tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32564848195528780622024-03-14T02:26:21.219+11:00Fearfully and WonderfullyI praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139:14 (NIV)Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-28953643167580321872011-05-02T02:00:00.006+10:002011-05-02T02:00:04.826+10:00A Known Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqSvio6QqjzYs49jRVzqU1TUloYzJ-42zCkgp_G-o-wfD-s-LSYPBVvX6tW5Tb0FqCzi4ANAbatqVhBrY9umv4C1fEOWGM-ZsCBpH8ahXfeqv4oHWsTibazMdHiqwXrGSFHIkaYe9Aw2_/s1600/egshll2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqSvio6QqjzYs49jRVzqU1TUloYzJ-42zCkgp_G-o-wfD-s-LSYPBVvX6tW5Tb0FqCzi4ANAbatqVhBrY9umv4C1fEOWGM-ZsCBpH8ahXfeqv4oHWsTibazMdHiqwXrGSFHIkaYe9Aw2_/s1600/egshll2s.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As a child did you ever break something by accident and try to hide the evidence to avoid getting into trouble? I did. I broke a drinking glass. I watched it as if caught in a bubble of slow motion. It slipped out of my little fingers, turned elegantly in the air, and shattered on the floor. <br />
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I have no idea how long I stood there and stared at the broken pieces at my feet. There was nothing I could do to fix the damage. The discovery of the crime was inevitable. The fear, the guilt, the certainty of doom, all clouded my thoughts. Of all the things I could have done, I picked the stupidest: I remember trying to stuff broken glass down the drain. I was, of course, caught. And I did, of course, get into deep trouble – not because I broke the glass, but because I tried to hide it. <br />
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God loves us so much more, and He is eager to forgive us when we make mistakes, so why do we continue to hide things from Him? Why do we carry the guilt and fear when we could easily give it all over to Him? We need forgiveness and God will give it, but we have to come forward and ask Him for it. <br />
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Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) is a prayer that can help us do this:<br />
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<i>Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. </i><br />
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By saying this prayer with an honest heart, we begin to put an end to our childish responses. It will begin a maturity in our spiritual lives as we learn to trust His will, His power, and His love for us. It will help us to open our souls to God and allow him in. Through God’s guidance, our desire to change will build and our need to leave behind old habits will grow. <br />
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Our Lord knows what we bury deep within our hearts. His love surrounds us. When we truly understand this we will become more able to accept his guidance. We will know that our Lord has forgiven us. We will know that he is not towering over us in judgement, but instead protecting us from evil. There is no hiding, there is only God’s love.<br />
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Did you ever try to hide anything as a child in an attempt to escape getting into trouble?Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-89868924430345734912011-04-05T12:58:00.000+10:002011-04-05T12:58:22.414+10:00Break Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JhwGPycjyQJzYk7U8FMcfZhjEz4HiiQ8lXdSdJU1nhX50UhTutElqiarTfht4BqghENcu9s1nHmiLmPbv-Fu8qsb8Pk3BpbRfOmgf_cnSblJ_WPHVvsLjzzsB3f9cTSFRGkYBpNuEcu3/s1600/whitef1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JhwGPycjyQJzYk7U8FMcfZhjEz4HiiQ8lXdSdJU1nhX50UhTutElqiarTfht4BqghENcu9s1nHmiLmPbv-Fu8qsb8Pk3BpbRfOmgf_cnSblJ_WPHVvsLjzzsB3f9cTSFRGkYBpNuEcu3/s320/whitef1s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As some of you may have already guessed, I am taking a break from this blog during the month of April. <b>I'll be back in May.</b> In the meantime you can find me on my writing blog: <a href="http://lyndaryoung.blogspot.com/">W.I.P. It: A Writer's Journey</a>. I will be taking part in an A-Z Challenge.<br />
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<i>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.</i> Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-47845653856920263192011-02-21T18:12:00.000+11:002011-02-21T18:12:05.494+11:00The Fall of Tyre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOS1FArqxyXLxSAwaJbFVsZkO9-fSJDrumujNQcaN6Hqu_mm-OUEKD9YA0Ov4MfS9ScozNlIGeW3zidi9K840kb1r4g2QJHA8aw752d8DjCuxQZ-OK-MRF8fYGL3Q0eAFuoebocu7iMoI/s1600/pmpeii1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOS1FArqxyXLxSAwaJbFVsZkO9-fSJDrumujNQcaN6Hqu_mm-OUEKD9YA0Ov4MfS9ScozNlIGeW3zidi9K840kb1r4g2QJHA8aw752d8DjCuxQZ-OK-MRF8fYGL3Q0eAFuoebocu7iMoI/s1600/pmpeii1s.jpg" /></a></div>Are you familiar with the story of Tyre? Tyre was a powerful city in its time, known for its skilled artisans and its great wealth. It was the jewel of ancient Phoenicia. The people there, however, became beguiled by their own greatness. They congratulated themselves on their power, their knowledge, their beauty, and they grew prideful. They denied the Lord in favour of their own personal glory. And so they fell (Ez. 28:18).<br />
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They failed to remember that everything they had was given to them by the Lord. They forgot that the most important thing in life was not wealth or splendour or recognition, but a relationship with God. They thought they were secure in their grandeur. They thought their power and influence made them mighty, but instead it made them weak. <br />
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We should always be careful to avoid such snares. We should always remember that it’s God’s strength and wisdom that we borrow, not our own. Because of this, we should never neglect our time with our Lord, nor think of ourselves as too grand, too smart, or too independent. We should always keep God in the forefront of our thoughts, our actions, our whole lives, and we will not fall as Tyre did.<br />
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Do you ever wonder what might happen to our current civilization? <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">note: photo of Pompeii. If you look carefully you can see Mount Vesuvius in the background. It's the only photo I have of the place before my camera battery died.</span>Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-47616891794780682512011-02-14T08:55:00.000+11:002011-02-14T08:55:50.009+11:00God’s Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioILRpNddCjRPfdabUrndQXsq6WbL_uFciWzsblN5okGytxL8DuBOWLtPALokc-l75O-VFlEa1Yb5_xoJ6FEf9bQydq0tuk3EoCsy5V8JXpDRNxvaG29XGYgv4e16glIg8dUDQBfDWJz7v/s1600/flwr3s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioILRpNddCjRPfdabUrndQXsq6WbL_uFciWzsblN5okGytxL8DuBOWLtPALokc-l75O-VFlEa1Yb5_xoJ6FEf9bQydq0tuk3EoCsy5V8JXpDRNxvaG29XGYgv4e16glIg8dUDQBfDWJz7v/s1600/flwr3s.jpg" /></a></div>Because it’s Valentine’s Day, I felt I should publish a love theme post. What greater love is there than God’s love?<br />
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No matter how wonderful it can be, we all know human love is flawed. Even in the strongest relationships, there will be moments of impatience. There will be the occasional unjustified anger. There will even be instances of unkindness. It’s because we’re human and why we need forgiveness.<br />
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However, we can’t judge God by this flawed love. <br />
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God is different to us. He doesn’t love us because we loved him first. He doesn’t love us because of our appearance. He doesn’t love us on the condition that we’re successful and doesn’t love us for our money. He doesn’t even love us because we have somehow earned it. <br />
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<b>God is love</b> and it's in his perfect nature to love us, regardless of our flaws. God’s love is forever and will never fade with time. He will never neglect us or grow bored with us. Love will never be a duty for God. God’s love is pure. It is whole and it is perfect.<br />
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And God loves you. Wholly and deeply and eternally. How awesome is that?<br />
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<b>What are some little things that make you certain of God’s love?</b>Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-62496868674944351252011-01-31T08:55:00.000+11:002011-01-31T08:55:09.888+11:00It’s a Wonderful World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB24uZ9hdpryA3o21vELVgDZ5c2_7nsYdRf14A5ZQbAREsEMBlCFiO6sHJNS7NMiG3_Fl_WSM1tEkO1t1jyxUlSTLRgci4FR7lwVwCsZzBV99d3lrbpm8M9m0z5fZqj9fW74FK-IVAlAVk/s1600/flwr2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB24uZ9hdpryA3o21vELVgDZ5c2_7nsYdRf14A5ZQbAREsEMBlCFiO6sHJNS7NMiG3_Fl_WSM1tEkO1t1jyxUlSTLRgci4FR7lwVwCsZzBV99d3lrbpm8M9m0z5fZqj9fW74FK-IVAlAVk/s1600/flwr2s.jpg" /></a></div>I remember the first time I saw the flowers pictured above. I was amazed because I’d never seen anything like them. They looked strange to me and they looked plastic from a distance. It was only when I took this photo that I realised they don’t have a waxy shine, but a soft fur. <br />
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My mind boggles at the thought of all the amazing and wonderful things our Lord has created. There is so much variety, so much beauty, in this world. When we grow arrogant enough to think we understand all that He created, He shows us something new and reminds us we can’t even begin to understand. <br />
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These flowers took my breath away. What takes your breath away and reminds you of God’s wonder?Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-72761271667989465672011-01-25T09:07:00.000+11:002011-01-25T09:07:14.213+11:00Walking on Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQqjiNrTVDqYpytNsXNIgsjjjT3rnyXAexiup5V6h_EEsuLktS4LpqIIDmlWdLxbYrvUJBKM4YOks6_PmMxcREg0Cf62tdbciDJ_7fM4pVBwGztzsNVoxhZ_Ea8mAEqvvuA_mQ5Dy7xaB/s1600/wtr1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQqjiNrTVDqYpytNsXNIgsjjjT3rnyXAexiup5V6h_EEsuLktS4LpqIIDmlWdLxbYrvUJBKM4YOks6_PmMxcREg0Cf62tdbciDJ_7fM4pVBwGztzsNVoxhZ_Ea8mAEqvvuA_mQ5Dy7xaB/s1600/wtr1s.jpg" /></a></div>The story of Jesus waking on water has always captured my heart. It’s an amazing miracle that sets Jesus apart from us. But the thing is, He isn’t apart from us. His power is with us always.<br />
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Many forget that Peter stepped out of the boat as well. He too walked on water, however brief. The only thing that stopped him was his fear and doubt.<br />
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What I love best about this story was that Jesus didn’t hesitate to save Peter from drowning. The scripture says, “<i>Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.</i>” (Matthew 14:31 NIV) <br />
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Immediately. <br />
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Jesus didn’t wait to watch Peter splash about or gulp in gallons of water. Jesus didn’t punish him for his failure or lack of faith. Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.<br />
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This is what Jesus does for us every day. He reaches out his hand. He will catch us when we need to be caught. He will carry us when we need to be carried. Yes, through Jesus’ power we too can walk on water, but we are no less loved if we can’t. So there is no reason to hold back. There's no reason to be afraid.<br />
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Have you recently held back because of fear or doubt?Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-53834801025030212912011-01-17T10:37:00.000+11:002011-01-17T10:37:58.162+11:00In All Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcAsFToJOxxhWA5e-qa8O6DGqxN6RGjA5qvlrnntIF2M0mwo8mM1roYjR-m5xEppOvC6BKLVBLUxz1eJ4wu8RYroId7MU0C6Mm-kI2h9D2cmzzBo1EJM3IWnENH3Vxtm0HYXWW098e7K4/s1600/fld1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcAsFToJOxxhWA5e-qa8O6DGqxN6RGjA5qvlrnntIF2M0mwo8mM1roYjR-m5xEppOvC6BKLVBLUxz1eJ4wu8RYroId7MU0C6Mm-kI2h9D2cmzzBo1EJM3IWnENH3Vxtm0HYXWW098e7K4/s1600/fld1s.jpg" /></a></div>With the recent flooding we’ve had here in Australia, lives have been lost, homes destroyed, crops devastated. This has been a terrible time for many of us. It would be all too easy to blame God. He has the power to save us, so why doesn’t He?<br />
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In times of tragedy, heartache and misery, we have to remind ourselves that God has already saved us. He is in control and <i>in all things He works for the good of those who love Him </i>(Romans 8:28). He loves us too much to let us fall.<br />
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We may never understand why He protects us from some tragedies and not others, but we can trust that God will work even the worst of things for our good. Already we have seen the community come together to help those in need, we’ve seen amazing acts of bravery and selflessness. Though it might be hard to believe, many of us will forever be changed for the better.<br />
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Please pray for all the people who have been touched by the terrible floods, pray for those who grieve, and those who are on the verge of giving up. Pray that they find strength in God’s comfort.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-22570844958825908982011-01-11T08:32:00.000+11:002011-01-11T08:32:31.893+11:00Assertive Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPXv5zGf9oHvS2ZEFsNB9yWIAMnBloVgYokwcjnaS-x7bZK6FFv5lv0OKnFvl5vXhtB5URnwurS4YaGHZgw-9umAJskjYjiJuTurP3q1lheiW4DAhQ_nQBqBxHkD6kZdUVIuA72OtpR34/s1600/murw2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPXv5zGf9oHvS2ZEFsNB9yWIAMnBloVgYokwcjnaS-x7bZK6FFv5lv0OKnFvl5vXhtB5URnwurS4YaGHZgw-9umAJskjYjiJuTurP3q1lheiW4DAhQ_nQBqBxHkD6kZdUVIuA72OtpR34/s1600/murw2s.jpg" /></a></div>When I first became a Christian all those many years ago, I thought I didn’t need to do anything else. I knew we can’t earn our salvation so I thought all the hard work was done. I was a shy little thing with mostly non-Christian friends so I also told myself I didn’t need to share my faith. My life didn’t change at all except that I quietly believed. <br />
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But then I learned something remarkable and wonderful: our Christian faith is not a passive thing. Our faith is not meant to be contained. It is not meant to be hidden or quiet. We are made alive in our faith and so we are called to live that life. <br />
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And that requires action. <br />
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When we live fully and openly in God, our lives are enriched in ways we could not have imagined. We are called to be no less than holy so only our best efforts will do. We no longer need to drift aimlessly through life. We no longer need to pretend we are our own masters. We can shout out God’s praises with joy and be proud of our membership in His Family. <br />
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This is a gift from God. Let us live that gift.<br />
Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-64849774551523685472011-01-04T09:51:00.000+11:002011-01-04T09:51:52.325+11:00New Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIscaZP7_EJG7Ez9ncLTJyxlq-G7GFrm5s__SV07sk2kOMrWuQ7fjTrAnMQEnoTXoI2-6VMIRBZLoxmhWW7VCiA2dMG0ylhKqQ7QIH5HLDwP9LM6GC31bt0mjzyXXNGSgitr8L5gdkekS/s1600/flwr1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIscaZP7_EJG7Ez9ncLTJyxlq-G7GFrm5s__SV07sk2kOMrWuQ7fjTrAnMQEnoTXoI2-6VMIRBZLoxmhWW7VCiA2dMG0ylhKqQ7QIH5HLDwP9LM6GC31bt0mjzyXXNGSgitr8L5gdkekS/s1600/flwr1s.jpg" /></a></div>There is something special about this time of year. Everything seems new, with a fresh dose of hope thrown in. Possibilities are grand and the feeling of positivity is strong. This is the time of year we can put aside our past mistakes. We can change, be better and start anew. This is what we tell ourselves.<br />
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But what generally happens is our resolutions hold for a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks, and then we begin to fall back on old habits. Old reactions surface, old thought patterns return. We begin to lose hope. This is because we have it wrong.<br />
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The true hope we have doesn’t come from us. We can’t fix ourselves under our own power. It’s God’s power that changes us. And it’s not just this time of year we have new hope. God offers us new hope every single day, every single minute. We constantly live in new hope because of our Lord Jesus.<br />
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He gave us this hope because He has already forgiven us. He has made us perfect in His eyes. All we have to do is accept His forgiveness, embrace Him in our lives and Trust Him.<br />
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Yes, we will make mistakes. Yes, life won’t always be easy, but He will always, always be there for us. Our natural response to Him is to keep trying, keep striving, and keep sharing our joy of Him.<br />
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How does God's offer of a new beginning every day change your life?Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-25052092853024494012010-12-20T08:46:00.000+11:002010-12-20T08:46:05.027+11:00The Song in our Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRceC_bZ8WKT_XWvOOm8GxZI8DmYdib2p_3iu-shMFJhktEIq5xublTPeCjvkOPwBhXrKprJIZgwU4tDThG7xVj0nr3t9p9nwf7SeQ82BtBbj0HDTfaOMoWVD9d_CzLeBL9ajFp7BMMybO/s1600/cmas1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRceC_bZ8WKT_XWvOOm8GxZI8DmYdib2p_3iu-shMFJhktEIq5xublTPeCjvkOPwBhXrKprJIZgwU4tDThG7xVj0nr3t9p9nwf7SeQ82BtBbj0HDTfaOMoWVD9d_CzLeBL9ajFp7BMMybO/s320/cmas1s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love Christmas carols. I love listening to them in the car or when I’m cleaning the house. Anytime really. They put a smile on my face and a spring in my step. There is a danger, however, when we hear them so often. We can sometimes forget the meaning behind the words. We can enjoy the music, but forget the message.<br />
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Silent night. Holy night. Let’s not forget the hush of awe that night holds for us. Our Lord and God came to earth as a mere babe. He experienced the pain and ugliness of life for us. He wept for us. He gave us hope when we had none.<br />
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Let our praise for our Lord be the song that sings in our hearts – not just in this season, but always.<br />
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May you all have a blessed Christmas.<br />
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What’s your favourite Christmas Carol?Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-11819257247566587312010-12-06T10:06:00.000+11:002010-12-06T10:06:34.767+11:00Break Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO38hrJHOSU5qFn0glzLR5UN7PwJVp3kvB_VM17qVYeP-wcCXtyiIc0PpakML2CNvEN6GIyt5UwVhL2vKZjIJZEUfSWdVvEVI5kzuuTJiLYGMi2HJAl8WIgRp6MOnmTYem9sqZjHr3ng2/s1600/pface-crd1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO38hrJHOSU5qFn0glzLR5UN7PwJVp3kvB_VM17qVYeP-wcCXtyiIc0PpakML2CNvEN6GIyt5UwVhL2vKZjIJZEUfSWdVvEVI5kzuuTJiLYGMi2HJAl8WIgRp6MOnmTYem9sqZjHr3ng2/s1600/pface-crd1s.jpg" /></a></div>The next couple of weeks will be super busy for me so I won't have time to write any new posts. <b>I will be back on 20th December</b> to wish everyone a blessed and happy Christmas.<br />
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<blockquote><i>And Mary said:</i><br />
<i>“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name. </i><br />
Luke 1:46-49(NIV)</blockquote>Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-6341749983232861922010-11-29T10:28:00.000+11:002010-11-29T10:28:36.268+11:00Saved<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHt_Kb1pqASwriw3pk_MovuVZPzkEhqheEMrHI0ZkZsvKj8mN5mwfaWRj57pGBa2LZgdRUoHmilHtULI78luTdiYEBl7jfM67KAfTQXF3prC3w650bivWEX5Q4x0-qhkU_tJQXH8A4kYv/s1600/grp1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHt_Kb1pqASwriw3pk_MovuVZPzkEhqheEMrHI0ZkZsvKj8mN5mwfaWRj57pGBa2LZgdRUoHmilHtULI78luTdiYEBl7jfM67KAfTQXF3prC3w650bivWEX5Q4x0-qhkU_tJQXH8A4kYv/s1600/grp1s.jpg" /></a></div></blockquote><blockquote><i>That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. </i>Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)</blockquote><br />
This is a promise from God. Our sins are behind us when we confess to our Lord. Our mistakes are forgiven and forgotten when we turn to God. We are saved and there is nothing that can separate us from our Lord.<br />
<br />
We don’t need to prove ourselves by doing great works. Great works are meaningless if they don’t first come from God. <br />
<br />
We don’t need to redeem ourselves by paying off all we owe to God. That debt was already paid by Christ Jesus when he died on the cross. <br />
<br />
We don’t need to force our way into favour with God. He already loves us.<br />
<br />
All we need to do is trust him. <br />
<br />
When we do this, we become richly blessed. We become God’s children. We become heirs to his Kingdom. We become saved.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-11502355942045772702010-11-22T09:19:00.000+11:002010-11-22T09:19:51.099+11:00Insufficient Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2ZRlTz1sC6OtwRzVdeZfFepIffYQ3m_uG2HZMybUG-I6LZIISZoHkaLd0uIdevJoDit1JtfXCnSaOrrIBMPPHjqWI1uEtH7WE46rf56dXt7pB3qA_sIsNPAXUYJQprrugF8Usujb7kpd/s1600/pop1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2ZRlTz1sC6OtwRzVdeZfFepIffYQ3m_uG2HZMybUG-I6LZIISZoHkaLd0uIdevJoDit1JtfXCnSaOrrIBMPPHjqWI1uEtH7WE46rf56dXt7pB3qA_sIsNPAXUYJQprrugF8Usujb7kpd/s1600/pop1s.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There are insufficient words for the gratitude I feel for my life, <br />
for the people whom I love,<br />
for the countless gifts and blessings I’ve received.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can’t express the thankfulness I feel for the power of a smile, <br />
for the touch of reassurance <br />
and the support of a helping hand.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can’t articulate my appreciation for the world we live in, <br />
for the smell of Jasmine in the morning, <br />
for the cleansing rains, <br />
for the shade of a tree in summer <br />
and the warmth of a blanket in winter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">All I can do is kneel at my Lord’s feet and praise His Holy Name. <br />
He knows my heart. He hears the words I can’t express.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He delights in you and me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Worship the Lord with gladness; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>come before him with joyful songs. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Know that the Lord is God. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It is he who made us, and we are his; </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Psalm 100:1-3 (NIV)</div>Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-85371212324229291472010-11-15T08:46:00.000+11:002010-11-15T08:46:04.352+11:00The Inconsequential Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaemuvxTU4Pqon4m1KY__6oLsqLgwkxwqwDCyx45pTze0Qkz8_F1zI9yxJz10LaaieGzcMH2QEKvc19TSVAfTRUCBMQWF-fiPUaLXpuCzUUOLFLANHdPdSJGSd1GGurEpXY7WVt_5P3Qw/s1600/snrs2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaemuvxTU4Pqon4m1KY__6oLsqLgwkxwqwDCyx45pTze0Qkz8_F1zI9yxJz10LaaieGzcMH2QEKvc19TSVAfTRUCBMQWF-fiPUaLXpuCzUUOLFLANHdPdSJGSd1GGurEpXY7WVt_5P3Qw/s1600/snrs2s.jpg" /></a></div>I was sitting at the local coffee shop on the weekend and my husband teased me about the amount of crumbs I dropped while I ate my raisin toast. It was an inconsequential moment, but it made me smile and thank the Lord for sending me this precious man. It made me thank the Lord for laughter. And, because I could share this moment with not only my husband, but also the Lord, it made the moment not so inconsequential. <br />
<br />
Our lives are made up of a string of inconsequential moments that can pass without notice or thought. But when we share <i>everything </i>with our Lord, the big moments, the little moments and the inconsequential moments become transformed into poignant moments, special moments, blessed moments.<br />
<br />
This is when I realised that there is nothing inconsequential about our lives. Our Lord knows this. Do you?Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-14858810402758665092010-11-08T08:25:00.000+11:002010-11-08T08:25:35.809+11:00Of Worry, Warts and Bunnies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UiESF8Oc2kLFcTix-oppLM9oCTxVPkZErNio13VvGoQ8fxfGzaxRaJ6HU5dIGBSWMmvq_iuNSPZRi4B9EWRZj0-fBjvnQ3gVPJQHJa9ASoKR5OABQvXnWpsgkJvF9RjTvr7pgFlk26dI/s1600/bunnies1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UiESF8Oc2kLFcTix-oppLM9oCTxVPkZErNio13VvGoQ8fxfGzaxRaJ6HU5dIGBSWMmvq_iuNSPZRi4B9EWRZj0-fBjvnQ3gVPJQHJa9ASoKR5OABQvXnWpsgkJvF9RjTvr7pgFlk26dI/s1600/bunnies1s.jpg" /></a></div>I don't know about you, but I can be a stress bunny - so much so that my husband bought me bunny ears to wear. I worry about everything. I worry about work, the family, the house, my health. When I make a decision, I wonder if it's the right one. I even worry about the increasing speed of each passing year.<br />
<br />
Then God reassured me I don't have to live this way. "<i>Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life...</i>" He says in Matthew 6:25(NIV). God promises many wonderful gifts. He promises us salvation, eternal life, joy, fulfillment and even peace. The thing about God is that we can trust everything He tells us. So, it's true: I don't have to worry, I can experience joy, I can be content and I can find peace.<br />
<br />
So why don't I feel this peace?<br />
<br />
The key of course lies in the definition. When God promises us peace, He doesn't mean a sixties movement. He doesn't mean that everyone should agree with everyone about everything. Neither does He mean we should stand back and watch our sister or brother fall because we would rather avoid confrontation or awkward situations. Jesus reassured his disciples in John 14:27 (NIV) - "<i>Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.</i>" It's a peace not of this world, but a peace of the inner spirit that can only come from God and has nothing to do with our worldly situations.<br />
<br />
To receive joy, contentment and peace there is only one condition: we must accept these promised gifts by responding to God. It's much like getting a voucher for a free gift in the mail. All we have to do is go to the store to pick it up. Sounds simple enough. But the problem is 90% of those vouchers are never redeemed. It might be because it's inconvenient, we're too busy, we forget about the voucher or time runs out. Likewise, we must redeem God's promises. God's gift of peace is ours for the taking if we turn to God and claim this free gift.<br />
<br />
I need to remind myself that there's no need to be a stress bunny or a worry wart. Paul said it best in his letter to the Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV): "<i>I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.</i>"<br />
<br />
--<br />
This piece was published in the November issue of <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs012/1102811929004/archive/1103705870424.html">Sancitfied Together Online</a>. You can find it <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs012/1102811929004/archive/1103705870424.html#LETTER.BLOCK15">here</a>.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-87686575612922937692010-11-02T08:21:00.000+11:002010-11-02T08:21:54.653+11:00Love One Another<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0Z0TMHcLxcE3FISIZa6muywWMzIUgxUXVS6sAlkLVWa9SBXQUy7wRu9KdyluHW6AapQ5QP-URHCqown_Z0qNZhOCJEGOf3ObOTcNGl9Vlxzc-6-u4t-kkp8EANtVjxwKCbK0A40mSoAv/s1600/flwrs1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0Z0TMHcLxcE3FISIZa6muywWMzIUgxUXVS6sAlkLVWa9SBXQUy7wRu9KdyluHW6AapQ5QP-URHCqown_Z0qNZhOCJEGOf3ObOTcNGl9Vlxzc-6-u4t-kkp8EANtVjxwKCbK0A40mSoAv/s1600/flwrs1s.jpg" /></a></div><i>Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.</i><br />
1 John 3:18 (NIV)<br />
<br />
Both friendship and love take time and effort. Neither are passive things. Neither are simply labels if they are genuine. We may feel good when we say we love others, but if we do nothing when they are in need then we have fooled ourselves.<br />
<br />
We are asked not only to love our friends and family, but our neighbours also. We are asked to love the stranger, to love the foreigner, to love those we don’t understand. And, to love anyone is to take a certain responsibility for their well-being, both spiritually and physically, as we would for any of our closest friends.<br />
<br />
It may seem daunting at first but through God we are given both the desire and the ability. When we focus on the love God has for us, for all the things He has done for us, all that He has sacrificed, it becomes difficult to keep that love contained. We discover that He has given us the grace to love others even if they seem difficult to love at first.<br />
<br />
The power of God’s love is transformational.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-17172654328747757682010-10-25T10:25:00.000+11:002010-10-25T10:25:42.778+11:00Embrace Your Powerlessness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_scMN-T7lDFisq-T7IXSZPsshK80JhJjrjCuWBdZACpkPzYx4g37ppZAgiwbAffwwGIztqKmiIRG8hEHwlOlMGlgA7CRjjXhswCwZcLpOhHOE8cxhhhylBQhdsqqoZSjCpBHMC_Yx7TT/s1600/riverbend1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_scMN-T7lDFisq-T7IXSZPsshK80JhJjrjCuWBdZACpkPzYx4g37ppZAgiwbAffwwGIztqKmiIRG8hEHwlOlMGlgA7CRjjXhswCwZcLpOhHOE8cxhhhylBQhdsqqoZSjCpBHMC_Yx7TT/s1600/riverbend1s.jpg" /></a></div>None of us like the idea of being powerless. It’s a difficult thing to accept because we’re told throughout our lives that we are masters of our own destiny. We’re told we must be in control. And so we try to control our lives; we sometimes even try to control other people’s lives. We take on the world with the conviction that we have the power to at least control our corner of it. But in truth we don’t and we can’t. <br />
<br />
No matter what we do we can’t control the weather, we can’t control the passage of time, we can’t choose our family, we can’t pick the gift or abilities we are graced with and we have no idea what’s around the next corner. We are powerless to the drunken driver, the debilitating sickness, the unexpected tragedy. <br />
<br />
And so I ask, wouldn’t it be better to hand all control over to the One who does have the power? Wouldn’t it be better to allow God to rule you, rather than your schedules, your jobs, your financial situations? After all, God knows you better than you know yourself and He cares what happens to you. He knows everything. He has already saved your eternal soul, so why not let Him save your life on earth as well? You have nothing to fear when He is in control. <br />
<br />
Embrace your powerlessness. Accept it. Revel in it. Praise the Lord for it. Because He is the one with the power and He knows how to use it.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-76346507206856598382010-10-18T08:45:00.000+11:002010-10-18T08:45:41.581+11:00The Beatitudes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5XOVKXMxExEOGH4LfBa9UjiidIJXt9b6vMe_T3QAG8Z5jCLJh9VBSnX5YSNwvVJWMjWSjeh9g705i_kwiww4ZL_x1bTM1wTTLjelwK0f2DiSCrV3M3vTXcTZSD51UOkb0lJAmVVamAbB/s1600/strm2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5XOVKXMxExEOGH4LfBa9UjiidIJXt9b6vMe_T3QAG8Z5jCLJh9VBSnX5YSNwvVJWMjWSjeh9g705i_kwiww4ZL_x1bTM1wTTLjelwK0f2DiSCrV3M3vTXcTZSD51UOkb0lJAmVVamAbB/s1600/strm2s.jpg" /></a></div>This past week of struggling with sickness reminded me of the beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-11. When I was a new Christian I struggled with these verses. They basically said that those who suffer, mourn and struggle are blessed. <br />
<br />
How is it a blessing to feel wretched? How is it a blessing to go hungry, to suffer loss, to be persecuted? How can I rejoice at those times? It sounded like a foolish declaration by a dreamer. Where was the reality?<br />
<br />
God is the reality. He changes everything. When we suffer as Christians we cry out to Jesus. He provides for us. He comforts us. Because of Jesus we gain the kingdom of heaven (v3), we inherit the earth (v5), we are shown mercy (v7), we will see God (v8), and be called His children (v9). <br />
<br />
It’s not the pain or suffering or struggles that bless us. It’s the fact that those things draw us closer to God. We cling to Him and cry out for relief, forgiveness, healing, and comfort. Our relationship with God is our blessing. When the focus is on God, we are transformed, the weight of our suffering becomes bearable, and we are blessed.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'd just like to thank eveyone again for the prayers. I'm still not 100% but I can at last say with confidence I'm on the mend. </span>Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-3258284914005222412010-10-11T09:03:00.000+11:002010-10-11T09:03:16.219+11:00God of All Comfort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiml51EXDOteML-OSUpi0r5KvYdF5SnAeQJxIo5H9OncqIjIlWHFVhE_DzhkLhLdBXQpZLth193PC_a9geAVR1Qb4gBQ6hlFtiOs8f6c4cgqQEjs1dkad_Cp1jh_avQzToeUSe4O8vpOJCu/s1600/murw1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiml51EXDOteML-OSUpi0r5KvYdF5SnAeQJxIo5H9OncqIjIlWHFVhE_DzhkLhLdBXQpZLth193PC_a9geAVR1Qb4gBQ6hlFtiOs8f6c4cgqQEjs1dkad_Cp1jh_avQzToeUSe4O8vpOJCu/s1600/murw1s.jpg" /></a></div>I am quite sick at the moment so I won't be able to post anything coherent for a few days. So, instead I thought I'd post a passage from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5(NIV):<br />
<blockquote><i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28788">3</sup>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28789">4</sup>who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28790">5</sup>For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.</i></blockquote><br />
Many blessings to you all. I'll be back as soon as I can.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-34299905627978621132010-10-04T10:37:00.000+11:002010-10-04T10:37:05.281+11:00In the Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoC1LmIY4LeZlsoDdacndVO6Ydol51GRGbvpicizPNhd-xcGqWni8uX_hQ9jjibsuuxrsTRcfTOYAEpsT5nU2g7mvANGuZF6eRuPNkCr4WY4AvHGt3bLvNHyz57Z5twNzW1CqgTQGsqau/s1600/pigf1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoC1LmIY4LeZlsoDdacndVO6Ydol51GRGbvpicizPNhd-xcGqWni8uX_hQ9jjibsuuxrsTRcfTOYAEpsT5nU2g7mvANGuZF6eRuPNkCr4WY4AvHGt3bLvNHyz57Z5twNzW1CqgTQGsqau/s1600/pigf1s.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The picture above is a pigmy pigface that grows around my mailbox. The flowers only bloom in spring and they only open in the light of the day. They close again at night.<br />
<br />
We are like these vibrant flowers. We bloom when we turn our faces to God’s light. But we wither in the darkness. His light alone makes us glorious.<br />
<br />
Our Lord sustains us. He wraps us in His warmth, His love, His care. He gives us everything we need to grow and blossom into the people we are meant to be. <br />
<br />
So, turn your face to our Lord and soak in His goodness and His blessings.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-8276513330853391372010-09-27T10:18:00.000+10:002010-09-27T10:18:57.627+10:00Every Spiritual Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EjtIIidZYryv3tzuCuy-0pvB9t0d4inIEHZIDmjyMfHr7dnp1BcIZ61gXqT05N9Mxvu8FTxrRXG-DDxvcavczE_6bU4FPDBW_Tnmef30eAjZWIUPOkWfbWgaL4NHQ_oJrtw12HXV6Xm9/s1600/cfire-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EjtIIidZYryv3tzuCuy-0pvB9t0d4inIEHZIDmjyMfHr7dnp1BcIZ61gXqT05N9Mxvu8FTxrRXG-DDxvcavczE_6bU4FPDBW_Tnmef30eAjZWIUPOkWfbWgaL4NHQ_oJrtw12HXV6Xm9/s320/cfire-002.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>I had a very good friend whose life was less than perfect. We’ll call her Becca. Her language was colourful, her habits questionable, her past mistakes regrettable. I invited her to church one time. She scoffed. She claimed the church was not a place where she belonged. She shuddered, not in distaste, but in fear. <br />
<br />
“God will smite me the moment I walk through the doors,” she joked.<br />
<br />
Of course, if that were true, then God would have obliterated the human race in holy fire and brimstone a long time ago. Becca didn’t realise she was no more terrible than the rest of us. She was no more unworthy than the holiest of saints. She didn’t know that it’s not about brownie points, punishment or perfection.<br />
<br />
None of us deserve God's love.<br />
<br />
None of us can earn His forgiveness.<br />
<br />
But all of us belong in Him.<br />
<br />
When we approach Him and ask for forgiveness for our wanderings, He won’t judge the filth under our nails, He won’t condemn us for the sludge in our darkest corners, He won’t smite us for our past. God will accept us as we are. He doesn’t hold back from us. He doesn’t wait for us to deserve His gifts. He doesn’t keep a tally or a scorecard. He blesses us with <i>EVERY spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3).</i><br />
<br />
Our God is an amazing God.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-15958171406663636352010-09-20T09:02:00.000+10:002010-09-20T09:02:33.861+10:00Giving to Refresh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3VE3EtqEqEOFh9XJUiIeFK-WPsHbzTMdWTD_xro7DfLcFaBlZnidXfzbwux3HN1yRFVwXoGbHBEEjILqbp5BWPUKNmEJ9_IquRdpmefrxzo6CzQ2kWo53Bop9JEEdfenD4MaRVZie5hu/s1600/pigface1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3VE3EtqEqEOFh9XJUiIeFK-WPsHbzTMdWTD_xro7DfLcFaBlZnidXfzbwux3HN1yRFVwXoGbHBEEjILqbp5BWPUKNmEJ9_IquRdpmefrxzo6CzQ2kWo53Bop9JEEdfenD4MaRVZie5hu/s1600/pigface1s.jpg" /></a></div>Spring in Australia is a wonderful time. It’s a time to open up the house, give it a good clean and let the air flow. New warmth fills our lives, the clutter disappears and everything seems… happier.<br />
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Much the same happens when we give of ourselves. When we throw open the doors to ourselves, when we give with a generous heart, then we allow room for our Lord to not only refresh our minds and souls, but to give us even more blessings. <br />
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However, when we hold onto things, they begin to stagnate. We begin to gather dust and cobwebs. We then wonder why we find it so difficult to refresh or refill – there’s no room left!<br />
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So, give to others freely. Give to others generously. Give them your time, your patience, your kindness, your prayers, even your financial and material possessions if necessary. The rewards are great.<br />
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Note: For some time now I've struggled to maintain two blogs. I started my writing blog because I wish to pursue a career as a novelist. This career is taking up a lot of time but I don't wish to quit this blog since writing about faith is also a passion. Therefore, I came to the difficult decision to reduce the number of posts here to once a week so I can avoid burnout.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
LynLynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-34193086375591262892010-09-13T07:32:00.000+10:002010-09-13T07:32:35.873+10:00One Week Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCkEAjavyqbsHbQauKmro-criYIsE4b2nUkRK9qFpxde4d1WbGwBUvUVgbbwTJM-stFSMRbZ5lJxbHLfKx5FPq-LrpKT1sjYrG5xQ-aUU3lQU-m-8s-qvZ6Ggsdh0BewCkAmmF0mf60VE/s1600/changed1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCkEAjavyqbsHbQauKmro-criYIsE4b2nUkRK9qFpxde4d1WbGwBUvUVgbbwTJM-stFSMRbZ5lJxbHLfKx5FPq-LrpKT1sjYrG5xQ-aUU3lQU-m-8s-qvZ6Ggsdh0BewCkAmmF0mf60VE/s1600/changed1s.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will be taking a week off from this blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be back on 20th September.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">In the meantime,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Blessings to you all</div><div style="text-align: center;">and may you feel God's presence </div><div style="text-align: center;">in your whole life. </div><div style="text-align: center;">May you be filled with His love</div><div style="text-align: center;">May you accept His forgiveness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30681">24</sup>To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30682">25</sup>to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-17764628290313848232010-09-10T10:49:00.000+10:002010-09-10T10:49:21.248+10:00Review: Cast of Characters – Max Lucado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7oCgg8FPmWJ8YU4LAljSKzX8nCdHf5vsPNWwKtwgXbX8s9DkkCsOY8Hxt983HI42NfMQxzBtrSHWzWwtNZMn6rBO45SMXlshGBKxXmpfQnxHUGNGya_oALLZuhD7qi9My-kYQFH_pzsy/s1600/castofcharactersCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7oCgg8FPmWJ8YU4LAljSKzX8nCdHf5vsPNWwKtwgXbX8s9DkkCsOY8Hxt983HI42NfMQxzBtrSHWzWwtNZMn6rBO45SMXlshGBKxXmpfQnxHUGNGya_oALLZuhD7qi9My-kYQFH_pzsy/s1600/castofcharactersCover.jpg" /></a></div>This book is a collection of Lucado’s stories taken from many of his best selling books. It’s about the people of the bible, made real and relevant. It’s about God’s power in these people’s lives. And it’s written in a way that makes it relatable and appealing.<br />
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At the end of each chapter is a list of questions that can be used for reflection and discussion. So this book can be used as a mini bible study in small groups or on your own. <br />
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This book comes across as a “Best of” album and, while it works for music, I’m not convinced it works in a book. I found it a little disjointed at times and the lack of flow between chapters meant I couldn’t read large chunks of the book at a time, regardless of the attempt of an overall theme. <br />
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If you’ve read two or three of his books from the list these stories were taken from, then I think you’ll still enjoy it. I previously read five of the twelve books so the feeling of déjà vu popped up somewhat frequently for me which I found a tad disappointing. <br />
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Regardless, I found myself reading through the chapters with a smile. Lucado has a knack for bringing the bible stories alive. Through the simplicity of skilled storytelling, he makes great points and teaches God’s word in a way that touches the heart. This book makes a good read, and a good mini study.<br />
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3/5 stars<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the <a href="http://booksneeze.com/">BookSneeze.com </a></span><http: booksneeze.com=""> <span style="font-size: x-small;">book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 </span><http: 16cfr255_03.html="" cfr="" nara="" waisidx_03="" www.access.gpo.gov=""><span style="font-size: x-small;"> : “<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</a>”</span><br />
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</http:></http:>Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256484819552878062.post-86229987813372828542010-09-08T09:03:00.000+10:002010-09-08T09:03:07.340+10:00God’s Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqxCPQmNkRYSjQDBct4XRcWAP1gxKbeLfp1KuxO1BxF_BD0UZcZaI4NopJNSgTngSE_qHRYukkGpQbmzNVQ7EElf2otw0voyvkGrcsjPSjJm3FQmrMZBBI1WHK56gS8xPzLtSEZPQF2w0/s1600/waterfall1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqxCPQmNkRYSjQDBct4XRcWAP1gxKbeLfp1KuxO1BxF_BD0UZcZaI4NopJNSgTngSE_qHRYukkGpQbmzNVQ7EElf2otw0voyvkGrcsjPSjJm3FQmrMZBBI1WHK56gS8xPzLtSEZPQF2w0/s320/waterfall1s.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>How often do you hear, “Love thy neighbour”? How often do you want to do just that but their selfishness makes you want to hold back or their insensitivity makes you impatient? How often do you beat yourself up for failing to be the Christian you want to be?<br />
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We all want to do as God tells us but we can’t if we try to go it alone. He gives us the power to be the people He wants is to be. This power is based on love. We can’t give love if we don’t first accept it. I’m not talking about the fickleness of human love. I’m talking about the faithfulness of God’s love. When we let it, God’s love fills us up and overflows in a river of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and mercy. <br />
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God’s love is the only love we can rely on. God’s love is a power like no other. It can change us. We no longer need to rely on others to give us acceptance, recognition, or self worth. Our love is born from gratitude towards the amazing things God has done for us. <br />
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How does God’s love sustain you?Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.com10