tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-108204242024-03-06T22:45:32.483-05:00Heart ChocolateHeart Chocolate: words that wrap around the heart and bring an expanded perspective of how awesome God is and how sweet abundant life can be.Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-49311949791588807912014-05-21T12:17:00.000-04:002014-05-21T12:17:34.627-04:00<br />
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I have the BEST kids in the world! Breakfast in bed- cranberry orange scones, omelets, pudding with mint sprigs, and chocolate milk. And flowers. And cards that made me bawl. That is truly their goal with cards. Like mother, like daughters. :-) </div>
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My favorite gift was a card which read: you are such a good example of learning to live like Him. So, for your birthday, here is our biggest gift to you- we donated $100 of our own money to buy a share of a deep well. You've inspired us and led us to learn how to change the world and live more like Jesus. This is our way to say thank you." </div>
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Here are some of my other favorite lines...</div>
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"Thank you for being there when I needed you, hearing me when I cried and being at my side." </div>
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"You are a great example of what faith and hard work and trusting God looks like, and I'm so proud to be your daughter." </div>
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"Though our family could have been destroyed in the past years, you helped us see the truth: storms are God given blessings in disguise. God held me up by my right hand, but you were always at my other side, ready to help me up and on. I am who I am because you taught me to never give up and give it all to God... Never lose hope because God never forgets His children...</div>
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You and I were meant to dance</div>
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Through oceans deep to the Promised Land."</div>
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May I always be the person my children see.<img src="webkit-fake-url://1052235D-D8E9-406B-A361-FE8B4537063F/imagejpeg" /></div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-69839952741739781002014-05-13T13:20:00.003-04:002014-05-13T13:20:43.392-04:00Praying Dangerously May Week Two <br />
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Use me. </div>
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A dangerous prayer that we can only pray if we trust the One to whom we pray. </div>
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We can only trust Him if we truly believe He loves us. </div>
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I don't know if you struggle with believing the truth about who you are or believing the truth about God's love for you.</div>
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I do know I'm not alone in needing a reminder that I am loved unconditionally and perfectly and forever.</div>
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A few days ago one of my kids was struggling, and God gave me some words to encourage her heart. Words to remind her who she is and how much God loves her.</div>
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The words resonated in my heart too.</div>
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I pray they speak to your heart as well and help you rest in the security of being forever and unconditionally loved.</div>
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For you...</div>
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I am LOVED.</div>
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I am a person of worth.</div>
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God created me. Jesus died for me. The Holy Spirit lives in me.</div>
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I am BEAUTIFUL.</div>
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I am a PRINCESS of the King of kings.</div>
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I BELONG to Jesus.</div>
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NOTHING can separate me from God's love.</div>
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God REJOICES over me. God WATCHES over me. GOD is WITH me ALWAYS.</div>
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I am SAFE in God's hands.</div>
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God has a good plan for me.</div>
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Jesus is my Savior, my Lord, my Friend.</div>
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I will worship and PRAISE GOD all my days.</div>
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I will believe the truth- I AM GOD'S. </div>
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(John 3:16, Romans 8: 38, Zephaniah 3: 17, Psalm 45: 11, Psalm 121: 5, Matthew 28: 20, Jeremiah 29: 11) </div>
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Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-50557185431554195012014-05-05T12:40:00.001-04:002014-05-05T12:40:06.337-04:00Praying Dangerously May Week One<br />
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What does it mean to dream big? </div>
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My children sometimes think it means to have lots of fun superhero dreams overnight and recount them the next morning.</div>
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They have some dreams Marvel would find impressive.</div>
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But I dream more when I'm awake. </div>
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Some of those dreams have become books. Some of them are active prayers I'm waiting to see how God will work out. </div>
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Whatever and whenever you dream, it's important to remember that we were created to dream. </div>
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Not just at night.</div>
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But to pray and dream and live.</div>
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Not that living a dream is easy. Nor is it easy to wait for God to make a dream a reality.</div>
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I think too many of us forget to dream. Life gets busy. Bills have to be paid. </div>
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And our hearts die a little bit every day we push aside the dreams we have for one day. </div>
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Someday.</div>
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How would life be different if you were living a dream? </div>
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Not the American dream, but God's dream for you.</div>
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Finding the cure for cancer or diabetes or chronic fatigue or a host of other diseases that steal people's dreams.</div>
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Ending hunger. </div>
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Providing clean water to those who have never had it. </div>
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Praying for people and seeing God change lives. </div>
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Buying a little less so some kids you'll never meet have food on the weekends. </div>
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Saving change so some homeless people have a place to stay tonight. </div>
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Praying for a child halfway around the world to come to know Jesus because you gave so she could be fed and taught God loves her. </div>
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Teaching students God has an amazing plan for their lives and that they can change the world, one word, one story, one heart at a time.</div>
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Running an orphanage so children can heal physically and spiritually.</div>
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Showing people God through science.</div>
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Healing people outside and praying God heals them inside. </div>
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All of these are my family's dreams. Some we are living. Some have not yet happened.</div>
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What are yours? </div>
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What dream resides deep in your heart? </div>
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Will you pray and ask God what His dream is for you? Will you take that first step and share your dreams with God?</div>
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Let yourself dream. Leave how the dreams come true up to God. He'll show you what to do when. </div>
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Just dream. And pray. </div>
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God is changing the world for good through dreamers who gave their dreams to God, and He did more than they could have ever imagined. </div>
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What about you?</div>
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Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-79201718264879815642014-04-14T17:34:00.002-04:002014-04-14T17:34:22.072-04:00Praying Dangerously April Week Three<br />
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Lord, prepare our hearts to walk in Your footsteps this Easter.</div>
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Monday You cleansed the temple and drove out those who turned Your Father's house into a den of thieves. Cleanse our hearts as You cleansed the temple and drive out anything that doesn't honor You.</div>
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Jesus, You spent Tuesday teaching- through parables, answering questions meant to trap You, and the questions of Your disciples. We have so many questions, Lord, continue to teach us. Open our ears to hear Your Word. And may the story our lives tell glorify You.</div>
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On Wednesday You were betrayed. When we sin, we betray You too, and turn our backs on the price You paid on the cross. We betray who we are, acting in opposition to Your Spirit who lives in us. Fight for us, Lord, that we might see the enemy is a defeated foe and sin has no power over us. Teach us to see sin for what it is- a lie. There is no lasting happiness in sin, no good, no joy. Only in Jesus is there real Life. Teach us to be faithful and true, to allow You to live Your life through us. Fix our eyes on You, Jesus.</div>
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On Thursday You fed even Your betrayer. You washed the feet of Your followers. You served and prayed and healed- even as Your entire being grieved what was ahead for You. Make us more like You, Jesus, that we would be so focused on the Father that You find our hands and feet and mouths willing and ready for You to serve through.</div>
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Friday is only Good because we know what happened on Sunday. Friday it looked like all hope was lost. Jesus, You were beaten and mocked and spit on and tortured. May we never forget the price that You paid. In full. May we remember Your words, spoken in physical agony, yet full of Life. You invited sinners into paradise and split the veil of the temple in two. Your Words thundered through time for all who will hear- Praise You, Jesus, it is finished.</div>
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Saturday was silent with shock and sorrow. Though we know Sunday's coming, may our hearts weep in true conviction over our sin and in repentance. May we remember Christ crucified and dead and buried and arisen. May we never forget Your cross and Your complete forgiveness.</div>
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Sunday changed the world- past, present, and future. You are RISEN! You are ALIVE! And one day You will come again to take Your children home. May we live looking forward with excitement to the day when sin no longer separates us, where our human frailties no longer get in the way of unbroken, forever, complete fellowship with the Lord of lords and the King of kings, the Lamb who was slain, the Lion who reigns forever. All honor and glory and praise to You, Jesus! Amen! </div>
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He is risen indeed! </div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-19016580038915506202014-04-07T13:09:00.002-04:002014-04-07T13:09:57.679-04:00Praying Dangerously April Week Two <br />
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Heal me.</div>
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What do you need healing from?</div>
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Most of us have an answer to that. But do we ask specifically for God to heal us? </div>
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I thought I did. Until I read these words by Mark Batterson in Draw the Circle: "God does not answer vague prayers." </div>
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Batterson went on to say that when we pray vaguely, there's no way to know if God answered, and God gets no glory in that. </div>
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He also said, "Our responsibility is to simply discern what God wants, and then humbly yet boldly to ask God for it."</div>
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So my kiddos and I discussed this idea in terms of asking God specifically. They had no problem at all naming exactly what they want God to do for them...</div>
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Raise 15K for a deep well.</div>
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Conviction of sin and reconciliation with some very hard people.</div>
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Healing from a dairy allergy.</div>
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I struggled. I'd rather pray God's Word or pray specifically for my children or my family and friends. </div>
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But voice my deep dreams to God and ask Him specifically to fulfill them? </div>
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What if I ask and God says no? That's happened.</div>
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What if I ask and follow God into those dreams and they turn to dust? That's happened too.</div>
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And every time I ask and the answer doesn't come the way I'd hoped, it gets a little harder to voice the dream and hand it over to God again. </div>
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But since I'm a closet optimist, I keep asking because God keeps stirring the same dream. </div>
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I want to change the world, point people to healing in Christ, and provide for my family through the ministry of writing. </div>
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I long to see God's people healed of addictions that destroy them and those around them one slow step away from God at a time. </div>
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I long to see God's people healed from the pain caused by the sins of others. To see people who live in fear free to trust and believe God loves them and will use them to do amazing things. </div>
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And so I pray. For myself and the dreams that won't go away. For my children. For my family and friends. For strangers I pass along the way. </div>
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For dreams to live and grow and bear fruit.</div>
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For healing.</div>
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One verse I go back to often and insert loved one's names in or my name is Isaiah 53:5...</div>
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You were pierced for Amy's rebellion, crushed for Amy's sins. You were beaten so Amy could be whole. You were whipped so Amy could be healed. I believe Your death and resurrection accomplished Amy's healing. May Amy receive that healing from fear, from the past, from rejection, from constant shoulder pain. By Your wounds Amy is healed. </div>
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God may still say no to the specific requests for healing.</div>
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I've asked for healing from diabetes for over twenty years. And God has been clear He is using this disease for my good and His glory. Every time I go to the eye doctor and there's not even microscopic damage from twenty-six years with diabetes, God gets glory for that because that was one of my biggest fears and prayers.</div>
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I may not always like the answers I receive. But I believe God is honored when I ask. </div>
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Specifically.</div>
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Until He answers. </div>
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And He does answer.</div>
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So ask. Feel free to take the Scripture above and pray your name or a loved one's. </div>
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God is honored by honest, bold, God-sized requests. </div>
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After all, He's the only One who can answer those. </div>
</div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-5699168116173962592014-03-31T12:07:00.002-04:002014-03-31T12:07:35.403-04:00Praying Dangerously April Week One<br />
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Teach me to enjoy You, God.</div>
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At first glance this doesn't sound like a dangerous prayer. But it is.</div>
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Especially when you consider what you enjoy most.</div>
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I'm reading a book entitled "not a fan" by Kyle Idleman. Chapter four rocked my world- one of many or your one and only?</div>
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Idleman asked these questions:</div>
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When you're hurt, where do you go for comfort?</div>
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What disappoints or frustrates you most?</div>
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What really gets you excited?</div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Then he made this statement, "Jesus wants to be your one and only. Not the first of many."</span><br />
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I've grown up hearing "put Jesus first." But only? </div>
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That left me speechless...and smarting a little. Okay, a lot. </div>
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Because what excites me most, where I go for comfort - if I'm 100% honest- isn't Jesus every day. </div>
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What I want at the end of a long, lonely day isn't reading my Bible. It's a TV show that makes me laugh and some chocolate. Or a book. Or talking to a friend. Or just going to bed early.</div>
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Not horrible choices. </div>
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Unless you consider the alternative. </div>
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What I've passed on is spending time with the most loving person in the world, who knows every thought in my head and never stops loving me. </div>
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He's never too busy. He always understands- everything. </div>
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I've passed on praying prayers that change the world. </div>
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I've not taught my kids what it means to enjoy God more than people or TV or food.</div>
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So I'm praying dangerously and asking God to be my only Source. </div>
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The only place I run when life hurts a little or a lot.</div>
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The only one who fills me.</div>
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The One who excites my heart more than anyone or anything else.</div>
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Today I started praying...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Lord, teach me to pray. Teach me to enjoy You, God, that You would be the only place I run to be filled. Teach me to never stop praying- to pray instead of complain. To run to You and find the rest my soul requires. (Luke 11:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 11:28)</div>
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Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-85840087856682035222014-03-24T21:50:00.001-04:002014-03-24T21:51:11.138-04:00Praying Dangerously Week Four<br />
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Let's pray...</div>
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Heavenly Father, Your Word says You are Protector, but life is sometimes scary and it's hard to follow You into those dark places. Help us remember You are also King, Commander of untold heavenly hosts, completely in charge. You have never worried about anything. To live like Jesus in complete faith that the God who calms the storms is in the boat with me seems impossible. Good thing You are the God of the impossible. Teach us to pray big prayers and little prayers and everything in between. And to be good stewards of Your answers. May all we pray and all we do bring glory to You. May people be drawn to You because they meet us. Remind us to focus on You and follow You. Thank You that You are God, in control, King, Ruler, faithful, Love, our Daddy. Thank You for loving us. May we live loved and love you in return. Amen</div>
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Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-7941084467284854152014-03-17T10:25:00.000-04:002014-03-17T10:25:06.370-04:00Praying Dangerously March Week Three<br />
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Is God in control? </div>
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Most of us would quickly say yes. The Bible is clear God created all things for His glory and He rules and reigns over all.</div>
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But do you rest in the reality that He alone is in control?</div>
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I look at my past, my life now, and the world around me and struggle to rest. To believe with my actions that God is in control. </div>
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To pray as if the world depended on God...not me.</div>
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So much in life screams that God isn't in control. </div>
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Injustice. Evil. Lies.</div>
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Children who die daily because they have no food or clean water. </div>
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I struggle to reconcile the world that is with the truth I know. </div>
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I know with all I am that God is in control. </div>
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So why do I struggle to rest in that?</div>
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Why do I still panic when the check engine light comes on again and I'm still trying to figure out how to pay for the other $500 of needed van repairs?</div>
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Why do I still get nervous when I open bills? </div>
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The easy answer is that I focus on circumstances not God's promises. </div>
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The harder answer is much deeper. </div>
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I want to be in control because then I know I will do all it takes to take care of my children.</div>
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Then reality hits. I can't do it all. </div>
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I can't be mom, provider, teacher, and so many other things I need to be daily.</div>
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There is an end to my energy and resources and abilities. </div>
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God has no limitations. </div>
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So the only good answer is to rest in Him. </div>
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To bring my requests before Him and know who He is.</div>
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To believe He cares about all my needs and my children's needs. </div>
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To know He will answer in His perfect time and way. </div>
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To remember... God has always been with my family and always provided for every need.</div>
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To remember... my emotions are not truth. God is. </div>
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His Word says over and over- God can be trusted. We can rest in His control.</div>
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Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. (Colossians <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">1:15</a>, 16 NLT)</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">How has God shown He is in charge of your life so that you rest in Him?</span><br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-243087533246274902014-03-05T12:50:00.000-05:002014-03-05T12:50:37.247-05:00Praying for the Impossible<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Today is the
beginning of the Lenten season. This year instead of giving up chocolate (what
I used to give up as a teen), we’re adding a 40 Day Prayer Challenge book by
Mark Batterson. (Draw the Circle, The 40 Day Prayer Challenge)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">We’re praying for God
to use us to do impossible things. One of which is for God to use us and our
friends to raise an impossible amount of money for World Vision. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Here’s some
background…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">On April 18th, 2013
God asked my three children and me to join Him in an impossible task. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">God placed on our
hearts a truly impossible - by human means- goal to raise $14,437 for World
Vision for these items below.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">To
date (March 2014) we have, along with some friends, donated $100 toward a deep
well, purchased a mom and baby kit, donated $50 for a share of an orphanage,
and 1/2 of a bicycle for a girl. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Most
of this money came from our food budget. We choose to skip treats or purchase
less to save money each month to donate to World Vision.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Please join us in
praying God will provide and meet these needs! And that God would amaze my
children with His provision and His using them to do something so big only God
could do it! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Giving
is easy. Just go to <a href="http://mygiftcatalog.worldvision.org/goto/wallacefamily">http://mygiftcatalog.worldvision.org/goto/wallacefamily</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Then choose an item
to give and checkout. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Please pray and give
and let's together praise God for His marvelous love and provision. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Mom
and baby kit- $77<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Bicycle
for safe travel for a young girl to school- $85<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Oxen
and plow- $575<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Deep
well and pump- $13,700<o:p></o:p></span>Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-82929312516738570782014-03-03T13:29:00.002-05:002014-03-03T13:29:34.668-05:00Praying Dangerously: March Week One<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who am I? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm a mom, a daughter, a friend, a sister, an aunt, a
writer, an instructor, a runner, and a whole host of other things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But who I am is so much more than the sum of my titles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who am I? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I survived a broken home, abuse, and so many more horrific
things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those things are part of who I am too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I've won awards, helped people meet Jesus, touched heaven in
prayer, helped save lives, and helped point people back to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Those amazing moments make up part of who I am too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who am I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm the daughter of the King of kings, I'm a beloved child
of my heavenly Father, and I have a Daddy who sings over me and rejoices that
He made me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I wish only that last paragraph defined me all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But it doesn't.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Too often what most defines me is who I believe I am, how I
see myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And too often I take my cues from what someone else said I
am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A disappointment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A mistake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Too much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Too little.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A failed marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A lost friendship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I listen to the whisper under the words of all the people who
walked out on me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You'll never measure up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You'll never be good enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why do I listen to that voice when I know it belongs to the
father of lies?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because it sounds like the voices of people who promised to
stay and didn't. Who were supposed to love me but didn't. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And I sometimes wonder if I'll ever learn to listen to the
Voice of Truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The One who never breaks His promises and never walks away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think the voices the enemy of our soul uses are too
familiar. Maybe that's why we listen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know I'm not alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I've taught too many writers about lies we and our
characters believe and watched eyes mist over and heads nod. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I've listened to many friends and many teens say some of the
same words I said above. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The good news is I know the way out of the lie pit, the self
pity pit, and the dark place where only hurt seems to define a person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It's simple...but not easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And it starts with asking the right person one simple
question- who am I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But then you have to listen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First to who you say you are. Not who you want to believe
you are, but who deep down you believe you are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who your past seems to scream you are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The little kid who remembers hearing he was a mistake. Or a
disappointment. Or a failure. Or to blame. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The teen some boy said wasn't pretty enough or some girl
said wasn't worth her time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The young adult so bent of proving her worth, she forgot to
believe it for herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The adult who got traded in for a new model, passed over for
a promotion, or just feels invisible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">See, I can quote chapter and verse to myself and to you
about who God says we are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But until we look at who we really believe we are, until we
expose those other voices for what they are- lies- we won't hear the One Voice
that has so much good to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So my challenge this week is to get alone and get quiet long
enough to ask yourself: who am I?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who did my family say I was? Who do other voices in the past
say I am? Who do I really believe I am?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make yourself listen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let yourself cry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then get ready. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Because the next question can change everything. But only if
you've gotten honest with yourself and allowed God to show you what's really in
your heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once you've acknowledged the lies and poured out the pain,
you're ready for an even more important question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who do You say I am, God?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Make yourself listen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let yourself cry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And believe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then keep listening. Because this Voice is Truth. And He has
so much good to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-7199955481882369592014-02-17T11:30:00.000-05:002014-02-17T11:30:09.638-05:00Praying Dangerously February Week 3 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf-P7lsmsP4btGvgRbW8bZjEZlw71JpfxuENNQGjX3GH-4Zbvv1yt3GsdQ-easUtClRx84NfXSyNQHPh9mwIQ2tyuFX429fbf0wlJ65P5jvozvFPKnuevqlJVvbC8TxurtzZYYg/s1600/love+Bible+verse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXf-P7lsmsP4btGvgRbW8bZjEZlw71JpfxuENNQGjX3GH-4Zbvv1yt3GsdQ-easUtClRx84NfXSyNQHPh9mwIQ2tyuFX429fbf0wlJ65P5jvozvFPKnuevqlJVvbC8TxurtzZYYg/s1600/love+Bible+verse.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I hope you all were able to consider what
love has to do with your everyday actions and to see much good come from those
ponderings. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So my question for you this week is a simple
one: how do you show love? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Agape love. God's love.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What are some practical ways to serve that,
once infused with love, can change the world? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">As a single, I'm learning how God can
use my singleness to serve others. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Without the life I have now, I wouldn't have
gone back to teaching. And I love teaching. Every week I get to pray over my
students and inspire them to seek God's heart. Not just for their writing, but
for their lives. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I fully believe God is changing the world for
good through my teaching, both at home and at work. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">For those of you who are single, how is God
changing the world through you? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">As a parent, we have the awesome privilege
and responsibility to show and teach our children how to love with God's
love. We can point them to Jesus every day- through the things that go
well and through our failures too. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">God uses all things to teach us and teach
through us. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">One way my family loves and serves together
is through supporting ministries that serve the least of these: Samaritans
Purse, Compassion, World Vision, Operation Christmas Child, and giving to local
food banks and shelters.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Something we started doing years ago was to
keep some cash in the van to give to people our paths cross who are in need.
This year my children bought gloves, scarves, and hats to give away too. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I've taught my children to look people in the
eyes as they give to them and to listen. Those short moments of respect are
moments I pray will touch their hearts as much as the physical things we
give. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It's not much at all, but these are tangible
ways to say to someone that they are important and loved. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So how is God using you as a parent to
inspire your family to love others through serving? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">How about you teens? How can God show love
through you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So many of my students and other young people
I know go on mission trips around the world or in their hometowns. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The teen and college years are amazing times
of opportunity to love others through service. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">But in all honesty, at every age and stage in
life there are things we can do to love and serve others. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So how about you? How is God loving through
you right now? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-92122325584427088852014-02-10T11:36:00.000-05:002014-02-10T11:36:32.095-05:00Praying Dangerously February Week Two<table align="center" 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://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/image-files/wedding-bible-verse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/image-files/wedding-bible-verse.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/bible-verse-pictures.html">Bible Verse Pictures</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What's love got to do with it?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who's singing the Tina Turner song along with me? :-)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seriously though, as thoughts turn to Valentine's Day this
Friday, my thoughts are turning to this question- how much of what I do is done
with love? <o:p></o:p></div>
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What does love really have to do with it? <o:p></o:p></div>
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My days include teaching my children, laughing with my kiddos, teaching high schoolers online, grading
papers, talking with friends, praying, Bible study, fixing broken things around
the house, exercise, training for a marathon, square dancing classes, writing,
Writer's Club, grocery runs, church activities, bills, emails, meal prep, and
occasionally sleeping...and sundry tasks that come up unexpectedly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm sure your days are equally packed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have you ever considered what portion of your daily tasks
are done with intentional love?<o:p></o:p></div>
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If I'm honest, too much of what I do is rote and required. I
don't like that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thankfully, God has been changing this over the last few
years of learning to be single. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For one, I no longer pay bills by rote. It is an exercise in
faith and love and praise when the bills are paid and the pantry is full. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Grocery runs are a chance to crunch numbers and comparison
shop to find a way to bring home a treat for my kiddos that makes them smile.
Last week it was cheddar popcorn on sale that we enjoyed while laughing at a
favorite TV show. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Family activities are chosen with care now. Not just because
of finances, but so that the time we spend relaxing is really that- relaxing, a
chance to laugh together and grow closer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Home schooling is now a daily reminder that God provides.
It's not a task but a privilege. It's always been a calling and a gift to me,
but now it's even more. It's an act of faith and hope and joy to see God
provide a way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But then I think about things that have been a part of my
life for so long that I do them by rote. Going to church, reading my Bible,
sometimes even prayer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There have been so many days on this path where I did these
things because I had nowhere else to go, no one else to turn to. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And I'm so thankful that even when my heart hurt too much to
be fully engaged, God met me there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I'm finally at a place again where I'm doing these
things because I love Jesus. Because I'm learning to be intentional and
thoughtful and aware of what motivates me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Of course there are still those days when I hit the alarm
and beg for a few more hours sleep or a day when the responsibilities of it all
don't rest on my shoulders. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And there are still days I sleep walk through, and when the
day is over, I've never even thought about why I did what I did. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Then one of my kiddos stops me for a hug or a Bible verse
breaks through my muddled mind or someone asks for prayer, and my heart
catches- this is a chance to show love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However you will celebrate Valentine's Day, I pray you view
it as a chance to show love to someone- a child, a friend, a coworker, a
stranger, yourself ...God. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Stop and consider that you are loved beyond your greatest
dreams and childhood hopes. God knows all about you and rejoices over you and
invites you to come and experience His forever faithful love. Each and every
day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I also pray you'll join me in considering what love has to
do with it...every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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May more and more of our everyday activities be transformed
by the amazing gift and beautiful fragrance of love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Love that makes even the smallest acts treasures. <o:p></o:p></div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-77540432516773412252014-02-03T10:38:00.002-05:002014-02-03T10:38:49.319-05:00Praying Dangerously February Week One<br />
<br />
Our next dangerous prayer is a fitting one for February: Love through me.<br />
<br />
At first glance this prayer doesn't seem dangerous at all. Not like praying for God to change us.<br />
<br />
But think about it a minute.<br />
<br />
Who do you not want God to ask you to love?<br />
<br />
If I'm gut level honest, there are people I'd rather not love. People who have hurt me so badly that I'd prefer to pray certain Psalms for but not welcome them into my life again.<br />
<br />
So during a month where Hallmark dominates our thoughts, God loves me- and you- too much to let me ignore this selective love problem.<br />
<br />
I wonder if I'm alone in this.<br />
<br />
I think the first problem with my thinking here is that when I think of love, I think of the people I love the most and define love by the way I love them- I would give my life and everything I have if they need it. I can't wait to see or talk to them. I write them notes and sing goofy songs to them. I snuggle with them anytime they come near. We have silly jokes and crazy sayings that make us laugh anytime we think of them.<br />
<br />
I'm of course talking about my children.<br />
<br />
I also define love in terms of my family and friends- I'd do anything in my power for them. I pray for them and can't wait to see them. And I know I will continue to love them and they will love me even when they hurt me or I hurt them because forgiveness is part of real love.<br />
<br />
But love- Biblical love- isn't butterflies and beautiful memories. Not always.<br />
<br />
The Bible is pretty clear on what love is- love is laying down your life.<br />
<br />
Love is dying to self so that God is glorified.<br />
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Biblical love is the cross.<br />
<br />
Love is messy and heartbreaking and hard.<br />
<br />
Love is sacrifice.<br />
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It's sometimes unreciprocated.<br />
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Love is God. Love is Jesus. Love is the Holy Spirit.<br />
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We have to be very careful defining love without some clear words about what love isn't.<br />
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In fact, there are some important things love isn't. Love isn't abuse- emotional, physical, or spiritual. Love isn't manipulation.<br />
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Love doesn't ignore sin or make excuses for sin- yours or someone else's.<br />
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Love isn't a doormat or a punching bag.<br />
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Love doesn't wear itself to the bone or work itself to death.<br />
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These are just my thoughts on what love is or isn't. And sometimes they get me into trouble.<br />
<br />
Especially when I argue with God about what it means to love those I'd rather not love.<br />
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So maybe the best place to go is to the Truth. The very definition of Love- God.<br />
<br />
He says if we love Him, we will obey Him. John 14:23<br />
<br />
In other words, when God says do this or that, I must do it. Even if I don't want to.<br />
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Sometimes love has to let go and hand a person bound in sin over to God. And that's hard. Loving someone who doesn't love you back.<br />
<br />
That's when love is a cross.<br />
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And I don't like it. I'd rather define love as butterflies and beautiful memories, silly songs and snuggles.<br />
<br />
Until I get on my knees to ask forgiveness.<br />
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Then I'm overwhelmed and thankful that love is the cross, and Jesus bore it for me long before I came to be.<br />
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I'm also thankful love is so beautifully portrayed in 1 Corinthians 13...<br />
<br />
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endure through every circumstance.....Love lasts forever. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8<br />
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I think silly songs and snuggles pass the Biblical test. Just like wiping fevered brows and praying at bedsides.<br />
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But most of all...love is God and God is love.<br />
<br />
How do you define love?Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-9939600433668024822014-01-27T11:13:00.000-05:002014-01-27T11:13:00.714-05:00Praying Dangerously Week 4<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
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So far, I've shared questions and ponderings on praying
dangerously. And challenged all of us, me included, to pray this first
dangerous prayer: <o:p></o:p></div>
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I surrender. Continue Your good work in me. Change me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What I'd like to do today is offer an answer to one of my
deepest questions and then ask you to join me and share with others where you
need prayer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'd love the honor of praying for you and knowing we are
lifting each other up to our Lord, who is Himself the answer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My question: How do we change what needs changing in us?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I could offer many "ten steps to a new you" lists,
some of which have helped me and some have not.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I could say exercise, read the Bible more, reach out to
others. All of which are good, very good, things to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But many of us have tried various ways to accomplish those
things and many more things...and failed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'd like to offer another suggestion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It's not original. It's not a life-shattering
revelation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is where I am and what I've seen work in my life more
than anything else I've ever done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Believe in Christ and pray God's Word and don't give
up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Simple. Not easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prayer is the work. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It's not all the work because sometimes we have to put feet
to our faith, but prayer is what focuses us on what God wants and on who He
is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John 6:29 "Jesus told them, 'This is the only work God
wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent.'"<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Never stop praying." <o:p></o:p></div>
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Something I've started that keeps me from constantly begging
God for relief or provision is to pray His Word for my children and myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For example: We have all struggled with anger over various
injustices in our life situation. So I went to the Word and asked God what to
pray about this issue. Then I wrote out a prayer based on Ephesians 4:26, 1
Peter 2:23, and Romans 12:17-21.<o:p></o:p></div>
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"May my children not sin by letting anger control them,
but instead entrust themselves to God who judges justly. May they not seek
revenge but leave it to the Lord, and may they overcome evil with
good." <o:p></o:p></div>
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It settles my heart to pray this way. To believe God hears,
is good, and will answer according to His character and His will and His perfect
timing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The praying isn't the hard part for me. The believing is.
Which is why I go back to the Word and affirm the truth, no matter what I
feel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Simple. Not easy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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None of us will be perfect in this...or anything else. Which
is one reason we don't give up. And we look forward to heaven when the
imperfect disappears, and we will see the Perfect One face to face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So there's my answer. I hope it encourages you and inspires
you to dig into the Word and pray.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I'd like to ask what to pray for you...and yes, I mean
you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What burden can you share that we can help you bear up
under? What need do you have that we can pray God's Word for you? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Father, thank You that You hear the cries and joys and fears
and hopes of Your people and are already at work in all of our circumstances.
Thank You that You capture every tear in a bottle, and You treasure every one
of Your children. We are noticed and cared for and cherished, even when we
don't feel it. You rejoice over us, You hold us in the palm of Your hand, and
You promised You will never abandon us. May we draw near to You as individuals
and as a group of pray-ers, lifting each other to You. You inhabit the praises
and hear the prayers of Your people, so we come and thank You for who You are
and what You will do in and through and for us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-89920623264251657482014-01-26T21:23:00.000-05:002014-01-26T21:23:09.892-05:00Praying Dangerously January Week 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">There's an idea I've been wrestling with for
some time now that I would love to discuss...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What does it mean to live with eternity in
mind? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The idea both thrills and terrifies me. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thrills because it means having my focus on
Jesus and living in His peace because I know the end of my story - the second I
leave this world, I'll be forever in the presence of my holy and loving God.
Until then, somehow my life will make sense, and the ugly and the joyful
moments will all mix together to create something beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It's the somehow that gets me. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It scares me because unlike church rules
there are no boundaries to living this life. It means staying open to whatever
God wants me to do whenever He wants me to do it. And trusting Him alone to
take care of me. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't know about you, but that blank check
kind of living is hard. It's not my first choice. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I know it's what surrender means- that God is
in charge and I'm not. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">But how do you really live that way? At peace
like Jesus in a boat in the midst of a storm. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I feel like I'm living in the eye of a
hurricane right now. It's peaceful at this moment, but something more is coming
that could capsize my world. It's how I've lived these last few years. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I want to be at peace and trust God has it
all under control. Because His Word says He does. But it doesn't always look
like He does. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Life doesn't make sense.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">How do you live with eternity in mind in the
midst of a crazy, uncertain world? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">After years of not knowing what tomorrow will
bring, I'd really like a life where I know where my next meal is coming from,
that I'll have a roof over my head, where my job is secure and pays the bills,
where my kids and I are safe, where I have medical insurance and can
afford my insulin, and where I can serve God in a way that brings joy to others
and my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">But life's not like that. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It's messy and unpredictable and
unknown. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The reality is we don't know more than we
know. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Does living with eternity in mind mean not
focusing on or ignoring the messy unknown but choosing to look higher? To a
reality beyond our five senses? To the things that I know are true because God
said they are true?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">"So we don't look at the troubles we can
see now; rather, we fix our gaze on the things that cannot be seen. For the
things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last
forever." 2 Corinthians 4:18<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What does living with eternity in mind mean?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I hope you'll join me in this dialogue. I
want to learn more. You all have so much to teach.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-26153221247313949162014-01-26T21:20:00.004-05:002014-01-26T21:20:35.445-05:00Praying Dangerously January 2014 Week 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I won't ask for a show of hands for how many
people this week prayed our first dangerous prayer- I surrender. Continue
Your good work in me. Change me. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I do want to ask a follow up question related
to last week. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What is your big question to God?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Last week, I listed a lot of questions I've
asked or am asking God...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Why? Are You really? Do You care? Do You
really? Am I really? Will You really?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">This week, I'm asking you... What's your big
question to God? And how will His answer change you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">At the core, the big question for me is
either Why? or Do I matter? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'd love to say my big question to God is
what- what do You want me to do, Lord? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">That feels like a more mature, more grounded
question. And in some ways it is. It's a great question. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">But I think most of us have to settle some
other questions first. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">And those questions are important to
God. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">God's Word tells us to come to Him. He can
handle our doubts and questions. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">He already knows the deep questions of our
hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So I ask God questions. A lot of questions.
Often.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">It's no surprise to me that I have three very
inquisitive children. I love that...most of the time.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm thankful God invites me to come and ask,
knock, seek...all of the time. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Sometimes, however, God asks me to be still.
To live with no answers. No game plan. No understanding of my situation and no
answer to my why questions. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I wonder if sometimes the lack of answers
changes me more than the answers. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">The silence challenges me to be still and
remember what I know.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">God is good.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">God loves me. Unconditionally. Forever.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">God will provide. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">God is for me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">God promises my life has a purpose and He has
a plan. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I also wonder if what changes me most is
asking the questions and continuing to ask of God until I find a place of peace
in His arms. Answers or not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So I come. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Will you? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Matthew 11:28-29, "Then Jesus said, 'Come
to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle
at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.'"<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-91503405751196782322014-01-26T21:08:00.001-05:002014-01-26T21:18:17.728-05:00Praying Dangerously<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Change me, Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Our first dangerous, open-ended prayer. If we
are going to see the God of the impossible do what only He can do, we need our
eyes and hearts open to see and receive.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't know about you, but I have a laundry
list of things I know need to change in me before I can really see. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Questions I don't like to admit I ask. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">And things I'd rather God left alone or changed
in other people.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">You too?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So maybe before we even start praying for God
to change us, we need to get honest about what really needs to change. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Here's my list of what I'd like God to change
in me:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Help me lose ten pounds.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Make me quicker to praise than complain.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Help me see people the way God sees them.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Help me forgive the way God forgives.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Make me not focused on myself but focused on
Him and others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Help me trust Him to do the impossible for
me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Help me believe God really does have a
purpose and plan for my life. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Let me be even more transparent here...under
those honest requests are some huge hurts.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">God, do You think I'm beautiful? Is that
enough?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Why does life hurt so much? Are You really at
work in the mess? Do You care?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">How do You really see me?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Do You really not see my sin when You look at
me? Am I really completely forgiven? I don't deserve it, how is it
possible? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Do You care about all of me, so much that I
can rest in Your care and not worry about what I need? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Do You really love me and not just put up
with me because You're God and You sort of have to love me? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Will You really use someone with my life
story to change the world? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Maybe you've never asked those questions. I
hope you haven't. Those questions come from deep hurt, not theological
doubt. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Because even though my head and sometimes my
heart knows the truth, and I can quote the Scriptures that answer those
questions, there's still a frightened little girl inside who didn't get
protected and wonders if there really is that protection available...for
me. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">See, I believe without a hint of doubt that
God loves my children, my family, my friends, and others with a miraculous,
unconditional love. A love that is immeasurably more than can be
imagined. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">But me? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm afraid to believe that God loves me like
that because that...would change everything.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">A love like that would change how I see
myself. Accepted. Cherished. Precious. And in turn how I see and treat others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">A love like that would change how I think and
speak, how I see circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">A love like that would change how I forgive.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">In a love like that I would find security
that all I need will be provided because God promised. Then I would share that
love with others.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">A love like that would change....everything.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">And it has. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">But there's still more that needs to
change. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Praise God His Word promises, "I am
certain that God, who began the good work in you, will continue His work until
it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Philippians
1: 6<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">So maybe our first dangerous prayer is better
stated...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">I surrender. Continue Your good work in me.
Change me. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Noteworthy","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">What about you? What must change in You? How
will you pray?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-21956750099471487082013-12-30T10:03:00.002-05:002013-12-30T10:03:52.214-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluviqXqhd5ujVSK0gIk469-ufb1ro_fKTJ1y7mTCi7jVS1fPNRNDorqnrFWOPHuA_YQF1T4S0hJfiL9ujp3rENCI_WxfXkheHwfOpap8BfJWZ-GQ6tgVDlOhiYnEI_fpx5qnnYA/s1600/Thanksgiving+2013+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluviqXqhd5ujVSK0gIk469-ufb1ro_fKTJ1y7mTCi7jVS1fPNRNDorqnrFWOPHuA_YQF1T4S0hJfiL9ujp3rENCI_WxfXkheHwfOpap8BfJWZ-GQ6tgVDlOhiYnEI_fpx5qnnYA/s320/Thanksgiving+2013+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a>2013 is almost over, and I rejoice that I can put a painful year to rest with the message of Hope that God is working in my life.<br />
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Many of you know each year in December God focuses my heart in prayer on a word or phrase for the coming year. My word for 2012 was Family. That was the year my husband left us.<br />
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I learned that year what family really is and what the love of children, the love of my parents and siblings, and the love of my Christian family can do.<br />
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It can save a heart and pray hope from a flicker into a flame.<br />
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My word for 2013 was Faith. And my faith has been stretched and broken and rebuilt throughout an agonizing twelve months of heartbreak.<br />
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But God...is faithful.<br />
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A bruised reed He won't break. Instead He picks up His bruised and battered little ones and surrounds them with friends who hold them up and believe God for them when they feel like faith is impossible.<br />
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In addition to friends and provision and victory, God also stirred in my heart a renewed calling. Many times in the last two years I've felt useless, like the circumstances of my life that were out of my control had stolen any place I could find to serve.<br />
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But God...had a plan.<br />
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Every tear He captured in His bottle, every pain He held me through, even when I tried to push Him away. He is faithful.<br />
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I haven't written much more than lesson plans for my classes for well over a year. I've wanted to, but exhaustion and pain have a way of deadening creativity.<br />
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But God...had a purpose for it all.<br />
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God was pouring in lessons and prayers and smiles through the tears all along. Then a few weeks ago I sat down and began typing out a book idea. In fifteen minutes, I'd outlined an idea that made my heart sing again. I talked it over with my agent and got the green light to begin a project like nothing I've ever done.<br />
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So get ready because you all are a huge part of this project of prayer!<br />
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My phrase for 2014 is praying dangerously to the God of the impossible.<br />
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I long for 2014 to be a year where we see God do amazing things because we are joining Him in praying for impossible things for all who need the God of the impossible to work in their lives.<br />
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Remember... Prayer isn't what you do when you can't do anything else. Prayer is the work.<br />
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So let's begin our journey together in 2014 through prayer. The God of the impossible and the God of immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine is inviting us.<br />
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1 Thessalonians 5:17 Never stop praying.<br />
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John 6:29 Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent."<br />
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Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory...<br />
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Let's pray and believe in Him and see Him do what only He can do!Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-7832100372460253862013-01-18T12:30:00.000-05:002013-01-18T12:35:33.080-05:00Looking Ahead<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPw7CbPHzRXXLFGtN9-hvcETiqtjvVLJkPFyNM-ZCuVLHHffLpmPCfczIbbtIv79zhah6uY80NUMFjaR3xUuOo9JuRPyZCHWsvsCGaS-6asEKDG0j_Iw0THN7BtdPMbobiel2QUQ/s1600/Beach+trip+2012-2013+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPw7CbPHzRXXLFGtN9-hvcETiqtjvVLJkPFyNM-ZCuVLHHffLpmPCfczIbbtIv79zhah6uY80NUMFjaR3xUuOo9JuRPyZCHWsvsCGaS-6asEKDG0j_Iw0THN7BtdPMbobiel2QUQ/s320/Beach+trip+2012-2013+052.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'm dusting off my good old blog here and hoping there are still some folks out there listening...</div>
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Life in 2012 was hard. There were amazing days, but also very dark, painful days. My word for 2012 was FAMILY. I had hoped and prayed that meant healing of my marriage and my home. </div>
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To God, apparently, it meant the opposite of what I prayed. In March, I found out my husband had lied to me about so much of our life together it seemed as if it was all a lie. In fact, it was. He moved out in May and has never looked back, intending to file for divorce.</div>
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But what the enemy has meant for evil and destruction, God has used for good. My home is now filled with peace instead of the turmoil addiction brings. My children and I are healing. And there is hope. </div>
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Is it still hard? Absolutely. There are tears and wishes for the healing we had all hoped would happen. </div>
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But we have learned that even when life is unfair and wrong and painful, God is still very, very good. He loves us with a love no human love can match. </div>
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And we have a promise that life here is not what it's all about. We have a forever home in Heaven and that’s where we fix our eyes~ on Jesus, who is preparing a glorious place for us where we will see Him face to face forever. <br />
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Even the good in life here pales in comparison. <br />
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Our light and momentary troubles are creating for us and in us something far greater than we can imagine. They are growing us up in Christ and showing us that faith is the only way to live.<br />
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FAITH is my word for 2013. I really didn't want a new word for the year since the last words have been painful in their being lived out in my life. <br />
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But starting with the gift of a beach trip for my children and me over the holidays, we've begun to see that to have faith in God is to hope, to see Him do more than we can ask or imagine.<br />
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One clear picture from our trip stands out as a symbol I hold onto for this year. It started at Christmas when my precious kiddos gave me this gorgeous charm bracelet. On it were seven charms~ three depicting my special names for my children, one with three keys because they hold the keys to my heart, a wolf, a globe for missions, and a dolphin.<br />
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Now, I love dolphins and we have always enjoyed seeing them when we're at the beach, but they aren't really a favorite animal I'd put on a charm bracelet.<br />
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While we were in Daytona Beach, we saw sting rays and tons of birds, but no dolphins. On January 3rd, the day before we were headed home, the four of us were sitting on my bed praying and looking out over the ocean.<br />
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I'd just started praying about the stories of faith I'd read in the Bible that morning: Abraham, Hannah, Jehoshaphat, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how these men and women walked in faith and not fear and God delivered them.<br />
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I happened to glance out to the ocean as I prayed and was stopped mid-sentence. <br />
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There were dolphins!</div>
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A whole pod of them, dancing and leaping in the waves. We just watched and smiled. </div>
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Then I realized why God had my oldest include a dolphin charm on my bracelet~ to remind me that to walk in faith is victory. Joyful, hopeful, dancing victory.</div>
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We are still walking in the valley of the shadow of death. But as Psalm 23 says, we have nothing to fear because God is close beside us.</div>
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With his dancing, leaping, joyful victory in store for us.</div>
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And the picture of His beautiful dolphins to remind us to walk in faith with a joy that can only come from Him.</div>
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Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-74214126426533588002012-06-20T16:03:00.000-04:002012-06-20T16:08:37.532-04:00Of Paper Bags, Cucumbers, and God Kisses...<b>Strange combo of terms in the title, right? Well...grab a cup of lemonade and let me tell you a story.</b><br />
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<b>It all started with a little girl afraid of noise. Public places scared her. People scared her. Then she grew up and conquered that fear. </b><br />
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<b>She thought she had anyway. </b><b><span >But deep inside, she was still afraid- of everything.</span></b><br />
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<b>Including grocery stores.</b><br />
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<b>She never knew why. Not until things in her life reached a breaking point at home with her husband's addiction and she realized she had to get help for her heart.</b><br />
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<b>She was led by God's great mercy to an amazing trauma counselor. Her last book advance paid for every counseling appointment- to the exact penny. And through every appointment God was present, revealing, healing, showing Himself to be so very good, so very real.</b><br />
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<b>Even as He revealed horrific things from the past. With every memory, every tear (and there were many) God began to heal her mind and her heart. In every painful session, God revealed more and healed more. Childhood physical, verbal, sexual abuse.</b><br />
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<b>Life began to make sense. Fear began to lessen because the people and experiences she feared were in the past- not happening right now.</b><br />
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<b>God provided even more opportunities to see the healing happen. Amazing conversations with family members. Noise-which equaled a beating in the past- began to just be noise. Balloons popped. Kids were kids. And she smiled. </b><br />
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<b>She even went to the grocery store for the first time in her life and could add prices in her head. Where before, she'd run into the store and try to run out, but couldn't add 6 plus 4 without her insides turning into knots. </b><br />
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<b>Healing, true, deep, tangible healing was taking place.</b><br />
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<b>Obviously, that she is me. And the last few months have been a roller coaster of pain and joy. Of experiencing real freedom from the chains of the past that bound me. Of healing.</b><br />
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<b>Which brings me to the cucumbers and paper bags...</b><br />
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<b>Money is tight, as it is for all of us, and one of my daughters needed a paper bag for a tea party luminary. I didn't know if we'd have the extra to buy some this week because of unexpected medical bills.</b><br />
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<b>As we were pulling out of our driveway to head to the grocery, a neighbor gave us a gift of Wisconsin cheese- in a paper bag.</b><br />
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<b>I nearly cried. God knew our need and cared that we see clearly His creative, intimate provision. </b><br />
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<b>While we were at the grocery, we noticed a sign for the first time. A sign that encapsulates grocery shopping and just about everything I'm learning to do as a separated woman raising kids on her own. </b><br />
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<b>Shop adventurously. </b><br />
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<b>We are. ;-)</b><br />
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<b>At the store, I couldn't find the cucumbers I needed for this week. But I got "adventurous" and picked up some zucchini squash and started thinking about whether my kids would go for them instead of cucumber.</b><br />
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<b>When I looked down at the package again, I saw "organic cucumber." The only cucumbers in the store.</b><br />
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<b>In my hand.</b><br />
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<b>Once again, God revealed Himself as a loving, present, extravagant God who cares intimately for every need.</b><br />
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<b>I call moments like these God kisses. </b><br />
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<b>So that's how paper bags, cucumbers, and God kisses go together in my adventure with the Lord. </b><br />
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<b>Like I told a friend at church last night- when all you have that makes sense in your world is God, you start to see His amazing, intimate, omnipresent love in myriad places...</b><br />
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<b>Even in paper bags and cucumbers. </b><br />
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<br />Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-42825667702092061642011-12-30T16:32:00.000-05:002011-12-30T16:32:39.956-05:00Happy 2012!I love Christmas and the whole holiday season... except when it winds down and the tree is gone and the lights are gone and January blahs set in. <br />
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So to combat the letdown, our family has collected a nice amount of snowmen and snowflakes~ mostly handmade creations~ to decorate. And I spend some free time at the computer this week, looking back and praying and dreaming into the New Year.<br />
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The last handful of years, I've prayed about a word for the year. Each time, God has given me a wonderful word: Peace. Love. Contentment. Those were the words for the last three years. They heralded in very tough, very painful years of struggle, challenge, and discontentment. <br />
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But they also prepared me for what was ahead long before I knew what I'd meet on the path before me. I've learned peace in the midst of career and family chaos. I've learned to love when that word meant a cross. And I've learned to be content when life gave me plenty of reasons to rail against contentment.<br />
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Not that I've arrived. I think maybe all the tough lessons are because I'm a little stubborn. Okay, a lot. And that's why such beautiful words have welcomed in such tough days. And such amazing opportunities. <br />
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The word for 2011 was Contentment. I've looked back to see last year was a series of medical non-answers, lots and lots of hours spent working on two books, and the reality that God was there in the midst of it all. <br />
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I remain hopeful that the word for 2012 will come with some lessons that challenge and stretch me— some of which fall in the category of "good" and not all "painful." <br />
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My word for 2012 is Family. Not the word I was looking for, but it fits perfectly with what God has been doing in my life all 2011. After a stressful stretch of almost all workdays, school days, and hospital days, it's time to reorient and rest. It's time to focus in and laugh with the four people that mean more to me than anything. Then focus out and serve. Maybe even do both at the same time. <br />
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We had planned to ring in the New Year with a weekend full of family, fun, and friends. We started with a sleepover last night. Then finally starting work on our doll house today—the one we bought last Christmas and dreamed about how we'd have it put together, lights installed, and decorated by this Christmas. <br />
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Tomorrow we were headed to the High Museum, out to a favorite restaurant, and then on to a friend’s home to play games and usher in 2012. <br />
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But the chorus of coughs and sniffles going on behind me today says God had different plans for our New Year's weekend. I'm praying we can knock what appears to be sinus infections away and still manage to go out to eat. <br />
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But if not, we'll definitely be celebrating family and rest by welcoming in 2012 sound asleep. ;-)<br />
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So for the healthy ones out there... Enjoy ringing in the New Year a little extra for us, okay? Have a fabulous time laughing and loving and remembering and dreaming. <br />
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For those of us not able to carry on with plans as usual... Enjoy ringing in a New Year where God has already gone ahead and is preparing both us and the circumstances around us to see and know that He is God and He is good. <br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><strong>HAPPY <span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #666666;">NEW</span> YEAR, <span style="background-color: #cccccc; color: #666666;">EVERYONE</span>! </strong></span>May 2012 be a year filled with the love of God, the hope of Christ, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. And may you be encouraged and strengthened as you receive from God and overflow to all of those around you. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;"><strong>Happy 2012! </strong></span>Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-17845250907904891872011-10-19T17:13:00.000-04:002011-10-19T17:13:28.522-04:00Time for a VacationLife's tough. We all experience that. So I did what all wise women do when life heats up to a boil... escape. <br />
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Okay, maybe not all of us do that. Some go shopping. Smart ladies pray. (I'm praying someday I'll be one of those smart ones.) I daydream about escape. Especially when my body doesn't cooperate and falls apart, my wonderful children decide today's not the day for wonderful, and writing is akin to swallowing tacks. <br />
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In October, I finally stopped daydreaming about escape and took a cruise with my hubby and some writer friends. <br />
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It was the best medicine for all that ailed me. God was gracious and gave us this blessing of time away, time with friends, time to float in the huge blue ocean. Time to laugh. Time to think.<br />
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I came home realizing yet again, that I need that kind of time more than once a year. If I were rich, I'd cruise three or four times a year. But I'm not rich and I have school to teach, kiddos to love, writing to do, martial arts for needed exercise.<br />
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But I do need time with friends, time to laugh, time to just be. And time to hear God before the need to escape kicks in.<br />
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I'm not quite sure yet how to do that, but I'm praying and trusting God's not done with the lessons learned on Caribbean waters. <br />
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For now, when my health is still a struggle and my kids and I are human and not always wonderful, I think I'll watch these videos (soon to come, they're still upside down and in need of editing) and stare at these photos below... and remember.<br />
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God is good.<br />
He delights in His creation~ even me on a bad day and funny, tiny, electric fish in the ocean.<br />
He has a good plan that includes trials and tough days.<br />
He loves me. And you. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkbZbZ9cQZnTNn3pf9378O3hiV2Zx13uBrR0MnrzhyphenhyphenPx7uhCSkAoK5xYCdIBQM1TWSTeRQNbB9woR6xTX3t4IvTOHCSGtvxQ4sidRrp04ox3_UsrOcx7Vci_94qTk8L6taQXhig/s1600/Biggs%252C+me%252C+David.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkbZbZ9cQZnTNn3pf9378O3hiV2Zx13uBrR0MnrzhyphenhyphenPx7uhCSkAoK5xYCdIBQM1TWSTeRQNbB9woR6xTX3t4IvTOHCSGtvxQ4sidRrp04ox3_UsrOcx7Vci_94qTk8L6taQXhig/s200/Biggs%252C+me%252C+David.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
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Amy, David, and Biggs in Jamaica.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVlOCwiturTAurkgXt5itgKZdVDGaOS23CqxBZ5z3GHLfNcHA8JSdAmrYY76evYRs9Z4mSFC0juYJzgir8Va60Iiov2H9YCiislP9v0nIWs42H-VEcJTdKMju6xHfSVEC-d4BiA/s1600/me+snorkeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVlOCwiturTAurkgXt5itgKZdVDGaOS23CqxBZ5z3GHLfNcHA8JSdAmrYY76evYRs9Z4mSFC0juYJzgir8Va60Iiov2H9YCiislP9v0nIWs42H-VEcJTdKMju6xHfSVEC-d4BiA/s200/me+snorkeling.jpg" width="200px" /></a>Me snorkeling for the very first time!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTfa4RjPu59GQ-5NukvLhdtWSwVwENprpcT_LEb7hRAJW6rR9nKTo8KZxZuoTXJXWz4GtZpYf2NY44THg2XaWy0NR5_6su8rtIWxaAAVSbYKb_oxsC5_w7wpANibtPAcxoEBtKg/s1600/Me%252C+Trish%252C+Sharon+in+Miami.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTfa4RjPu59GQ-5NukvLhdtWSwVwENprpcT_LEb7hRAJW6rR9nKTo8KZxZuoTXJXWz4GtZpYf2NY44THg2XaWy0NR5_6su8rtIWxaAAVSbYKb_oxsC5_w7wpANibtPAcxoEBtKg/s200/Me%252C+Trish%252C+Sharon+in+Miami.JPG" width="200px" /></a>Dear friends, Sharon Hinck and Trish Perry. They are two of my favorite authors of all time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Isn't God amazing! This is a view from the dining room somewhere in the Caribbean.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-EXNjRBGsD_drbqcUdWhneyKrnvkz5kOAJzYkZUn87lk2Be9-c-Kfnj-MbplvZcMqGyw0ZBl8SR5NfpCt9Z1X5VBxQHzNU6Vagd1Z5ASHV-ju-KmE27har8QDOotc2pKROz3vQ/s1600/rainbow+at+sea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-EXNjRBGsD_drbqcUdWhneyKrnvkz5kOAJzYkZUn87lk2Be9-c-Kfnj-MbplvZcMqGyw0ZBl8SR5NfpCt9Z1X5VBxQHzNU6Vagd1Z5ASHV-ju-KmE27har8QDOotc2pKROz3vQ/s320/rainbow+at+sea.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERxFcw_FhATtaK0N7y50KIwV1D-Y6BIPmxRXD2GVk9SjYDb22C7fnOFS3RMGVu1csUPN9WUN6Wt30xad21oDHJRc2VjktXlYS01q2yqnsd0y2pXo7DHmqV6UmNwKL99OmE05LYg/s1600/group+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERxFcw_FhATtaK0N7y50KIwV1D-Y6BIPmxRXD2GVk9SjYDb22C7fnOFS3RMGVu1csUPN9WUN6Wt30xad21oDHJRc2VjktXlYS01q2yqnsd0y2pXo7DHmqV6UmNwKL99OmE05LYg/s200/group+photo.jpg" width="150px" /></a></div>Cruising with friends is the way to go! So many laughs, learning, and love shared amongst this amazing group of writers. <br />
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God is so good! And I'm no longer wishing for an escape. I love being home and my kiddos, and I love being a writer. Still wish I could bring Jamaican deep blue water home with me. ;-) <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div>Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-83369730201585827752011-09-08T16:34:00.000-04:002011-09-08T16:34:11.455-04:00Answers, finally!I'm soooo excited! After months of not knowing the extent of damage or cause of my ICU trip in July, I have answers. My pulmonologist reviewed the breathing tests I had today and said my lungs were fine, pretty good in fact. As we discussed numbers from my ICU visit, he admitted I "could have had blood clots that passed quickly." <br />
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Yep, God sure did something big in healing me.<br />
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In addition, we exchanged ideas about what could have caused these blood clots. He agreed I most likely have sleep apnea and that sleep apnea could cause my higher pulmonary pressure numbers, which in turn could cause blood clots. BUT the pulmonary numbers aren't high enough to warrant a diagnosis now or treatment besides what I already knew to do.<br />
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My doc also agreed that staying hydrated and exercising were the best things I could do to remain healthy. That and do a sleep study to prove I have sleep apnea and start using a C-pap. <br />
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He also explained the pain I'm still having in my chest. After some poking around and a series of questions, he felt confident the pain was caused by joint damage to my ribs where the rib and cartilage join. He also said to stop the routine of push ups I'd started doing again. Guess hand weights will have to do until my ribs heal. <br />
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My best connect the dots for what happened is that a martial arts injury to my shoulder also caused the rib joint damage. That benched me from physical activity. When I don't exercise, I don't drink enough water. Then the night before my ER stay I'd had two cups of coffee and ended up so dehydrated I had no tears even with all the pain. The missing link was the sleep apnea adding to this perfect storm and increasing my pulmonary pressure and thus the blood clots. <br />
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But if I stay hydrated, exercise, and start using a C-pap, there's a very good probability I'll stay healthy and no more blood clot worries. <br />
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THANK YOU soooo much for praying~ during the ICU visit and all the non-answers and resulting doctor visits with no answers~ you kept us sane and hopeful and as pain free as possible. Thank you all again for praying for healing and for wisdom... and answers. God is so gracious to have given a "Yes" to those requests. <br />
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I've lived the power of prayer and I'm forever grateful you all were a part of this journey. Thank You!Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-5858944309706108122011-07-21T21:09:00.000-04:002011-07-21T21:09:47.417-04:00Back to Normal... NotI've experienced the craziest, most pain-filled, most joy-soaked week in my life. It all started with stabbing pain in my chest Saturday at 4 AM. I couldn't breathe well and the pain spread to my shoulders and back, up my neck and into my head. I finally gave up my stubbornness and woke my husband. Then I told him I was going back to sleep. <br />
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He insisted we go to the ER.<br />
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One of the ICU nurses said if he hadn't forced me to go, I likely wouldn't have woken up the next day. <br />
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Long story short, I had another attack just as they were releasing me from the ER that was so much worse than the first. My husband was terrified. I would have been if I <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">could have thought </span>of anything else but the pain. <br />
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They sent me for a CT scan that a doctor said was lit up like a Christmas tree with blood clots in my lungs in all four quadrants. No wonder I couldn't breathe. Pulmonary embolism was the diagnosis that earned me a trip to the ICU. <br />
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When the pain finally subsided, my kids were terrified along with my husband. So was I. But instead of giving in to fear, my youngest stuck by my side and made me get well cards. She's still making me cards today.<br />
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My husband and older two daughters decided to pray instead of worry. My girls prayed with the families of two other ICU patients and encouraged them. Later Saturday night, David heard a code blue in the ICU and noticed a woman crying outside a room near mine. He ended up praying with her when the doctor came out to say her husband had passed away. Had David not been there, she'd have faced that news alone. When the doctor told her of her husband's death, she praised God for her husband's life and the time they had with him. I want to live like that. Please pray for Donna and her two children (10 and 12). God is holding them, but prayer makes a difference that defies explanation.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I know that from experience. </span>Prayers carried us through a long day in the ER, a frightening stay in the ICU, and enabled us to see so many God moments. <br />
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In addition to the privilege of praying and watching my family share God's love with strangers, another God touched moment happened on Saturday <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">afternoon</span> in the ICU. My youngest daughter wouldn't leave my side the whole time she was there. But she was freezing. One of the ICU nurses warmed up a blanket, wrapped it around her, and sat her back on my bed. She wasn't even old enough to visit the ICU, but the nurse not only allowed all three of my girls to be with me but took the time to make sure they were comforted and cared for. <br />
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The next day, Sunday, I had a second scan done and the doctors were shocked to see my lungs were clear. Their only explanation was that the first CT scan was wrong. My family and I know better. We know God choose to heal me. I went home the next day.<br />
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I went from almost dying Saturday morning because of a pulmonary embolism to walking out of the hospital Monday with no blood clots at all. I'm home and so thankful for another day with my precious family.<br />
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At the same time my heart is heavy for Donna and her family. Even as we pray comfort for them in their huge loss, I can't forget how she choose to praise God during one of the most difficult and painful moments of her life. <br />
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I don't know why God healed me and took Donna's husband home. What I do know is Donna believes God is good. How can I not agree?<br />
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Life in my home is back to "normal," and yet it's not. We're keenly aware that my family could be going through what Donna's family is. We won't waste the gift of another day. <br />
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Every pain I've struggled with since coming home, another ER visit with no answers, and the normal squabbles of family life remind me that this world is not my home. Even so, each day is a miracle. Each breath is a gift. Thank You God!Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820424.post-49142471120904838062011-07-11T11:00:00.000-04:002011-07-11T11:00:27.341-04:00Title Help and Something for YouI'm doing a new thing today and praying it will spark some ideas from you creative <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">geniuses</span> out there. Yes, I'm talking to you. ;-)<br />
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I found out yesterday I need two new titles for my Mennonite Romantic Suspense books due out in April and October of 2012. So, I'm asking for your help.<br />
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I'll post the story blurbs with original titles. The awesome publishing team at Harvest House loved the titles but heard from some bookstore accounts that the titles are overused in the marketplace, so we need something fresh.<br />
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Here's where you come in.... please give the information below some prayer and thought and start listing out your title ideas. If I send your title suggestions to my publisher and they pick yours, your name will appear in the acknowledgements with my eternal gratitude and you'll receive a signed copy of the first book when it releases.<br />
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Sound good? <br />
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Here's a little about the stories:<br />
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<strong><em>In Plain Sight</em></strong><br />
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A female police officer’s assistance to a Mennonite runaway forces her into the middle of an escalating battle between two communities and the big city violence she left behind. <br />
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<strong><em>Nowhere to Run</em></strong><br />
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Hiding among the Mennonite community fails to protect a female police officer and places everyone she loves in the crosshairs of a dangerous stalker. <br />
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I can't wait to see your creative genius! Thanks so much for helping.Amy Wallacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04055443444238664556noreply@blogger.com9