tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215021322024-03-07T12:45:45.685-06:00One Woman's ThoughtsLiz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-41940856501368823372017-07-05T18:46:00.002-05:002017-07-05T18:47:35.429-05:00Sometimes Things Just SuckMy heart is so heavy. Three people I know lost their battle with cancer within three days of each other... two of them on the same day. Yes, sometimes things just suck. I know, if you are like me, you hate that word. I don't like it either, but it just seems to be the only word that fits.<br />
<br />
I lost my dad to cancer when I was twelve. I have lost many people I know to cancer. And it is never any easier when you hear the word cancer. Cancer just sucks.<br />
<br />
I know people who are in the fight with cancer this very moment. And I also know many people who are survivors of cancer. And even then it still sucks. Cancer takes so much away from you personally and so much away from your family. But the one thing it cannot take away from you... is the love that that God has for you; and He hurts deeply for you and your family. It cannot take away the fact that He is with you every minute of every day. It cannot take away from you the relationships you build and the love that grows between you and those you know who are in the fight.<br />
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There are many people fighting this horrible disease every day; some that are very close to me. They are getting better! ... and cancer is NOT going to win! Yet, even when cancer it not winning the battle, it takes it's toll on you. It takes a toll on you emotional and physically and every way in between. It is an ugly fight, but it's a fight that you do not fight alone. God is with you every step of the way. And if you are blessed to be a part of a community, a church, a group of close friends, they are also with you every step of the way.<br />
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For those in the fight, I know some days are literally hell. But remember that there is one who fighting for you and holding you close even when you cannot hold yourself up. I pray that one day there will be a cure for all types of cancer; a cure that does not involve tearing your body down to build it back up. Until then, I will continue to trust in God. I will continue to support those I love so dearly and continue to pray with and for them as they fight. I will continue to walk along side of those close to me who have suffered loss because of this horrific disease. And I will continue to pray over those in the middle of the fight, as well as the doctors working with them, as I continue to pray that God leads them to a cure.<br />
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As a dear friend said last night as we were circled up in prayer, "God knows what we are going to go through before we ever have a clue." He is preparing us in ways we cannot imagine, for whatever unknown fight we might face. And if He already knows the pain, the heartache, the rough roads that may be ahead in any number of circumstances - then I can KNOW that He is going to be right there with us to help us fight the battle.<br />
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May God be near to us all.<br />
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<i><span class="text Isa-40-30" id="en-NIV-18451">Even youths grow tired and weary,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-30">and young men stumble and fall;</span></span><span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-NIV-18452"></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-NIV-18452">but those who hope in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">will renew their strength.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-31">They will soar on wings like eagles;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">they will run and not grow weary,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">they will walk and not be faint.</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-31"><i>Isaiah 40:30-31 </i></span></span></div>
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Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-62688013932866477472017-05-10T18:20:00.000-05:002017-05-10T19:38:05.052-05:00Did You Notice?<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">Someone I know made a comment on Facebook today that reminded me of something that happened to us a few weeks ago. A few weeks ago Chris and I were walking to the car after the last Dallas Mavericks basketball game of the season. We had stayed late so by the time we were walking to the car there was really no one left on the streets. As we walked the path we always take to the car a gentleman started walking our direction. As we got closer to him he started walking up to us and
we stopped. He was collecting money for a program he was in for those
who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. This program creates
some type of newspaper flyers. We really couldn't understand everything he was saying about the paper, but we listened to him and then gave him some
money. And then he said.... <i>"So many people just pass by and never
look up. Thank you for noticing me. Can I pray over you?" </i>And then
he prayed a beautiful prayer over us as we all held hands. Chris and I both
said his comment of "thank you for noticing me" really broke our
hearts.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">I know that we can sometimes get calloused because of all the people standing on street corners collecting money. But I have learned to listen to my heart and God's prompting. There is usually something I feel inside when I know that God is calling me to reach out to someone. That night, even though we were the only ones on the street, something inside both of us told us to stop. And his words, "Thank you for noticing me", continue to haunt me. It is so easy to hand someone money or a bottle of water or whatever you choose to do and be on your way. But his words will make me be more intentional about really looking them in the eyes and really noticing them. Because so many times, no one else will even look their way; much less look them in the eyes.</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><br /></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"> Jesus "noticed" the woman at the well and had a conversation with her when others just stood around talking about her. How many times do we really "notice" people around us. When others are talking about someone they see, do we talk along with them, or do we "notice" them and do something about it.</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><br /></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">It is really easy to get so wrapped up in where we are going that we don't "notice" what or who is around us. I want to pay attention. I want to be aware of my circumstances and those around me. I want to see people the way Jesus did. I want to be brave and not afraid to have those conversations that others may not want to have. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It is my prayer that we will all begin to "notice" people more.</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><br /></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">Blessings!</span></span>Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-14206978296272036792017-01-04T10:34:00.000-06:002017-01-04T10:34:45.360-06:00How Well Do We Trust?<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="48d9k-0-0"><span data-text="true">As I was reading my devotional book from Sarah Young this morning, this was today's message.... </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="fvaba-0-0"><span data-text="true">"I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus," in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breath of My Love for you. This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective - through the Light of My universal Presence - fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me."</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="er2ve-0-0"><span data-text="true">Some days more than others I need to be reminded of this truth. I do trust Jesus always. But my actions don't always convey my complete trust. Trust is easy when things are going well, but it's in the tough times that trust is so important. THAT trust, will grow a deeper relationship with God as you trust Him "no matter what"</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="mfgf-0-0"><span data-text="true">May the new year bring each of us into a deeper relationship with Him as we "trust". Will you join me in remembering.... "I trust You Jesus!"..... every day.</span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="mfgf-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="mfgf-0-0"><span data-text="true">Blessings! </span></span></div>
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Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-64892786171225538302016-10-11T19:45:00.000-05:002016-10-11T19:48:04.369-05:00The One Who Sits on the Throne I do not post, comment or like anything political. And this will not be a political statement either, but rather an observation.<br />
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My observation is this... I do not like what politics does to people. Regardless of what side, person, agenda you want to follow, we are all still human beings. I have observed people on both sides post or say extremely hateful things. I have observed people on both sides who are Christians but who react to things in such a way that it is not Christ-like, and I have observed how the world is watching people tearing each other apart.<br />
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Regardless of who wins this election, if things continue along the same path, the only person who is truly winning is Satan. He is sitting back watching as Christians on both sides continue to tear each other apart rather than remembering our leader is not of this world. He is sitting back watching as people say and do things and post things that are not becoming of a Christian. He is sitting back watching as the world continues to focus on candidates rather than on Christ.<br />
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Social media, and media in general, have become the devil's playground. Words are said that should not be said and cannot be taken back, darkness is taking a stronghold in people's hearts and people are forgetting that regardless of what happens with this election, there is still only one King on the throne.<br />
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Each person has to do what they filled called to do and be willing to let others do the same without judgement. And regardless of which candidate ultimate wins, God can still use
them. God used prostitutes and murderers, he can surely use democrats
and republicans. God has always used people we might not deem worthy to do amazing things. This time is no different.</div>
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Chris ran across this picture today of a painting from the artist, Heather Theurer. I love the imagery in this painting. It reminds me that no matter what evil or darkness might be lurking around, their is still sanctuary in Christ. There are so many other, useful things that all of this political energy could be spent on. Things that would glorify God, rather than make us an easy target for Satan. My prayer is that we all remember Whose we are!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_k9qV3ZySxVcu8uP2nvRw8NnIIcB_zKLFloip8MbpjsVQumdsBm3PTLez65A1uYMWN5hoPUlD41jfiPNyvH9tUyNzJ5SZiyVkL7P-ZRJzFz9BINH6h7Nh8BTQLetlfdDadYFlA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-11+at+7.25.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_k9qV3ZySxVcu8uP2nvRw8NnIIcB_zKLFloip8MbpjsVQumdsBm3PTLez65A1uYMWN5hoPUlD41jfiPNyvH9tUyNzJ5SZiyVkL7P-ZRJzFz9BINH6h7Nh8BTQLetlfdDadYFlA/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-10-11+at+7.25.03+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth </i></div>
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<i>and on the sea, and all that is in them saying:</i></div>
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<i>To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb</i></div>
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<i>be praise and honor and glory and power,</i></div>
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<i>forever and ever!" Revelation 5:13</i></div>
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Blessings! <br />
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<br />Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-176403755114714592015-10-21T20:01:00.001-05:002015-10-21T20:01:14.997-05:00Whose Painting Your Picture?A quote popped up on my news feed today from my friend Jeremy Miller who is an artist. I have not been able to stop thinking about it.<br />
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The quote is by Henry Ward Beecher.... "Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures."<br />
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While this is true about every artist, I could not help but think of "The Artist, The Creator". Scripture tells us that we are made in the image of God. But this quote.... it literally paints a picture in my mind.<br />
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To think of being created in God's own image is sometimes hard to fathom, but how incredible is it to think of God dipping His own brush into His own soul, to paint and create His own nature which is You! For me that word picture is just amazing. I imagine God painting and creating every one us to look like Him, but at the same time creating all of us to be uniquely us.<br />
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Even when an artist repaints a picture he has already created, it is never exactly the same as the original. So it is with God. We are created in His image, but we can never be exactly the same as God, only Jesus can do that. But I love that as an artist, God created each of us in his own image, but created each us in ways that are unique. Ways that give each of us unique gifts and ways to reach others. Each of us has been through something that has made us unique. That uniqueness is how God uses us to reach everyone. One of us cannot reach everyone, but each of us through our uniqueness has gifts to share with people who may find themselves walking a path similar to ours. And through our differences we become One in Him and that's what allows us to reach everyone.<br />
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Celebrate your uniqueness.... because God painted you by dipping His brush into His own soul to create you! And then, keep your eyes open... because God will put people in your path that only "your painting" can reach.<br />
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<i>"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" Psalm 139:14 </i><br />
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Blessings! <br />
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<br />Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-73800404654229457832015-09-22T17:09:00.001-05:002015-09-22T17:09:14.498-05:00Are You Willing to Sacrifice?I haven't written in a while. But today I read an article written by my son-in-law, Warren Gray, that was published for Mavs Moneyball. As I'm sure you know, I love all sports! MAVS included! So of course, I read the article. (I would have any because it was written by Warren!) If you are a MAVS fan, check out <a href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2015/9/22/9368727/guarantee-mavericks-championship-couldnt-watch-it" target="_blank">Warren's article here. </a><br />
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Not only do Warren and I have a love for sports in common, we also have a love for the Lord, a love for His church and a love for His people in common. Warren's article talks about a "what if" situation where as a fan would you not watch the MAVS for an entire season, including playoffs, if it meant they would win The Finals. As I read his article, I could not help but relate it to how we as people sometimes see the church. As people in church we always want things to be going "what we call well" or maybe "our way". We want to always be on top or at least what we think it means for the church to be on top. Which typically means we want things to be going our way or done or way.<br />
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But just like in sports, we don't always have things going our way... because there is someone else in charge. For the MAVS, it's Mark Cuban... for the church it's God. Sometimes when we think things are not going the way <i>we</i> think they should be, our first instinct is to bail. Kind of like how people's first instinct is to bail on their favorite sports team if they start losing. But if you bail, you don't get to be a part of all of the good things that might happen "at the end of that particular season". You don't get to see the end game. No matter what we may think of any given situation, God is always in control... even in and especially in, our churches. And if we want to see where God is taking us, we have to stick around and be a part of the valleys if we ultimately want to see what is happening up on the mountaintop.<br />
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No doubt, sometimes the valleys are hard and sometimes they are long, but isn't it worth it to stick together through the valleys so that you can be a part of the mountaintop? God's word is full of times of difficulty that culminate in mountaintop experiences. But you always have to go through the valley on the way to the mountaintop. To me... the mountaintop is worth the wait and the sacrifice it requires.<br />
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I ran across a quote from Patrick Mead this week... And it has been fitting for more than one occasion this week. (I love the way God works like that!) <br />
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<i>"God doesn't take the broken pieces of our lives and put them back
together again; He rearranges them into a new mosaic, a stained glass
window thru which His Son can shine." </i><br />
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He does the same thing through the broken pieces of our churches. And what are the broken pieces of our church.... we are. The church is not a building. The church is the people that are inside of it. The church is you. And if we commit to sticking together and sticking around until the mountaintop, we will be part of a beautiful masterpiece that His son can shine through out into the world.<br />
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Blessings!<br />
Liz Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-79376977055214007902014-12-28T19:25:00.002-06:002014-12-28T19:25:59.096-06:00Rest = RestoreWe have a new sermon series beginning next week entitled "Restore" in which we will be going through Luke 10. At Highland Oaks we have graphics to highlight each sermon series and various events. In the graphic for "Restore" the word Rest in <i>Rest</i>ore is highlighted. It was like the word Rest was jumping off the page at me. I started thinking about restoring my spirit and thought in order to do that I need to first "rest". Not only to rest physically and mentally (which I need), but I also need to rest with God. It's only in "rest" that I can be restored.<br />
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A couple of songs also came to mind immediately when I saw the word restore.<br />
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Restore My Soul <br />
The song Create in Me a Clean Heart has in one of the verses "Restore unto me the joy of my salvation"<br />
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It really made me start thinking that in order to be "restored" I must first "rest". I looked up the definitions of 3 words and listed a few of the definitions I saw for each.<br />
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<b>Rest:</b><br />
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">relief</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">freedom,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">especially</span> <span class="oneClick-link">from</span> <span class="oneClick-link">anything</span> <span class="oneClick-link">that</span> <span class="oneClick-link">wearies,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">troubles,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">disturbs</span></div>
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<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">period</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">interval</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">inactivity,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">repose,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">solitude,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">tranquility </span> </span> </div>
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<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">mental</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">spiritual</span> <span class="oneClick-link">calm;</span> <span class="oneClick-link">tranquility</span></div>
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<span class="oneClick-link">t</span><span class="oneClick-link"><span class="oneClick-link">o</span> <span class="oneClick-link">be</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">quiet</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">still</span></span></div>
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</div>
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<b><span class="oneClick-link"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Restore:</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">bring</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">back</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">state</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">health,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">soundness,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">vigor</span></div>
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<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">bring</span> <span class="oneClick-link">back</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">former,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">original,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">normal</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">condition</span></span></div>
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<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">reproduce</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">reconstruct</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="def-content">
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">give</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">back;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">make</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">return</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">restitution</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">(anything</span> <span class="oneClick-link">taken</span> <span class="oneClick-link">away</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">lost)</span> </div>
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> </span></span> </span></span></div>
<div class="def-content">
<b><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Renew:</span></span></b></div>
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">restore</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">replenish</span></span></span></div>
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">revive;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">reestablish</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">restore</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">former</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">state;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">make</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">new</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">as</span> <span class="oneClick-link">if</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">new</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">again</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="def-content">
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">begin</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">again;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">recommence</span></div>
<div class="def-content">
</div>
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">To me, all 3 of the words connect to each other in some way. And for me, "rest" is at the beginning of each one. If I want to bring myself back to a former state of health, (restore) sometimes I have to "rest" first. If I want to renew my spirit, I have to "rest"... physically, mentally and spiritually. If I want to reconnect with God because times have been stressful and crazy, I first have to "rest" with Him. Rest is such an important part of ours lives. It's required for a sound mind, it's required for a sound body and it's required in order for us to make a connection with the Almighty.</span></div>
<div class="def-content">
</div>
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">To be restored, I must first rest. And restored may not mean restored to my former self, it most likely means restored to the person that God is calling me to be. It may mean restored to see through His eyes; it may mean restored to act upon His visions; it may be restored think more like Him. In fact, one of the definitions of restore is to give back. God has given us so much. It's time for us to rest, be restored, and give back to others what God has so freely given to us.</span></div>
<div class="def-content">
</div>
<div class="def-content">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">May we all find rest in Him; and may be we restored to think, smell, act, see and love like Jesus. </span></div>
<div class="def-content">
</div>
<div class="def-content" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-NIV-23488"><span class="woj">"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-NIV-23489"><span class="woj"> </span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="def-content" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-NIV-23489"><span class="woj">Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, </span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="def-content" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-NIV-23489"><span class="woj">and you will find rest for your souls.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-11-30" id="en-NIV-23490"><span class="woj">For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”</span></span> </span></i></div>
<div class="def-content" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Matthew 11:28-30</span></i></div>
<div class="def-content" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="def-content" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Blessings!</span><i><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> </span></i> </div>
<span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> </span> </span></span></span> </span> </span> </div>
<span class="oneClick-link"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"> </span> </span> </div>
Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-21880370666515335322014-11-22T18:55:00.000-06:002014-11-22T18:55:04.052-06:00Radiating With JoyAs I was searching for the perfect verse for a friend today I decided to see what it said in different translations. The verse was Numbers 6:24-26... "May the Lord bless you and keep you; <span class="text Num-6-25" id="en-NIV-3849">the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> make his face shine on you </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Num-6-25">and be gracious to you; </span></span><span class="text Num-6-26" id="en-NIV-3850">the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> turn his face toward you</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Num-6-26">and give you peace." This translation is from the NIV which is what most of us know. As I was searching the other translations I found the one that was perfect for her. It is from the Living Bible translation which says... </span></span>"May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord’s face radiate with
joy because of You; may He be gracious to you, show you His favor, and
give you His peace."<br />
<br />
What caught my attention was "may the Lord’s face radiate with
joy because of You". How awesome is it to think of the Lord's face radiating because of You! But to read that verse causes some soul searching. Do my actions, do my words, does my life cause the Lord's face to radiate with joy? It's easy to get caught up in the world around you and to forget what, better yet who, you are really living for.<br />
<br />
This time of year it's a little easier to be more Christlike because the world is generally more Christlike. Around Thanksgiving and Christmas it seems like most everyone is, for the most part, more kind, more compassionate, more caring, more giving, the list goes on and on. But what about when the holidays are over. Some may even say that during this time of the year it's not as noticeable who is living for the world and who is living for Christ. But what happens after the holidays? What happens when the world goes back to living like the world? Will our life look any different than the world? Or will our life cause "the Lord's face to radiate with joy because of us"?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l5rHgRjQWLq4PaprKDBHMBXMp3gaU1ZLyKzoxNvAsZPZoWzmFS2jllP8iytT0eipMcRfWh8VL1nK6NJWgTkLFQM57Zfv_kubLmtsghoPYPSSw6iPOMM8XPlQDr3T3sJ75aueUQ/s1600/desert-sunrise-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9l5rHgRjQWLq4PaprKDBHMBXMp3gaU1ZLyKzoxNvAsZPZoWzmFS2jllP8iytT0eipMcRfWh8VL1nK6NJWgTkLFQM57Zfv_kubLmtsghoPYPSSw6iPOMM8XPlQDr3T3sJ75aueUQ/s1600/desert-sunrise-wallpaper.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>"To radiate with joy because of you" makes me think of my granddaughter. Just being around her makes me happy, joyful, excited, giddy, it just makes me overwhelmed with a love I cannot describe. I've even had people tell me, "you can just see the love and pure joy radiating from your face". That's how I want my actions to make God feel. I want Him to be filled with love and joy being around me so much so that "His face radiates with joy because of Me!"<br />
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I wonder what the world would look like if we all lived our lives in a way that "made the Lord's face radiate with joy because of us". My guess is the "world" would look a whole lot more like "Him"!<br />
<br />
May the Lord's joy radiate through you and may His face radiate with joy because of you!<br />
<br />
Blessings!Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-44934187463740732752014-07-21T17:53:00.000-05:002014-07-21T17:53:03.038-05:00Do We Show Mercy Well....In our Bible class yesterday we were looking at James 2 and talking about how "mercy triumphs over judgement". It has made me think about the word mercy and the different definitions it has.<br />
<br />
By definition the word mercy can mean the following...<br />
"An act of kindness, compassion, or favor"<br />
"The disposition to be compassionate or forbearing"<br />
"Something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing"<br />
"The discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishement"<br />
"Compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence"<br />
<br />
These are all things I freely give in any situation. But what about times that <i>mercy</i> might not fall into one of these categories. What about when that guy on the freeway cuts me off because he didn't get over in time to exit? What about that person in front of me in the express line that has 30 items instead of the 15 they are supposed to have? What about the person who walked into a door in front of me and lets it slam into me? What about the person who comes and gets at the front of the line when you have been standing in line waiting for 30 minutes... or longer? What about, you fill in the blank.... There are probably hundreds of other scenarios you have been in, in which mercy was the last thing on your mind.<br />
<br />
But what has hit me hard is that I'm not only called to show mercy to those I know are in need but also those who may seem harsh or just down right rude. I admit, the worse time for me is when I'm behind the wheel of a car. Let's face it, it just seems like some people are horrible drivers and just don't care who they cut off or almost sideswipe. We've all been there. But I also know there have times when I myself have been "the other driver". The one who probably cut you off by accident. I may have been the one that was preoccupied and let the door slam on you without thinking about it. And in thinking about those times, sometimes it's not because I am intentionally not paying attention, it because something heavy is on my mind.<br />
<br />
Could it be that when I am frustrated with someone else because I think they are not paying attention that maybe they have something weighing them down as well? Maybe that guy that just cut me off on the freeway just got a call about an emergency in their family. Maybe that person in the express line with too many items is a single mom who has been working all day and is trying to get some food for her kids before she is late to pick them up at day care and charged extra fees. Maybe that person who let the door slam on me is someone who just got some horrible news and they are paralyzed with what they've found out. It could be any number of reasons.<br />
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<br />
We've all been in these frustrating situations. I know it's frustrating even maddening when things happen especially when you are driving. But my goal for this week is to try and extend mercy in <i><b>every</b></i> situation... including those that happen on the freeway, in a grocery line, through a closing door, etc. And if I can do it this week, then it can become a pattern. I need to remember that while there are some rude people out there, most people are not intentionally rude. And you know what, even those who are rude may be that way because they have never been shown mercy. <br />
<br />
We cry out to God asking him for His mercy on a regular basis. We cry
out to God knowing that He is there and will grant us mercy...
regardless of our situation. We cry out to God asking Him for His mercy
to protect us. We cry out to God when we are in agony asking and
begging Him for His mercy. Are we as willing to <i><b>extend</b></i> mercy as often
as we are asking God for His mercy? My goal, is to try and show mercy always... because Mercy <b>Always</b> Triumphs Judgement! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Jas-2-12" id="en-NIV-30306">Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Jas-2-13" id="en-NIV-30307">because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Jas-2-13" id="en-NIV-30307">Mercy triumphs over judgment.</span> James 2:12,13</i></div>
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Blessings!!Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-15540122842617060312014-04-06T16:45:00.000-05:002014-04-06T16:45:24.356-05:00Through the Eyes of a Child...This past week has been a week that is heavy on my heart. Some friends of ours lost their 9 year old son, his twin sister lost her brother and a part of her, and their other son lost his brother. Grandparents have lost their grandchild and wounds of other friends who have lost children have been reopened. There are no words to describe what I feel or the heaviness of my heart. I cannot even imagine the pain, loss and gut wrenching agony of these families. No matter what their age, parents should not lose their children.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, Highland Oaks partnered with a school in our neighborhood to host an egg hunt. They were already having Saturday school so they wanted us to have the egg hunt before Easter weekend as an incentive to get their kids to participate in Saturday school. It worked! Their attendance more than doubled! But that was not the best part of this day. The best part of this day was the blessing of getting to serve others; the blessing of see children with full bellies. Because it's only in serving others that we realize how truly rich we are. Most of the kids in this school do not have much. They do not have things we take for granted... like more than one meal a day. We served the kids at the school breakfast before school and then lunch at noon when they were finished. The utter surprise and joy on these kids faces when they realized they could eat as much as they wanted was overwhelming.<br />
<br />
We had one child at breakfast who kept saying he wasn't hungry and didn't want to come and get a plate. Once I finally coaxed him over, he came back 5 times to get more with the biggest smile on his face. When they were heading to class, some of the kids would ask if they could have a sausage biscuit to save for later. At lunch we served pizza and one of the kids came and ask me if he could have another plate. I thought he wanted another plate of pizza, but he wanted another plate so he cover his plate with pizza to save it for later. You see, what we have learned in serving this school is that some of these kids only get one meal a day. They are not used to having enough food to eat, they are used to try to space out and save the food they have. I told him to go and eat his pizza and we would give him more and that we would even give him some he could take home. He still had a hard time eating his pizza and not saving it. It broke my heart.<br />
<br />
Children of any age should not die to childhood type illnesses. Parents should not outlive their children and children should not go hungry. But all of these things happen. I do not understand it, I cannot comprehend it, and I have no words to try and explain any of it. But what I do know is that in all of it, God is present. God is near to the brokenhearted and God is near to those who are hungry. And I know that God expects us in our abundance to help when we can. He expects us to be there to show others that He is truly present by the compassion and love He shows through us.<br />
<br />
We may not be able to do much, but we can always show people we care. We can tell people that their is a God who understands and who is near. We can be Jesus with skin on to the hurting and hungry around us.<br />
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It can sometimes be so easy for us to ignore the hurting and hunger that goes on around us. But when you see things happening to a child, it makes you take notice. May God be ever present with these families and with these children. May He comfort those experiencing any loss as only He can. May He give them legs to stand on when they cannot stand and air to breathe when they cannot breathe. May God be present with these children who wonder where their next meal will come from. May He give them strength and endurance and exactly what they need for every minute of every day. May the children we see always be a reminder to see everyone around us, not just the children, through the eyes of Jesus. Because He died and rose again for every one of us... and none of us deserved it... no matter how much we might want to think we did. Praise God that He sees us through the blood of Christ and does not see us as we truly are. Praise God that He is God and we are not.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Mark-10-13"><span class="text Ps-34-17" id="en-NIV-14406">The righteous cry out, and the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> hears them;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-17">he delivers them from all their troubles.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-34-18" id="en-NIV-14407">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is close to the brokenhearted</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-18">and saves those who are crushed in spirit.</span></span> </span></i></div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="line">
<i><span class="text Ps-34-19" id="en-NIV-14408">The righteous person may have many troubles,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-34-19">but the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> delivers him from them all;</span></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-19">Psalm 34:17-19</span></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-19"><span class="text Ps-147-2" id="en-NIV-16354">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> builds up Jerusalem; </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-147-2">he gathers the exiles of Israel.</span></span><span class="text Ps-147-3" id="en-NIV-16355"></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-19"><span class="text Ps-147-3" id="en-NIV-16355">He heals the brokenhearted</span> <span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-147-3">and binds up their wounds.</span></span><span class="text Ps-147-4" id="en-NIV-16356"></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-19"><span class="text Ps-147-4" id="en-NIV-16356">He determines the number of the stars </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-147-4">and calls them each by name.</span></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="line">
<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-19"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-147-4">Psalm 147:2-4 </span></span> </span></span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Mark-10-13">People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.</span> <span class="text Mark-10-14" id="en-NIV-24603">When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, <span class="woj">“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.</span></span> <span class="text Mark-10-15" id="en-NIV-24604"><span class="woj">Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Mark-10-15" id="en-NIV-24604"><span class="woj">Mark 10:13-15</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Mark-9-36" id="en-NIV-24575">He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, </span><br /><span class="text Mark-9-37" id="en-NIV-24576"><span class="woj">“Whoever
welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and
whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Mark-10-15" id="en-NIV-24604"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-9-37" id="en-NIV-24576"><span class="woj">Mark 9:36-38 </span></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Mark-10-15" id="en-NIV-24604"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-9-37" id="en-NIV-24576"><span class="woj">Blessings!</span></span></span></span><i><span class="text Mark-10-15" id="en-NIV-24604"><span class="woj"><span class="text Mark-9-37" id="en-NIV-24576"><span class="woj"> </span></span> </span></span></i></div>
Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-86185672334779974392014-03-23T16:02:00.000-05:002014-03-23T16:10:25.279-05:00Sharing God's LoveI have not been able to sleep well for several days. Thoughts keep coming into my mind so maybe someone else needs to hear what I feel the Lord is telling me.<br />
<br />
I have been reminded over and over the last week that if we are seeking God and our hearts are open, God will give us opportunities to share with others about what the Lord has done for us. And I have also been reminded about some very important truths about God... truths that continued to show up this morning in our bible class.<br />
<br />
God will always give you opportunities to tell and show others about Him. Whether God gives you a platform of 7000 people, a platform of 200 men or women, a platform of a bible class or whether He gives a platform of one; it's how we use those opportunities that will speak volumes into the world around us about who God is. Regardless of the platform God gives you, God calls you to use that opportunity well. God calls you to share with others what He has done in your life. He calls you to give them a message of faith, hope and love. He calls you to speak love, mercy and compassion into their lives and hearts, and God calls you to be a listener... because sometimes He may speak to you through the words and/or actions of others.<br />
<br />
I love how The Message phrases James 1:19-21<i>... "Post this at all the intersections, dear friend: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life."</i><br />
<br />
<br />
James 2 (NIV) says, "<i><span class="text Jas-2-12" id="en-NIV-30306">Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, </span></i><span class="text Jas-2-13" id="en-NIV-30307"><i>because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. </i><b><i>Mercy triumphs over judgment." </i> </b>Period...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Matthew 12 says, <i>"The mouth speaks what the heart is full of"</i>, so I want to make sure my heart is full of God's love, God's compassion and God's mercy. If God's mercy always triumphs over judgement, then why do we always seem to be trying to judge others. If God's mercy triumphs over judgment and if I have God living in me, then the words I speak should always be words of Love, words of Hope, words of Compassion and words of Mercy.<br />
<br />
So if "mercy triumphs over judgment", the question becomes... How are you going to use those opportunities when God presents them to you? What if... the moment you spend with that person or that group of people is going to be the only moment in which they will ever hear words about who God is? What if... that moment is the only moment in which you have a chance to share with others what God has done in your life? What if... what you speak in that moment defines what a person thinks about God for the rest of their life? What if... in that one moment you have the chance to change someone's life?<br />
<br />
The what if's of how my words or actions about God can define God for someone else is humbling, it's terrifying, it's sobering, it's overwhelming.... but it's also exciting. Because in that moment, I have the chance to tell them about the God "I" know. A God who is full of Love, a God who is full of Compassion, a God who Listens, a God who has changed my life and a God who has told me through His word, that Mercy <b>always </b>triumphs over judgment... Praise God!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679">"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. <b>But the greatest of these is love</b>." </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text 1Cor-13-13" id="en-NIV-28679"><i>1 Corinthians 13:13</i></span></div>
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Blessings!<br />
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<br />Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-37343804461535353702014-02-05T10:41:00.000-06:002014-02-05T12:13:08.705-06:00The Posture of ReceivingI have been thinking about something for the last two weeks. So I guess it's time to get down on "paper". The last two Sundays have been a little different. Two Sundays ago, Chris had to work so I was in worship by myself. Of course by myself is a very relative term. There were hundreds of other people here and our friends that we sit with every week were here, but I was a single. This past Sunday Chris worked in Preschool Praise (our children's church) during the worship time so I was again by "myself".<br />
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During these two weeks I have been really thinking about something. It's about the way I posture myself. Typically, Chris is in worship service with me. We hold hands a lot of the time and we always hold hands during prayers. I realized with him not being there, I found myself with my arms crossed a lot. I normally would not even have noticed or even thought twice about it. But for some reason I started thinking about the body language of having your arms folding across you. It really felt like I was shutting myself off; and I felt like God was calling me into something different. It was as if God was saying open up and receive all that I have to offer you; let me fill you up. I have raised my hands during worship songs for years when I am praising/praying to God through songs. So I decided to spend those two services during meditation and prayer times with my hands facing up on my lap. It probably sounds weird, but it was amazing the difference it made. It gave me more clarity and a better listening ear for what God was trying to tell me. Our minister calls it "the posture of receiving". He has talked about it before and asked us to do it on certain occasions but it wasn't something I continued to practice. Not because I didn't like it, but I never really thought about it afterward. And it hadn't been brought up today except by God calling me to it.<br />
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When you sit or stand with your arms folded across you it does or can give the impression of being closed off; whether you intend for it to or not. It made me start thinking about how I am around people after church or before church when I'm talking to them or better yet when they are talking to me. Are my arms open or are my arms crossed in front of me. Body language says a lot when you think about it. If someone wants to talk to you and you stand in front of them with your arms folded are you giving them a message you may not intend? Does it look like you are bored or don't care about what they have to say? Does it look different if your arms are open; even if they are just by your side? Does it look more inviting? Does it look like your listening and that you really care? Does it look like you are there for them with open arms rather than looking like you are ready to leave? Does it make you more available to give that spontaneous hug or touch on the arm they may need?<br />
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I believe that God wants us to always be in the posture of receiving. In doing so, we will be more open to receive the things that God wants to bless us with. It's hard to be a blessing to others unless we first open ourselves up to God's spiritual blessings for us. By opening ourselves up we will also be in a posture that allows us to bless others with God's touch or God's compassion more easily.What does our posture say about us? Are we closed off from God and others; or are we open to receive God's heart and thoughts for us so that we can in turn pass on that heart of compassion to others?<br />
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These last two weeks have made me realize I want to be open to receive whatever God chooses to fill me with. I want to open to give to others whatever He calls me to give. So I want to be intentional about what my posture looks like. I don't want others to see me as closed off or bored and ready to be somewhere else. I want them to see me and to know that I am there for them. I want to be intentional in practicing the posture of receiving.<br />
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One last thought... I always search for scriptures after I write down my thoughts for my own applications. The 2nd verse below I already had in my heart to use. So today my search was for "open arms". And only ONE verse came up! Wow! I really feel like God is speaking to me today! Practice the posture of receiving so you can in turn practice the gift of hospitality in whatever area God calls you to. Are you ready to receive what He has to offer? I am!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Ps-81-10"><span class="text Prov-31-20" id="en-NIV-17305">"She opens her arms to the poor</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-20">and extends her hands to the needy."</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="text Ps-81-10"><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-31-20">Proverbs 31:20 </span></span></i> </span><br />
<span class="text Ps-81-10"><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-31-20"><br /></span></span></i></span>
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<i><span class="text Ps-81-9" id="en-NIV-15227">"You shall have no foreign god among you;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-81-9">you shall not worship any god other than me.</span></span><span class="text Ps-81-10" id="en-NIV-15228"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text Ps-81-10" id="en-NIV-15228">I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-81-10">who brought you up out of Egypt.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-81-10">Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."</span></i></div>
<span class="text Ps-81-10"></span><br />
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<i>Psalm 81:9,10</i></div>
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Blessings!Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-84756950272955653852014-01-14T11:05:00.001-06:002014-01-14T11:05:20.232-06:00The Blessing of CommunityCommunity... the word community may bring to mind different things to different people. It may mean the city you live in, it may even mean a TV show you watch, but for me community means my church. Community means the church staff with which I am privileged to work. Community means my small group that we do life with. Community means my bible class. For me community is an extension of my family. My community is a part of my family. My Community is a safe a place.<br />
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There has been a lot going on in my community in the last couple of weeks. There are people who have had to go back into the hospital, there are people who have lost loved ones, there are people who are just flat hurting or who have been hurt.<br />
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As I have sat with people in my community this week, I am reminded of how blessed I am. I don't know how people do life without community. My community has been with me through some really hard times. This week I was blessed to be a shoulder to others in my community. And the thing that is so cool about that is that even though I am visiting with others to try and bless them in some way, I walk away being the one who is blessed.<br />
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On the way into work this morning, I heard of a 16 year old girl who had been kidnapped. They knew who had done it and were looking for her, but they feared for her safety. As I prayed over her, I prayed that her family has community. That they have someone that can be there for them and with them. Then I heard a story of an incident that happened in a Panera Bread restaurant. A mother and her 2 year old toddler daughter went to have lunch in a Panera. The little girl had to wear orthopedic shoes. A patron in the restaurant actually complained about the little girl, not because she was being disruptive (which would have been bad enough), but because her shoes were "squeaky" and making to much noise. That breaks my heart. Then to top it off, the manager asked them to leave because of this patron. Panera has apologized for the incident for which I am thankful. But what is wrong with people when they complain about 2 year old because her shoes, which she wears to help her, are too "squeaky"?<br />
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As I said, that story as it pertains to the little girl and her mom breaks my heart. But what breaks my heart even more is the woman who complained. Someone who feels the need to complain about a 2 year old's shoes must feel pretty sad and lonely inside. They may be a person who just needs someone to stop and say hello; someone who needs someone to notice them and give them a smile. Maybe they are someone who needs to be surrounded by a community that loves them. <br /><br />God created us to be people who love one another. He created us with a need to be around people. He created us with a need to be loved and to love others. If we are not loving one another could it be it's because we don't feel love from others? Could it be we need a community who will surround us in our times of heartache, loss or trouble? Sometimes you need to be able to feel that love of community in order to know how to show that love to others. Love of community is the love of God in my opinion in it's purest and rawest form. I know from experience that being part of a community of God's people is sometimes the only thing that will get you through. Because it's through that love that you feel the love of God.<br />
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I admit my first thought this morning of the woman who complained was a little bit judgmental. But then I was reminded by God, that woman may not have community. She may not know what the love of God feels like, so how can she know how to show that love to others. If you are in community with God's people, you are blessed. If you need to feel that kind of love, look for a community of believers you can be a part of; a community of believers who know what it means to show love and provide a safe place. We would welcome you at Highland Oaks Church of Christ if you yearn to be a part of community. <br />
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I would also like to challenge you, when you see someone such as this woman or many others like her, try to remember that they may not be part of a community. Or maybe their community hasn't learned how to show love and love others in all circumstances. Maybe they don't know about God's love and maybe they need someone to show them what God's love looks like. Sometimes just giving someone a smile or saying hi to them can do wonders to change someones disposition. And sometimes it may not; at least not in that moment. But you never know how a kind word you speak to someone today can change their life. Maybe not now, maybe not even in the weeks to come; sometimes it may be years later. But I've often heard stories of people who remember a time years ago when a spoken word, or a gentle touch by someone set things in motion and set them on a path that changed their life.<br />
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Sometimes it's so easy for us to judge someone else. But you have no idea what is going on in that person's life outside of what you see in that moment. You have no idea of the hurt or loss they may feel. You have no idea of the struggles they may have. You have no idea of the loneliness they may feel. So I challenge you as I challenge myself to try and ALWAYS see people through the eyes of Jesus. To always show other the love that Christ shows you. And remember... that smile, that hello, that gentle touch or compassion you show them in that instant could be the spark, the touch of God, that changes their life!<br />
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<i><span class="text Col-3-12" id="en-NIV-29530"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text Col-3-12" id="en-NIV-29530"><i>Colossians 3:12 </i></span></div>
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Blessings!<br />
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<br />Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-72027536902872602552013-12-04T16:42:00.000-06:002013-12-04T16:42:00.641-06:00Holidays... With a Heavy HeartI love the holidays! I love that all my kids come home. I love that they remember things from their childhood about the holidays. I love that there are certain things, foods, etc. that they associate with each holiday. All of those things have created many memories that I hold close to my heart.<br />
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But holidays can also be for some, a time when your heart is breaking. A time when you are having to relearn how to live, to relearn how to be happy or to relearn how to just breathe because you've lost someone close to you. Losing someone is never easy, when it happens around the holidays it's even harder. Because you almost feel like your holidays have been tainted. I lost my dad to cancer in November of 1973 just 2 weeks before Thanksgiving. I was almost 12 years old. And to this day, 40 years later, I still miss him. Yes, it's been long enough that it's not the focus of my holidays, but I still think of him none the less. But now, I remember more about all the fun we used to have and the things we used to do and I don't focus as much on the loss. But the loss is still there nonetheless. I still miss him when I hear my granddaughter say or do funny things, because I know he would have adored her and would be teaching her all kinds of mischief! I missed him especially when I got married and when my kids were born. He would have taught them so many things. Things I still tried to teach them, but it wasn't the same as having him here. I still remember seeing my mom break down that first Christmas he wasn't there. Knowing how much I love Chris, I cannot imagine that kind of pain.<br />
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And it's because of all of these things that my heart is so heavy. Our church has been hit hard this year with loss, with grief and with tragedy. We lost a great man to cancer who was a great friend, father, husband and son. We have a member who lost 2 members of their family to cancer within a couple of weeks time and he himself has battled cancer but is in remission, Praise God! We have lost several of our older members in the last year. We have members who have lost children unexpectedly. And I know people who have lost moms, dads, brothers, sisters and other extended family. There has just been so much loss. <br />
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It breaks my heart and weighs me down to know what the holidays will be like this year for those families. And then my heart is full of joy and praise because we have also had numerous members who have battled cancer and praise God are now cancer free! We also have some members who are finishing their cancer treatments and we continue to praise God for the healing He is doing in them. We even have one member who had an aorta rupture and she survived to tell about it! In fact, she was dead for 10 minutes and came back! That doesn't happen, so God has big plans for her!<br />
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I write all of this to say, be aware of those around you who are hurting. Whether it's because they've lost loved ones or it's because of another reason you cannot even fathom. Don't offer them advice just let them know that you there, that you care. Wrap your arms around them and remind them that they are loved. And wrap your arms around those who have fought the battle and are winning. Remind them that God has a purpose for them. Remind them that it's ok to be joyful and to praise God for "their" healing. Because deep down it's hard for them when they know others have lost the battle.<br />
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May God wrap His arms around each of this holiday season. May He fill your heart with love and thankfulness for the journey He is bringing you through. And for those who are suffering loss, may He wrap His arms around you and fill your heart with wonderful memories, may you feel the presence of your loved ones in the traditions you keep and in the laughter of your children and grandchildren. And may we all remember that He is risen and the tomb is empty and we will see them all again! Praise God!<br />
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<i><span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-NIV-18452">"but those who hope in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">will renew their strength.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-40-31">They will soar on wings like eagles;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">they will run and not grow weary,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31">they will walk and not be faint."</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-31">Isaiah 40:31</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-31"><span class="text Num-6-24" id="en-NIV-3848">"The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> bless you</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Num-6-24">and keep you;</span></span><span class="text Num-6-25" id="en-NIV-3849"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-31"><span class="text Num-6-25" id="en-NIV-3849">the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> make his face shine on you</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Num-6-25">and be gracious to you;</span></span>"</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-31">Numbers 6:24-25 </span></span></i> </div>
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Blessings!<br />
Liz Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-90139740201552551162013-10-29T18:39:00.002-05:002013-10-29T18:39:39.797-05:00Listening for GodI had something happen a little over a week ago and it still keeps coming to mind... and it still bothers me. A little over a week ago I was on my way home from work and there was someone walking around at the light I go through every day with a sign asking for help. At this particular location there is always someone there. Sometimes it's the same person and sometimes it's someone new. I don't help every day, but there are times when I just feel a strong urging from God to help. On those days, I put my window down.<br />
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The other day was one of those days. I can't explain it, but I just felt a strong urging to give them some money. I didn't have much on me, but I rolled down the window to give them what I had. What happened in the next few seconds still makes me mad and I still can't stop thinking about it. As I had my arm out the window handing some money to this gentleman, the light turned green. The second the light turned green, with my hand out the window handing someone who needed food some money, the truck behind me started honking... yes honking! I could not believe that someone would honk their horn for you to hurry up when you were offering someone assistance. It wasn't like I had been sitting there for several minutes... it had literally been seconds... probably one second! I gave the money to the guy and told him God bless you and drove on... But what I really wanted to do was throw my car into park and go give the guy behind me a piece of mind! I could not believe that someone would be so rude.<br />
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What has happened to people? How has society degraded to the point that someone will actually honk at you for taking to long to help someone? (And by too long I'm talking no more than about 5 seconds!) I was brought up by my parents to be loving towards others, to give when you can to help others, to treat others the same way you want to be treated. What has happened to society to get us to a point where we don't even show common courtesy to those around us?<br />
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And then, 2 days after this happened I was leaving a parking lot and saw a man and his wife and their 4 kids with a sign. He had just lost his job and they were trying to get enough money to get groceries. Again, I rolled down my window and gave him some money. Again, I heard a horn honk... but this time it was a guy in another lane who was trying to get his attention so he could also give him some money. In fact, people all around were rolling down their windows! Wow!! What a difference!<br />
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I know in this day in time, it's hard to know if people really need the money. There are stories of people who do this for a living and are making a fortune. I have no idea if that is really true, but if it's true, God will take care of those people. What I know is, there are times when I feel completely prompted by God to roll down my window. What I know is, there are times when I feel God causes me to overhear a conversation someone is having with someone else because he wants me to help. And what I know is, even when I don't feel prompted to help in certain situations, I will NOT honk for someone else who does feel prompted to hurry up! I also know that it is not up to me to judge whether or not someone is "really" in need. If I feel prompted by God, it is my job to give, not to judge.<br />
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There are people all around us every day. Some need help, some don't. Some need someone to talk to, some don't. Some need someone to just listen, some don't. Some need help with a meal, some don't. We are called to help whenever we can. We are called to be Jesus with skin on to a world that sees too little of who Jesus Really Is. We are called to be Jesus with skin on to a world that may not see Jesus except through us and the way we live or the kindness we show. I want them to see the Jesus I know. The Jesus who is loving, compassionate and available to give help when needed. The Jesus who has a kind word, a smile, an ear to listen, even money when needed. And one more thing I know... I generally never have cash on me any more, but Every Time I feel that prompting from God, there is always some kind of cash in my wallet.<br />
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If we listen, God will speak. Maybe through a strong sense of something you feel deep within you, maybe through something someone says to you. It may be in a variety of ways, but He Will speak to us. The question is... are we going to listen? And the bigger question is... how are we going to respond?<br />
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<i><span class="text Heb-13-1">Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.</span></i><span class="text Heb-13-2" id="en-NIV-30244"><i>Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, <br />for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.<br />Hebrews 13:1-2</i></span></div>
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Blessings!Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-30904827145323748902013-08-25T15:32:00.001-05:002013-08-25T15:32:40.135-05:00Power in the LightThis morning as we were getting ready for worship, our electricity went off. A few weeks ago there was a bad wreck in our neighborhood that took out a light pole and our power was out for about 5 hours. Normally, this morning wouldn't have bothered me except that I hadn't finished with my hair... which requires electricity. :-) We have room darkening shades and black out curtains in our bedroom because we like to sleep with it totally dark. So when the electricity went off it was amazing how DARK it was in there! It's also funny how trained we are to turn on the lights. Knowing that there was no electricity, the first thing you do is still reach for the light switch. It's like instinct; second nature.<br />
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Fortunately, this time the lights were only off for about 2 minutes and then they came back on. So we don't know what happened but we were glad it was short lived. But while the lights were off, I raised up one of the shades in the bedroom to let the light in from outside. Our house faces the east so there was lots of light to come in and dispel the darkness. But what was most interesting to me is what happened when the lights came back on.<br />
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Since we were getting ready for church I went ahead and let the shade back down and when I did I noticed something. Remember we have room darkening shades... but the light coming in from outside was so bright I could still see the the outlines, shadows and distinct images of the trees outside of our window. It was very clear that the light was shining through a tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS9rzeAF3BeSYhEQSay4jVTWmt3w3j33LuL0eA3D665SavTBQXCRLS1ml2ofeEvjTkzk0OzMVNgyzC370ORzv6iTUs16n7Qv38w-gbDcremuQRrqq5-llGA7lP7NiNKKLOBKH5Q/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYS9rzeAF3BeSYhEQSay4jVTWmt3w3j33LuL0eA3D665SavTBQXCRLS1ml2ofeEvjTkzk0OzMVNgyzC370ORzv6iTUs16n7Qv38w-gbDcremuQRrqq5-llGA7lP7NiNKKLOBKH5Q/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="240" /></a>It made me think about our lives as Christians. As Christians, if you are walking in the light, walking with Jesus, you can never really totally pull the shade down and cover your life. If you are walking with Jesus, even when you think things are at their darkest, He is right there with you. Keep treasures of His word in your heart and even if life is trying to pull the shade down on you, His light will shine through you just like it shined through that darkening shade in my room. It may not be as bright as you want it to be, but it's there. It's there enough to let you know that you are not alone. He shines through your darkness and provides you with a light filled with warmth. And no matter how dark it may seem at the time on the outside, God's light shines through you and out of you from the inside. It shines so brightly that the darkening shade that might be your life cannot block it out and it's very clear who you are and Whose you are.<br />
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So no matter what may be going on in your life, remember that someone around you may be watching and noticing the light that shines forth through you. Just as we instinctively<br />
reach for the light switch when the electricity
goes off, we can instinctively reach for Him when we feel like our
spiritual light is going out. Because when you walk with God, even when you feel like you are in the dark, you still have His light shining through you. So let your light shine... it just might shine brightly enough to break through someone's darkening shade!<br />
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<i><span class="text John-1-4" id="en-NIV-26049"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.</span> <span class="text John-1-5" id="en-NIV-26050"><sup></sup><br />The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.<br />John 1:4,5</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text John-1-5" id="en-NIV-26050"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><br />In the same way, let your light shine before others, <br />that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<br />Matthew 5:16</i></div>
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Blessings!</div>
Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-29884550561661562452013-08-01T18:08:00.000-05:002013-08-01T18:08:59.465-05:00Compassion & Caring... A Lost Art?This morning was one of those mornings... I got in my car, started it, then when I turned on the air conditioner I heard a loud clank and the car died. Fortunately, after a minute it started back up, but you couldn't turn the air on. With thoughts of a 104 degree day and a 112 degree heat index, the thought of no air conditioning was not appealing. So we began the trek of taking the car to the mechanic.<br />
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Chris drove the car and I drove our truck so we could both get back. We stopped on the way to get gas in the truck (seems like every time we get in that thing it needs gas!!) and as Chris came around to put gas in it for me, I rolled down the window and said "fill er up"! I remember going to the gas station when I was kid with my parents. You pulled into the gas station, rolled down your window and a nice man came out to the car. And that's what you would say, "fill er up". Then they would ask if wanted your windows washed. And... gas was around a whopping 36 cents a gallon!!<br />
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So, Chris gassed up the truck and we headed on our way. The radio in the truck has been going out for a while and since we rarely drive it, we haven't replaced it yet. Well, this morning, it didn't work at all. So it gave me time to think; which was really quite nice! As I sat in the quiet I thought about how things were when I was kid. At gas stations, attendants pumped your gas and washed your windows. At the grocery store, one person checked your groceries and another person bagged and carried them to the car for you. Your mailbox was right by your front door so lots of times you talked to the mailman. You actually interacted with people.<br />
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Now a days things are so different. We go to the grocery store and we look for the self checkout. Even if
there are open lines where people are actually working the registers. We want to get
it and get out. It's like we are in stealth mode or something. Get in
and out before anyone sees you so you can be on your way! I admit it, I
am guilty! I realize there are actually times when you really do have
somewhere to be, but the problem with living like this everyday is no
one knows how to talk to anyone anymore. The problem with living like
this is we don't interact with anyone around us. Maybe that's why we
find it so hard to see the hurting people around us.<br />
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People like to say we live in a microwave society. We want everything fast. And while that's true, I think we also live in what I would say is a very self centered society. I think there are many ways in which we can be self centered but what I am talking about is how we never really stop and smell the roses any more (as they used to say). We are always in such a rush, we don't want to take an extra second, let alone a few minutes to have a conversation with someone. <br />
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How are we supposed to see the hurting if we are never interacting with them? How can we see the hurting if we never stop long enough to look them in the eye? How can we feel their heartbreak if we don't stop and offer a kind word.<br />
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Jesus was able to see people because he was with people. He was engaged with people. He was there, in their lives talking to them, looking them in the eye, shaking their hand, putting his arm around them and they knew he could "see" them.<br />
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I wonder what it would look like if we started going about our day and thinking about how Jesus was with people. Would we smile more when we passed someone? Would we speak more? Would we look people in the eye more? Would we just simply show an interest in their lives?<br />
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How can we know that single mom is down to her last loaf of bread if we don't speak to her? How can we know that someone's heart is hurting if we don't look into their eyes? As I said before, I am guilty... Guilty of always being in a rush and of not wanting to take that extra second to speak because it might take longer than what I have time for at the moment. But then what happens... the moment passes and then we've missed an opportunity to be Jesus to someone. We've missed an opportunity to show them what it looks like for someone to care. We've missed a chance to show compassion for someone else.<br />
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It doesn't take but a few minutes to show those you come in contact with that you care. It doesn't take but a few minutes to show them what Jesus looks like with skin on. Those few minutes could be just what they needed to get through that day.<br />
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I'm am going to try and make every effort to change the cycle in my life. I'm going to try and stop going into the self checkout when there are open lines with cashiers. I'm going to try and look into people's eyes more often and try to see in them what Jesus would see in them. And maybe they will see at least a little bit of Jesus through me.<br />
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<i>Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 27:37-39</i><br />
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<i>"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8,9</i><br />
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Blessings! <br />
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<br />Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-78869286296332978012013-07-14T15:10:00.000-05:002013-07-14T15:10:23.474-05:00"Refresh" My SoulThis morning in our bible class we were continuing our study on "The Kingdom of God is Like..." and Psalm 23 was read as a reference. I have known that Psalm by heart ever since my daughter learned it in a 4 year old bible class. I think they learned the NASB version so I've always remembered it like this... "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quite waters. He <span style="color: magenta;">"restores"</span> my soul." This morning we were using the NIV and it says, He "<span style="color: magenta;">refreshes</span>" my soul. I had never heard that before even though I haven't used the NASB version for many, many years. I hadn't heard it because I had memorized that scripture years ago along with my daughter. So every time it was read I never turned to it in my bible because I "knew" it by heart. So I would just say it along it my head obviously without paying close attention to the words.<br />
<br />Don't get me wrong, I think memorizing scripture is great. But I was reminded today that even when you have something memorized, there is still much to learn. God's word is new every morning... even if you do have parts of it memorized. I love that we have different translations of scripture. Different words make you stop and think about things in a way you might not have thought about them before. I love that the NIV says "refreshes" instead of "restores". While my soul often longs to be restored, sometimes in the midst of trials, in the midst of uncertainty, in the midst of chaos, or in the midst of... you name the struggle, restores seems like something too far in the distance. Restores seems like something I am unable to grasp, something intangible. Sometimes restoring my soul seems like an uphill climb, a climb in which I may never reach the top. Sometimes restoring in the midst of darkness seems like something that will never come. But refreshes... ah... that is something I can cling too. The word "refreshes"... just saying it sparks something new in me. I may not feel like God is anywhere close to restoring my soul in certain times of darkness. But I know that He never leaves me. And to know that He "refreshes" my soul gives me just enough to keep going. It gives me just enough to know that someday, He will restore my soul fully.<br />
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The NCV says, "He gives me new strength". "New strength"... That's another word or words I can cling too. When it seems that nothing is going right and you don't have any idea what's coming next, you might not even be able to think about "restores", but new strength I can sink my teeth into. There have been many times when I didn't think I was going to make it, but God has sent me "new strength" for the task or journey that was at hand. The Message says, "True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction." "Catch my breath".... wow! Sometimes that is all I have the strength to do is "catch my breath". I love that.<br />
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I love that God's word can always bring something new and fresh. I love that God's word let's me know that even when things are crazy, He is there. I love that we have different translations to help give us a bigger picture of who He is. Because while sometimes it may seem like my soul is far from being restored, I know that God is there... to help me "catch my breath", to "give me new strength" and to "refresh my soul". So that one day, my soul can truly be "restored"!<br />
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Blessings!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,<br />he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.<br />He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the <br />darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.<br /><br />You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; <br />my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,<br />and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Psalm 23</i></div>
Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-54043058469699882332013-06-16T15:30:00.001-05:002013-06-16T15:30:45.273-05:00Father's Day ThoughtsFirst of all, I want to say that I have the best husband and father to my children that anyone could ever hope to have. He has walked with me down paths we didn't know we would take and he has been and Is my rock. He is a wonderful father to both of my children and is a great example of what unconditional love means. He is a wonderful father-in-law and he is an amazing "Pops" to a very special little girl. I love him with all my heart and more than any words could ever say. And there is no one on this earth I would rather "do life" life with.<br />
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But at the same time, Father's Day is always a day of mixed emotions for me. I lost my dad when I was 12 and in 6th grade to cancer. It was November of 1973, almost 40 years ago and to this day, I still miss him terribly. Obviously over time it gets easier, but there are times when I am reminded of how much I truly miss him. I missed him the day I got married; I missed him when my children were born and during the years they were growing up because he would have been the most amazing "Papa". I missed him when Eisley was born because she would have just melted his heart. I miss him during lots of times. But Father's Day always makes miss him more and stirs up lots of feelings. It makes me remember all the things I loved about him, but it always stirs up feelings of sadness for the time I missed with him. It reminds me of the hole that's still in my heart. And if I'm truly honest, there is even a little bit of bitterness there. Bitterness because I didn't get enough time with him. Bitterness because there are people who have had their dad for many, many years and yet they still complain about them and take them for granted.<br />
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But it also makes me mindful of others and the situations they have or didn't have with their fathers. I'm mindful of those men who have not been able to have children for whatever reason but who would have made wonderful fathers. I'm mindful of those children, who have fathers on paper but have never had a father in their life. And it makes me grateful that I had one of those father's even if wasn't for as long as I would have liked. I am mindful of those men who have children they want to be a father to but circumstances have not made that possible. And I am especially mindful of those men who have children they have lost through death. No parent should ever outlive their children and so on Father's Day, those men hold a special place in my heart.<br />
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One thing I have learned over the years is this... I may have lost my earthly father, but I still have a heavenly father who is there to share in my joys, to listen whenever I need to talk and he walks beside me no matter what struggle is going on in or around my life. And He is there no matter what I may face in this world. And because of Him, I know I will one day see my earthly father again. Because of Him, I know that even though I am missing my dad here on earth, He is passing out hugs and kisses and being a dad to those children who have gone before their parents. He is being a papa and giving piggy back rides and horsey rides on his knee to all of those precious babies that went way too soon.<br />
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If you are missing your earthly dad, you are not alone. And I know that sometimes the sadness can be overwhelming. But there is a father who wants to be there for you. He wants to dry your tears. he wants to hold you in His embrace. Most of all He just wants to love you. And no matter what happens in life He will always be there.<br />
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So whether you are a father, a grandfather or one of their children, don't waste a moment of the time God gives you with them. There are no guarantees about tomorrow. But there is a guarantee that no matter what happens, your heavenly father will be right be your side.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Ps-36-7" id="en-NIV-14446">How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-36-7">People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.</span></span> </i></div>
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<i>Psalm 36:7</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><span class="text Rom-8-38" id="en-NIV-28155"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,</span> <span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NIV-28156">neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NIV-28156"><i>Romans 8:38-39 </i></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NIV-28156"><i><span class="text Eph-3-16" id="en-NIV-29268">I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,</span> <span class="text Eph-3-17" id="en-NIV-29269">so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,</span> <span class="text Eph-3-18" id="en-NIV-29270">may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,</span> <span class="text Eph-3-19" id="en-NIV-29271">and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NIV-28156"><i><span class="text Eph-3-19" id="en-NIV-29271">Ephesians 3:16-19</span></i></span></div>
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Blessings!<br />
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<br />Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-10955438518300486372013-06-05T18:39:00.001-05:002013-06-05T18:39:52.413-05:00Finding Treasures that Shape our Thoughts and ActionsI'm sure I have mentioned many times how grateful and how blessed I am to be a part of the ministry team at <a href="http://www.hocc.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=58082" target="_blank">Highland Oaks Church of Christ</a>. I know that I work for a church, but I also know that it is a rare thing for even church staffs to spend time on a regular basis in prayer and God's word together. I am very blessed to be a part of such a group. And even more blessed to be a part of a group who <i>enjoys</i> getting together and spending time with God and each other.<br />
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This week during out prayer time, Pat, our lead minister, gave us a prayer to read over and think about. We often go through a process called <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2012/09/lectio-divina-divine-reading/" target="_blank">Lectio Divina</a> to help us focus on the words of the reading and what God is trying to tell us through it. This week we read the following prayer by "<i>Jacob Boehme".</i><br />
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<i>Give me, dear Lord, a pure heart</i></div>
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<i>and a wise mind, that I may</i></div>
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<i>carry out my work according to your will.</i></div>
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<i>Save me from all false desires, from pride,</i></div>
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<i>greed, envy and anger, and let me </i></div>
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<i>accept joyfully every task you set before me.</i></div>
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<i>Let me seek to serve the poor, the sad and those unable to work.</i></div>
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<i>Help me to discern honestly </i></div>
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<i>my own gifts that I may do the things</i></div>
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<i>of which I am capable, and happily </i></div>
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<i>and humbly leave the rest to others.</i></div>
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<i>Above all, remind me constantly that</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I have nothing except what you give me,</i></div>
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<i>and can do nothing except</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>what you enable me to do.</i></div>
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As I read through that on Monday certain phrases stuck out for me. Now, only 2 days later there are others that are staring me in the face. When we read the bible regularly, certain things we have read a million times can mean something totally different to us every time we read it. It depends on what is going on in our life at that moment. This prayer does the same thing for me. There are so many treasures in this prayer. So many things to help slow our minds down and to help us focus on the things that matter. Things that can direct us personally and things that can help us to see the world and those around us through the eyes of Jesus and not through the eyes of man.<br />
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I wonder what it would look like if we all prayed this prayer everyday. If we prayed this prayer everyday anticipating and even expecting for God to meet us in this prayer. I wonder what we would look like to the world and to those around us. I wonder if our actions would change. I wonder if we would begin to truly see what is going on all around us. I wonder what our churches would begin to look like if all the members of churches were praying this prayer. Would we look and smell different? We would look and smell more like Jesus? Would the things that break the heart of Jesus begin to break our hearts in ways we didn't even know were possible? Would we begin to serve others and do things we never thought we would or even could do... things we didn't even think we were cable of doing?<br />
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I can't speak for other people, other churches, my own church, even my own family. But I can speak for me. I am challenging myself to pray this prayer daily. To let the words sink in every day and to allow God to use the words to shape me and to mold me into who He wants me to be. To train my eyes to see what He sees. To train my heart to feel what He feels. He is God, and I am not. But He can do things through me than I cannot even imagine and I want my heart to be open to receive whatever He wants to do with me.<br />
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<i>Yet you, Lord, are our Father.</i></div>
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<i>We are the clay, you are the potter;</i></div>
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<i>we are all the work of your hand.</i></div>
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<i>Isaiah 64:8</i></div>
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Blessings!Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-46007883614751731932013-05-21T10:24:00.000-05:002013-05-21T10:24:31.448-05:00Blessed are Those Who Mourn, for They Will be ComfortedAs I sit here at my desk this morning, I am finding it very difficult to focus on work as I think about all the devastation and weeping going on in Moore, Oklahoma. Literally our neighbors. I am a Christian who believes and trust in God, I work for a church, I am a parent and a grandparent and I am a child. Even still, it is all so hard to imagine.<br />
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I have close friends who have lost children and I have seen the agony and pain that brings. I think about my own family and I cannot even fathom it. The thought of kissing your children as the get out of the car for school in the morning, not realizing that the next kiss they receive would be from their heavenly father.<br />
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I just wrote a blog this week entitled "Through the Eyes of a Child" thinking about my granddaughter Eisley. I cannot even imagine the pain of my own family, of my own daughter and son-in-law in the circumstances the parents of Moore are facing. My heart literally aches for them.<br />
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The only thing I KNOW through all of this is this, He is God and I am not. While I cannot imagine what these parents are going through, I know that God knows. I know that He is right there beside them, wrapping them in His arms, holding them close to His heart. My prayer is that each of these families, will feel God's presence in ways they never have before. That even through the tragedy, especially because of the tragedy that they will not lose hope. That they will cling to the Father like never before and that they will be able to have some peace in knowing their children are with Him. That they will continue to praise God even in the storm that rages around them... because the tomb is empty!<br />
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Our dear friend Jenny Bizaillion went home to be with God a little over 3 years ago. She absolutely adored and loved children with all her heart. Her precious daughter Malaya was everything to her. I can see her now surrounding each and every one of those precious children with her loving arms and covering each one of them with love and kisses. Not only are they surrounded by their heavenly father God, but they have a heavenly mother in Jenny. As my heart aches, those images make me smile through the tears.<br />
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May God bless each family beyond measure and give them the comfort that can only come from Him.<br />
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<i>Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.</i></div>
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<i>Matthew 5:4</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><span class="text Ps-34-18" id="en-NIV-14407">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is close to the brokenhearted </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-34-18">and saves those who are crushed in spirit.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-18">Psalm 34:18</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-18"><span class="text Ps-147-3" id="en-NIV-16355">He heals the brokenhearted </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-147-3">and binds up their wounds.</span></span> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-18">Psalm 147:3</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-18"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-34-18"><br /></span></span></div>
Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-83915294036211332902013-05-18T22:13:00.000-05:002013-05-18T22:13:03.305-05:00Through the Eyes of a Child<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6AFgVC0g9jSm5krMAROveEzByKLsTHS1LWRUFwAs3l_Gwt-mBixI0tsVGgSGqNyxgcfU7824X_ndOaIzkq_AnA27bpQQ2BdpoNTwgyI0C3l1k0G3_0L1K171wcut8jf9TOXIUg/s1600/6007_912435111107_1567618704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6AFgVC0g9jSm5krMAROveEzByKLsTHS1LWRUFwAs3l_Gwt-mBixI0tsVGgSGqNyxgcfU7824X_ndOaIzkq_AnA27bpQQ2BdpoNTwgyI0C3l1k0G3_0L1K171wcut8jf9TOXIUg/s200/6007_912435111107_1567618704_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Ok, let me just start out by saying, yes I am an adult, and yes I LOVE Disneyworld!! We recently spent 8 days at Disneyworld. We also had the privilege of taking our daughter and son-in-law as well as our almost 2 year old granddaughter! I cannot tell you how much that was! Getting to see Disneyworld through the eyes of a 2 year old is special. It's even more special when it's your own kids first time to experience it; and it is beyond amazing to see it through the eyes of your 2 year old granddaughter who is witnessing it all for the first time! I am beyond blessed!<br />
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We have been home now for almost a week. And as I look back through our pictures from the trip, the magic of it all is truly amazing. Disney really knows how to do things right when it comes to kids. They know what kids expect, they know what scares them, and they know how to react to them. It's quite amazing. My granddaughter Eisley, had a wonderful time. We were all a little worried that the reality of all of the Disney characters might scare her. But she absolutely loved it from day one. She would get so excited with all of the anticipation of waiting for someone to come around the corner. She loved the parades and would just clap and get excited waiting for the next character. She loved the princesses and would just light up when she saw them!<br />
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As I reminisce about our trip and see the excitement in her face it reminds me of Jesus saying in scripture to let the little children come to Him. Children have such pure joy and excitement. They are not tainted by the harsh realities of the world. They still see things with pure love and excitement. Eisley was so excited to see and spend time with the Disney characters. And it makes me think... as adults do we get that excited? <br />
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There are some things we as adults get excited about. Some of us get excited about Disney :-), some of get excited about sports, :-) some of get excited about music, some of us get excited about fill in the blank. But... do we get excited about Jesus? Do we get excited when we get to worship and sing praises to Him on Sunday morning? Do we get excited when we take the time to sit with Him and soak in His word? Do we get excited to sit and be still with Him? Do we get excited when He opens a door for us and provides us with a wonderful opportunity to serve others? Do we get excited when He puts people in our path that need Jesus with skin on?<br />
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Children see things in such a unique way. Their excitement is genuine! Their joy is contagious! What would it look like if we looked forward to spending time with Jesus in the way Eisley looks forward to seeing Pooh and the Disney princesses. What would it look like if we were always that excited to run to Him and spend time with Him by studying His word. What would it look like to be that excited to sit in the quiet and be still with Him. If we got half as excited about spending time with Jesus as we get watching sports, seeing a concert, spending time at Disney, etc, we just might be able to experience Jesus through the eyes of a child. We just might get to experience Jesus in a whole new way. We just might be able to experience the pure joy of being in His presence, the joy of knowing that He is in control of our lives.<br />
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The thing is, once you begin to spend more time with Him, the more you "want" to spend time with Him. The more you spend time with Him, the more excited you get when you get an extra chance to be with Him. The more you spend time with Him, the more you will choose Him over other things.<br />
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I pray that we will all be able to experience Jesus with the eyes and excitement of a child.<br />
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<i><span class="text 1Thess-3-12" id="en-NIV-29603">May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-3-13" id="en-NIV-29604"> </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1Thess-3-13" id="en-NIV-29604">May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text 1Thess-3-13" id="en-NIV-29604">1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 </span></i></div>
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<span class="text 1Thess-3-13" id="en-NIV-29604">Blessings!</span></div>
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Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-44744873979474930872013-04-10T16:37:00.001-05:002013-04-10T16:37:13.927-05:00Choosing to Love...Working in a church you see all kinds of things come through the mail. Some times things come through the mail from other churches or "religious leaders" that just have me scratching my head. They claim to be all about Christ and living the way Christ lived, yet their entire publication does nothing but put labels on people who do not worship "exactly" as they worship and do not "do things" exactly as they do things.<br />
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This is going to be short because I do not want to be one of those people. What I want to say is this... If those who stand back and critique or criticize and judge others, would spend one fourth of the time they spend talking about others and start reaching out to their community, reaching out to help the poor, just treating people with kindness and love, they would not have the time to write such judgemental things.<br />
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Yes, we may have differences in styles, we may have differences in many things, but if we are all following God's word, the "style" in which which follow God's word is not what's important. What's important is that we are following God's word. It is important to follow Jesus and His teachings, not teachings of men. It is important to love others and not to judge them, that's God's job. It is important to help those in need, not to judge their reasons for that need. Jesus says to "Love One Another". He doesn't say love them if they look and smell like you. He doesn't say love them if they do things the way you do them. He doesn't say love them if they have the same social status as you. He doesn't say love them if... fill in the blank. He simply says, "Love Them". Our job is to be Jesus with skin on to the world. Our job is to Love as Jesus loved. I just don't see Jesus in some of the publications I see. If we start with Love, all the other "stuff" won't matter nearly as much.<br />
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<i><span class="text John-13-34" id="en-NIV-26665"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.</span></span> <span class="text John-13-35" id="en-NIV-26666"><span class="woj">By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="text John-13-35" id="en-NIV-26666"><span class="woj">John 13:34,35</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="text John-13-35" id="en-NIV-26666"><span class="woj"> </span></span></div>
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Blessings!<br />
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<br />Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-13505810740977919172013-04-01T20:54:00.002-05:002013-04-01T20:59:50.394-05:00Reflections on EasterI have been reflecting a lot the last few days on this Easter season. I am so grateful for my church, <a href="http://www.hocc.org/" target="_blank">Highland Oaks Church of Christ </a>for many reasons. The people there are amazing, their love for God and His people is evident and this Easter and the week prior I became event more grateful. The way our ministry staff continually chooses to think outside of the box and the way in which they allow God to speak through them blesses me everyday. But this Easter season was amazing.<br />
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One thing we have done the last couple of years is offer a prayer experience the week prior to Easter. There are 8 stations set up in our Fellowship Hall that intentionally and purposefully direct you to Jesus and the cross. Some of the stations are listening to specific music while allowing God to take you into His space, some of them are reading God's word and then asking yourself specific questions about what you've read, some of them require you to use different senses, but all of them require you to sit and be still with Him. It takes about an hour to go through all eight stations. I finally was able to participate in this experience this passed Thursday. I cannot tell you the blessing it was to me. To be able to take an hour and go through the stations and just spend time resting with God's word and allowing Him to fill my soul was amazing.<br />
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On Friday, we had a Good Friday Memorial Service called "an there was darkness". It was more than I could have ever anticipated. There was funeral procession of "the family" of Jesus. One of our ministers lead the procession carrying a cross with a veil draped over it that was placed at the front. Then we heard from "the prostitute" who Jesus saved from stoning, "Simeon Peter" who denied Jesus 3 times and "Jesus' mother Mary" as each one told their story and how they felt like it was their fault that Jesus was dead. We were also told to go through the service imagining that we did not know that Sunday was coming. To imagine as if we were there on that day not knowing what was to come.<br />
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That service was more overwhelming that I could have ever imagined. To put yourself in a frame of mind of not knowing that Sunday was coming and to witness the testimonies of those who walked with Jesus, and to imagine that His death was the end was something I really cannot describe. There is such darkness, such hopelessness, such sorrow when you have no hope of a savior. Our family has gone through some personal struggles over the last several years. The thought of having no hope during those times was overwhelming. I would not have made it without my faith; without knowing that God is control; without knowing that the tomb is empty and that because of that truth that all things are possible!<br />
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On Sunday, we had an amazing message and testimony of God's grace and faithfulness working among us. We have windows that surround the balcony of our worship center. As the message concluded and promise of the empty tomb was proclaimed, the shades to those windows were lifted and the light burst forth and shined brightly across the worship center as though Christ himself had lit up the room. It was amazing; it was emotional; it was evidence of the empty tomb!<br />
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The hope that comes from the resurrection is the only thing that gets me through on days when it seems like God is silent, when it seems like he's far away. And it's because of that hope that I can look back and see that even when I thought God was silent, He right there every step of the way. Some things can only be explained by the grace of God. Without the hope of the resurrection, there is no hope.<br />
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I am thankful and grateful for that hope! I cling to that hope always! The tomb is empty my friends! And because of that, we all have hope... always! That's truth!<br />
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<i><span class="text 1Pet-1-3">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,</span> <span class="text 1Pet-1-4" id="en-NIV-30379">and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you!</span></i> </div>
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<i>1 Peter 1:3,4a</i></div>
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Blessings!<br />
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<br />Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21502132.post-57381168091816716642013-01-05T17:00:00.000-06:002013-01-05T18:53:56.048-06:00Do We Live in the Twilight Zone?It seems like every year during the holidays there is ALWAYS a Twilight Zone Marathon being played on TV. Chris and I have always loved the Twilight Zone. Some might say we were obsessed with it! At one point before we had kids the Twilight Zone came on fairly regularly on TV. We used to record every episode so that we could get the collection of all of them. I know this really dates me, but this was back in the days of VHS tapes and there was no such thing as being able to "buy" TV shows! (Who knew!!)<br />
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Even today, every time we see an episode on we get totally engrossed in the episode. I know this is weird, but we usually even know the name of the episode just by seeing what's going on without looking at the info button! So... when there was a marathon on over New Years, we found ourselves watching numerous episodes.<br />
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Most of the original Twilight Zone episodes, were made it black and white; which tells you how long ago they were made. At the end of every episode Rod Serling always had a moral to the story that had just played out on the screen. What was interesting to me in watching it this time was how relevant the "topics" and "morals" of the stories still were today.<br />
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From people being forced to have plastic surgery to look like everyone else, to a librarian being called obsolete (even back then) as well as others being called obsolete just because certain people didn't deem them necessary anymore, to people so afraid of what might be happening to them, that they chose to believe everything that came out of a physic machine, to people thinking that because they looked different than everyone else that somehow meant there was something wrong with them that needed to be fixed, and on and on I could go.<br />
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Who would have thought that all of the topics from a TV show in the 1960's (actually it started in 1959 - which by the way was before I was born!) :-) would still be so relevant today. Who would have thought that you could watch those shows 40+ years later and still find great value and ways to live in them.<br />
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Any yet... isn't it the same with God's Word? The bible was written about events that took place thousands of years ago and yet if we take the time to read it, it is still relevant today in every aspect of our lives. From teaching us how we should treat others, to telling us how to help those around us, to telling us not to judge others because they might be different than we are, to showing us the many ways that God worked and still works today, and on and on I could go.<br />
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It's really easy to get caught up in a TV show. Maybe it's time we get just as caught up in reading God's word. It's still relevant today. It can still teach you a great deal. You can read a passage that you thought you knew and it can mean something totally different to you based on what's going on in your life which makes it fresh and new every day. It still tells us how to love others and that above all things God is about Love.<br />
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Maybe in 2013 we can get back to what God commands. To Love everyone, to not judge others, to put others before ourselves and again LOVE!<br />
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<i>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. </i></div>
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<i>It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, </i></div>
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<i>it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. </i></div>
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<i>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.</i></div>
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<i>And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.</i></div>
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<i>1 Corinthians 4-8, 13 </i></div>
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Blessings!Liz Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467589366427109118noreply@blogger.com1