tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20086188040956550632024-03-13T03:15:27.076-07:00Simply Remind MeBeth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-79884457905226694822014-09-03T20:00:00.001-07:002014-09-03T20:00:47.791-07:00Farewell Simply Remind Me, Hello Beth Hildebrand<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u58uKT4ulI8/VAfV0lPmHTI/AAAAAAAAFAc/o3uwicbc1q8/s1600-h/20140903_204952808_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140903_204952808_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140903_204952808_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VR7sYn_UzJ4/VAfV1XOZMJI/AAAAAAAAFAg/W363J25Uah0/20140903_204952808_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>Well…the day has finally arrived. </p> <p>I’m finally letting you know about our new place. </p> <p>Yep. We’re moving.</p> <p>“What?!”, you might say? To let you know, we’re not moving out of the country, the state or even small town Gibsonville. In fact, I’m staying right where I am in this sunroom, one of my favorite places to be.</p> <p>I’m just moving to a new, little space on the internet. </p> <p><strong>I have a new blog.</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TgJAKClsecU/VAfV2LVFxaI/AAAAAAAAFAs/12la8GUgaew/s1600-h/20140903_134557000_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140903_134557000_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140903_134557000_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bzmxO9dlKBo/VAfV3DgZZWI/AAAAAAAAFA0/IZn_vqheGtA/20140903_134557000_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>Want to know why? Then come on over <a href="http://www.bethhildebrand.com/">here</a> and find out!</p> <p>Simply Remind Me has been my virtual space name for almost 2 years but I felt it was time for a change. I plan to stay at this new blog address for quite some time. </p> <p>I made it pretty easy to remember…<a href="http://www.bethhildebrand.com/">www.BethHildebrand.com</a></p> <p>You’re welcome to visit and see the new look. My new <a href="http://www.bethhildebrand.com/beths-mission-statement/">vision</a>. My new website. You’re also welcome to subscribe if you’d like!</p> <p>It’s very simple. Pretty plain. But that’s what I need, and maybe you too? Plain and simple in this complex and busy world. I hope it’ll be a place where it can slow you down for a moment to take a deep breath. To be a time to rest and bring some encouragement. And hopefully it’ll spur you on to <em><strong>discover the gifts and beauty inside you so you’ll be unashamed of your personal missions, your passions and purposes defined by the word of truth. </strong></em></p> <p>I invite you to come on over. Thank you for the times you’ve stopped here. I hope you’ll visit and you’re welcome to say hi. <strong><em> </em></strong>I’m excited to start this new chapter and you’re invited to be part of it.</p> <p>{If you have subscribed here it won’t carry over to my new one because it’s a new domain. So, if you like to continue that, you’ll have to subscribe over there. }</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-32144550477071679592014-08-26T08:03:00.001-07:002014-08-26T08:03:03.777-07:00A New Overwhelmed {and Announcement!}<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hlq-h--BWy4/U_yhnCyeKFI/AAAAAAAAFAE/41_UVM42tSg/s1600-h/bpic1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bpic1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bpic1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b3Z0XKXIkDY/U_yho5RfRFI/AAAAAAAAFAM/4qGwWzrd3nc/bpic1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="484"></a> <p>As you can see, I decided to come back. Back in June I was <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/06/all-done.html">all done</a>. Whatever that meant at the time. I really didn’t know exactly what that meant, but I did know I needed some <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/06/all-done.html">spiritual whitespace</a> and rest. So I did. <p>I’m so glad I did. <p>This past spring I guess I did myself in. It wasn’t until I was in too deep to realize I had agreed to do too many things. Why is that so easy to do? <em>I felt overwhelmed by the feeling of being overwhelmed</em>. It was overwhelming because this stay-at-home mom was never home because she found it hard to say "no". There were unavoidable responsibilities. There was also a feeling of needing to do something for the Kingdom but battling with what it is I'm to do and when to do something. I was frustrated because I wanted to write (for my sanity) but my mind was too frazzled to concentrate. Those responsibilities and feelings robbed rest and content right from my soul. <p>I was at the point where I needed to create a space around me that would protect me from going completely off the deep end and being grumpy or exhausted all the time. Thankfully when school ended, many of those things I was responsible for ended too. But I also had to put a hold on some other things too. Writing on my blog was one of them. <p>So, for a few months I've done that. Instead, I've been reading more, walking with my husband early in the morning, hanging out at the pool with the kids and friends and doing little projects around the house. We've had vacation and time with family and friends. All things I needed…we needed. <p>But now it’s a new school year (where my babies started middle school and high school this year, oh dear!). It’s time for new pencils. It’s time for new notebooks that aren’t bent and wrinkled up on the corners. Those notebooks when you open them up and it’s page after page of white space with those light blue lines and nothing written on them. Ahhhh! What a lovely thing to see and a feel! (at least it is for this one). <p>During the summer, I heard <a href="http://www.bigdaddyweave.com/">Big Daddy Weave's</a> newest song on the radio and while I was driving by the retirement community (I remember exactly where I was when I first heard this song), the words grabbed my attention. <p>When I heard the song, the memories of how I felt a few months ago rushed quickly to my mind simply because that word is hard to avoid because it can be so big and loud. <p><a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?source=search_app#q=overwhelmed+big+daddy+weave">Overwhelmed</a>. But this overwhelm is used differently than the overwhelm I was feeling. The overwhelm described in this song is the overwhelmed I want to be. <p><em>I delight myself in You</em><br><em>Captivated by Your beauty</em><br><em>I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You</em> <p>And I am. <p>I’m overwhelmed by God’s grace and love for me and for you and for His children. <p>I’ve decided this year instead of being overwhelmed with a to-do list, I'm choosing to be overwhelmed by God's goodness and grace and redeeming love. I'm choosing to be overwhelmed by His power to make things happen <em>through us</em> and the gifts He gives us to share all of that with others however way possible. I’m choosing to be overwhelmed with hope. <p><strong>This world needs every little bit and every huge amount of hope.</strong> <p>With whatever amount of hope I needed, I held onto over the summer. While taking a little rest, I’ve been patiently waiting for direction and timing and I think now’s the time. We’ll see! <p>While it is whatever you have to do this fall as a “new year” begins, <em>may you be overwhelmed by the beauty of His grace and truth and love and purpose for you</em>. <p><strong>And now for the announcement!</strong> <p>I want to let you know that <em>I’ll have a new look and name in my space here on the internet</em>. So stay tuned because <strong>next week</strong> <strong>I'm going to launch my new website/blog</strong>. I’ll share my new address and my first post there next week so stay tuned! <p>I hope to <em>see</em> you then! And thank you. Really. Thanks for stopping by. <p>Being overwhelmed...a good way!</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-42791568104017980632014-06-23T05:16:00.001-07:002014-06-23T05:16:35.889-07:00A summer confession and dare<p>Confession: I enjoy summer with days lighter longer, seeing lightning bugs at dusk, picking a ripe - bigger-than-your-palm tomato off the bush in our back yard and eating it on a piece of bread with a little mayo, hearing the recorded children's songs in the distance becoming louder as kids holler for some money as the ice cream van approaches, along with some vacation time and reading a good book. <p>It can be a refreshing break from the routine I'm used to the other 10 months of the year. Most of that is a good thing, but there's one thing that's not so great about it: <strong> In the summer I struggle…</strong> <p align="center">{I’m still taking a little rest from blogging, but today I’m writing for SMC Women <a href="http://smcwomen.org/2014/06/23/i-need-my-space/">here</a>, if you’d like to finish reading my story. And even though I’m taking some time to rest, I can’t stop giving thanks and giving God the glory for them all.} <p>Still taking the <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/joy-dares/">Joy Dare</a> and giving God thanks for these… <p>#2101 organizing an “outreach” and coordinating our street cookout for first time</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fm4RaYkQX2Q/U6gZ2cwExeI/AAAAAAAAE4M/TcGUSdxcQ6k/s1600-h/20140531_223540458_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140531_223540458_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140531_223540458_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_qZidr4XPyE/U6gZ3Gu9g6I/AAAAAAAAE4U/6iSdzfnfBsE/20140531_223540458_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2102 getting to meet neighbors for the first time</p> <p>#2103 broccoli salad</p> <p>#2104 inviting neighbor to read <a href="http://www.jennieallen.com/books/restless/">Restless</a> with me</p> <p>#2105 her accepting the invitation and asking if a friend can join in!</p> <p>#2106 God’s perfect timing…she stayed on my mind for a couple of months and she’s been praying for a mentor. We finally meet face to face.</p> <p>#2107 kids having fun on a golf cart driving around the neighborhood</p> <p>#2108 the butterfly in the grass</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JGi619TVcU8/U6gZ4EWZiBI/AAAAAAAAE4c/gbTcXhLi550/s1600-h/20140618_130342372_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140618_130342372_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140618_130342372_iOS" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lzAURxMsddU/U6gZ4ld4WvI/AAAAAAAAE4k/DbhyZsLMmUQ/20140618_130342372_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2109 the text from a neighbor afterwards saying thanks for the cookout and included <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+peter+4%3A8-10&version=NIV">1 Peter 4:8-10</a></p> <p>#2110 kids having fun at the 5th grade celebration</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A4XVFJVQ_3Q/U6gZ54L9rdI/AAAAAAAAE4s/n1zYyRQ25nk/s1600-h/IMG_1603%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1603" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1603" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i-armh1hC4o/U6gZ7FcyqeI/AAAAAAAAE40/HRoUqgvsdl4/IMG_1603_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2111 photo booths</p> <p>#2112 dancing on a field </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ElW-0pk5kUo/U6gZ8ZopedI/AAAAAAAAE48/U-PcD2QtG1M/s1600-h/IMG_1607%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1607" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1607" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G5EVxF7s-lI/U6gZ9R9yh2I/AAAAAAAAE5E/SGCQAuyYkkE/IMG_1607_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2113 husband playing a game on daughter’s field day at school</p> <p>#2114 watching kids squeal with delight when sprayed with water</p> <p>#2115 for the many ways the Holy Spirit speaks to me and has been ministering to me</p> <p>#2116 opening the Bible asking God for a verse for encouragement. I opened to Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.” It.Was.Perfect. I.So.Needed.That.Reminder.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SYr8cfRq1k4/U6gZ-MGqzvI/AAAAAAAAE5M/iBXPsk2rur4/s1600-h/pslm328%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="pslm328" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="pslm328" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eIW8g0L6mEo/U6gZ-1IU2zI/AAAAAAAAE5U/yaV5SjqgB4o/pslm328_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2117 gardenias blooming</p> <p>#2118 days getting closer to when sis leaves for China!</p> <p>#2119 friends back to small group who have been gone for so long</p> <p>#2120 our small group</p> <p>#2121 the lady beside me at Chick Fil a who told me her story about moving to a new state.</p> <p>#2122 Helping plan the Splash party to celebrate the past 6 years together.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KLl2dl1mL8A/U6gZ_-qUIqI/AAAAAAAAE5c/Vebf_A9mNGY/s1600-h/IMG_1766%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1766" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1766" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-naLKIa6bwQI/U6gaBE5WL8I/AAAAAAAAE5k/zLZJAWeeuag/IMG_1766_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2123 pool party for daughter’s Splash class…together for 6 years and counting.</p> <p>#2124 so grateful and appreciative of daughter’s 5th grade teacher</p> <p>#2125 hard eucharisteo (thanksgiving) – the word WAIT showing up everywhere, every day...and mostly used the way telling me to.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RklmdxjNbmA/U6gaB1nEJ9I/AAAAAAAAE5s/B5wQnhqOuH0/s1600-h/20140603_173900051_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140603_173900051_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140603_173900051_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Y2uWAbIH8M/U6gaCuJZg7I/AAAAAAAAE5w/HCwkeBa9qrs/20140603_173900051_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MhqjPp8Ru7U/U6gaDUSfarI/AAAAAAAAE58/hZCHb0i_3_s/s1600-h/20140619_192953637_iOS%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140619_192953637_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140619_192953637_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MuR-vLCFOu4/U6gaEPnsDII/AAAAAAAAE6E/qSTUUhMBEFk/20140619_192953637_iOS_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2126 Hearing Lysa TerKeurst interview on <a href="www.compeltraining.com">Compel Training</a> talk about being a writer. She said not to give up writing like I said I was doing last night.</p> <p>#2127 wearing sweatpants and a jacket for the morning walk on June 2</p> <p>#2128 Knowing God pursues me</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kLJ0J2Wnsbc/U6gaE3lQHyI/AAAAAAAAE6M/Wta_sA3fcOQ/s1600-h/20140605_110239128_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140605_110239128_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140605_110239128_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9pVGcN1U_dQ/U6gaFg8fD1I/AAAAAAAAE6U/g54ZDOzFJu0/20140605_110239128_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2129 Smelling gardenia while making lunches for kids on the last day of EOG</p> <p>#2130 Seeing the to do list get smaller and smaller</p> <p>#2131 seeing friends from years ago unexpectedly at local restaurant</p> <p>#2132 My husband’s parents giving us the Christmas gift a week with family at the beach being used!</p> <p>#2133 fried shrimp</p> <p>#2134 Psalm 19 on the lifeguard stand at 6am</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ejM47ZkfjjY/U6gaGtib_nI/AAAAAAAAE6c/CQG150MxtSo/s1600-h/psalm193.jpg"><img title="psalm19" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="psalm19" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ANfO24snT7M/U6gaHGc-i6I/AAAAAAAAE6k/OIgd-Hg95hU/psalm19_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2135 digging holes in the sand</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FsIXMQ09OFA/U6gaINBzAuI/AAAAAAAAE6s/aPa3b0h5yWk/s1600-h/IMG_20754.jpg"><img title="IMG_2075" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2075" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lC9oJ3o73tQ/U6gaI0BL9rI/AAAAAAAAE60/gvgWxeW5-vw/IMG_2075_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2136 afternoon beach sea shell walks with daughter</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2Lc3tbNhvUI/U6gaJvNkcYI/AAAAAAAAE68/rQsG-lxCBFU/s1600-h/IMG_1960_00014.jpg"><img title="IMG_1960" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1960" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N1GXoIlkXTA/U6gaKaLw-4I/AAAAAAAAE7E/ohioweK_oWw/IMG_1960_0001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2137 family beach photos</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LvxXAwWB93A/U6gaLUXaOyI/AAAAAAAAE7M/heDI-BIe-eQ/s1600-h/IMG_18684.jpg"><img title="IMG_1868" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1868" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JPJzacnNkDg/U6gaMSnzNXI/AAAAAAAAE7U/0sspCscmtZI/IMG_1868_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QS0xtWUwDFQ/U6gaNLhQLrI/AAAAAAAAE7c/YO1htQtvIqI/s1600-h/IMG_19014.jpg"><img title="IMG_1901" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1901" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IhBZxAL2xjw/U6gaOL29k6I/AAAAAAAAE7g/bUwnulJjTuI/IMG_1901_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ldUkLjwxJRY/U6gaOqDXt-I/AAAAAAAAE7s/MLTuj-rnWgo/s1600-h/IMG_19454.jpg"><img title="IMG_1945" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1945" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kOKSgxoVZh8/U6gaPV2f-II/AAAAAAAAE7w/21NF2LcO5h8/IMG_1945_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IXb_MAc_xRY/U6gaQLwy8iI/AAAAAAAAE78/koul79cVVkc/s1600-h/IMG_1952_00014.jpg"><img title="IMG_1952" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1952" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lc8k3cDJmus/U6gaQzTY3qI/AAAAAAAAE8A/a0kuiUNn0Kw/IMG_1952_0001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2138 looking up to my 14 yr son (and we’re on level sand)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B9Kl_I4sJ4k/U6gaRk5YyzI/AAAAAAAAE8M/FS3DmlRGJpo/s1600-h/IMG_19654.jpg"><img title="IMG_1965" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1965" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zWo_EExMO6A/U6gaScFlvWI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/LCRjKkgbSsE/IMG_1965_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2139 visiting with college friend</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VAou-xbZw40/U6gaTA3nP9I/AAAAAAAAE8c/F7doZvdDpUo/s1600-h/IMG_19954.jpg"><img title="IMG_1995" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1995" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8-AxUyRutCU/U6gaT8qZg4I/AAAAAAAAE8k/WDIT70oSgWU/IMG_1995_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="430"></a></p> <p>#2140 building sandcastles</p> <p>#2141 rainbow over the ocean…and capturing a picture of our kids and a sailboat in front of it</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nYmRqQIk5MY/U6gaU2dWfmI/AAAAAAAAE8s/CkzvhMnHVP4/s1600-h/IMG_20914.jpg"><img title="IMG_2091" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2091" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R0bF_4hjsBc/U6gaVZgPdrI/AAAAAAAAE80/SyOvFWDd35Q/IMG_2091_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2142 early morning sunrises with Jesus on the beach</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yQzZmIbmUiY/U6gaWE_jRjI/AAAAAAAAE88/3Z_ZkYQ-Sq4/s1600-h/IMG_18074.jpg"><img title="IMG_1807" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1807" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8x7D-3E00CQ/U6gaWk5-qmI/AAAAAAAAE9E/5HBiEjGDKeg/IMG_1807_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JxKIVPlgltU/U6gaXUesyaI/AAAAAAAAE9M/0VwmlKIb_Ak/s1600-h/IMG_18084.jpg"><img title="IMG_1808" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1808" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-900Zxi8zYDo/U6gaYKw2tII/AAAAAAAAE9U/XdY01sx2j4U/IMG_1808_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kAfcXqfd8xo/U6gaY4h7xqI/AAAAAAAAE9c/6bnrkK2OHjA/s1600-h/IMG_4437%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4437" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4437" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rvkpAGS-i9s/U6gaZUtbtjI/AAAAAAAAE9k/lsNPn3MAG7k/IMG_4437_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xJARuEr2nQ0/U6gaaCIYKcI/AAAAAAAAE9s/dp_wuIT3VyQ/s1600-h/IMG_18174.jpg"><img title="IMG_1817" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1817" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I0QQ5cP3FOM/U6gaagsk0vI/AAAAAAAAE9w/iP3rqlJI4Gs/IMG_1817_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2143 watching sunrise with my husband on Father’s Day</p> <p>#2144 so grateful for my Dad</p> <p>#2145 so grateful for my husband, the father of our children</p> <p>#2146 so grateful for Abba</p> <p>#2147 laughing so hard at beach game night</p> <p>#2148 seeing dolphin jump completely out of the ocean 3 times (boy I wish I got a pic of that)</p> <p>#2149 guys going to see fighter jets</p> <p>#2150 huge red moon rising over the ocean</p> <p>#2151 My sis and her family got to hug and hold their new, adopted son for the first time!!!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-taAAAVov3Z4/U6gabMqWHrI/AAAAAAAAE98/Qt3XSFK3nv4/s1600-h/china%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="china" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="china" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mM5qWA83Ids/U6gab-NViDI/AAAAAAAAE-E/_xRgR_wfzmw/china_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2152 Face Timing with them in China!</p> <p>#2153 sitting down after timing at the summer swim meet that lasted for hours</p> <p>#2154 taking niece and nephew to the <a href="http://site.childrensmuseumofalamance.org/">Children’s Museum</a></p> <p>#2155 Dad and niece painting</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1Vdkugw84A8/U6gacxWtqvI/AAAAAAAAE-M/FT1c5HAGdHI/s1600-h/20140619_190307920_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140619_190307920_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140619_190307920_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dDG7iDNb9gU/U6gad1Q-9FI/AAAAAAAAE-U/eCtWFSDMCWQ/20140619_190307920_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2156 loving rivalry</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-am4BH9KL5nc/U6gaesD2--I/AAAAAAAAE-c/Km2rg1fMYWo/s1600-h/20140619_190415413_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140619_190415413_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140619_190415413_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u5wf75ES6po/U6gafSrCFQI/AAAAAAAAE-k/N3fMfOZPxt0/20140619_190415413_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2157 celebrating my dad’s 70th birthday</p> <p>#2158 my dad’s smile</p> <p>#2159 the smile-lines surround his eyes the prove his smiles</p> <p>#2160 his quiet spirit</p> <p>#2161 his love for our family</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FwaxqviGeEA/U6gageAZOyI/AAAAAAAAE-s/jRPxEmBVSWM/s1600-h/IMG_4444%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4444" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4444" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RwVGzvjZCuI/U6gahH8YgXI/AAAAAAAAE-0/UvaIN2MBG78/IMG_4444_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2162 husband grilling burgers and making homemade potato chips for dad’s birthday dinner</p> <p>#2163 making golf cake with daughter</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xMkUQpJMfeQ/U6gaidC2bwI/AAAAAAAAE-8/5pSjnvddCNI/s1600-h/IMG_4445%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4445" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4445" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rQjzFvit2Dg/U6gai4CYMHI/AAAAAAAAE_E/o4OeGbYsCTM/IMG_4445_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DhfZg3SGVk4/U6gaj-TjbAI/AAAAAAAAE_M/cJW3-It_120/s1600-h/IMG_4446%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4446" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4446" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rvsIaNCqEhA/U6gakh_1D8I/AAAAAAAAE_U/8qqiQ16_STc/IMG_4446_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2164 niece and nephew spending a few days with us</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bXPqVtMZCJc/U6galf6G0HI/AAAAAAAAE_c/64MEeAhQszo/s1600-h/20140620_192031729_iOS%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140620_192031729_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140620_192031729_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tBfipTF3g5Q/U6gamiz2gJI/AAAAAAAAE_k/10LhpCSR74E/20140620_192031729_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2165 going to eat snow balls on a 100* summer afternoon</p> <p>#2166 finishing the book “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Million-Little-Ways-Uncover-Were/dp/0800722442">A Million Little Ways: Uncovering the Art You Were Made to Live</a>” by <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Emily P. Freeman</a>. <em>Words cannot describe how beautiful, challenging, artistic, heart-stirring, tear-making and confirming that book is for me</em>…and anyone who reads it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VuGwO713Kd4/U6ganlQtCXI/AAAAAAAAE_s/k5PHgtvzbQ0/s1600-h/20140622_231839160_iOS%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140622_231839160_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140622_231839160_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IspyskOfUS8/U6gaoYXyWII/AAAAAAAAE_0/VKgx-uBge8Y/20140622_231839160_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-13079728188382988032014-06-13T04:43:00.001-07:002014-06-13T04:43:35.718-07:00Today’s Promise<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IzWWZK_9_CQ/U5rj4UXzelI/AAAAAAAAE30/TikGyD_LHxE/s1600-h/psalm19%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="psalm19" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="psalm19" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1rulWBB_mWI/U5rj5dVhHII/AAAAAAAAE38/ASpO5ygq1gs/psalm19_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="484"></a></p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-78733740672229388272014-06-05T19:59:00.001-07:002014-06-05T19:59:14.194-07:00All done...<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-txSaS5qn8Jg/U5EuYMad5RI/AAAAAAAAE2s/7GW5C_F0yxI/s1600-h/IMG_1504%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1504" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1504" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-twekdh27JD0/U5EuZQkm1uI/AAAAAAAAE20/njqq3YEW8ig/IMG_1504_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uGFCwK8pMys/U5EuaCVTQCI/AAAAAAAAE28/0hi8IGnlSCk/s1600-h/IMG_1506%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1506" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1506" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EEBLU8dEK0I/U5Euasn-iAI/AAAAAAAAE3E/FvOhny8eiL4/IMG_1506_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>I just didn’t know how to express it. I didn’t know if I should even bother to bring it up.</p> <p>But it’s about to be a new season…summertime…and for the first time since I was a kid in school, I’ve been looking forward to summer. I don’t really care for the heat, humidity, sweat and mosquito bites. I’d take autumn any day. It also throws me off the track of having a “regular schedule” which I seem to like.</p> <p>For some reason I need something different, even though change isn’t always easy for me.</p> <p>Honestly after a little meltdown the other night this hot-mess frustratingly told herself she was done. All done. Done blogging and done writing.</p> <p>But a couple of days after that not-so-joyful-moment, I was reading a post from <em>Chatting at</em> <em>the Sky</em> as <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2014/06/03/whitespace/">Emily wrote</a> about the importance of having <em>spiritual whitespace</em>, referring to a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bonnie-Gray/e/B00KEKQ082/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">new book</a> on the bookstore shelves. </p> <p>That’s exactly what I was feeling…needing space… but had been wrestling with it. </p> <p>I was wrestling because it’s hard to let go of some things sometimes…and hard for me to say “no”.</p> <p>I’ve been wrestling with all the busyness of spring events that have finally wound down but left me a little frazzled.</p> <p>And honestly, wresting with the evil one who’s been trying to make me quit. Quit writing. Hang up my hat. “All done” as I hold my <em>hands</em> up and shake them, all fingers stretched out – what I did in front of our babies as I taught them what “all done” means in sign language.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3DBrUsSzWJQ/U5Eub2FnO9I/AAAAAAAAE3M/_qeNbWaq3bQ/s1600-h/20140605_194108562_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140605_194108562_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140605_194108562_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z-kFsFXOwDE/U5EucyOM1ZI/AAAAAAAAE3U/VSZ03LNsNnU/20140605_194108562_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>I know though I need to put on my big-girl pants. I’m not going to let the evil one win this one. I’ve come to realize I need to give myself some spiritual whitespace to breathe. </p> <p>I don’t know exactly how much space I need though. It might be for a couple of weeks or a couple of months.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nziCrJxalMc/U5EufPeqoEI/AAAAAAAAE3c/62uLGeA7Kb4/s1600-h/IMG_56674.jpg"><img title="IMG_5667" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5667" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4CbzmHcBAaY/U5Euf-N7anI/AAAAAAAAE3k/jKULF_O1YfQ/IMG_5667_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>I need to clear the clutter. Create some whitespace to leave space for other things. I often read other writers who say the best things to write about are simply “real life” experiences and how God is in the midst of it. Lately I feel my head has been so cluttered, I haven’t had time to take notice of how God is working and speaks in every day things in my life.</p> <p>That late night when I had that little “come-to-Jesus” moment, I told Him I needed to read something to ease my struggle. I wanted a Psalm. I didn’t know which one but I opened my Bible, praying it be one that’s Just.Right. And Just.Right. it was. </p> <p>The pages fell open to Psalm 32. Years ago I had underlined verse 8, which I had forgotten so I looked to see what was written for me that night. </p> <p align="center"><em><strong><font size="3">“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you.”</font></strong></em></p> <p>It left me word-less.</p> <p>And ever since then words have been appearing in all sorts of places – books, computer screens, post office doors and Target stores - that have to do with resting and waiting.</p> <p>I read just yesterday a <a href="http://allume.com/2014/06/actually-happens-rest/">post</a> about needing rest from writing that pretty much confirmed I’ve made the right decision. The writer said, <strong>taking seasons of deliberate rest are critical for the creative soul’s restoration and rejuvenation. </strong></p> <p><em>And that can be for any area of life…for anyone.</em></p> <p>She also said, </p> <p>“…when I finally surrendered to the quiet, <strong>I started to hear things, words began to gather again in my mind. God reminded me of stories I have yet to tell. </strong>I also began to dream again. I had visions. Fresh ideas percolating. Inspiration glowed at the edges of my mind–<em>a new dream</em> <em>unfolding</em>. <p>So, here I go. Taking a deep breath and exhaling it slowly and excited to see what I’m going to do with a little extra time and what I’ll learn the next…I don’t know how long. <p>May each of you who’ve taken the time to visit my little corner of the blogosphere, thank you. My heartfelt gratitude goes to you and I’ll be back. I think I’d go crazy if I didn’t. <p>This summer I hope you will also make space to breathe, to rest and to rejuvenate yourselves from the inside out. <p>Trusting Him, <p><font size="6" face="LoosieScript">Beth</font> <p align="center"><em>{It’s </em><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2014/06/five-minute-friday-hands/"><em>Five Minute Friday</em></a><em> and today’s word is HANDS. I know it did take a little over five minutes to write this post, but I wrote it yesterday and *it happened* to include today’s word “hands” already so I thought I’d join in the invitation…}</em> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-11717870044475728942014-05-29T21:45:00.001-07:002014-05-30T12:10:27.339-07:00What I learned in May 2014<p>It’s already the end of the month of May. End of the school year routine. End of the comfortable, warm spring days. Even as things come to an end, that also means it’s time for What I’ve learned in the month of May. Joining in with Emily P. Freeman’s <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Chatting in the Sky</a> for the monthly <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2014/05/30/lets-share-learned-may/">link up</a> sharing what I’ve learned this past month.</p> <p>Here it goes…</p> <p>1. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork">Humans of New York</a> Check out this Facebook page if you’d like: The About reads: </p> <p>“<em>Hey there. My name is Brandon and I began Humans of New York in the summer of 2010, shortly after leaving my job in Finance. (OK, I actually got fired.) I started HONY because I thought it would be really cool to create an exhaustive catalogue of New York City's inhabitants, so I set out to photograph 10,000 New Yorkers and plot their photos on a map. Somewhere along the way, I began to interview my subjects in addition to photographing them. And alongside their portraits, I'd include quotes and short stories from their lives.<br>Taken together, these portraits and captions became the subject of a vibrant blog. HONY now has over six million followers on social media, and provides a worldwide audience with daily glimpses into the lives of strangers on the streets of New York City</em>.” <p>There are some interesting and eclectic people he interviews for sure! <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yk_XsVXl90Q/U4gMzVZEVQI/AAAAAAAAE1k/QIiZuMheMV0/s1600-h/20140529_024647649_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140529_024647649_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140529_024647649_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P2wLpZTXOwg/U4gM0PaBzEI/AAAAAAAAE1o/kZdLrXH8q30/20140529_024647649_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9vuMgEbkNRg/U4gM1ngR-nI/AAAAAAAAE10/uH3L3OTpj3A/s1600-h/20140529_025805780_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140529_025805780_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140529_025805780_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y8SCrUHXK2g/U4gM2_KS08I/AAAAAAAAE18/UMzcbeqZYUM/20140529_025805780_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a> <p>Ok…that’s my new dream job. I’m kind of serious. <p>2. <strong>There are 83.3 million dogs in the US</strong>. Doggone…that’s a lot of dogs! I think I heard that random fact on <a href="http://www.klove.com/blog/">K-LOVE</a> morning show. <p>3. Do you know what <strong>a “cousin once or twice removed”</strong> means? I do now. Our family had the privilege to get away for a weekend to go to my great aunt’s 90th birthday. She still such a spunky lady. That night after the party, out on the porch overlooking the lake, my extended family somehow got on the subject of who a cousin removed is. Not removed from the family but one who is on the family tree. Thanks to <a href="http://www.genealogy.com/16_cousn.html">Genealogy.com</a>, we found the answer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qcHbbSf-OKE/U4gM4GyqHCI/AAAAAAAAE2E/VArxCx7wTB0/s1600-h/20140529_144033690_iOS3.jpg"><img title="20140529_144033690_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140529_144033690_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kexedVigml0/U4gM44114II/AAAAAAAAE2I/xz1_XSSHods/20140529_144033690_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a> <p>So maybe you leaned that like I did!</p> <p>4. <strong>You won’t get germs if you hold a owl pellet</strong>. Yes, an owl pellet. And it’s really not all that gross. I chaperoned my daughter’s class when they went on a field trip to a huge outdoor classroom at Camp Caraway in NC. It’s a great children's outdoor recreation and nature study program called <a href="http://www.caraway.org/#!acorns/cco5">ACORNS</a>. They got to do and learn all sorts of things about science through the great outdoors on that pretty spring day. They even got to ride a zipline! But the most interesting fact I learned was about all the things you can find in an owl pellet. The instructor with his dry sense of humor did tell us beforehand that each pellet was sanitized…in an oven. The kids tore them open and found all sorts of goodies including bones from other animals the owl ate and their fur. Yummy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iH-Yzp9pxcM/U4gM5zsu1XI/AAAAAAAAE2U/hCC_TjQOr1E/s1600-h/20140512_161719845_iOS3.jpg"><img title="20140512_161719845_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140512_161719845_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CoPJza2DcZk/U4gM6z3iWaI/AAAAAAAAE2c/cjh8cItwduU/20140512_161719845_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>5. <strong>I’m learning how to play the waiting game</strong>. I’ll be honest: I don’t like to play the game called “Wait”. <em>But what if the purpose of the game is to teach you <b>how</b> to be still and while you do, learn to listen so you’ll know <b>when</b> to step into what’s unseen- a step of faith? </em>I’m still being taught this one because the word “wait” keeps appearing in many things I unintentionally read or hear almost every day. Today in the car flipping through stations on the radio the song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGKfrgqWcv0">I Will Wait</a> was on …have you ever thought of using those words as a prayer to God?</p> <p>6. Speaking of the radio, listening to the radio on the way to some extracurricular event for our children, we learned from <a href="http://www.tesh.com/ittrium/visit">John Tesh’s radio show</a> that <strong>Granny apples have most nutrients over any other apple</strong>. The Golden apples has the least nutrients. The next time I went to the grocery story, I got some Granny apples. </p> <p>Here’s a recipe I’ve had for a while for the best apple crisp…and I’ve always used Granny’s!</p> <p><strong><em><u>Quick Apple Crisp</u></em></strong></p> <p>You need: 5 Granny apples, 1 package (9oz) yellow cake mix, 2 Tablespoons sugar, 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup butter or margarine (melted) 1/2 cup chopped nut (optional), vanilla ice cream</p> <p>1. Preheat the oven to 350*. Peel, core and slice apples. Cut apples in half crosswise. Place apples in deep dish baker.</p> <p>2. Combine remaining ingredients, except ice cream. Mix unti. crumbly. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples. </p> <p>3. Bake 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream. </p> <p>Delish!</p> <p> </p> <p>Until next time…</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-12433436856556055702014-05-26T21:24:00.001-07:002014-05-27T05:07:07.579-07:00It’s going to be cray-zee!<p align="center"><em>“Though we wake up every morning on a fractured planet and though pieces of our brokenness still flake off every day, we have found in Christ a joy beyond all other joys, and we are prepared by His boundless grace to persevere to the very end....till our faith becomes sight, till we see Him face to face. Till we are completely changed.<br>God be praised.”~ Matt Chandler</em></p> <p>I thank a sister through Christ for posting that quote on her Facebook page and it happening to be on my news feed last week. I needed to read that. Still do. <p>The school year is about to end and now’s when I need the last push of adrenaline for the next two weeks. It’s going to be CRAY-ZEE! It needs to be a big push so I can see the finish line. So I cry out… <p>God, I want to live the next two weeks <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/05/for-those-who-have-crazy-busy-life-this.html">with enthusiasm</a>, with joy, with some <em>quietness in between the chaos</em>. With revelations, with lessons learned, with <em>seeing Your story in the midst of busyness</em>. Daily tell me what You want me to do. <em>Show me where to see You.</em> <p>Help me to see where You want me to go. <blockquote> <p>to see what I need to surrender.</p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p>to see what I say “yes” and “no” to. <p>to see my next step and direction. <p>to see my faith manifest <p>to see names to reach to.</p></blockquote> <p> to see Your glory and goodness. <p><em>I want to rest in the thousands of unseen works God is doing</em> around me and through me….today, tomorrow and “<em>till I see You face to face</em>.’ <blockquote> <p> </p></blockquote> <p>Praying that prayer for not only me, but for you – moms with children in school about to end and also needing that prayer. <p>In that quote Chandler says, “we have found in Christ a joy beyond all other joys…” Speaking of joy, here’s my most recent joys I’m counting and thanking God for… <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JclolvuzcNk/U4QTHSaIcGI/AAAAAAAAExc/8-YMxRk1Hno/s1600-h/IMG_1495%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1495" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1495" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-svAuRkPJVeA/U4QTILTQeEI/AAAAAAAAExk/NO3nsuCoJNg/IMG_1495_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2056 my rose bushes first blooms and putting them in a vase to enjoy</p> <p>#2057 the strong fragrance of the red rose</p> <p>#2058 seeing a bright, blue indigo bunting on our bird feeder. Haven’t seen one in years</p> <p>#2059 the text a sister thru Christ sent me giving me Jesus’ Calling reading. </p> <p>#2060 hearing the sound of baby birds now knowing where they are </p> <p>#2061 discovering chickadees built a nest in our bird house</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-euz9GYjQCo0/U4QTI1fHRrI/AAAAAAAAExs/0T3BxMqoryI/s1600-h/IMG_1207%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1207" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1207" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qk8U16o_u-s/U4QTJZ8QMZI/AAAAAAAAEx0/axQJ4tl-Rco/IMG_1207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2062 baby birds calling out to their parents</p> <p>#2063 lunch at Wendy’s with V and new friend C</p> <p>#2064 Hearing C’s calling deep inside…first time I meet her…skipping the weather and where you’re from.</p> <p>#2065 the Mother’s Day card my daughter made me</p> <p>#2066 new wall hang as Mother’s Day gift</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3hkWoww3OxE/U4QTJziB-LI/AAAAAAAAEx8/Ql4l95ko1P8/s1600-h/IMG_1494_0002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1494" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1494" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-scuvyuLz558/U4QTKgAzFAI/AAAAAAAAEyE/4GBIpqHf76I/IMG_1494_0002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2067 back to the most relaxing place…friends’ lake house</p> <p>#2068 our friends who always open their lake house door</p> <p>#2069 the wind chimes on the porch at the lake house</p> <p>#2070 beautiful, spring, warm day at the lake</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hw4OvV0HURw/U4QTLfARPPI/AAAAAAAAEyM/htj6LR4cBrE/s1600-h/IMG_1254%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1254" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1254" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-II0QFtFW5w8/U4QTL5dOzJI/AAAAAAAAEyU/QIUFjVSjfm4/IMG_1254_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2071 reuniting with family…close and distant.</p> <p>#2072 Gran laughing on the dock</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U8DhOowbODg/U4QTMi2U0nI/AAAAAAAAEyc/wh6jx09NUks/s1600-h/IMG_1266%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1266" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1266" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zb8Crax2ygQ/U4QTNXgrJbI/AAAAAAAAEyk/ecHdVcD3NDA/IMG_1266_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2073 celebrating great aunt’s 90th birthday</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OVtqAgvllOQ/U4QTNxGgqYI/AAAAAAAAEys/Kjs9L2oAL8I/s1600-h/IMG_1328%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1328" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1328" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8cw_xjtC3Eg/U4QTOnl-oMI/AAAAAAAAEyw/rjfBGa_7OwI/IMG_1328_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2074 joy of watching the joy on faces of nieces and nephew on extreme</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CsQcegR4hEg/U4QTPgktxlI/AAAAAAAAEy8/9_2AETqNDSY/s1600-h/IMG_1288_0001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1288" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1288" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DS3RmDc2-SI/U4QTQebEUTI/AAAAAAAAEzE/CcOLElWF67c/IMG_1288_0001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2075 riding extreme with my sis</p> <p>#2076 a blanket of clouds being pulled back showing stars and the bright moonshining on the lake at 12:30am</p> <p>#2077 God placing Colossians 2:6-7 (MSG) on my heart at midnight on the deck.</p> <p>#2078 “<em>My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: <strong>Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus</strong>, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. <strong>School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it!</strong> And let your living spill over into <strong>thanksgiving</strong></em>.”</p> <p>#2079 in silence hearing the gentle rhythm of geese wings flap overhead </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w2nIyZj38pU/U4QTQ5C14XI/AAAAAAAAEzM/pzAGRRz5jmQ/s1600-h/IMG_1505%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1505" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1505" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PGpPsLPC-hc/U4QTRe_7vzI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/58SCJDwsVec/IMG_1505_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2080 stopping on the side of the road to take a picture of a field filled with yellow flowers</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3SYHAhRlki4/U4QTR2q8MNI/AAAAAAAAEzc/VcR3T0I6Ec0/s1600-h/IMG_1490%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1490" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1490" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TiC6pcukDj4/U4QTShZZ2zI/AAAAAAAAEzk/gAWBTLsDV7w/IMG_1490_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2081 the post-in on the screen. Extraordinary! – <em><strong>open your eyes so you’ll see the way God sees you</strong></em>! From Andy Stanley study <a href="http://northpoint.org/messages/right-in-the-eye/extraordinary">Right in the Eye</a></p> <p>#2082 Wednesday morning bible study the past several years</p> <p>#2083 our fearless and faithful leader</p> <p>#2084 Seeing other’s realizing their calling and then doing it!</p> <p>#2085 heart to heart with JV</p> <p>#2086 a billboard on the side of the road that read “Dream with your eyes open” (I wish I could’ve gotten a picture of that!)</p> <p>#2087 Random lines from a song you hadn’t heard in years but you know really hear: <em>Flashdance: What a Feeling</em>: “Take you passion and make it happen”.</p> <p>#2088 Sunday afternoon conversation about gifts, childhood, dreams with a new friend CT on the 2nd floor porch as the sun sets</p> <p>#2089 realizing how untapped your gift is</p> <p>#2090 son recognized as 8th grade soccer player</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K-BckJpTPC4/U4QTTLbG4UI/AAAAAAAAEzs/Lu0F-M0VZzo/s1600-h/IMG_1473%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1473" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1473" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4NMfS2h3Z4s/U4QTT8lSJmI/AAAAAAAAEz0/RJJPLo56xLY/IMG_1473_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2091 able to volunteer on the field trip to ACORN on a beautiful spring day with daughter’s class</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HE-WcHmvQcM/U4QTUwJcJmI/AAAAAAAAEz8/xccmlH8DAsU/s1600-h/IMG_1374%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1374" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1374" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dztPdrIj_Mg/U4QTVXr2clI/AAAAAAAAE0E/X1T5bEWM6NQ/IMG_1374_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YycYOx3VAAI/U4QTV0ATFjI/AAAAAAAAE0M/1GDN8ql559o/s1600-h/IMG_1457%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1457" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1457" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6ejsJ6sCF0o/U4QTWcEZFdI/AAAAAAAAE0U/xBHK5XALaFQ/IMG_1457_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7d2lp5YLTuQ/U4QTXZ2XXSI/AAAAAAAAE0c/6n7Kp5Pqw1M/s1600-h/IMG_1424%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1424" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1424" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sNQHizZPKLU/U4QTYNn1xvI/AAAAAAAAE0k/UdlQub3su8E/IMG_1424_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2092 seeing daughter zipline for the first time</p> <p>#2093 throwing a baby shower for a neighbor</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9lquwX8ruvQ/U4QTY6L-VGI/AAAAAAAAE0s/OFG-DqQH53M/s1600-h/IMG_1518%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1518" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1518" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lye3AwTwl6U/U4QTZdaNDqI/AAAAAAAAE00/ZBpLkT7cS3o/IMG_1518_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2094 thankful for all those who have served in the military for my freedom </p> <p>#2095 spontaneous double date night for ice cream with friends</p> <p>#2096 dancing at the pool</p> <p>#2097 Game night with old and new friends</p> <p>#2098 laughter while taking pictures of a friend‘s selfie for a blog…and mine too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s3WY8Acfle8/U4QTadaDw6I/AAAAAAAAE08/YoHxLuWkwSk/s1600-h/IMG_1566_0002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1566" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1566" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HMm7VhOjyVg/U4QTazDdiwI/AAAAAAAAE1E/xzPe3zY5cDg/IMG_1566_0002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uQ4v3eXjX-c/U4QTbhv66MI/AAAAAAAAE1M/m-JZtwsNQrQ/s1600-h/IMG_1567%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1567" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1567" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JZ_yuxSeSRc/U4QTcP7YBqI/AAAAAAAAE1U/ZA-ub0G9e3s/IMG_1567_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2099 We’re going to have a new nephew and cousin!!!!!!</p> <p>#2100 My sister and her family bought airplane tickets to go bring home their new 4 year old son in China!!! Overflowing joy!!!!</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-71778089380089299872014-05-23T08:13:00.001-07:002014-05-23T08:13:22.641-07:00How do you know?<p align="center">It’s <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2014/05/five-minute-friday-close/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29">Five Minute Friday</a> – a kind of writing flash mob where bloggers (and anyone else!) all have the same prompt word and write freehand for 5 minutes. It’s been a while since I’ve joined in but it got to the point where I needed to. Need as an outlet, need for the space, need to breathe. Just for the enjoyment. Today’s word is CLOSE.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--3BmsZbMDio/U39ljJBW2eI/AAAAAAAAExA/CQvMF49mu9Y/s1600-h/IMG_1530%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1530" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1530" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7qhatJGdcKY/U39lj08sTdI/AAAAAAAAExI/iXcBE_xuCqo/IMG_1530_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> </p> <p>It’s one of those moments that you don’t get very often. A time to sit and be still. Even when there’s so much to do on my list, I have to take these moments to sit and breathe or I might not be an enjoyable person to be around. </p> <p>I close my eyes, hear birds so talkative this morning and the breeze of the Holy Spirit blowing through this screen on the back porch. </p> <p>There’s so many things in my life right now that I have to do, volunteered to do along with heart and soul dreams I want to do but I guess am having to wait.</p> <p><em>Or do I</em>? How do you know when to wait verses when to take the step of faith onto the water? </p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-8677547162460114272014-05-19T20:14:00.001-07:002014-05-19T20:14:11.246-07:00Today’s Promise<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9byvZk5obkg/U3rIfMc3uKI/AAAAAAAAEwo/XtDZE7Pao-U/s1600-h/1peter13%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="1peter13" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1peter13" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DV95siWZhko/U3rIgMwPZ4I/AAAAAAAAEww/uLBdtt7ZL-s/1peter13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="484"></a></p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-27840475488496117582014-05-12T04:39:00.001-07:002014-05-26T19:04:38.007-07:00Spring picture countsSometimes I just can’t find the perfect words to describe the true beauty of God. Especially in the spring. So, to count my joys this week, I’m counting my joys with pictures I’ve taken this spring to try to capture the beauty that’s found by slowing down (or stopping), be still, look closely, snap a shot, give thanks, and <em>enjoy</em> the moment. <br />
I hope you’ll be refreshed as you take this moment to SEE the beauty of the Unseen.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZEH0G9mNruE/U3CyohiAyQI/AAAAAAAAEsA/QfuvqDiSIic/s1600-h/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520060%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photos and quotes - Page 060" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Be_x_hqHS5g/U3CypVMYm5I/AAAAAAAAEsI/A7JNk3fS6XM/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520060_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photos and quotes - Page 060" width="621" /></a><br />
<em>Joys #2056 – #2073</em><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0mo3oKOGGqA/U3CyqIZIOII/AAAAAAAAEsQ/nJBPkAdTWUE/s1600-h/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520063%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photos and quotes - Page 063" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O4DoU9ORH98/U3CyqyWkF1I/AAAAAAAAEsY/iNynAil2dOw/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520063_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photos and quotes - Page 063" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u1EPGpiYwb8/U3Cyrs5oO7I/AAAAAAAAEsg/RqIKbEavt60/s1600-h/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520066%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photos and quotes - Page 066" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hqpr_8AMFK4/U3CysImY39I/AAAAAAAAEso/skC1ibcx4rA/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520066_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photos and quotes - Page 066" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7TSsqRyDZBA/U3Cys8Q4QWI/AAAAAAAAEsw/a199mFSXsoY/s1600-h/spring4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-djKuYaIbN1c/U3Cytth-tlI/AAAAAAAAEs4/c-KmXeZ-auk/spring4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring4" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HRTZrORTujA/U3CyuhQd_aI/AAAAAAAAEtA/r71eFi9nDO8/s1600-h/spring6%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring6" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HPHShDXjfG8/U3CyvV_LLRI/AAAAAAAAEtI/z_8-boemwPQ/spring6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring6" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DSwS_YBlkX4/U3CywJulokI/AAAAAAAAEtQ/5ni6nGO28GY/s1600-h/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520061%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photos and quotes - Page 061" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E03G171Gj2Y/U3Cyw_7ZRzI/AAAAAAAAEtY/9m1rKcnOe1E/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520061_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photos and quotes - Page 061" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kHS4K16BNFg/U3CyxjxRgRI/AAAAAAAAEtg/kQQmpIIFhPo/s1600-h/spring2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V5YzGQL5p70/U3CyyVKLAuI/AAAAAAAAEto/QG-EVrW09_M/spring2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring2" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jv3gI0G_SyA/U3Cyy1gf3FI/AAAAAAAAEtw/CJdgJQjowSk/s1600-h/spring12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring12" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MNzMzZAVXzM/U3CyzeprXNI/AAAAAAAAEt4/U5_dY0KzQ7U/spring12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring12" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BKl2xxITQP4/U3Cy0bS2XFI/AAAAAAAAEuA/PXVBpasYZcw/s1600-h/spring1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l6zyyHhZspc/U3Cy03VCN3I/AAAAAAAAEuI/myg08_MrXZQ/spring1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring1" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o_FKjMpstPk/U3Cy1-PUj1I/AAAAAAAAEuQ/fvVl7Xe4hHw/s1600-h/spring7%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring7" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aBJwJeNFpD8/U3Cy2dwS6nI/AAAAAAAAEuY/5onZY_0SRq4/spring7_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring7" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1q8b-PtPRw8/U3Cy3I0m2VI/AAAAAAAAEug/DiuNMWyLbMk/s1600-h/spring5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-75Ay8AWUaf8/U3Cy3hGokZI/AAAAAAAAEuo/6Yec8y2WVMU/spring5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring5" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a7U2Bg81YGQ/U3Cy4dQnIBI/AAAAAAAAEuw/wWRySXfhkr8/s1600-h/spirng3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spirng3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oRnyYH-M09M/U3Cy5MAGBEI/AAAAAAAAEu4/FXh9DDYiU4s/spirng3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spirng3" width="375" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xDKaXeITUKU/U3Cy5jZuE2I/AAAAAAAAEvA/fEobESnQ2yA/s1600-h/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520065%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photos and quotes - Page 065" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Kjc1h7xSYaY/U3Cy6PZkITI/AAAAAAAAEvI/Snoi8DDP-24/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520065_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photos and quotes - Page 065" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Iq4mCr7s_Z0/U3Cy6wBPU5I/AAAAAAAAEvQ/doGWmfXrc7U/s1600-h/spring11%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring11" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yKnHEK4nRjg/U3Cy7vmTqKI/AAAAAAAAEvY/Gu3qY494PQ0/spring11_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring11" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ja_FZbkj9zE/U3Cy8M0EzjI/AAAAAAAAEvg/cSqpg_SsiW0/s1600-h/spring8%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring8" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--YGkZLtrq2s/U3Cy80TEKrI/AAAAAAAAEvo/yFT2B_d3K-s/spring8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring8" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XFWcey0nwrY/U3Cy9hgNWOI/AAAAAAAAEvw/JieXhsFFNSs/s1600-h/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520068%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photos and quotes - Page 068" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B4PdaggdfNw/U3Cy-YfwpNI/AAAAAAAAEv4/DO8mSJ66Drw/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520068_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photos and quotes - Page 068" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rtizE6niRcU/U3Cy_O0dsEI/AAAAAAAAEwA/o5ttR3-dPbo/s1600-h/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520067%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photos and quotes - Page 067" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G7N6vuXAI1k/U3Cy_oFD84I/AAAAAAAAEwI/eRIAzNwjkVQ/photos%252520and%252520quotes%252520-%252520Page%252520067_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photos and quotes - Page 067" width="621" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q77sHt8pV7Q/U3CzAqvTMZI/AAAAAAAAEwQ/CbjTtWln4JI/s1600-h/spring10%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spring10" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BZw_tVDnwt4/U3CzBGIE8TI/AAAAAAAAEwY/S7MzoxH7TCQ/spring10_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="spring10" width="621" /></a>Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-19375075998477524972014-05-05T08:22:00.001-07:002014-05-05T08:22:43.814-07:00For those who have a crazy-busy life this spring<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l5jQYlqxlKE/U2esulex4eI/AAAAAAAAErY/aZcKapzhFTk/s1600-h/IMG_6578%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6578" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6578" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WA9_jLhcz9E/U2esvIkoZMI/AAAAAAAAErg/XgqPD5PT714/IMG_6578_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a> <p>The plastic eggs in the Easter baskets are empty. The remains of pastel colored candy wrappers are nestled in the fake grass. Cars have a yellow blanket of pollen over them. Spring break is over for schools and the count down until the last day of school are on the boards. All those confirm that life just shifted into high gear and it’s going to be a little crazy the next month. <p>Final projects, preparing for end of year tests, dance recitals, ending spring sports games and starting summer practices. Making summer vacation and summer camp reservations and plans. End of school year parties to plan, banquets to coordinate, Mother’s Day gifts and Teacher Appreciation week gifts to make and buy along with end of year gifts. <p>Sometimes I think this time of year is busier than the month of December before Christmas. <p>Embedded in all those responsibilities knots of stress, frustration, aggravation and weariness can form and grow quickly like the tall, fuzzy, dandy lions standing high amongst the blades of grass that also needs to be mowed. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nVxomz4v9FY/U2esv2KlJ4I/AAAAAAAAEro/oqH4U8z7n2M/s1600-h/IMG_6569%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6569" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6569" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FXBmsyjXWRw/U2esweB6xgI/AAAAAAAAErw/7rQUZ00cbk8/IMG_6569_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> <p>Now don’t get me wrong. I love the new life of spring. Looking outside one day and you see a hint of green on the trees and the next thing you know they’re full of beautiful leaves. Flowers’ colors brilliantly sing out loud along with the birds welcoming in the warmer weather. There’s so much more enthusiasm in our kids who can finally come out of hibernation and roll in the grass, look for caterpillars, ride their bikes and play tag outside. <p>Yes, that’s right. Enthusiasm! That is what new life is all about! And maybe that’s why Easter is celebrated in the spring. New life! Resurrection! Claiming victory of making it though another cold and lifeless winter season in our lives. <p>The other day I was reading 1 Cor. 15:57-58 (NLT) <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Gisha">“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, <em>be strong and immovable</em>.<em> Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless</em>.”</font> <p>Geez, I know I’m going to need this reminder. I think I need to write that one on a post-it and put it on my bathroom mirror and read it every day especially the next month or so. <em>Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless</em>. <p>When I think about it, I ask myself, “Are all these things I’ve signed up for, been asked to do, (didn’t say “no” to) and really have no choice of the matter worth it?” <p>But work enthusiastically because nothing your do for the Lord is useless. <p><strong>In all things we do, it should be with joy. In all things we do it should bring God joy.</strong> When we honor God while working, He won’t allow it to be useless. <p>So, when you’re hosing the pollen off your deck while you sneeze, signing your name on a empty space to volunteer, making plans for the next few months, do it with enthusiasm! The Spirit can teach you and speak to you though those responsibilities. He can work through you as you are an example of Jesus to the people you’ll be with during those days ahead. <p><strong>That’s what it boils down to…for others to see holy, enthusiastic joy in the midst of all the things you do in your crazy-busy life.</strong> <p align="center"><font face="Gisha"><em>Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless</em>.</font> <p><font face="Gisha"></font> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-82329714489156855662014-04-30T04:46:00.001-07:002014-04-30T09:45:08.541-07:0011 things I learned in April 2014<p>OK. Here’s #1 – Recently I’ve learned I’ve gotten so busy, I’m not as observant of what I’m learning.</p> <p>I know a lot of it is responsibilities to do and kids and family activities to be at, but it’s not just those that seem to have kept my mind in a fog lately. There’s some other *things* that have set up camp in my soul and is hogging the space of normalcy and the ability to remember even simple things. Learning about life isn’t always a simple matter though and that takes time to understand and that’s more of what I’m being taught these days.</p> <p>Emily P. Freeman has a <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2014/04/30/lets-share-learned-april/">link up</a> on her blog, <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">Chatting in the Sky</a>, at the end of each month for people to share what they’ve learned each month. It’s something fun to do and I wanted to join in this month.</p> <p>#2 <strong>One of my heroes has a new blog.</strong> I think she’s such a gifted writer and I’ve subscribed to her blog and you’ll want to too! She’s a dreamer, ministry leader and a many-hats-wearer and each post has something just.for.you. to read. <a href="http://www.nikkismalling.wordpress.com">www.nikkismalling.wordpress.com</a></p> <p>#3 If you’re on your way north on Hwy. 81, take a detour in Harrisonburg, VA and go to the <a href="https://www.whiteoaklavender.com/Home.aspx"><strong>White Oak Lavender Farm</strong></a><strong>.</strong> My sister-in-law (who also has an amazing home decorating gift and blog) took me, my daughter and her two girls during spring break to this beautifully landscaped lavender farm. The aromas, store filled with everything lavender – including ice cream – was relaxing even for a moment with our kids wanting to see everything.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BUfyCgNRLdU/U2DiW7-rDyI/AAAAAAAAEpQ/ee0zkyBPuV0/s1600-h/IMG_1093_0001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1093" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1093" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cOWLZs6RDwo/U2DiXuiWaSI/AAAAAAAAEpY/RyuxObIzxYE/IMG_1093_0001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RnRokJXcdMY/U2DiYT8F21I/AAAAAAAAEpg/oR8V83fxU5s/s1600-h/IMG_1077%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1077" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1077" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jfrvUBbor9Q/U2DiaSv4EPI/AAAAAAAAEpk/epAUBeySXGQ/IMG_1077_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Dx3xoKYPmC4/U2DibN9DOYI/AAAAAAAAEpw/nvJZph9mLcU/s1600-h/IMG_1052%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1052" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1052" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iwg_ZNitGaY/U2DicwO9hcI/AAAAAAAAEp0/POzzHIMlkgw/IMG_1052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ufdr4MPmEgQ/U2DidU9gCgI/AAAAAAAAEp8/Lib5r120Jrs/s1600-h/IMG_1082%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1082" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tB9Pfyq1Zj8/U2DieS7dX6I/AAAAAAAAEqE/fodutTMxuAY/IMG_1082_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>{I don’t know how the employees liked us after spilling fruit juice on the store’s floor and feeding the chickens that surrounded and invited themselves to our picnic there}</p> <p>There were also several farm animals we could pet and it was a good couple of ours out in the country side. </p> <p>#4 I<strong> learned that the White Oak Farm is the home of the 2012 Turkey</strong> that Obama saved on Thanksgiving Day that year. His name is George. I’ve never in my life seen a turkey that large and it looked as if you stuck a pin in it’s chest, it would pop and explode! It was so large it even had difficulty waddling. We don’t know what he thought about us though. Once he discovered us, he tried to follow us around the farm to either *chase* us off the property or thought our girls were so adorable he wanted to spend a pleasant afternoon with us. Either way we got many laughs watching his manners.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MC1jhdV1XlM/U2DifMW627I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/3OuA-56e8Sg/s1600-h/IMG_1087%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1087" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1087" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4bVtCKhaPT8/U2Dif0odybI/AAAAAAAAEqY/bjHjOrnPWH4/IMG_1087_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZJMW6kh-LTE/U2Dig3qgu4I/AAAAAAAAEqg/rMMvjjJ89KY/s1600-h/IMG_1095%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1095" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_1095" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AmIfiNPJSFs/U2DihgdPrZI/AAAAAAAAEqo/PikVWrDVwgY/IMG_1095_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>{Do you spy George trying to catch up with us}</p> <p>#5 Our family went to see <strong>the movie </strong><a href="http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com/"><strong>God’s Not Dead</strong></a><strong>.</strong> I thought it was a good production and even more importantly a good way to show how Christians’ beliefs and faith are challenged these days and encourages the viewers to stand up for Jesus. Because it’s worth it.</p> <p>#6 <strong>Our son can score soccer goals!</strong> We’ve been consumed with soccer lately and his coach changed things up a little bit this season which included our son. He’s always played defense but was placed up front and during a tournament a couple of weeks ago, he scored 4 of the 7 goals made that weekend. Way to go, son, and keep playing your hardest is all areas of your life!</p> <p>#7 A fact you probably didn’t know: <strong>the same man who invented Pop Rocks candy also invented Tang</strong>. Do you remember eating the drinking those as a kid?</p> <p>#8 I’m learning from <strong>the life of an 85 year-young women</strong> who still lives on the exact same land where she was born and lived on in the country-part of our county. To hear the story of this woman who’s had to take care of others ever since she was a child and has experienced many losses in her life yet finds joy daily through Christ inspires me.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QnpJPQgDVbg/U2Diidcu5fI/AAAAAAAAEqw/iC6zNoYCMig/s1600-h/garrison%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="garrison" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="garrison" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fQLK2HNLZAo/U2DijLUn0OI/AAAAAAAAEq0/bA8PVs3Lzoo/garrison_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="375" height="484"></a> </p> <p>#9 Do you know what a<strong> Seder Meal</strong> is? The ministry for 5th and 6th graders at our church had a family event where one evening we say on royal-looking pillows and blankets and consumed the meal that dates back to Passover in the Old Testament. It included Matzah (unleavened break), Maror (horseradish), charoset (sweet apple mixture), an egg, Karpas (parsley), salt water and wine…all of which people practice to remember how God passed over those he saved and lead out of slavery toward the Promised Land. It was surely a historical and holy learning experience for our family. </p> <p>#10 <strong>There’s a new band out there for country music lovers</strong>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tiltennessee">til Tennessee</a>’s songs tell stories about redemption and love with a great twang! The fun part of it for me is that I’m friends with the lead female singer (they’re a duo). It’s a dream that’s come true for her and it was a gift for us for them to leave Nashville for the weekend to sing for us *back home* in Burlington, NC. {<strong><em>Check out their songs </em></strong><a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/tiltennessee">here.</a>} They’re great!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tLL0fG6RqjY/U2DijsFlxaI/AAAAAAAAErA/_pBecABN3g4/s1600-h/10247377_859514510732503_7713548917752254606_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="10247377_859514510732503_7713548917752254606_n" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="10247377_859514510732503_7713548917752254606_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Q4gJPaezE8/U2DikSZy9WI/AAAAAAAAErE/OEY0h6JchQc/10247377_859514510732503_7713548917752254606_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#11 <strong>Some new books</strong> came out recently and are on the shelves in stores and online that I either started reading this month or were released this month that I hope to read soon…maybe over the summer at the pool or beach</p> <blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/a-million-little-ways/?">A Million Little Ways</a> by Emily P. Freeman. I’m actually a quarter way through it and half of the sentences are underlined. I highly recommend reading this one!</p> <p><a href="http://www.thenester.com/2014/04/risk-of-imperfections.html">The Nesting Place</a> by Myquillyn Smith, or also called the Nester. “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful”. Embrace imperfection in all areas of life!</p> <p><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/surprised-by-motherhood/">Surprised by Motherhood</a> by Lisa Jo Baker. It’s beautiful for mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunts…anyone! </p> <p> </p></blockquote> <p>So, there we go! The 10 things I’ve learned the past couple of months. Thank you for stopping by and I’d love for you to comment below something you’ve learned recently!</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-5103468649071255582014-04-28T13:18:00.002-07:002014-04-28T13:18:56.352-07:00Counting Joys and an InvitationToday I’m writing a post for <a href="http://smcwomen.org/2014/04/28/my-scarlet-cord/">SMC Women</a> and you’re
more than welcome to go over and read what I wrote about Rahab and risks. <br />
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#2022 Spring!<br />
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#2023 gift in a bag – new spring clothes<br />
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#2024 gift in a bag – Easter basket goodies<br />
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#2025 gift in a book – the bookmark a friend gave <br />
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#2026 hearing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb7TSGptd3Y&feature=kp">“while I’m
waiting” by John Waller</a> cleaning the kitchen and wondering if I need to wait
or go. “I’ll worship and serve You while I’m waiting”<br />
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#2027 Hard eucharisteo – waiting and hearing<br />
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#2028 Worship at church on Good Friday with believers<br />
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#2029 the banjo music singing worship <br />
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#2030 going to dinner and a movie with friends<br />
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#2031 seeing <a href="http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com/">God’s Not
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#2032 conversations on the car ride home about the movie and hearing what
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#2033 Christ is Risen!<br />
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#2034 surprise fresh, warm donuts for breakfast from G<br />
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#2035 watching our nieces first soccer game<br />
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#2036 niece calling our son handsome and professional<br />
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#2037 Easter dinner with family<br />
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#2038 beautiful evening for an Easter Egg hunt<br />
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#2039 visiting a lavender farm in the foothills with sister-in-law and nieces</div>
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#2040 picnic with chickens<br />
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#2041 2 year old petting a bunny<br />
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#2042 honor meeting the 2012 National Turkey whose life was saved</div>
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#2043 laughter watching the turkey follow us everywhere<br />
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#2044 smell of lavender <br />
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#2045 white tail of a bunny hopping across the lawn<br />
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#2046 hearing someone new’s story<br />
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#2047 my husband, son, father-in-law and brother-in-law getting to drive and
ride a Nascar Experience<br />
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#2048 day with my daughter and mother-in-law<br />
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#2049 fresh mulch in the gardens<br />
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#2050 muddy and grassy kids<br />
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#2051 neighbor’s homemade water slide<br />
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#2052 laughter, smiles and splashes sliding down a hill<br />
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#2053 good neighbors<br />
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#2054 hearing friend sing from her new album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tiltennessee">‘til Tennessee</a> live in concert!
(<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/show/12941730?utm_campaign=a_public_shows&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=page_object_news_item">check
them out</a>! They’re great!)<br />
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#2055 time visiting with dear friends the Mee’s and our friendships<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03720879597017327229noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-50541748903535599052014-04-20T08:52:00.001-07:002014-04-20T08:52:50.486-07:00Rejoice!<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5veTPKiGh5A/U1PtRwYI80I/AAAAAAAAEm4/8O3YDdUFSl4/s1600-h/john316%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="john316" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="john316" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MIIDlVnr2lo/U1PtTd2IfuI/AAAAAAAAEnA/Y_tulcPQFVs/john316_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="484"></a></p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-78607168559690996302014-04-18T04:16:00.001-07:002014-04-18T04:16:48.381-07:00Straight to the point: Part 5 Passionate Love<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h01RUkR_4Ko/U1EJkH-HxTI/AAAAAAAAEmA/UIH3hJnwwrE/s1600-h/20140411_234902326_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140411_234902326_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="20140411_234902326_iOS" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ppPYPTuUvQs/U1EJk3164KI/AAAAAAAAEmI/OIrroPFHFqs/20140411_234902326_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jx7GKCLVreI/U1EJlj1jfYI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/n9wgDevlIWM/s1600-h/IMG_0946%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0946" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0946" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UbxNLOlMnJg/U1EJmM6LjTI/AAAAAAAAEmY/40aqZ0b9Rh0/IMG_0946_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>Can you image the feelings - physical, emotional and spiritual – that Jesus experienced those last hours as the carried and hung on the cross? I don’t think I can. I know I can’t. </p> <p>Once though, I did a study called <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Discovery-Gods-Answers-Deepest-Questions/dp/0967248027">Discovery: God’s Answers to Our Deepest Questions</a></u> by Will Wyatt. The amazing way he describe the feelings Jesus had on the cross for us moved me. It’s all about Jesus’ love. </p> <p>It’s true: <strong>God is love</strong>. He truly experienced everything we ever have or ever will - at an enormously deeper level than we ever could- in those last hours on the cross. </p> <p>He writes:</p> <p>“I cannot even begin to understand what it means that Jesus, who was fully God, perfect and holy, could become sin, but that is what Scripture says, <em><strong>He became who we were so that we could become who He is</strong></em>. </p> <p>Because sin is easy and natural for us, we can’t begin to understand Jesus’ abhorrence of it. The perfect and holy Son of God was agonizing over the thought of becoming sin and being separated from the Father. Yet <em>Jesus loved us so much</em> that He was willing to be our substitute and become sin – everything that was opposite of His nature. Perhaps one way to understand, to a small degree, is to take some attributes of Jesus and consider their opposites.</p> <p>We know that <strong>Jesus is love</strong>. On the cross <em>He experienced complete, consuming hatred</em>. He was despised and rejected.</p> <p><strong>Jesus is the “Light of the World</strong>,” yet on the cross <em>He experienced total darkness</em>, a lack of understanding, and everything associated with sin and evil.</p> <p>Scripture tells us that <strong>Jesus is peace, even the ‘Prince of Peace</strong>.’ On the cross, the exact opposite of peace consumed Him: <em>total frustration, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, desperation. </em></p> <p><strong>Jesus Christ is Truth</strong>. On the cross, everything became <em>confusing, inconsistent, and illogical.</em> Nothing made sense. </p> <p><strong>Jesus said, ‘I am the Bread of Life</strong>.’ Yet on the cross He experienced <em>emotional and spiritual hunger</em>: longing, craving, yearning, complete dissatisfaction.</p> <p><strong>Jesus said, ‘I am the The Way</strong>.’ On the cross He felt frustratingly lost, with no direction. <em>He was uncertain, perplexed, bewildered, full of doubts, empty, and confused</em>.</p> <p><strong>Christ is our security</strong>, yet on the cross <em>He was consumed with fear, insecurity, and overwhelming loneliness</em>. We all have felt lonely at times, but He was lonely to a degree we can’t even imagine. Jesus Christ, who had experienced the completeness of a perfect relationship within the Trinity, was now totally forsaken and alone.</p> <p><strong>Jesus Christ is mercy</strong>. In becoming sin for us, <em>He suffered the ultimate in abuse, oppression, and torture</em>. Any cruelty ever devised or imagined by man, He endured on the cross.</p> <p><strong>Jesus Christ is just</strong>. On the cross <em>He endured</em> <em>unfairness, corruption, dishonesty, and all the emotions that go along with receiving unjust treatment</em>. If the Roman trial had been handled fairly, Christ would have been freed. He didn’t deserve the cross, but He wanted to be there because He chose to stand in our place. Isaiah says He was like a lamb led to slaughter, not uttering a sound. Perhaps Jesus was silent on the cross because had He even hinted for help, all of heaven would have responded.</p> <p>On the cross Jesus <strong>endured incredible pain.</strong> <em>Crucifixion was a brutal means of execution, deliberately slow and painful</em>. Every joint was pulled out of its socket from the weight of the body. Jesus’ physical pain and death fulfilled prophecy and were part of God’s plan to bring us salvation. But more important than His physical death was that Jesus died spiritually when he was separated from His Father. His physical pain on the cross was a stark visual picture that helps us understand, to a small degree, the dreadfulness of spiritual death. (One purpose for the pain we personally experience may be to give us a glimpse of what He went through on the cross as He died for us, both physically and spiritually. Our pain should remind us of His great love for us.)</p> <p>While taking our place on the cross, <strong>Jesus because of</strong> <strong>His complete separation from His Father</strong>, cried ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’ This is the only time Jesus ever called his Father “God,” because at this point God was not in the role of Father, but of righteous judge. As judge, He placed in Jesus the sins of every one of us – every sin and act of rebellion we have ever committed or ever will commit. Because Jesus Christ on the cross called His Father ‘God,’ we can now call God our ‘Father.’ <em>What amazing grace</em>!</p> <p>What an amazing God! What an amazing promise! What an amazing Savior! </p> <p>As we prepare for Good Friday, let us keep those attributes in your mind and heart to help you remember Jesus….Jesus…Jesus…and <em>his passionate love for you</em>!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sLX1BbdhLR8/U1EJm9LLrlI/AAAAAAAAEmg/r6RcgtzXiUY/s1600-h/IMG_0950%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0950" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0950" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bRD17jQlPiI/U1EJnUpSNDI/AAAAAAAAEmo/xxDCtLMtQFU/IMG_0950_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-63416283055465742052014-04-14T04:53:00.001-07:002014-04-14T04:53:58.300-07:0062 Joys<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8HvL-1anXKc/U0vLpn9LSyI/AAAAAAAAEdI/8ZGWZNxaWnQ/s1600-h/IMG_0677%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0677" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0677" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YNua2ikt0Dw/U0vLqFQK3tI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/WvUNjHaLSCo/IMG_0677_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nykUxiAjWVE/U0vLqxAA9_I/AAAAAAAAEdY/NH_pzE0b9zU/s1600-h/IMG_0664%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0664" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0664" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vL65n1Xqjzg/U0vLrUTDBkI/AAAAAAAAEdg/QVDYMyrzKMM/IMG_0664_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>OK…this is a first. </p> <p>I’ve gone an entire month not “reporting in” my joy count. </p> <p>That doesn’t mean I haven’t been counting though. Because as <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com">Ann Voskamp</a>, who inspired me to take a Joy Dare wrote: </p> <p align="center"><em>"<font face="Georgia">Habits can imprison you & habits can free you & when thanks to God becomes a habit-- then joy in God becomes *your life!*"</font></em> <p>Once you make it a habit to count joys, it becomes part of you. It’s never too late for you to take the <em>Joy Dare</em> and record the joys that God brings to <em>your</em> daily life. Get a journal book, start a blog, write it on a chalk board…whatever! Just count and give God the praise for it!</p> <p>I’ve been writing over <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/04/time-to-clean-out-your-closets-part-4.html">here</a> about the passionate love God has for us the past few weeks. Now it’s my turn to give love back to Him. <strong>I give Him the gift of my joy</strong>. The Bible says to “thank God in all circumstances”. (1 Thess. 5:18) So, <em>I’m loving on God by thanking Him for the gifts He’s given me. </em></p> <p>Here it goes…a little late but never too late. {and you’re invited to keep going down because I reached a milestone!} </p> <p>#1959 our washer and dryer</p> <p>#1960 neighbors to join together to help each other in our yards picking up broken tree branches</p> <p>#1961 protection from ice storm</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Osm6jtQmv3M/U0vLsTQmGiI/AAAAAAAAEdo/aNpR64SAWZU/s1600-h/20140307_181635605_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140307_181635605_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140307_181635605_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l1d8Uxm1Qyc/U0vLtEKCwwI/AAAAAAAAEds/WrQMtVk8B6I/20140307_181635605_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ntmWWLL_FZI/U0vLt3AbBOI/AAAAAAAAEd4/NbuUmUOnXzo/s1600-h/20140307_181915716_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140307_181915716_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140307_181915716_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8k2bSyH_BrE/U0vLuWTBN0I/AAAAAAAAEd8/5RaohyPc_eM/20140307_181915716_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1962 didn’t loose electricity</p> <p>#1963 beauty in ice even though can cause trouble</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yQjXXw0Pzhs/U0vLvHXFXiI/AAAAAAAAEeI/HV0lyXYEwQ4/s1600-h/IMG_01368.jpg"><img title="IMG_0136" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0136" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RMx18o6oE_E/U0vLvvaT6YI/AAAAAAAAEeM/72gYdVEc6iI/IMG_0136_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XrGofyF26pM/U0vLwWXKa9I/AAAAAAAAEeY/bzFma1KYSLg/s1600-h/IMG_01434.jpg"><img title="IMG_0143" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0143" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pil7lpxBL7g/U0vLw9aeyqI/AAAAAAAAEec/MwxkIReLGzc/IMG_0143_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d16IKZKCtL0/U0vLxWS8JSI/AAAAAAAAEeo/mWAHs3VLL4I/s1600-h/IMG_01474.jpg"><img title="IMG_0147" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0147" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uLHcTQVTJ0w/U0vLx4Tj-nI/AAAAAAAAEes/LWmeJERlUrM/IMG_0147_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FjhRGOu8QhU/U0vLyeDQfOI/AAAAAAAAEe4/5u4RZ1ZhFq4/s1600-h/IMG_01574.jpg"><img title="IMG_0157" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0157" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ly5Xggp_wq8/U0vLy2SafbI/AAAAAAAAEe8/uWkKRcQYsqE/IMG_0157_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1964 cheering on another who’s counting joys and reaches 1000!</p> <p>#1965 sharing a dream with a friend in a laundry mat</p> <p>#1966 meeting in bakery with odd sort of gals who’d never all met before to go through Restless</p> <p>#1967 daughter playing with neighborhood girls</p> <p>#1968 a fun sign in Hobby Lobby</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yP95-EqMbJI/U0vLzW86RAI/AAAAAAAAEfI/2iGqVJwOW7E/s1600-h/20140329_202641676_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140329_202641676_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140329_202641676_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FLnLPKlePI0/U0vLz2aL9KI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/FjVh-SN0WLA/20140329_202641676_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1969 opportunity to wholly trust the Lord after having to cancel and reschedule brunch for 400 women</p> <p>#1970 group of women who’re trusting God has this!</p> <p>#1971 <a href="http://smcwomen.org/2014/03/24/what-a-day/">Gathering</a> with over 350 women to fellowship over delicious food, the story of a mother and daughter overcoming cancer, and several other women being beautifully vulnerable to share their trust story.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tP-qhSItq7s/U0vL1wSgtZI/AAAAAAAAEfY/6nHzhtpjVzA/s1600-h/IMG_02484.jpg"><img title="IMG_0248" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0248" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0BVpeHEGQi4/U0vL2R_8puI/AAAAAAAAEfg/AM0spBKMkro/IMG_0248_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bzztRB6drWc/U0vL3doqNbI/AAAAAAAAEfo/rhrEP1iUNwA/s1600-h/IMG_0330_00014.jpg"><img title="IMG_0330" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0330" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eqkb8bpqqd0/U0vL31mgxLI/AAAAAAAAEfs/dLWc6fu6rrk/IMG_0330_0001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Cpp8tlU5J8c/U0vL4l_PbEI/AAAAAAAAEf0/zuw8_ZThntY/s1600-h/IMG_02374.jpg"><img title="IMG_0237" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0237" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f2AwAevUcU8/U0vL5QMBA0I/AAAAAAAAEgA/xfUZVQAdhVc/IMG_0237_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yrbkdrUr73M/U0vL55_FMPI/AAAAAAAAEgI/ERB-wmpHrQA/s1600-h/IMG_0276a4.jpg"><img title="IMG_0276a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0276a" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2ZXMnwSCbgE/U0vL6W57AqI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/eAbx1mZiGSE/IMG_0276a_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1972 taking pictures of women having a fun time!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zPfXDIuge24/U0vL7BWXr4I/AAAAAAAAEgU/NqfFkriuD18/s1600-h/IMG_02994.jpg"><img title="IMG_0299" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0299" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ymgdLpUd6x8/U0vL7jSceqI/AAAAAAAAEgc/gOP8T47EN54/IMG_0299_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1973 women worshipping the Lord in music, hands raised, all praise to God</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jM-jYgGP0B0/U0vL8H9IHsI/AAAAAAAAEgk/_afNhJ-Xfyo/s1600-h/IMG_0353a4.jpg"><img title="IMG_0353a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0353a" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lfxQbUNIkTA/U0vL8ioPtNI/AAAAAAAAEgs/l99VxV7K0EM/IMG_0353a_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1974 the song: “Oceans” by Hillsong United</p> <p>#1975 husband calling me from the other side of town to see if I see the sunset</p> <p>#1976 buying daughter a new bike</p> <p>#1977 I’m finding joy in being restless</p> <p>#1978 hearing the gifts, sufferings, people, places and passions of other women in Panera one morning each week.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mN2KyH5IgZA/U0vL9KrlETI/AAAAAAAAEg4/4Cyr1LthUBA/s1600-h/BjrGoHkCQAAJRch3.jpg"><img title="BjrGoHkCQAAJRch" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="BjrGoHkCQAAJRch" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oMqTmo3noiY/U0vL9qVmu9I/AAAAAAAAEhA/zIozIbe555A/BjrGoHkCQAAJRch_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1979 a friend cheering us on</p> <p>#1980 free tickets to ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament game…thanks DeAngelos!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yv3OXNk1THg/U0vL-eS0d9I/AAAAAAAAEhI/vcGkxc0eih8/s1600-h/IMG_0180_00014.jpg"><img title="IMG_0180" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0180" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XAv6l-UnuOQ/U0vL-1diBwI/AAAAAAAAEhM/CGze9XXEJD8/IMG_0180_0001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1981 friends who play with our kids while hubby and I go on the tourney date and spoils them…thanks Smallings!</p> <p>#1982 glorious sunrise</p> <p>#1983 sun shining through fog on drive to school in the a.m. ( I wish I could’ve gotten pictures!)</p> <p>#1984 the joy of sun after several dreary days</p> <p>#1985 glorious first day of spring….promise</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WXEnJC2p9zY/U0vL_ay-3GI/AAAAAAAAEhY/95w1V2WHKik/s1600-h/20140321_203213807_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140321_203213807_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140321_203213807_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wp6vUdKGI74/U0vMAHfR-MI/AAAAAAAAEhg/3c8dQ6uqJ-E/20140321_203213807_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ITr8RvAau6Y/U0vMApwmmdI/AAAAAAAAEho/LAnfMMjIaKE/s1600-h/IMG_04624.jpg"><img title="IMG_0462" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0462" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DGiQbA18NGk/U0vMBCoqqJI/AAAAAAAAEhs/WM1Isb5PcDM/IMG_0462_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1986 the bird swinging loudly and boldly on the tree beside our house</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LHVbwdFoUJE/U0vMBzdSgNI/AAAAAAAAEh0/ge78SDBrXok/s1600-h/20140321_174621359_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140321_174621359_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140321_174621359_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7fTwyFL9PYg/U0vMCW_PvbI/AAAAAAAAEh8/Uw0TywtBtZI/20140321_174621359_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1987 a small room prayer room where a few people 70 and older meet together to pray for our church</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i76x1ov-1Bc/U0vMC-SMphI/AAAAAAAAEiI/XhfeK9uX0WU/s1600-h/IMG_0184a4.jpg"><img title="IMG_0184a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0184a" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rlZJfcLH0fs/U0vMDuciGtI/AAAAAAAAEiM/xe7nmICD094/IMG_0184a_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1988 reading the Word on the porch</p> <p>#1989 meeting for the first time and having a conversation with a neighbor I didn’t know while volunteering at picture day at middle school…what joy she has through Christ! Hearing her story as she battles breast cancer was a gift to me…because she’s being a gift to so many others in battle with her.</p> <p>#1990 seeing the joy through others that can only come through Christ</p> <p>#1991 80* day</p> <p>#1992 sun shining through Bradford Pear flowers</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n6uXqv09-Qw/U0vMEPerxwI/AAAAAAAAEiY/gP5L3W6iVds/s1600-h/IMG_04914.jpg"><img title="IMG_0491" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0491" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3T6_IRxnDEc/U0vMEoEboyI/AAAAAAAAEic/iXuaz9uulO0/IMG_0491_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1993 Mollie can always make me laugh</p> <p>#1994 family coming to visit</p> <p>#1995 little kids running!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h5Y9Y7AEpfI/U0vMFUDIgtI/AAAAAAAAEio/EbudhJ5X65Q/s1600-h/IMG_04664.jpg"><img title="IMG_0466" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0466" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kJ331UC6blc/U0vMF3ny2KI/AAAAAAAAEis/P3MizZ0QQCg/IMG_0466_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1996 going to the Harlem Globe Trotters basketball game for family night! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vuh1sEGhQ9c/U0vMGv_puKI/AAAAAAAAEi4/MfIaQIoTZnU/s1600-h/20140321_234928897_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140321_234928897_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140321_234928897_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mb6Ns8p0mKM/U0vMHcKvISI/AAAAAAAAEi8/C69XyN_SYZ4/20140321_234928897_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1997 The Spirit giving me a nudge…and the same nudge to a few others…having no idea we were thinking the same thing</p> <p>#1998 surrendering and praying those gut prayers with sisters</p> <p>#1999 starting to make some plans </p> <p>#2000 My hubby surprising me with a new camera lens!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I1UcRVCssOk/U0vMIPrwnsI/AAAAAAAAEjE/7fZklGTYbfs/s1600-h/IMG_0483_00014.jpg"><img title="IMG_0483" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0483" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VPMjcSO4r2Q/U0vMIkfnUzI/AAAAAAAAEjM/CEpoN2hWHBE/IMG_0483_0001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2MhrNV2cw-M/U0vMJCyVigI/AAAAAAAAEjY/KJDUE7g5Tfw/s1600-h/IMG_05364.jpg"><img title="IMG_0536" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0536" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-goZZaXJrZQo/U0vMJo8AdfI/AAAAAAAAEjg/coRzVYboC9A/IMG_0536_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2001 finding 2000 joys!!!!</p> <p>#2002 goal to find 1000 more!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RYhKraFJhe8/U0vMKcYUlKI/AAAAAAAAEjo/vpwwM_kBHO4/s1600-h/IMG_05394.jpg"><img title="IMG_0539" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0539" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-snPnLoS3ttM/U0vMLABhj6I/AAAAAAAAEjw/GE-rAy-Tb5A/IMG_0539_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2003 colorful pansies (even if they’re sprinkled with a little bit of pollen)</p> <p>#2004 proud of son having a great, spring soccer season so far</p> <p>#2005 opportunity to trust God</p> <p>#2006 hearing stories from new believers and excitement that oozes from them!</p> <p>#2007 a friend telling the story of a goat, a road and prayers and it being a real example and proof of how God really does answer prayers according to his will.</p> <p>#2008 how I get chocked up every time I tell me latest “God moment”.</p> <p>#2009 completing Restless with a that crazy group</p> <p>#2010 celebrating a birthday with friends</p> <p>#2011 sun-setting rays stretching through clouds over the interstate on the ride home from a soccer game</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_34NaO8N9uE/U0vMLm-KahI/AAAAAAAAEj4/44FJthYmBtk/s1600-h/20140408_230814261_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140408_230814261_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140408_230814261_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vhKAvi7zZ3k/U0vMMLPBWwI/AAAAAAAAEj8/smffOTnaNr8/20140408_230814261_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2012 first smell of the spring of freshly cut grass</p> <p>#2013 it’s a joy beyond measure that Christ died ‘<b>to present me holy</b> <b>in his sight</b>, <b>without blemish</b>”. (Colossians 1:21) Me? Holy in His sight?! Amazing grace! Amazing love!</p> <p>#2014 taking pictures on a spring day with my daughter</p> <p>#2015 watching daughter taking pictures with her own camera</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XeBxPEie8L4/U0vMMvbfZVI/AAAAAAAAEkI/7FkwBWlfbMU/s1600-h/IMG_0875%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0875" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0875" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zzXYThq8Iwk/U0vMNVFF2JI/AAAAAAAAEkM/j4AkVpya5VY/IMG_0875_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gGlhbTD37EM/U0vMNyIKO0I/AAAAAAAAEkY/emAWgz0oznk/s1600-h/IMG_0878%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0878" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0878" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZMqGa1PSKOA/U0vMOd6dAMI/AAAAAAAAEkc/g7RlDMSB7Vo/IMG_0878_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2015 watching daughter taking pictures with her own camera</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z73s_Vz2tws/U0vMPL2GksI/AAAAAAAAEko/tyi3SkSDGoU/s1600-h/IMG_0687%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0687" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0687" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9B78s5EZLZI/U0vMPnYXCsI/AAAAAAAAEkw/10q1CtJJPio/IMG_0687_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2016 my daughter’s class performing at school for multicultural event…love those kids!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oD2VZIf3o7s/U0vMQOP0j4I/AAAAAAAAEk4/uqF6LvjML9I/s1600-h/IMG_0741%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0741" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0741" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KFQTYgy8hPQ/U0vMQxDpRgI/AAAAAAAAElA/nLP_9qPqWZc/IMG_0741_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2017 my daughter’s 5th grade teacher who loves on them well and teaches them well.</p> <p>#2018 our family participating in a Sadar Meal…or “The Messianic Passover Haggadah” where we experienced the festival that originated thousands of years ago to remember the first, real Passover, where God brought the Israelites out of slavery. What a special and beautiful occasion.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e6JwwHlT0yQ/U0vMR5cHLNI/AAAAAAAAElI/gFrVmF-fwWs/s1600-h/20140411_231747321_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140411_231747321_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140411_231747321_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JyqslOPbh1k/U0vMSexLyCI/AAAAAAAAElM/8nLeXU8IlEk/20140411_231747321_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#2019 beautiful weekend for a soccer tournament</p> <p>#2020 proud of son who was given a new position on the field and scored all the goals in the first 2 games!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ThfTd4PaYKI/U0vMTDEuVyI/AAAAAAAAElY/As0cJdeqw5o/s1600-h/IMG_0829%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0829" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0829" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3PcjaTdaGOM/U0vMTjq-WhI/AAAAAAAAElg/gS0rKsk9Ghk/IMG_0829_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#2021 being paraded down the highway with red bud trees in bloom waving their beauty branches at us for miles as we zoom by.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QY4xkFpGTlc/U0vMUlsKPmI/AAAAAAAAElo/B3W2uFc8QEo/s1600-h/20140413_195110159_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140413_195110159_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140413_195110159_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-guWerraNFTQ/U0vMVHHtsbI/AAAAAAAAElw/4N6YMjFq-N0/20140413_195110159_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-9432835875777836592014-04-07T05:48:00.001-07:002014-04-07T05:48:44.313-07:00Time to clean out your closets:: Part 4 of Passionate Love series<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fNlH7gQNbk4/U0KeptekAWI/AAAAAAAAEcw/-rdo7-36umc/s1600-h/img_5925%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="img_5925" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="img_5925" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tdGsc1311r0/U0Keqgd6JXI/AAAAAAAAEc4/s5WjQO9WzAw/img_5925_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> <p align="center"> “<em>There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.</em>” (1 John 4:18) <p> </p> <p>Last week I wrote how <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/03/let-love-have-run-of-house-part-3.html">love has the run of the house</a>. God desires us to feel His presence and passionate love in our homes and in our hearts.</p> <p> In a home, there’s more than likely a closet. Most probably wish we had more space in them! There’s a few closets in our house that have all sorts of things thrown in there so when company comes over, they won’t see the clutter and mess. Often when our kids are instructed to pick up and clean their room, stuff is pushed under the bed or thrown on the floor in their closet and the door quickly shut. I confess. I do that to the laundry room and hall closet. Am I the only one? </p> <p>Simply because of the humans we are, there’s a good chance there’s a closet or two in our soul crammed with things we try to cover over or hide. Our fears and failures.</p> <p>We’ll stuff fears of rejection and the future, failures and deep regret into those closets that we keep tightly shut in the inside. They’re thrown in there to either hide them or forget about them or both. </p> <p>But John says fear is crippling. <strong> We’re not fully formed in love when we fear</strong>. </p> <p>We’re drawn to love – love and to be loved. </p> <p>Passionately.</p> <p>God’s love is so passionate, he sacrificed his Son on the cross for our sins.</p> <p>Knowing and trusting that <em>love-promise</em>, open that door and start throwing out fear and get rid of all the junk that you’ve been hiding and keeping locked up inside. </p> <p>It’s spring cleaning time. It’s time for new life. It’s time to get rid of dead things and make room for life to enjoy. <em><strong>Clean out your soul and get rid of fear and fill it with love because there’s no room in love for fear</strong></em>. </p> <p>Then don’t open your door to allow fear to creep back in! Believe that God’s love takes away ALL fears – fear of rejection, fear of the judgement from others and - fear of Judgement day and death. </p> <p>Instead <em>have assurance, faith and trust that God’s love covers all</em>. <em>When we invite Him into our lives, our home, our closets and every nook and cranny in our lives, Love will banish fear.</em></p> <p>God’s love will banish fear.</p> <p>Rest on that this week as we approach Holy Week next week…the climax of the greatest love story of all.</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-24732526688538748612014-04-03T08:22:00.001-07:002014-04-03T08:22:27.005-07:00Today’s prayer<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9UgOanRKIv4/Uz18ra9KqvI/AAAAAAAAEcY/HEPzns5Xs9I/s1600-h/bordertrust%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="bordertrust" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="bordertrust" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lCfewjK5vEY/Uz18saRsHEI/AAAAAAAAEcc/uaBud4aRuVE/bordertrust_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="484"></a></p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-32194705962200694882014-03-31T05:07:00.001-07:002014-03-31T05:08:32.261-07:00Let love have the run of the house Part 3 Passionate Love Series<p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wJu6C_iI2Kk/UzlaXqm3FlI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/R5oTVVAICq8/s1600-h/IMG_0472%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0472" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0472" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PM4su-PexuI/UzlaYVAmi6I/AAAAAAAAEbY/OMoT9NKmcPo/IMG_0472_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> <p align="left">In the kitchen it sounds like thunder up above me. Not a spring thunderstorm outside, but the heavy pattering of kids feet running down the hall on the floor above me. Back and forth and quick stops then I hear the stomping again. What sounded like a dinosaur trampling room to room, I hear scream-squeals that somehow make me know they’re ones of joy from our younger daughter as big brother chases her with his Nerf gun in hand. <p align="left">They don’t have a worry in their world and are simply loving the moment. Even though they don’t realize it, they’re loving on each other in the security of the four walls around them. <p align="left">That is what comes to my mind when I read from the Message 1 John 4:17-18 as I continue <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/03/whats-your-definition-of-passion.html">this series</a> about God’s passionate love for us. <p align="center"><em><font size="5">“<font face="Gisha">God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, <strong>love has the run of the house</strong>, becomes at home and matures in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s</font>.”</font> </em> <p align="left">How beautiful is the trust that GOD IS LOVE takes up permanent residence in your life. God comes on in when you welcome Him and becomes part of your HOME. It makes you want to run free and wild and in and out of every room, up and down the stairs with childlike glee. <p align="left">We’re free of worry and full of joy like our children do as they run crazy in their home with no fear. <strong>The Holy Spirit is living proof that He wants us to live in Him and He in us</strong>. <p align="left">I not only want that love and the Holy Spirit running through me, but also through our home. In the four walls of each room and in each member of our family’s hearts. <p align="left">“<strong>Love has the run of the house</strong>…” that’s what I want in our house. As a mom, I need to try to make our home a safe place where love is found in every nook and cranny along with the dust balls. I desire for the love Jesus has for our kids instilled in every nook and cranny in their soul. Put reminders of God’s promises on posters, scripture stickers on the mirrors, read it out loud at the dinner table. Pray for them, over them, with them. <em><strong>Tell them over and over how much they’re loved</strong></em>. Love well. Love with devotion. <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TnTZ0uhGtiY/UzlaZDe4yEI/AAAAAAAAEbg/wUr0RBfvY28/s1600-h/IMG_0480%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0480" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uzz4v8OnTE4/Uzlaa5zTCXI/AAAAAAAAEbo/AzjYN06Yg7w/IMG_0480_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4eScYHFU8Bw/UzlacSbKgGI/AAAAAAAAEbs/TcOEMzKknus/s1600-h/IMG_0474%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0474" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0474" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NISqvjmapQI/UzlaczU2Z0I/AAAAAAAAEbw/AogKCeo9ilo/IMG_0474_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9678MXvyP4w/Uzlad5H_wcI/AAAAAAAAEb4/WZ-JhbcyHOs/s1600-h/IMG_0479%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0479" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0479" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bL8PeVyRbhs/UzlaeX00g2I/AAAAAAAAEcE/tv18_e9Hc3g/IMG_0479_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a> <p align="left">And love on them as they mature so their “<em>standing in this world is identical with Christ’s</em>”. <p align="left"><strong>Let love…like the passionate love God has for us…have run of your house, your home, your heart. </strong> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-40275890945765955682014-03-24T10:50:00.001-07:002014-03-24T10:57:44.722-07:00God.Loves.Deeply. Rely on Him.<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WBAQoIGFAkY/UzBwMHnrGuI/AAAAAAAAEaQ/29ZDtI6ofus/s1600-h/IMG_0188_0001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0188" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0188" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4_4kir0E_1w/UzBwNqy1aKI/AAAAAAAAEaU/cPTQGrGWKi0/IMG_0188_0001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9rh1GRMejwA/UzBwOaXeUhI/AAAAAAAAEag/-UceQ8rWQac/s1600-h/IMG_0462%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0462" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0462" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lXAEGDpJqlE/UzBwPql0RQI/AAAAAAAAEak/zj08AMOnL24/IMG_0462_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> <p>It was love at first sight to see the bud of a flower after the winter we’ve had (although they’re calling for more snow tomorrow here in the South). It was joy to see them stretch out their praise to their Creator this morning. <p>I’m continuing to mull over the words found in 1 John 4:13-22 as I continue this little <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/03/whats-your-definition-of-passion.html">series</a> of posts about the <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/03/un-expectantly-amushed-part-2-of.html">passionate love</a> God has for us. The instructions John gives is <em>to know and rely on God caught my attention.</em> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Courier New"><strong>“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.”</strong></font> <p align="center">1 John 4:16 <p>I looked that verse up in different translations and found this...God wants to make sure we <em>know</em> ‘<em>how much he loves us’, ‘he loves us dearly’, ‘we know the love that God has for us, we’re to trust that love,’ and ‘rely on the love God has for us’.</em> <p><strong>Rely on His love.</strong> <p><strong>Deeply.</strong> <p>He loves relentlessly, recklessly, and wreckfully and by that He’s lately been turning my little world around and is messing up plans I had of my own. <p>When God’s Spirit is telling you to stop going the same way you’ve been going for a long time and turn a new direction, it’s rattling, unnerving, unpredictable. Relying on God’s love is what gets you to turn and take that step down this new, narrow road. <p>I must rely on <strong>His will</strong>, rely on <strong>His plan</strong>, rely on <strong>His promises</strong>, rely on <strong>His protection</strong>, rely on <strong>His forgiveness</strong> - when I let go of trust while turning my head back where I had been -wanting to run back. <p><strong>I must rely on the cross</strong>. Who would ever want to rely on a cross? Rely on planks of wood where hands and feet were nailed into? Rely on the cross that held the man whose blood poured onto it? Rely on the cross when Jesus, the l<em>ove-forevermore and sinless</em> man died on it? Rely on that cross because it hung our Savior? <p><strong>I must rely on Jesus whom the cross held.</strong> <p><strong>Rely on Jesus. Not myself.</strong> <p>There’s been plenty of times when I’ve relied on myself when I try to do life my way. I say, “I’ve got things under control, God. I’ll handle this one on my own. Everything’s a smooth ride at the moment and life’s on cruise control, so I don’t need you right now.” <p>Or how about when I’m stressed and make poor decisions out of reaction or <em>choose to</em> <em>avoid</em> pain or suffering by carrying someone else’s cross <em>instead of being willing</em> to carry someone’s burden like Jesus did? The human that I am, I tried to do everything I can to avoid suffering. I’m not proud of that. For so long I’ve want my world to be peachy-keen and do everything possible to avoid anything that may cause me to suffer. <p><strong><em>Jesus wants me to trust in and rely on Him, not trust in and rely on myself.</em></strong><strong> </strong> <p>Whatever that may be. Trust in suffering, trust in joy. Rely on His promises, rely on Him. <p><strong>I cannot hope to follow Christ and live life for Him if I’m trusting and relying on myself and if I’m not trusting in, and relying on Christ. </strong> <p>Two thousand years ago, Jesus relied on the cross to hold the massive weight of all of our sins he was carrying - mine included. While on the cross, <em>Jesus relied on his Father’s promise of being victorious by crushing satan. Jesus trusted on the promise of eternal life at the right hand of His Father.<strong> </strong> </em> <p><strong>Jesus relied on the passionate love of His Father. </strong> <p><strong>Jesus wants us to rely on and trust in the passionate love he lavishes on us.</strong> <p><strong>Relying on relishing on that promise…that God loves us deeply, passionately. </strong> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u20hHyMwEFw/UzBwQhvAzaI/AAAAAAAAEaw/aPrRt5PNd_8/s1600-h/IMG_0465%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0465" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0465" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b4B-p6a36eQ/UzBwSMHejHI/AAAAAAAAEa0/FAHGSy5cHBE/IMG_0465_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-53733540611915597472014-03-17T08:04:00.001-07:002014-03-17T08:04:55.251-07:00Un-expectantly Amushed: Part 2 of Passionate Love<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UvkUWUAK3gk/UycPDUhe8OI/AAAAAAAAEZ4/MPOHtvbduQU/s1600-h/IMG_0126%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_0126" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GrAMnKwzdjs/UycPEAQYBjI/AAAAAAAAEaA/BHEYV2KQitQ/IMG_0126_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>As I mentioned last week, I’m going to do a little <a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/03/whats-your-definition-of-passion.html">series</a> to focus of the passionate love God has for us as Holy Week draws near. While doing this, I’m personally going to try to dissect <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A13-21&version=NIV">1 John 4:13-21</a> over the next few weeks and you’re welcome to read, and even more, share your thoughts on these verses in the comments at the end. </p> <p align="center"> <b><sup>“</sup></b><em>This is how we <strong>know</strong> that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.<b><sup> </sup></b>And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. <b><sup></sup></b>If anyone <strong>acknowledges</strong> that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God</em>.” (1 John 4:13-15) </p> <p> </p> <p>As a mom, I want to think of myself as a “know-it-all” when it comes to raising our kids… or I confess I at least try to make myself appear that way to them. But honestly, I know for sure I’m not a ‘knower of all things’. No way near. They know I don’t know everything about numerical expressions or am able to have a conversation speaking fluently in Spanish with someone like they can and do, but it’s true I am older and hopefully a little wiser than our children when it comes to knowing some things about life. I simply hope I can instill some of what I do know to be true in their hearts and minds. </p> <p>Speaking of knowing and wisdom, a few weeks ago I was reading and studying 1 John 4 coupled with the wisdom of those verse from <a href="https://redeemercitytocity.com/?gclid=CLnqreTZmb0CFcx9Ogod31IAgw">Tim Keller</a>. One of the questions he asked was, “<em>Why are personal knowledge and personal acknowledgement of God’s character essential to knowing him?” </em></p> <p>I started thinking about that. I got out my notebook and jotted down my answer: “<em>Knowledge</em> is the fact or state of knowing. <em>Acknowledge </em>is to admit to be real or true. We must know His Word which is the Truth and must admit we believe His Word is true.” </p> <p>I then read Tim’s answer to his question:<em> “<strong>Knowledge of God includes the acknowledgement of God: who He is and how we are to respond to Him</strong>.” </em>Well said. </p> <p>Then, I closed my journal and went on my way to check things off my to do list. When I got back home, I had a little time before my daughter got home from school and began <a href="http://smcwomen.org/2014/02/10/just-as-i-am/">writing a post for SMCW</a>. Somehow, the phrase “turn the blind eye” came to my mind but I honestly needed to look for the definition of it to make sure I was using it correctly (which I wasn’t, by the way.) <em>“<strong>Turn the blind eye”</strong></em><strong> means “</strong><em><strong>to knowingly refuse to acknowledge something which you know to be real</strong>.”</em></p> <p>Wow. Isn’t it so amazing how you can read something in the Bible in the morning and then later in the day, out of the middle of nowhere, something that relates to that verse un-expectantly ambushes you? I was just reading about the difference between knowledge and acknowledge earlier that day and a few hours later, a phrase just “pops in my head” so I look it up and the definition of it includes both of those words! </p> <p>Then I stop in my tracks and think: When have <em>I </em>turned my blind eye in my life? When have I chosen <em>not to</em> acknowledge God and His Word even though I know it’s real? I was too embarrassed to speak my faith out loud. I feared what other’s might think of me. I took the praise from people of a personal accomplishment instead of giving credit to God. I think “Oh, I know what’s best – I’m in control of my life” and ignore the Spirit that’s saying, “Only God is the One who knows all things. <em>You knowingly refused to acknowledge Me even though you know I’m real.”</em></p> <p><em><a href="http://www.simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/03/whats-your-definition-of-passion.html">Passio</a>. Passion. Christ suffered on the cross because of the times I’ve refused to acknowledge or ignore Him.</em> This I <em>know.</em></p> <p>I’ve learned there’s such a huge distinction between knowing and acknowledging. To acknowledge God and His Word is way different from knowing some stories in the Bible you’ve heard and read. Acknowledging is admitting and proclaiming: <em>God you are God. God, You gave me Your Spirit. God, I testify that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to be our Savior</em>. </p> <p>When we read, say and believe God’s Word and ask His Spirit to dwell in us, that is when God lives in us. </p> <p>As we’re approaching the week that leads up to Jesus’ crucifixion, I’m acknowledging that He selflessly and <strong>passionately sacrificed Himself for us - simply because <em>he passionately loves us</em>. </strong></p> <p>He loves us with passion. </p> <p><em>Acknowledge </em>God for who He is; don’t just <em>know</em> <em>about</em> Him. Daily take time to acknowledge and tell Him and others that He is Who He says He is and that He is good.</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-62793755380933102782014-03-13T11:33:00.001-07:002014-03-17T08:05:33.165-07:00What’s your definition of passion? Part 1 of Passionate Love<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BSK0zVQqDtA/UyH53SFa7BI/AAAAAAAAEZA/_miCVw8Ix1o/s1600-h/IMG_0150_0001%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0150" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A5HaS20IJHw/UyH541BE7BI/AAAAAAAAEZI/aNwGTRkLka0/IMG_0150_0001_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j_KG3n6iWsk/UyH55ov18SI/AAAAAAAAEZQ/a7vRmW-xdkE/s1600-h/IMG_0177%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0177" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0177" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WEqE-wAgNeU/UyH56M5Vn3I/AAAAAAAAEZY/twwfxwZyMpY/IMG_0177_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a> <p>I love the warmer temperatures quickly melted away all the ice that shut our town down for a few days. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9aNWpPclkuQ/UyH57BvPijI/AAAAAAAAEZg/9y5sjpMQGZE/s1600-h/IMG_0180%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0180" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8zaK_6smPGA/UyH57h7L1xI/AAAAAAAAEZo/kRsyMI-h26E/IMG_0180_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a> <p>I love that it’s basketball <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/march-madness">March Madness</a> time! <p>I love that one of our cars is finally fixed because we’ve had to operate on one car for 2 weeks. <p>The words, “I love…” have become so common, almost ordinary. But love is anything but ordinary because it can be both simple and complex. <p>So, what does love mean? Love can be <a href="http://simplyremindme.blogspot.com/2014/01/one-word-in-2014.html">defined</a> as a <em>passionate affection for someone</em>. Yes, for <em>someone</em>. <p>Passionate. I think that’s a pretty strong word. It sounds expressive, even striking. Maybe because it is. <p>When I think of the word passionate, I think it’s something, or <em>someone</em>, you strongly desire or an intense love for something that energizes you. <p>Except for the Linguistics class I took in college, I don’t normally look for the origin of words, even though I’ve always thought the history of words pretty fascinating. But I looked up the origin of the word ‘passion’. It’s a Latin word “<em>passio</em>” which means “<em>Christ’s suffering on the cross</em>.” <p>“Christ’s suffering on the cross”<em> </em>is the original definition of <em>passion</em>. <p><font color="#656565"><em><strong>Christ’s suffering on the cross is passionate love</strong></em>.</font> A passion like no other. <p>Over the past month, I’ve been studying the Bible with some other women as we’ve been dissecting the book of 1 John in the New Testament. There’s been many parts in this book that have been jumping out to me and I’m feeling the need to write it out so I don’t forget it. I think the Spirit has something to do with this especially because Holy Week and Jesus’ resurrection is drawing near. <p>The words <em>God, love, live, know, Jesus</em>, to name a few keep showing up in those few verses. Woven throughout all of those sentences is the thread of the passion God has for us. <p><em><strong>And the beautiful thing I’m discovering is when we experience Jesus’ passionate love, it ignites the passions we have in ourselves.</strong></em> <p><em>Through the next month, I’m going to try unpacking what this passionate love is all about in 1 John 4:13-21 and you’re welcome to join me in this journey. I’m planning to post on Mondays so keep a look out.</em> <p> <p>Until then, marinate these words…. <p align="center"><b><sup>“</sup></b><em>This is how we know<sup></sup> that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.<sup> </sup>And we have seen and testify<sup></sup> that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.<sup> </sup>If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,<sup></sup> God lives in them and they in God.<sup></sup> And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.</em> <p align="center"><em>God is love.<sup></sup> Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.<sup> </sup>This is how love is made complete<sup></sup> among us so that we will have confidence<sup></sup> on the day of judgment:<sup></sup> In this world we are like Jesus.<sup> </sup>There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,<sup></sup>because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.</em> <p align="center"><em>We love because he first loved us.<sup> </sup>Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister<sup></sup> is a liar.<sup></sup> For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen,<sup></sup> cannot love God, whom they have not seen.<sup></sup> <sup> </sup>And he has given us this command:<sup></sup>Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.</em>” 1 John 4:13-21 (NIV) Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-38570805597785760872014-03-10T13:32:00.001-07:002014-03-10T13:33:59.743-07:00An icy surprise<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uY6N7VNIFtg/Ux4hLxGNdZI/AAAAAAAAEWo/MfQFcPEHgCQ/s1600-h/john141%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="john141" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="john141" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-amWSJAL7-Rc/Ux4hMhc5ZpI/AAAAAAAAEWw/42oKK-7LZl8/john141_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="621" height="484"></a></p> <p>Holding onto this promise as our area in NC is still recovering from our unexpected ice storm that took down many homes, trees, wire lines and left thousands without power…and still do not have power. </p> <p>Even though the ice caused many troubles, there was still beauty in the mess. There was beauty God’s ice sculptures but also to see and be part of community joining together to clean up. Neighbors who you hardly see crawl out of their homes with chainsaws, shovels, gloves, helping hands, feet and backs along with chuckles and conversations. People opening their homes, sofas, kitchens and heat to those without it just around the corner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8DP1ffEcbtY/Ux4hNow9NTI/AAAAAAAAEW4/AgWsh9QPrjk/s1600-h/20140310_194227088_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140310_194227088_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140310_194227088_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6AFxTiE6mP8/Ux4hOViu-9I/AAAAAAAAEXA/tJpEQfUEF1c/20140310_194227088_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>We’re ever so grateful for all the people who work overtime and going out of their way to help the needs of those in our area.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cV_HdjIZiGk/Ux4hPV1PgWI/AAAAAAAAEXI/j3VyXp3Nd1M/s1600-h/20140307_181635605_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140307_181635605_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140307_181635605_iOS" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1ri4dlA7imk/Ux4hQPN4ahI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/A3CXcQkP3ZQ/20140307_181635605_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mMCglhGIp0M/Ux4hRnvrtUI/AAAAAAAAEXY/S5-dd8HdVEw/s1600-h/20140307_141315736_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140307_141315736_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140307_141315736_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xRmElw6VBPg/Ux4hSV_Sj4I/AAAAAAAAEXg/d2MhpgG0Qr0/20140307_141315736_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_uOXPnqyxhw/Ux4hTKQZQFI/AAAAAAAAEXo/sU1lfgKJdDc/s1600-h/IMG_0146%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0146" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0146" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8l08LN39w24/Ux4hT9qN0OI/AAAAAAAAEXw/eLETkxO_ln8/IMG_0146_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WZfOhdTpu34/Ux4hV88kWKI/AAAAAAAAEX4/FdIm00rxtQs/s1600-h/IMG_0147%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0147" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0147" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zUFKpoRr2j4/Ux4hWpFhA9I/AAAAAAAAEYA/O9j2O8qDbiQ/IMG_0147_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ci8YtyehASo/Ux4hXVBmwEI/AAAAAAAAEYI/c8iMM0w5kk4/s1600-h/IMG_0151_0001%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0151" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0151" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pnqVsGg8pBI/Ux4hX_uheII/AAAAAAAAEYQ/QS3WF7aUaCA/IMG_0151_0001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lxfQ5-xfnq8/Ux4hZgdRypI/AAAAAAAAEYY/iyd1qXblpIU/s1600-h/IMG_0152%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0152" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0152" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2ETgkL90HeM/Ux4haRGCt5I/AAAAAAAAEYg/b-C8X42QI9o/IMG_0152_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C6D5r3oiKTg/Ux4hbA39FgI/AAAAAAAAEYo/vPbOgRAsE3M/s1600-h/IMG_0150%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0150" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0150" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-blf9J1tGDcY/Ux4hbsysyrI/AAAAAAAAEYw/SqXIOwULD9s/IMG_0150_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>Let us consider this icy surprise a trust opportunity that spring is right around the corner, cold days are going to melt away and we will have new life and exciting new beginnings!</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-62976849975264757272014-03-05T17:51:00.001-08:002014-03-05T17:51:57.677-08:00Give or Give up?<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N95uvuZn6V0/UxfUt_HX-uI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/0fZC4TIe9aA/s1600-h/IMG_0126%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_0126" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0126" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g_R8rjC6IYQ/UxfUu_nbIzI/AAAAAAAAEWY/aUtPN39L5vA/IMG_0126_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a> <p>Today can be the first day of a new journey. <p>It’s the first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday. <p>For Christians, Lent is the 40 days before Easter Sunday. It was originally designed to be an act of fasting, repentance, and spiritual discipline like <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+4%3A1-11&version=NIV">Jesus did in the wilderness</a>, while also reflecting on the suffering and sacrifice Jesus did on the cross for our salvation and the eternal joy of resurrection to new life. <p>Oftentimes people choose to “give up” something during Lent. People give up chocolate, soda, late night snacks, or Facebook to name a few. I’ve given up things in the past, but lately I’ve been asking myself: "Was I doing that just because it's a ritual I'm supposed to do? Did I really give something up as an offering to Jesus or did I give something up in order to kick a bad habit so I’d feel better <em>about myself</em>?” Honestly, in years past, I confess I personally have used Lent as an excuse to kick a bad habit. <p>Did I truly struggle and wrestle like Jesus did those 40 days when he was tempted in the desert? He gave his hunger, struggles, and temptations to God in prayer. <em>He gave His devotion and his holy trust wholly to the Lord</em> to get him through those long 40 days. <p>So Lent…it’s all about giving<b>. Giving Jesus ourselves because Jesus has given Himself for our life. </b> <p><i>GIVE.</i> <p>So, does Lent only have to be giving up something to keep us focused on Jesus? What about <em>giving</em> something? <em>Intentionally. Daily. Sacrificially</em>? <p>Do you have a spiritual discipline that’s a struggle for you to do daily but you’re willing to intentionally practice as a sacrificial offering to Jesus for the next 40 days? <p>What if you: <p>Give Jesus more time in the Word by turning off the TV at night? <p>Meditate daily and memorize one Scripture verse each week during Lent that has to do with trust, forgiveness, repentance, sacrifice, and resurrection? <p>Give God more of your time in prayer by getting up 15 minutes earlier each day? <p>Read a book about spiritual growth instead of being on social media? <p>Give Jesus that thing you struggle with on a daily basis, like trusting Him, letting go of guilt, or forgiving someone that’s hard to forgive? <p>Give intentional time with your children at dinner each night and read the Bible together as a family? <p>Give RAKs (Random Acts of Kindness) daily? That truly can be a sacrifice in many ways. It’s so easy to have tunnel vision in your own world with busy schedule and not think that you can make a difference and be Jesus to those around you. One person at a time. <p>I encourage you to give daily. <strong>Jesus gave daily</strong>. He gave all of his time, energy, passion and love to people. He gave over his temptations, challenges, suffering and struggles to his heavenly Father to save us. <p>This Lent season can be the beginning of a new life journey because it doesn't have to stop on Easter Sunday. What you choose to give or give up can be a life time practice, a way of living as a daily gift to Jesus for the sacrifice he gave of Himself for you and for me. Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2008618804095655063.post-50888301107233800452014-03-03T06:42:00.001-08:002014-03-03T06:58:07.840-08:00There’s no plan of coming to a stop<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--m4AXyu25Jc/UxSYeu-Pq3I/AAAAAAAAEV4/SvmCGwD51hA/s1600-h/20140212_211349538_iOS%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="20140212_211349538_iOS" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="20140212_211349538_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2Exlr8hXyzY/UxSYfmlK7tI/AAAAAAAAEV8/IFGRfR7FPYE/20140212_211349538_iOS_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>I seem to be having a writer’s block even though my mind is racing these days. </p> <p>I’m not posting as much because lately I’ve had new responsibilities and deadlines, uncertainties and struggles that are getting in the way of my personal writing and dreaming. I’m not making a fuss about them because they’re good and some, if anything, are stretching me out of my comfort zone which can be a worthy thing.</p> <p>Honestly, it’s probably a writer’s block because I’m just trying to keep up with life. </p> <p>But there’s points in life where you’re put (often whether you like it or not) in places to shake life up a little bit. They are those points in life that might be pointing you in a new direction.</p> <p><em>Maybe there’s writer’s blocks with a holy purpose to make you start paying attention to things still unseen. </em></p> <p>Does any of this make sense to me? </p> <p>My blog posts have not been as frequent lately and I can’t say it’ll be a Monday, Wednesday, Friday thing like it used to be for the next little bit. There might not be a schedule of posts like I’ve done in the past and that’s so weird for me because I like to schedule everything. But for this, for now, it’s going to be when I feel the need. </p> <p>And that’s OK. </p> <p><em>Because, there’s no plan of coming to a stop</em>. </p> <p><em>There’s no plan to stop because I still feel the need to write, encourage and post.</em> </p> <p><em>There’s no plan to stop giving credit, glory and thanks to God for all the gifts He so freely gives.</em> </p> <p>My “gift radar” stays on because it becomes part of who you are when you notice them with intention and purpose…the purpose to remember who Jesus is and what He’s done for you and for me. </p> <p> </p> <p align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <p><em>Still counting and thanking God for the gifts and joys He longs and loves to give:</em></p> <p>#1918 walking dog in the snow</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7O9S9Jt0DEY/UxSUVyKSckI/AAAAAAAAEQU/-psV3vQIP4I/s1600-h/20140212_211234856_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140212_211234856_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140212_211234856_iOS" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aIz5fmXG2dU/UxSUWrzcIcI/AAAAAAAAEQY/kmFg1_Fc4qk/20140212_211234856_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1919 dog loving the snow</p> <p>#1920 the silence of snow falling to the ground</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MBNj5mbRc0c/UxSUXR9fF7I/AAAAAAAAEQk/QGb1dVnYw_w/s1600-h/20140212_211808457_iOS_00014.jpg"><img title="20140212_211808457_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140212_211808457_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BpEDFVNQg1M/UxSUX58sjnI/AAAAAAAAEQs/sR8D7z2pvxI/20140212_211808457_iOS_0001_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1921 worshipping Jesus in a conference room</p> <p>#1922 the unity experienced with other women at the <a href="http://www.ifgathering.com">IF:Gathering</a></p> <p>#1923 Hearing others spiritual gifts</p> <p>#1924 kitchen and laundry room cluttered with wet winter clothes</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XPb49yQejck/UxSUY6vfgsI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/ZLiNUUOfm5E/s1600-h/20140212_213947938_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140212_213947938_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140212_213947938_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2zQe11jyT7M/UxSUZePqSiI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/b6HJa7loY8g/20140212_213947938_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1925 snow falling hard</p> <p>#1926 making snow angels</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DBz9rL7Qk3s/UxSUaCfazEI/AAAAAAAAERA/fjvl8jws3xI/s1600-h/20140212_211209529_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140212_211209529_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140212_211209529_iOS" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FSdZCXHDOWc/UxSUalOQUlI/AAAAAAAAERI/HBL0E0Udrts/20140212_211209529_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r0lidJx84NE/UxSUb7Tmd-I/AAAAAAAAERU/vqvWwcUMlig/s1600-h/DSCN01964.jpg"><img title="DSCN0196" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN0196" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BOSOH1vDs0Y/UxSUcTccIwI/AAAAAAAAERc/CYKmvTKW47E/DSCN0196_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DP22uOMuKcQ/UxSUdPJrH_I/AAAAAAAAERk/IEokus7KgUg/s1600-h/20140213_153116496_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140213_153116496_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140213_153116496_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HhJUfAoeAM4/UxSUdwJCc0I/AAAAAAAAERs/JW3fS5lkG4E/20140213_153116496_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gRRPx9G6fEs/UxSUetxUs_I/AAAAAAAAER0/cPNxDQeYnwk/s1600-h/20140213_143815533_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140213_143815533_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140213_143815533_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ScBReeJc0h8/UxSUfVtMSoI/AAAAAAAAER8/96U7LWJpc1I/20140213_143815533_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1927 kids building a big, deep fort</p> <p>#1928 making snow cream for the first time</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pOJj3RClfZo/UxSUgNglJPI/AAAAAAAAESE/_yKmmfn8mec/s1600-h/20140212_211058822_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140212_211058822_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140212_211058822_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4olpNPxqRXg/UxSUgi1K0dI/AAAAAAAAESM/ob6UE9YfG4o/20140212_211058822_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K08d8mZy3ew/UxSUhQdCdtI/AAAAAAAAESU/n5xtLAW7UAM/s1600-h/IMG_99614.jpg"><img title="IMG_9961" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9961" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7L71-D_a1M8/UxSUh-RHdHI/AAAAAAAAESc/-WAoJBtj7zU/IMG_9961_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T7tKmDjesLc/UxSUinKZX7I/AAAAAAAAESk/4Oeg3begifY/s1600-h/IMG_99634.jpg"><img title="IMG_9963" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9963" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sBMDfdFE_UU/UxSUjGcrg2I/AAAAAAAAESs/a3rEpBKpbYo/IMG_9963_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1929 husband making broccoli and cheese soup</p> <p>#1930 hearing a 2 year old squeal with joy sledding down a hill in the snow</p> <p>#1931 playing in the most snow we’ve had in several years</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IO0ND0LU1L8/UxSUj0ZxnXI/AAAAAAAAES0/fPJrc7EnjMU/s1600-h/IMG_99734.jpg"><img title="IMG_9973" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9973" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kiv0CMHSahI/UxSUkjzaUPI/AAAAAAAAES8/I02rCYCNI1w/IMG_9973_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gW7HeqP041Y/UxSUleJ_g0I/AAAAAAAAETE/NbCz8vAGDn4/s1600-h/DSCN02004.jpg"><img title="DSCN0200" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSCN0200" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WFYK2ztHaDI/UxSUmA5aMeI/AAAAAAAAETM/ocF9F40QxLY/DSCN0200_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VbhClhWdSoQ/UxSUmywoTYI/AAAAAAAAETU/awv0sxgFZI8/s1600-h/IMG_99684.jpg"><img title="IMG_9968" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9968" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IC1i-l_6B7g/UxSUnVnLlbI/AAAAAAAAETc/xxglvbbcIRM/IMG_9968_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aLaIT7Ic8fg/UxSUoEl-vUI/AAAAAAAAETk/VGbLozYbuLY/s1600-h/IMG_00204.jpg"><img title="IMG_0020" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0020" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JWfRTNUbMs0/UxSUos1IMkI/AAAAAAAAETs/qRRCs-9CXBU/IMG_0020_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G1QoTVHddUI/UxSUpSWGLzI/AAAAAAAAET0/aNEj7cGLF-0/s1600-h/20140213_164342046_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140213_164342046_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140213_164342046_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TShGbiB89jg/UxSUqOudstI/AAAAAAAAET4/28FnkshDfow/20140213_164342046_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1932 making homemade donuts with friends</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mO4itjEfdnk/UxSUq-QqUTI/AAAAAAAAEUE/E2WhH5YObsQ/s1600-h/20140214_004739963_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140214_004739963_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140214_004739963_iOS" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C4Z0W-PgNE0/UxSUrcOUYmI/AAAAAAAAEUM/kexIGIWqSmw/20140214_004739963_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rAI2ze0wlXA/UxSUsYfOMsI/AAAAAAAAEUU/E4bghB7iv8c/s1600-h/IMG_00334.jpg"><img title="IMG_0033" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0033" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rSJAASZSbA8/UxSUtanCwXI/AAAAAAAAEUc/FEp2MAd-kTY/IMG_0033_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1933 learning from a woman 14 years younger than me</p> <p>#1934 listening to someone’s big dreams and passions</p> <p>#1935 hearing a message at church about Exodus 3…Moses and giving God excuses why he didn’t think he could do anything except watch sheep.</p> <p>#1936 the first flowers I saw outside in 2014…spring is close! (especially after a snow the week before)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wI_44cjv5BM/UxSUumoMXeI/AAAAAAAAEUk/JbGDpJXwLhU/s1600-h/20140220_172138347_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140220_172138347_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140220_172138347_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KNhfqmY8sKM/UxSUvE60CYI/AAAAAAAAEUs/sAl5OhQ2oAo/20140220_172138347_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1937 sitting outside reading 1 John 2:24-27 on a February 70* day</p> <p>#1938 “<strong>Focus on the good news</strong>” 1 John 2:24</p> <p>#1939 “<strong>Remain connected to God</strong>” 1 John 2:27</p> <p>#1940 hard eucharisteo – lessons to learn</p> <p>#1941 the unexpected sticker at the fast food drive thru window</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K8fDGWUCfzU/UxSUvwcnJcI/AAAAAAAAEU0/9jsO2_Cs8ws/s1600-h/20140223_133937589_iOS7.jpg"><img title="20140223_133937589_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140223_133937589_iOS" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tNFokbmGRsQ/UxSUxSjytyI/AAAAAAAAEU8/zvAd5nxTW_s/20140223_133937589_iOS_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1942 a 70* February weekend</p> <p>#1943 sitting on a slide all at the same time with 6 women ages ranging from 27-60</p> <p>#1944 laughter with those women on a play set</p> <p>#1945 praying with them hand in hand on a playground</p> <p>#1946 meeting a new young friend</p> <p>#1947 daffodils about to burst</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MiYFFXfAGL8/UxSUyVN2FMI/AAAAAAAAEVE/AfjFfwD0AdA/s1600-h/20140225_155051133_iOS4.jpg"><img title="20140225_155051133_iOS" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140225_155051133_iOS" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xThRoYzn5Zg/UxSUzPKoaXI/AAAAAAAAEVM/WyF1FWRXRKY/20140225_155051133_iOS_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1948 Dad and daughter date</p> <p>#1949 Dad and daughter’s special conversations at dinner</p> <p>#1950 preteen lock in at church son and daughter went to and the amazing energy and love for Jesus the leaders have to pour out to our kids</p> <p>#1951 son choosing to help/play with the preteens instead of going to a school dance</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y8CqzJ6kuBI/UxSUzjJC51I/AAAAAAAAEVU/RQqACJPyBDo/s1600-h/Photo-13.jpg"><img title="Photo 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Photo 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9f2E75s2zQg/UxSU0YLA4eI/AAAAAAAAEVc/jthyQjzwuLQ/Photo-1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p>#1952 group of women opening up and sharing from the heart</p> <p>#1953 sharing what’s stirring with someone I respect</p> <p>#1954 the times when I’ve shared what I heard, and it brings unexpected holy tears</p> <p>#1955 Girls night out to celebrate a special birthday with friends</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h35WHyVYLp4/UxSU1HgHgQI/AAAAAAAAEVk/LmlbtIQya88/s1600-h/20140225_025802361_iOS---Copy4.jpg"><img title="20140225_025802361_iOS - Copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="20140225_025802361_iOS - Copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gq0S1tKj8q8/UxSU11bPhkI/AAAAAAAAEVs/iyjsKSQiccQ/20140225_025802361_iOS---Copy_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="431"></a></p> <p>#1956 family dinner-out night with good conversations after a busy week</p> <p>#1957 sunny and 70* on March 2</p> <p>#1958 21 more years of life today</p> <p> </p> <p>If you’d like to be notified when I publish a new post, you may subscribe to my blog by looking on the right bar to see “<em>Follow by Email</em>”. You’re always more than welcome to come rest here for a moment!</p> Beth Hildbebrandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05997483940301876369noreply@blogger.com0