big stuff!</div>
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Not only in the small, but <em>especially</em> in the small. In the every day, mundane stuff of life.</div>
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In the seemingly insignificant one on one contact with those in my unique sphere of influence.</div>
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What I do for the least of these...</div>
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It matters!</div>
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God wants me to see that. And He wants to do even more. He doesn't want me to miss the joy and opportunity He has for me in the small.<br />
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When we are faithful in the small...</div>
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He gives even more...</div>
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More of Him which means:</div>
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More insight, wisdom and revelation.</div>
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More faith and hope.</div>
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More joy and peace.</div>
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More strength and courage.</div>
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And isn't that what I want?! More of Him and less of me. To become smaller. Small isn't so bad. When I become smaller, He becomes greater in me.<br />
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So although I am valued, loved and powerful in the name of Jesus...no, <em>because</em> I am all of those things...I am okay with being "small". And I will choose to see the miracle and joy in the every day stuff of life. All of it...every part...matters!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>"Who dares despise the days of small things..." Zechariah 4:10</strong></span></div>
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I'm participating in Five Minute Friday. Okay, so I'm a day late, but who's really keeping track, right?! :)</div>
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This is a time when I write on one word for five minutes. This weeks one word prompt was "Small". </div>
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Jump on over to <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/">Lisa-Jo Baker's page</a> to see what others had to say on this subject by clicking the link below:</div>
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<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2014/02/five-minute-friday-small-2/"><img alt="http://lisajobaker.com/2014/02/five-minute-friday-small-2/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCIs1qR3JphaYVCXS7QDES7hVflSkow-8y7yCFABInaglevVRYANmSLFRiQJVtJUr2uW6_6hma183hXc2KekGXU5YuZdANw-T7LVdZbSwsr8sNPldsJRHNpFmQYdnN0G4NLBYY9vHsag/s1600/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /></a></div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-65647352477784557302014-02-17T15:08:00.003-06:002014-02-17T15:18:10.741-06:00Lego Birthday Party ~ Fun Day Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdVpkeNdygUE1TkHgynSPXlhwygabgYD3BqNkj7YJ1g2skntNwSEFZKKXXNzkAMW35vcRvvdZyJJM1kwTrurbL_lBBavRONzaILHjaPizn4N3Wp591N29E2ii1UpQaMiSVnYtyOvm_aw/s320/blogger-image-366494291.jpg" width="239" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZdVpkeNdygUE1TkHgynSPXlhwygabgYD3BqNkj7YJ1g2skntNwSEFZKKXXNzkAMW35vcRvvdZyJJM1kwTrurbL_lBBavRONzaILHjaPizn4N3Wp591N29E2ii1UpQaMiSVnYtyOvm_aw/s640/blogger-image-366494291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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It's hard to believe our oldest son, Andrew, turned 7 at the end of January. But he did! Where does time go?! He's quite the young man, so inquisitive, insightful and full of zest for life! And he's really growing up on us!!</div>
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Andrew decided on a lego Birthday party this year. Here's a picture of the birthday boy with his party spread...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1RqrKNdBJBeGXLd-8UDwKx0_8v-w_21pfvXM4H9tY_q_wlSVe-0glsHWXblGxQ6jQN2HwT_PFG76lA45Qv65_FPDVaFxkgc6v5HBExNFG3JsLCgck7CuCRm76Jn1YQaHKoLjZbiayFQ/s640/blogger-image-915231223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1RqrKNdBJBeGXLd-8UDwKx0_8v-w_21pfvXM4H9tY_q_wlSVe-0glsHWXblGxQ6jQN2HwT_PFG76lA45Qv65_FPDVaFxkgc6v5HBExNFG3JsLCgck7CuCRm76Jn1YQaHKoLjZbiayFQ/s320/blogger-image-915231223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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BUT I need to back track a little first....</div>
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The day before Andrew's big day we surprised him with a trip to Cabela's where we let him pick out his own gift. He chose, with the help of Daddy and little brother, Noah, a nice fishing pole. Now he's eager for spring to come so he can try it out!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtJ95CVNO6Ycckr5YJ-iLRPtaZG-Mjx1aQcKcrHTNgrkXRiz1h3AfRtLZMpD3UDUT7_5ktY02sFTynFBLhVEyftIIx2tQ4rHJkbdlkIAmbELUlN71-vBe8xUvFiAW9EUsSwN6gMJrFRI/s640/blogger-image--1623689371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtJ95CVNO6Ycckr5YJ-iLRPtaZG-Mjx1aQcKcrHTNgrkXRiz1h3AfRtLZMpD3UDUT7_5ktY02sFTynFBLhVEyftIIx2tQ4rHJkbdlkIAmbELUlN71-vBe8xUvFiAW9EUsSwN6gMJrFRI/s320/blogger-image--1623689371.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On his Birthday we celebrated with a few more little gifts...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArvnUIfcESAMbvHXXDLLI9YTHqVKuGelqq4P22jiq8XlkzFz-oQd-Q0habjOCurmKBoDcpySAf8ZmO67xmZzucE2JvBLUPq1Mo72XiTEiTEvXjEdjhKUbaEPdJyj5vn8pLfgvdHtxKOE/s640/blogger-image-536134794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArvnUIfcESAMbvHXXDLLI9YTHqVKuGelqq4P22jiq8XlkzFz-oQd-Q0habjOCurmKBoDcpySAf8ZmO67xmZzucE2JvBLUPq1Mo72XiTEiTEvXjEdjhKUbaEPdJyj5vn8pLfgvdHtxKOE/s320/blogger-image-536134794.jpg" width="320" /><span style="color: black;"> </span></a></div>
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and our traditional birthday pancakes complete with chocolate chips, whipped cream and sprinkles!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxDRUqZrTikzRzx1F1hILpPzI-Lqr07vcGNxPvFyRwxy_B2UztGGL3x5J7PTUamG6fbmvkqoD0DzUElI9GWwFPQ52tg9WZ_BCMVAuXmlZY66YU2TZwowpF9cWKnhBKAkx5w26GI13p9U/s640/blogger-image-502029026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxDRUqZrTikzRzx1F1hILpPzI-Lqr07vcGNxPvFyRwxy_B2UztGGL3x5J7PTUamG6fbmvkqoD0DzUElI9GWwFPQ52tg9WZ_BCMVAuXmlZY66YU2TZwowpF9cWKnhBKAkx5w26GI13p9U/s320/blogger-image-502029026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Before his birthday came we started working on his Birthday Party Pinata...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18EmYf6cBYODxgTYgfwBZeXENblHe4c_Uzm16omeWLOH-4escCZLwCb3SPN6PCSuc4qrSUiJ7_vpDctF17MYCEPLuzGp9OSculzM_I6T9e2pobCzzbWGfRtFWAFVBZw6IWhgAMTHDfj0/s640/blogger-image-13786194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18EmYf6cBYODxgTYgfwBZeXENblHe4c_Uzm16omeWLOH-4escCZLwCb3SPN6PCSuc4qrSUiJ7_vpDctF17MYCEPLuzGp9OSculzM_I6T9e2pobCzzbWGfRtFWAFVBZw6IWhgAMTHDfj0/s320/blogger-image-13786194.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A lego piñata...made with a shoebox and a toilet paper roll cut into thirds...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjldY8tGPjhLWiEcWD0D1Thhy5UsPOPbr6cfZrryvWkNAzaN9IbjGEUIsdz4tqZu78IJf0A5kcLKcqGitqiBZFp-M8RE7P7JdeeGQWuj6oBq2wPnd4e8T_WWaAlec28wf7Qmvu77lhD0/s640/blogger-image-1819736071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjldY8tGPjhLWiEcWD0D1Thhy5UsPOPbr6cfZrryvWkNAzaN9IbjGEUIsdz4tqZu78IJf0A5kcLKcqGitqiBZFp-M8RE7P7JdeeGQWuj6oBq2wPnd4e8T_WWaAlec28wf7Qmvu77lhD0/s320/blogger-image-1819736071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then the birthday boy and I covered it with paper mache...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOhIV9lYDpqth1PJxr_DJUB_WERTpMOm8BL5pmg-eKi5lon5e3hDh_Qg4a0CklIoJvVYcrdQ7IOTxfLBSdwrGcqiZIDPTy_0SOK6vP0-WjMJ1WcPW2JO2G30OtQA3E6WVs-1yNbV_V98/s640/blogger-image-537713668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOhIV9lYDpqth1PJxr_DJUB_WERTpMOm8BL5pmg-eKi5lon5e3hDh_Qg4a0CklIoJvVYcrdQ7IOTxfLBSdwrGcqiZIDPTy_0SOK6vP0-WjMJ1WcPW2JO2G30OtQA3E6WVs-1yNbV_V98/s320/blogger-image-537713668.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just paper mache paste and strips of newspaper...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOXKGGyJMb8toSDuZI0Xgxk7T9Z4md7qhpbnkYYGKN-6nKebxnZeVn2IKc7M066o6afFv7kQP3UtnlZvmHjoY4BAYm6KH3mK9kD2AbfkuK-ZgYMOgzZv4npD9kZog7xIPznUDeMRCzX4/s640/blogger-image-1008923611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOXKGGyJMb8toSDuZI0Xgxk7T9Z4md7qhpbnkYYGKN-6nKebxnZeVn2IKc7M066o6afFv7kQP3UtnlZvmHjoY4BAYm6KH3mK9kD2AbfkuK-ZgYMOgzZv4npD9kZog7xIPznUDeMRCzX4/s320/blogger-image-1008923611.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We added several layers of paper mache to the piñata, removed the shoebox, then covered the bottom with aluminum foil and more layers of paper mache. We let each layer dry between adding the next. Finally it was time to paint it...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPUVxjePm30StFdAmcrP5qwvjJM3OS1HemdMR4fcd15JS8MFM57khoh8bmDHw_Vl_VGmN2Y1ABRRc-Kf2Vm1bdZyWYSMDyxWF4vk8GN-_InXHKOsMMTHioBw-ZzYsfpgxRGDKAWuSMRo/s640/blogger-image--1636665396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPUVxjePm30StFdAmcrP5qwvjJM3OS1HemdMR4fcd15JS8MFM57khoh8bmDHw_Vl_VGmN2Y1ABRRc-Kf2Vm1bdZyWYSMDyxWF4vk8GN-_InXHKOsMMTHioBw-ZzYsfpgxRGDKAWuSMRo/s320/blogger-image--1636665396.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I made easy lego cakes using loaf pans and oreo cookies...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPUVxjePm30StFdAmcrP5qwvjJM3OS1HemdMR4fcd15JS8MFM57khoh8bmDHw_Vl_VGmN2Y1ABRRc-Kf2Vm1bdZyWYSMDyxWF4vk8GN-_InXHKOsMMTHioBw-ZzYsfpgxRGDKAWuSMRo/s640/blogger-image--1636665396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PTKIPbplxZPkV1ewylkbpHurqKq5HdTVne8TAN2HHKaTtm6m4CesO9BCLxiFW5242v7ww8j2kuw3N4TQCGzs51srMh89jEaWInjLwz4UiLwweXDAmejXyil4nWa3_u55SkeeFPr7_B0/s640/blogger-image--814383277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-PTKIPbplxZPkV1ewylkbpHurqKq5HdTVne8TAN2HHKaTtm6m4CesO9BCLxiFW5242v7ww8j2kuw3N4TQCGzs51srMh89jEaWInjLwz4UiLwweXDAmejXyil4nWa3_u55SkeeFPr7_B0/s320/blogger-image--814383277.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not perfection, but cute none the less...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzNgrWgbI2WwHV86lJXEe0C1ty7Rl5iGcqkQffmyYNUwvVjoml7ohaEyuADEsEpiw-vGtmiviW4BkvmExEPW9srPbNpNERtgilcRWD70fjr7UXoCazahlrS_0s4ygCtn_p7w1I6B16kg/s640/blogger-image--96319709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzNgrWgbI2WwHV86lJXEe0C1ty7Rl5iGcqkQffmyYNUwvVjoml7ohaEyuADEsEpiw-vGtmiviW4BkvmExEPW9srPbNpNERtgilcRWD70fjr7UXoCazahlrS_0s4ygCtn_p7w1I6B16kg/s320/blogger-image--96319709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Andrew was thrilled with his lego cakes!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep9ddM-4sB-B5irL1KXsyByp9S95KzVcHlKmHcyUmD9uaV3-TI8CWBYplYmdKRbHoWDlErzIMmdCFNLcIFt2HMbmBI8R1hrxinSZIXQeKJsPuGI-jnisF547DgjN4CJBNzRCl7S_eYgY/s640/blogger-image-2009733330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgep9ddM-4sB-B5irL1KXsyByp9S95KzVcHlKmHcyUmD9uaV3-TI8CWBYplYmdKRbHoWDlErzIMmdCFNLcIFt2HMbmBI8R1hrxinSZIXQeKJsPuGI-jnisF547DgjN4CJBNzRCl7S_eYgY/s320/blogger-image-2009733330.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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FINALLY it was time to party!! :)</div>
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He had 7 friends attend. With him and his little brother there were 9 kids under the age of 9. Fun!</div>
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We set up the piñata in our partially finished basement, hanging it with twine from one of the rafters under the false ceiling.</div>
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That thing was tough!! Much tougher than I thought paper mache would be...</div>
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By the time all 9 kids had, had their swing at it with the plastic bat, the excitement had really built!!</div>
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Finally we had to get out a real metal bat. That did the trick. :)</div>
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The Birthday Boy had a great time...and I believe all the other kids did too. Daddy even refereed a dodge ball game. Little kids love throwing things at each other, go figure. :) </div>
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We even had time to eat the cake, treats and ice cream in the midst of the children posing their best silly faces for the camera. :)</div>
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But every day is a fun adventure with the little guy! We are so blessed to be his parents!</div>
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HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY ANDREW!! You are a treasure!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwf_xOrx_Mw1EjUtTiBWnk4UsTcdRCBp6n5ZtJP5rEm5b9umnXId0oYDLm3C1R5RzLCS7eDoB3EeDWHSHlu-Zar89Yrr7UJfij9EJ3iLgUvm3_9B9IKuUqB-nQ_jU4h8VmimBXL0wEJE/s1600/blogger-image--1910780338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Psalm 127:3-5</strong></span><br />
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-27409550498748354242014-02-06T10:41:00.003-06:002014-02-06T11:24:30.935-06:00When You Dare to Ask God What He Wants...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I utter, “Use me, Lord.” “Show me your will, Lord.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I want to honor you, Lord.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I mean it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What about my agenda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All good things, many of them sought with a desire to glorify Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask for what I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m not God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t know His plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do I know of His ways?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often do I dare to ask God what He wants?
Really ask Him…and wait to hear His answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hands open to whatever He has for me; even when it looks much different
than what I thought…or planned…or dreamed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What about when His honor comes through the unexpected?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or when it’s uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or scary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or downright hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or it involves
suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I
ask for that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or do I keep my hands in
tight fists, clinging to what I “know” is God’s best for me, and my loved ones?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s human nature to want “easy”, “happy”
and “comfy cozy”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, most often, when I ask Him what He wants…and actually
wait to hear what He says, He doesn’t say “easy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He often calls me to the hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To things that seem beyond my reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To things that stretch my faith and cause me
to rely on Him more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see Christians do it all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We say we want to be used of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What we often mean is we want the spotlight;
the glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We want to do the good things
on our agenda…and invite God to join us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We may <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>look mature on the outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the LORD sees us as little children with
fingers in ears, singing, “La la la.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only
willing to hear what we want to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
want to hear words like blessings…and good gifts…grace and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trouble: blessings, good gifts, even grace and joy often
come in unexpected wrappings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, my LORD has bee doing some serious sanctifying work in me. Preparing me for His next place of promise (a </span><a href="http://www.susielarson.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Susie Larson</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> quote). I've watched Him do His work in my husband's heart as well. Obvious and glorious! He's doing a new thing...or two or three.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my husband and I venture into the world of becoming
<strong>foster parents</strong>, we face so many unknowns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can also be nerve wracking apart from
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s leading this way, no doubt
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dared to ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also dared to listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So we step forward in faith and obedience, taking God at His word; choosing
to lean on Jesus; humbly dependent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don’t expect easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We expect challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we’re
compelled; compelled to help children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re compelled to love with open hearts and arms; pouring out the love
He’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>so abundantly given us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many hurting kids, we can’t sit with eyes
closed and hands clinched, clinging to our desire for unchallenged lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Growth stunted.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honestly, it seems it would be easier not to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Things </span>are good and comfortable here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why mess with a good thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will cost us something. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be inconvenient at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what if we don’t?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who will help? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a critical need and Jesus is calling
us to intervene! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We can't help everyone, but we can help someone. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we chose self-centeredness what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seemingly</i> haphazardly wrapped gifts would
we miss?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True blessings given and
received, designated for us and them, for such a time as this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shudder to think of passing it up for the
sake of complacency.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would it really be easier to say no? Is not the center of God's will the best and safest place to be? Christians often say it. But do we live it? We can be missionaries, His ambassadors, right here, right now, in our own home, in our own community. But it requires faith steps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look ahead in
anticipation of what He’s about to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Thankful for what He's already done. Joyful. </span>Expecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trusting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hands wide open and lifted up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
doubt and fear and the Enemy’s lies rear their head once more, I will again choose faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not because I am
good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because He is good and I know I
can trust Him. And truly my heart aches to help; to do His will. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you dare to ask Him what He wants of you?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you pray for us as we move forward in faith? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will you please pray for the 450,000 children currently in foster care in the United States? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"...Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." Philippians 2:12-13</span></strong></div>
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You might also like this post: <a href="http://beranville.blogspot.com/2013/11/want-easy-life.html">Want An Easy Life?</a></div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-26130331310288736752014-01-21T22:44:00.000-06:002014-01-21T22:45:10.723-06:00Why Haven't I Written?Some time has passed since I posted last. Why?<br />
<br />
Well, the good LORD's been doing some things in me. He's been doing some refining, sculpting and downright cleansing. He's been speaking. I've been listening. Being still. And being still includes being quiet. Focused. It's been a sweet time...that I'm not sure I want to see end.<br />
<br />
So excited to share with others some of the "stuff" He's been doing here in Beranville...in me, in my family, in my life. He's doing a "new thing" or two or three. Changes on the horizon.<br />
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When I return I hope to have words to share from this time. Until He directs me further, I will remain quiet. Waiting and learning. Hoping to emerge with fresh insight. I will share when I'm certain it is Him giving me the go ahead. <br />
<br />
Stay tuned... Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-39906229122547209912013-11-21T19:47:00.001-06:002013-11-21T20:33:15.492-06:00How to Simplify this Christmas...and Save Your Sanity!How do you picture the perfect Christmas? If you're like me, you probably picture something like this...<br>
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A beautiful family, in perfectly coordinated sweater, and with unified hearts, sit around a perfectly shaped and decorated (real, not artificial, of course) Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa with marshmallows. A cheesy smile on each face, as they open gorgeously wrapped gifts that are not only exactly what the receiver wanted, but given in the purest desire from the bottom of the giver's heart. Inside, the house is not only decorated beautifully, it's in perfect order. Outside, the ground is covered in a fresh, white snow. And, in the next room, there's a long dining room table covered with a feast fit to feed a king...and his family...his court...and his entire kingdom. Every dish is filled to the brim, looks absolutely scrumptious and perfectly browned turkey, fully intact and steamy hot, sits right in the middle of the table. Peace, joy, love...Christmas bliss. </div>
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It's a sight right out of a Hallmark movie, right?!</div>
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Then there's reality. </div>
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You make the long trip to Grandma's house despite a long week of caring for puking kids and the treacherous, icy road conditions of the day. You're stressed out before you even arrive. The kids run off as soon as you get in the door. And, before you can even get your coat off, one of them is crying. A cousin hit them in the head with a toy. You try to comfort amd lecture about sharing, both at the same time. Child hanging on you, you begin to "pit out" in your holiday sweater (of course, you are the only one wearing a sweater...and the house feels like it's 500 degrees). Grandma's in the kitchen slaving away over the meal while three other family members try to help. Someone scorches the potatoes. Grandma, hair all disheveled, looks like she's going to cry. The turkey completely fell apart, so she's disassembling it piece by piece. And you think, "At least it's not dry and chewy like last year." The guys are camped out in front of the TV watching football. Grandpa is asleep in the recliner. The house is a mess due to the kids running in every direction. You stick the gifts you brought under the lopsided, artificial tree that is covered in handmade ornaments of years past, wondering if even one of them is something the receiver will like. The kids helped you wrap them and they're plastered with scotch tape. You bought every one of your family members a gift even though you couldn't really afford it because, well, that's just what you've always done; it's what's expected. Uncle Bill, who you haven't seen since last Christmas, approaches you with a hug. He proceeds to tell you about his recent hemorrhoid surgery. You zone out as he goes into detail. You look out the window; the ice has turned to slush. You're reflecting on all that's wrong with this picture when someone yells from the next room that little Johnny just threw up... again. Ugh! You're stressed out, tired, sweaty and disappointed before the party even really begins. This is not the Christmas you signed up for.</div>
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Darn, those Hallmark movies, right?! </div>
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I really think unrealistic expectations can ruin our holidays; unrealistic expectations that we put on ourselves, our families, our get-togethers and even our gifts. Life isn't perfect. People aren't perfect. WE aren't perfect. </div>
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But, so what?! </div>
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We put so much pressure on ourselves and others that we can miss the joy in the midst of reality's chaos. It's a blessing to be with our families, and yet we can miss the blessings if we're so focused on our unmet expectations. If we focus on all that's wrong, and focus on all the wrong things, our stress level will rise and we will miss all that's right. It can be tough, but we can choose to simplify. We can choose to accept our lives for what they are...and our families for who they are.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them." Romans 12:9</b></span></div>
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Four things that have helped me to Simplify and Save My Sanity through the Christmas season:</div>
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1. Cut back on the gifts. This means not giving gifts that you can't afford or that you think are unnecessary. Just because you gave them a gift last year (or every year as long as you've lived), doesn't mean you have to give them a gift this year. Giving gifts that come from a begrudged heart defeat the whole purpose anyway. The gifts you do give, give joyfully, expecting nothing in return. It might be hard at first. But, trust me, it gets better...and it takes a lot of pressure off. </div>
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2. Don't overextend yourself or overbook your family. This is especially important if you have young children. There are so many things going on in December! Think through your commitments and look over your calendar before committing to yet another event; be realistic. This may mean saying no to a few things, even good things that you want to do. However, remember balance and maintained sanity are your goals. </div>
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Note: Keep in mind, sometimes we also can't make it to events we committed to because of realities like vomiting kids. Let go. You can't control it!</div>
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3. Take time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Do this as an individual, but also as a family. The more our minds are set on the true reason we celebrate, the Savior Jesus Christ, the more other things will seem less important. Choose to invest time in meaningful activities that nurture your faith and renew your perspective, and that of your family.</div>
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4. Choose to love and accept your family, both immediate and extended, just as it is. So you're family isn't perfect. Guess what, no one else's family is either. It's okay. Choose to overlook their faults and little annoyances to see the blessings of the moment. And thank God for an opportunity to love as He does, humbly, unselfishly and wholeheartedly. Remember this moment in time will never come around again. Use this time to love on those you...well, love. It still won't be "perfect". Embrace the imperfection. </div>
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I don't have all the answers! However, I really think if we let go of our unrealistic expectations; if we simplify and embrace reality; we will find joy this Christmas season...along with our sanity. :)</div>
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Today I'm joining the Third Thursday Blog Hop. Head on over to Jill Savage's blog, by clicking on the link below, to see what others had to say on the topic "No More Perfect Holidays". </div>
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-56187628230222235192013-11-20T20:32:00.000-06:002013-11-20T20:36:02.889-06:00Want an Easy Life?<br />
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My three year old said, "It's not easy for me, Mommy, so I don't want to do it. Okay?"</div>
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Let's admit it. Most of us, like my three year old, want an easy life. We like to avoid conflict. We want things to go well for us and those we love. We want to be happy, relaxed and carefree. No worries. No problems. Just easy. It doesn't sound all that complicated, now does it? And, yet, most of us have not found our place in that state of bliss we dream about.</div>
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Why? Well, there's a little thing called reality. Reality is, life is complicated and often hard. We live in a messed up world where things happen. Things we don't like. Things we can't control. People disappoint us. You know what I'm talking about; you live here. </div>
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Although I am blessed, my life just isn't perfect. Yours, most likely, isn't either.</div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">We believers and followers of Jesus Christ are not immune to the difficulties of life. In fact, Jesus told us, </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">"</span><span style="color: #990000;">In this life you will have trouble." (John 16:33b). </span> </span> </div>
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Yet, we seem to be surprised when troubles come. As if somehow being a Christian makes us exempt to the realities of this life. I know I'm guilty!! I want the hard stuff to stop, the pain to cease and for God to answer my prayers the way I want and...right...now! Because it's hard and uncomfortable...and, the truth is, I just don't want to deal with it.</div>
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The LORD didn't promise us an easy life. He <i>did</i> promise us that He would go with us and help us through the difficulties. </div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." Isaiah 43:2-3</span></div>
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Our pastor shared this a while back, I'm not sure where he got it, but it's brilliant and I don't think he would mind if I shared it here:</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">The E'z of Discipleship (get the word play, E's and Ease):</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">I <u>E</u>xpect death and sorrow,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">I <u>E</u>mbrace it as God's will,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">I will <u>E</u>ndure it, with God's help,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;">I will <u>E</u>njoy it as God sanctifies me in the process and equips me for better service.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">Expect death and sorrow? That's a hard pill to swallow, isn't it?! But, like I said, it's part of this life. It's reality. Still, look at what comes next...if we learn to embrace it as God's will, we </span><i>will</i> be able to endure it with His help. We can even enjoy it as we allow Him to sanctify us (to make us holy, more like Jesus) in the process (WOW!) and equip us for better service.</div>
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Anyone who's been through something tough knows how we react to it makes all the difference in the world. We can become bitter or better. We can give up or press on in His strength. We can doubt or choose faith...even when it just doesn't make any sense to us, because we believe what He said.</div>
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I find the following verses fascinating:</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-style: normal;">While Jesus was here on earth, He offered prayers and pleading, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of His deep reverence for <br />God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned </span><i>obedience</i> from the things He<i> suffered</i>. Hebrews 5:7-8</span></div>
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Jesus, God's own beloved Son, cried out to God, His Loving Father, to rescue Him from the painful death He was about to face. God heard Him. He heard! <i>But</i> He did not answer the way Jesus wanted Him too. Why? Because He had the bigger picture in mind. Just as Jesus endured His cross, <i>in complete submission</i> to the Father's will, so are we!</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. II Cor 7:10</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">God hears the prayers of us, His people. </span><i>But </i>our loving Father is more interested in our sanctification than He is in our comfort level. He knows what's best for us. The question is, do we trust Him? </div>
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I know from experience that it's often in the difficult, uncertain, sorrowful and sometimes scary things of life that I've learned to humbly depend on Him. It is in these things that I have had to choose to trust Him. When I <i>submit my will to His will, </i>my whole perspective changes.<i> </i> I realize that I truly don't want a life of ease, but a life of E'z! I want to grow and become more like Jesus.</div>
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How about you? Do you want an easy life? Or will you choose to submit your will to His? His answer to your prayers may not look the way you want, but He will sanctify you in the process and equip you for better service as His faithful disciple.</div>
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I heard someone say something like this once, "You have something BIG to overcome because your purpose is BIG and God is trying to do a work in you through it. Keep going. Walk in faith." And, I add, choose to do so again...and again...and again. It's not easy, but it's worth it.</div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-13774911773224186462013-11-11T11:23:00.000-06:002013-11-11T11:31:09.848-06:00Renewed Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcdySXXn_rbdXWWkWfT2pvCvx9gLLeljSxJLQ5RoDl94T4vH1pIUdTNqT4P7CGvsoH8LE4mZ2svIyYwpUKLHBzFcbidkdKgX9UeQ4MsVtXwcRB9yDP5W5UBalBpS4SB5M2hoXaYDiCJQ/s1600/Bales+in+the+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcdySXXn_rbdXWWkWfT2pvCvx9gLLeljSxJLQ5RoDl94T4vH1pIUdTNqT4P7CGvsoH8LE4mZ2svIyYwpUKLHBzFcbidkdKgX9UeQ4MsVtXwcRB9yDP5W5UBalBpS4SB5M2hoXaYDiCJQ/s320/Bales+in+the+Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yesterday our church youth group hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for our entire church family and the local mission folks. The people at the mission are those, often far from home, family and friends, who are there to overcome addiction to either drugs, alcohol or both. <br />
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It's always amazing to see how God works. I know the youth group hosted this event as an outreach to bless the people at the mission. But, in turn, God used it to bless our entire church family as well. I was especially blessed to get to sit and visit with the three gals at my table, in addition to hearing three residents share their testimonies and later many others share their heart of gratitude.<br />
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These people "get it". They get just how blessed they are...to be safe, to be saved, to be free from the power of sin and hell, to just be alive. Unlike many people who sit in a pew their whole life, they know that it's not by their good works that they are saved. They know they're <i>not</i> good enough. They know just how much they've been forgiven. They know how bad it could be and how special it is to walk in His presence.<br />
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Through them, my own perspective was renewed. I was reminded of just how gracious our LORD is! That there is nothing that can separate me from His love, but also, there is nothing I can do to earn it. I have been redeemed and set free <i>only </i>by His abundant grace and mercy.<br />
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Each of us have a story. Although mine looks different from theirs, and yours, we're not all that different. We all have something in common. We're all broken. We're all sinners. We are all in need of a Savior! And our purpose in this life is to glorify God.<br />
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I think all of us need a reminder sometimes.<br />
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Let's stop for a while today to thank God today for His amazing grace!Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-20202924307815965502013-11-04T14:10:00.000-06:002013-11-04T14:10:28.709-06:00FUN DAY Monday Returns!! Thanksgiving Tree.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsoKt0PIcBz_dZv7x7vO59gwZZinXfCzDFDRmuJPtqkSpsf4Qew_R3jBIXkirWMhfqXR6isf5_dfCMHk2o9KcYWgsyoylJB8n0ZCQ6adT2N_ynObTL_7jt2KJkMsBk4LUFZ5OWwHigHI/s1600/Thanksgiving+Tree+2+'12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsoKt0PIcBz_dZv7x7vO59gwZZinXfCzDFDRmuJPtqkSpsf4Qew_R3jBIXkirWMhfqXR6isf5_dfCMHk2o9KcYWgsyoylJB8n0ZCQ6adT2N_ynObTL_7jt2KJkMsBk4LUFZ5OWwHigHI/s320/Thanksgiving+Tree+2+'12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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At the beginning of November last year I saw this fun idea posted on someone's Facebook page (not sure). Because I always love to find ways to incorporate lessons on gratitude along with some crafty fun into our daily lives I loved the idea right away. I took the picture of the tree in my head and drew it out on poster board. Then, we taped it together and Andrew (then 5 1/2) colored it in with markers. We found some leaf shape templates online, printed them out, traced them onto orange, green and yellow construction paper and cut them out. We had so much fun doing this together while Noah (then 2 1/2) napped. Although it doesn't look quite as "fancy" and "perfect" as the picture that probably came from Pinterest, Andrew thought it was "the coolest thing ever!" And thanked me repeatedly for making it with him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkEvgVhopQnB7iqei4napqPIhxh2lOqGyiRdDqJRnMHSfb3dlzloUG02D7PIcvZOWCug-asS1jjgiyGAoc5WG8M1OEBsxVy0mzILmHeLu_xO2fsuCa0DBOzYdjCewg8Rbp8a7TLQenzA/s1600/Thanksgiving+Tree+2+'12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkEvgVhopQnB7iqei4napqPIhxh2lOqGyiRdDqJRnMHSfb3dlzloUG02D7PIcvZOWCug-asS1jjgiyGAoc5WG8M1OEBsxVy0mzILmHeLu_xO2fsuCa0DBOzYdjCewg8Rbp8a7TLQenzA/s320/Thanksgiving+Tree+2+'12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what it looked like when we we began</td></tr>
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Okay, so real trees don't have leaves of more than one shape. I explained that to Andrew. But he thought it looked pretty with two different shapes and said, "It's our tree, can't we have it any way we want it?" Now how could I argue with that?! Sure we could. And we did!<br />
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Our Pursuit of Thankfulness Began...<div>
<br />Every day, as a family, we removed one leaf. Each of us told something we were thankful for that day, trying to never repeat the same thing all month. I wrote it on the leaf and put it on the ground beneath the tree. Then, we would pray, thanking God for those blessings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn0pJrinpa3NAJcXAeKNHFnxRntjykG9aGhzsoxVojBfOStrJAchRIUTi3Y17AwM9VUN5FUN2b2ao2L_k8LdQNzi2OkQbSC13y1cxYTlhuUsvhCz4VO0kThyRgvOHLBDBxQtmnTzMD28/s1600/Thanksgiving+Tree+Later+'12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJn0pJrinpa3NAJcXAeKNHFnxRntjykG9aGhzsoxVojBfOStrJAchRIUTi3Y17AwM9VUN5FUN2b2ao2L_k8LdQNzi2OkQbSC13y1cxYTlhuUsvhCz4VO0kThyRgvOHLBDBxQtmnTzMD28/s320/Thanksgiving+Tree+Later+'12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what we had at the end.</td></tr>
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It was such a great reminder each day to be thankful...and of just how many blessings we enjoy! And it was fun hearing what others in the family thought of, even our (then) 2 1/2 year old! As the days accumulated, we had to get more creative because all the "typical" stuff had already been said. It made us "dig a little deeper". On Thanksgiving Day we re-read all of the leaves. It was a special time. Memories were made and seeds of gratefulness planted. THANKFUL we took the time to do this together.<br />
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This year I hope to make a big paper turkey, adding our thanks to each feather. But that's for another FUN DAY Monday post.<br />
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Remember it's the simplest things that mean the most to our children. Mostly it's about taking time to do the fun stuff. When we incorporate life lessons and Biblical values into the fun, memories are made and the lessons often stick better...in their hearts and ours.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>"O give thanks to the LORD...for He is good!" </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Psalm 107:1</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Join me next time for another FUN DAY<br />Monday...sign up for e-mail updates<br />in the right hand sidebar</td></tr>
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Feel free to use this idea in your house...and share the idea with your friends.</div>
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-16892318306142196122013-11-02T16:37:00.000-05:002013-11-02T16:42:47.357-05:00ComfortableThe boys and I just finished reading an inspiring book about a great Christian hero named Lillian Trasher. I will attempt to tell of her life's work in only a few paragraphs.<br />
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Lillian Trasher was a missionary to Egypt from 1911 to 1961. But becoming a missionary was not part of Lillian's original plan. No, she wanted to be an artist for the Georgian Newspaper. In fact, she had quite a talent and nearly had the job of her dreams. But, due to a miscommunication, the job was mistakenly given to someone else. From there, God lead Lillian to work in an orphanage in North Carolina (that's quite a neat story in itself).<br />
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Lillian served in this orphanage for a few years. There she met a handsome young pastor who she fell in love with and they became engaged. All the plans were in place and she was so thrilled. But one week (yes one week!!) before their scheduled wedding, Lillian felt a sudden prompting in her heart to go to Africa as a missionary. Not only was Lillian engaged to be married to a man who did not feel a call to the mission field, she was absolutely broke and it wasn't exactly a normal thing for a single woman to travel to foreign lands in those years, especially to do mission work. With no financial backing or a clue what she was getting into, in faith Lillian called off her engagement and (through some very interesting turn of events) sailed for Egypt.<br />
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Over the very hard years of her life, Lillian prayerfully and faithfully did the work called her to do. She opened the very first Egyptian orphanage and took in nearly 10,000 orphans plus thousands of widows in her lifetime. Many, many times she didn't even know where their next meal would come from, but she trusted God and He always came through for them.<br />
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Because of Lillian many children were saved both physically and spiritually. And the trickle effect was phenomenal. Many of her children went on to be successful people in the community, even opening churches and other orphanages throughout Egypt.<br />
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I'm sharing all of this with you, friends, because I have to tell you what God showed me as I read about Lillian Trasher. And ask you a question that I asked myself...<br />
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Did God Call Us to Be Comfortable?<br />
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You know, it would have been really easy for Lillian to ignore God's call. She could have stayed in America and married the young pastor. She could have served the church as a pastor's wife her whole life, in security and comfort. It sure would have saved her a lot of heartache. It would have looked really good to everyone, because she would have been doing "God's work". No one would have known the difference...except God, of course.<br />
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But Lillian didn't do that. She didn't ask God to follow and bless her plans. No, she trusted God and followed His lead even when it was very uncomfortable and certainly inconvenient. She prayed continually asking for strength and sacrificed it all for God and others, an example of the love of Christ. She recognized her humble dependence on God day after day after years of days. And she impacted THOUSANDS of lives! That is why she is a true Christian hero.<br />
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So, let me ask you again...<br />
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Did God Call US to Be Comfortable? <br />
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I asked myself many questions as I read about Lillian Trasher, "When was the last time I sacrificed to give? How often do I ask Jesus to follow me, rather than the other way around? How often do I ask Him to bless my plans, especially those seemingly "good and noble" things I am doing "for Him"? How often do I give in a way that is inconvenient and sacrificial?"<br />
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I'm not talking about irresponsible giving! I'm speaking of a gift that costs me something...not just me giving a little of my abundance. And I'm not <i>just</i> talking about money, there are many ways to give. I'm talking about a humble pouring out of myself as a sacrifice, unselfishly. To give of myself; my time, my resources, my gifts, my energy and yes, even my money, to glorify God and expand His kingdom. Honestly, it's much easier to sit where I'm comfy cozy. All the while asking God to use me.<br />
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Near the end of Lillian Trasher's life a news reporter asked her, "Miss Trasher, what is the secret of your missionary success? What is the greatest thing you ever did?" Lillian's reply, "There isn't any secret. I just stayed! I did not quit. I stayed with the work God gave me to do."<br />
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Lord, purify my heart. Show me how and where to serve - to follow Your call, rather than ask you to follow my plans (even if they seem good). Show me how to live out the call to live in genuine love. Enable me to give of my plenty (in numerous ways) through faith, so that You may be glorified. Not just when it's comfortable and pretty, but all the time. I'm thankful for all You have given. Help me to share of myself as You would. And continue on even when it isn't easy. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.<br />
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What about you? What is God calling you to do? Not all of us are called to be missionaries, but that doesn't mean He doesn't have work for you to do! I do not believe that God blesses us so that we can hoard up treasures for ourselves and live unchallenged lives. Just look at the lives the patriarchs of the Bible, even Jesus himself, they lives were challenging...and fruitful! In the big things and seemingly small things God blesses faithfulness. <br />
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<span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"It is possible to evade a multitude of sorrows through the cultivation of an insignificant life. Indeed, if a person's ambition is to avoid the troubles of life, the recipe is simple: Shed your ambitions in every direction, cut the wings of every soaring purpose, and seek a life with the fewest contacts and relations. If you want to get through life with the smallest trouble, you must reduce yourself to the smallest compass. Tiny souls can dodge through life; bigger souls are blocked on every side. As soon as a person begins to enlarge his or her life, resistances are multiplied. Let a person remove petty selfish purposes and enthrone Christ, and suffering will be increased on every side." Henry Jowett</span></span></div>
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P.S. Lillian used her God given drawing abilities later on when she designed her own building plans for her first official orphanage building. God knows just what He is doing! :)<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>"And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don't begin until you count the cost...you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything." </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Luke 14:27-28, 33</b></span></div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-21039364199572765542013-11-01T14:34:00.002-05:002013-11-01T14:34:45.707-05:00Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I am happy to welcome a guest blogger! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kathy Collard Miller is not only an award winning author, she is someone I call "friend". We connected via blog world several years ago. As we have correspondences through blogging, personal messages and Facebook, she has encouraged and challenged me numerous times. I truly appreciate her caring spirit, loving heart and shared wisdom. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I am sharing an interview with Kathy Collard Miller about her book <i>Partly </i><i>Cloudy with Scattered Worries: Finding Peace in All Kinds of Weather </i>(Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think, if we are honest, all of us would have to admit that there are times when we worry. Kathy shares words of hope, showing how she has personally learned to worry less and trust our Faithful God more. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I will just let her tell you about it in her own words. :)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for joining me today, Kathy. Please tell me (and my reading friends), </span><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is your book about? </span></i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My book helps women, in particular, to trust God more and thus worry less. It is filled with stories from my own life and the lives of others who learned how to do that very thing, along with Biblical principles and practical instruction. But that's not all! (Oh sorry, wrong commercial). I've also included Discussion Questions that a group or an individual can use. Plus, every chapter highlights a woman from the Bible who either struggled with worry or one who overcame her worry. And as if that's not enough, (this <i>is </i>sounding like a commercial), I've closed every chapter with a “Letter From God” which speaks to the reader about what she learned in the chapter.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is your book for?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can tell, my book is primarily for women readers but I believe men would benefit from it also.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do you think people worry?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, there are many reasons but here are a few. We may have experienced some hurtful things in childhood and blamed God. So our hearts are fearful of turning control over to Him. We may think that worry gives us power in another person's life. I remember worrying when my teenaged son had to fly across country by himself to a Christian golf camp. I worried he would miss his connecting flight until God whispered, “You're worried because you want him to need you. Let him need Me.” Oh, how revealing. I could then release that</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">worry and let God show Himself strong. Additionally, people worry because they really do think worry does some good. One woman told me, “Well, of course, worry works; after all, what I worry about doesn't happen.” I'm sure she was joking (I think!), but in our hearts, we can think it does some good. Unfortunately, worry only makes us tense and then we react in ways we regret. Plus, God isn't honored.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give us the history of your book.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm very excited that </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Partly Cloudy</i><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is being reborn.It's the same book that was published in 2005 and now Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas saw it's value and is re-releasing it. Can I be honest about</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">something I'm worried about, er, I mean trusting God for? I didn't add anything to the original book and it wasn't until the process was too far along that someone encouraged me to add an update. So offering the same material is a concern because those who already read it won't need it. (Did you know you can be concerned and it doesn't have to turn into worry?) So I'm trusting God that my readers will want to be reminded of the material, knowing that none of us overcomes worry completely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Why did you write </i>Partly Cloudy with Scattered</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Worries<i>?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God was working and transforming me to trust Him more and I wanted to share what I had learned. My desire is to help readers trust God more by being convinced of His greatness, sovereignty, power, love, and involvement.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can say we trust God but then we give in to anxiety, People Pleasing,controlling others, regrets, fear, and trying to provide for ourselves when God says to wait on Him. Our responses actually reveal that we don't trust God as much as we think we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What is your ultimate desire for your ministry?</i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been in ministry for a long time—my first article was published in 1978 and my first book in 1984. Hard to believe since I'm not that old! But in all these years, I've been motivated to minister in such a way that</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">women see God in truth and then take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Much of our worry is because we believe lies about God and we allow any thought to permeate our minds as truth. Although I'm learning like everyone else to trust God more and more, I desire to help every woman know she can believe God wants the very best for her and then want His glory.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b><i><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you available for speaking, especially on this</span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #6aa84f;">topic of overcoming worry?</i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh yes, I love to speak on lots of topics, including overcoming worry. I especially love speaking at women's retreats because I can have extended contact with the women. I can be reached at Kathyspeak@dc.rr.com</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">BOOK </span><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">SUMMARY AND BIOGRAPHY: </span></span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">It is possible to worry less through trusting God more. Regardless of the storms of </span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">trials, temptations, worry, uncertainty, confusion, or regrets that you're </span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">facing, you can trust God more. </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries </i><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">offers a conversational style, personal testimonies, practical illustrations,</span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">and solid biblical teaching for breaking anxiety and the devastating effects of </span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">worry. Each chapter includes Discussion Questions for individuals or groups, </span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">along with a “Letter from God.” In addition, a profile of a woman in the Bible </span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">who struggled with or experienced victory over worry is featured in each </span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">chapter to inspire every reader to see God's hand in her life. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">Kathy Collard Miller is a speaker and author. Her passion is to inspire women to</span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trust God more. She has spoken in 30 states and 7 foreign countries. Kathy has</span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">49 published books including </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Women of the Bible: Smart Guide to the Bible </i><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Thomas</span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nelson) and she blogs at </span><a href="http://www.kathycollardmiller.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.KathyCollardMiller.blogspot.com</a><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Kathy lives in Southern</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">California with her husband of 43 years, Larry, and is the proud grandma of Raphael. Kathy and Larry often speak together at marriage events and retreats. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Partly-Cloudy-Scattered-Worries-Collard/dp/193849976X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380319647&sr=8-2&keywords=partly+cloudy+with+scattered+worries">CHECK OUT THIS LINK</a> to Order your Copy Today!
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<span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;">Thank you, Kathy, for being my guest today. I pray that your book is a success, helping many learn to walk in faith rather than worry. </span><span style="background-color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.25in;"> </span></div>
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Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5118064191267068030.post-28388992765440517972013-10-14T10:48:00.002-05:002013-10-14T10:48:42.439-05:00Sufficient Grace...Even When Road Rage Creeps UpThe driver pulled right out in front of me. How could she not see me?! She had to have seen me in the left lane, passing another driver in the right lane, going 65 mph down the highway. But she came flying across the other two lanes going the opposite direction and then right into my lane. I had to slam on my brakes. I mean SLAM. Out of no where an old habit creeped up. Something I hadn't done in a long time. Something that I swore I'd never do again. Out of complete frustration and anger, I laid on the horn and mumbled under my breath something not loving. <br />
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Immediately, I felt guilty. I remembered the MOPS (Mother's of Preschoolers) sticker on the back of my van. The one the car I just passed most likely saw. The one the driver of the car I just honked at was about to see as she pulled into the right lane and I passed her. I remembered my witness. I remembered the God I serve, my desire to represent Him well and the grace He's shown me over and over and over again.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">"His grace is sufficient."</span></b> It's easy to talk about grace while sitting in the pew or with my Bible open in study. But what about in real life, everyday situations I face...like this one? How do I live it out? It's not just for me, but for everyone. <br />
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If the God of all grace lives in me (and He does), He has filled me with His Holy Spirit, and I have no obligation to live in the flesh. <b>His grace is enough.</b> His grace can be extended through me, the kind that pardons the guilty and blesses the unworthy.<br />
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I am reminded of how much I have been forgiven. I remember my own shortcomings...even pulling out in front of someone a time or two, and much greater offenses. I relish His grace and the grace of others when I am at fault. I am reminded that I don't know the driver's circumstances. But I know her need for grace.<br />
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I can extend His "abundance of grace." His supply never runs out. Not for me, not for others. <br />
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So I ask for forgiveness <i>again</i>. I accept His grace and stop beating myself up. I forgive, extending grace. I pray for that driver. And I pray that I will be more gracious the next time road rage seeks to creep in because I'm seeking to live out His grace in real life. That means keeping my hand off the horn and my heart and mind pure.<br />
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How can you extend grace today? How can you accept His grace today? His grace is sufficient!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">"The grace of the Lord is poured out on us abundantly." </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">I Timothy 1:4</span></b></div>
Rachel Beranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00324124235452940506noreply@blogger.com2