tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42310302119665598992024-03-14T05:57:16.502-04:00It Starts with Me...Living a Whole, Healthy Life<em>And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor 9:8</em>
<br><br>
My personal blog about weight loss woes, spiritual yearnings and the whispers to my soul, parenting, being a wife and mother, politics...pretty much whatever comes to mind.PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comBlogger320125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-79366113960121929242013-12-18T07:00:00.000-05:002013-12-18T07:00:12.048-05:00Wednesday Worship: Angels We Have Heard On HighNot yet in the Christmas spirit? Listen to this version of Angels We Have Heard On High by Pentatonix. This should certainly push you over the Christmas edge.</br></br>
<Div align="center"><iframe width="460" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VAMzAIH12yc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></br>
I'm late to the Pentatonix party, but I just love the a capella renditions from this group.</br></br>
Peace & Blessings,</br></br>
Patricia
PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-20706499131720209002013-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-04T07:00:12.423-04:00Wednesday Worship: I Love The LordGrammy-award winning artist Natalie Grant singing an all-time favorite, I Love the Lord, at the 50th anniversary commemoration of the March on Washington.<br />
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I can't hear this one enough!<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-60220818997886779782013-08-28T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-28T07:00:05.959-04:00Wednesday Worship: Breathe Into Me<br />
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Peace & Blessings,
Patricia
PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-42008828789263484832013-08-21T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T07:00:11.069-04:00Wednesday Worship: It's Already Done<i>It's done</i><br />
<i>What I shall be, I already am</i><br />
<i>It's done.</i><br />
<i>God has worked it out on my behalf</i><br />
<i>My eyes may not see it.</i><br />
<i>By faith, I receive it.</i><br />
<i>It will manifest,</i><br />
<i>It's already done.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i></i><br />
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</i><br />
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Thanking Hubby for pointing me to this one. We're big believers in resting in the Word of God and encouraging ourselves. For the world will do everything it can to discourage us, to tear us down, to knock us off our divinely determined paths, to contaminate our faith with doubt and disbelief... You know what I'm saying. We often use music that affirms the Word in our spirits.<br />
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This is a great pick-me-up, affirmation song.<br />
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How do you affirm what you know God has already said, already done even when you don't see or haven't received the fruits yet?PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-83265728830574462422013-08-14T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-14T07:00:06.395-04:00Wednesday Worship: I AM<i>I AM the ultimate,</i><br />
<i>Sacrified for sin,</i><br />
<i>I AM your redeemer,</i><br />
<i>The beginning and the end.</i><br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-40498212649530324442013-07-24T07:00:00.000-04:002013-07-24T07:00:09.075-04:00Wednesday Worship: ForgivenessMy heart remains heavy in light of the Travyon Martin verdict. Honestly, I'm both saddened and angry. Very angry.<br />
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I want this verdict to be a beginning, not an end. A beginning of increased voter participation, increased eye on state legislation, increased civic duty by way of sitting on juries, etc.<br />
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I want the nation to go through the pain and agony that it will take to come to terms with its albatross of race relations.<br />
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I want to know my boys are safe.<br />
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But...<br />
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I know what God is calling each and everyone of us who wants five minutes with George Zimmerman to do. It's called <i>forgiveness</i>.<br />
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Forgiveness is hard.<br />
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It requires us to let go off our anger.<br />
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It requires us to accept the same imperfect humanity in ourselves in others.<br />
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It requires love.<br />
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I'm not there. Gotta be honest. That's the truth.<br />
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But this song from Matthew West, Forgiveness, reminds me what I'm called to do:<br />
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Don't know how long it will take. Please be patient with me.<br />
<br />
Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-12709177534982906162013-07-17T07:00:00.000-04:002013-07-17T07:00:01.349-04:00Wednesday Worship: Testimony<i>Can't nobody tell it like me,</i><br />
<i>Can't nobody say it like me,</i><br />
<i>You don't know the story like me,</i><br />
<i>It's my, it's my testimony</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Can't praise Him like me, say,</i><br />
<i>Can't nobody praise Him for me,</i><br />
<i>He's given me the victory</i><br />
<i>And now I got a, I got a testimony.</i><br />
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Love, love the words of this song from Anthony Brown & group therAPy (their spelling), not to mention the bouncy groove.<br />
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Bouncing and testimony all wrapped up together? Love it. Because your testimony should lift you up, like a buoy atop the sea, and thereby lift others.<br />
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When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that He's done for me...<br />
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Do you have a testimony? Are you bouncing with it?<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-34024162191380427422013-07-10T07:00:00.000-04:002013-07-10T07:00:12.241-04:00Wednesday Worship: Jesus Will<i>Who opens doors that I cannot see?</i><br />
<i>Who will make all my decisions for me?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>He'll fight my battles,</i><br />
<i>If I keep still.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I know that He will,</i><br />
<i><b>Jesus will.</b></i><br />
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More from gospel singer Anita Wilson, a jazzy remake of a James Cleveland classic.<br />
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Isn't there some peace in knowing?<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-83719221817757557062013-07-03T07:00:00.000-04:002013-07-05T14:07:46.210-04:00Wednesday Worship: All About You<i><br /></i>
<i>Through Christ I can do all things.</i><br />
<i>It really doesn't matter if the enemy </i><br />
<i>Tries to harm me, no weapon formed shall be able to prosper.</i><br />
<i>I will let my light so shine so everyone can see, not me,</i><br />
<i>But He started a good work in me.</i><br />
<i>He shall complete it.</i><br />
<br />
<i>It's all about you, it's all about you</i><br />
<i>It's all about you,</i><br />
<i>About you, about you</i><br />
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Riding in the car with Hubby and this came on via his phone. Had to look it up. Already an Anita Wilson fan. Now more so.<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
Patricia<br />
<br />PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-51456422661276430732013-06-26T07:00:00.000-04:002013-06-26T07:00:08.322-04:00Wednesday Worship: Used<i>Take me, all that I am</i><br />
<i>Use me for your glory</i><br />
<i>Take me, I'm yours</i><br />
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A new voice on the gospel music scene, Marica Chisolm. Reminds me a bit of Judy McAllister, renowned worship leader from West Angeles Church of God In Christ. <br />
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<br />PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-62865132261588130972013-06-12T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-12T06:00:06.765-04:00Wednesday Worship: Take Me To The King<div align="center">
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<br />
Working through some challenges recently, this song echoed through my head for days. Sometimes we have to surrender and literally lay our burdens--and ourselves--before The King.<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-67973991494968236322013-06-05T06:00:00.000-04:002013-06-05T06:00:09.175-04:00Wednesday Worship: Let The Church Say Amen<div align="center">
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<br />
I can't believe I didn't post this one before now. As much as I love contemporary gospel and Christian music, <i>Let The Church Say Amen</i>, with that Hammond organ and piano accompaniment, takes me back to the "sound of church" from the days of my youth. Oh, how I love that sound!<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-52739443769090550042013-05-29T06:00:00.000-04:002013-05-29T06:00:03.868-04:00Wednesday Worship: Greater<i>I'm looking for greater...</i><br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-73204553237888489492013-05-22T06:00:00.000-04:002013-05-22T06:00:09.243-04:00Wednesday Worship: Worshiper In Me<div align="center">
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<br />
We don't have great gospel radio in Tampa, but we've recently stumbled upon the <a href="http://www.moodyradio.org/urbanpraise/">Moody Urban Praise</a> station online. That station took us on an 18-hr roadtrip--36 hrs both ways--with very few repeats and just the type of gospel we'd been craving. So I've got lots to share...<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
Patricia<br />
<br />
<br />PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-37808174374613277902013-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:002013-05-15T06:00:03.991-04:00Wednesday Worship: Can't Even ImagineI can't even imagine my life without You, Lord!<br />
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PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-55575559360670390162013-04-10T06:00:00.000-04:002013-04-10T06:00:02.628-04:00Wednesday Worship: An All-Star Tribute to James ClevelandI haven't posted much because I'm working on a single website that will incorporate both this blog and my books blog. Bringing the many sides of me together in one place.<br />
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<br /></div>
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But I had to post this. You didn't go to church in the 1970s and 80s and not here at least one James Cleveland song each Sunday morning, whether it was the choir marching into the church on "We've Come This Far By Faith", singing "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus" while marching around to put your offering in the basket, or the altar call selection of "Peace Be Still".</div>
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<br /></div>
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Enjoy this all-star tribute to the songwriting talents of James Cleveland that was performed at this year's Celebration of Gospel:</div>
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Note the other videos from the show are beneath this one, and I think the program automatically walks you through them. So if you like, hang out and enjoy the praise party.<br />
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Praise Him!</div>
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Peace & Blessings,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Patricia</div>
</div>
</div>
PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-2992035511234111322013-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:002013-02-06T06:00:08.481-05:00Wednesday Worship: Speak LordThere are times when you need the Lord to speak directly into your Spirit--to give direction, to encourage, to remind, even to chastise.<br />
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If you find yourself in one of these moments, still yourself and hear His voice.<br />
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Speak, Lord! <br />
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PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-71830562854235567392013-01-03T14:07:00.000-05:002013-01-03T14:07:18.526-05:00Worship: I Will Make The Darkness LIght and When Jesus ComesIn 1977, I was 14 years old when a certain album was released. I wore the grooves off that LP!<br />
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I loved the sound, the quality of the singer's voice. Her range amazed me. But the words of her songs ministered to my pubescent heart, on the cusp of young womanhood and desperately longing for a real relationship with Jesus.<br />
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One of her songs, <i>I Will Make The Darkness Light</i>, popped into my head yesterday as I walked home from my bus. I could hear every note, every riff, every run, but I couldn't remember her name.<br />
<br />
I Googled the song on my phone but kept finding a newer rendition entitled <i>The High Place</i> by LaShun Pace. Nuh-uh. I enjoy Ms. Pace, but that's not what my soul longed to hear.<br />
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Called my old friend and running buddy, now my sister-in-law. She remembered the song, but not the rendition I sought.<br />
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When I got home, Hubby started Googling. This thing was going to bother me until I found it. No luck, but then, minutes before I ran off to an exercise class, I sat down and, using the Google Advanced Search, I found what I sought.<br />
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The incomparable Sara Jordan Powell singing <i>I Will Make The Darkness Light</i>:<br />
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Here's a second song that I also adored, <i>When Jesus Comes</i>:<br />
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These songs encourage me. They remind me of who Jesus is, what He's capable of, and what He's promised to do.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-68040681626513338702012-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:002012-12-19T06:00:03.586-05:00Wednesday Worship: O Come, O Come EmmanuelFrom the Piano Guys. Melodically, one of my favorite Christmas hymns. Hauntingly beautiful.<br />
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<i>O come, O come, Emmanuel </i><br />
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<i>And ransom captive Israel </i><br />
<i>That mourns in lonely exile here </i><br />
<i>Until the Son of God appear </i><br />
<i>Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel </i><br />
<i>Shall come to thee, O Israel.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;">I must confess I have never considered the lyrics as an adult, although I've known them since childhood. In this day, they seem very political as well as spiritual. More thought required. I hope you enjoyed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;">Peace & Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;">Patricia</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-5494424736393821072012-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:002012-12-05T07:00:04.380-05:00Wednesday Worship: This Christmas<i>And this Christmas will be</i><br />
<i>a very special Christmas for me.</i><br />
<br />
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs, usually the Donnie Hathaway version but I like this one too.<br />
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I love the Christmas season. How about you?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Peace & Blessings,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Patricia</div>
</div>
PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-79561742218385620082012-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-21T06:00:15.497-05:00Wednesday Worship: God Knows Best<i>So with everything within me,</i><br />
<i>I say, "Yes" to thee, O Lord</i><br />
<i>Even though my faith gets weak,</i><br />
<i>I'm standing on Your word.</i><br />
<i>So forgive me, Lord, for doubting You</i><br />
<i>When Your way I cannot see</i><br />
<i>Now I rest assured that You know what is best for me.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>So let the faint of heart take courage,</i><br />
<i>Let the weak one say, "I'm strong."</i><br />
<i>God will exchange gloom for gladness</i><br />
<i>And your sadness for a song.</i><br />
<i>Do not cast away your confidence</i><br />
<i>God will always see you through</i><br />
<i>He knows just what to do and He knows what is best for you.</i><br />
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<br />
I've found great comfort in this song since I first heard it over 20 years ago. Miller's voice, combined with the lyrics, provides a balm that soothes the deepest of wounds. And now, when I'm not feeling particularly wounded but simply need a word of encouragement, the words are uplifting and remind me how great God art.<br />
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I pray that all the peoples of this earth--in the end, after the fighting, bickering, judging, doubting, denying, hurting, accusing, lying, mistrusting, torturing...after all the horrible things we do to one another--put their faith in God, realizing that He knows best for us all.<br />
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Does God know best for you?<br />
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Have a safe, happy, healthy, blessed Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-25980563282120753942012-10-17T07:00:00.000-04:002012-10-17T07:00:09.956-04:00Wednesday Worship: Keep LivingAre you living, really living?<br />
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<i>I know that some friends have left have you high and dry<br />And meeting challenges have left you petrified,<br />But as long as you still have life and breath</i><br />
<i>You still have something to do for the Savior.</i><br />
<em>Keep living because after this is the victory!</em><br />
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<i>Keep living</i><br />
<i>Through your troubles.</i><br />
<i>Keep living</i><br />
<i>Through your pain.</i><br />
<em>Keep living</em><br />
<em>Through your worries.</em><br />
<em>Yes, keep living</em><br />
<em>God will sustain you.</em><br />
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A number of folks have passed away. Bills remain. Dreams are dashed. Day-to-day is a struggle. Health is a challenge. <br />
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Maybe you simply don't believe in yourself or you doubt God's love and grace in your life or His ability/willingness to bless you as He has blessed others.<br />
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KEEP LIVING!<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
PatriciaPatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-45160702337682092872012-09-26T13:31:00.000-04:002012-09-26T13:31:05.192-04:00Wednesday Worship: Hello Fear<i>Hello Fear ,</i><br />
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<i>Before you sit down there's something I need to explain </i><br />
<i>Since you're here </i><br />
<i>I think I should tell you since we last talked things have changed...</i><br />
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<i>Hello Grace,</i><br />
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<i>It feels like forever, I thought my chance with you was gone </i><br />
<i>See your face, it reminds me of mercy </i><br />
<i>And please let me say I was wrong </i><br />
<i>Never knew your touch was endless </i><br />
<i>How you never run dry of forgiveness </i><br />
<i>Didn't know how bad it was, was afraid just because </i><br />
<i>Sorry fear, grace took your place </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Unquestionably one of my favorite songs from Kirk Franklin's latest CD, but this rendition by Pastor Michael Lampkin during the recent season of Sunday Best was silk.
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See ya, Fear. Welcome, Grace!<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
Patricia<br />
<br />PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-19160999779451572292012-09-19T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-19T07:00:14.143-04:00Wednesday Worship: I Will WinDon't you like how God uses the things of this world to speak to you?<br />
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I heard this song and watched the video just yesterday. It met me at the door, on my way out of a bit of a pity party. You see, I have a major birthday coming up in just under six months. MAJOR. And, well, there are some things I hoped to do, some things I wanted to see happen, that don't seem to be on the horizon. <br />
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<script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?deepLinkEmbedCode=twaDF3NTqNEPQb9KS1Wfz_-ycjQH9Qkh&height=344&embedCode=twaDF3NTqNEPQb9KS1Wfz_-ycjQH9Qkh&video_pcode=F0d2w6C6y6zFuGkzg-oSKxM7zsM9&width=450"></script><br />
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In truth, I haven't done what I need to do to make those things happen. Pounds don't drop off, books don't write themselves and job changes don't fall out the sky.<br />
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The reasons, no matter how good or justified, don't matter.<br />
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Time to get busy.<br />
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If you're like me, you have the greatest clarity of thought in the early hours of the morning, when you rise and as you dress, before the demands and noises of the day encroach upon your mind and spirit.<br />
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Today's thought was "What will I do today for today to be a good day, and for tomorrow to be an even better one?" <br />
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If I want to move toward a healthier weight, one at which I will feel and look better, I have to make good decisions about what goes in my mouth today. Today's good decisions tend to spur me to make similarly good choices tomorrow.<br />
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If I want to become a published author, I have to write. Writing today gets the creative juices flowing and inspires me to write tomorrow.<br />
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If I want a different job, I have to take a step toward getting one. One step usually leads to another.<br />
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I have to do something.<br />
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After seeing and deciding to post the video, a devotional hit my inbox yesterday with two Scripture quotes that further affirmed what I need to do:<br />
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<i>Those who wait for perfect weather will never plant seeds; those who look at every cloud will never harvest crops.</i> -- Ecclesiastes 11:4, New Century Version<br />
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<i>Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise.</i> -- Psalm 90:12, New Century Version<br />
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Because God has done His part, but He's waiting to see what <i>I'm</i> going to do.<br />
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I'm going to win!<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
Patricia<br />
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<br />PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4231030211966559899.post-72815327558832890362012-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:002012-09-12T07:00:02.198-04:00Wednesday Worship: Your Presence is Heaven<i>Your presence is heaven to me...</i><br />
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Israel Houghton has a special style of worship that speaks to me no matter what circumstance, what mood I find myself in.<br />
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A Lifeway Research study came out recently that said Christians are spending less time reading the Bible than ever. If we're not reading the Word of God, we're not refilling our cup. Jesus is the cup that won't run dry, but we can't quite say the same. I hope if folks aren't reading the God's Word, then they're hearing it or spending time in communion with him. Anything that fills the distance, that bridges the gap that too easily opens up and widens between us and God. <br />
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It's so important to spend time in His presence.<br />
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Will you find a moment to spend with Him today?<br />
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Peace & Blessings,<br />
<br />
Patricia<br />
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<br />PatriciaWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.com0