tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30793758982512109422024-03-04T21:15:45.570-08:00Seeing GREEN HOPE in a Brown WorldLife is full of moments that catch you by surprise and take your breath away or moments that sock you in the gut and knock the breath out of you.
Learning to live in both is such a process! But if you take just a moment- in the middle of it all- to NOTICE what is really going on, you might find, be it ever so small, a small bit of GREEN! HOPE that is just beginning to show new life, a new normal. But good none-the-less!
Here's to noticing!Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-75301964397671059202017-05-28T17:47:00.003-07:002017-05-28T17:47:38.934-07:00Hi there,<br />
Thanks for stopping by. I'm not here much any more, but I would love to connect.<br />
<br />
You can find my recent posts at greenhopecoaching.com. <br />
<br />
To find out more about my recent book called "Lovely Traces of Hope", go to<br />
Kathyburrus.com.<br />
<br />
I appreciate your interest. Looking forward to continuing out vibration at the other sites.<br />
<br />
See you there!<br />
Kathy<br />
<br />
<br />Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-17815543999235499362014-01-08T12:33:00.000-08:002014-01-27T13:02:34.965-08:00It's a NEW DAY!<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<strong></strong>I woke up earlier than usual this morning- slept better than I have for a long time. Ren kissed me good morning and all felt right for the first time in a long time. </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
As I had my worship time, I turned on a favorite CD by a group called Avalon. I didn't pay much attention until the song called "new day".</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Some of the phrases stood out in ways like never before... </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em>"The old has passed away the new has come."</em> </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em>"I put my past behind me- you have covered my mistakes and all my broken dreams."</em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em> "Memories I could not escape don't haunt me anymore."</em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em> "Because of what you've done for me-I don't have to be ashamed."</em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
The chorus said…</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em>The dawn is drawing near and I realize </em><em>the sun did rise </em><em>and it's a new day and a new time.</em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<em>It's a brand new day."</em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">Reminded me of Jerry Sittser (A GRACE DISGUISED) and his story of the </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">recurring</span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;"> da dream he had in his grief that he was trying to lasso the sun and keep it from going down. He shared that with his sister and she challenged him "why don't you let go of the lasso and let the sun go down. Turn east and walk into the darkness. Wouldn't the sun come up sooner that way."</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The morning I first read that chapter I threw the book across the room. I was sure that the sun would never ever rise again after Leisha died. I knew it would physically- because it did the morning after she died. But in my grief, I could never imagine that it would in me!</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
And yet this morning I realize again, it has! The SON has come up in me!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Avalon sang sang on. Their next song was<i> Adonai </i>(the song I sang w my girls as a quartet. Something we will never do again. Still one of my deepest griefs). The chorus sings</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<i>Lord, master</i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<i>Maker of each moment</i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<i>Father of hope and freedom</i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Adonai is why it's a new day for me today. He is why today I live, and move and have my being. He is why I KNOW HOPE and am experiencing freedom. </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
The sun did rise...</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
And it's a new day</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
and a new time.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
God showed up!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Are you watching for Him in your journey? Sometimes you have to close your eyes and ask yourself what you are seeing. I dare you to do it- right now. </div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Close your eyes!<br />
Think through the day!<br />
<b>Where did God show up?</b><br />
<br />
He's there for you too!</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq1UbYURUWtmcXy0J9MkEJzUkmQOYjYTY9Z1gvPyNEvbTfIxv069lugE5N3JlDD8WqaNRMIihSfDEEN8HIgBYq9j-J7B8Wz4HcVr9g9DTxdTTKvvQp2-DURswK7a_nLmGUoUHnaZLplg/s1600/woman-jumping-sun-600x450-COMP-3346503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgq1UbYURUWtmcXy0J9MkEJzUkmQOYjYTY9Z1gvPyNEvbTfIxv069lugE5N3JlDD8WqaNRMIihSfDEEN8HIgBYq9j-J7B8Wz4HcVr9g9DTxdTTKvvQp2-DURswK7a_nLmGUoUHnaZLplg/s1600/woman-jumping-sun-600x450-COMP-3346503.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<em><br /></em>
<em>Rom. 15: 13</em></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
May the God of Green HOPE- fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace,<br />
So that your believing lives, filled with the life giving energy of the Holy Spirit<br />
Would brim over with hope.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
<br /></div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-53229085626282171742013-11-01T08:51:00.001-07:002013-11-01T08:54:52.104-07:00I have lived Afraid<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My blogging of late has been in the personal pages of my journal! I'm sure I will share some of them at some point, but not yet. Partly because they are still so personal, partly because I have yet to sort out what I've been thinking and experiencing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can imagine some of the emotions having just had 2 daughters get married within 9 weeks of each other; experiencing empty nest like never before; standing at a threshold of 'what's next' and really longing for clarity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But in the mix of it all, I have come to understand something pretty significant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the last 7 or 8 years, I have lived much of my life AFRAID!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't think I thought I was afraid, though I knew there were times when I quite easily bordered on, if not plummeted, into panic. But I kept telling myself that I should cut myself some slack- there have been hard things that have happened, it will take time to get over it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But...I'm getting ready to make a 'change'- a great change, but change none the less. (more on this to come!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did you know that CHANGE is one of the top 5 fears that people have? The others are: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fear of failure, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fear of unworthiness, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fear of loss of identity, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">& Fear of Success. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had to admit within the last 7-8 years, I can point to a time when all of them have played a large roll. But I'm a person that works hard to process and analyze how things are effecting me. (I'm a LIFE COACH for pity sake!) Yet I was blown away by how so many of these messages are playing over and over in my mind & heart still. Messages that I have identified as lies and thought I had replaced with truth that I believed and could own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Recently I was challenged to consider how the FEARS, and trauma, and painful life events have effected my physical being. I know it has impacted me emotionally, spiritually, mentally. But what about physical scars. My immediate answer was that it has shown up in my weight- pretty obvious for all to see. But...how else is it showing up. The fact that I have Addison's Disease (google it for more info) is one factor of physical scarring. My adrenal glands quite doing their job because of it. I think I have much to learn yet about other ways fear has affected me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I can attest to the fact, and think we can all agree, that we are designed so interconnected that our body, mind, heart and soul are all deeply impacted by things that happen in our life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The greatest fear I
feel today isn't on the list. Though I suppose they all play into it. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My greatest fear (and I ask that you hold what I share with you prayerfully) is that I will once again experience a loss</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> like losing Leisha-</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Or
leaving ministry</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of
not being able to let go of a dream of being "pastor's wife"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> A young mom that I have admired for so long had brain surgery this week- I grieved- felt gut sick. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thought it was for
her and her boys & her dear husband. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My friend Pat helped me
realize I couldn't speak of this young mom's mom. As soon as Pat mentioned her, I broke out into tears. M</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">y grief for the mom was actually the deeper
grief.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then this week a young
woman was killed in a single car accident. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I heard, I felt
the floor rising up- I felt my body feeling like collapsing, </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Though I stood- I
was gut sick again.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Numb</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Needing to cry</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This young lady was 2 days older than Leisha. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She had a painful journey in her teens, mainly through choices she had made, but she had recently made some very right choices and was honoring the Lord in her life. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could think only of
this girl's mother.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then of her 3 year old child.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My heart screamed "Lord, could I
experience loss again and live? Loss that explodes my heart with violence so great that I can't even find all the pieces let alone put it back together again? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So… I began to pray (granted - some of my earlier prayers regarding this were not so neat, but this is where I have come out today)</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even
though I fear that this could happen to me again- the pain of losing Leisha</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
still love and embrace my journey and what it has taught me.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even
though I fear that this could happen to me again-</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
recognize that You, Lord were with me through it all- you never left me</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You
walked with me through the darkest, muddiest, deepest places.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It wasn't till I looked back that I could acknowledge you at times, but you were there.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even
though I fear that this could happen to me again</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
remember the grace You gave in that moment</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grace
that you are giving even now to these mothers and their families</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grace
that you will give to me as I need it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even
though I fear that this could happen to me again</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
choose to believe You, to trust You to walk with me through anything.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
can love and embrace the journey ahead of me.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
can face the future with confidence and trust, joy and enthusiasm</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because
I know I am not alone</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because
I know that You have planted in me a dream</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because
I know You have given me skills, abilities and a platform</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because
I know that even now You are using my story to impact others</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because
I know that my story will allow me to connect with these mothers and others</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because
I have seen HOPE- and it is contagious!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ah Lord God! Thank you! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I CAN FACE THE
FUTURE with GREAT HOPE!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am not fearless- yet!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But with Your help, Lord, I can do it afraid!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2 Corinthians 4: 6-12</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text 2Cor-4-6" id="en-NLT-28826"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts <b>so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="text 2Cor-4-7" id="en-NLT-28827"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure.<span class="footnote" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-28827b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%204&version=NLT#fen-NLT-28827b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> This makes it clear that <b>our great power is from God</b>, not from ourselves.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-8" id="en-NLT-28828"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NLT-28829"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-10" id="en-NLT-28830"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus <b>so that the life of Jesus may also be seen</b> in our bodies.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-11" id="en-NLT-28831"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, <b>so that the life of Jesus will be evident</b> in our dying bodies.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-12" id="en-NLT-28832"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>So we live in the face of death, but this has resulted in eternal life for you.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<br />Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-89458954212073197462013-08-19T07:22:00.000-07:002013-08-19T07:22:55.275-07:00Even More ALL IN Ponderings<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
It has been so
amazing where all I have been that has impacted my ALL IN considerations</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Yesterday it was
Rennie's message from Psalm 1 at Crossroads. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Stand- Walk- Sit
with the Righteous</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Decisions set
directions that lead to destinations</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Where do I want to
go?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Where are my
decisions leading me?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
(ouch-
didn't like that picture in some things.)</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What/ Who are
influencing those decisions?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
(ooo-
now that's not fair. He knows I had a
hard weekend- I did some right things, but some of my choices were not so
right- and some of the 'influences' not so healthy)</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I told Ren I was
only going to listen to his sermon once- it was making my toes bleed from
getting stepped on so much. <span style="font-size: 11pt;">But I heard most of
it 3 times.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Today it was in my
reading - "The Call" by Oz Guinness</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I have been impacted
by this book tremendously in the past, but I picked it up again this
weekend. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I know what I am
reading in not just for what God wants to teach me </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But for what He
wants me to share with others as well.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I wish I could share
it all with you here- but I guess you can buy the book yourselves.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But here are some
things that struck me in my journey…</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">'finding and fulfilling the purpose of our lives
comes up in a myriad of ways</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"> and in all
seasons of our lives…</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"> in all the
varying transitions of life…</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Negotiating the changes feels longer and worse than
the changes themselves because transition challenges our sense of personal
meaning</span>.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Well, if ever Ren
& I have been in a season of transition it is now- as both daughter's get
married and our lives feel as if they are at a place of beginning again. We do want to know that we won't waste what
is left. We want to know that our lives-
no matter what we are doing- is making a difference for the kingdom. We long to leave a legacy- not just to our
daughters, and now their young men or future grandchildren. We want to know that we are fulfilling the
purpose for which we are here on earth. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
At one point, we
thought we knew what that was- but the past 7-8 years, it has been very clear
that God is/has reshaped that vision.
And now we are IN TRANSITION again- even as we are being challenged to
be ALL IN.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Kierkegaard wrote in
his JOURNAL: "<span style="font-style: italic;">The thing is to understand
myself, to see what God really wants ME to do; the thing is to find the truth
which is true for me, to find the idea for which I can live and die."</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Guinness points out
that </div>
<ul style="direction: ltr; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .375in; margin-top: 0in; unicode-bidi: embed;" type="disc">
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">The SEARCH for purpose of
life is one of the deepest issues of our experiences as human beings</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">The EXPECTATION that we can
all live purposeful lives has been given a gigantic boost by modern
society's offer of the maximum opportunity for choice and change in all we
do.</span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">The FULFILLMENT of the search
for purpose is thwarted by a stunning fact: Out of more than a score of
great civilizations in human history, modern Western civilization is the
very first to have NO agreed on answer to the question of the purpose of
life. </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Hence ...more of us
are seeking what few of us are finding!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Exasperating at
best!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Yet he goes on to
say...</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Answering the CALL of our Creator is "the
ultimate why" for living, the highest source of purpose in human
existence. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I completely get
this. I say this often. I KNOW this to be true. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But how do we know
what the CALL of God is for us?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
How do we know if we
have found it, let alone living it out?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And if one person
thinks they know it, how does that help me? Usually it only makes me more
discontent in my own journey. 'I don't
have it. I can't find it. Whatever IT is!"</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But listen to this, Guinness defines <span style="font-style: italic;">CALLING</span> as</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
'<span style="font-style: italic;">the truth
that God call us to himself so decisively that </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Everything we are, </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Everything we do, </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: 1.125in; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Everything we have</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Is invested with a special devotion and dynamism
lived out </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">as a response</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> to his summons and service. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
You know what I call
that---- ALL IN!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Whoa! Popped me in the face this morning!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Everything I am</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
Everything
I do</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin: 0in;">
Everything
I have</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: 1.125in; margin: 0in;">
Lived
out AS A RESPONSE to God!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: 1.125in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
If I am going to
RESPOND in an ALL IN fashion- then I have to be listening to what God is
saying.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I must give
intentionality to space in my life for that purpose. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
That takes time-
doesn't have to be a lot of time</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
That takes effort-
to say no to something, even one thing,
that might distract me today</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
That takes
willingness to be still- which can be hard. That means I might hear some of the
things my head is saying that need to be quieted. Sometimes that is the hard work. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But today, this day,
Lord may </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Everything I am</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
Everything
I do</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .75in; margin: 0in;">
Everything
I have</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: 1.125in; margin: 0in;">
Be
lived out in response to what you are CALLIng me to be.<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: 1.125in; margin: 0in;">
Today, I want to live ALL IN!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: 1.125in; margin: 0in;">
How about you?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: 1.125in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-77508972386360778502013-08-16T21:30:00.000-07:002013-08-19T08:26:43.558-07:00A morning with my friend!<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
It was hard to wake
up this morning! Just as it was hard to
sleep last night! </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
My thoughts have
been rambling- wanting so much to celebrate</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But feeling the
weight of grief so strongly.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But today, I had a
reason to not dally- my friend was coming to visit</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
We hadn't had a
chance to catch up since she went back to her home far away last fall.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
So much to hear
about.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
She's come from a
very dark place - to a place of hope, of healing</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
In her own mind,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
In her marriage</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
In her parenting</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
In her relationship
with her parents</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
In her ability to
have friendships, dear friendships</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
In her relationship
with God</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
In her relationship
to her church</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Wow! Such a transformation!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Her words to me
were, "Thanks for not freaking out that I wanted to leave my husband and
run away from my kids. I just couldn't
see anyway out then. I didn't know how
dark it had gotten."</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I marveled. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I didn't freak out,
because I remembered a time just like that in my own journey. A time I wanted to run away, or more
specifically end it- the rat race, the relationship- maybe even life itself. It happens to all of us eventually. Life is just hard sometimes- and then you
combine it with emotional ups and downs, and unfulfilled expectations and
unrealistic expectations and add hormones to that...it can be really hard and
really dark.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I didn't freak out
because I know what it is like to have just given birth to a third beautiful
daughter, but feeling undone by it all.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
So much joy- so much
fear</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What if I mess up?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What if I can't love
them enough?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What if I don't
teach them the right stuff or discipline them when I should?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What if I get angry
and discipline them wrong?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What if…</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What if?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I didn't freak out
because I knew if you hung in there, </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
If you just did the
next right thing- no matter how small that step might be</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
No matter how many
times you need to ask for help</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
No matter how many
people you need to lean on </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Ever so slowly you
begin to find the next 'light' place to be. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
The shade may ever
so slight- but that little bit of light gives hope…</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
For the next step</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
For the next
decision</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
For the next healing
place.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I didn't freak out
because I had been there- done that!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I could have grace
with her pain because I could connect hers with my own.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Most people's
stories relate somehow with the stories of others. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Oh it might be a
different scenario, </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Or a different
season of life</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Or not the same at
all.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But we've all known
fear</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And anger</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And disappointment</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And grief</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
We don't have to
know it the same way, to know it hurts.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Our pain may not be
as bad- or it may be worse.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
It doesn't matter.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
We can know how
someone else might be feeling just by connecting with our own story- and
remembering what it felt like</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
To be betrayed</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Or let down</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Or rejected.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Or to fail at
something really important to us.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Who is in your life
that needs grace right now?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
What part of your
story do you need to recall to give it to them?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I wouldn't have
missed this morning with my friend.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
How sweet to hear
her story of the amazing ways that she has found hope.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
How powerful to hear
of significant ways God is using her story to speak hope to others now too.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
My friend, today-
you were my joy gift!</div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Thank you!</div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-44410292056881757352013-08-16T00:30:00.000-07:002013-08-16T00:30:03.941-07:00One of those days!Ever have a day that you can remember almost every detail of?<br />
<br />
Today is one of those days for me!<br />
<br />
I remember waking up with an agenda<br />
I remember the car ride, tired eyes and silence,<br />
I remember conversations, and laughter over shakes at Steak and Shake.<br />
I remember a sour cream carton being pitched across the aisle only to come crashing to the floor- and more laughter and some clean up.<br />
I remember wondering how I was going to make it without getting upset.<br />
I remember wanting to laugh but feeling like I had to be responsible. <br />
I remember dreams and plans being made. <br />
I remember saying no when I should have said yes-<br />
and saying yes when I could have said no.<br />
I remember sparkling eyes, flush face, and fresh hair color and more dreams being shared.<br />
I remember last words.<br />
I remember caring arms, and tears shed and disbelief.<br />
I remember a father falling to the ground in tears.<br />
I remember hearing the scream.<br />
I remember meeting a new face- one I will pray for forever.<br />
I remember numbness, yet feeling fully alive! <br />
Completely aware of so many thoughts and emotions and sensations.<br />
Only beginning to realize that God must be bigger than I had ever known Him to be<br />
for this to be able to be good<br />
or for me to survive.<br />
I remember humming her song on the way home- only to burst into tears when I recalled the words.<br />
I remember not being able to imagine I could sleep- only to wake to a morning sky- the sun still long from shining bright, but already making her presence known.<br />
<br />
Days like that happen only a few times in our lives.<br />
<br />
Some things I will forever hold precious<br />
Others bring sharp pain and often a gasp<br />
Still others deep, deep gratitude and soft, gentle tears.<br />
<br />
No, Days like that are one of a kind!<br />
I never want to forget this day!<br />
<br />
I love you Leisha!Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-87823973824746984652013-08-06T07:37:00.000-07:002013-08-19T07:37:59.710-07:00More ALL IN Ponderings<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;">So... my question this morning is...</span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;">is being ALL IN mean being WHOLEHEARTED?</span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;">I don't know...but in my search of scripture I found Psalm 103 again. As I turned it into a prayer, I was struck by it's power in my journey.</span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;">Maybe it will encourage you in your ALL IN journey also.</span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;">Lord, </span></div>
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;">Let all that I am praise YOU;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-1" style="position: relative;">with my whole heart, I will praise Your holy name.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-2" id="en-NLT-15528" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>Let all that I am praise You, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-2" style="position: relative;">may I never forget the good things You do for me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-3" id="en-NLT-15529" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>You forgive all my sins</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-3" style="position: relative;">and heal all my diseases.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-4" id="en-NLT-15530" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>You redeem me from death</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-4" style="position: relative;">and crown me with love and tender mercies.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-5" id="en-NLT-15531" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>You fills my life with good things.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-5" style="position: relative;">My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-6" id="en-NLT-15532" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">6 </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord, You</span> give righteousness</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-6" style="position: relative;">and justice to all who are treated unfairly.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-7" id="en-NLT-15533" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>You revealed Your character to Moses</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-7" style="position: relative;">and Your deeds to the people of Israel.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-8" id="en-NLT-15534" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>You are compassionate and merciful,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-8" style="position: relative;">slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-9" id="en-NLT-15535" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>You will not constantly accuse me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-9" style="position: relative;">nor remain angry forever.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-10" id="en-NLT-15536" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>You do not punish me for all me sins;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-10" style="position: relative;">he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-11" id="en-NLT-15537" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>For Your unfailing love toward those who fear him- that's me-</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-11" style="position: relative;">is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-12" id="en-NLT-15538" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>You have removed my sins as far from me</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-12" style="position: relative;">as the east is from the west.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-13" id="en-NLT-15539" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>You, Lord, are like a father to his children,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-13" style="position: relative;">tender and compassionate to those who fear him- to me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-14" id="en-NLT-15540" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>You knows how weak I am;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-14" style="position: relative;">You remembers I am only dust.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-15" id="en-NLT-15541" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>My days on earth are like grass;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-15" style="position: relative;">like wildflowers, I bloom and die.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-16" id="en-NLT-15542" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>The wind blows, and I am gone—</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-16" style="position: relative;">as though I had never been here.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-17" id="en-NLT-15543" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>But Your love, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord,</span> remains forever</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-17" style="position: relative;">with those who fear him- with me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-17" style="position: relative;">Your salvation extends to my children’s children</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-18" id="en-NLT-15544" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">18 </span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span>of those who are faithful to his covenant,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-18" style="position: relative;">of those who obey his commandments!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-19" id="en-NLT-15545" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">19 </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord, You</span> have made the heavens your throne;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-19" style="position: relative;">from there you rule over everything.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-20" id="en-NLT-15546" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>Praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you angels,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-20" style="position: relative;">you mighty ones who carry out his plans,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-20" style="position: relative;">listening for each of his commands.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-21" id="en-NLT-15547" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">21 </span>Yes, praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, you armies of angels</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-21" style="position: relative;">who serve him and do his will!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-103-22" id="en-NLT-15548" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">22 </span>Praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, everything he has created,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-22" style="position: relative;">everything in all his kingdom.</span></span></div>
<div class="line">
<br /></div>
<div class="line">
Lord, Let ALL that I am praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-103-22" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-75865169623521687132013-08-05T10:25:00.001-07:002013-08-09T05:26:40.970-07:00All In ! ? Hmmm?<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
This
last week, I've been recovering from my daughter's wedding - the first of two
this summer, and a pulled tooth that I didn't take care of sooner. And I
have been pondering. Mostly because to do anything else was just too
stressful this week. But you know how you have recurring thoughts and
messages that continue to bombard you from one angle or another? Well...
here's mine over the last couple of weeks?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Kathy,
are you ALL IN?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Now
I've been pretty tired this week. The thought of mustering up enough
energy to be IN to anything has me going back to bed and pulling the covers up
over my head.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
What
does ALL IN mean? </div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Is
it fully committed?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Completely
engaged?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Totally
disciplined?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Giving
all energy, time, money, & effort toward a cause- or a relationship?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Does
it mean you've got it all together?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Is
it in my marriage? my relationship with my girls? most significantly with the
Lord?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Is
it commitment to my job?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
or
my dreams?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
or
others in my world?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Whoosh!
I'm tired again!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
If
I were to ask you ..<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">. Are you
ALL IN?</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
how
would you reply?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Do
you feel like you are ALL IN anywhere?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
don't! </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to be, ...I think.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to feel committed to something important</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to feel drawn by the urgency of a dream</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to feel deeply involved in lives- especially Ren and the girls and their
important young men</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to impact lives of friends, and family, and clients</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to be so IN in my relationship with my God that I KNOW what His best is
for me</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to be so ALL IN in my care of myself that my health; body, mind, and soul
show it.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to be so ALL IN that my finances reflect health also</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
There
have been times when I thought I was ALL IN- truly was!</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Total
commitment- total energy- total vision</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Only
to discover that the cost of being ALL IN was very high!</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Being
ALL IN didn't lead to health; in me, in my family, in those I worked with.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
don't want to be ALL IN like that again.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
...ever
again.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
or
do I?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Did
I - even in the 'unhealth' of being ALL IN- experience incredible healing &
fulfillment?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Is
there a way to be ALL IN and still be balanced?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
or
is <span style="font-weight: bold;">balance</span> a mirage- an ideal
that is truly not possible?</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
To
live only partially in... is that even worth doing?</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
This
past weekend, we went to Wheaton Bible Church with Cait & Jack. In the sermon, the pastor kept saying,
"It's not how you started, but how you finish."</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to finish well. I want to finish ALL IN.
But as you can see, I have more
questions at the moment than I do answers.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
And
I will just say it out right ... I am not looking for pat answers to these
questions.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
I
want to hear from people who know what it is to wrestle with these same
questions.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
People
who know what it is to live in these questions ....the key word being LIVE!</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
People
who know it's not about balance at all.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
You,
I would like to hear from.</div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Are
you ALL IN? </div>
<br />
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
What
are your thoughts?</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-27974433620858875282013-06-09T16:30:00.000-07:002013-06-10T10:59:19.961-07:0034 years...and the dance goes on!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>I , Kathy, take you Rennie, to be my wedded husband. </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>To have and to hold, from this day forward, </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>for better, for worse, </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>for richer, for poorer, </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>in sickness or in health,</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i> to love and to cherish </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>'till death do us part. </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness.</i></span><br />
<br />
Thirty four years ago right about now, Ren and I were saying 'I DO". We thought we understood what the words meant and the depth of commitment we were making to one another.<br />
<br />
But how can you really know...!<br />
<br />
You imagine life will get better- of course it will because you are finally together forever. But being together means that you can't 'go home' if he says something irritating or she does something stupid like you did when you were dating. Even though you say the vows, you imagine the words that denote positive, hopeful, lifegiving images for the rest of your life. <br />
<br />
You can't embrace the 'worse' things- you really don't want to even imagine them! Losing a job, and the income it brings, or getting sick or even losing a child...those aren't things you dream of when you are young and in love.<br />
<br />
But marriage is a dance! A flow of smooth, studied movements that turn into jerky, uncertain steps. It's being close to being miles apart to being brought close again. It's happy, joy filled, melodies inspiring spins and twirls around the room. It's a somber, grief filled dirge of sobbing and isolation and silence. <br />
<br />
But it is a dance! One that you can't learn all the steps for. You have to go with flow; to respond to the movement of one step, then another. To one partner it feels like they are taking big steps, the other must take small in order to stay near each other. One leads, learning to give signals to tell which way to go. The other must sense how to follow, when to stay in step, when to step out on their own for a brief time- each to solo in their own dance. Some of the time it is very fun; sometimes, not so much- but all the time it is worth doing.<br />
worth working to know the moves of the other<br />
worth the energy it takes to stay in step<br />
worth the effort you both make to stay in the dance together.<br />
<br />
With each stage of life- our love for each other has changed as well.<br />
There's the dance of new love- eye meeting, then glancing away in shy giddyness.<br />
There's the dance of fingertips meeting, touching ever so gently<br />
or fingers sliding into fingers and forming a clasp that becomes a familiar place<br />
or arms wrapping around each other<br />
sometimes with kids wiggling their way in between or wrapping themselves around.<br />
sometimes as we watch them drive away to their new home-<br />
to the new family they are beginning.<br />
with their dance partner!<br />
<br />
And here we are again, learning yet another dance, learning new steps as different people,<br />
older, wiser, but sometimes not acting like it; more confident, yet afraid; at peace, but aching inside and out for all kinds of reasons.<br />
<br />
Yet we can do it! We can do it -together!<br />
Here's to 34 more years honey!<br />
Can I have this dance!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-86303523888926561902013-05-19T09:52:00.000-07:002013-05-20T09:53:36.715-07:00Celebrate vs DreadBecause I want to remember what I learned about these two words this week.<br />
And what I want to be true of the rest of 2013!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #212121; display: inline; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="vk_ans vk_bk" style="font-size: xx-large !important; margin-bottom: 5px;">cel·e·brate</span> </h3>
<div class="vk_sh" style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
/ˈseləˌbrāt/<br />
<div id="pronunciation_flash" style="height: 0px; position: absolute; width: 0px;">
</div>
<span class="speaker-icon-listen-off" data-s="celebrate.mp3" id="speaker_icon" jsaction="dict.l" style="background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/dictionary/static/images/icons/1/pronunciation.png); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid transparent; display: inline-block; float: none; height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1px 6px; opacity: 0.55; vertical-align: bottom; width: 16px;"></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15px;">
<table class="vk_txt ts" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small !important; margin-top: 20px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;"><div class="vk_gy vk_sh" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-size: medium !important;">
Verb</div>
<div>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;"><ol style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 19px;">
<li class="vk_txt" style="border: 0px; font-size: small !important; line-height: 1.2; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mark (a significant or happy day or event), typically with a social gathering: "his parents threw a party to celebrate his graduation".</li>
<li class="vk_txt" style="border: 0px; font-size: small !important; line-height: 1.2; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Do something enjoyable to mark such an occasion: "she celebrated with a glass of champagne".</li>
</ol>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="height: 10px; padding: 0px;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px 5px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="vk_sh vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-size: medium !important;">
Synonyms</div>
<div>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;">glorify - praise - solemnize - extol - exalt<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="color: #212121; display: inline; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="vk_ans vk_bk" style="font-size: xx-large !important; margin-bottom: 5px;">dread</span> </h3>
<div class="vk_sh" style="color: #212121;">
/dred/<br />
<div id="pronunciation_flash" style="height: 0px; position: absolute; width: 0px;">
</div>
<span class="speaker-icon-listen-off" data-s="dread.mp3" id="speaker_icon" jsaction="dict.l" style="background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/dictionary/static/images/icons/1/pronunciation.png); background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 1px solid transparent; display: inline-block; float: none; height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1px 6px; opacity: 0.55; vertical-align: bottom; width: 16px;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #212121; font-size: small; line-height: 15px;">
<table class="vk_txt ts" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small !important; margin-top: 20px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;"><div class="vk_gy vk_sh" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-size: medium !important;">
Verb</div>
<div>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;">Anticipate with great apprehension or fear: "Jane was dreading the party".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="height: 10px; padding: 0px;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;"><div class="vk_gy vk_sh" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-size: medium !important;">
Noun</div>
<div>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;">Great fear or apprehension: "the thought of returning to New Jersey filled her with dread"; "I used to have a dread of Sunday afternoons".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="height: 10px; padding: 0px;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;"><div class="vk_gy vk_sh" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-size: medium !important;">
Adjective</div>
<div>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px;">Greatly feared; dreadful: "he was stricken with the dread disease and died".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="height: 10px; padding: 0px;"></td></tr>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px 5px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div class="vk_sh vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-size: medium !important;">
Synonyms</div>
<div>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><i>verb</i>. </td><td style="padding: 0px;">fear - be afraid - funk - apprehend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><i>noun</i>. </td><td style="padding: 0px;">fear - fright - horror - terror - funk - scare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="ts" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="padding: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><i>adjective</i>. </td><td style="padding: 0px;">dreadful - terrible - frightful - horrible - horrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
<div class="pseg">
<span class="vk_ans vk_bk" style="color: #212121; font-size: xx-large !important; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 5px;">dread</span><span style="color: #212121; font-size: small; line-height: 15px;"> - <i>Archaic</i></span></div>
<div class="pseg">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>One dictionary added an additional aspect to dread- an Archaic use of the word.</i></b></span><br />
<div class="ds-list" style="font-family: Arial; margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Archaic</i> To hold in awe or reverence.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="pseg" style="font-family: Arial;">
<div class="ds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>- </b>An object of fear, awe, or reverence.</span></div>
<div class="ds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>- </b><i>Archaic</i> Awe; reverence.</span></div>
<div class="ds-list" style="margin-left: 1cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="pseg" style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>adj.</i><b style="color: #212121; line-height: 15px;"> </b><span style="color: #212121; line-height: 15px;">Inspiring awe:</span><span style="color: #212121; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="illustration" style="color: #226699; font-style: italic; line-height: 15px;">the dread presence of the headmaster.</span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="illustration" style="color: #226699; font-style: italic; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="vk_ans vk_bk" style="color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large !important; margin-bottom: 5px;">If dread</span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> is </span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">fear...</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="pseg" style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Fear is more pain than is the pain it fears!</span><br style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"> Sir Philip Sydney - 1554-1586</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="illustration" style="color: #226699; line-height: 15px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><i>From a book of old poetry & hymns that Barb gave me as she was cleaning out her closet, I read this last week.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="illustration" style="color: #226699; font-style: italic; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="illustration" style="color: #226699; font-style: italic; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="pseg">
<span style="color: #212121; font-size: x-large;">In 2013, what i want to be true of me!</span></div>
<div class="pseg">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #212121; font-size: small; line-height: 15px;">To find ways to truly celebrate the events and people in my life that I love by being present in the moment and doing something enjoyable to mark the occasion.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #212121; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">To be honest with myself about events (or people) that cause me to dread, but rather than fearing the pain- to hold it in reverence. Acknowledging it hurts and recognizing that my fear of it is more pain than the pain I fear. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #212121; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Lord, thank you for all that I have to celebrate-in life, in love & marriage, even in our losses.</span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+2:11&version=NIV" style="color: #b2462d;">Psalm 2:11</a></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Serve the</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">with fear and</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">celebrate</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">his rule with trembling.</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+2:10-12&version=NIV" style="color: #b37162; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 2:10-12</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">(in Context)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+2&version=NIV" style="color: #b37162; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 2</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">(Whole Chapter)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm%202:11" style="color: #b37162; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;">Other Translations</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+89:16&version=NIV" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 89:16</a></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">They rejoice in your name all day long; they</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">celebrate</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">your righteousness.</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+89:15-17&version=NIV" style="color: #b37162; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 89:15-17</a><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px;">(in Context)</span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+89&version=NIV" style="color: #b37162; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 89</a><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px;">(Whole Chapter)</span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Psalm%2089:16" style="color: #b37162; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15px; text-decoration: none;">Other Translations</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145:7&version=NIV" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none;">Psalm 145:7</a></strong></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">They</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">celebrate</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.</span></div>
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Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-26029304083277084722013-05-14T19:19:00.001-07:002013-05-14T19:19:07.094-07:00I Cele-dreaded this day!<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
This is the day -
you know - </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
the one you
CELEBRATE because it acknowledged a
great accomplishment by people you care about.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But also the day you
DREAD because it reminded you that something is not right about this day.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I've worked hard to
'prepare' myself for this day</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I didn't know how
having it all happen just before Mother's Day might affect me!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I've cried- or
needed to cry- often</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I couldn't figure
out why- </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Why do I feel so
very sad</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Why do I feel so
full of grief</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Why can't I stop
thinking about her</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Why...does...it...hurt...so...bad…???</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
This is the day when
her close friends are graduating,</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I've known that
Jameson & Kelsey & Abby were all graduating this May.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I've been excited
for them and watched closely as they posted pictures and updates</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Of all that is
happening and all the plans to come.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
This is the day when
her sisters, Caitlin & Brielle, are getting engaged, </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
and hunting for the
right dresses</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And choosing
bridesmaids, and colors, and flowers</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
and planning
showers, and weddings and receptions</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But this also the
day I remember- that she isn't here!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
The day I ponder in
so many ways what could have been, if only…!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
This could have been
her year to graduate from some college</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
To have a boyfriend</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Maybe even to be
getting married too.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I can see it happen.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I celebrate these
dear people and the steps they are taking</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But I dread the
emotion because it reminds me that it will never, ever be 'right'.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
No matter how hard
I/we all try.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
She will always be
gone- the bold, boisterous, life of the party, troublemaker that she was</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
We will always miss
her presence with us</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I always miss her </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Cele-dread! </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But today Tim read
1 Cor 13- 3 times he read it during Shalom</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Each time the words I
heard were</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
'if we do not love,
we are nothing.'</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I loved!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I still love!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Just because she is
in heaven doesn't mean I have quit loving her!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
It's because I love
that this day hurts so very deep.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
It's my love that
causes my heart to break</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
On this day</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
On all of these days
of celebration.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
As I look as these
precious people- men and women that she loved too!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Some that she never
got to meet</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I rejoice for what
God is doing in them- through them- around them</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I celebrate the love
I feel for them- and they for me</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I cherish it!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I could NOT not love
them.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
That would be far
worse to me</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
To have never have
loved at all</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
It might mean that
it would not hurt so much now</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But what would make
life worth living without that love.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I could fear losing
and therefore not love so that I would not get hurt</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But truly to 'not
have love, means I have nothing'</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I have a heart that is full- of
emotion, of sadness yes, but also of joy, and gratitude, </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
For the life I knew</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
For the sense that I
am loved</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And that I love
still!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
That's something!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I celebrate!</div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-15597576245916553302013-04-30T16:00:00.000-07:002013-05-13T08:16:02.875-07:00A Birthday card ...for Leisha?<br />
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">...or for
me?</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We
celebrated Leisha's birthday (April 28) and my Dad's birthday (April 29) with
my parents and my brother Brad, Tanya, Chelsi and her boyfriend Zach! I
don't know if we've ever celebrated Dad & Leisha's birthday's together all
these years. But Ren & I got to be in Texas this time and enjoyed our visit
with them.</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mom
slipped a card over to me after we finished eating. On the front was
written 'Leisha's Hope' and inside was a gift for the electricity DEEP WOODS
project. I was elated. There was also a page that had been torn out
of a daily bread devotional. She had marked some portions of it that she
especially wanted me to see. I slipped in back in the envelope and
promised I would read it later. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn't
get a chance to read it till we were traveling home a couple of days later.
But I was amazed how it tied in with the dreams and words of the hymn on
Leisha's birthday. (See April 28th's blog)</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I
include it here in it's entirety so I won't forget what it said...</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from OUR DAILY BREAD, February 8, 2013</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mysterious Truth</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 7pt;">
Sometimes
when the infinite God conveys His thoughts to finite man, mystery is the
result. For example, there’s a profound verse in the book of Psalms that seems
to present more questions than answers: “Precious in the sight of
the Lord is the death of His faithful servants” (116:15 niv).</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 7pt;">
I shake my
head and wonder how that can be. I see things with earthbound eyes, and I have
a tough time seeing what is “precious” about the fact that our daughter was
taken in a car accident at the age of 17—or that any of us have lost cherished
loved ones.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 7pt;">
We begin
to unwrap the mystery, though, when we consider that what is precious to the
Lord is not confined to earthly blessings. This verse examines a heaven-based
perspective. For instance, I know from Psalm 139:16 that Melissa’s arrival in
God’s heaven was expected. God was looking for her arrival, and it was precious
in His eyes. And think about this:<i> <b>Imagine the Father’s joy when He welcomes
His children home and sees their absolute ecstasy in being face to face with
His Son</b> </i>(see John 17:24).</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 7pt; margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt; margin-top: 7pt;">
When death
comes for the follower of Christ, God opens His arms to welcome that person
into His presence. Even through our tears, we can see how precious that is in
God’s eyes.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in;">
Lord, when sorrow grips our hearts as we think about</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in;">
the death of one close to us, remind us of the joy You are</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in;">
experiencing as our loved one enjoys the pleasures of</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 15pt; margin: 0in;">
heaven. Please allow that to give us hope and comfort.</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 10.5pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;">Precious
in the sight of the </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 7.5pt; font-weight: bold;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"> is the death of His saints. —</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+116%3A15"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 7.5pt; font-weight: bold;">Psalm 116:15</span></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: 9.75pt; line-height: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">A sunset in one land is a sunrise
in another.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #595959; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Pasted
from <<a href="http://odb.org/2013/02/08/mysterious-truth/">http://odb.org/2013/02/08/mysterious-truth/</a>> </div>
<div style="color: #595959; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 9.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #595959; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks Mom!</span></div>
<div style="color: #595959; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Birthday Leisha!</span></div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-47339643845828717582013-04-28T10:00:00.000-07:002013-05-13T08:18:44.515-07:00She would have been...<br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkyR6gc0PvR-xmmfqoMup_L4CBbJSXYAkUPEpmmZEWNdxesdtjGuNVJvvP06-f-JXM-hJYFKDwQtQBLhUq-USqhBt1d0DdIfViypmiC-lBlrwLta1b0bhYiXstwxwdlFbWBnd4JP4zD4/s1600/30A+Lei's+Hybiscus.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/AVvXsEjlkyR6gc0PvR-xmmfqoMup_L4CBbJSXYAkUPEpmmZEWNdxesdtjGuNVJvvP06-f-JXM-hJYFKDwQtQBLhUq-USqhBt1d0DdIfViypmiC-lBlrwLta1b0bhYiXstwxwdlFbWBnd4JP4zD4/s320/30A+Lei's+Hybiscus.jpg" width="240" /></a>22! Today she would have been 22, </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
and possibly
graduating from college with her friends this May</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And maybe 'getting
married'<br />
like her other two sisters are this year. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But I don't know
what she is 'right now'! </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I sense she is very
much alive</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Thoroughly using the
gifts and abilities<br />
God has designed her to use</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Experiencing deeply
the joy of being authentically Leisha <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But this morning I
sense there is more… much more!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I woke up from some
vivid dreams- It is dark</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
and I'm aware I am
not in my own bed, but the guest bed at my parents home. <span style="font-size: 11pt;">Ren lays beside me
sleeping soundly, though he had been so restless the night before.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Much like I felt
now.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
The dreams were a
collage of dreams really- all having a different setting and different characters too</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But the plot was
similar</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Somewhere- somehow-
something tragic happened and someone died.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Someone was ripped
out of the life of another who loved them.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Someone was left
with a gapping hole and a horrific ache.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I would stir from
one dream only to appear in the middle of another story with the same heart
wrenching scene. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I lay there sobbing
silently- reliving what was my own
tragic scene</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Rehashing my own
violent emotions</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Longing- deeply
longing to hold my girl once again.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
To celebrate her
birthday with her present-</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
this day that reminded me she had lived</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
She had messed up my
world from the day she was born</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And I knew I would
never be the same because of it. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I was eternally
grateful.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But this night my
heart senses more...much more!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
My Leisha may not
celebrate her 'earth birthday' as much as we do! </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I consider the fact
that the day she trusted Christ as her Savior might be the day she celebrates.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Or the day she 'ran
into heaven' - August 16th-</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
maybe that day is of
more significance to her now than the day they placed her in my arms </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And we named her
Leisha Danae!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Maybe- because <span style="font-style: italic;">time</span> in heaven is so different than on earth-</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Maybe it only feels
like 7 seconds since she's been there</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
And not the 7 long
years I have labored through to find healing. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But there's more! </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
She is face to face with Jesus, Son of God</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Singing, serving,
loving, working, welcoming, talking- you know she is talking</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
maybe even praying-
for me, for her dad and her sisters, for her friends.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I don't know how
that works.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
But the thing that
astonished me was that she was 'face to face' with Jesus.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I recall the words
of the song "I can only imagine… what it will be like...when your
face...is before me!"</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
As I lay there in
the darkness- peace came!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
The same peace I
felt the afternoon I sat with her in the ambulance before they took her away</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Overwhelming peace
that everything that was Leisha except this beautiful shell </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Had already run on
to heaven.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
The vibrant life I
had seen moments before was completely
gone.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I knew she was with
Him now.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I never was more
sure of anything in my life.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I felt peace! Now- as then!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
She is with Him!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Safe!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Whole! Not broken!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Kneeling at His
feet! </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Complete!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I slept!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
I woke later in the morning to my mom playing the piano as I fondly remember her doing all of my life.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
My heart was
comforted at the sound of it.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Then I realized what
she was playing… and I smiled and sang along with the words I could remember....</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
...<i>face to face, I shall behold Him, far beyond the starry sky;</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<i> face to face in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vs1.Face to face with Christ, my
Savior,<br />
Face to face</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande";">—what will it
be?<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When with rapture I behold
Him,<br />
Jesus Christ who died for me.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
CH. Face to face I shall behold Him,<br />
Far beyond the starry sky;<br />
Face to face in all His glory,<br />
I shall see Him by and by!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
Vs2. Only faintly now, I see Him,<br />
With the darkling veil between,<br />
But a blessed day is coming,<br />
When His glory shall be seen.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
Vs3.What rejoicing in His presence,<br />
When are banished grief and pain;<br />
When the crooked ways are straightened,<br />
And the dark things shall be plain.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 14pt; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.375in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vs4.Face to face! O blissful
moment!<br />
Face to face</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Grande";">—to see and
know;<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Face to face with my
Redeemer,<br />
Jesus Christ who loves me so.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin-left: .375in; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/963#ixzz2TBQynuQR">http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/963#ixzz2TBQynuQR</a></div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-78834845482479285352013-04-19T22:00:00.000-07:002013-04-22T09:09:08.957-07:00A Plethora of Emotion.....This is an amazing time of my life! <br />
<br />
Fortunately I have had some time to just 'reflect' lately. To process -to just <i>sit in</i> some of these emotions has helped to bring clarity to some of the stuff whirling around in my head and heart these past days.<br />
<br />
I'm very aware that '<i>sitting in</i>' these emotions is not an easy thing to do. It feels like it would be so much easier to just move forward from here instead of taking all the energy to identify what emotions I am feeling. Let alone figuring out what impact they are having on me and on my decisions for the future. But moving forward is actually nigh to impossible if the circumstances or emotions keep digging in deep to the now- or even deeper to the past. So... I sit!<br />
<br />
<br />
Have you ever looked up the word 'plethora'? <br />
It means overabundance, or excess.<br />
One definition was overfullness!<br />
<br />
That one seems to most describe this time-- overfullness!<br />
<br />
First and foremost,<br />
Our daughter, Brielle, got engaged last October and is getting married this October. So we have already had a lot of wedding plans being made.<br />
Then our daughter, Caitlin, got engaged in this past March and is getting married this July!<br />
Yes, before her sister!<br />
Yes, it's a deal!<br />
<br />
But we are thrilled for both of the girls and so grateful for both of the young men that God has brought into their lives to do this marriage journey. We look forward to getting to know them all better as young adults now. They have been such a gift to us in so many ways.<br />
<br />
The girls have been living on their own most of the year after having graduated from their respective programs. But there is some finality of them getting married. To have them both getting married in the same year, well, we feel emotions we hadn't anticipated. We are thrilled for both of them- but it means that a season of life is done. Empty nest is official and we are feeling it more than we dreamed.<br />
<br />
I suppose it is coupled with hearing them speak of their dreams and plans for their futures. It has reminded us of ours - so long ago! We are not where we thought we would be at this juncture in our lives. Oh, in some ways we are- but we didn't get there like we envisioned and we're not sure we are content to stay here. But what does that mean? Not sure yet!<br />
<br />
In addition to planning weddings, last October I stepped back into a role on the support staff of our church. I had worked there for 3 years shortly after Leisha died. Then stepped out for 2 years to finish my schooling and establish my coaching a bit. But the Lord continued to develop in me a longing to be back on the team. Quite unexpectedly, our pastor asked if I would have any interest in taking my old job back. I was ready to say yes almost immediately. <br />
<br />
However, just recently, Barbara, one of the staff members that I have loved getting to know, handed in her 'retirement papers". She has been on staff 16 years and will be missed so very much in that role. She's not leaving the church- just stepping out of the position. I cherish her friendship more than that of working with her- but I have learned so very much from her. Probably most significantly, to SEE- outside my box, bigger than ever, more simply than usual. She has pointed me to God over and over again. <br />
So her transition has stirred up lots of things:<br />
a feeling of loss, though it is more just change,<br />
memories of a time when we did the leaving. <br />
It's not the same- but it prompted a reliving of so many of the same emotions.<br />
<br />
Combine wedding planner & home renovations, with the part time job & letting go of co-worker and I become one 'overbusy' lady. I have had to take a step back with my <i>Green Hope Coaching--</i> temporarily.I am still an instructor at the school I received my certification. I am still coaching with private individuals or groups, but I am not planning groups or events for the time being.<br />
<br />
Overfull! <br />
That describes this time!<br />
It's not bad-<br />
just FULL!<br />
<br />
Full of transition & change<br />
Full of emotions- joy, sadness, fear, anger, dreams, purpose, generosity, selfishness, faith, hope, love.<br />
Full of pondering- and no time to ponder- though my heart tells me I need to ponder more<br />
Full of opening my hands to what God is doing<br />
Full of realizing that I closed them again around something that seemed so important<br />
only to realize that they are closed around the wrong thing - and learning to open them again.<br />
Full of setting goals- but never really intending to finish them<br />
Full of seeing goals come to fulfillment<br />
Full of uncertainty, yet curiosity about the future.<br />
Full of great joy- but there is heartache too!<br />
Full of <i>kairos- </i>those 'God breaking into my world' moments<br />
Full of the awareness that God is here- revealing Jesus- and transforming me!<br />
<br />
Oh Lord! May I always be!<br />
Open<br />
Ready<br />
Over FULL!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
God is Here, Darlene Zschech</div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-68906322233803817852013-04-14T11:14:00.000-07:002013-04-14T11:14:02.950-07:00Announcing...<div style="text-align: center;">
...the engagement of our daughter, Caitlin, to Jack Andrews!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkot7LLO7Q7MyxMvzo71OEH_YN0TKpmA3Xfn9unJmf-mbjNur1hcqMp1Kj2qVhD31pMFL23I6axLGZQy4Jf9wr9muxe1leH6wwZrMPXk7bPLvsUpNIpaIcvCV8VNr956r3B_ZGsKaekc/s1600/Cait+&+Jack+engagement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkot7LLO7Q7MyxMvzo71OEH_YN0TKpmA3Xfn9unJmf-mbjNur1hcqMp1Kj2qVhD31pMFL23I6axLGZQy4Jf9wr9muxe1leH6wwZrMPXk7bPLvsUpNIpaIcvCV8VNr956r3B_ZGsKaekc/s320/Cait+&+Jack+engagement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD9Bm2ptAnsmTaVXM2t6dowxx7m1MUExTMz8DWixzhGhzTaSwVm-YLLnUmkkfQKsAOhw8DAS0CRrgYmiWdQ8vKlZJJw4AucuyrMpvXSGOnmz_R6lQXUduenjis16HNh6FRuWR9nefIc8/s1600/the+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD9Bm2ptAnsmTaVXM2t6dowxx7m1MUExTMz8DWixzhGhzTaSwVm-YLLnUmkkfQKsAOhw8DAS0CRrgYmiWdQ8vKlZJJw4AucuyrMpvXSGOnmz_R6lQXUduenjis16HNh6FRuWR9nefIc8/s320/the+ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Congrats Cait and Jack, we are excited for you as you look ahead to your future together. We know there is much to learn - about each other, about your direction, about your love for </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">o</span></span><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ne another. But we also sense the commitment you have made to each other is strong. We are proud of you both! </span></span></div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-42009288119663556112013-04-13T18:02:00.001-07:002013-04-13T18:03:59.363-07:00Long time...no hear from...!Accountability! <br />
<i> Responsibility to someone or for some activity.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Over the last few weeks, I guess it is months now, I haven't posted anything here! <br />
<br />
At first, I wondered if anyone would notice. To my surprise, some did! <br />
The comments started coming.<br />
<i> Where are you? Why aren't you writing?</i><br />
<i> Are you doing ok?</i><br />
<i> I've missed your blogs! Hope you will write again soon!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
As I replied, I realized that I have missed the writing, or more importantly, the processing of my many thoughts. They have just been rumbling around in my brain, tumbling over each other in an effort to find some place to land. Writing here on this blog has been a 'place' for so many musings over the past several years. <br />
<br />
I also began to ponder that, if there are people who have missed what I am writing, then the words that God gives me to write here are not just for me- but for a kingdom work He is doing in others also.<br />
<br />
It took others who were willing to hold me <i>accountable </i>to the process to remind me. <br />
Thanks for noticing!<br />
Thanks of the challenge to process out loud.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping in at the Brickhouse to see how GREEN HOPE is showing up!<br />
I have lot's to tell you!<br />
Talk to you soon!<br />
<br />Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-47101964503885045522012-12-28T08:12:00.000-08:002012-12-28T20:18:44.569-08:00Meet the Thiessen Family- all of them!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It all started with TWO Thiessen's- about 56 years ago! </div>
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<br /></div>
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It was literally two Thiessen's. Dad was a Thiessen and Mom was a Thiessen. We've gone back about 14 generations and still haven't found a connection of their two families. Because their last names were the same, and they were both from Kansas, they sat near each other in all of their classes. Professors thought they were siblings so they never gave them grief when they spent a lot of time with each other. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRugRBBNi0-CJBUjgUZF89r7AbJybb5VWXvoWtYfy7uiy6KsCCyBEC1xLck7cglckrF-xHj_NLK3fRTUW4wfkBPXzyQzPQ1o-8K9pk8ElZo0HjVin2bQtAuE8wjqV8Y9Fp9bywC4m_QtA/s1600/Dad+&+Mom-+starts+with+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRugRBBNi0-CJBUjgUZF89r7AbJybb5VWXvoWtYfy7uiy6KsCCyBEC1xLck7cglckrF-xHj_NLK3fRTUW4wfkBPXzyQzPQ1o-8K9pk8ElZo0HjVin2bQtAuE8wjqV8Y9Fp9bywC4m_QtA/s400/Dad+&+Mom-+starts+with+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then there were the original FIVE!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kathy, Cyndy, Steve, Brad, Doug</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6Rw0RB95sPOBAx_1UeEI6MIUBqU_2AD59Xk585bJK36VeEvrshOsOeUfxMO2ijXKZ-HY4Ur3qzzWBMArWL8KC4JIzSA9ff58OfVExbL60uKtdXpev3IsY6SgLdCWCORRiB85ehYxlas/s1600/then+there+were+5+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6Rw0RB95sPOBAx_1UeEI6MIUBqU_2AD59Xk585bJK36VeEvrshOsOeUfxMO2ijXKZ-HY4Ur3qzzWBMArWL8KC4JIzSA9ff58OfVExbL60uKtdXpev3IsY6SgLdCWCORRiB85ehYxlas/s320/then+there+were+5+.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean, FIVE!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYcnmwT2qDbjDrsFdOv8-RfjierKVAbNyGLH0kvz_OzeBGHp4U9rC3McJchha1YpS0GAtAnJo_X-3YiQENSnP85f_ajmQONeA3EmDQys-X0GDuxPpFouP57fSgpvtU2CuEsuaCJsrRhc/s1600/I+mean+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYcnmwT2qDbjDrsFdOv8-RfjierKVAbNyGLH0kvz_OzeBGHp4U9rC3McJchha1YpS0GAtAnJo_X-3YiQENSnP85f_ajmQONeA3EmDQys-X0GDuxPpFouP57fSgpvtU2CuEsuaCJsrRhc/s320/I+mean+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Seriously KIDS!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC4E9q3hSsJZhyphenhyphenw2DpuSy96LL-ALzunoS1svPb3qZvAz5ZSLW5JpfmjWFSzYMWGTRW2TcMK2L9TeKImampLLzqjKgYakm4zG-7-v5s44YgezStZgsCKpsSLkqGDtTrbP5a-g1T9UPlQw/s1600/Seriously+kids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDC4E9q3hSsJZhyphenhyphenw2DpuSy96LL-ALzunoS1svPb3qZvAz5ZSLW5JpfmjWFSzYMWGTRW2TcMK2L9TeKImampLLzqjKgYakm4zG-7-v5s44YgezStZgsCKpsSLkqGDtTrbP5a-g1T9UPlQw/s400/Seriously+kids.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then each one added one!</div>
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Spouses left to right: Rennie, Eileen, Tanya, Jenny, Tom</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I won't go by dates they entered the family, or by age!<br />
But Tom's the oldest and Jenny is the youngest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1q5KEebXk6d_we83K0chXP7MElV8LiNhsc313F8E3UcS7SY3EphW9TumN4Jp7ukzlWYeDvfxc3dT1VbRJR6xP6N3eNjg8IXfZFaxa7Dil0O6GrLt834Y9HQ_VEUePgLRqAfcMRmqTLI/s1600/each+adding+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1q5KEebXk6d_we83K0chXP7MElV8LiNhsc313F8E3UcS7SY3EphW9TumN4Jp7ukzlWYeDvfxc3dT1VbRJR6xP6N3eNjg8IXfZFaxa7Dil0O6GrLt834Y9HQ_VEUePgLRqAfcMRmqTLI/s400/each+adding+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then there were more originals to come! (left to right)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two of Kathy's girls are pictured here: Brielle and Caitlin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then Steve's kids: Kara, Kayleen and Kyle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brad's have Lyndsi and Chelsi</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and Cyndy's tribe is Kristen, Matthew, Shannon and Phil</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm2wyWgO2Nmf14B4ITHXbcEIxtMXGtzSDVV47qNPXJXYmgO3dtw38cHuFIoHJsQT-UUsAuW7L64JQVmwaxezpEX4cR85_ygC__rXFzhRtqKQ9Lm_NYL3S06ZsrkPI77bC6gM-ZvKkoBo/s1600/and+then+there+were+more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm2wyWgO2Nmf14B4ITHXbcEIxtMXGtzSDVV47qNPXJXYmgO3dtw38cHuFIoHJsQT-UUsAuW7L64JQVmwaxezpEX4cR85_ygC__rXFzhRtqKQ9Lm_NYL3S06ZsrkPI77bC6gM-ZvKkoBo/s400/and+then+there+were+more.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Now they have begun to add some of their own. </div>
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Jason, Steve, Steve and the little one, Abbi.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, if you noticed there are two more Steve's in the family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- and they both are with Steve's girls!</div>
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Talk about marrying someone like your dad!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdPY9MukBEWZesEwA4HpOIWfBzCGiaCHta2dB0dyq8sdSMLmQVqUzwSeBmKENjdsZwpnBA0KVUrTyT5Em843ez94gVVTdT40IW7YyL4HSskLhyAQhibfuw28-f5-FApdZEzzlXdrOHS8/s1600/IMG_5803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdPY9MukBEWZesEwA4HpOIWfBzCGiaCHta2dB0dyq8sdSMLmQVqUzwSeBmKENjdsZwpnBA0KVUrTyT5Em843ez94gVVTdT40IW7YyL4HSskLhyAQhibfuw28-f5-FApdZEzzlXdrOHS8/s400/IMG_5803.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even a few that aren't IN...yet!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jack and Zach joined us this year! Girls, we like them both!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5zFSWvofn3EBfLVZWiDxkufCRnyS9K3j9wQz8Nv_vkCQPQt2kbYDCyK30tfwShDjLhfoIdqAETpzhZ-fvUKOkH-TCkKqsfEdEsguXPjcTmfp9SckGI-q_KAKsCXBjRGYhtcdg64OHSA/s1600/and+some+that+aren't+quite+IN+yet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5zFSWvofn3EBfLVZWiDxkufCRnyS9K3j9wQz8Nv_vkCQPQt2kbYDCyK30tfwShDjLhfoIdqAETpzhZ-fvUKOkH-TCkKqsfEdEsguXPjcTmfp9SckGI-q_KAKsCXBjRGYhtcdg64OHSA/s400/and+some+that+aren't+quite+IN+yet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
From left to right by families:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Brielle and her fiance Jason Augsburger, Caitlin with boyfriend Jack Andrews and our dog Lucy, Rennie and Kathy, </li>
<li>Kayleen and fiance Steve Meckle, my brother Steve and Eileen, Kara with husband Steve Piatt and 2 month old Abigal Paige Piatt (APP), Kyle is standing behind them, </li>
<li>Dad and Mom, </li>
<li>Chelsi with boyfriend Zac, Lyndsi, Brad and Tanya, </li>
<li>Doug and Jenny, </li>
<li>Tom, Kristen, Matt, Shannon, Phil and Cyndy Bergmaier</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Nope, nothin' much has changed in the Thiessen family!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrg2DLR8iK6_1-5aeX19-EQhUJKSlndPgIOMvoPHbwGzzQnri-DiviVeem1587GWk57dW5Y_tZkGSWnUFWkfiCHaYJQbEjrgT-yeFPV5oZNbG3Sv95Nka653vB49ym_Au46wqfTicEzo/s1600/yep+nothing+much+has+changed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrg2DLR8iK6_1-5aeX19-EQhUJKSlndPgIOMvoPHbwGzzQnri-DiviVeem1587GWk57dW5Y_tZkGSWnUFWkfiCHaYJQbEjrgT-yeFPV5oZNbG3Sv95Nka653vB49ym_Au46wqfTicEzo/s400/yep+nothing+much+has+changed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas! May your 2013 be filled with hope, peace and joy! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And may your family have as much fun as we did in the new year!</div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-62145600836257324822012-12-27T16:48:00.002-08:002012-12-28T06:55:40.781-08:00The Best Christmas Pageant Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Narrator: (Grandpa
reading from Luke 2 and Matthew 2)</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; text-align: left;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In those days Caesar
Augustus</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">issued a decree that a
census should be taken of the entire Roman world.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span id="en-NIV-24976"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was the first
census that took place while</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quirinius
was governor of Syria. </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And
everyone went to their own town to register.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2NIKuul7OVA4k3jgwRd2ggcK02eOfLBzZ-6rTL3u2iy4-2mK9wibTPLiB5oJP-k338kTJtdbMXr4FUEc43j6XNDrSMuzFOFrajhr63Bw9nWvoRGfYJOkR6re_xr2qTtzPR2UgRsLYio/s1600/IMG_5809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2NIKuul7OVA4k3jgwRd2ggcK02eOfLBzZ-6rTL3u2iy4-2mK9wibTPLiB5oJP-k338kTJtdbMXr4FUEc43j6XNDrSMuzFOFrajhr63Bw9nWvoRGfYJOkR6re_xr2qTtzPR2UgRsLYio/s320/IMG_5809.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_lLEIrF6aSpl-vYce1wAkPtUu6d1LafhFJXG5-but-18umpX_9wF-oWAaisEoXqCoI3X4zrUfxeQGVMuoS-rStpPVF4x19FtLAOAzDpvhmrk5BAFq_RpE8LBvJXENfoWU_JTlv6YG2o/s1600/IMG_5810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_lLEIrF6aSpl-vYce1wAkPtUu6d1LafhFJXG5-but-18umpX_9wF-oWAaisEoXqCoI3X4zrUfxeQGVMuoS-rStpPVF4x19FtLAOAzDpvhmrk5BAFq_RpE8LBvJXENfoWU_JTlv6YG2o/s320/IMG_5810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt9YOA5BfWZQWIbDQJnW9IdFHewPKMiidsQJoNGnWKWhTpGwIoOVlS8wgTzCqq8ZtwxGIl-RLyYVZ1MInqMBKlZNRznyQHefApk9PzPTljMq5H8aCdsuks5ryGDOgHHs-BipEfFhGKoc/s1600/IMG_5811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXt9YOA5BfWZQWIbDQJnW9IdFHewPKMiidsQJoNGnWKWhTpGwIoOVlS8wgTzCqq8ZtwxGIl-RLyYVZ1MInqMBKlZNRznyQHefApk9PzPTljMq5H8aCdsuks5ryGDOgHHs-BipEfFhGKoc/s320/IMG_5811.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">So Joseph <i>(played
by the one and only, Chelsi) </i>also went up from the town of Nazareth in
Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">the town of David,
because he belonged to the house and line of David.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
<span id="en-NIV-24979"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz808NnKypW-RevTRDh7YEx2anEvtwO0o2gtFXy7YXqHX7qfSll33IhGWPRMkJ09jAYpTeuEkOwnC9V8VFzVy2HDIuIOvoZbf2NIhx848efwk-wqtcdMm0-KibY5KdSXplO0bhv3jlhTE/s1600/IMG_5812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz808NnKypW-RevTRDh7YEx2anEvtwO0o2gtFXy7YXqHX7qfSll33IhGWPRMkJ09jAYpTeuEkOwnC9V8VFzVy2HDIuIOvoZbf2NIhx848efwk-wqtcdMm0-KibY5KdSXplO0bhv3jlhTE/s320/IMG_5812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">He went there to register with Mary <i>(our stunning Lyndsi),</i> who was pledged
to be married to him</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and was expecting a
child.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
<span id="en-NIV-24980"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIWAk4H9ovP-7DGgMDYsEMVWgdNM5Q2UWHaL88E1pLEWjYHEFBMJLqzRKhZ6ILkkg3akqTT29zNrOTEmP0W1Ap84zn0ZYM7dbunwg2O87xvLr-5BrH54Iaz5bXmSEYf1vDf-GKzMTn3Q/s1600/IMG_5813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIWAk4H9ovP-7DGgMDYsEMVWgdNM5Q2UWHaL88E1pLEWjYHEFBMJLqzRKhZ6ILkkg3akqTT29zNrOTEmP0W1Ap84zn0ZYM7dbunwg2O87xvLr-5BrH54Iaz5bXmSEYf1vDf-GKzMTn3Q/s320/IMG_5813.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span id="en-NIV-24981"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and she gave birth to
her firstborn, a son <i>(ok, so our baby was
sweet Abbi girl- but she played a great baby Jesus).</i> She wrapped him in
cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available
for them.</span></span></span><br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6n-fMTk2awWPoZ83O_c0_XH80IYNh0Qtk5g-d48_yFrkwFvkvHScCvbAK_la86uUrqVIVN6ZRlh_9zBmv3hLWHmabQBCBdchEO7wAUTBn4M-Hm41QNIbOJI20JgS7JgDJ2WjXrd4D0A/s1600/IMG_5817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6n-fMTk2awWPoZ83O_c0_XH80IYNh0Qtk5g-d48_yFrkwFvkvHScCvbAK_la86uUrqVIVN6ZRlh_9zBmv3hLWHmabQBCBdchEO7wAUTBn4M-Hm41QNIbOJI20JgS7JgDJ2WjXrd4D0A/s320/IMG_5817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%;"><b>(Stage Left:enter shepherds)</b></span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">And there were shepherds living out in the
fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night<i>.</i></span></span><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span id="en-NIV-24983"> </span></span></sup></i></b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">(Shepherds were
played by Kyle, Shannon and Jason.)</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprw6GL7BRhp6WurVJWhxg-YWzNUh65bV1Kl1zzVL1SScMrnOVmUfIM-Gu2ur0GvzbduYzOI6NAMJUyF7q3CUwEOaK_w1-BXIjDIIf3q-gF6HVqc-CQFfcjRqtXDyum2yIlYPOz39qJH4/s1600/IMG_5818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprw6GL7BRhp6WurVJWhxg-YWzNUh65bV1Kl1zzVL1SScMrnOVmUfIM-Gu2ur0GvzbduYzOI6NAMJUyF7q3CUwEOaK_w1-BXIjDIIf3q-gF6HVqc-CQFfcjRqtXDyum2yIlYPOz39qJH4/s320/IMG_5818.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxn2OT35gQ_4kQKsd_QHDHNCndqokU9Z7U58XhNk1YFe3bC6XAH7JSsd9DnCW7rPy07IwVmVmXz4M8MsVN5_-drY1r7nNRPZz-mOeN4kgjHI_tYCrP83EwypWOzzrr419AK9RyPpzRBo/s1600/IMG_5821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxn2OT35gQ_4kQKsd_QHDHNCndqokU9Z7U58XhNk1YFe3bC6XAH7JSsd9DnCW7rPy07IwVmVmXz4M8MsVN5_-drY1r7nNRPZz-mOeN4kgjHI_tYCrP83EwypWOzzrr419AK9RyPpzRBo/s320/IMG_5821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
(<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">But of course there
were sheep: Brad, Doug and Kristen.- of course there is one black sheep!)</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you
have to have a sheep dog. Right, Lucy?)</span></i><br />
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">An angel</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">of the Lord appeared to them <i>(Tanya, the shining),</i> and the glory of
the Lord shone around them,</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKmuNti8h1qwsO5kQNC55NVr6WpFhOVdU7q2lhmnd9Brf4DDOQtoGRuj3K24RlrCaY4nhU4ZkkEWt22UjF9IFsdbXpN3cCvdnklPamq4WLng8HEAQLZicSf1EnX3BEcbUFk9jo1hXhFk/s1600/IMG_5828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKmuNti8h1qwsO5kQNC55NVr6WpFhOVdU7q2lhmnd9Brf4DDOQtoGRuj3K24RlrCaY4nhU4ZkkEWt22UjF9IFsdbXpN3cCvdnklPamq4WLng8HEAQLZicSf1EnX3BEcbUFk9jo1hXhFk/s320/IMG_5828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and they were terrified.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
<span id="en-NIV-24984"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUUa-WqEfEwgAT2Fk4HJHtDaCTj14TR03kSM1uozJmA3URbQtk9a59oayzSD4hcML89RVO-Q_mejX7Gng6gGvgNbEcFFFlW04NbVgcTCzB6jEuIlYdMClcoNPLO_nMOGkuDXx5XV4iFU/s1600/IMG_5832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUUa-WqEfEwgAT2Fk4HJHtDaCTj14TR03kSM1uozJmA3URbQtk9a59oayzSD4hcML89RVO-Q_mejX7Gng6gGvgNbEcFFFlW04NbVgcTCzB6jEuIlYdMClcoNPLO_nMOGkuDXx5XV4iFU/s320/IMG_5832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the angel said to them, “<i>Do
not be afraid.</i></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I bring
you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today in the town of David a Savior</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This will be a sign</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a
manger</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the
angel, praising God and saying,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><i style="background-color: white;">(all
the remaining Thiessen clan- hard to photograph) </i><span id="en-NIV-24988"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Glory to God in the highest heaven, </span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and on
earth peace</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to
those on whom his favor rests.”</span></span><br />
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"></span><br />
<div class="top-05" style="background: white; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the angels had left
them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, <i>“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing
that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (So the babe was not lying in a manger- we had a hard time letting her be put down anywhere. We all had to have our turn holding her.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBR2f9PAbo-dsnry7k8z2eiiqAg0PypniOuCgk119vRsZLT1vxCBPsVxb3W_y0ELMFd2nrsxxSBNBKgKLpqKnomLPdRoRxjnj3JoC9Eq2cdnwpNv-8Ocp0WGQsUgTSSUK3QcBYjCkISA/s1600/IMG_5836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBR2f9PAbo-dsnry7k8z2eiiqAg0PypniOuCgk119vRsZLT1vxCBPsVxb3W_y0ELMFd2nrsxxSBNBKgKLpqKnomLPdRoRxjnj3JoC9Eq2cdnwpNv-8Ocp0WGQsUgTSSUK3QcBYjCkISA/s320/IMG_5836.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">When they had seen him, they spread the word
concerning what had been told them about this child,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">and all who heard it were
amazed at what the shepherds said to them.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span id="en-NIV-24993">But Mary treasured up all
these things and pondered them in her heart.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span id="en-NIV-24994"> </span></span></sup></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising
God</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">for all the things
they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.</span></span><br />
<br />
(SCENE CHANGE)<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(new
animals: camel by the great camel player Tom; and Jack, the long eared donkey-
sorry Jack! You scored great girlfriend points with that one!)</span></i><br />
<div style="background: white;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX5nWEis0EocWjotrF8yca80Fo-xK0rGaTiuIM-pj3XAMABvt3Xdr5psgWkiWhk3ToEmqVJ4O_EJLpxFtMiTwpT6dG1KFJxUeViTM91Al3lCQstK2uE-h7kzofdHcp5vW2LNmODWK3Yg/s1600/IMG_5841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKX5nWEis0EocWjotrF8yca80Fo-xK0rGaTiuIM-pj3XAMABvt3Xdr5psgWkiWhk3ToEmqVJ4O_EJLpxFtMiTwpT6dG1KFJxUeViTM91Al3lCQstK2uE-h7kzofdHcp5vW2LNmODWK3Yg/s320/IMG_5841.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After Jesus was born in
Bethlehem in Judea,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">during
the time of King Herod,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Magi</span></span><span class="text"><b><sup value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23171a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from
the east <i>(Matt, Phil and Cait)</i> came
to Jerusalem</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span id="en-NIV-23172"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We saw his star</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">when it rose and have come to worship him.”</span></span></span><br />
<span id="en-NIV-23173"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS_OdUzUncI_Nbh_T_BNSytWFGUGv9mMJrd8822GR5vc13JrBqj6Z1j5q24VbagP_oenc8acBCIH4H6A0fBxXYl4LRk5fUv1f-PzmPYEP0w5DYgTjJcg4Dxb1H0SWvLhYyv_QT8tP1hg/s1600/IMG_5842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIS_OdUzUncI_Nbh_T_BNSytWFGUGv9mMJrd8822GR5vc13JrBqj6Z1j5q24VbagP_oenc8acBCIH4H6A0fBxXYl4LRk5fUv1f-PzmPYEP0w5DYgTjJcg4Dxb1H0SWvLhYyv_QT8tP1hg/s320/IMG_5842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem
with him.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span id="en-NIV-23174"><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and
teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born.</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span id="en-NIV-23175"><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“In
Bethlehem</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in
Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:</span></span></span><br />
<div class="line" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span id="en-NIV-23176"><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“‘But
you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">are by
no means least among the rulers of Judah;</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="text">for out of you will come a ruler</span><br />
</span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">who
will shepherd my people Israel.’”</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="top-05" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-top: 0in;">
<span id="en-NIV-23177"><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then
Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star
had appeared.</span></span></span><span id="en-NIV-23178"><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He sent
them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as
you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span id="en-NIV-23179"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqhyphenhyphenMwVAGGBKBNWdLSK9bZET3ql09K39pYvwwFeX05BIMDlKyQF8MXXX37dlBo3eF1GBBejKERuDzOuobADRSTa65Aov2_VHIzO36RrdQnyqftiCAtyfpbJRjHE_tK_HmOgy4dr9KE7c/s1600/IMG_5843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqhyphenhyphenMwVAGGBKBNWdLSK9bZET3ql09K39pYvwwFeX05BIMDlKyQF8MXXX37dlBo3eF1GBBejKERuDzOuobADRSTa65Aov2_VHIzO36RrdQnyqftiCAtyfpbJRjHE_tK_HmOgy4dr9KE7c/s320/IMG_5843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">After they had heard the king, they went on
their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it
stopped over the place where the child was.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span id="en-NIV-23180"> </span></span></sup></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">When they saw the
star, they were overjoyed.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span id="en-NIV-23181"> </span></span></sup></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbw2l0VdvNe3nOsFuZYItpsC22RKvpEIyb7TX0PUPrjs0WjSdkV3XnmU4LAWsV5LE_luyAZV3wxaW08r7lBK9JfoUsKRV9L2refYuzUX97q76gcle-i7gHScYuBP8BufU5K-4O0ERhr4/s1600/IMG_5844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihbw2l0VdvNe3nOsFuZYItpsC22RKvpEIyb7TX0PUPrjs0WjSdkV3XnmU4LAWsV5LE_luyAZV3wxaW08r7lBK9JfoUsKRV9L2refYuzUX97q76gcle-i7gHScYuBP8BufU5K-4O0ERhr4/s320/IMG_5844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">On coming to the house, they saw the child with
his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Then they opened their treasures and presented
him with gifts</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">of gold, frankincense
and myrrh.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span id="en-NIV-23182"> </span></span></sup></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ1fd6GsfNIOflPxMMJakxljPPUXOwUafjE5lAfjhtAXr3d3Tlmgsaw9b3CDhnNnDULfzxdAuIvLhldondkE2g5otiDZGV-Q_Jq4-AE3wBOUkUp6d2HTi5tjT5ZX6DRT-t3HRWGtD010/s1600/IMG_5845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ1fd6GsfNIOflPxMMJakxljPPUXOwUafjE5lAfjhtAXr3d3Tlmgsaw9b3CDhnNnDULfzxdAuIvLhldondkE2g5otiDZGV-Q_Jq4-AE3wBOUkUp6d2HTi5tjT5ZX6DRT-t3HRWGtD010/s320/IMG_5845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mJMgSz5OI6LSDN_tMTBRGRB91oifiXfPfw7EyRqm7JrBc5EYrr3PBThpFQGJ3x2hutOZUd31k1t4UzLRsEAHSaP9DQXz3u5TBQI6eb2zeXrfhZYdjniIQg163Y6ty_c4DPQwbLNnXl4/s1600/IMG_5846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mJMgSz5OI6LSDN_tMTBRGRB91oifiXfPfw7EyRqm7JrBc5EYrr3PBThpFQGJ3x2hutOZUd31k1t4UzLRsEAHSaP9DQXz3u5TBQI6eb2zeXrfhZYdjniIQg163Y6ty_c4DPQwbLNnXl4/s320/IMG_5846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And having been warned</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in a dream</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">not to go back to Herod, they returned to
their country by another route.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(that's not the end- it's just the beginning of that story. To be continued at Easter.)</i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Special thanks to all actors, actresses, and narrator. As well as the support team who helped to pull together the costumes and scene necessities! </i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A good time was had by all- especially those left watching!</i></h4>
</div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-76523588444926295922012-12-27T14:17:00.000-08:002012-12-27T14:18:21.579-08:00The thing about EXPECTATIONS!<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">So... I didn't think I had expectations for Christmas break. I tried to put aside any thought of what 'should be' and embrace what came our way. The fact that I had made plans & lists; that I had ordered and reordered over and over didn't mean that thought it had to be that way. It just meant that I was prepared to 'flex', right? Well, that's what I told myself. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>It worked for our trip down</i> -except I was so tired before it began.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>It worked for the meal</i> I was responsible for- until my family (who were going to help me) were late getting back from seeing the other grandparents. I knew it would happen cause that's just how it is when you are on vacation visiting family you hardly ever get to see. My gang helped so much once they got back. Thanks Mom for helping me get it together before that! </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>It worked the next morning</i> when my Dad wanted to do something meaningful at our family Christmas gift exchange. Within minutes, Cyndy & I dreamed up the "best Christmas Pageant Ever". Costumes were gathered, parts were assigned and pictures were taken. Ooooh! They are goodies! (I'll post them separately.) Thanks Dad for being the narrator!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>It worked as we hosted a gift exchange</i> and laughed till we cried. Gifts were exchanged, even a baby gift that wasn't supposed to be in the mix. But so were the memories. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">I<i>t worked as we visited</i> with different ones in the afternoon. Some people took walks, some took naps, some (like me) talked as much as I could with as many as I could. Time is so short. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>It worked as we changed plans</i> and had the Burrus Christmas, Ren's family, that evening instead of the next afternoon because of the weather concerns. We got to see Ren's dad sitting up looking bright, instead of nearly lifeless in his bed as he had in the past. Oh it was a good thing! And we are so grateful! Grandy, thanks for encouraging us to get together early.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">But <b><i><u>it started not working so good</u></i></b> Christmas morning, when I woke up to the words, "Honey, it's supposed to get bad before we get back. I think we should head home early." No. Then it didn't work so well. My heart was sick. We had one more day! We only had three to begin with and now we were cutting it one day short. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">I started wanting to put my foot down, and voicing all my complaints that we can't leave now. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;">But as I felt all those emotions filling up and my resentment growing, I took a deep breath. I remembered my desire to live with </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">expectancy</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> not expectations. The thought that came to me was from a verse I have been pondering for 6 years now.</span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<strong><span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><u>Romans 15:13</u></b></span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><i>Now may the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="color: #505050; font-size: 10.5pt;">The Message version of the verse says, "</span><i><span style="color: #505050; font-size: 10.5pt;">May the God of</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <b>GREEN HOPE</b> </span></span><span style="color: #505050; font-size: 10.5pt;">fill you up..."</span></i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Lucida Sans","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Yes Lord! Fill me up! Plans change. Lists are lost. Expectations destroyed. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But You Lord, you fill me up!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">We had a great trip back. We got to have some of our own Christmas with our kids. It is so fun to have them all together. Quarters were close in that van, but for the most part, we had giggles & talk, food & more food. How grateful we are for Cait & Brie! For their love, their support, their challenge. We are grateful for their guys and all that they bring to the family. We were grateful for the effort they all made to be together.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">My heart is full ...of joy and peace... it is overflowing with hope for an amazing new year!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Ok Lord! Hands are open! Help me live with expectancy. Help me let go of the expectations!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Fill me up for new year and all that comes with it!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Dear reader, How about you? How are you feeling about the new year? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What is God using to speak to you in this ending of one year and beginning of something new?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Will you join me in taking time to notice?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: Lucida Sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I'd love to hear from you!</span></span>Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-79318028197815277482012-12-23T12:22:00.003-08:002012-12-23T12:22:57.763-08:00Christmas is Coming!The family is beginning to gather. I have my girls close, their guys are with them. My siblings have started to arrive and this year- for the first year in a long time we have a baby in the bunch! My father in law is doing better than he has for a long time! It's going to be a great Christmas!<br />
<br />
Lord, help me set expectations aside. Help me find ways to show kindness to those I love but see so seldom. Help me have eyes & heart open to your presence.<br />
<br />
And thank you Lord! I am so aware of the feeling of hope and peace this year! In more ways than I ever expected. Thank you for your kindness to us in sending your son into our world. <br />
<br />
His presence tells us ...<br />
<br />
Do not be afriad! For I AM with you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-57377918908911927552012-12-08T09:44:00.002-08:002012-12-31T07:46:49.880-08:00Study of DO NOT BE ARAID<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
I
decided to study that and see if I can find all 365 of the occurrences of <i style="font-weight: bold;">do not be </i><b><i>afraid</i></b> or something similar. I've only begun to research on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/">www.BibleGateway.com</a>- using the New
International and the New Living Translations- and I only used the phrase 'Do
not be afraid". So I've only found 70-80 times that phrase is spoken so far.
But it is amazing what God has already shown me!</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
First
of all, it is interesting to see <b><u>who is saying it</u></b> </div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
and<b> <u>to whom they are saying it</u></b><u>.</u></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Sometimes
it is the Lord, </div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
or
angel of the Lord, </div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
or
spirit of the Lord </div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
saying
it to someone, </div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
or
to a whole group of people.</div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
Sometimes it is a person who heard it from an angel that says it to the next person.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
The
first few times I found <b><i>Do not be afraid</i></b> said, it was spoken
first to Abram, </div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
then
Isaac, then Jacob- a whole family being reminded "I am the God of your
Father Abram, <i><b>Do not be afraid."</b></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
And
it was interesting to note that it was said to Hagar too- after Abram and Sarai rushed things and tried to manipulate how God's promise to them would be fulfilled. </div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
The Lord said it to Moses and Moses told the people- over and over and over again.</div>
<div style="margin: 0in;">
And Moses told Joshua- several times- especially when Moses was preparing Joshua to be the leader.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And then Joshua told the people</div>
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And then God told Joshua</div>
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and told Joshua</div>
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and told Joshua</div>
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and told Joshua</div>
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<i>(I guess Josh was like me- forgetful)</i></div>
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David said it to Solomon</div>
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It was said by angels, by the spirit of the Lord, by the Lord</div>
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before battles</div>
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during battles</div>
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after battles</div>
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<b><i>Do not be afraid</i></b> was <b><u>said to those who were afraid...</u></b></div>
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to go down to Eygpt</div>
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of him</div>
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of the nations</div>
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of enemies</div>
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of armies greater than yours</div>
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of them </div>
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<i> (oh how many times are we afraid of 'them'- and we don't even know who 'them' is)</i></div>
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of dying</div>
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of failing</div>
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of terrors by night</div>
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of the arrow that flies in the day</div>
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of people's scorn, nor fear their insults</div>
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of their predictions</div>
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of those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul</div>
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of what you are about to suffer</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Do not be afraid </i>was most often <b><u>said with a promise from the Lord</u></b> as well....</div>
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I will protect you</div>
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I heard you</div>
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i am with you and will bless you</div>
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I will make your family great</div>
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I have handed him over to you</div>
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i have given you victory</div>
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I the Lord your God will fight for you.</div>
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the Lord your God is among you, and he is a great and awesome God.</div>
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I will personally go ahead of you.</div>
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I will neither fail you nor abandon you.</div>
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the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.</div>
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You will not die</div>
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you will be successful if you...</div>
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the Lord is with you</div>
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Your God is coming!</div>
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for I am with you</div>
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I will gather you and your children...</div>
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The Lord who made you and helps you says...</div>
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I proclaimed my purposes for you long ago.</div>
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I will bring you home again from distant lands</div>
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Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet and no one will terrorize them.</div>
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I am with you</div>
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I will give you the victor's crown</div>
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and that's just some of them!</div>
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But there are also some <u><b>commands that come with the words </b></u><b><i>Do not be afraid.</i></b></div>
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Do the same to him as you did to...</div>
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Treat him just as you treated...</div>
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Go out to fight your enemies</div>
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Do not panic</div>
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Take all your fighting men and attach</div>
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Then you must...</div>
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Carefully obey the decrees and regulations...</div>
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Do not be discouraged</div>
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Listen to the Lord who created you</div>
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Get up and prepare for action</div>
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Go out and tell everything I tell you to say</div>
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Do not act like other nations</div>
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Go and tell my brothers to go...</div>
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See</div>
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Do not let your hearts be troubled</div>
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Keep on speaking, do not be silent</div>
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Stand trial before Caesar</div>
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Be faithful, even to the point of death</div>
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_______________</div>
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Hmmmm! So where is he saying <b><i>do not be afraid</i></b> to me? or to you? </div>
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Who or What are we afraid of?</div>
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What promise is he making with it?</div>
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What command is he giving?</div>
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Seems like, this is a good time to stop to notice what we are hearing!</div>
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No matter what, his words to us are </div>
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<b><i><u>Do not be afraid</u></i></b>, for I AM!</div>
Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-72520218699191985692012-12-08T09:02:00.004-08:002012-12-31T07:47:23.785-08:00Do Not Be Afraid!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYd3lrB_gkI3rt0MtcEjZQy9uTwoXJH0IGM5tBsNDwxgRXNmg8x9FMpGKupoIy5jwdULPr3t64JvhWokug05XxbM05iGqICaT1TCiwby2sEvpKmMHD_WPlulJ93SLr1yQBKnVlBunfX0/s1600/notanormalxmasmedia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYd3lrB_gkI3rt0MtcEjZQy9uTwoXJH0IGM5tBsNDwxgRXNmg8x9FMpGKupoIy5jwdULPr3t64JvhWokug05XxbM05iGqICaT1TCiwby2sEvpKmMHD_WPlulJ93SLr1yQBKnVlBunfX0/s200/notanormalxmasmedia.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
Last weekend, Ren and I visited Willow Creek church in South Barrington, IL with Cait and Jack. Pastor Bill Hybel's was speaking and the title of the sermon was '<b>NOT A NORMAL CHRISTMAS"</b>. It turns out that the Hybel family has received some very difficult news of illness in their extended family. It will not be a normal Christmas as they face some really hard things with those they love. (if you would like to hear his message go to <a href="http://media.willowcreek.org/weekend/not-a-normal-christmas/">http://media.willowcreek.org/weekend/not-a-normal-christmas/</a> )<br />
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But I don't think I've spoken to a single person since then that will have a 'NORMAL CHRISTMAS' this year! I hear over and over people talking about 'things to come' and uncertainties of life. Everyone I know is facing a challenge, a change or a loss in some way this year! It doesn't necessarily mean that it is bad- but Christmas won't be NORMAL because of it.<br />
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What is normal anyway? How NORMAL was the first Christmas? You know, if you think about all the issues that the people at the original scene faced, maybe challenge, change and loss IS NORMAL. We just spend so much time and money trying to make it something that it is not!<br />
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Pastor Hybel's challenge to us was, <b><i>Do not be afraid</i></b>. How often do we hear those words in scripture? Lot's! Hybel's says that the Bible says this phrase, or some facsimile of it 365 times-that's one for everything day of the year! (I'll have to study that!)<br />
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But the interesting thing for me to consider is how many people at that first Christmas heard those words. (I have written about what I've learned from these people before - check out my blogs for December 2011) But think about what they were feeling here.<br />
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<li><b>Zechariah-</b> the angel said to him, "<b><i>Do not be afraid</i></b>, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John." (Luke 1:13)<br /><br />Here he was, working so hard to do everything right- the Bible says Zechariah was righteous in God's eyes and blameless. But the one desire of his heart had not be granted him. And suddenly this being shows up- and Zech is afraid- very afraid! <i>He's being granted what he longs for</i> and he's still afraid! Getting what you ask for is sometimes frightening!</li>
<li><b>Mary- </b>the angel said to her "<b><i>Do not be afraid,</i></b> Mary; you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:30)<br /><br />Think of the change this would mean for her. She's only a young girl- and suddenly life is not how she imagined it to be. And now the angel is saying that this "drama" is because she has found <i>favor? </i>God, if messing up my world and what people think of me is favor, I'd hate to feel your wrath! </li>
<li><b>Joseph</b>- an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream! "Joseph, son of David, <b><i>do not be afraid</i></b> to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Matt 1:20)<br /><br />Talk about dreams dashed and expectations devastated, even his reputation destroyed. Let alone his'trust' in this love of his life, but most of all his GOD. To finally have a son- and it not be your child. The overwhelming loss</li>
<li><b>the Shepherds- </b>the angel said to them, "<b><i>Do not be afraid.</i></b> I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."<br /><br />These people- second class, maybe even third class in some circles, are being told this news that ALL people will want to hear? Why us? Why me? Why this way? They had to wonder if this was a joke on them!</li>
</ul>
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All these people didn't even know it was Christmas- and they faced challenges, changes and loss, just like any other day! Why do we think that our Christmas should be filled with sparkle and magic and fun! It seems that God sent Jesus because he knew our Christmas's would be NORMAL. Full of fear, and hurt & loss and uncertainty! </div>
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And to all of that- he speaks to us!</div>
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<b>Do not be afraid</b>!</div>
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For I am with you!</div>
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How is God showing up in your NORMAL CHRISTMAS? I'd love to hear! I know other readers of this post would as well! Share one way in the comments below!<br />
And Thanks!Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-21122973343218647282012-11-15T16:09:00.000-08:002012-12-31T07:48:09.424-08:00She said...Her words to me this morning were...<br />
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<i>"<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I just looked you up
on the computer- I found you- I just called you.</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I read about you-
everything I read- I knew I should call and talk to you.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>You understood
grief- you were a christian- you were a pastor's wife- you had experience in
other people's grief.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>You don't realize how qualified you are- but I know!!!"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She was right... I don't know. Sometimes I wonder at the fact that somehow, something I said, or more specifically asked, stirred something in someone else that made a difference. It is a wonder! I love it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But do I feel qualified! No! Sure I went to school. I've got a bachelor's degree, as well as, certification for Coaching in life, relationship and master coaching. I coach coaches in a master class. I hold groups and coach individuals and even work with businesses for team building and leadership training. I must know something, right. Maybe! But it could just mean I'm busy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But it's not really the degree or certifications or all the 'busyness of business' that makes me qualified in the eyes of most of my clients. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm qualified, because I've been there! Her words to me<i> 'you understood grief</i>' and '<i>you had experience in other people's grief." </i>We're not just talking about having lost a daughter or having helped others who have lost a loved one. That catches the attention of many people, but it's more than that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's having had a dream- and having to let it go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's having a title and walking away from it- even when I didn't know what I was walking too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's having a job- then not having one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's being secure financially- then not!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's almost losing a family- then working really hard to get it back- only to have it ripped apart again by loss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's building an intimate relationship with the Lord, but then wondering if He would let all these <i>'bad things happen to good people</i>' if he were truly God- and realizing that if I could explain all this, then He wouldn't be God, and choosing to trust Him with the '<i>mystery</i>' called life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and having to start all over in all of it - again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They don't even have to know my story to know I get it! Sometimes I wish I didn't! Couldn't life be easier, Lord! But most of the time, I'm learning to be grateful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grateful that if I have to struggle so to overcome some ache in my heart- someone might benefit from my journey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grateful that I can empathize with people on so many levels that, in the past, I often just offered that platitudes that sounded as 'christianeze' as possible. But we know when someone doesn't really know. I know! You know! You just know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Grateful that each area of struggle is another opportunity for me to see God at work- in ways I never have imagined. It's an opportunity to see HOPE- green hope- life giving hope!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It really doesn't matter what the issue is- we all have issues. We all experience loss at some point in our lives. We all have times when it feels like we are spinning out of control in a whirlpool that is sucking the breath out of us and crushing us under the waves that continue to roll over us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I guess that makes me qualified! And yet it's more than that! Because it's not the issues or loss that become the defining moment in our lives. We all have that! It's HOW WE RESPOND to them that makes all the difference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If my friend from the beginning of this post had read story after story- post after post of 'woe is me, i've suffered all these things...' would she have even wanted to talk to me. I know I wouldn't. I'm not qualified because I've known pain. I'm qualified because I've chosen to look for hope at the end - and often in the middle of every struggle I've ever had. Now by no means does that mean I always respond right. Don't ask my husband how I was this weekend. I'm ashamed to say that after coaching several clients last week to live gratefully and with hope- I wallowed in the sea of forgetfulness and had a pity-party deluxe that zapped all my strength from me. It happens to all of us from time to time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But the Lord- and Rennie- wouldn't let me stay there! And one by one, I was reminded of how God had met a need, or a dream or just a whisper. My eyes were open to how God was providing now and what moments of hope looked like- right now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week in my mailbox God provided. One day it was a journal that a sweet friend found at Target and thought of me. They cover said <i>Live in HOPE! </i>and it had a beautiful green tree on it. It's just like the one Cait bought for the HOPE CABIN. But my friend didn't know that. A reminder to LIVE ---IN --- HOPE!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another was a letter addressed to Rennie. No postmark, no return address. Just a card that said <i>Blessings </i>with $200 cash in it. Lord!!!!! thank you for the friend who shared!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a friend who sent an idea for cupcakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">or the one who called out of the blue just to talk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">or the one who said, 'don't quit now!'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was the client who said, I'm so grateful for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Or the note that said why.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">or the husband who pursued me when I wanted to crawl under the covers and not come out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I know, it sounds like I'm depressed! I was! Not sure of all the whys! Life isn't terrible- in fact, it's pretty good. It could be health, or big events in our life, or daughter's growing up or... maybe just </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">forgetting</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> how I long to respond to all of life's issues- with gratitude and hope! And I can-- not because I'm so good, but because God is so great!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My friend is right! I am qualified- to share my life as it happens with others who long to share theirs. How about you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks friend for the reminder! </span></div>
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Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-89264319789476264842012-10-30T17:45:00.004-07:002012-10-30T17:52:35.842-07:00Passing On HOPE! So at the HOPE dedication, we gave those attending a small 'hunk of hope'. It was just a green stone, but the purpose of it was to drop it in a pocket or purse and every time they came up on it, they were to remember there is HOPE, and HOPE is given to be given!<br />
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So there were two HOPE stories that were shared with me! I have to write about here. They are two pictures of HOPE that made a difference in my life. Maybe they will in yours too!<br />
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One of the gifts of HOPE was this cross laying on the table. At first, I didn't know where it came from. But after the prayer time around the cabin, I came back up to the front to open the front door, it was resting in one of the front porch chairs. Instantly I remember Charlie Rayl saying, 'I'm making something for HOPE!" I knew this was it. You can't tell from the pic, but it's about 3-4 inches thick and stained with green. Charlie was watching me as I looked it over. He came to tell me that he got the wood from a house in Henryville, IN when he and a group of guys from Crossroads went to help "CONVOY OF HOPE" rebuild homes after the tornado there. So he said "I built this out of their hope, for your hope, for HOPE!"<br />
So very cool!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRMk5Dw_IqiR2H9M7m_rFP67dILnd3b92ocajCYUWlmhVfmqist9j3mpKgCJmvviZo2hh86ZOhCDAEZ8wobfMbEZBwMcQsJ9vloP95jD3quNerdKdiLkbmMCJZyLzqvlI4dGEqNL1B7c/s1600/20121015154611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRMk5Dw_IqiR2H9M7m_rFP67dILnd3b92ocajCYUWlmhVfmqist9j3mpKgCJmvviZo2hh86ZOhCDAEZ8wobfMbEZBwMcQsJ9vloP95jD3quNerdKdiLkbmMCJZyLzqvlI4dGEqNL1B7c/s640/20121015154611.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEX3YIFtBu9tySEvfHbQJvgyxSku-kLJMbee2hyphenhyphen-N7A_ZB_bTzmc3PRnrECMQqZRgEzbfD2TwRuqr_qM8oc8TlsHKwyvs5EDYZzwHtC0F-FoT-HMi0TWLB5eSxeGdFC3tT5wiuRbklLk/s1600/20121008121446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEX3YIFtBu9tySEvfHbQJvgyxSku-kLJMbee2hyphenhyphen-N7A_ZB_bTzmc3PRnrECMQqZRgEzbfD2TwRuqr_qM8oc8TlsHKwyvs5EDYZzwHtC0F-FoT-HMi0TWLB5eSxeGdFC3tT5wiuRbklLk/s200/20121008121446.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Sunday before the dedication, Charlie andJanice had come up to me to tell me that they had a gift for me! Out of his pocket, he pulled this HOPE bracelet. They said it was a gift from their 15 year old niece who had been wearing it at a family dinner. They told her our story of hope, and the cabin, etc. She pulled it off and said,</div>
"Give it to that mom! I don't need it anymore!"<br />
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I marveled that it was my 15 year old daughter, Leisha, that had taught me about hope in the first place. Now, just as we were getting ready to dedicate the cabin, another 15 year old girl that had found hope and now could give it away, was reminding me that I had been given hope to passing it on to others. <br />
Thank you sweet girl! Both of you! <br />
I've passed it on!<br />
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So now we are passing it on- to you!<br />
What hope have you been given in your story? <br />
Who is in your world you can pass hope to?<br />
<br />Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079375898251210942.post-48895184088180243282012-10-29T18:36:00.000-07:002013-04-14T11:13:25.792-07:00Announcing ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...the engagement of our daughter, Brielle to Jason Augsburger!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Op_pcUjOMJUNYVZmWvjaqh7mChywPteAAcP7P9kphXDT1LysuZe6PsIYwr4-gPmDZLbJQxFPEhsQJ9IHSI1LiautibfKad5T9kiCD75juti9FG7THwa3ZOonRTeXMoqVzdEFaKPPM4/s1600/Brie+&+Jason2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5Op_pcUjOMJUNYVZmWvjaqh7mChywPteAAcP7P9kphXDT1LysuZe6PsIYwr4-gPmDZLbJQxFPEhsQJ9IHSI1LiautibfKad5T9kiCD75juti9FG7THwa3ZOonRTeXMoqVzdEFaKPPM4/s320/Brie+&+Jason2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m-0AJSePU4DjDtWet34NGmmCKWAfML7S0lzQdJDh_SATN3ucToKQa1vWJeE9xHPnpvBX_qYrTNM2ERTAtafeItd69IFW7wu3eVErwBQ2-6rix71H-bf1lczZTIfa4O9MxwYTdJAFros/s1600/engagment+announcement!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m-0AJSePU4DjDtWet34NGmmCKWAfML7S0lzQdJDh_SATN3ucToKQa1vWJeE9xHPnpvBX_qYrTNM2ERTAtafeItd69IFW7wu3eVErwBQ2-6rix71H-bf1lczZTIfa4O9MxwYTdJAFros/s320/engagment+announcement!.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Brie and Jason, we are so excited for you! Your continued growth of your love for one another has shown over the past 6 years you have spent together. We are proud of both of you and are thrilled to be celebrating your marriage. Congratulations!<br />
<br />Kathlyn Burrushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10220631227490004946noreply@blogger.com0