tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56795108713146442192024-02-07T00:34:04.510-08:00Getting to the GIST of ThingsGirls In Seminary TalkAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260905853044955465noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-81081654589496516082013-11-14T11:48:00.000-08:002013-11-14T11:48:16.075-08:00Life without Lane LinesA large intersection down the street from the Seminary has been under construction for a few weeks. Last week they poured new asphalt and the street is nice and smooth. But there are no lane lines yet and suddenly a street with previously three lanes now has four! The first time I approached the intersection I almost ran a red light. I had no idea where to stop and, like a typical mother, my right hand instantly stretched out to protect my purse, as I just missed the traffic coming from the other direction. After I had calmed down and crossed the intersection safely I started thinking about how much I really like rules. I want to know where on the road I am supposed to drive and where the other people on the road are supposed to be. <br />
<br />
This spills over to the rest of my life. I want to know what I am expected to do and when I am expected to do it. I want to know that others will follow the same rules I am trying to follow. In my mind this creates order and predictability, which I am very comfortable with. As a matter of fact, the people who really seem to not bother about rules, or make them up as they go, scare me a bit. I never know what they are going to do next.<br />
<br />
However, the step from liking rules to being legalistic is very small. When I start measuring my success in how well I have kept the rules I have taken that step. Or, worse, when I start judging people according to how well they keep the rules I have come up with, I have really succumbed to full on legalism. Rules, in and of themselves, are benign. As a matter of fact they are there to provide guidance for us to live in society together. How I respond to my, or anybody else's ability to keep them is not.<br />
<br />
Dr. Fred Chay from Phoenix Seminary has compiled a legalism self test. Here are a few highlights from his list of "You might be a legalist if...(condensed)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>You feel you have to meet everyone's expectations and win the approval of others</li>
<li>God's love depends on what you do</li>
<li>You think you fall short because you didn't have enough faith, it's not strong enough, you haven't prayed enough, or you need to be a better person</li>
<li>You are convinced that God is predisposed to be angry with you, and that your goal in life is to keep Him happy by doing things that will impress Him</li>
<li>You worry that people might take advantage of grace if it is preached too much</li>
<li>You feel that your "superior commitment" to follow Christ allows you to be above others in your church </li>
</ul>
<br />
Scripture has the antidote: Live by the Spirit; walk by the Spirit; follow the Spirit; listen to the Spirit. Galatians 5:18 actually says, "But if you are led <b>by</b> <b>the</b> <b>Spirit</b>, you are not under the law." Paul is referring to the Mosaic Law, but the point is that if we become so in tune to the Spirit that we don't need to worry about whether or not we are following the rules. The Spirit leads us in every circumstance to do the right thing.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite verses has been Isaiah 30:2, "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn (deviate) to the right or when you turn (deviate) to the left." I want to learn how to live like that. Even when there are no lane lines. <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260905853044955465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-20606035107632819382013-10-14T17:24:00.003-07:002013-10-14T17:24:54.764-07:00On Why Being Called a Strong Woman Sometimes Bothers Me…<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I get called a
strong woman a lot. At first, I took it as a compliment. And I usually still do. I am a strong and
assertive female who knows what I want with my life. I take care of things. I
put coolant in my car and change my furnace filters. I do on-the-fly plumbing
and plan birthday parties and work and go to graduate school. I am a strong
woman, but sometimes I feel like by using that is just a label that keeps
people from knowing the true complexity of who I am. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">First of all. All
women who rely on the strength of the Lord do to whatever work God calls them
to are strong. I am not strong simply because I choose to operate in a male
dominated field. The stay at home mom is not weak because she doesn’t. That
choice requires a level of strength I will never understand until I have
children of my own. While it is true that my personality can be strong and my
dreams are strong and my God is strong, I don’t want strong to be a new badge
women use to start organizing ourselves into greater thans and less thans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another issue I
have with being called a strong woman? The assumption that I am always strong. Coupled
with the fact that I am an introvert who is unlikely to share lots of personal
information, I often feel left dangling on the edge of a cliff. People assume
that I am ok because I am strong and I clearly must have it figured out. I am
strong, but sometimes I am also weak. Sometimes I am at a loss and I don’t know
what to do but because I am “strong,” I don’t know how to ask for help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A lot of that is
on me. I am continually reminded how I need to be more open and vulnerable with
people. I can’t really expect people to know when I am struggling if they don’t
know me. But some of that is on other people, particularly women. In our desire
to be strong (whatever that means for that particular woman), let us not allows
our strength to keep us from having support when we are weak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let us not allow strength to become another label we hide behind. You can be strong but you are so much more than that. If you are strong, you can also feel free to be weak. Because we serve a God who is always strong and it doesn't get much better than that. </span></div>
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Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-53203109275995978862013-09-26T10:41:00.000-07:002013-09-26T10:41:02.751-07:00Babble on in Babylon<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is the second time I have bumped into the following poem by a participant at a Beth Moore Daniel study. Hits me every time. It was worth sharing. </span></span></div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Babble on in Babylon
</span></span></h3>
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Brimming closets, shoe racks bulge, <br />one in every color, I’ll just indulge.<br />My wildest whim will oft be met, bigger, faster, give me, get.<br />Travel on in Babylon.<br /><br />May I go first? Knew you’d not care, <br />for my time’s precious. You’ve lots to spare.<br />I’ll slip in front and off I’ll go. <br />See, I’m quite fast and well, you’re quite slow.<br />I and me fast friends, life-long.<br />Prattle on in Babylon.<br /><br />Nip it here, just there a lift. <br />I just turned forty, it was a gift.<br />The eyes, the lips, the bosoms do, <br />sculptured, lasered, injected, too.<br />No wrinkles left, the tummy’s gone.<br />Journey on in Babylon.<br /><br />Enough of me, how do you view me?<br />You get one, but give me three.<br />I couldn’t bare to just say no, <br />it’s my desire and rightly so.<br />Add another and on and on.<br />Shuffle on in Babylon.<br /><br />No end in sight that I can see, <br />today is blocked by the mirror in front of me.<br />A wreck, a death, tsunami tide, <br />it mildly stirs me, I must confide.<br />TV claims tens of thousands gone.<br />Oh well, let’s see what else is on.<br />Numb to the stunning sight of each new dawn,<br />Sinking fast in Babylon.<br /><br />Like a lobster in a pot <br />who begins to like the water hot,<br />I’ve been duped, been tricked, been had, <br />convinced that truth was somehow bad.<br />Evil, coddled and cooed and purred, <br />and beckoned me and called and lured.<br />Now in a place with the lights turned on, <br />I’m racing home from Babylon.<br />I’m racing home from Babylon.<br /><br />--Lynn Parker<br /><br />Taken
from the video series in the study of Daniel. Thank you Beth Moore for
speaking the truth and your study of God's word. Praying God's abundant
blessing and protection on you, your family and ministry.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260905853044955465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-68784717631802217762013-08-06T11:17:00.001-07:002013-08-06T11:17:27.502-07:00Post-Africa Reflections
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WfdHa3fLzXfoJce1hUAnPi4XMM7C2LsPTllj0kS4KNoMSL1Cxa_RqSSSXc1V2lf0W_wPV_P7jDJ8WW0Tv2ebcSdiLpBTM1yilzry-BK80RP5GGV6zCo3q1pbP2ArtST1bMevwBHgprax/s1600/congo_two005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WfdHa3fLzXfoJce1hUAnPi4XMM7C2LsPTllj0kS4KNoMSL1Cxa_RqSSSXc1V2lf0W_wPV_P7jDJ8WW0Tv2ebcSdiLpBTM1yilzry-BK80RP5GGV6zCo3q1pbP2ArtST1bMevwBHgprax/s320/congo_two005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Congo Team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the things that I most enjoy about life is how in
each season I often find myself drastically different than I was just
previously. Sometimes the change is hard and sometimes the change is obvious,
but more often than not, I suddenly look up and find that somewhere along the
way I changed and I am not even sure how. There was no big moment or life
crisis (although I have had plenty of those too). There are just slight changes
of course and interactions with people both pleasant and troubling. Sometimes
there are decisions you make without much thought. It is just a culmination of everyday
things, some barely discernible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While God has certainly worked in my life in big ways, I
find that He tends to work in the minutiae of my life, changing my heart a
little bit each day. As I sit and write this nearly a week after I have
returned from Africa, I ponder His work in my life. I went into the trip
expecting for my life to just implode. I expected that I would have some crisis
of conscience where I would need to choose between academics and mission work. In
spite of my best attempts to not have expectations of the trip, I found that I
had certain ideas of how it would affect my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought I would put my feet on African soil and fall in
love immediately. That didn’t happen. I thought I would spend a fair amount of
time crying. I cried only once. I thought my life would be changed. But it didn’t
really feel like it had. I worried that I wasn’t connecting to people like I
should. I was worried that I was protecting my heart. I was worried that I hadn’t
had some type of crisis where I evaluated every aspect of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I returned to the U.S. and began to process. People asked me
what the highlight was and I couldn’t answer. I hadn’t thought about it enough
yet. Experiences don’t mean much to me until I figure out how they fit into my
world. I had to think. I had to process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I still have no highlight of the trip to offer people. There
were certainly funny moments and overwhelming moments. There were moments of
sadness and ones of joy. But that is life isn’t it? At the end of the day,
there was nothing that special about the trip. I simply entered, thanks to God’s
planning, into the daily life of my African brothers and sisters. The bombs and
fighting are nothing special to them, it is just their life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I remained perplexed about my reaction to the trip, but I
also knew that I just had to let myself process. And yesterday, I had this
moment where I looked up and realized that I am vastly different than the
person I was a month ago. I have absolutely no idea how it happened, but per
usual, God has slowly molded my heart in the small ways. It was likely each
conversation, each prayer, and each story that made a small alteration in my
heart. Before I knew it, those small changes had made a big difference. For me,
it wasn’t one big moment that impacted me; it was a million small ones. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t even know how to explain in tangible ways how I am
different, I just know that I am. I feel like I am more myself than I have ever
been. I feel more centered, I feel bolder, I feel closer to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is still so much processing to be done. I spend a fair
amount of time processing in my own daily life and evaluating this trip will
likely continue for months to come. I don’t even pretend to know what God is up
to and what this trip will mean for my future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But for now, I remain content to continue on, thinking and
processing, and allowing God to continue to break my heart for what breaks His.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-18005673445112210792013-05-15T15:39:00.000-07:002013-05-15T15:39:26.123-07:00God's Plans Are Bigger than My Pain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewdCtfI9wGganqVyaw-lg1KaDqI6QETM8BPhJdlneFxv-bGZy3HcnCk2oTiZeOFsjTCYR4M5fEV91akoUWDo0_rBoMxtIDzRAhu9mrx-52WViIAPc8WmTN-5pbbLJRHS1kSPCqYBJrrCe/s1600/mend-broken-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewdCtfI9wGganqVyaw-lg1KaDqI6QETM8BPhJdlneFxv-bGZy3HcnCk2oTiZeOFsjTCYR4M5fEV91akoUWDo0_rBoMxtIDzRAhu9mrx-52WViIAPc8WmTN-5pbbLJRHS1kSPCqYBJrrCe/s320/mend-broken-heart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Talking with two friends at school one day, I heard myself say, "God's plans are bigger than my pain." It was a startling realization in the midst of an intense discussion about being confronted, challenged, and hurt by someone I hadn't expected to hurt me.<br />
<br />
What this person said almost doesn't matter. What matters is that it felt like someone took a cheese grater to my heart. They said things that weren't true and made assumptions about the person I am. I was bewildered, wondering who I really was. If I wasn't a caring, emphatic, safe person... then who was I?<br />
<br />
I talked to close friends and said, "Is this true?" And the overwhelming response was that it wasn't. Did the person have some good points about ways I could grow? Definitely. Did they articulate them well? No. And then I got smacked across the head when somebody else I respect, but who doesn't know well basically said they have concerns about my ability to connect with people on an upcoming missions trip. (By the way, the best way for you to ever get proven wrong is tell me you don't think I can do something.)<br />
<br />
So, I am sitting in the student lounge with my heart shredded and before I know it, I am spilling my guts. And in the process of this discussion, I shared how much I wanted to pull away and build up walls to protect my heart. Yet, I knew that wasn't really a possibility. It hurts to live with my heart in the open, but it is something I have to do. God's plans are bigger than my pain.<br />
<br />
The reason why I closely guard my heart is that I am easily hurt. I might never tell you that you have hurt me, but I am a deeply sensitive person. I feel like I am always offering my heart to people on a platter and saying, "Please, treat me with care." And people often don't. And I turn inward out of self-preservation.<br />
<br />
But I don't want to live like that anymore. I want to experience things that I am usually too afraid to because I know that I will get hurt. I want to make new friends and have new adventures. I want to learn how to live with a shredded heart because that is how I feel right now. Like I am sitting here, with a heart that honestly physically feels bruised. I feel vulnerable and I feel scared. That heart that I offer up? People won' t treat it with care. They will bruise it more. They will make me cry and doubt myself. But if I want people to know me better than I have to be willing to show them more of who I really am. Will there be pain in that? Obviously, but there is also great joy.<br />
<br />
And ultimately, I love the person I am and the person God is shaping me to be. I love the plan that God has for my life. And if I have to spend my days laying out my shredded heart for people to stomp on in order to live His plan out, then I that is what I need to do.<br />
<br />
Because God's plans are bigger than my pain.<br />
<br />
P.S. Shout out to those two people in the Seminary Student Lounge. Your words that day mean more than I can ever express.Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-38586243198928834142013-03-18T18:33:00.000-07:002013-03-18T18:51:01.458-07:00Being Just A Little Too MuchSide note: I have had all these things I have wanted to write about and share lately, but things have been hectic and I am adapting to a new schedule so blogging had to go for a bit, but this post is something that really hit home for me today and I felt I had to share it.<br />
<br />
For many, they struggling with not being enough. Not smart enough, not pretty enough, not cool enough. Just not enough in some way or another.<br />
<br />
I struggle in this area, especially related to school. I didn't study enough, I am not smart enough, I didn't work hard enough, I am just not enough to succeed in this. I actually struggled with this today.<br />
<br />
But lately, I have noticed I also struggle with the other extreme; feeling like I am just a little too much.<br />
<br />
Too Talkative<br />
Too Smart<br />
Too Female<br />
Too Messy<br />
Too Introspective<br />
Too Demanding<br />
Too Ridiculous<br />
<br />
You know, just all around too much.<br />
<br />
This is one of the reasons, in addition to my introspective nature, that I tend to keep to myself and hold back. I didn't ask questions in school because I didn't want to seem too... I don't know... too ridiculous. I didn't get to know professors well or ask them for help because I didn't want to seem to needy. I was afraid that if I opened myself up to people they would see how crazy my mind works sometimes, how obsessive I can be, how sometimes I just need to ramble the same thing over and over to people. I was afraid that if I opened up so people could see how my mind worked they would misunderstand my musings as complaining (which happens a lot actually). Some people don't realize that I have a big personality and when it comes out, it seems to be too much for some people.<br />
<br />
But somewhere along the line, I just got tired of not being myself. The truth is that I am a messy and complicated person. I am obsessive and passionate. I am determined and searching. I have my flaws, definitely, but I should be ok with who I am. I will always be growing and changing, but I should not have to apologize for where and who I am at this moment in life. Not everyone has to love my personality, but I should at least give them the opportunity to get to know the real me.<br />
<br />
And even as I type this, I think of my word of the year: HONOR.<br />
<br />
I am God's creature. Just like I cannot believe the lie that I am not enough, I can't believe the lie that I am too much. I am made in His image and He knew me before I was born. He knows me; the messy, complicated, overwhelmed, slightly obsessive, perfectionist that I am. He knows me; the passionate, loving, continually searching and growing me. I do Him absolutely no honor when I hide who I am and who He fashioned me to be. I do Him no honor when I hide the person He is molding me into.<br />
<br />
Maybe in 5 years, I won't be as obsessive or ridiculous, but maybe I will be.<br />
<br />
And I am ok with that. Because while I might be just a little too much for the world, I am not too much for my God.Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-45183779606997910252013-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-26T06:00:02.622-08:00Photo: Trees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOg80AySuBLHWXFEREdBDcjIYhIlZ9Q9n2Nki76Xklb-pxYo1A_69v1QCz9mp7yfToCdkVNpLGPFaRLNBxB9aBW2kWq5tnsbGzGT_degv8UuukYiSfIT9mZcRN5zpaSZuQ1ox9dRqzoBc/s1600/photo-161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOg80AySuBLHWXFEREdBDcjIYhIlZ9Q9n2Nki76Xklb-pxYo1A_69v1QCz9mp7yfToCdkVNpLGPFaRLNBxB9aBW2kWq5tnsbGzGT_degv8UuukYiSfIT9mZcRN5zpaSZuQ1ox9dRqzoBc/s400/photo-161.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span></div>
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<span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/job/14-7.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>7</b></a></span>“At least there is hope for a tree:</div>
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If it is cut down, it will sprout again,</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and its new shoots will not fail.</div>
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<span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/job/14-8.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>8</b></a></span>Its roots may grow old in the ground</div>
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<div class="TXTTWO" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 60px; margin-top: 0px;">
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and its stump die in the soil,</div>
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<span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/job/14-9.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>9</b></a></span>yet at the scent of water it will bud</div>
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and put forth shoots like a plant.</div>
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-- Job 14:7-9</div>
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<br />Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-69187971155033408972013-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-19T06:00:08.458-08:00Photo: Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamXfrnKwu-WUfem-ZBgmABIWOlHjw3EzjV55Th4PCrf-CvTnkxD9Q8lmatO5YpaNf0LL3B8_fBgtQuisQaw0Ye0FEcYymDnXMfA2cEmDNjyPBjnXuq_721SKYWM7nJYz2rD-dqEr2O4ja/s1600/photo-160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamXfrnKwu-WUfem-ZBgmABIWOlHjw3EzjV55Th4PCrf-CvTnkxD9Q8lmatO5YpaNf0LL3B8_fBgtQuisQaw0Ye0FEcYymDnXMfA2cEmDNjyPBjnXuq_721SKYWM7nJYz2rD-dqEr2O4ja/s400/photo-160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><br /></span>
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<span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"</span></span></div>
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<span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">--Isaiah 52:7</span></span></div>
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<br />Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-78146625673637071672013-02-14T11:51:00.000-08:002013-02-14T11:51:11.878-08:00How Should Protestants Respond to the Pope’s Abdication<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">On February 11, Pope Benedict announced that
he was stepping down from his position due to illness and age. This was a huge
moment in the history of the Roman Catholic Church because Popes usually remain
in leadership until they die. But Pope Benedict prayerfully chose to step aside
so that a new leader might be chosen to lead the millions and millions of
Catholics worldwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As a former Catholic, I was considering how
to process this news. I was a senior in high school when this pope was chosen
and, at the time, was rather negative about it. Now that I identify as a
Protestant, it would be quite easy for me to say that this event doesn’t affect
me or that it doesn’t matter. In fact, since the announcement, I have heard
many comments and read many articles that don’t seem to really care. Many rail
against what they consider to be Pope Benedict’s failures as a leader. They
vent their anger against Catholics because of our differences in doctrine. Some
are just blatantly hateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">After reading facebook status after status in
which people referred to the Pope as no one special, a little god, or as the
Antichrist, I was left deeply saddened. While certainly there is a gap between
Roman Catholicism and Protestants, I consider them to be part of the body of
Christ. The many Protestant denominations differ on many key doctrinal issues.
Some of them, in fact, have a hierarchal structure not unlike that of the Roman
Catholic Church. Why is it appropriate to address our fellow brothers and
sisters in Christ in such a way? I firmly believe that we should care about
anything, good or bad, that is concerning the body worldwide. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So here is how I think Protestants should
respond to the Pope’s Abdication. Spoiler: It mostly involves prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We should be informed.</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Saying
things like “Catholics consider the pope a lil’ god” are simply incorrect. You
can disagree with Catholic doctrine but be informed about it. Don’t say things
that aren’t true because you just come off as ignorant and hateful. Study
Church History, learn why the Pope has the position he does, learn how a new
Pope is chosen. Just learn about what a momentous occasion it is for our
Catholic brothers and sisters to have a new Pope chosen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We should pray for the Roman Catholic Church.</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> In 2009, there were over a billion Catholics worldwide. This is a
big event that could possibly threaten to split or otherwise injure the Church.
We don’t need anymore fractures in the body, so we should drop to our knees and
intercede for Catholics that their Church would be able to overcome any
difficulties it might face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We should pray for the Conclave.</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> As
RCC leaders come from around the world in a few short weeks, we must pray for
their wisdom and discernment in choosing the man that will lead their Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We should pray for the new Pope.</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">
Whether or not you agree with the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, as a
leader, Pope Benedict was placed in leadership by God (Romans 13:1). The new
Pope will likewise be placed by God and will need our prayers. The issues in
the RCC are not small ones; in fact some, of the same issues are faced by
Protestant Churches. Leading billions of Catholics is no small task. As fellow
believers, we should pray for this man’s wisdom, discernment, strength, and
endurance as he steps into a rather difficult situation. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;">The new Pope
is also a person. He is a person with feelings, opinions, history, interests,
and weaknesses. Let us not forget that there is a difference between the office
and the man. You can disagree with the office and care for the man. As
believers, we should care for all and recognize that each person deserves our
respect. The Pope should be special to us because he is special to God.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We should prayer for God’s correction in all our lives</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">: God is huge and we try to understand Him the best we can, but I
can’t even fathom the millions of ways we go wrong <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">each day</i> in how we see Him. Protestants, Catholics, Eastern
Orthodox… we all fail to see things clearly at different points and we need
God’s continuous correction in our lives. Let us pray that the new Pope would
follow God’s voice and bring correction to any areas that need it. Might he
call on Protestants to correct things we have done wrong. And might we be open
to hearing it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #292424; font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">First
of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high
positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in
every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who
desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #292424; font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">--
1 Timothy 2:1-3</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-41416656239100563962013-02-14T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-14T06:00:05.863-08:00Embracing Tradition: Lent<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQcc2sMOl7xw1b3cR9gmbchaumkmogwsovMdJXQLuKUN_kVdcOF-cYVtJsYt4oC3h2oQUEDnfdfmxKvWzEcYosutfXSUoNUrJ23tIp-1m_8w-L1Sv9XVINcMF3AULGSaTaucfTXSFTsa4/s1600/c-of-e-lent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQcc2sMOl7xw1b3cR9gmbchaumkmogwsovMdJXQLuKUN_kVdcOF-cYVtJsYt4oC3h2oQUEDnfdfmxKvWzEcYosutfXSUoNUrJ23tIp-1m_8w-L1Sv9XVINcMF3AULGSaTaucfTXSFTsa4/s400/c-of-e-lent.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://www.verbalkwest.com/2011-lent-challenge/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I grew up Catholic so giving up things for Lent has been practically ingrained in my DNA. For many years after I came to really know the Lord and call myself a Christian again, I resisted the Lenten rituals as too formulaic and archaic. As the years have gone by, however, I have come to crave some of the more formal and traditional expressions of my faith. Often in our desire to be <i>sola scriptura </i>Protestants have overlooked so many of the beautiful and historical aspects of Christianity. One of the ways that some (though obviously not all) have pulled away from the dreaded T word, that is tradition, is by disregarding the liturgical calendar. This in itself is neither, as its core, good or bad as such things are, I believe, not fundamental to our faith.<br />
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Yet, I have increasingly found that I really enjoy embracing some of the things from my Catholic roots. Last year was the first year is many that I chose to abstain from something during Lent. I chose to give up something that was near and dear to me... Diet Pepsi. While that might seems silly, it was difficult for me and it brought my attention to the areas of my life where I had not allowed the Holy Spirit to really shine His light on. Yet, as soon as Lent was over, I was back to drinking Diet Pepsi.<br />
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I am continuing on my quest to weed out things that are not of Him this year. About 2 weeks ago, I gave up soda. It hasn't been perfect and I had two slips, but I am not wasting money on soda nor am I obsessed with always having it. I have healthier and crave less sugar. Along with mostly cutting out facebook and getting rid of Twitter, I have seen drastic improvements in the clarity of my mind and my focus on more important things.<br />
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In many ways, I have been living out Lent for much of 2013. Yet, knowing that I am joining with millions of other believers around the world in giving up something that we like to do, eat, or drink and focusing more on God gives me a sense of connectedness that I very much cherish. More than ever, it is important for me to spend this Lenten season in solemn contemplation and focus on God. Thus, I have going big! Other than this blog, I will visit no other blogs of any kind. Facebook and Pinterest will be gone! Basically, I am limiting my computer to school only things.<br />
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I want to spend more time with less stuff crammed in my mind. I expect to hear the voice of the Lord in some big ways and welcome His correction in my life. It is possible that these changes might be permanent (or I will learn how to control myself), but I am focusing just on this season and what God might have me to do. I am looking forward with sharing my Lenten Reflections each Thursday during Lent!Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-4429672888900838422013-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-12T06:00:06.169-08:00Photo: Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRuMwNLaOGRlu23p0wYZrGvh7f5u16PYYjMhnCvxCQ5jQqifTZUaw8VYUApMes2LggshffrV5FfTQWTHkzU8G84-QbxUDwJrsyzgYTwX5NUpit5l8wlRev8lStDIE9nZ5oevAQw4GwQoS/s1600/photo-158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRuMwNLaOGRlu23p0wYZrGvh7f5u16PYYjMhnCvxCQ5jQqifTZUaw8VYUApMes2LggshffrV5FfTQWTHkzU8G84-QbxUDwJrsyzgYTwX5NUpit5l8wlRev8lStDIE9nZ5oevAQw4GwQoS/s400/photo-158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/6-28.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>28</b></a></span>“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/6-29.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>29</b></a></span>Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/6-30.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>30</b></a></span>If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/6-31.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>31</b></a></span>So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/6-32.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>32</b></a></span>For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/6-33.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>33</b></a></span>But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/6-34.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>34</b></a></span>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">--Matthew 6:28-34</span></div>
<br />Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-42539218455283867312013-02-10T18:12:00.000-08:002013-02-10T18:12:54.785-08:00"I Wanna Go Back to College": Reflections on Growing Up<!--StartFragment-->
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This weekend, I am “baby-sitting” a 14 year old friend of
the family. Basically, it involves making sure he eats dinner and taking him to
the movies. Last night, he and a friend wanted to go see Avenue Q, the School
Edition because some of their friends were in it. Now, I had a lot of homework
to do but figured it would be nice to have a little bit of the break.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Near the end of the show, some of the characters were
reflecting on the harsh realities of everyday life. They started singing a song about how nice college was and it made me laugh because it was so true! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately I have been thinking about how it will be 4 years in May since I graduated college. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I will have been out of college as long as I was in it. That's totally crazy to me. For the first year after I graduated, my friends and I talked all the time about college, but as we have grown older we have learned to appreciate where are now while continuing to appreciate the great times we had then. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The last 4 years have been crazy. I graduated college, my Dad moved to Arizona, my parents announced they were divorcing, I spent a year on staff with Chi Alpha with one dollar to my name, I moved across the country, started graduate school, almost quit graduate school, nursed my Dad through Cancer recovery, worked a full time corporate job and as a part time Michaels employee. I fell in love with Greek and lived through a couple Phoenix summers. My sister had a baby, moved back to Wisconsin and got married. Now she is pregnant with her second. My other sister moved to Washington. I became a TA and a pioneer in school. I learned how to put coolant in my car. I flew across the country visiting friends. I made new friends and grew apart from others. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Most importantly, I grew to love the Lord will all my heart and in new ways that I never thought possible. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So no, as much as I miss being 21 and a little more carefree, I do not wish I was back in college. As much pain as the last 4 years have brought, they have also brought profound joy and growth. I think I have previously mentioned that my word of the year is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">HONOR</span>. And I think I honor God most strongly when I don't pine for past seasons, but use what those past seasons have taught me to walk fully in obedience to what He has for me in this season. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is actually amusing to see the things that haven't changed in terms of what is keeping me from God. In my goal to be more intentional this year, I have been evaluating and cutting and having huge realizations. This one about college is just one of so many things I am learning from. I look forward to sharing more of what the Lord is showing me in the future. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">--Hebrews 13:11</span></i></span></div>
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Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-25941970624002212182013-02-05T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-05T06:00:09.259-08:00Photo: Fruit of the Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSqqX_bEquNcFMCityxf8oSfPAiizupHPQdiDQLcNKMacw3VwlMCsBf9V-Cd6qG93Kilj8PA07ABxi1nmydD-1DAve2cO23ENkg9qZg-7qJjq0to1M5cxrOdYZ1sQstUi9cf21HDVUrod/s1600/photo-159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSqqX_bEquNcFMCityxf8oSfPAiizupHPQdiDQLcNKMacw3VwlMCsBf9V-Cd6qG93Kilj8PA07ABxi1nmydD-1DAve2cO23ENkg9qZg-7qJjq0to1M5cxrOdYZ1sQstUi9cf21HDVUrod/s400/photo-159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/galatians/5-22.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>22</b></a></span>But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/galatians/5-23.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>23</b></a></span>gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/galatians/5-24.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>24</b></a></span>Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/galatians/5-25.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>25</b></a></span>Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. <span class="reftext" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/galatians/5-26.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>26</b></a></span>Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">--Galations 5: 22-26</span></div>
<br />Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-33074113244176001932013-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-31T10:54:04.967-08:00The Importance of Theology<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECMwtTRT0HMKUATvyj_yzokZgch8FVZwhbNIDmMJcZMXckgrVN3kszu2zQ31MiHLU3og_AfH-UlNwCUZSvM_xitcAHKFEjQvAzcHTUnJ-XM-pnCcsSYpdtHucAB0ptLtmxU0DcjvnFyyM/s1600/Biblical-Theology-300x215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECMwtTRT0HMKUATvyj_yzokZgch8FVZwhbNIDmMJcZMXckgrVN3kszu2zQ31MiHLU3og_AfH-UlNwCUZSvM_xitcAHKFEjQvAzcHTUnJ-XM-pnCcsSYpdtHucAB0ptLtmxU0DcjvnFyyM/s400/Biblical-Theology-300x215.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://thecripplegate.com/is-biblical-theology-dangerous/">here</a></td></tr>
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On my former blog, I wrote a somewhat rambling post about what Theology means to me and how I think it gets a bad rap. You can read it <a href="http://toujourscestlavie.blogspot.com/2012/03/embracing-what-seminary-has-taught-me.html">here</a>!<br />
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I love Academia and I love Theology. I am passionate about helping people see that Theology doesn't distract from a relationship with God; when done right, it enhances it. Theology isn't all about dogmatics and obscure discussions. To be fair, it can be like that. But it doesn't have to be. It can be enlightening and eye opening-- revealing the intricacies of the atonement and God's salvation plan. It can deepen our understanding of God's character. It can cause you to fall even more in love with the Creator.<br />
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So I am thrilled to be getting back into my Theology sequence; digging into those issues that seems boring to some, but are utterly fascinating to me. On the first day of class, in a discussion about the importance of study, doctrine, and theology, this quote stood out to me:<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Christian doctrine teaches us how to cope with various real-life crises. Doctrine, far from being a matter of abstract theory, is actually the stuff of real life. Real life is located in the way of Jesus Christ, and the purpose of doctrine is to lead us precisely in this way. Whether we would like to admit that our views about God, ourselves, and this world are essentially theological, they are. Whether we want to admit that our views about God, ourselves, and this world affects everything we do, they do</span></span>.</i></div>
--<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Drama-Doctrine-Canonical-Linguistic/product-reviews/0664223273/ref=cm_cr_dp_qt_hist_two?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addTwoStar&showViewpoints=0">Vanhooser</a><br />
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Another quote found on a friend's facebook:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">“You get people who say they’re not theological. ‘Oh I’m just not theological.’ Well here’s the problem with that - if you’re opening your mouth and you’re talking about God, you’re being theological. The problem is, if it’s not rooted in biblical, historical orthodoxy, you’re probably being a heretic. So you can’t use the line ‘I’m not theological.’ You are being theological; it’s just really bad.”</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- Matt Chandler</span><br />
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Theology is important. Deal with it.Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-70855078053931864192013-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-29T06:00:04.464-08:00Grafted In<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUp0576pdAr6fheZnE9r5EL4IeZO607WzNo_V88a7jAg0wGDio6Uai7LMgmHgzKpoT09JLoifXCluy0OIvqIj6dN9KiNV_Ps2cJ-oCbZMtJa7vKPx3cIilSG6ivh6Q-LdrPzEISYgNVU8/s1600/379229_10101858095299007_1312753986_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUp0576pdAr6fheZnE9r5EL4IeZO607WzNo_V88a7jAg0wGDio6Uai7LMgmHgzKpoT09JLoifXCluy0OIvqIj6dN9KiNV_Ps2cJ-oCbZMtJa7vKPx3cIilSG6ivh6Q-LdrPzEISYgNVU8/s320/379229_10101858095299007_1312753986_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">image courtesy of my friend Brie<br />Queen Creek Olive Oil Mill Queen Creek, AZ<br />January 2013<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My dear friend Brie visited in January and, along with some others, we toured the Queen Creek Olive Oil Mill. We learned a ton about Olive Trees and were struck by their significance and durability in times of adversity. She snapped this picture on her phone, turning to me and said, "look, we are grafted it." I loved it!</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love how much Creation (general revelation) is a reflection and extension of Scripture (special revelation) and vice versa. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="reftext" style="line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/11-17.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">17</span></span></span></b></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="reftext" style="line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/11-18.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18</span></span></span></b></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="reftext" style="line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/11-19.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">19</span></span></span></b></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.”</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="reftext" style="line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/11-20.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20</span></span></span></b></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="reftext" style="line-height: 14px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/romans/11-21.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">21</span></span></span></b></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-- Romans 11:17-21</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also announcing a new weekly segment. Every Tuesday I will showcase a snapshot of creation and a related Scripture. I haven't decided what it will be called yet, but I hope something clever will occur to me. </span></span></span><br /></div>
Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-54582857170872944112013-01-26T23:30:00.000-08:002013-01-27T00:51:50.805-08:00Deleting Facebook Off My Phone and Other Thoughts on Eternal Significance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw35yJC7t7m4aGCl8LtcU4aR8RYplqJXOaxuKO-BNYXfviBYBnr7tO-rw27WNFTDV4VIHhLITa_25gpEp1umuNXzX4nRSVFPeyUJHTnvD7soc8ZZThScFHyoaSJKFWDS4PdFNwZIAioSfP/s1600/Facebook-Statistics-Stats-Facts-2011-Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw35yJC7t7m4aGCl8LtcU4aR8RYplqJXOaxuKO-BNYXfviBYBnr7tO-rw27WNFTDV4VIHhLITa_25gpEp1umuNXzX4nRSVFPeyUJHTnvD7soc8ZZThScFHyoaSJKFWDS4PdFNwZIAioSfP/s640/Facebook-Statistics-Stats-Facts-2011-Small.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://www.digitalbuzzblog.com/facebook-statistics-stats-facts-2011/">here</a></td></tr>
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In determining that I wanted my Word of the Year to be <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Honor, </i>I have been reflecting on the
ways that I have not been honoring the Lord. One of the clearest ways that I
have not been honoring Him is through how I spend my time. TV, Internet, my
phone…. So many things have been clouding up my life; separating me from Him
and from the community that I have been increasingly desperate for. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last week I deleted the Facebook and Twitters Apps off my
phone. I was tired of mindlessly checking my phone, by being consumed by it.
Now, of course, I can still access facebook on my phone but when I have to take
the time to type it into the browser, I am able to stop myself from wasting
time. I have yet to check facebook on my phone and suddenly I have all this
time! Between this detaching of social media and a severe reduction in TV time
combined with a totally purge of my stuff, I have found that I am calmer and
more focused. I am more attuned to the variety of ways that God is working in
my life. I have more time to actually have conversations with friends. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am walking with
intentionality. As such, I am increasingly aware of my eternal significance.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I have written a lot lately about my reflections on how I
occasionally feel about my walk with the Lord and the struggles I have with it.
In so many ways, my walk with the Lord and my role in the kingdom have been
obscured by unnecessary things of this world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And I am sick of it. I
am sick of not having a closer relationship with the Lord. I am sick on not
feeling absolute honor at God’s plan for my life. I am sick of not walking in
obedience. I am sick of not being aware of my eternal significance.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I deleted Facebook off my phone. I might even delete it
all together. Pinterest might have to go too; it is too easy to start comparing
my house and my crafts and all these things I need to do and make. I need to be
practical about season of life and what I am capable of doing. Without guilt,
but with joy and thankfulness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aware of the eternal significance of my life. Desiring to
Honor Him in everything I do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-12734893407963353032013-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:002013-01-27T00:25:25.875-08:00Expectations and Promises <!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xa25Y9LG9lzOcbypv1IRFnMMoinS2E8nOf0iqe2foVTXXYHiN7b47k9AIrtGmfpkIIl5Mo5gaXtzRhVl1ZGv-GBGAvIf8IPFHjSE6sC61V6Jw1z4PAAd4xO0Dx017VOQPjBfiJFdD81E/s1600/freedomr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xa25Y9LG9lzOcbypv1IRFnMMoinS2E8nOf0iqe2foVTXXYHiN7b47k9AIrtGmfpkIIl5Mo5gaXtzRhVl1ZGv-GBGAvIf8IPFHjSE6sC61V6Jw1z4PAAd4xO0Dx017VOQPjBfiJFdD81E/s400/freedomr.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://promisebook.net/2012/10/25/gods-promise-for-you-today-10252012/">her</a>e</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I slept through the New Year because I was sick with the
worse cold I have ever had. I actually never get colds so this was a new one
for me. And it really was the worst timing ever as I was struggling to get
papers graded and papers written. I had this expectation for what my break from
school was going to be like. And it really hasn’t been any of that. It hasn’t
been bad, but just different. And I don’t to different too well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Particularly, I had an idea what the New Year was going to
be like. I planned to spend the night before doing a little cleaning and
organizing, contemplating this past year and evaluating some things. I wanted
to pray and seek after the Lord for His guidance in the New Year. I expected to
be able to sit down and plan out things like I always do. Yet, as the case
often is, life happens. Expectations weren’t met. I was sick and slept the
whole day. I felt unorganized and unprepared. I felt like I wasn’t ready for a
new year, a new semester. It was all coming too fast and my life was too much
of a mess. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then I reflected (I do a lot of reflecting if you can’t
tell) on how much my expectations pale in comparison to God’s promises.
Scripture is full of promises for me. That He has plans to help me, that He
knows me intimately, and that He has prepared good works for me to do. He will
be my rest and He will supply my needs. He has given me hope and blessed me
with mercy. Then there have been personal promises spoken directly to my heart.
They are just amazing and wonderful and I chose to believe them, even when I
don’t see how it could possibly work. Because lots of times, I have
expectations because I am trying to do things on my own and control things. I
want things to be a particular way because that is comfortable to me. I want my
life to go the way I planned. Some times those expectations aren’t met and I
need to continuously surrender that to God. Once again, I need to realize that
it isn’t about me, it is about Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ultimately, when I focus more on Him, I will cling more to
His promises and less on my faulty expectations. And His promises are always
better. They just are. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you know what? Once I let go of the anxiety of not
having my New Year’s planning session, I got a chance to do it after all. And I
was able to approach it with more wisdom and discernment in evaluating what the
Lord has me to do in 2013.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He just blows me away sometimes. Or really, all the time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-16039227993615309742012-12-31T19:04:00.000-08:002013-01-27T00:26:10.575-08:00Post-Christmas Reflection: The Three Wise Man and What They Taught Me This Christmas<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p> </o:p></span>During the days surrounding
Christmas, I spent a lot of time in reflection about the incarnation and the
atonement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">As I looked at Christmas
lights, I thought of John’s prologue. As I looked at the angel figurines I
collect, I thought of Mary’s obedience in the face of adversity. And then,
while riding in a car, I looked up into the night sky and was struck by the
beauty of the stars. It made me think of the Three Wiseman and their long
journey, guided by a magnificent star. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>Matthew 2:1-12 The Visit of the Wise Men<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 16.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>1 </i></span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>Now after Jesus was born in
Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the
east came to Jerusalem, </i><b><i>2 </i></b><i>saying, “Where is he who has been born
king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship
him.” </i><b><i>3 </i></b><i>When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him; </i><b><i>4 </i></b><i>and assembling all the chief priests and
scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. </i><b><i>5 </i></b><i>They
told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: </i></span><b><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>6 </i></span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the
land of Judah, </i></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>are by no means least among the
rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler </i></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>who
will shepherd my people Israel.’”</i></span><b><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>7 </i></span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><i>Then Herod summoned the wise
men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. </i><b><i>8 </i></b><i>And
he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and
when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” </i><b><i>9 </i></b><i>After
listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they
had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place
where the child was. </i><b><i>10 </i></b><i>When they saw the star, they rejoiced
exceedingly with great joy. </i><b><i>11 </i></b><i>And going into the house they saw
the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then,
opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and
myrrh. </i><b><i>12 </i></b><i>And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they
departed to their own country by another way</i>.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">For some reason the idea of
the magi coming from the East, guided simply by a star really caught my heart
this year. I thought about the absolute certainty that they must have felt to
travel that far; the absolute certainty that they were part of a momentous part
of history; the absolute honor they bore him by bringing the newborn king such
extravagant gifts. I was just blown away by the significance of that moments
and what an honor to be a part of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Then I had a thought. Yes,
Jesus’s birth and even His death are monumentally significant! But they were
part of God’s salvation plan; His plan to draw us near to Him and allow Jesus’
death to allow us to stand righteous before Him. It is because of these
significant events that I can have assurance of my eternal life. As such, I get
to be part of something truly amazing; the unfolding salvation plan in my world
and in my own life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I pondered about whether I
had that same sense of wonder and awe when I consider my unique role in history
and God’s plan. The honor is two-fold really; firstly, that Jesus would come to
die for me, to give up His own sinless life in my place. Secondly, as an
extension of that, that I have eternal life and a role in the kingdom. Too often,
I think, I am preoccupied with how difficult I feel like God’s plan for my life
is or how much I have to give up that I forget the absolute honor of being
adopted into His family, to have a calling on my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">As this is being posted, it
is the last day of 2012. As I pray about what God would have me do; what He
would have me pray; what He would have me learn, this lesson is at the forefront
of my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><b>That I would continue to
make it less about me and more about Him; that I would revel in the absolute significance
of this moment, each moment of my life. That I would appreciate each season the
Lord has me in; that I would appreciate the honor of being able to be a
reflection of His glory. And above all, that I would come to love Him more than
ever before. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-48779704507279299212012-12-21T13:31:00.001-08:002012-12-21T13:31:12.120-08:00We Are Still Here<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">December 21, 2012. It came and we are still here. Albeit as I write this the day is still young and anything can happen, but let's face it, most of us have treated this prediction of the end mostly as a joke. Did you see the picture comparing the Mayan calendar to the design on an Oreo cookie? Or the one about the Incan guy whose job is was to finish the calendar, but quit and went to have a tequila with his friend? Hollywood decided to make a few dollars and made a movie. Many decided to party like it was the end and do things they would otherwise regret. They are waking up with regret today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But the reality is that there will be that day. Scripture tells us that in Isaiah, and Daniel, and Matthew, and Thessalonians, and Revelations - among others. We know that. There is a generation who is destined to be the generation who will experience the end. I don't know what it will look like but my theology says that they will see worse things than we can imagine. Although I know God's plan is perfect and that we win, it still scares me. I am not sure I want to be here for it, or my children, or my children's children, or my children's children's children....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So what do we do as we wait or wonder. Peter tells us what not to do. Do not let yourself be enticed by sensual passions of the flesh by those for whom utter darkness has been reserved. The are loud and relentless in their attempts to lure us. Jesus. on the other hand, tells us to be like the five virgins in Matthew 25, watching and waiting and ready for the coming of the Bridegroom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want to know what that looks like. What do I want my last day to be like - whether it is at the end of time of when Jesus calls me home? And everyday could be my last. I found a treasure in Psalm 40.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But may all who seek You</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">rejoice and be glad in You;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">may those who love Your salvation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">say continually, "Great is the LORD!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Amen!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260905853044955465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-87506207003867583022012-11-29T12:53:00.000-08:002012-11-29T12:53:38.544-08:00Surviving Seminary with a Heart of Flesh
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
“The Lord doesn’t want you to come to Him as a brainiac who
knows her Greek and Jewish language-her Hebrew. He wants us to come to Him as
His children. He wants to shower us with His love. So don’t spend time flogging
yourself. That’s not what the Lord is asking.” I needed to be reminded of this
by Mom today.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
It’s so easy to forget that the Lord has us here namely to
be loved by Him and to allow us to love Him, and then others, in return. In
doing so, we bring glory to God. Seminary, sometimes pronounced by Freudian
slip, “cemetery,” has an ironic way of drawing me dangerously close to
forgetting this simply profound truth.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I can be WAY too hard on myself, which then in turn leads me
to feel apathetic and numb as a way to cope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not that I don’t<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>care; it’s
that I care SO much that when I fail, I feel that I’ve failed the Kingdom of
God and HIS righteousness. And so why continue on? I’m already a royal
screw-up. That’s the “logic” I battle with.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
But who am I to uphold and maintain HIS righteousness?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I have a need—a deep desire to please my heavenly Father, to
love Him through obedience. I can’t let that go. And I know that my choices
have real, serious consequences. But I need to remember that it is He who is
the justifier, the one who reckons His righteousness to me by faith through
Jesus Christ, alone (Rom 3:26; 4-5). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I also need, as Mom, Dad, Danny,
Tiina, Jenny, Chelsea and many others have reminded me, to have a social life!
I don’t have one. I’m even more open to Satan’s shame-bombardment in isolation
because of it!!! Lord, give me a packaged social life for Christmas this year!
Throw all the good people together in a bundle and put a purple bow on it with
gold trimming. Oh and I need a JOB that doesn’t relate so heavily to theology in
order to stay mentally balanced. Ohhhh how I long like never before to suction
the water and spit from dental patients’ mouths! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or to serve over-priced coffee at Starbucks! I
said that I would never take a job at Starbucks, because I can do much better
than that. I recant! Starbucks could just be my ticket to staying sane.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I have failed the Lord, and I will
again and again, not because I want to, but because I’m still battling a sin
nature, which I hate. My only hope is to feed from the Love of God which is
infinitely larger and more powerful than my sin, than my grievous failures. My
only hope is to drink from His never-ending faithfulness and lovingkindness,
and to love Him in response, with everything that I am. What I have to offer is
trivial. But I offer it to a God who can make anything He wills from it. I
offer it to a God who raises me—yes present active tense—from death to life.
From depression to passion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He alone
sees to it that I’m raised up every morning. My hope of life and shalom—the way
my child-like soul knows things ought to be—rests solely in Him. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen. [And Amen.]</div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">Rise Up Again</span></u><span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">Though sin has beset you and taken control,<br />
Though Satan’s great strongholds stand fast in your soul,<br />
Whatever your failure, though great be your fall,<br />
<em>God’s mercy and pardon are offered to all.</em><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">Rise up again, take back the ground.<br />
Turn from your sin and let grace abound.<br />
Press toward the prize; the victory you”ll will.<br />
Forget things behind you and rise up again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">Let’s seek those who’ve fallen from grace to restore<br />
and show them God’s mercies forever endure.<br />
<em>In spite of our past our Lord uses us still,</em><i><br />
<em>and works it for good in the course of His will.</em></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: silver; mso-highlight: silver;">Rise up again, take back the ground.<br />
Turn from your sin and let grace abound.<br />
Press toward the prize; the victory you”ll will.<br />
Forget things behind you and rise up again.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
Sarah Basilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17430181295317396598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-4162019417649769912012-11-28T21:06:00.001-08:002013-01-27T00:26:58.349-08:00Remembering the Importance of the Journey<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Today,
I bombed my Hebrew Test that I spent 3 days studying for. I might not have
failed it but I definitely consider what happened today to be bombing a test. I
knew the material but there was just so much to recall in a second and I
psyched myself up to the point that I made dumb mistakes. Honestly, I would
have done worse if several of my lovely classmates hadn’t calmed me down as I
was being ridiculous. I truly wasn’t at my best today and that left me flustered,
sad, and a little adrift. As a recovering perfectionist, days like this are
hard for me. Being a perfectionist at things you are good at is exhausting and
fairly futile, but perfectionism is even more devastating when you aren’t
successful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">While
contemplating the reality of doing poorly regardless of how much I prepared, I remembered
a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson that says, “Life is a journey, not a
destination.” I contemplated about the way that I have been approaching life in
general and school in particular lately. While it is so important for me to do
well in school because of my plans to continue into doctoral studies, I also
need to remember the bigger picture, the bigger reason for studying so hard is
to come to know more about God and to be able to share that knowledge with
others. Today, I didn’t do well on a test but I have learned so much in Hebrew
in these last 13 weeks, things that have changed me and will continue to do so
as I continue to learn more. As soon as I begin to study just for the sake of
studying, just for the sake of having an A on a grade report then I have lost
sight of that big picture. I will have been living for the destination, instead
of experiencing the journey. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">The
destination is certainly important; without it we would have nothing to journey
towards. Yet, when it becomes the singular focus of our lives we miss out on
the small things. We don’t notice those small things that force us to
contemplate and evaluate our lives, emotions, and actions. We miss out on
learning from mistakes and the joy of overcoming obstacles because our focus is
elsewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">I
wrote some weeks ago about finding balance in my life. The reality of the
matter is that I am an A-student and do A-level work. In order to be a good
steward of my talents and obedient to the call on my life, I do need to walk in
excellence in this area. Yet, once again, it shouldn’t just be for the sake of
getting that A or getting into a PhD program, it should be because I want to
learn and honor God in all areas of my life, to the best of my abilities. It
should be because I am entirely engaged in my life and the things both big and
small that comprise it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Today,
I failed at finding that balance, but I also learned a valuable lesson and was
blessed by the many people who spoke kindly to me in my crazy stressed mental
breakdown. I was once again reminded of the Lord’s loving correction, pulling
my focus away from my own achievements and putting it once again where it
should be; solely on Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times;">And
because, one Ralph Waldo Emerson quote isn’t enough:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you
could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as
you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a
spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-72221963633976062652012-10-31T10:30:00.001-07:002012-10-31T11:02:32.605-07:00In the Blink of an Eye<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Davin (our 21 year old son) came home last night from playing softball and it was obvious something was bothering him. He proceeded to tell us that he had just heard that one of the boys he played baseball with in high school is being charged with murder. According to Davin he was a quiet, somewhat shy, really nice guy, and, although they had not been great friends, Davin spent considerable time with him. Michael was very involved in Davin's playing and knew everyone of those boys by first name and position. I remember a lot of pimples and green uniforms. The somberness in our kitchen was palatable. Those of you who know me know that I don't cry a lot, but I have been fighting back tears ever since. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So what happened? We don't have details and it is not my place to share them, but it seems drugs were involved. All I could think of was, "there but by the grace of God, goes my child." But my heart has ached ever since. I woke up several times last night feeling like I needed to cry out to God, "Help them!" Help this mother whose baby is now facing years behind bars. Help this family who is trying to make sense out of all of it. Help this young man whose dreams have now been shattered to smithereens. All in the blink of an eye.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I spent the morning listening to God-is-in-control music. That is usually the only way I can make sense of this kind of stuff; reminding myself who He is in our direst circumstances. And as I was driving to work, all of a sudden I was reminded that everything changed in the blink of an eye 2000 years ago. At the cross we went from enemies of God to being redeemed. To where by His grace things like this do not have to be the end of us. To, if we let Him, he can turn all the horror in our lives into something good. To a place where ashes can become beauty again. And the beauty of that moment has had ripple effects all these years. Everytime someone says yes to Him all of the above becomes true in their lives. It happened to me, and it happened to most of you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I don't know anything about this family and so I have no idea whether or not they are believers, whether or not they have Jesus to turn to. But I am praying for that for them. I am praying that they perceive Him reaching out to them, comforting them, and embracing them. And I am praying that Davin, as he tries to process all this, will also turn his face to the Lord and say, "Lord, that could have been me. Help me."</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260905853044955465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-84642842200920018362012-10-12T13:34:00.000-07:002013-01-27T00:27:37.142-08:00I Don't Want to Have It All TogetherOne day at school, I was a bit of a mess. I couldn't mind my highlighter or pencil and I was running round trying to get things done. Someone said that it was good to see me a bit frazzled because I always seemed to have it all together and it was good to know that I had my off days too.<br />
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I was a bit heartbroken. I thought... is that what people think of me? That I have it all together?<br />
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That was never my intention. I generally don't share with many people the things that are going on in my life because that is just the type of person I am. Unless you are someone I trust deeply, I am very unwilling to be vulnerable with you. My intention in trying to always remain upbeat and put together is not to point to myself, it was always to point to Christ. I thought that by pushing through the tough times, helping others in spite of my own pain, and working hard pointed to the absolute belief that I had in God's plan for my life.<br />
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But I guess I was wrong after all. I have become one of those people that is hard to get to know. I am one of those people that seem a little bit unapproachable. And that is no one's fault but my own because somewhere along the way, I have rebuilt that wall that I thought was long demolished.<br />
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When people look at me and think I have it all together they don't see so many things going on in my life. I am hiding an apartment so messy that I can't have people over. They don't see the Friday nights spent alone doing homework. They don't see the moments of profound self-doubt and uncertainty. They don't know that it is hard for me to make friends. They don't know that I stay in the background because it hurts less when I am ignored.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX5mof86eGP-gKdSFfCycKARJpROR0SPoRVUIlLu5kixHMtEUXyF53-bdNr7AQYU92T6ONkdhVUJz2HSAit4Z33XPO06qjYNbwH8Z8Ca9upHcqNvHy6KygmlGgbzv1Qf-gDAojZ7ZUgL2/s1600/math-tutoring-balance.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyX5mof86eGP-gKdSFfCycKARJpROR0SPoRVUIlLu5kixHMtEUXyF53-bdNr7AQYU92T6ONkdhVUJz2HSAit4Z33XPO06qjYNbwH8Z8Ca9upHcqNvHy6KygmlGgbzv1Qf-gDAojZ7ZUgL2/s320/math-tutoring-balance.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://www.allivytutoring.com/math/balance-problem/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">I need balance.</span></div>
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I stand behind my original intention to always honor God in spite of it all but perhaps I need to be a bit more open about what is going on behind the curtain. I don't want to have it all together because I want people to see Christ in me in spite of my brokenness. I want the victories and successes in my life to point solely to Him and not my <a href="http://wordsofwilliams.com/walking-in-excellence-not-perfectionism/">perfectionist </a>tendencies.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">I don't want to have it all together, I just want Him putting His plan to action in my life</span>.</div>
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It's time I start finding that balance. </div>
Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-85239407838765251492012-10-09T11:40:00.000-07:002012-10-09T11:43:29.950-07:00Jesus and the Feast of Tabernacles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00hzZpDeWkudgpsMnaDE7aXUJX51lI6dVDCOKjIc4-B4Ik8Ip11WWsjHnwpM2p0bioCCMnBGwrYTPHR3v3Hh0E4kKSZ5QHv4_DcA2pjN3UOSpDBxdtavOzS7Nt4Fi9ef_lfjwVopdnCs/s1600/temple+replica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00hzZpDeWkudgpsMnaDE7aXUJX51lI6dVDCOKjIc4-B4Ik8Ip11WWsjHnwpM2p0bioCCMnBGwrYTPHR3v3Hh0E4kKSZ5QHv4_DcA2pjN3UOSpDBxdtavOzS7Nt4Fi9ef_lfjwVopdnCs/s320/temple+replica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had to post this e-mail newsletter I got from the </span><a href="http://www.chosenpeople.com/main/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Chosen People Ministries</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> - if for nothing else because I want to remember where to find it.:) I LOVE this kind of stuff and this serves as a reminder that God does not waste anything! The picture is from the replica of what the temple/Jerusalem would have looked like at the time of Jesus. The water the author is talking about actually ran down the temple stairs and down the streets. The Pool of Siloam would have been to the bottom left so they had to bring the water uphill. Enjoy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have just finished celebrating <strong>Sukkot </strong>(the Feast of Tabernacles), which is also called <em>Hoshannah Rabbah</em> – the Great Day of Salvation. I wrote a chapter on this incredible Jewish festival in the book my wife Zhava and I wrote for Moody Press many years ago, entitled <em>The Fall Feasts of Israel.</em> I would be happy to send you a copy at cost with free shipping if you'd like to read it! You can order it by replying to this e-mail, and we will bill you so you do not need to send any money ahead of time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The week was a busy one in the religious Jewish community in Brooklyn, where I live. <em>Sukkah</em> booths dotted the landscape and Orthodox Jews took the week off from work – many were living in the booths or at least eating their meals in these structures. You can check out a few pictures in our <strong><a href="http://www.chosenpeople.com/main/index.php?option=com_acymailing&no_html=1&ctrl=url&urlid=447&mailid=269&subid=152461" target="_blank">"Sukkot in Brooklyn" photo gallery</a></strong> to get a sense of the neighborhood!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">According to Jewish tradition and also gleaned from Leviticus 23, the purpose of living in booths is to remind the Jewish people of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites and to remember the ways in which God provided for the Jewish people. Additionally, the Jewish people are reminded of the frailty of life – just as the booths let in the wind and the rain and are built without nails, so we in our humanity are frail creatures and can only have joy in life if we fully depend upon God and His provision.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is one of the reasons I love this holiday! It is also a great time to witness to Jewish people, as the somber and serious season of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are now over and my people are now reflecting on the joy of knowing God's care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I especially love the last day of the seven-day festival of Sukkot, as in John chapter 7 we see Jesus celebrating this day with the multitudes of Jewish worshippers gathered at the Temple:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Jesus spoke these words at the conclusion of a ritual that was referred to as "The Ceremony of the Water Drawing" in the Talmud. </span><a href="http://www.chosenpeople.com/main/index.php?option=com_acymailing&no_html=1&ctrl=url&urlid=448&mailid=269&subid=152461" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Alfred Edersheim</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> describes this ceremony as follows:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Thus the Talmud says distinctly: 'Why is the name of it called, the drawing out of water? Because of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, according to what is said: "With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."' Hence, also, the feast and the peculiar joyousness of it are alike designated as those of 'the drawing out of water'; for, according to the same Rabbinical authorities, the Holy Spirit dwells in many only through joy. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is the culmination of the week-long festival, during which the Jewish people were daily asking God to provide rain so that the new season of crops in Israel would be able to grow. Each day the priests would bring water in large urns from the pools of Siloam to pour out over on the altar while raising their hands and asking God to send rain. This tradition developed over the years, and the request for rain expanded to include the sending of the rain of His Spirit in the end of days – a clear signal of Messianic expectation. "Send the rain... send the Messiah" was the mentality, as expressed in the reading of Psalm 118.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the final day of Sukkot, the priests and the Levitical orchestra would march down to the pool of Siloam, fill the large urns and carry them back to the altar with great ceremony. They walked around the altar seven times, crying out "Save us, save us, save us, Lord," based upon Psalm 118:25, O Lord, do save, we beseech You; O Lord, we beseech You, do send prosperity!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the midst of these heartfelt cries to God by the Jewish people for the promised salvation, Jesus stood up and with a loud voice announced that what was hoped for was now fulfilled! Their Messianic hopes and prayers that the Spirit would be given to provide sustenance, life and joy would now be fulfilled in Him!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>What a magnificent event! What a moment for Yeshua to announce His Messiahship! </strong><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know that you have a busy and challenging ministry, as do I, but I hope you are encouraged by knowing that we can fully depend upon Him who provides the Spirit and the joy to keep us smiling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">May the joy of the Lord fill your soul today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Your brother in the Messiah,<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mitch</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">********</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Chills!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12260905853044955465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5679510871314644219.post-17033205911831372022012-10-07T20:06:00.001-07:002013-01-27T00:28:36.097-08:00Am I Willing to Admit That I Might Be Wrong??<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJlt0hZZRX-4hQPfmQ7bokegKeuXAajsnHj7pukQ4pmjfCRjUddrHfyS8UnYOLzAOxY6VLihwFtDabyeEGfoDgZc9Prl4URMyhHN9UQR7E6qdrgLM7qebheqdq680gVh7y39lh7DjK8IO/s1600/know-healing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJlt0hZZRX-4hQPfmQ7bokegKeuXAajsnHj7pukQ4pmjfCRjUddrHfyS8UnYOLzAOxY6VLihwFtDabyeEGfoDgZc9Prl4URMyhHN9UQR7E6qdrgLM7qebheqdq680gVh7y39lh7DjK8IO/s400/know-healing1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image from <a href="http://lthomason.wordpress.com/2012/01/25/know-healing-a-devotion/">here</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I came across the Facebook statuses of one of my closest friends from college. In it she said: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>God will provide for your every need. Except, he might not heal you, because he might want you to have that sickness, so that you can learn something from it. #LIE</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I commented that I did not think that the second part was a lie, because while He doesn't necessarily want any of His children to suffer, that in His sovereignty, He does not heal everyone. While my friend believes that God wants to heal everyone, I don't think He does. Obviously, illness and disease is NOT from God but He has allowed it (in the case of Job) or even used it to bring glory to His name. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the thing... sometimes when I say that I think God uses illness for His glory people say two things. They say that a good Father wouldn't cause an illness. To that I would say that God, at least to my knowledge, doesn't cause the illness. In fact, we did! Humanity introduced sin into the world and although Christ's atonement allows us to stand righteous before God, we are not automatically absolved from the consequences of a fallen world. Illness is a part of our fallen world and God Himself choses how to deal with it when we ask Him for healing. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly, people say that a healed person brings more glory for a person to walk in health, healed by God, than when He uses a person's illness for His glory. Now, I think that is a lie. Who are we to say what brings God more glory? Why is a person healed a bigger impact than a person who, in spite of their illness, still praises God? It is here too that I am sometimes accused of allowing my experience of people who are ill but still praise God to influence my theology. I say, no, because I don't believe that Scripture affirms that God wants all healed. My experience is just an outflowing, a confirmation of sorts, of what I see in God's word. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Now, let's be clear. I don't think God wants people to be sick, much like I don't think He wanted Adam and Eve to allow sin to enter the world. I don't think He wants to see us suffer and I don't think He wants to see creation slowly destroyed by depravity. Yet, for some unknown reason, sometimes He allows bad things to happen and God-loving people die from illnesses that He could have healed. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Furthermore, I think that we as a Church need to be more bold about asking for healing. Just because I don't think God wants to and will heal each person, doesn't mean that I don't believe we shouldn't ask. Yet, I am also comfortable with the reality that we live in a fallen world and so many things about how God works in this fallen world are beyond my comprehension. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">I was sitting here this afternoon, just mulling this over. Often, as a seminary student, I am accused of putting God in a box and not allowing Him to be supernatural. I am accused of being a know it all. I am accused of being prideful and arrogant. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">And you know what? Sometimes, these people are right. Sometimes, in spite of my best efforts, my relationship with God becomes more about school and less about Him. Sometimes I talk like I know more about the Lord than other people. Sometimes, I think I am better than other people. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">And sometimes I am just wrong. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">There are so many things that I am not willing to be wrong on. Fundamental issue of our faith must be preserved in an orthodox manner so that the Gospel message will remain intact. On so many things, I am not willing to entertain the idea that I am wrong because those things are the foundation of my relationship with God.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Yet, others, I am finding, I need to be careful to not harden my heart and close my ears to what others are saying because maybe it is something that I need to hear. I need to be careful that in my hurry and zeal to protect orthodoxy that I don't drown out the Lord's correction in my life. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">So, all this to say. This healing thing... I disagree with my friend and many others on God's desire to heal. I do think we need to be careful when making blanket statements about His desire to heal, but I also want people to be more open to asking for healing in the first place.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">And above all, I want to always be willing to let the Lord guide me. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">So, today, I am willing to admit that I might be wrong. I don't think I am, but just maybe, I have had it all wrong this whole time. </span></span></span></span></div>
</span>Jessica Ellertsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16508917403285261861noreply@blogger.com2