tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13580279993113217262024-03-12T22:28:53.314-05:00Babes With A BeatitudeLinda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-71473682833477890822016-01-12T15:13:00.001-06:002016-01-12T15:13:33.452-06:00Take Back Your Dreams! by Linda Kozar<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nh_HOEtgGk/VpVqXxzCrLI/AAAAAAAADyU/QeMwFBbBasE/s1600/6F6A4521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1nh_HOEtgGk/VpVqXxzCrLI/AAAAAAAADyU/QeMwFBbBasE/s320/6F6A4521.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
In Genesis 37:6, Joseph had
a prophetic dream, of twelve sheaves of wheat in the field representing Joseph
and his brothers. In this dream, the other sheaves bowed down to Joseph. His eleven brothers were not amused. In fact, they were going to kill him, until they came up with a better idea.<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">The dream ultimately came to
pass. But not before a Joseph suffered many years of pain, rejection and
hardship. He was sold into slavery by his own brothers and later, falsely
accused of a crime by the wife of an Egyptian official name Potipher, and sent to prison. Yet instead of giving in to despair,
Joseph remained a man of faith and trustworthy allegiance, both to God and to
those appointed over him. Joseph demonstrated a strong work ethic, and always
went above and beyond what he was required or expected to do. Both Potipher and
Pharoah recognized the integrity and excellence in Joseph, and promoted him to rule a household and a kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tell me what God has promised you and I will remind you that God cannot fail to keep His Word. His promises are certain and true, and will come to pass. When God says a thing, heaven and earth bow to His command!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our worldly dreams are too small to contain His promises and blessings. His salvation is bigger. His healing is bigger. His protection is bigger. His deliverance is bigger. YOU are your own worst enemy to fulfilling your Godly destiny. Faith and Doubt work against each other--like trying to drive forward with one foot on the accelerator and the other on the brake. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it's not enough just to move forward. Moving forward in the wrong direction will get you nowhere fast. One day I was driving home with my two young children, and into a terrible storm. The black and ominous clouds on the highway ahead were terrifying! I knew that we were headed into a dangerous situation, but all I could think about was getting home, and home was in that direction. So I prayed that God would protect us. And He did! We made it home just as the hail started pinging off the ground. And the tornado, spawned from that cauldron of clouds, struck south of where we lived, though thankfully no lives were lost. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Don't give up on your dreams. Give up on your doubts.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>217</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1025</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Author</o:Company>
<o:Lines>18</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>8</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>1234</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCWZEjW1kec/VpVq6ntnMFI/AAAAAAAADyg/raF8PStvw28/s1600/file2581243266765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCWZEjW1kec/VpVq6ntnMFI/AAAAAAAADyg/raF8PStvw28/s320/file2581243266765.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times;">Joseph didn’t dream about
the hardships, only the end result. God appoints our paths, but He doesn’t tell
us what is going to happen along the way. <i>And that is a good thing, because most of us would run in the other direction! </i>We expect our dreams to come to pass the way we envision them being fulfilled. AND in a timely manner too. Which is how most of us miss God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>God's delays are not His denials.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your assignment this year is write down every answer to prayer you've received from God...as far back as you can remember... and then continue forward writing down every answered prayer for the rest of your life. And whenever you feel like God has forgotten you, or passed you by, or ignored your tears, I want you to pull out that journal and read out loud all that God has done for you and on your behalf. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-5761125773031120842015-09-17T10:01:00.000-05:002015-09-17T10:23:06.833-05:00Sold out? You Bet!<br />
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuKGcAB-G7w/VfrUlCGLGoI/AAAAAAAADv4/I94wTRxU4S8/s1600/Carla%2BHeadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuKGcAB-G7w/VfrUlCGLGoI/AAAAAAAADv4/I94wTRxU4S8/s320/Carla%2BHeadshot.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carla McDougal, Author of "Sold Out"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>I had the pleasure of meeting Carla McDougal when our kids were still in high school. They were a tight-knit group of friends, but she and I had never met! Carla was already speaking and had quite a church following at that time, but she just starting to put those wonderful words into print. Anyone who knows Carla, knows she has a heart for God, and it flows from her heart to the page. I hope you will see that for yourself as you read her books. ~Linda Kozar</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Where did you get the idea for your new book, SOLD OUT Live for Jesus?
</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In October of 2014, Philippians 1:21 lingered in my heart, "To live is
Christ, to die is gain." I couldn't get it off my mind. Over and over I asked God, "What does it
mean to live is Christ, to die is gain?" In the stillness, I heard, "Live sold out to Me. Let every
action, thought, and conversation reflect an attitude that says, "I'm sold out to Jesus."
Suddenly, the cover of the book popped into my head. A woman with a sign covering her
face that reads, "SOLD OUT Live for Jesus." A message embedded deeper still, "It's not about
me, but all about Jesus." Without a doubt, God embedded in my heart, "This is your new
writing project!" I praise God for the unique ways He works, for it's all about Him.
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>What is the purpose behind the name of your book––SOLD OUT Live for Jesus?</b></span> </span><br />
<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="color: rgb(9.410000%, 9.410000%, 9.410000%); font-family: 'Palatino Linotype'; font-size: 10.000000pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God desires for us to live each day with purpose. From the moment we wake up, God waits for us to connect with Him. His voice calls, but do we listen? SOLD OUT encourages readers to find purpose in life by drawing nearer to Jesus in real and practical ways. The heartfelt messages and analogies bring laughter, tears and </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">understanding to God’s Word. Be inspired to live in victory and sold out to Jesus </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">through your thoughts, words, and actions. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SOLD OUT </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">not only nourishes the soul but </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">also ignites a purpose for living. </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>What inspired you to write SOLD OUT Live for Jesus?
</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At age 40, I heard a phrase that rocked my world. Changed my
perspective. Moved me to tears. These nine words opened my eyes to view God’s
purpose for me in a whole new way... “Life is not about me, but all about Him.” Under
the umbrella of God’s Word, my focus changed from what I can do for Jesus to
surrendering it all to Him. Over the past 12 years, God has used this statement to shape
and mold my writing. The front cover of SOLD OUT is symbolic of what I want my life
to be. Just like the sign covers the woman’s face, I desire for others to see Jesus working
in my life. SOLD OUT focuses on living out God’s Truths in every conversation, action,
and thought.
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Is SOLD OUT Live for Jesus a devotional or an individual read? Can it be used as a
Bible study for groups or individuals</b>?
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SOLD OUT Live for Jesus is unique because it serves as a devotional and
Bible study in one. This format caters to those craving to dive deep into God’s Word and is
just right for those without much time on their hands. SOLD OUT is designed both for group
studies as well as an individual read. Either way, the reader will be molded to look more like
Jesus by the end of the book. I am in the process of writing the SOLD OUT Leader’s Guide,
which will aide the leader in facilitating an in-depth group study. The guide scheduled to
release January 2016 as a free PDF download from the Reflective Life Ministries website
which is www.reflectivelifeministries.org.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God desires for us to live each day with purpose. From the moment we </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">wake up, God waits for us to connect with Him. His voice calls, but do we listen? </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SOLD </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">OUT </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">encourages readers to find purpose in life by drawing nearer to Jesus in real and </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">practical ways. The heartfelt messages and analogies bring laughter, tears and </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">understanding to God’s Word. Be inspired to live in victory and sold out to Jesus </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">through your thoughts, words, and actions. </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SOLD OUT </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">not only nourishes the soul but </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">also ignites a purpose for living.</span><br />
<b style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Share with us your favorite entry from SOLD OUT Live for Jesus.</b><span style="color: white; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="page1image31336" height="0.479980" src="file:///page1image31336" width="143.590000" /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="page" title="Page 2">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow, this is a tough question. But, the entry PRAY 911, from chapter one, pops into my mind. In the midst of an oppressive time, or should I say a spiritual attack from the enemy, I was scheduled to speak at a women’s retreat. The
oppression was so heavy and burdensome. Doubt plagued my mind. The morning of the
event, I was sitting in my prayer chair and opened my Bible to Psalm 91. The first verse
seemed to jump off the page, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the
shadow of the Almighty. Peace washed over me. God’s Word strengthened me for the
event that evening. The next day I shared my experience with a close friend who said,
“Next time text me to pray for you.” Her words continued to linger in my heart and
mind. Later in the day, I read Psalm 91:1 again, and this is what I saw––911. My heart
pounded with excitement! Immediately, I decided when oppression comes my way I will
text PRAY 911 to my prayer team. I jumped up and started praising God. A smile
emerges when I think of how God used this real life situation to teach me His spiritual life lesson.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Besides SOLD OUT Live for Jesus, have you written any other books?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">SOLD OUT is my third book. The 1st book I wrote is a ten-week bible study called "Reflecting Him." Like Jesus's parables, Reflecting Him uses familiar objects to identify the connection between our physical and spiritual lives. God wants to be a part of everything we do, and this study is designed to help you become aware of His life lessons twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. My second book is called "My Prayer Chair," which focuses on encouraging the reader to engage in ongoing conversations with God, 24/7. My grandmamma is the inspiration behind My Prayer Chair. Her love, trust, and ongoing communication with Jesus played an important role in molding my prayer life. My Prayer Chair won multiple awards in 2013, and is now available in Spanish, and as an audiobook through Audible, iTunes, and the RLM website: <a href="http://wwwreflectiveministries.org/shop">wwwreflectiveministries.org/shop</a>. All of my books are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Lifeway, and other online bookstores</span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Just for fun... How do you deal with writer’s block?</span></b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="page2image20304" height="0.479980" src="file:///page2image20304" width="168.550000" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="section">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Prayer. Waiting. Listening. For me, prayer is the key to writer's block. </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Communicating with God opens the door to the waiting room. In the stillness, I listen </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and anticipate His voice behind me saying, Whether you turn to the right or the left, your </span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it" Isaiah 30:20.</span><span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_ETp3bDxWM/VfrXatvDQRI/AAAAAAAADwM/xJhD2_RGoZ4/s1600/SOLD%2BOUT%2BCover2%2BRv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_ETp3bDxWM/VfrXatvDQRI/AAAAAAAADwM/xJhD2_RGoZ4/s400/SOLD%2BOUT%2BCover2%2BRv.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #181818;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-85102869046665415652015-03-27T23:35:00.001-05:002015-03-27T23:35:34.217-05:00Babes With A Beatitude: Cuppa Tea and Cupcakes--A Pleasant Way to Celebrat...<a href="http://babeswithabeatitude.blogspot.com/2015/03/cuppa-tea-and-cupcakes-pleasant-way-to.html?spref=bl">Babes With A Beatitude: Cuppa Tea and Cupcakes--A Pleasant Way to Celebrat...</a>: Cuppa Tea and Cupcakes Spring is in the air. Palm Sunday and then Easter are fast approaching and the sun is warm and welcoming. A...Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-28152879212205450992015-03-27T23:31:00.001-05:002015-03-27T23:33:46.462-05:00Cuppa Tea and Cupcakes--A Pleasant Way to Celebrate A Spring Day With Friends!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7RGe_beWH0/VRLXdJzrpSI/AAAAAAAADrk/085HuEYvnbw/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7RGe_beWH0/VRLXdJzrpSI/AAAAAAAADrk/085HuEYvnbw/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" height="100" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;">Cuppa Tea and Cupcakes</span></h2>
<div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Spring is in the air. Palm Sunday and then Easter are fast approaching and the sun is warm and welcoming. At least where I live.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So why not celebrate in a simple way? A simple afternoon tea with close friends is a great way to entertain on a dime. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: magenta;">First:</span></b> Text a sweet invitation to your friends. Use an image you own (like the one I purchased from Fotalia above) or if you have skills, draw or paint an image of a darling little cupcake. Take a picture and send it with your text invite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7RGe_beWH0/VRLXdJzrpSI/AAAAAAAADrk/085HuEYvnbw/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g7RGe_beWH0/VRLXdJzrpSI/AAAAAAAADrk/085HuEYvnbw/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" height="50" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You are invited to enjoy an</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
afternoon "Cuppa Tea and Cupcake"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with Linda Kozar and friends</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on_____________</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
at her home</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
__________________________</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
RSVP_____________________</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You're presence will be the </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
icing on the cupcake!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b style="color: magenta;">Second: </b>Gather what you need to host your tea. If you own a few teapots or can borrow a few, let's be honest, teapots make a tea party a tea party! So gather those teapots. Do you have tea cups? Same advice. If you don't own enough tea cups for your guests, borrow some or cruise the dollar store for plain cups and saucers. You can embellish them by placing pink cupcake papers flat on the saucer, tying bows out of thin satin ribbons on the cup handles or even painting little hearts or other designs on the cups. Pair a small plate, spoon, and napkin with each teacup and set the table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIzLDBue8-g/VRNBZUGpXpI/AAAAAAAADsY/CGbf1y3Chtc/s1600/Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XIzLDBue8-g/VRNBZUGpXpI/AAAAAAAADsY/CGbf1y3Chtc/s1600/Image-1.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Third:</b></span> Choose your tea. It's always best to have a variety of teas on hand. But a good crowd pleaser is usually an English Breakfast Tea. If you can afford it, buy a Mango, Raspberry or Strawberry Tea for those who enjoy a fruity flavor. And a Chai for those who like spice. Keep some non-caffeine options open too. Chamomile tea has a pleasant taste and has a calming effect. Perfect for those with busy lifestyles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: magenta;">Fourth:</span></b> Bake your cupcakes! Use a mix, ladies. This is an easy tea. Not fancy or elaborate. All we're serving are tea and cupcakes. If you live near a Trader Joe's, I adore their Vanilla Cake Mix. There are flecks of vanilla bean throughout and each bite of cake is heavenly. Easy to make too. A piece of cake! (Sorry, I couldn't resist).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w68G19thJmc/VRM-mRmhXbI/AAAAAAAADr8/pBL9Eyru_gs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w68G19thJmc/VRM-mRmhXbI/AAAAAAAADr8/pBL9Eyru_gs/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How about two kinds of cupcakes? Cake mixes (especially with coupons) are reasonably priced. Serve a chocolate fudge cupcake right alongside your vanilla cupcakes. Or strawberry cupcakes with a batch of Dreamsicle cupcakes. Let the ideas flow! Bake and ice your cupcakes the morning of your tea so they're tender and fragrant. Plate them on a pretty tray with a tiny vase of fresh flowers from your garden or a sprig of herbs. And voila! Your table is set.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b style="color: magenta;">Fifth: </b>Now to brew the tea. Word to the wise. Never try to brew tea in a coffeemaker. The residual oils from the coffee beans will spoil the taste of your tea. Trust me--I tried.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Gather</i></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>A tiny pitcher of milk or cream</li>
<li>A small bowl of sugar or sugar cubes <i>(*You can pipe some leftover icing on each cube if you have some left from icing the cupcakes. Place leftover icing in a small sandwich bag, then snip a tiny opening off one corner of the bag, hover the corner over the cube and gently squeeze).</i></li>
<li><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l1w4LJasWFU/VRM_e9v-oaI/AAAAAAAADsE/6bsq-usCMRQ/s1600/DECSCFLCHBCherryBlossomCXSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l1w4LJasWFU/VRM_e9v-oaI/AAAAAAAADsE/6bsq-usCMRQ/s1600/DECSCFLCHBCherryBlossomCXSM.jpg" /></a></div>
</i></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Boil a large pot of water, or use a teakettle if you have one on hand. The first thing you should do is pour boiling water into the teapot you plan to use. Put the lid on. Cover the pot with a tea cozy and let it sit for a few minutes. Warming the teapot in this manner will keep the tea hot a lot longer. After a few minutes, dump the water out, then place your loose tea or teabag into the pot, fill the pot with boiling hot water and replace the lid and tea cozy (or clean dishtowel). In a scant few minutes of seeping, your tea will be ready to serve!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RicjISzZ0gc/VRNAJTQArXI/AAAAAAAADsM/O7Necjfk2uc/s1600/Louise-Roe-Vintage-Women-Drinking-Tea-In-Nice-Dresses-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RicjISzZ0gc/VRNAJTQArXI/AAAAAAAADsM/O7Necjfk2uc/s1600/Louise-Roe-Vintage-Women-Drinking-Tea-In-Nice-Dresses-1.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now enjoy a pleasant afternoon of good tea, glorious conversation and delicious cupcakes with dear friends. What better way could you celebrate a delightful spring day?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>When The Fat Ladies Sing Mystery Series: </b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Misfortune-Cookies-When-Ladies-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00MU9JNFC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409703628&sr=8-2&keywords=linda+kozar" target="_blank">Misfortune Cookies</a> (Book 1)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tisket-Casket-When-Ladies-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00MV2WM88/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1409703707&sr=8-4&keywords=linda+kozar" target="_blank">A Tisket,</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tisket-Casket-When-Ladies-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00MV2WM88/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1409703707&sr=8-4&keywords=linda+kozar" target="_blank"> A Casket</a> (Book 2)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Doornail-When-Ladies-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00MWGPVX6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1409703661&sr=8-3&keywords=linda+kozar" target="_blank">Dead As A Doornail</a> )Book 3)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/That-Wasnt-Chicken-Ladies-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00NE24TSK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1427262370&sr=8-6&keywords=linda+kozar" target="_blank">That Wasn't Chicken</a> (Book 4)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Felony-Fruitcake-When-Ladies-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00OGU8AXE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427262321&sr=8-1&keywords=linda+kozar" target="_blank">Felony Fruitcake</a> (Book 5--<i>A Sweet Petite Christmas Mystery</i>)<br />
AND COMING SOON--<u>Weighty Matters</u>!<br />
<br />
<b>Read my latest article on Cozy Mystery Magazine.</b> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cblockquote%20class=%22twitter-tweet%22%20lang=%22en%22%3E%3Cp%3ECOZY%20MYSTERY%20MAGAZINE:%20Marvelous%20Mystery%20Titles--By%20Linda%20Kozar%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://t.co/3ndHftrcfa%22%3Ehttp://t.co/3ndHftrcfa%3C/a%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://t.co/pQRCeFMGbc%22%3Epic.twitter.com/pQRCeFMGbc%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%E2%80%94%20Linda%20Kozar%20(@LindaKozar)%20%3Ca%20href=%22https://twitter.com/LindaKozar/status/580753948954349568%22%3EMarch%2025,%202015%3C/a%3E%3C/blockquote%3E%20%3Cscript%20async%20src=%22//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js%22%20charset=%22utf-8%22%3E%3C/script%3E">Marvelous Mystery Titles </a><br />
<br />
<b>For a treasure trove of terribly terrific titles, go to my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://ctt.ec/gadIP%22%3ETweet:%20http://ctt.ec/gadIP+%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>page.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Read <a href="http://bookishdesires.blogspot.com/2015/03/two-left-feet-by-linda-kozar.html" target="_blank">Two Left Feet</a>, a funny story about learning how to dance with my dad.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Get a <a href="http://www.lindakozar.com/Books.html" target="_blank">SNEAK PEEK</a> at the book cover for my upcoming release!</b><br />
<br />
<b>And listen to the <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2015/03/19/along-came-a-writer-thursday-march-19th-2014">Along Came A Writer Radio Show</a></u></span> (formerly Gate Beautiful). We're Christian authors interviewing four or more guests in our two-hour show--authors, screenwriters, agents, editors, and other publishing industry professionals. Find out how they got started in the biz. Learn useful writing hacks and tips, trends, industry news. And LOL at our funny rapid-fire questions at the end of each interview. Click the link above or below to listen to this month's show.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-th6wg-p8ZlU/VQ-T9B3ZViI/AAAAAAAADqY/PSKtJWp4cWE/s1600/radioimage.jpg" height="184" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2015/03/19/along-came-a-writer-thursday-march-19th-2014" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Along Came A Writer Radio Show</span></b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smJPallkkk0/Uq8YOTGwkqI/AAAAAAAADTU/zLrSgC-lyE4/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-smJPallkkk0/Uq8YOTGwkqI/AAAAAAAADTU/zLrSgC-lyE4/s1600/me.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Linda Kozar (<a href="http://christianauthorsnetwork.com/linda-kozar/">http://christianauthorsnetwork.com/linda-kozar/</a>) and (<a href="http://www.lindakozar.com/">www.lindakozar.com</a>) writes both fiction and nonfiction titles, but is well known for her cozy mysteries. She founded and serves on the board of The Woodlands, Texas ACFW chapter, blogs regularly on Cozy Mystery Magazine and is the lead host on the Along Came A Writer radio show<span style="color: #232323;">. She and her husband live in The Woodlands, Texas and enjoy spending time with their two grown daughters.</span></div>
Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-89874876828840361902014-07-15T12:13:00.001-05:002014-07-15T13:18:44.592-05:00How to Makeover Your Kitchen Table With Chalk Paint--By Linda Kozar<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0YfZCLq8yw/U8Vv9zp5nhI/AAAAAAAADfk/2kBDaokwrcc/s1600/menew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0YfZCLq8yw/U8Vv9zp5nhI/AAAAAAAADfk/2kBDaokwrcc/s1600/menew.jpg" height="200" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda Kozar striking a crafty pose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wait, this is a blog for women of faith, isn't it? Sure it is! But this blog is also about three things Faith, Family and Fun. Hopefully, this project falls into the last category.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glaQDpFAj1s/U8VLs2Uz0cI/AAAAAAAADdw/bRj8e6kKH8M/s1600/get-attachment-6.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glaQDpFAj1s/U8VLs2Uz0cI/AAAAAAAADdw/bRj8e6kKH8M/s1600/get-attachment-6.aspx.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Here's the <i>before</i> picture of my kitchen table. Not bad, right? I bought this hand-crafted table years ago and fell in love with it. But over the years, the tabletop began to feel rough and uneven, staining easily from coffee mugs and spaghetti sauce. My husband and I didn't know that the top was finished with paste wax and just needed another coat from time to time.<br />
<br />
So, after a light sanding, my husband painted a coat of Polyurethane on the table top. The result? Not so good. Immediately afterwards, our table would forever be "tacky". I liked to joke with guests about our "tacky" table. But it didn't take long for them to experience it for themselves. Literally, every plate, cup or glass stuck to the table! Let's just say you had to yank hard to clear the table of dishes or even to lift a glass to your mouth. At times it was almost comical. Especially during the Babes With A Beatitude Bible Studies. Every Tuesday, the table would be surrounded by women, trying hard to lift their coffee cups without spilling hot coffee all over the place.<br />
<br />
In true <i>Proverbs 31</i> woman form, I decided to tackle a home project and believe me, I needed a lot of faith to accomplish it! The summer of 2014, I decided enough was enough. A friend had told me about the wonders of Chalk Paint. She'd refinished a bedroom set and was delighted with the results.<br />
<br />
Chalk Paint is a wondrous mixture of: <b>One cup latex paint, One-half cup Plaster of Paris, and One-half cup water</b>, that goes on over the surface <i>as is</i>! No need to sand (unless the surface is terribly rough). I should warn you that there is quite a bit of light sanding in store for you however. You will need to sand in between coats. Lightly. Not too bad.<br />
<br />
Whaaaat? I almost jumped for joy and decided that's what <i>I </i>needed to do!<br />
<br />
So, the day before I planned to begin, I assembled my painting supplies. I like to get that task out of the way so I can get right to the painting in the morning. Makes life easier.<br />
<br />
Supplies:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>A tarp or plastic sheet</b>. <i>(Do this project outdoors or in the garage as things get a bit messy).</i></li>
<li><b>Paint tray</b> <b>OR a use a simple plastic vegetable tray</b> you buy some of your veggies in--without air holes at the bottom of course. Lettuce trays work great because the top closes. You can leave your project to take a break and come back to your paint without worry it will dry out. Great way to recycle plastic to good use.</li>
<li><b>Paint Brush.</b> An inexpensive medium size brush will do, but you might want to use a few smaller ones to get into tight spots. I had a bunch of old brushes around the house. Maybe you do too.</li>
<li><b>Rags. </b>You will need to use a few rags to test dab or clean off excess paint. <i>Old towels work great.</i></li>
<li><b>Sandpaper.</b> Fine sandpaper and/or a sanding block if you have one. Better yet, if you have a rotary sander, use that instead. You'll barely break a sweat!</li>
<li><b>Tack Cloth. </b>To clean off the surface. Works great!</li>
<li><b>Latex paint. </b>I chose the colors I wanted (which took a lot of time and thought) and bought the more economical half-pints of paint for under $5 bucks a can. You won't need a lot of paint for this project. The water and Plaster of Paris really stretch it. Also, search paint stores for clearance paint. You never know what bargains you'll find.</li>
<li><b>Plaster of Paris.</b> Any craft store carries this. I purchased mine at Wal-Mart for under $5. Mine came with four packets to a box and I only used one packet to do the table and chairs. Lots left to do future projects!</li>
<li><b>Water.</b> Just plain tap water.</li>
<li><b>Latex gloves!</b> Use latex gloves when you paint, ladies. Your hands and manicure, if you have one, will thank you later. Before I started using gloves to paint, I would have to use a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover to get all the bits of paint out of my cuticles. No more!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTV-Zeuyc2g/U8VgydrteCI/AAAAAAAADe0/r6-IhBkn6bQ/s1600/get-attachment-7.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VTV-Zeuyc2g/U8VgydrteCI/AAAAAAAADe0/r6-IhBkn6bQ/s1600/get-attachment-7.aspx.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix your chalk paint in here and close the top when you take a break from painting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
I started off with the base coat in a shade of green I liked--Valspar's <i>Herbes de Provence</i>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlANSS7xXYw/U8VQgngSNJI/AAAAAAAADeA/vGnaOdbxo9A/s1600/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nlANSS7xXYw/U8VQgngSNJI/AAAAAAAADeA/vGnaOdbxo9A/s1600/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I let that dry, gave it a light sanding as the Plaster of Paris is gritty. I sanded the surface smooth and then applied the second coat, a different color entirely! Valspar's <i>Cottage White</i>. Why? Because I planned to sand it down to reveal little streaks of the green underneath for the rustic charm I was after.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds-DdFJZd6k/U8VLaNNq73I/AAAAAAAADdo/BS7ekpzF5Dg/s1600/get-attachment-1.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ds-DdFJZd6k/U8VLaNNq73I/AAAAAAAADdo/BS7ekpzF5Dg/s1600/get-attachment-1.aspx.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Next, I sanded that coat a bit. Depending on the consistency of your paint and how well you covered, you might need another light coat. Just eyeball it. Sorry about the non-technical instruction, but creative people have their own lingo:)<br />
<br />
Now for the stencil. I fell in love with a Martha Stewart stencil, but you can use any stencil you fancy OR if you're talented that way, design your own stencil. Ambitious <i>artistes'</i> might want to go ahead and paint whimsical designs directly onto the table. Whatever suits you best.<br />
<br />
The colors I used (just tiny bottles of craft latex easy to find at Hobby Lobby), were: FolkArt's Classic Green and Spring green for the leaves and vines, Podge Orange and Napthai Crimson for the flowers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s2aP2svgvJ8/U8VTg7TOmtI/AAAAAAAADeM/7f7lN0LrjBI/s1600/get-attachment-2.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s2aP2svgvJ8/U8VTg7TOmtI/AAAAAAAADeM/7f7lN0LrjBI/s1600/get-attachment-2.aspx.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After the stencils are completely dry, give the surface another sanding. The images should not be crisp. Whaaaat? That's right. You should sand them down and blur them out a bit. But it's all a matter of personal taste. If you want crisp stencils, go for it. I like the vintage sort of look.<br />
<br />
The surface of the table should feel smooth to the touch. Caution: use your gloves for this touch test. The oils in your skin will leave behind blotches. Yech!<br />
<br />
Use a tack cloth to remove all traces of dust and grit left behind by your hard work.<br />
<br />
And now for the wax. I used <i>Trewax</i> paste wax. Definitely use gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Do not wax in your house or it will create a very toxic atmosphere. The inside of your home will smell like charcoal briquettes! You could experiment with a safer, more natural alternative like beeswax. But I went for the toxic industrial stuff. Alas...<br />
<br />
If you have a random orbital sander/buffer, use it! Or maybe your husband waxes his own car and owns an orbital buffer. Use it! Your job will be oh-so-much easier than buffing by hand.<br />
<br />
Once the buffing is complete and your table (and perhaps chairs) glow, you're ready to dress your table. I kept my stencils to the four corners of the table with that in mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1AaW2OZ7ZM/U8VbLvsaWUI/AAAAAAAADec/tljqjlcr5TY/s1600/get-attachment-3.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1AaW2OZ7ZM/U8VbLvsaWUI/AAAAAAAADec/tljqjlcr5TY/s1600/get-attachment-3.aspx.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khrMfSZtmsQ/U8VbP6Pql4I/AAAAAAAADek/RiuTxO8lu0A/s1600/get-attachment-5.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khrMfSZtmsQ/U8VbP6Pql4I/AAAAAAAADek/RiuTxO8lu0A/s1600/get-attachment-5.aspx.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Shop for a table runner, or continue your craftiness and make one. Dress the center with an interesting piece. I found a bowl with a concrete base at Cost Plus for $14.99 and added some items I found on sale at various places. Place mats coordinate with the base color and serve a utilitarian purpose by catching bits of food and splashes. Mine are straw and easy to rinse off.<br />
<br />
Voila', your refurbished kitchen table is done. Yes, I was sweaty and tired and inhaled toxic fumes along the way (next time--bees wax for the finish), but my fingernails weren't swathed in paint (thanks to the gloves). AND now my table is smooth, not sticky.<br />
<br />
I can't wait for our Babes With A Beatitude Bible Study to start up again in the fall. The ladies are going to love drinking their coffee without having to jerk the cup up off the table in between sips.<br />
<br />
And that, my friends is my craft journey with chalk paint. Thanks for letting me share it with you this week. If you have any questions or items I didn't cover, please leave a comment below and I will be happy to answer to the best of my knowledge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKRIZCogAyw/U8Vt1kOZdCI/AAAAAAAADfY/0aYx0KCKhoQ/s1600/tableCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RKRIZCogAyw/U8Vt1kOZdCI/AAAAAAAADfY/0aYx0KCKhoQ/s1600/tableCollage1.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
Kitchen Table Makeover<br />
<br />
Turn Shabby into ChicLinda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-50112767501203010402014-02-01T10:59:00.001-06:002014-02-01T11:00:08.690-06:00Short Video--A Few of Linda Kozar's Books...<iframe id="vp1ge9m3" title="Video Player" width="544" height="306" frameborder="0" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/embed.animoto.com/play.html?w=swf/production/vp1&e=1391273033&f=ge9m3dL2dQXTDwayNMUX7w&d=0&m=b&r=360p&volume=100&start_res=360p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options=" allowfullscreen></iframe><p><a href="http://animoto.com/play/ge9m3dL2dQXTDwayNMUX7w">Books by Linda Kozar</a></p>Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-33684227087542644142014-01-28T11:34:00.002-06:002014-02-11T17:17:32.934-06:00The Titus 2 Woman--Am I HER? By Linda P. Kozar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cWEI88Px7g/UuZsIw4H9NI/AAAAAAAADWE/izLv4wi6m7o/s1600/976702aa28d97df24c9122be1ae4cf41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6cWEI88Px7g/UuZsIw4H9NI/AAAAAAAADWE/izLv4wi6m7o/s1600/976702aa28d97df24c9122be1ae4cf41.jpg" height="400" width="290" /></a></div>
<br />
You mean Banquet understands us "Titus 2" women? Good Lord! But this vintage ad brought a prompt to my heart that many of us need to revisit the definition. Here's a reminder of the scriptures that describe a Titus 2 woman:<br />
<br />
<i>Titus 2:3-5 "...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things--that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.</i><br />
<span class="text Titus-2-3" style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span>
Mothers--if you've succeeded in raising godly kids without losing your mind--if you've gotten them off to college or watched them walk down the matrimonial aisle, good for you! Time to breathe a sigh of relief. Now God is moving you into a different role, that of a mentor to younger women.<br />
<br />
Now you might be asking yourself, "what could I possibly teach younger women about marriage? I have no idea how my husband and I made it this far." But you did--thank goodness! You know you didn't do it alone. If God is at the center of your marriage, you've got a good thing going. And it's likely you learned some good and useful things along the way too. Think about it. You have the opportunity to impart Godly wisdom to a younger generation struggling with the same issues you did when you were younger. That is the heart of what a Titus 2 ministry is all about--training a younger generation of women to live a loving, biblical, spirit-led life.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Reverent in Behavior</b></span><br />
<br />
The word r<i>everent</i> means expressing great awe or respect. Women who live a reverent life are living sacrifices <b><span style="color: white;">(Galatians 2:20 "Bodies presented as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God, not conformed to this world, but with transformed and renewed minds...")</span></b>--dedicated wholly to the Lord in thought, character and action. This sacred devotion to God infuses and influences every aspect of your daily life. This means you are the same woman behind closed doors as you are in public places--an example to others of what Godly devotion is.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: magenta;">Not Slanderers</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></b>
The Greek word for slanderers in Titus 3 is <i>diabolos</i>, the very name for Satan, the false accuser of the the brethren! Those who give in to gossip and slander are surrendering their tongues to Satan to be used for his evil purposes. Gossip can start innocently enough. "Did you hear about so-and-so? She did blankety-blank or was seen doing blank. We should really pray for her." Soon the conversation goes far beyond simple care and concern and a widening circle of so-called <i>confidantes</i> are all putting their two cents in. So make sure you have the proper motives and desires before calling others with sensitive information. Why not connect with a discrete prayer partner and actually pray for the person or situation instead? When in doubt, it's always better to take it to the throne, not the phone.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Self-control</b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><br /></b></span>
Resisting excess in every area of a believer's life is important. Self-control is a Godly characteristic and it applies not only to alcohol, but to any substance or action (overeating, workaholic, shopping or fashion, abuse of prescription drugs) that has a foothold in your life. Simply put, addiction means you are putting something or someone before God.<br />
<br />
An occasional glass of wine is not a bad thing, but Paul stresses the importance of Titus 2:3 "...not given to much wine." In ancient times, pagan women turned to wine for solace. Romantic love between wives and husbands was not the norm. Husbands practiced infidelity without so much as a second thought. Men married women to bear legitimate children, to enhance their standing in society, and to keep house. As a result, many women turned to wine for a temporary respite from emotional and physical abuse or neglect.<br />
<br />
Even after becoming believers, many women reverted to their old habits--turning to the cup instead of to God. Self-control is a mark of spiritual maturity. These women needed someone to encourage and teach them how to overcome these enticements with the Word of God and through practical instruction.<br />
<br />
Now for the flip side. Some modern day believers pride themselves on never having tasted a drop of alcohol, and have no qualms about their opinion on others who indulge. However, they have no qualms about overeating or maxxing out the credit cards shopping or abusing prescription drugs.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I remember an incident in the checkout line at a local grocery store. A older man in front of me was vocalizing his faith loudly and obnoxiously to the checker. The man must have noticed my carton of ginger beer on the conveyor belt, because he started instantly proclaiming his disdain for alcohol and those who fall prey to it. Thankfully, he took his bags and left. However, when the checker rang up my ginger "beer," he seemed confused. "Hmmm, this doesn't ring up as alcohol."<br />
I smiled. "That's because it isn't. Ginger beer is just like root beer."</blockquote>
The man in line took pride in his abstinence, so much so, that he failed in what should have been his primary mission. He should have used his faith to impart a sweet savor to those around him, but instead left a bad taste in everyone's mouth!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Teachers of Good Things</b></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b><br /></b></span>
The Titus 2 women in the early church began to teach younger women about marriage. As mentioned earlier, the notion of a romantic marital relationship between man and woman was not the norm. And some believing women were married to unbelievers--which presented an even greater challenge.<br />
<br />
This scripture calls for women to love their husbands (and for husbands to love their wives too!). Most men sought illicit sex outside of marriage, so sex with their spouse would have been sporadic, not the cherished, sacred sex life that would have created an intimate, godly bond between a wife and husband.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I'll never forget the call I received late one afternoon. A friend called to tell me she was in her car sitting in the parking lot of a strip club. She'd suspected her husband of frequenting strip clubs and followed him discretely one day. Most women, including myself, would have been full of anger and fury, and would have stormed into that club to confront him.<br />
When I first heard her speak, I have to admit I was worried she might do something else to the man. I asked if she had a weapon. But she assured me that she didn't intend to do anything to hurt her husband. She simply wanted him to know that she knew what he was doing.<br />
After breathing a sigh of relief, I talked to her and was particularly impressed with her calm and graceful attitude. She was prepared through her prayer life, and full of faith for this painful situation. Though I sensed the deep wound in her voice, I knew God was with her in a mighty way.<br />
My friend filled me in on what happened later. She sat in the car next to her husband's vehicle and when he emerged from the club, the first thing he saw was her. She didn't scream or yell at him or create a scene of any sort. After he saw her, she drove away, tears streaming down her face. Her silent witness of his actions later brought her husband to repentance.<br />
And her godly response to an ungodly situation left a lasting impression on me!</blockquote>
Believing women were taught and encouraged to love and pray for their husbands and to live a noble and godly life. The Titus 2 women prayed for and with these younger sisters, that God would uphold and transform their marriages. They also taught them practical ways to improve their marriages, their parenting skills and how to run a household--even a business. If you read about the Proverbs 31 woman, wives could be wise investors concerning business as well.<span style="color: white;"> <b>Proverbs 31:16 "She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard." </b></span><br />
<br />
Today, women are still in need of godly models of what a true marital relationship is supposed to look like. Because so many marriages end in divorce, marriages that survive and stand the test of time and temptation are outstanding examples of success.<br />
<br />
Unconditional love is referred to in the bible as <i>agape love</i> and is defined as the "selfless love of one person for another without sexual implications, especially love that is spiritual in nature."<br />
<br />
Let's take the example of this agape love and apply it, like the Titus 2 women, to our own marriages and families and to both encourage and mentor other women!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="text Titus-2-3" style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="text Titus-2-3" style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span>Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-57621536823954891622013-10-05T20:10:00.000-05:002014-02-01T14:24:09.542-06:00My latest nonfiction release...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USoK5iP0PYY/Uu1X2mxBemI/AAAAAAAADW8/zZ2oLy5ezbw/s1600/smallmovingtalescover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-USoK5iP0PYY/Uu1X2mxBemI/AAAAAAAADW8/zZ2oLy5ezbw/s1600/smallmovingtalescover.jpg" height="400" width="257" /></a></div>
<br />Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-57825241154348223982013-10-05T20:08:00.001-05:002014-02-01T14:22:41.621-06:00My latest release...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzOJbT2p5ZQ/Uu1XgQO1S8I/AAAAAAAADW0/Sn1B5k_pbAA/s1600/cover034_72dpi_200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NzOJbT2p5ZQ/Uu1XgQO1S8I/AAAAAAAADW0/Sn1B5k_pbAA/s1600/cover034_72dpi_200x300.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-38356386174367343192013-09-08T23:58:00.002-05:002017-03-11T09:40:26.966-06:00God's Top Ten--By Linda Kozar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq7WG_eXlkM/Sbh0TDEy45I/AAAAAAAAAls/IYhwSgQUG4s/s1600/Babes+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lq7WG_eXlkM/Sbh0TDEy45I/AAAAAAAAAls/IYhwSgQUG4s/s1600/Babes+cover.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>How many of us can name all of the Ten Commandments in the bible on the spot? Apparently, not many--and as Christians, we should be able to do so. In fact, we should be living our lives accordingly. Below is a gentle reminder for everyone. Commit these to memory--and heart.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<div data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="3" style="font-family: Verdana, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<em data-iceapw="3"><b>From Exodus 20:1-17</b></em></div>
<ol data-iceapc="27" data-iceapw="284" style="font-family: Verdana, Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="8"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapw="8">
<b>You shall have no other gods before me.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="2" data-iceapw="82"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="82">
<b>You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the<span class="NameofYHWH" data-iceapw="1">Lord</span> your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="3" data-iceapw="23"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapc="2" data-iceapw="23">
<b>You shall not misuse the name of the <span class="NameofYHWH" data-iceapw="1">Lord</span> your God, for the <span class="NameofYHWH" data-iceapw="1">Lord</span> will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="4" data-iceapw="97"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapc="3" data-iceapw="97">
<b>Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the <span class="NameofYHWH" data-iceapw="1">Lord</span> your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the <span class="NameofYHWH" data-iceapw="1">Lord</span> made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the <span class="NameofYHWH" data-iceapw="1">Lord</span> blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="2" data-iceapw="22"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="22">
<b>Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the <span class="NameofYHWH" data-iceapw="1">Lord</span> your God is giving you.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="4"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapw="4">
<b>You shall not murder.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="5"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapw="5">
<b>You shall not commit adultery.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="4"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapw="4">
<b>You shall not steal.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="9"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapw="9">
<b>You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.</b></div>
</li>
<li data-iceapc="1" data-iceapw="30"><div class="ListItemnotgenealogy" data-iceapw="30">
<b>You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.</b></div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-52890102102575881482013-08-17T14:37:00.000-05:002013-08-17T22:13:44.257-05:00If Mama Could Remember--by Linda Kozar<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>1166</o:Words>
<o:Characters>5133</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Author</o:Company>
<o:Lines>150</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>57</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>6242</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" UnhideWhenUsed="false"
Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGLqTjV6ERM/Ug_PFLLdMcI/AAAAAAAADHw/IG1E1Egh3vI/s1600/get-attachment.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGLqTjV6ERM/Ug_PFLLdMcI/AAAAAAAADHw/IG1E1Egh3vI/s320/get-attachment.aspx.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">If Mama Could Remember<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
By Linda Kozar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If mama could remember, she’d know the
names of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She’d delight them with
stories about her childhood growing up on a farm. If mama could remember, she’d
whip up some of our favorite family recipes in the kitchen. She’d recall what
she wore yesterday and wonder why she’s wearing the same thing today. If only
mama could remember . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Are you a caregiver? I’ve been one for
three years now. My mother whom we affectionately call, “Mama Rose” was
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and will be eighty-one this month. Other than
Alzheimer’s, she’s is remarkable health, and up until last year, on absolutely
no medications. My siblings and I share caring for our mother in five-month
periods, an arrangement that is sometimes difficult for us, but noticeably
beneficial to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation
of America (</span><a href="http://www.alzfdn.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman";">www.alzfdn.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">), Alzheimer's disease is a progressive,
degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons,
resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral
changes. The disease is named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician who
presented a case history before a medical meeting in 1906—of a 51-year-old
woman who suffered from a rare brain disorder. A later autopsy revealed and
identified the characteristic plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s
disease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hearing that diagnosis pronounced on a
loved on is difficult to endure. The very first thing I imagined was a scene
from the 1968 science fiction film classic, <u>2001, A Space Odyssey</u>, when
the lead character, Dr. David Bowman begins shutting down the rogue HAL 9000
computer’s processor core. As each bank of stored information is shut down, HAL
eventually regresses to his earliest programmed memory, the song, “Bicycle
Built for Two,” which he sings for Bowman. “Daisy, Daisy/Give me your answer,
do/I’m half crazy/all for the love of you.”<span style="color: #5b5b5b;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHqEGYYIMt8/Ug_KEsmX07I/AAAAAAAADHc/yBuRNO-iGec/s1600/IMG_4472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IHqEGYYIMt8/Ug_KEsmX07I/AAAAAAAADHc/yBuRNO-iGec/s320/IMG_4472.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Would my mother’s mind diminish in like
manner? And would all her wonderful characteristics and personality be reduced
to its lowest form? I grieved that diagnosis, as did my sister and brother. Our
prayers for her continue, in spite of that pronouncement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are several scriptures I hold onto:
<i>John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy
Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and
bring to your remembrance all things that I said unto you,”</i> and <i>Philippians 4:7, “ . . . And the peace of
God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus.” (KJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">All in all, I know my sister, brother and
I, made the right decision to take care of our mother. She is far better off
being with us and interacting with her extended family than living alone or in
a facility. We all love her and lavish affection on Mom. We feed her well,
dispense medicine as needed, and provide constant companionship. Is caregiving hard?
Yes, most definitely. And any activity we think of scheduling during our
five-month rotation absolutely has to include her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mom asks the same questions of me,
constantly and consistently. Each question she asks is a first for her, but for
me, one of a hundred repetitions. One day, I came up with an idea. Was it
possible Mom could keep a memory of a daily routine or schedule? If so, I could
use repetition to my advantage. I scheduled her life around meals, two daily
walks, and a relaxing soak in peppermint bath salts before bedtime. Once the
schedule was implemented, she began to settle down. She still asked lot of
questions, but not as many as before. I do my best to answer, but whenever I
become frustrated with repetitive questions, I leave the room, pray a lot and
regain my composure before she starts the process again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Alzheimer’s has changed my mother’s view
of the world, but because of the disease, she’s been able to teach me some very
important things. Mom notices the smallest details—like the shape of a cloud or
a sparrow flitting from tree to tree. And each day she finds some sort of lost treasure
on the ground, while on a walk together, or in the mall or even a parking lot.
Mom finds the most unusual items on the ground! I keep jars of her sparkly
finds, and often wonder if some are tiny diamonds lost from ring settings or
earrings. She also finds coins, little
plastic toys, sequins, metal pieces, dice, buttons, tacks, beads—you name it.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMqCgVSqnVc/Ug_QHKs9hKI/AAAAAAAADH8/92aXDNVafl8/s1600/get-attachment-2.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vMqCgVSqnVc/Ug_QHKs9hKI/AAAAAAAADH8/92aXDNVafl8/s320/get-attachment-2.aspx.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's Little Treasures Jar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And rocks. We have a large quantity of
river stones in our landscaping. She began to focus on the broken ones for some
reason. One day, I began to understand why. She showed me the interior of the
stones--ribbons of color, banded and swirled. <i>Amazing.</i> Why didn’t I ever notice them before?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mom is teaching me to see the beauty
inside the things I take for granted. The beauty inside simple stones, in the
flight patterns of butterflies and birds, and the parfait of puffy, white clouds
above our heads. All these nuances, like a twinkle in God’s eye, are special,
beautiful—a wonder to behold. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She’s also teaching me patience.
Everything I ever thought I knew about patience before is nothing to the
patience required in caregiving. I often remind myself--she didn’t ask for
this. She didn’t want Alzheimer’s. But she does want to be loved, to live in
grace and dignity. The time I offer to care for her is the time I’m giving back
to the woman who dried my tears, who treated me with tender care throughout my
childhood and adult years, who taught me, sacrificed for, and loved me
unconditionally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every evening, when my mom is ready to go
upstairs to bed, I stand at the bottom and watch as she slowly climbs the
stairwell. When she reaches the landing, she always turns to me and says, “Good
night.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And I answer, “See you in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But one day I know my mother will go to be
with the Lord and I imagine we will exchange different words. I see her climbing
a heavenly staircase illuminated by the glory of God, her knees nimble and
quick, a wide smile upon her sweet face. She will turn to me, and instead
of saying good night, she’ll whisper a soft good-bye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">With tears in my eyes I will wave and
answer, “See you in the morning, mama.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">For you see, the night is long indeed,
but joy comes in the morning.</span></div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-67811874174609686002013-07-31T12:16:00.003-05:002013-07-31T12:16:58.553-05:00What is Love? By Linda Kozar<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wondering what love really means? Single women often wonder if they are truly in love or if the man they love is truly in love with them. But God spells out the definition of love in His Word. Hold love up against God's metric for your answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUVutDQgK8o/TzhkVKI16YI/AAAAAAAABoE/JFS3aWxdckM/s1600/image022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUVutDQgK8o/TzhkVKI16YI/AAAAAAAABoE/JFS3aWxdckM/s1600/image022.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1 Corinthians 13:4-8</b></span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NKJV-28670" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Love suffers long <i>and</i> is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NKJV-28671" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NKJV-28672" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NKJV-28673" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.</span>Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-26280420616085141032013-07-21T18:32:00.001-05:002013-07-21T18:32:10.350-05:00A Walk On The Wild Side--Part II--By Linda Kozar<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>To My Readers--This is a continuation of my previous post "A Walk On The Wild Side," detailing my first visits to strip clubs and modeling studios with the Jesus Loves Dancers ministry.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>14</o:Words>
<o:Characters>65</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Author</o:Company>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>78</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small; line-height: 200%;"><b><i>I have not
come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” </i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;"><i>Luke 5:32</i></span></b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
We prepared the gift bags and headed out on the highway, the sky ribboned with streaks of pink and orange. The first club we visited was just gearing up. Our group arrived just as the sun slipped away. The young woman at the front desk of this particular club was no fan of the "church ladies." She answered our greeting and accepted the gift bag, but her face could not hide her distaste. I couldn't help thinking she'd been hurt or judged by Christians at some point. It was clear she didn't trust us or our motives for being there. But, thankfully, the dancers did not share this woman's opinion of us!<br />
<br />
A barrel-chested DJ accepted one of our gift bags as we walked past, the loud bass of rap music drowning out every other sound. Except of course the small audience of men and one woman sitting near in front of the stage watching the dancer's every move. The lone woman in the audience clapped and hooted loudly, her voice slurred. As our little group walked through the dark club toward the dancer's communal dressing room, the tiny audience stared at us as if confused.<br />
<br />
There were only two dancers in the dressing room when we walked in and they both wanted prayer. One in particular, for her young son. We joined hands with these two and prayed together as the music blared outside. Another two dancers walked in, but weren't interested in joining us. Not this time, anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
At one of the clubs we visited before (where the managers are so kind to our group), we talked at length in the dressing rooms, praying with whom ever wanted prayer. Some dancers avoided us, but others were open and willing to share their needs as well as their hopes and dreams. My favorite memory of this club is seeing one of the ladies on our team at a trio of poles. She called the three dancers together at the middle pole and they all huddled in prayer for the longest time. The three poles brought to mind the three crosses. Jesus was clearly in the midst of them!<br />
<br />
The manager talked with us for a long time as well. We complimented him on all the remodeling he had done on the club. Lots of cleaning as well. He proudly recounted how they cleaned and stripped the floors, tables and each of the abundant wingback chairs in the place and how difficult it had been to clean years and years of gunk off all that.<br />
<br />
<br />
No amount of cleaning however, would ever take away the stain of sin. I realized the man is clearly in transition! Before the group started praying for him and his family, he didn't notice how dirty things were around him, but now he does and is trying to clean things up. In time, he will discover that no amount of effort on his part will succeed. Please pray that God will reach this man's heart and reveal the truth to him. Only the cleansing blood of Jesus can take away the stain of sin.<br />
<br />
We visiting many more clubs, the same ones as the previous visit, except for one that was closed for whatever reason. Sometimes their liquor licenses are randomly revoked. Or maybe their air-conditioning situation caused them to shut down. From what the others told me, they've had air-conditioning problems for a long time.<br />
<br />
So we visited a modeling studio instead--a different one. The glass on the door and store front had the indigenous black tint treatment, blocking all outside light. Three of us walked in to offer the gift bags and we met at the door by a middle-aged lady dressed in what looked like a bikini of sorts with a beach towel wrapped around like she'd just come from the pool. She was hungry for conversation and talked on and on about a lot of cases on court TV and those in the current news. When she wasn't busy at work, it was evident this lady watched a lot television. We talked quite a while and then asked if we could pray with her. Like many of the others, this woman was a mother and wanted prayer for her son and for their finances.<br />
<br />
As I feared, we paid another visit to the modeling studio with the interesting smells. Two women got off the bus right away and the others, with more sensitive noses stayed behind. But not me. I decided to get off the bus and push past my discomfort. This time I made sure to avoid the incense burners near the door. Instead I moved to the middle of the room. So did the other ladies. We talked with the madam for a while and she told us the top of her foot was hurting. I knelt down to the floor and laid hands on her foot and we all prayed that God would heal her foot. Pretty cool!<br />
<br />
We hopped back on the bus, happy and filled with hope. But the other ladies covered their noses. The smell of that incense combined with other unidentifiable smells was overpowering. Again, the stickiness of it seeped into both hair and clothing. But I felt a sense of personal victory. Sin is the aroma of death to those who are alive in Christ. And we brought the fragrance of life into that dark place.<br />
<br />
I believe if Jesus walked the earth today, He would surely be on that bus with us. He would minister to the dancers, the bartenders and bouncers in those clubs and pour out His love and Spirit upon them. When He walked the earth, Jesus was always in the company of those who were considered the outcasts of society. When confronted by His own disciples and those who considered themselves righteous, He answered, <span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>"I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance"--Luke 5:32. </i></span><br />
<br />
Jesus IS on that bus with us and in our hearts. He goes everywhere we go--sees what we see--hears what we hear and moves us to say what He wants to say. Every hand we extend, every prayer, every hug we offer, every gift bag we give is from Him.<br />
<br />
Jesus loves us. And He loves people who are not like us. He wants us to love them too. He wants us to love them right into His kingdom!<br />
<br />
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Matt-25-33" id="en-AMP-24042"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">"And He will cause the sheep to stand at His right hand, but the goats at His left.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Matt-25-34" id="en-AMP-24043"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">Then the King will say to those at His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father you favored of God and appointed to eternal salvation, inherit (receive as your own) the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 1em;">
<i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you brought Me together with yourselves and welcomed and entertained and lodged Me,</span></i></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Matt-25-36" id="en-AMP-24045"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me with help and ministering care, I was in prison and you came to see Me.<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-AMP-24045B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></i></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Matt-25-37" id="en-AMP-24046"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">Then the just and upright will answer Him, Lord, when did we see You hungry and gave You food, or thirsty and gave You something to drink?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Matt-25-38" id="en-AMP-24047"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">And when did we see You a stranger and welcomed and entertained You, or naked and clothed You?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-AMP-24048"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;">And when did we see You sick or in prison and came to visit You?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="verse" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 1em;">
<i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-AMP-24049">And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least (in the estimation of men) of these My brethren, you did it for Me"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 200%;">--Matt 25:31-46.</span></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-65210774498645381202013-07-10T12:43:00.000-05:002013-07-10T12:43:04.170-05:00A Walk On The Wild Side--By Linda KozarThree weeks ago I decided to get on a bus and visit six strip clubs in Houston.<br />
<br />
Now before you say, "Linda Kozar is completely out of her mind," listen up! The bus was a church bus and I joined a ministry led by a good friend who founded the ministry over thirteen years ago to reach strippers and sex industry workers with the pure love of Christ.<br />
<br />
My twenty-two year old daughter had already gone a couple of times and invited me to come along. But my friend has been inviting me for thirteen years. So it was quite understandable that she nearly fell over when I walked through the door!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wjd6sJbxwY/Ud2MSBqxgQI/AAAAAAAADDQ/bfiq3n79E-8/s1600/get-attachment-5.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wjd6sJbxwY/Ud2MSBqxgQI/AAAAAAAADDQ/bfiq3n79E-8/s320/get-attachment-5.aspx.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some of the gift bags.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first thing we all did was introduce ourselves. After that, we got right to work loading over eighty "gift bags" filled with scripture, chocolates, peppermints, a ministry card, and a personal fan with two fresh batteries taped to the package. The bag's contents vary each week, but there's always something fun or useful inside. With all the eager teamwork, we finished loading the bags in a short time.<br />
<br />
Then we sat down to pray for the trip but also for individual prayer needs. All told, eight of us loaded onto the bus--four newbies and four veterans.<br />
<br />
Was I nervous? You bet. I had no idea what I was in for, much less what I would see.<br />
<br />
We pulled up to the first club and we each hurried to collect four or five bags. The bouncers welcomed us with smiles, especially when they received their gift bags. It seemed the "church ladies" their nickname for us, were welcomed, <i>warmly</i> into strip clubs! I followed the other ladies right into the stripper's dressing room, though it's more like an undressing room.<br />
<br />
The dancers who knew the group smiled as we walked in. The new dancers stared back at us at first. I imagine they were confused about why church ladies were invading their space. I listened to my friends ask if the dancers needed prayer for anything and they did! So right there in the middle of the janky-looking dressing room, we joined hands--all of us--and prayed.<br />
<br />
Most of the dancers are mothers with young children, struggling to make ends meet. They're doing their best to support them, but losing more and more of their dignity as time goes on. The industry is soul-killing. Many turn to alcohol and drugs just to keep doing what they're doing.<br />
<br />
The vibe at every club was different, but we had almost full access at each location. It's been years since I'd seen carpet on walls. And you can imagine all the bells an whistles going off if anyone dared to wave a black light around any of those places.<br />
<br />
The veterans dove right in--greeting girls, bartenders and bouncers with hugs. It was clear they have established relationships with some of the workers over the years, but they treated new girls with the same regard. At one club I worked up enough nerve to ask a dancer if she had any prayer needs. She seemed a bit embarrassed and said, "No" at first.<br />
<br />
But I pressed her a bit. "C'mon, everybody has prayer needs. How's your family? Do you need more money?"<br />
<br />
She responded quickly. "Yes, pray for my children and my fiancé and so I can make more money."<br />
<br />
I asked if I could lay hands on her and she told me I could. But I hesitated a moment because she was almost naked. I settled on her shoulder with her back to me. Another dancer and another "church lady" joined in and we prayed. Force of habit--I hugged them both after the prayer.<br />
<br />
Afterwards, the Holy Spirit reminded me that Jesus hung naked on the tree for us, to pay the price for our sins. <i>Stopped me in my tracks.</i><br />
<br />
We are all naked before God, our sins and desires transparent to Him. He sees who we are inside. With that encouragement, I resolved to pray for the person inside the outer garment.<br />
<br />
The managers met us in the hallway. My friend asked one about his son, born with a serious medical condition. The group had been praying for him for years. The other manager was intent on making us comfortable. He offered to give us water and Red Bulls. Though we politely declined, he disappeared and showed up a few minutes later, his arms full of refreshments. We thanked him and accepted his gracious offer.<br />
<br />
The last place we visited will forever be the worst on my list. On the way there, the other girls warned us about the smell.<br />
<br />
"Smell?" I asked.<br />
<br />
They tried to describe it. "She has a lot of dogs and she burns incense and there are other smells as you might imagine. The place is a "modeling studio." I was to learn later that "Modeling Studios" and "Spas" are euphemisms for brothels.<br />
<br />
Although we were only allowed in the foyer of the place, the smell hit me right away. I would say the olfactory assault was overpowering--smell on top of smell on top of odor on top of stench and all covered up with the scents of incense and baby powder.<br />
<br />
The madam came out the office door to greet our group. A standard bank teller's type window predominated the room. A ceramic good luck kitty paw perpetually waving, enjoyed a predominant spot. The entry room was filled with beat-up furniture--a sofa, rug and coffee table and a credenza by the door. Three ceramic burners on top of the credenza, tiny candles lit, melted incense--the scent of which became distinctly unpleasant the longer you were exposed to it.<br />
<br />
An older woman, the madam seemed genuinely happy to see us. She talked with us for quite some time. But I didn't talk much, or rather, could not. I was too busy dealing with the overwhelming odor of the place. In fact, I had difficulty fighting back the bile rising in my throat. When we first walked in, I tried not to pay attention to it. But it was truly a force to be reckoned with.<br />
<br />
I realized later after talking with the veterans, that what we experienced there was more than just a physical smell. There was a spiritual aspect to it. The scent of sin and oppression, tangible and as real as any other. The smell of the place clung to hair and clothing and nestled inside our nostrils. It followed us back on the bus--a reminder that <b>"... </b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" Ephesians 6:12.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<b><i>Next Week: The Return</i></b><br />
<br />Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-7336253762046948612013-04-09T16:58:00.001-05:002013-04-09T19:35:21.668-05:00THE Voice--By Linda Kozar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuLZdT0IrP0/SB-sykUIObI/AAAAAAAAAAY/cKPxcssYY8g/s1600/image009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuLZdT0IrP0/SB-sykUIObI/AAAAAAAAAAY/cKPxcssYY8g/s1600/image009.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Matthew 22:29</b> "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Job 22:28 </b> "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto Thee."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Mark 16:18 </b>"They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Matthew 15:13</b> "Every plant which my Heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Psalm 91:3</b> "Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the noisome pestilence."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Joel 2:32</b> "Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Romans 8:32</b> "For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>Psalm 97:10</b> "He preserveth the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked."</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>_____________________________________________</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
<i><br /></i>
There are so many voices in this world--all clamoring for our attention. Think of the New York Stock Exchange, with everyone yelling to, and over one another. The earth is a lot like this chaotic scene.<br />
<br />
Everyone around you is vying for your attention, but people who are nowhere near you are doing the same! We are connected to electronic devices--phones and iPads, computers, television--in constant contact with others whether we are communicating with or passively listening to (as in the case of television). But there is a place where you can escape--a place where you can commune one-to-one with the Most High God to hear and listen to His voice. The Secret Place--prayer.<br />
<br />
We need to be alone in the presence of God because we are His family. He wants us to spend time with Him to help, speak to, and instruct us, to refresh us, to fill us with perfect peace in the midst of a fallen world spinning out of control. How often do you take the time to disconnect with the world and connect with Christ? Once a month? Once a week? Once a day?<br />
<br />
The news is buzzing with stories about threats of terrorist attacks, deadly viruses, rumors of war, murder, corruption and more. It is easy to succumb to fear, but it's better to come to Christ!<br />
<br />
God is our refuge and our only hope. He gave us His Word--the Bible. Keep it close to you always. Study it. Be instructed. Live it. And when you have the least little twinge of fear, open the covers and keep reading.<br />
<br />
I like to start off every day with a base prayer--a simple, short 5-10 minute prayer like this:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Dear Lord, please bless and protect and keep healthy and well:______ and _______ and _______ and________ etc. Set your angels about all of them in a hedge of protection. I pray Psalm 91 over each of these family and friends and co-workers. Thank you, Lord for your loving care.</b></blockquote>
<b><br /></b>
I include my immediate family, and I name some, but not all--parents, in-laws, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors and co-workers. This prayer is simple and is designed to build on. Time is at a premium for all of us, so I start each day with this and pray more during the day. The prayers I build on this base are more specific and tailored to the individual. I also build beyond my circle of loved ones to pray for my community, my country and the world.<br />
<br />
There are days where I am so busy I never say another prayer. And if that is the case, I don't feel bad, because I know I've already prayed for those I love and care about. After I've said my base prayer, I can pray any time, anywhere, but I've already experienced my quiet time with the Lord. I've heard His voice speak truth into my heart. My heart is filled with His love and peace.<br />
<br />
What else happens when we pray? Everything!<br />
<br />
<b>God is:</b><br />
<br />
A refuge or hiding place to us. A fortress or place of protection. He is a place of security and trust for us to run to.<br />
<br />
<b>God will:</b><br />
<br />
Deliver us from the snare of the fowler (a trap set for us by the wicked), and from the noisome pestilence. He will cover and protect us with His feathers as a hen covers it's baby chicks. He will make His truth as a shield and buckler (protects the vital organs from the weapon thrusts and arrows of the enemy).<br />
<br />
The time it takes to pray is the time it takes to paint your nails or do your makeup--time we can easily fit into our busy routine by waking up a little earlier. We can't climb a mountain each day to pray, but we can take ten minutes to bow down before the Lord to pray and seek His face. Our time with Christ is the most important daily makeover we need.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #674ea7;">I would blush with shame if I concealed the fact that Jesus is my foundation. He doesn't change like the shadows. His name sticks on my lips all day. My eyes line up on Him only. He polishes my heart and brings gloss to my life. The beauty He gives last forever.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Why settle for makeup when you can have a complete makeover?</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-18314882176862132372013-01-02T12:07:00.001-06:002013-01-02T12:07:25.084-06:00Devo a Day--By Linda Kozar<i>This year I felt God leading me to read a chapter a day in the Bible and to write a short devotion about each. I'll share my thoughts and what God speaks to me. Why not read the same chapter in your bible and leave a comment here on what God is speaking to you? I love to hear the good words Daddy God is speaking to my sisters!</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qF8br0NIChI/UOR2IPOpu0I/AAAAAAAACxI/5jGDY1FquVM/s1600/IMG_2461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qF8br0NIChI/UOR2IPOpu0I/AAAAAAAACxI/5jGDY1FquVM/s320/IMG_2461.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<b>January 1st</b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>They That Dwell Under The Shade</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Hosea--</span></b><b><span style="color: red;">Chapter 14</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are two types of people in this world--those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High God (Psalm 91), and those that dwell under the shadow of sin and death (Luke 1:79).<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i> Psalm 91:1 "He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Luke 1:79 "To give light to those sitting in darkness and death-shade (shadow of death), to guide our feet to a way of peace.' (Young's Literal Translation).</i></blockquote>
The prophet Hosea issued God's warning to the people of Israel, that judgment was about to fall. He urged them to repent of their sins against God. And what were their sins? The Israelites had gone astray into *Baal Worship (see note). The people made molten images of pagan gods, sacrificed and and showed homage to manmade idols (Hosea 13:2) "as if they were alive!"<br />
<br />
Hosea instructs them to:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Take with you words.</b> True repentance is a 180 degree turnaround, not insincere words. People can be deceived by empty professions, but not God. </li>
<li><b>Accept what is good. </b>Forgive and receive us with no more obstruction to Your grace.</li>
<li><b>Receive us graciously. </b>With the "calves of our lips," which means <i>sacrifice </i>we render our thanks as living sacrifices offering praise, thanksgiving, gratitude and obedience.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The people must recognize that neither their idols or allies can save them from the sure destruction of the Lord in just payment for their sins. Only God can turn away His judgment and save them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
How true--even today! Only God can save us from our sins when we choose to repent and accept Jesus Christ into our hearts, He who became sin for us and offered up His own life as sacrifice. Come, let us offer the sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving, gratitude and obedience to our God Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><u><i>Note:</i></u></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><i>*Baal worship--Ba'al means master, lord, keeper or husband and was the god of rain, thunder, fertility and agriculture--all of extreme importance to agrarian cultures that depended on crops for survival. This god was supposed to control the powers of nature. The people who practiced Baal worship did so thru sexual licentiousness, the burning of incense, ceremonial acts of bowing and kissing (or cutting the skin as the priests did), the offering of sacred cakes and human sacrifice. Babies and young children were burned alive on a white-hot effigy of brass, as offerings to Baal. The priests beat drums, sounded flutes, lyres and tambourines to drown out the cries of agony so the mother and father of the victim would not hear.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxHFhw2bNz4/UOR3Icy94lI/AAAAAAAACxU/EH9Ev3KpXDQ/s1600/get-attachment-7.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxHFhw2bNz4/UOR3Icy94lI/AAAAAAAACxU/EH9Ev3KpXDQ/s200/get-attachment-7.aspx.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>133</o:Words>
<o:Characters>1127</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Author</o:Company>
<o:Lines>40</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>37</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>1223</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Linda Kozar</strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is the
co-author of <u>Babes With A Beatitude—Devotions For Smart, Savvy Women of
Faith</u> (Hardcover/Ebook, Howard/Simon & Schuster 2009) and author of <u>Misfortune
Cookies</u> (Print, Barbour Publishing 2008), <u>Misfortune Cookies</u>, <u>A
Tisket, A Casket</u>, and <u>Dead As A Doornail</u>, (“When The Fat Ladies Sing
Series,” eBooks, Spyglass Lane Mysteries, 2012). Her latest novel <u>Strands of
Fate</u> released October 2012 (Hardcover/Ebook, Creative Woman Mysteries). She
received the ACFW Mentor of the Year Award in 2007, founded and served as
president of <i>Writers On The Storm</i>,
The Woodlands, Texas ACFW chapter for three years. In 2003, she co-founded,
co-directed and later served as Southwest Texas Director of <i>Words For The Journey Christian Writers
Guild</i>. She and her husband Michael, married 24 years, have two lovely
daughters, Katie and Lauren and a Rat Terrier princess named Patches</span></strong><strong>.<o:p></o:p></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Represented by: </strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary Agency<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Member of: </strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">CAN (Christian
Authors Network), RWA (Romance Writers of American), WHRWA (West Houston
Romance Writers of America), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), Writers
On The Storm, The Woodlands, Texas Chapter of ACFW, Toastmasters (Area 56) The
Woodlands, Texas, The Woodlands Church, The Woodlands, TX.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-65413896099451323062012-12-14T08:05:00.001-06:002012-12-14T08:05:08.125-06:00Bookish Desires: The 12 Cozies of Christmas! "Tis the Season for a ...<a href="http://bookishdesires.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-12-cozies-of-christmas-tis-season.html?spref=bl">Bookish Desires: The 12 Cozies of Christmas! "Tis the Season for a ...</a>: Enter to WIN One of MY books TODAY! *UPDATE Here is the 12/12/12 blog post: http://www.spyglasslanemysteries.com/12-cozies-of-christ...Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-23137755044987315852012-12-10T07:59:00.001-06:002012-12-10T07:59:51.207-06:00Have We Reached Our Expiration Date? By Linda P. Kozar<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEHjN041E-0/UL5962gS3EI/AAAAAAAACnY/M2hdi5f1nz8/s1600/get-attachment-4.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEHjN041E-0/UL5962gS3EI/AAAAAAAACnY/M2hdi5f1nz8/s400/get-attachment-4.aspx.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished." Proverbs 27:12 </i></span></div>
<b><br /></b><b>Is This The End, My Friend?</b><br />
<br />
You may have noticed a plethora of apocalyptic TV shows airing, all in anticipation of the Mayan prediction of the end of the world at midnight, December 21st, 2012.<br />
<br />
With that date in mind, a ground swell of doomsdayers are prepping and preparing to protect hearth and home, not only with food and medical supplies, but with guns and ammunition. The reason--anything from national emergencies, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, to end of the world scenarios. But when does prepping transform into hoarding and avarice? And how much is too much?<br />
<br />
There's no argument that people should prepare for these scenarios (with the exception of alien and zombie attacks--C'mon now).<br />
<br />
I've lived through enough hurricanes to realize the wisdom in keeping an emergency cabinet. There's even advice about preparing in <span style="color: #741b47;">Proverbs 6:6</span>:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #741b47;">"Go to the aunt, you sluggard!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #741b47;">Consider her ways and be wise.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #741b47;">Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #741b47;">She provides her supplies in the summer.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #741b47;">And gathers her food in the harvest."</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCAOf1xLhHo/UL55tdw__jI/AAAAAAAACnA/cP2yAMCAL7c/s1600/drought.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCAOf1xLhHo/UL55tdw__jI/AAAAAAAACnA/cP2yAMCAL7c/s320/drought.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Of course, back in ancient times people had to lay up food in the summer to get them through the winter. Food was stored up in times of plenty to prevent starvation in times of drought and famine or times when war made agriculture impossible. That same logic, when applied to modern case scenarios begs the question, "Why not lay up food for the possibility of hard economic times to come, or to temporarily provide nourishment and creature comforts through natural or man-made disasters?" Many people are stocking their homes with that very purpose in mind.<br />
<br />
But others are stocking away food and supplies for an extinction event.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ASnVXIZeWYM/UL55ItDgVXI/AAAAAAAACmw/5nELLWxBq7I/s1600/solar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ASnVXIZeWYM/UL55ItDgVXI/AAAAAAAACmw/5nELLWxBq7I/s320/solar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Extinction Event</b><br />
<b><br /></b>Just what is an extinction event?<br />
<b><br /></b>An Extinction-Level Event or ELE, is a period in time when a large number of species die out above and beyond the normal background level, events not caused by changes in habitat or competition. ELEs are caused by catastrophic events (meteors, super volcanoes, etc.)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There have been five mass extinction events throughout the earth’s history: Ordovician/Silurian (450-440 Ma), Late Devonian (375-360 Ma), Permian/Triassic (251), Triassic/Jurrasic (205) and Cretaceous/Paleogene (65.5).<br />
<br />
Preppers call such an event: TEOTWAWKI, an acronym for "The End Of The World As We Know It."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rm_6x3jwZRs/UL54_a_NVGI/AAAAAAAACmo/dMLpIyyDCmI/s1600/asteroid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rm_6x3jwZRs/UL54_a_NVGI/AAAAAAAACmo/dMLpIyyDCmI/s1600/asteroid.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And some people are forecasting a sixth extinction event. Here are some of the ways scientists and end-time theorists are predicting the world might come to an end:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Asteroid Impact</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Comet Collision</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Orbital Obliteration (Orbits out of whack)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pandemic (Bird Flu, etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Terrorism</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Antimatter (from Particle Accelerators)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Machines Take Over (Computers/Robots become sentient)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) (The Sun goes all supernova on us)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gamma Ray Bursts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Global Warming or Cooling</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Loss of Biodiversity</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ocean Acidification</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Solar Storm</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Alien Invasion (Little Green Men with BIG eyes)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Supervolcano (Caldera)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Geomagnetic Reversal (Polar Shift)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nuclear War</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Artificial Black Hole</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Zombie Attack (Really?)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The X Factor (Unknown Cause)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: red;">Judgment Day</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7N6eAnygyO0/UL55XHhteAI/AAAAAAAACm4/H0PAa8d93RA/s1600/saucer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7N6eAnygyO0/UL55XHhteAI/AAAAAAAACm4/H0PAa8d93RA/s320/saucer.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
Wow! Some of these predictions require a lot of imagination to entertain the thought (I'm picking on the zombie thing again). If I've left any out, please don't judge. I know there are more apocalyptic options, but I had to stop somewhere.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666;">And while we're on zombies, for those of you who actually believe in such a thing, I might as well mention that aside from the resurrection at the end of the age, the dead will not rise, nor will they be hungry for human flesh. Corpses cannot utilize any of the five senses. They can't see or hear possible prey. They can't taste or digest. The neurons aren't firing in their brains. Their muscles and joints would no longer function, so shambling around, or any movement at all would be out of the question. Did I mention rigor mortis? Bloating? Aside from all that, insects and bacteria would make short work of the "living" dead. So there...</span></blockquote>
<b>Stockpiling:</b><br />
<br />
Many people have prepped way beyond their emergency cabinets and pantries. Their bedrooms, secret rooms and garages are full of food, gas masks, HazMat suits, weapons, seeds, tools and much more.<br />
<br />
Hoarders typically fill their home and property with "stuff," eventually cramping their living space to the point where they are not able to move about freely. They believe they will use the items to scavenge and store someday.<br />
<br />
If you're house is not so much a home as a storage facility, you might have a problem. You might have made the leap from prepper to hoarder.<br />
<br />
Those who watch the NatGeo show, Doomsday Preppers on TV really get an eye and earful of what some people are doing to prepare. They are building huge compounds to house their families and friends, underground bunkers (some in abandoned missile silos or in caves deep underground), storing massive caches of food in a variety of locations, stockpiling medical supplies, weaponry and ordnance. And many of these structures are booby-trapped. One man even booby-trapped extra food supplies by lacing them with poison. Can you imagine a group of starving, desperate people--men, women and little children devouring those supplies only to perish?<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Christians and TEOTWAWKI:</b><br />
<br />
For Christians, the last ELE is of most importance. It is also the only event which has any meaning and it is definitely not a true extinction event (except for sin)! Funny, if you check out all the apocalyptic websites and forums, the return of Jesus Christ to judge the quick and the dead isn't at the top of the list.<br />
<br />
Preparing for disasters is the smart thing to do. It's also the right thing to do, but obsession with prepping borders mental illness and certainly ventures into the area of sin. Now hear me out...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Prepping and Avarice</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You might have read about the "Seven Deadly Sins" listed at various places in the Bible: Wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">
Greed is also known as avarice or covetousness and like lust and gluttony, is a sin of excess. It expresses an excessive desire and pursuit of wealth, status and power. Thomas Aquinas wrote that greed was "a sin against God, just as all mortal sins, in as much as man condemns things eternal for the sake of temporal things." Greed is an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more than one needs, especially with respect to material wealth.<br />
<br />
Yet God proves over and over in the Bible that He is well able to provide for His people.<br />
<br />
In 1 Kings 17: 1-4, Elijah prophesied the Word of God to all the people that a drought would be over the land. God commanded him to hide by the Brook Cherith, drink there and receive food from the ravens, whom God commanded to bring him food. And that is exactly what happened.<br />
<br />
Later, in 1 Kings 19: 5-8, Elijah was despondent. After a showdown with the false prophets of Queen Jezebel, she wanted Elijah dead, so he had to flee into the wilderness. Depressed and without resources, he prayed that he might die and fell asleep under a broom tree. He awoke to the touch of an angel who said, "Arise and eat." Then he looked , and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water." He ate twice and was sustained by that heavenly food for forty days and nights.<br />
<br />
And remember the widow and her young son in 1 Kings 17:16? "The bin of flour was not used up, not did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah." God can keep provisions flowing, bring you to food or bring the food to YOU<br />
<br />
God is well able to provide for His people. <span style="background-color: #f9fdff; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #741b47;">"A good man gives an inheritance to his grandchildren and the wealth of sinners is kept for the righteous" (Aramaic Bible in plain english).</span></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"> </span>Though we are prudent to prepare for emergencies and disasters, there is no guarantee the things we have stored up will survive such scenarios or be accessible to us.<br />
<br />
But should we worry and wring our hands together over the future? <span style="color: #741b47; text-align: left;">Proverbs 15:15 “All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil (by anxious thoughts and forebodings), but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast (regardless of circumstances).</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">The Book of Revelation is the last book of the bible. God's unerring and eternal Word that reveals to us how the end of the world as we know it, will conclude. There will be a time of great tribulation, such as the world has never known. At some point during the tribulation, believers will be raptured, taken up (<i>harpazos</i>) to heaven with Christ. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">This is the sticking point with many Christians who ask "Will we have to go through part or all of the tribulation?" If so, many wonder how and where they would live without taking the mark of the beast (who will require every person to take his mark--name or number--on their body in order to buy, sell or trade. Imagine this situation for a moment. If you were suddenly unable to buy, sell or trade, how could you buy groceries? Pay your mortgage? Buy gas? The answer is, you would not be able to. You and your family would be forced to bug out--to retreat into the wilderness to survive. And you would eventually be pursued, hunted down by the world government, totally under the control of the antichrist.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">But as I pointed out earlier in this discourse, God is well able to take care of His people, prepared or not. Elijah was not a </span>prepper. He was a pray-er!<br />
<br />
We know from the Book of Revelation that almost all of the scenarios listed above will come to pass in the destruction of the heavens and the earth. We know that an asteroid or meteorite named "Wormwood" (Revelation 8:11) will be on a collision course with earth. It will poison the water supply. Most of the sea life and animal life will perish. Plants will die off. There will be wars, bombs, fires, floods, solar flares, volcanoes, earthquakes, starvation, plagues and suffering. Those who are left on the earth till the bitter end, will ask the mountains to fall on them so they can put an end to their suffering. <span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">And they cried to the </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">mountains</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"> and the rocks, "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Fall on us</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"> and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb" Revelation 6:16.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: left;">Jesus, the Lion of Judah will return and put a swift end to Armageddon. The antichrist and false prophet will be destroyed. Satan and all his fallen angels will be vanquished forevermore. The righteous will be taken away to heaven. Unbelievers will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and cast into Hell. Revelation 21:1 states: <span style="color: #741b47;">"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. . ." </span>The Holy City of Jerusalem will descend out of heaven with God to the new earth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To a believer, the end of the world is a good thing. The end of the temporal world will usher in the eternal reign of Christ who will sit at the right hand of the Father, ruling a new heaven and a new earth. In heaven there will be no more tears, no more strife--no more sin and the destruction that results from it.<br />
<br />
The Seven Deadly Sins can be counteracted by the daily choices we make. Instead of puffing up with pride in yourself, be humble; instead of hoarding food for your own use, collect and share food with homeless shelters or your church's food pantry. Substitute love for envy, kindness for wrath and self-control instead of lust. Don't be a glutton--eat sensibly instead. And substitute a pure zeal for God and His call on your life instead of being lazy and slothful.<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
People have wondered about the end of the world since the beginning of the world. Remember Noah?The poet, Robert Frost pondered the end of the world, sharing his thoughts on the matter in the poem below. Whatever you believe about doomsday, the world will surely end at some point. And you'd better be ready on some level, but the most important preparation to make is to ask Jesus into your heart if you haven't already done so. Salvation is the only prep you'll need for eternal life with God.<br />
<h2 class="title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #f88000; margin: 42px 0px 12px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Fire and Ice</span></h2>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; margin-top: 20px; min-height: 570px;">
<div class="KonaBody" style="color: #333333;">
<div style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-top: 12px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1.5;">Some say the world will end in fire,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Some say in ice.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">From what I've tasted of desire</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">I hold with those who favor fire.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">But if it had to perish twice,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">I think I know enough of hate</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">To say that for destruction ice</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Is also great</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5;">And would suffice.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author" style="margin: 22px 0px 25px; text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Robert Frost</i></span></div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw-2aGfvpn8/UL5-NBBt4RI/AAAAAAAACng/sRi86_fGXHY/s1600/get-attachment-5.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw-2aGfvpn8/UL5-NBBt4RI/AAAAAAAACng/sRi86_fGXHY/s400/get-attachment-5.aspx.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Want to know Jesus?</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>John 3:36</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God's wrath remains on him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1 John 5:11-13</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. The onw who has the Son has this eternal life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have this eternal life. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://net.bible.org/#!bible/1+John+5%3A11-13" style="border: none; color: #0088cc; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="New English Translation"></a>Colossians 2:13</span></b></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions.</span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">John 5:24</span></b></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I tell you the solemn truth, the one who hears My message and believes the One who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has crossed from death to life. </span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Romans 8:1</span></b></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ephesians 2:8-9</span></b></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast.</span></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<a href="https://net.bible.org/#!bible/Romans+8%3A1" style="border: none; color: #0088cc; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="New English Translation"></a></div>
<div class="scripture" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-11599991689564290472012-09-10T22:04:00.000-05:002012-09-13T09:38:57.361-05:00The Truth About Angels--By Linda Kozar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlXTILh2nn4/UE6Ptyqu6qI/AAAAAAAACWM/tEmNzNq3fbM/s1600/200px-Guido_Reni_031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NlXTILh2nn4/UE6Ptyqu6qI/AAAAAAAACWM/tEmNzNq3fbM/s400/200px-Guido_Reni_031.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>2939</o:Words>
<o:Characters>13142</o:Characters>
<o:Company>Author</o:Company>
<o:Lines>257</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>129</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>15952</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Turn on the television, listen to the radio or tap into
Facebook conversations and guess what you’ll hear a lot about? Angels. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a fascination with angels in our present-day society. Remember the show, "Touched by an Angel?" My girls and I used to put a flashlight behind out heads
and then say something we hoped was profound. Then, switch on the light. Kind of fun but kind of a spoof.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hebrew word for angel is <i>mal’ach</i> and the Greek word is <i>angelos</i>. Both mean "messenger" and describe one who executes the purpose and will of the one they serve.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfallen angels are also referred to as Holy Ones. They are:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. Created without flaw or sin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. Holy because of their purpose and set apart by God as his servants and attendants to His holiness.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some believers do claim to have had encounters with
angels. The Bible does refer to such encounters<i>:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(Ps. 91:11 For He shall give
His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up
in their hands. Lest you dash your foot against a stone.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Matt. 4:11 Then the
devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So why is everyone so interested in angels?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Part of the explanation could be a search for the
meaning of life—for answers that are not to be found in cold rationale or
through intellectual pursuit. And of course New Age, Cults and the Occult
traffic in their own concept of angels. Truth be told, most people would rather
believe in angels than in God. They would prefer the substitute of heavenly celestial beings watching over them than bowing their knee to the Creator of Heaven and Earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mystical, supernatural, spiritual—our society seems
fascinated with exploring the idea of angels amongst us without benefit of
consulting the Word of God:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Ephesians 2:12 …that at
that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel
and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in
the world. 4:17-19 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you
should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of
their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life
of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of
their hear; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to
licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Angels are:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: purple;">Sons of God--</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">In their holy state the unfallen angels are called this. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Created beings--</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Genesis 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth and all the host of
them, were finished.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: purple;">Created by God--</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Col 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in
heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or
dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and
for Him. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: purple;">Eternal--</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Luke 20:36—(They are eternal). …nor can they die anymore for they are
equal to the angels and are sons of God being sons of the resurrection.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Job 38:1-Have been around from the world’s beginning.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: purple;">Do Not Marry--</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Matt 22:30—For in the resurrection
they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in
heaven. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Luke 1:34-35 The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But
those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and their resurrection from
the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: purple;">Are Wise--</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>2 Sam 14:17—Angels are wise and intelligent. Your
maidservant said, The word of my lord and the king will now be comforting: for
as the angel of God, so is my lord the kind in discerning food and evil.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: purple;">Have knowledge and interest in the affairs of man--</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Dan 9:21-22—"…yes while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I
had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached
me about the time of the evening offering.</i><b><span style="color: purple;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: purple;">Can Fly And Travel Great Distances Fast--</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Dan 10:14, Luke 15:10-- Dan
9:21, Rev 14:6 Then I saw another angel
flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those
who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue and people.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Surround the Lord--</span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Host is the Hebrew word “<i>tsaba</i>“
meaning army, armies, hosts. A military term and carries the idea of warfare--the armies of heaven.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Ps 89:6, 8, O Lord God of Hosts, Who is mighty like You, O
Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds you. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>1 Sam 1:11, 17:45. Then David said
to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a
javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the
armies of Israel, whom you have defiled. </i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;">Guardian
Angels</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: .5pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does each and every believer have a guardian angel? It is commonly believed, but where’s the proof? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We may have more than one guardian angel. Jesus had a multitude of angels surrounding Him.<br />
<br />
<i>Luke 22:43 Then an angel
appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Matt. 26:53 Or do you thing
that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than
twelve legions of angels?</i><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Angels can be visible or invisible and take the form of man:<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing
so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it--Luke
13:1-2.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Angels are messengers of God, powerful, they protect us,
encamp all around us, keep us from falling or getting hurt, even strengthen and
minister to mankind.<br />
<br />
<i>Heb 1:7 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world,
He says: Let all the angels of God worship Him. And of the angels he says: Who
makes His angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire. 14, Ps 34:7, 91:
10-13, 103:21)</i><o:p></o:p><br />
<i><br /></i>
When a believer dies, their own angel(s) brings their spirit to heaven in the presence of God. Matt 18:10</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>Types of Angels:</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seraphim Is 6:1-7 each with 6 wings. With 2 they covered his
face, with two they covered his feet and flew with the other two (Is 6:1-4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cherubim Gen 3:24, Ezek 1:5-28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zoa (living creatures) Rev. 4:6, 5:14</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Archangels--Chief angels who rule kingdoms and planets Col
1:15-18, 1 Th 4:16, Jude 9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael—One of the chief princes, the prince of Israel Dan
10:13, 21, 11:1<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gabriel—who stands before God Dan 8:16-19, 9:20-23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lucifer—the original ruler of the planet earth and present
pseudo-ruler of man’s dominion on earth Is 14:12-14 Ezek 28:11-17</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some angels created to give continuous praise and worship
(Ez 10:9-20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Angels Are:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glorious--Immortal--Powerful and mighty in body--Heavenly spirit beings--Need no rest--Can appear visible and invisible--Operate in the material realm--Created by Christ--Not to be worshipped--Are organized into principalities and powers with thrones--Are subject to God--Are interested in earthly affairs--Observe us--Can cook--Wear garments--Appear unawares--Have been tested--Dwell in heaven--Stand before God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Angels for certain churches ant church ages Rev. 1:20<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Angels are strong! (Rev 18:21). Carrying out a death penalty for God on a king (Acts 12:20-25). Peter’s own
angel freed him from prison (Acts 12). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We all go
through crisis, where we feel like God has abandoned us—that we are encamped
about by evil and bad news and there’s no hope for us at all. I challenge you
to remember that scripture, that there are more who are with us than those who
are against us. You can’t see what God is doing on your behalf. You can’t see
his invisible armies around you and your family. You have no idea that your
prayers are carried to heaven and the answers come back by his faithful
messengers. But you don’t have to see. . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the world,
seeing is believing, but to Christians, believing is seeing. We walk by faith,
not by sight. Fear not, confess your fears and anxieties silently to the Lord
right now. Just take a few minutes to tell confess to the Lord that you haven’t
trusted Him. You gave in to your fears or disappointments and discouragements
or terror and you had a lapse in faith. And then I want you to confess your
faith in the Lord again Tell Him you trust Him to take care of you and your
family and everyone you pray for. Don’t wake up in fear or shake with terror.
Ask for help and believe that He’s sending it. Whether He sends one angel or a
whole legion, your help is on the way and will be more than enough to defeat
the plans of the enemy! AMEN.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-28975783603208285342012-07-18T21:38:00.000-05:002012-07-18T21:38:10.518-05:00Crepes Sue JanThe second book in my <i>When the Fat Ladies Sing </i>mystery series, <u>A Tisket, A Casket</u> is set in a French cooking school in Paris, Texas<i> and features </i>some<i> </i>delicious classic French recipes.<br />
<br />
Dessert Crepes are perfectly delicious and easier to make than you think. I like to make a big batch of crepes (thin French pancakes).<br />
<br />
With 3/4ths of the crepes I make a crepe casserole with shredded roast chicken and mushrooms. I make desserts with the remaining crepes. Spread each crepe with Nutella (hazelnut spread) and fill with sliced strawberries and kiwi's and bananas. Fold over. Spritz a dollop of whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate syrup.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fafbrlktgbs/UAdl220udSI/AAAAAAAACNo/tjG-llRVP90/s1600/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fafbrlktgbs/UAdl220udSI/AAAAAAAACNo/tjG-llRVP90/s320/get-attachment.aspx.jpeg" width="253" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Basic Crepe formula: (For 20 crepes 5-1/2 in. across)</b><br />
1 cup of flour (sifted)<br />
2/3 cup milk<br />
2/3 cup water<br />
3 large eggs<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
3 tbsp of melted butter<br />
<br />
Add flour to a 2 quart bowl. Whisk in by dribbles 2/3 cup milk and 2/3 cup of water until smoothly blended. Then whisk in 3 large eggs, 1/4 tsp salt and 3 tbls melted butter.<br />
<br />
Use a nonstick pan, preferably a special crepe pan. (You can find them in discount stores for under $10). Heat the pan until drops of water dance and sputter on it, then brush lightly with butter.<br />
<br />
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the hot pan and tilt it in all directions. After 30 seconds or so, bottom of crepe will be browned.<br />
<br />
Shake pan to dislodge the crepe, then turn it over with your fingers. Cook briefly on the other side, which won't cook as evenly.<br />
<br />
Cool crepes individually on a rack before stacking. Cooked crepes will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge in a sealed plastic bag and they freeze well too.<br />
<br />
Bon appétit!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-67436607916187645002012-07-13T18:07:00.001-05:002012-07-13T18:07:29.045-05:00Gate Beautiful--July 19th, 2012, 12:00-2:00 CST 07/19 by Red River Radio | Blog Talk Radio<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2012/07/19/gate-beautiful-july-19th-2012-1200-200-cst#.UACp7QIrsfs.blogger">Gate Beautiful--July 19th, 2012, 12:00-2:00 CST 07/19 by Red River Radio | Blog Talk Radio</a><br />
<br />
Join us for our July 19th Show featuring authors Amy Clipston, Jeanette Sharp, Jeff Gerke and Andrea Boeshaar.Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-28090081994993925562012-04-02T21:31:00.000-05:002012-04-02T21:34:15.871-05:00The Real Housewives Of The OT--"Leah" by Linda P. Kozar<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leah</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Daddy deceived, I conceived, Jacob was peeved."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkIEmt_c3IE/T3pfU27B4GI/AAAAAAAABxU/CBlYJVSp2T4/s1600/235px-Leah&Rachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkIEmt_c3IE/T3pfU27B4GI/AAAAAAAABxU/CBlYJVSp2T4/s1600/235px-Leah&Rachel.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leah was the daughter of Laban and the older sister of Rachel. Leah is Jacob’s first cousin, the eldest niece of Rebecca. Family ties now established, let's move on to the good stuff!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her name, "Leah," pronounced <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i>(lay-ah) </i>means "cow." How can a name that sounds so pretty mean "cow?" But it does. By the way, her sister Rachel's name means "ewe." Now in Rachel's case, her name sort of fit because Genesis 30:9 states "...Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she was a shepardess." But Leah's name means cow,</span> and cows are a symbol of fertility in Mesopotamia. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Divine Pairing?</b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">You might not be aware of this, but Leah was originally supposed to marry Esau, not Jacob. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Laban had two daughters and Rachel had two sons, therefore it was assumed that the eldest would marry the eldest, and the younger, would marry the younger. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The two bachelor brothers could not have been more different. Jacob was a smooth-skinned, tent-dwelling, God-fearing scholar, and Esau was a red-headed hunter, wearing a perpetual hair sweater, who loved all manner of fleshly pursuits. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">If you remember from our earlier lesson on Rebekah, Esau plotted to murder his own brother for "stealing" his birthright. He also engaged in idolatry with his pagan wives and comitted spiritual adultery as well. Esau sold his birthright and that of all his descendants for the immediate sensual (flesh-pleasing) satisfaction of a bowl of soup. Setting the tone for his descendants, this behavior is later evident in the many spiritual adulteries of Israel. His thoughts were not high thoughts. Esau responded to his flesh, not his spirit, which explains why Leah was grossed out by him.<i> That and the fact that his hairy body made him look like a "squatch" (short for Sasquatch).</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Some scholars say Leah spent a lot of time weeping and praying to God to change her designated mate. Were her eyes red and puffy and irritated from all the crying? Hmmm.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacob gained the birthright blessing from his
father through deception and had to leave or be killed by his brother Esau.
Rachel sent him to her brother Laban and, as fate would have it, just as
Rebecca was discovered by the well, Jacob meets Rachel by the well. Rachel was described as "beautiful of form and appearance" (Genesis 29:17).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>She's Got Betty Davis Eyes. . .</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But according to the Torah, Leah "</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">had tender eyes.” Genesis 29:17. By "tender," does the Torah mean delicate and soft, or weary? Some commentators suggest she had blue or light-colored eyes.<i> </i>But the Hebrew word, <i>rakkoth </i>means<i> </i></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">sickly, bleary, or delicate. Perhaps her eyes were mentioned because they were her only good feature, or perhaps her worst! But there was a definite <i>weakness</i> when it came to the look of Leah’s eyes. Rachel, is described as looking beautiful--the super model of the family. Sometimes people have a lazy or crossed eye, or sometimes eyes that are big and bulging, etc. Which kind of makes you wonder if Leah looked like a female version of Marty Feldman. In any case, her eyes were not attractive, and are mentioned as a detriment to her looks. </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deception follows us. Jacob and his mother Rebekah sought to claim the blessing of the firstborn by deception instead of trusting God to achieve the end result His way. We often do the same. A little lie here, a tiny exaggeration there. But unrepented lies come back to bite us and to Jacob as well. His father-in-law deceived him in much the same way Jacob had deceived his own father. Jacob covered his arms with fur to mimic his brother's arms. Laban employs a veil to cover Leah's face.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laban agrees to Jacob marrying his youngest daughter Rachel if he agrees to work for him for seven years. On the wedding night however, he deceives Jacob and sends a veiled Leah
instead. Laban tries to defend his deception by stating it is uncustomary to give the
younger daughter away before the older. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laban offers to give Rachel to Jacob in return for another seven years of work. He marries Rachel after the week-long celebration of his
marriage to Leah.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His father-in-law covered the head of his eldest daughter Leah with a veil. Lies, untruths and deceptions are veils covering the truth. Jacob deceived his father to achieve the birthright of the firstborn, but he too is deceived and marries the firstborn, who according to custom, must be wedded before the younger.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But even though Leah might not have been considered attractive physically, "When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren." (Genesis 29:31). God chose Leah, blessed her and answered her prayers. </span></span>So, although Leah’s was not considered to be attractive, and was not loved by Jacob in the way he loved Rachel, she was indeed the most blessed in the end. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sister Wives</b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leah had six of Jacob’s sons—Rueben, Simeon, Levi, Judah
(first four), then Issachar and Zebulon and a daughter Dinah. Perhaps in the
naming of her sons, she hopes to gain favor. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rachel, on the other hand, could not conceive so gives her handmaid Bildah to
Jacob. She has Dan and Naphtali. Leah, not to be outdone, offers her handmaid
Zilpah to Jacob and she has two sons, Gad and Asher. Some commentaries say that
Bildad and Zilpah were half-sisters to Rachel and Leah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One day Reuben returned from the field with mandrakes for his
mother. Leah had not conceived for a while and this plant which resembles the
human body was thought in ancient times, to be an aid to fertility. Rachel offered to trade her
night with Jacob for the mandrakes. <span style="color: #262626;">Leah announced to Jacob that she has “hired” him with the mandrakes she traded to Rachel, and Jacob
spent the night with her, Gen 30:14–17 "And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">In fact, Leah gave birth to two more sons—Issachar
(“God has given me my hire”) and Zebulon (“now my husband will honor me”)—as well as a
daughter, Dinah (Gen 30:17–21).</span> After that, God remembered Rachel and she gave birth to Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob showed clear favoritism to his two sons by Rachel--just as he had seen his own parents show favoritism, his mother Rebekah to him and his father Isaac to Esau.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leah went through life, knowing her husband loved her sister, Rachel first and foremost. How she must have longed to live one day in her sister's sandals, to see the adoring look in Jacob's eyes, to feel the glow in her heart, the secure feeling of being in love. But Leah lived her entire life in a loveless marriage. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always conscious of the fact that though she was
first wife, Leah was his second choice. Jacob loved Rachel. Genesis 29:30 says that "Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah, but he must not have disliked her too much based on the number of children they had together. God had promised
Jacob many sons Genesis 28:14, but Jacob fell in love with Rachel. The plan would never
have been carried out with just her. God had His plans! He answered Leah’s
prayers for a different husband, and gave her many sons, though she never received the love she so desperately wanted. Instead of the love of her husband, she gained his respect, the respect of the nation of Israel, and a place in God's Word.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She named her first son Reuben, her next son Simeon (“God heard that I am unloved”), the third one Levi
(“now my husband will become attached to me for I have borne him three son”), and the fourth one Judah (“Now I will praise the Lord”). At
this point Rachel is jealous, and has her maid Bilhah give birth to two sons;
Leah, no longer fertile, responds by having her own maid Zilpah bear two sons
(Gen 30:9–13; 35:26; 46:18).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Did Jacob Hate Leah?</b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some commentaries claim that Jacob hated Leah. Once Jacob is married to both wives, the Torah says that he, "loved Rachel even more than Leah" (Genesis 29:30). The first verse does not imply Jacob hated Leah, but that he had a deeper, natural connection to Rachel because, as explained above, their match was divinely ordained from the start. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacob's continued second-rate regard for Leah apparently
never ended however. Years later, when he was about to meet his brother Esau for the
first time since their bitter parting Jacob considered that Esau would
attack with his 400 men (Genesis 32:6), so he put Leah and her children near
the front of the line, and kept Rachel and her children safely in the rear (Genesis 33:2).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leah gave Jacob six sons and a daughter. Half of the twelve tribes of Israel came from her body alone! And two more from her maidservant!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although she had not been part of Jacob's plans, Leah was a most important
component in God's plan, for from her body leapt the royal and priestly
bloodlines of the realm. Leah's third son, Levi, became the first of
Israel's priests and in the line--Moses, Aaron, Zachary, and John the Baptist. Her
fourth son, Judah, was the ancestor of the house of David, the kingly family,
including ‘Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called
Christ’ (Matthew 1:16). God by no means sanctions deception, but He salvages the results of sin as an instrument of His providence.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">Leah did not play the
kind of role in determining the fate of her sons that Rebekah and Sarah did. Was it due to her insecure position? She and Rachel though co-wives, were not united in purpose. The absence of a clear matriarchal hand shows itself in the
uncontrolled friction between the children (especially later in the hostility toward Joseph), but all the children of Jacob were to inherit the blessing. </span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">
</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;">In Israelite tradition, the
maid-mothers were forgotten, but Rachel and Leah were remembered. The prophet
Hosea relates how Jacob went to Aram to search for a wife (Hos 12:13), and the
wedding blessing for Ruth remembers Rachel and Leah as the ancestresses “who
built up the house of Israel” (Ruth 4:11).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626;">Leah had a child in the direct
line of Christ, not Rachel. (Genesis 29:35) “And she conceived again, and bare a
son: and she said, Now I will praise the Lord, therefore she called his name
Judah; and left bearing.” The Lord Jesus Christ came from the tribe of Judah.</span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Rachel died after a hard labor, giving birth to Benjamin and was buried after she died in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626;">Nothing more is heard of Leah other than Jacob’s
statement that he buried her in the Cave of Machpelah with Jacob, Abraham and Sarah,
Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 49:31).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #262626;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;">There are many women who feel unloved, whether by a husband infidelity or rejection by family or friends. Women who have shed so many tears, their eyes are red and tender like Leah, their hearts sad. But know this, God see's everything. He knows the pain of your heart, the sadness like an ache inside, the longing for something more, and He will help you as he helped Leah. Trust in Him. Pray and call out to Him as Leah did, and He will be sure to answer you!</span></div>
</span></div>Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-45150829735150715792012-03-07T16:25:00.001-06:002012-03-25T09:59:22.992-05:00Gate Beautiful Radio Show--Thursday March 15th 03/15 by Red River Radio | Blog Talk Radio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wru3NZvwwfM/T1fgRjInQhI/AAAAAAAABrA/Y52BdxUrjR8/s1600/gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wru3NZvwwfM/T1fgRjInQhI/AAAAAAAABrA/Y52BdxUrjR8/s1600/gate.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thursday, APRIL 19th from 12:00-2:00, Central Standard Time. This month featuring:<br />
<br />
Don't miss our upcoming show! We have some fabulous guests.Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-33790247915299620612012-03-07T00:42:00.001-06:002012-03-07T00:42:59.798-06:00The Real Housewives Of The OT (Old Testament) Series--This Week "Rebekah"--by Linda P. Kozar<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgI7Bh0nQLc/T1cAnM6zg5I/AAAAAAAABqw/giycnmr1qSE/s1600/220px-Bartolome%CC%81_Esteban_Perez_Murillo_022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BgI7Bh0nQLc/T1cAnM6zg5I/AAAAAAAABqw/giycnmr1qSE/s400/220px-Bartolome%CC%81_Esteban_Perez_Murillo_022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Rebecca and Eliezer by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartolom%C3%A9_Esteban_Murillo" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Bartolomé Esteban Murillo">Bartolomé Esteban Murillo</a>, 17th century.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Rebekah</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Since I married Isaac, life is two-riffic!"</i></div>
<br />
We know that Abraham was pretty old when his son Isaac was born, 100 years old--a true centenarian (Genesis 21:5). So it's no surprise to find out in Geneis 24:1 that <i>"...Abraham was old, well advanced in age..." </i>when he called his chief servant, and made him swear that he would travel to their kindred and find a wife for his son, Isaac. And of course, his loyal servant obeyed. He loaded up the camels and some men and traveled to the land of their countrymen. The first person he saw was Rebekah, <i>(Genesis 24:15) "...who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder." </i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
As a test, the servant asked for some water and the young woman offered him a drink right away. The girl was beautiful, <i>and</i> hospitable! She also went the extra mile and offered to water his camels. The servant responded by giving her a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold. Don't those bracelets sound pretty fine? A nice Wonder Woman look for sure, but would you want your nose rocking that heavy nose ring and drooping down to your mouth? But Rebekah must have found a way to work it.<br />
<br />
Her family would have been agreeable to such a match from the start, given that they knew the family:) Rebekah was the granddaughter of Abraham's brother and therefore Isaac's second cousin. She was a virgin, most likely in her late teens or early twenties. Though her family was amenable to the match, once they saw those first three gifts for Rebekah, and accepted the gifts the servant brought for them from Abraham, they were more than enthusiastic. However, they wanted to have their daughter stay another ten days before sending her on her way. In those days, when you left home, chances were pretty good, you left home forever. You would likely never see your loved ones again. But when they asked Rebekah what she wanted to do, here's what she said:<br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Genesis 24:58 "Then they called Rebekah and said to her, 'Will you go with this man?' And she said, 'I will go.' So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham's servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her:</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>'Our sister, may you become</i></b><br />
<b><i>the mother of thousands of ten</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>thousands;</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>and may your descendants possess</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>the gates of those who hate them."</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The woman was ready to get hitched. Rebekah had her pumps dyed and ready! So she left with the servant and the men and the camels. On the way, she probably wondered about her husband-to-be, a man she'd never laid eyes on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEoqV2TKBoQ/T1cA0ppEk2I/AAAAAAAABq4/hnb9Q6E6pug/s1600/220px-RebeccaAtTheWell_Giovanni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XEoqV2TKBoQ/T1cA0ppEk2I/AAAAAAAABq4/hnb9Q6E6pug/s1600/220px-RebeccaAtTheWell_Giovanni.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This next part seems like it was taken from the pages of a romance novel. Isaac was morning the death of his mother Sarah, whom he was close to. "<i>And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. Then Rebekah lifted her eyes and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from her camel; for she had said to the servant, 'Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?' Amd the servamt said. 'It is my master,' So she took a veil and covered herself...Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother's death (Genesis 24: 63-67).</i> Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as his wife, but given the longevity of his father, Abraham, he was still a young whippersnapper.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At one point, there was a famine in Canaan and
Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar to find food. Rebekah
was beautiful and Isaac was scared to tell the people there she was his
wife.
Instead, like his father before him, he claimed his wife was his sister. But one day, Abimelech looked through a
window and saw the two “sporting” (a euphemism for sexual play, but also
translates to “showing endearment—caressing) together, and confronted Isaac who
admitted that he had been scared to tell anyone that Rebekah was his wife.
Abimelech then proclaimed to the people that anyone who hurt Isaac or Rebekah
would be put to death <i>(Genesis 26)</i>.</span></div>
</div>
In another parallel, just as with Sarah, Rebekah was barren. Isaac prayed, but didn't just pray, he pleaded with the Lord for his wife. And Rebekah conceived. However, Rebekah came up against another glitch. "But the children struggled within her; and she said, 'If all is well, why am I this way?'" She probably worried that something was terribly wrong. Many women died in childbirth in those days. But what did she do? "So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Two nations are in your womb,</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Two peoples shall be separated from </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>your body;</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>One people shall be stronger than the other,</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>And the older shall serve the younger</i></b></div>
<br />
Rebekah gave birth to sons--fraternal twins. The first one to come out was red and covered with what they described as a hairy garment all over, so they called his name "Esau," which means hairy. So as the little sasquatch was being born, the second baby grabbed hold of Esau's heel, so they named him Jacob, which means "supplanter or deceitful." Isaac was sixty years old when he became a father.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tradition says that as long as they were young, people did not notice much
difference between the boys. But when they reached the age of 13, Jacob busied
himself in the house of study,
while Esau busied himself with idolatry. The descriptions of the two young men hint at their
opposing spiritual natures: "The lads grew up and Esau became one who
knows hunting, a man of the field; but Jacob was a wholesome man, abiding in
tents." The boys were v</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ery different in appearance, as demonstrated in Genesis. 27:11 "And Jacob said to
Rebekah his mother 'Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a
smooth-skinned man.'" (The Dunaways recorded a very amusing song based on this title: "Esau was a Hairy, Hairy Man".)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Just as with Isaac and Ishmael, the conflict and
competition lasted their whole lives. But this competiton was probably fueled by blatant favortism. Isaac loved Esau and
Rebekah loved Jacob <i>Genesis 25:28 "And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of
his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Esau married at the age of forty as well, but instead of finding an appropriate woman, someone in their kindred, he took two Hittite wives, Judith the daughter of Beeri and Basemath the daughter of Elon, who vexed Isaac and Rebecca to no end, as these women were also idol-worshippers, offering the smoke of incense that to their idols daily.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #387617;"></span>According
to the Talmud, after the death of Abraham, Jacob prepared red lentil stew as a traditional mourner's meal for his father, Isaac. Esau begged him for
some of it after he came home famished from hunting all day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #387617;">.</span> The price of that meal was high. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of beans. He probably walked away without giving what he had done another thought, but his actions that day changed everything.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic;">
<span style="color: #387617; font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the time came for Isaac to die and to pass on his blessing to his oldest son, Rebekah devised a plan to have Jacob get the blessing instead. But then again, Rebekah remembered what God had told her when she inquired of him before the boys were born--that the older would serve the younger.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Rebekah
overheard Isaac tell Esau to go hunting and bring some some savory game to cook
for him so he could eat it and bless him before he died. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Rebekah came up with a
plan to have Jacob disguise himself to get the blessing from his nearly-blind
father. <i>(Gen 27:1-29)</i> Jacob was afraid this deception would bring a curse on him
but Rebekah said, Let your curse be on me (<i>Genesis 27:13)</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even though obtained
by deception, the blessing could not be given twice <i>(Gen 27:30-40).</i> Esau was furious and made plans to murder his brother in an attempt to regain the blessing, but planned to do so after his father died. However, Rebekah found out about his murmurings, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">so she convinced Isaac to send Jacob away by telling him that she despaired of
him marrying a local girl from the idol-worshipping families of Canaan (as Esau had done). Isaac agreed and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and she sent him away to live with her brother Laban in Harran.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Interesting note: After Isaac sent Jacob away to find a wife, Esau realized that his own
Canaanite wives were evil in his father's eyes, and he took a daughter of
Isaac's half-brother Ishmael as another wife.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
Rebekah's deception cost her dearly. Although she hoped Esau's anger would blow
over and Jacob would soon return, perhaps with a wife and the later promise of grandchildren to bounce upon her knees, this would be the last she ever saw of her favorite son. She died
before he was able to return many years later. Rebakah was buried in Hebron in
the family tomb with Abraham, Sarah, Jacob and Leah. The is known as the Tomb of The
Patriarchs.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #387617; font-family: Times-Roman; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is an element of vindication for Rebekah after all. While on his journey to their kindred, Jacob has the Stairway to Heaven dream
and God blesses him. It's one thing to have the blessing of your father on earth, but to have the blessing of your heavely father, is quite another. Jacob must have realized that God had a plan all along and though the methods he and his mother undertook to assure his blessing were deceptive, the end result was in line with God's will. However, if Jacob and Rebekah had done nothing except pray--if they had taken no physical action whatsoever to attain the blessing on their own, God would have seen to it that Jacob had the blessing anyway. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blessings do not come from our manueverings to acquire them--they come from God. It is up to us to trust that He will be true to His Word.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1358027999311321726.post-51039185188393802472012-02-26T15:50:00.002-06:002012-02-27T23:03:37.720-06:00The Real Housewives Of The OT (Old Testament)--This Week featuring "Lot's Wife"--by Linda P. Kozar<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Lot's Wife</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><i>"Looking back, I think I could have done things differently."</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rYjiVzjQZzE/T0k83s38gdI/AAAAAAAABpE/jEb3-P1dxMI/s1600/300px-StoryOTB017_p35_LotFleesFromSodom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rYjiVzjQZzE/T0k83s38gdI/AAAAAAAABpE/jEb3-P1dxMI/s1600/300px-StoryOTB017_p35_LotFleesFromSodom.jpg" /></a></div>
Even people who don't know much about the bible have heard of Lot's wife, the woman who turned into a condiment. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times-Roman;">Or is it a spice? If
so, you might want to think of her as the original “Spice Girl.”</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Template>Normal</o:Template>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>12</o:Words>
<o:Characters>71</o:Characters>
<o:Lines>1</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>87</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>11.1280</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
That's right, she turned into a pillar of salt. The manner of her demise--disobedience and death by salt is bad enough, but how would you like to be known through time immemorable, not by your own name, but only as somebody's wife?<br />
<br />
Some commentaries claim her name was Aidith or Irith. A native of Sodom (or is is Sodium), it is likely she grew up there. Perhaps her exended family resided in that infamous city. She was mother to two daughters, although some speculate that she may have had four, two married daughters and two bethrothed. Since this cannot be proven otherwise, we will assume she had two. The two daughters are mentioned in Genesis 19:8) as "virgins," and in (Genesis 19:14) 'Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law who were to marry his daughters. . ."<br />
<br />
It is interesting to note that there are two sisters both in human form and allegorically in the two main cities destroyed by God. All the towns in the valley of Siddim were destroyed as well, with the exception of Zoar (I will explain why later). But what was the sin of Sodom and her sister city Gomorrah?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>God Himself answers the question through Ezekiel in chapter 16:49-50 (The Message Bible), "'The sin of your sister Sodom
was this: She lived with her daughters in the lap of luxury—proud, gluttonous,
and lazy. They ignored the oppressed and the poor. They put on airs and lived
obscene lives. And you know what happened: I did away with them."</b></i></blockquote>
Do a little research and it is easy to find people who claim God destroyed the cities and their inhabitants for merely being "inhospitable" to the poor. But there is no precedence for such a thing in the bible. The only scripture that even comes close (Matthew 10-14-15) references Jesus advising His disciples whom He sent to share the good news, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"<span class="woj">If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.</span></i><span class="woj"><i> Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."</i> For the best possible</span></span> answer to our questions, we must turn to the best possible source--scripture.<br />
<br />
Let's begin with Abraham in Genesis 18. At rest under the shade of a Terebinth tree, Abraham looks up and see's three "men" approach. He offered them hospitality, entreating them to rest a while with him under the shade. But later, when these men (angels) rose up to go, one of the "men," the Lord Himself, spoke to Abraham, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am going to do?" God had already pronounced judgment on the the city. He was going in person, to check it one last time. The Lord goes on to say:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"...Because the shriek [of the sins] of Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is exceedingly grievous, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether [as vilely and wickedly] as is the cry of it which has come to Me; and if not, I will know." AMP</i></b></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #262626;">Abraham inquires of God
if He would spare the city if only 50 righteous men were to be found there, and
then to progressively lower numbers, to which God agrees each time. So God relents somewhat in His plan to destroy the city. The righteous, if any be found, will not be destroyed with the wicked.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><i>"It was evening when the two angels came to Sodom. Lot was sitting at the city gate. Seeing them, Lot rose up to meet them and bowed to the ground. And he said, My Lords, turn aside, I beg of you, in your servant's house and spend the night and bathe your feet. Then you can arise early and go on your way. But they said, No, we will spend the night in the square" Genesis 19:1-2. AMP</i></span></blockquote>
Lot was afraid for the men. He didn't want them to stay in the square overnight. The city of Sodom had a bad reputation for its treatment of strangers. . .make that a bad reputation. . .period.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"Lot entreated and urged them greatly until they yielded and [with him] entered the house. And he made them a dinner [with drinking] and had unleavened bread which he baked and they ate. But before they lay down, the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, all the men from every quarter, surrounded the house" Genesis 19:2-3. AMP</i></b></blockquote>
And why did all the men from every part of the city crowd around the house?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"And they called to Lot and said, Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we my know (be intimate) with them. (from the Hebrew ya'da')" AMP</i></b></blockquote>
Lot stepped out the door and shut it behind him. He begged the men to stop behaving so wickedly, which only got them angry. They 'rushed at and pressed violently against Lot,' but before they could break down the door, the angels pulled Lot into the house and shut the door. Then the angels struck the men with blindness [which dazzled them], from the young to the very old, but they (still) kept groping for the door in vain.<br />
<br />
The two angels asked Lot if he had sons, daughters, sons-in-law and that if so, he needed to get them out of the city right away. His sons-in-law did not take what he said seriously. So in the morning, the angels urged Lot to hurry. <i>". . .Arise, take your wife and two daughters who are here [and be off, lest you [too] be consumed and swept away in the iniquity and punishment of the city." </i>But Lot and his family lingered, so the angels took him and his wife and daughters by the hand and led them out of the city, telling them to go to the mountains [of Moab] for safety. However, Lot begs them instead to allow him and his family to go to the city of Zoar (which means little). The angel agrees to let this particular city escape destruction for the sake of Lot and his family, which is the only reason Zoar survived. The angels would delay the destruction until the family arrived safely in the little city, and this was after the sun had 'risen high on the earth.'<br />
<br />
This is where Lot's wife comes in. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;">As they were traveling
from Sodom to Zoar, she was behind Lot. His back to her—he could not see her. She must have been really bummed out to leave her life in Sodom to live in a small town. Leaving her comfy/cushy life in the city of Sodom behind to settle in Zoar would have been about as appealing as moving from New York City to a podunk town in the middle of nowhere. The temptation to look back must have been powerful since her husband could not see her do it.
Her father’s house, family and friends were there. Everything she cared about was there. Surely one look back wouldn't hurt, right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;">As the wife of Lot, she would have lived a wealthy, privileged lifestyle. Their home and possessions would have been luxurious. Aidith would have been attended by many servants. She would have been admired and looked up to in her society. If what the angels said was true, she was leaving behind everything she prided herself in, home, possessions, position. Would she have been totally immersed in the indulgence and morally decadent lifestyle of her countrymen as well? Though she was married to a righteous man, was there a part of her that dreaded leaving that part of her life behind? Sin has a way of seeping and creeping in--especially when we are surrounded by those engaging in it without reget, apology or repentence. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;">In any case. she chose to disobey and was struck dead by the hand of God.</span><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
Lot's wife looked back to where her interests and substance were and she lingered behind--most likely overtaken by the fire and brimstone. What did she see? The power of God, the total destruction of the life she'd left behind. Her dead body became encrusted with salt which, grew larger over time. At the southern end of the Dead Sea, there is a mountain of salt called Jebel Usdum, the "Mount of Sodom"(about six miles long, three miles wide, and 1,000 feet high). Though it is covered with a crust of earth several feet thick, the rest of the mountain is said to be solid salt.<br />
<br />
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"--Matthew 6:21. Lot's wife looked back at the paltry treasures of the flesh, instead of looking forward to the eternal treasures of God. The Israelites had the same kind of problem. They were always looking back to Egypt, the place of oppression and captivity, thinking what was behind was better than what God had in store for them--because they were tired of the journey.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c67BhP7ooiI/T0k8rLQYFPI/AAAAAAAABo8/4rXsMZRdhAo/s1600/150px-MountSodom061607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c67BhP7ooiI/T0k8rLQYFPI/AAAAAAAABo8/4rXsMZRdhAo/s400/150px-MountSodom061607.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Sodom, Israel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>Jude 1:5-7 "I will
therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord,
having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that
believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their
own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the
judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about
them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after
strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal
fire." AMP</i></b></blockquote>
God's word admonished us in Luke 17:32 to "Remember Lot's wife." Though salt is a presevative, symbolic of God's promise of eternal life to us (because salt preserves meat, hence flesh), the incrustation of salt which surrounded the body of Lot's wife, did little to preserve her from eternal damnation. Our lives can either serve as inspiration to others or serve as a warning. Sadly, the wife of Lot will forever serve as a warning to others to look forward, not behind, to obey, not disobey.<br />
<br />
It would do us all good to revisit the following scripture, to remember that God both delivers and destroys. The wonder, the miracle is that He has given <i>us</i> the choice.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>2 Peter 2:4-10 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">For God did not [even] spare angels that sinned, but cast them into hell, delivering them to be kept there in pits of gloom till the judgment and their doom.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> And He spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven other persons, when He brought a flood upon the world of ungodly [people].</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> And He condemned to ruin and extinction the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ashes [and thus] set them forth as an example to those who would be ungodly;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> And He rescued righteous Lot, greatly worn out and distressed by the wanton ways of the ungodly and lawless--</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For that just man, living [there] among them, tortured his righteous soul every day with what he saw and heard of [their] unlawful and wicked deeds--</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now if [all these things are true, then be sure] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly out of temptations and trials, and how to keep the ungodly under chastisement until the day of judgment and doom,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> And particularly those who walk after the flesh and indulge in the lust of polluting passion and scorn and despise authority. Presumptuous [and] daring [self-willed and self-loving creatures]! They scoff at and revile dignitaries (glorious ones) without trembling." AMP</span></b></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
#</div>
</blockquote>Linda Kozarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08372159327036786444noreply@blogger.com0