tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35743991309538104052024-02-08T10:37:36.430-08:00Genuinely JeanneJeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-45081453019607585882012-05-12T14:51:00.000-07:002012-05-12T14:51:03.236-07:00We were meant to be the moon. <br />
<o:p></o:p> <br />
The sun blazes. Its impact is seen and felt every day. Even on a cloudy day it gives light and warmth. But the sun is burning out. One day it will collapse upon itself and become a black hole.<br />
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I tried to be the sun once; it nearly killed me. I was a “good christian.” Not a fake christian, either; a true believer. My intentions were as right as they could be. In trying to be the sun (all things to all people) I burned out, collapsed upon myself and tried to draw others into the density. All because I was not meant to be the sun. Neither are you.<o:p></o:p><br />
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We were meant to be the moon. <o:p></o:p><br />
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As I child, my mother explained to me the face of the man-in-the-moon. She made the moon friendly and comforting – always there in the dark if I needed a light to see by. As I grew older, I discovered that the moon moves in cycles. While it always reflects the sun’s light, I can’t always see it. I also learned there really isn’t a man-in-the-moon.<br />
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The moon is a rock. Just a holey, dusty rock. Nothing magical or supernatural. Yet the moon’s impact on the earth is profound. The moon is vital to earth’s life. Her orbit, gravity, tidal patterns…even her weather depends on the moon’s presence. In the dark night, if we can find the moon, we can find our way. <br />
<o:p></o:p> <br />
Yet all the moon does is keep its face turned toward the sun, reflecting its light and completing its appointed rounds as determined by its Creator.<o:p></o:p><br />
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We are meant to be the moon. <o:p></o:p><br />
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We are meant to be steadfast and solid – just-a-rock – affecting our world simply by our presence. We may not see the “tide” turn or the “orbits” continue on the correct path, but our presence is an influence by those seeking purpose and direction. We may not know that we are stability in a constantly changing world, but as “just-a-rock”we provide strength for those in need. We may not realize that we are shelter in the storm, but our constancy covers others as they seek safety.<o:p></o:p><br />
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When others are lost in the dark, we are meant to be the face that reflects a greater light.<o:p></o:p><br />
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We are meant to be the moon. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Our purpose is to BE WHERE WE ARE, trusting that God knows we're there, trusting that He has placed us right where we need to be. And as we turn our faces toward the Son, reflecting His light, we will impact our environment according to His plan. <o:p></o:p><br />
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We are meant to be the moon.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-15062136179030452522011-01-03T20:04:00.000-08:002011-01-03T20:05:10.384-08:00HOSPITALITYBUT I’M TOO BUSY, TIRED, OLD…WHATEVER. <br />
Ref: Luke 1<br />
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“Zechariah, I am too old for this! My feet ache, my back aches, even my aches ache. And I’m tired, so tired. Plus, I haven’t got everything ready for this kid.” Zechariah, of course, said nothing. He still had three months to go before <i>“his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak, praising God.” <br />
</i><br />
Of course, I’m referring to Elizabeth & Zechariah, the parents of John (who became the Baptizer.) I don’t know for sure if Elizabeth complained about being pregnant, old, achy, tired and busy, but I do know that I probably would have. And maybe you would have, too. Sometimes life is like that.<br />
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But then Mary shows up. <br />
Mary – who is young, scared and a virgin mother; <br />
Mary – who tells Zechariah and Elizabeth a tale of a shining angel and the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit and the knowledge that there is new life growing in her womb; <br />
Mary – carrying NEW LIFE for every person who ever believed in the coming Messiah and who would ever believe in a Savior. <br />
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Elizabeth’s aches were set aside, her husband’s silence forgotten, her seclusion ended – the only reminder of her own situation was when <i>“the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”</i> She began at that moment to minister to her niece. Elizabeth pronounced blessings on Mary; she rejoiced, encouraged, and affirmed Mary. They glorified God together. <br />
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And Elizabeth let Mary stay a while, resting and marveling at the wonder of God. Sometimes, God calls us to let go of ourselves long enough to hold someone else. <br />
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So, even if you don’t wear diamonds to do the dusting (tables or cakes) or you’re your life isn’t perfect (whose life is?) you can still practice hospitality – give what you can, reach out, and value others. <br />
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That’s really what hospitality is all about.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-90809080628407234862011-01-02T18:52:00.000-08:002011-01-02T18:52:33.764-08:00HOSPITALITYBUT I CAN’T INVITE PEOPLE TO MY HOUSE <br />
Ref: 1 Samuel 25<br />
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Remember Abigail?<i> “Intelligent and beautiful, but her husband [Nabal] was surly and mean in his dealings.”</i> <br />
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When David’s men came to him and asked for provisions, Nabal was insulting, stingy and just plain rude. <br />
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<i>“One of the servants told Abigail: “David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. Yet these men were good to us…the whole time we were out in the fields near them…they were a [protective] wall around us all the time we were herding our sheep.” Abigail lost no time. She took [food and drink] and loaded them on donkeys.” </i> Then she went to meet David herself. <br />
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There’s a lot more to the story than this, but the point here is that sometimes you have to show hospitality away from your own home. There may be some circumstance in your family that doesn’t allow you to have others come in, but you can always reach out. It can be as easy as sharing a table with other shoppers at the Costco cafeteria or helping a little kid reach the drinking fountain. <br />
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Now you may not end up being the king’s next wife, but God will honor your efforts at hospitality by blessing you.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-49914116938152335342011-01-01T23:19:00.000-08:002011-01-01T23:20:31.685-08:00HOSPITALITYBUT I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH <i>Ref: 1 Kings 17<br />
</i> <br />
When she looked in her cupboards, they were bare except for ‘handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug.’ <br />
<br />
When Elijah asked her for a little water and a piece of bread, the Sidonian widow was afraid to share the last of her food. She needed it to feed her son the last meal she thought she’d ever feed him. There was no hope for more – the entire country was being consumed by drought and famine.<br />
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She voiced her fears to Elijah, who said, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and you son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.’” She went away and did as Elijah told her. There was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. <br />
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When we say, “But I don’t have enough,” God says, “That’s okay, use it what you have and I’ll supply all you need.”Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-43282942372955813052010-12-30T16:56:00.000-08:002010-12-30T16:56:48.132-08:00HOSPITALITYOkay, I admit it! I’m not the Suzy Homemaker type. I barely know the difference between a colander and a custard. Did you know that dusting can mean putting something on something OR taking something off something? You dust the coffee table – you dust the coffee cake. No wonder I’m confused. <br />
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I don’t really have any excuses for not being more domestic, either. We live in a world where appliances do all the hard work for us. The grocery store has food – it’s not like we have to plant and harvest it ourselves. I just don’t really enjoy it very much. I love the results, but getting there is not fun for me. <br />
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However, my friends still hang out at my house occasionally; my kids (when they lived at home as teens) invited their friends over and nobody got sick; and I’ve even been known to host an occasional Tupperware® party. I guess I’m somewhat hospitable, but I’m sure there’s room for improvement.<br />
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Hospitality is important to God. After all, He’s in heaven preparing a home and a banquet for us. He wants us to practice hospitality here as well. Romans 12:13b says it plainly: “Practice hospitality.” Over the next three days, I want to introduce you to three women who were hospitable in ttheir own ways.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-62784293926041524612010-12-28T13:29:00.000-08:002010-12-28T13:29:12.575-08:00Bible Reading ChallengeYesterday I met with three of my girlfriends to touch base and pray. We talked about the changes we'd like to see in our spiritual lives in 2011. One thing we all mentioned is that we'd like to be reading our Bibles more. <br />
<br />
Excuses I've heard - and used myself - for not reading the Bible:<br />
I don't have time - my schedule is too busy. <br />
I need sleep - my body and mind is too tired. <br />
I don't understand what I read - the Bible is too <br />
complicated.<br />
<br />
The word of God changes us. I was a christian for over 12 years before I started reading my Bible regularly. It wasn't until that time that I started to really understand who Jesus is and how He loves me. I learned that I must not let the "tyranny of the urgent" crowd out what is really important. <br />
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The priorities of life become clearer and I was able to let go of the assumptions, expectations and obligations that really weren't worth my time and effort.<br />
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Rest and refreshing came when I spent time reading and meditating on the Bible. I slept better and became a more cheerful and positive person. Even if this was the only benefit, it was worth it.<br />
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The more I read the Bible, the more I was able to make connections between the Old and New Testaments. I learned to understand and apply the principles outlined there. It became less complicated and more cohesive. I came to understand how important context is and how the contradictions I thought I saw weren't really contradictions at all. I also learned that Jesus loves me unconditionally, and without restraint. His promises are for me. <br />
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AND...they are for you. But you won't know what they are unless you read your Bible regularly. <br />
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<b>A Challenge: Read Your Bible Every Day For A Month<br />
</b> (Get a translation you understand. I use the New International Version (NIV))<br />
<br />
Go to www.heartlight.org for a Bible Reading Plan. I suggest choosing a New Testament one to start.<br />
<br />
Keep a notebook with your insights, thoughts and questions. I'd like to know what changes occur after reading every day for one month and I'd like to know if you plan to keep reading.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-86615116287781297012010-12-25T10:32:00.000-08:002010-12-25T10:32:27.001-08:00Merry CHRISTmas!Today I choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He is my God, my King, my Lord, my <br />
<br />
Savior, my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Friend, my Brother, my Husband, my Father, my Peace, my Hope, my Joy...He is EVERYTHING to me! <br />
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I am so very, very grateful for His grace and mercy. For His choice to come to earth and make Himself subject to my situation (human-ness), so that eventually I can be 'subject' to His situation (heaven.) For His sacrifice (death on the cross) for me so I can sacrifice for Him (give my life.) For His good plans for me, for a hope and a future. He has made the way. I declare today that I trust Him with my life, my heart, my family and friends.<br />
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Mere words cannot express my love for Him. My heart is full.<br />
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Thank you, My Jesus, for loving me so. It's amazing and wonderful and more than I could ever express in human words. I love you, My Jesus.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-20014883233605457022010-12-23T21:29:00.001-08:002010-12-23T21:29:19.135-08:00My Favorite Worship SongBe Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;<br />
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art<br />
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,<br />
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.<br />
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Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;<br />
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;<br />
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;<br />
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.<br />
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Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;<br />
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;<br />
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:<br />
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.<br />
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Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,<br />
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:<br />
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,<br />
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.<br />
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High King of Heaven, my victory won,<br />
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!<br />
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,<br />
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-10898967067589983672010-12-22T23:16:00.001-08:002010-12-22T23:16:53.742-08:00Eight Important Scriptures You Need To Know:2 Samuel 14:14<br />
Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.<br />
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Romans 3:23<br />
…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…<br />
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Romans 6:24<br />
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<br />
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Romans 10:9-10; 13<br />
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."<br />
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Romans 8:38-39<br />
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 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.<br />
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Romans 12:2, 21<br />
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.<br />
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<br />
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James 1:12<br />
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.<br />
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Revelation 3:11-12<br />
I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-15937822399768658172010-04-03T22:16:00.000-07:002010-04-03T22:21:30.097-07:00My Heart For You"Oh that your heart would be inclined toward Me. Not that I need or want to be adored. But I want life to go well for you. I want you to be full and free. And I want to be your everything - because I AM."Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-77746276981628448352010-04-01T17:34:00.000-07:002010-04-01T17:45:25.224-07:00You Were Made for MeContentment eludes me; satisfaction never comes.<br />What’s wrong with me? I cry. Why can’t I be happy with what I have?<br /><br />His voice rings true and strong:<br />What you want will never satisfy. <br />And there’s nothing wrong with you.<br />You were made for another world.<br />You were made to long for something else,<br />something more than this.<br />The things you long for here are just shadows<br />Of what you were made for.<br /><br /><br />Love deserts me. Emptiness always comes.<br />What’s wrong with me? I cry. Why can’t I be full with what I have?<br /><br />His voice croons soft and low:<br />Earth’s love will never satisfy.<br />And there’s nothing wrong with you.<br />You’re a vessel for My love only.<br />You were made to be full of Me<br />And after you’re full, to pour yourself out.<br />The love you long for is just a shadow <br />Of the love I have for you.<br /><br /> Come with Me into the quiet places, beside the still waters.<br /> Come restore your soul.<br /> Come let Me love you – hear My heart.<br /> Come let Me fill you – rest in Me.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-52477497475229852972010-03-31T17:46:00.000-07:002010-04-03T22:26:42.812-07:00An Ever-Fixed MarkLet me not to the marriage of true minds<br /><br /> Admit impediments. Love is not love<br /><br />Which alters when it alteration finds,<br /><br /> Or bends with the remover to remove:<br /><br />O no! it is an ever-fixed mark<br /><br /> That looks on tempests and is never shaken;<br /><br />It is the star to every wandering bark,<br /><br /> Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.<br /><br />Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks<br /><br /> Within his bending sickle's compass come:<br /><br />Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,<br /><br /> But bears it out even to the edge of doom.<br /><br />If this be error and upon me proved,<br /><br /> I never writ, nor no man ever loved.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-38696981626863661232010-03-30T19:01:00.000-07:002010-03-30T19:21:26.137-07:00Isaiah 53My Jesus…<br /> He was naked, so I could be covered.<br /> He was punished for sin, so I could be free from death.<br /> He was weak, so I could be strong.<br /> He was wounded, so I could be healed.<br /> He was disfigured, so I could be beautiful.<br /> He was despised and rejected, so I could be loved and accepted.<br /> He was abandoned, so I could be comforted.<br /> He became like me, so I could become like him.<br /> He took on darkness, so I could walk in light.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-91667946016643471592010-03-30T18:57:00.000-07:002010-03-30T19:00:36.955-07:00Encounter in HaikuOutside my window<br />In the deep quiet of night<br />The Lord calls my name<br /><br />Eyes closed, I listen…<br />Telling of His love for me<br />In words so tender.<br /><br />A song from my heart<br />Rises to His inclined ear.<br />He smiles, satisfied.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3574399130953810405.post-89605000068279623982010-03-29T20:38:00.000-07:002010-03-29T20:51:38.266-07:00Taking the Sabbath SeriouslyThe Sabbath is the only one of the Ten Commandments we don’t take seriously. One of the reasons the Israelites went in to exile was because they didn’t honor the Sabbath. Of course, idol worship and turning their backs on God were two other reasons, but not honoring the Sabbath was another reason cited in the Bible. <br /><br /> The reasons for honoring the Sabbath are for our benefit. We need to rest. It's like rebooting a computer. We turn it off, clearing its memory queue, so it can reallocate resources. We also need to re-set and re-focus. We need to re-establish our priorities, goals and direction. God knows this - after all, He made us.<br /><br /> I need to change how I live in regard to the Sabbath - NOT because I’m legalistic about how I live as a Christ-follower, but because I can see that God’s provision (a day of rest) is good for me. He wants me to be healthy, happy and functioning well.Jeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13893778576950090935noreply@blogger.com0