tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-357563242024-03-05T10:16:11.861-06:00Thirsty for HimEncouragement and motivation for those thirsting for a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord.Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.comBlogger607125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-44320538483336690762020-05-31T09:32:00.001-05:002023-01-31T13:07:14.612-06:00Who is in YOUR boat?Paul experienced quite a STORM in Acts 27. This storm was so violent, it shipwrecked Paul and the entire crew, landing them on the island of Malta. The coolest thing God showed me though, is that He USED Paul's storm and being shipwrecked on Malta for<i> His</i> glory....leading the people of Malta to become followers of Christ.<br />
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God will use our <span style="font-size: 130%;">storms</span> (when we allow Him) and turn them into "Malta-s", <span style="font-size: 130%;">opportunities</span> to WITNESS and <span style="font-size: 130%;">share God's love</span> with others.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBgILXbSEFu855Qgv2BQNQdmCm4r6K8lcEy3ODCO17zjdZ7KOHPt9J9wSFXSDa6nYlODhqmlWVs1XOcmFJC-FOPHVuDpordJFiWDp1INeIw28q1H2Ny4Vm4kKkPSbrPzo__LsGg/s1600-h/WFW+luke+8.25.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337748289360168818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBgILXbSEFu855Qgv2BQNQdmCm4r6K8lcEy3ODCO17zjdZ7KOHPt9J9wSFXSDa6nYlODhqmlWVs1XOcmFJC-FOPHVuDpordJFiWDp1INeIw28q1H2Ny4Vm4kKkPSbrPzo__LsGg/s400/WFW+luke+8.25.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Jesus also experienced storms....and His disciples. In fact, they often experienced the storms WITH Jesus.<br />
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From Luke 8<br />
Jesus had told the disciples that they were going over to the other side of the lake. They all climbed into the boat and began to cross to the lake. During the sail over, Jesus fell asleep. During this time, a huge storm comes up. "<strong><span style="color: #006600;">The boat was being swamped, and they were in GREAT DANGER.</span></strong>" OK, these guys were fishermen- they were used to life on the sea. They had undoubtedly seen many storms. But this one <span style="font-size: 130%;">SCARED</span> them!<br />
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They woke up Jesus screaming, "<span style="color: #006600;">Master, Master, we're going to drown!"</span><br />
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They are <span style="font-size: 130%;">hysterical</span>. They thought it was "all over."<br />
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Now, I had always "read" this as the disciples were waking up Jesus to have him DO SOMETHING. But, perhaps, they are waking Jesus up because they think they are going to have to jump ship....that this storm is "IT"....this is the end for all of them.... Are they waking Him up, thinking "How can you sleep through THIS? We are all going to die!"<br />
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Listen to what happens next. (Verses 24-25)<br />
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<span style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold;">He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "<span style="font-size: 130%;">Where</span> is your faith?" He asked His disciples.</span> <span style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold;"></span> <span style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold;">In fear and amazement, they asked one another, "<span style="font-size: 130%;">Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him."</span></span><br />
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If the disciples had known that Jesus was GOD, would they have been scared? If they knew that <span style="font-size: 130%;">I AM</span> was <em>in the boat with them</em>, would they have feared? God Almighty...Creator of the universe...Who set the stars in place....Who <i>created</i> the sea.....Who keeps the winds in storehouses.... was with them in the boat! If they realized <span style="font-size: 130%;">WHO</span> Jesus was, would they have panicked? Peter had not yet confessed that Jesus was the Christ. And, although they knew Jesus was something NEW....a prophet, a teacher, something very special.....did they know that <span style="font-size: 130%;">GOD Himself</span> was in the boat with them????<br />
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If they did, would they have been afraid?<br />
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And, it made me think of myself. <span style="font-style: italic;">If I truly believed</span> that the great I AM, the God of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Almighty were in <span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">MY</span> boat</span>, would I be afraid when the storms of life come up?<br />
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When temptations come, when trials come....do I see <span style="font-size: 130%;">WHO IS IN MY BOAT WITH ME</span>?<br />
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Do I relax in faith? Do I trust? Do I rest in knowing that in my time of need, the Lord Himself is there, in MY BOAT, as my strength, my Savior, my sufficiency?<br />
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<em style="font-weight: bold;">Lord, help me to see You for Who You are. You are the Creator of the UNIVERSE! You have created all the stars, the seas, the creatures... You made ME. Give me eyes to SEE You for who You are. You are the great I AM! When the storms of life come up, help me to trust completely in You, knowing that You can calm them with just a word. You are in MY BOAT WITH ME. Help me to get a revelation of that. I love You, Lord! Praise You, Jesus! Thank You for Your glorious Word! In Christ, the Calmer of the Storms, the One, True, Living God's Name we pray. Amen!</em><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-76427838649623178502020-03-03T15:45:00.001-06:002020-03-03T15:45:51.390-06:00Building-Up Words!<br />
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My mouth can get me into trouble. Along with my "quick wit", I am also "blessed" with an impulsiveness that can, coupled together, cause an eruption of hurtful words and an explosion of hurt feelings. This Lenten season, I am forgoing the elimination of chocolate or red meat or TV programs, and purposefully and prayerfully eliminating "unwholesome talk" from my vocabulary. Now, you may be tempted to think "unwholesome" means only "vulgar" speech or words that fall into the "swearing like a sailor" category...but God challenges us to get rid of all words that DO NOT LIFT OTHERS UP.<br />
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Not just words that are mean or hurtful, but...<br />
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DO NOT SPEAK WORDS...UNLESS THEY ARE...<br />
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Useful words.<br />
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Kind words.<br />
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Positive words.<br />
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Encouraging words.<br />
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Words that BUILD OTHERS UP ACCORDING TO <b><i>THEIR</i></b> NEEDS. This requires a few things.<br />
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1. SHUT UP! (& listen!). Don't just listen, anticipating your response, but listen without any other agenda other than to HEAR the person speaking.<br />
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2. Listen with the intent of figuring out their needs. Does the person just need a should to cry on? Do they need help coming up with a solution to a problem? Do they need to know someone HEARS them...that they are not invisible?<br />
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3. Speak! "Build them up." Affirm them. Remind them of how AWESOME they are. Notice them.<br />
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God has really been dealing with me as I have been purposing to live out this verse.<br />
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When I have been tempted to point out someone's mistakes, have an "I told you so" attitude, or engage in gossip...God has been reminding me that I "gave up" harsh words during Lent. See? I posted about it here:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">[HARSH WORDS]</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">Behind my sweet smile, lurks sarcasm & a tongue that can cut to the quick. The Holy Spirit tells me to keep mouth closed but I often choose to ignore that because that little comeback is just "too good" not to get in. Power of life & death are in the tongue. I choose to give up words that kill the spirit & bring death; I choose life-giving words.</span><br />
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Of course I do NOT intend to pick harsh words back up again after Easter! "Eliminating" certain things, be it chocolate or unwholesome talk, is the practice of seeking Jesus during this season and becoming more like Him during Lent and forever.<br />
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"Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful to build others up according to their needs."<br />
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Lord, may my words be life-giving, encouraging, helpful, kind, & uplifting.❤<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-75311787305832108882020-03-02T09:01:00.000-06:002020-03-03T15:46:09.457-06:00Beloved....me?<div style="text-align: center;">
As I continue to seek God during Lent, something I chose to "give up" in this season is </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>negative self-talk</b>. </span></div>
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I tend to be my own worst critic and really hard on myself at times. I will use words that I would NEVER speak to someone else, calling myself names, reminding myself of mistakes. Sometimes I replay failures in my mind, repeating every detail over and over.</div>
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So...I am giving up a negative self-image.</div>
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[NEGATIVE SELF-IMAGE ]<br />
I choose to believe that I am His beloved daughter, loved & accepted AND my identity is secure in Him. </div>
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I am His masterpiece, fearfully & wonderfully made. My WORTH doesn't come from what others think of me, NOT from how successful I am or how successful my kids are... NOT from how clean my house is or what size my jeans are.</div>
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My WORTH comes from being created, loved, saved, and redeemed by a good, good Father, the Creator of the Universe...the God of all creation. ❤</div>
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Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-31258973868639887602020-02-28T08:13:00.001-06:002020-03-03T15:46:58.963-06:00❤As I continue my Lenten journey, I have been asking God to "get my heart right." To change my heart, rip out anything that shouldn't be there...to make my heart more like His.<br />
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Today's daily verse was Psalm 19:7: The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.<br />
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And as I continued reading, it really was the next few verses that hit my heart:<br />
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer. (Verses 12-14).<br />
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And, the prayer from my devotional:<br />
<em style="font-family: serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Lord, I give you permission to search my heart today. Though it’s uncomfortable, if there is anything in me that is not from you and in line with your Word, help me to let it go. Thank you for doing it with me. I don’t want anything to hinder our relationship; I want to be fully yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.</em><br />
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Do you think God is telling me something???Encouraging me to allow Him to search my heart and dig out the junk? Yep, me, too.<br />
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Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Sometimes my pride really wants to fight it. Sometimes I think I am RIGHT...JUSTIFIED..to feel/think things are OK to be in there. Bitterness & unforgiveness for someone who deeply hurt me. Judgemental thoughts. Jealousy.<br />
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But, God wants to transform me. Mold me. Shape me. Make me more like Jesus.<br />
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And...that is what this season of Lent is all about. Drawing near to God & allowing Him to do this work in me.<br />
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Lord, thank You. Thank You for Jesus. Thank You that You are transforming me day by day. May I reflect Jesus and look more like Him today.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-90727311625081698562020-02-27T08:28:00.001-06:002020-03-03T15:47:33.285-06:00WHO is JESUS??? (to me???)<div>
As we draw near to Easter, I want my thoughts to focus on Jesus. I will be republishing a series I have done before during the Lenten season- <span style="font-size: 20.8px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Who Is Jesus?"</span></span> Please stop by frequently to join me in thinking about just who Jesus is and what He means to me....<br />
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Jesus asked His disciples, "And who do <span style="font-style: italic;">YOU</span> say I am?" It is an important question for all of us to answer....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjeafMRrsOUwlNPutPl1qf8wF6SS3AKphbIGTfgHYPIGlkgpLm8ahx3vmjHcscJpoMH1wNuE_qEZgtbZBbZPQIR5eMLmYA0tSCzfgn_mWEMB96LSNZeyBdyIuGA49t6xRL-mSmw/s1600/jesus.jpg"></a>Once during a bible study, the leader asked us to keep a “journal” of who Jesus is to us, <i>personally</i>, writing down whatever came to us during the length of the study. It was a great "task". I think sometimes I forget to sit and ponder just how much Jesus means to me.</div>
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I encourage you to take on this assignment, writing everything you KNOW about Jesus and everything Jesus is to you (for example, He may be “tender” to you…). This is the beginning of my list, and if I were to write everything, you would be here for hours reading it!<br />
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Things most precious to me:<br />
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Jesus knew He would be Savior <b>BEFORE</b> the beginning of time. Before creation, He knew “the plan”. He knew Adam would fall in the garden. He knew He would have to die for my sin, to BECOME sin for me- the Spotless Lamb- to take away my sin. He would take on my punishment. BEFORE He created me, He knew in order to spend eternity with me, He would willingly, joyfully choose to be my Savior, to take my lashes, to take my punishment, scorn, ridicule, and death on the cross. <span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Knowing ALL of this, He still chose to create me</span>. Wow, that blows me away! The <b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">love </span></b>He has for me.<br />
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Jesus is the <b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Creator of the universe</span></b>- “through Him all things were made- without Him nothing was made.”<br />
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He is the <b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Word </span></b>made flesh. He is the <b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Living Word</span></b>. He is the <b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Written Word</span></b>. Genesis through Revelation tells the “story” of Jesus. The Word- the Word that leads me and guides me……<br />
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<span style="font-size: 21px;"><b>Emmanuel</b></span><b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">- “God With Us”-</span></b> Jesus never leaves me, never abandons me, never is too busy for me. Jesus is with me in my trials and my joyful celebrations. Jesus is part of me- “I am in Him and He is me.”<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Savior</span></b>- Jesus is my Savior, saving me from my sins, saving me from myself,<b><span style="font-size: large;"> rescuing </span></b>me over and over again……..<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Healer</span></b>- Jesus is my healer, healing me from ALL my diseases- body, soul, mind, and HEART. One of my favorite examples is the leper that says he believes Jesus can heal him <i>if </i>Jesus is willing. Jesus answers, <span style="font-size: large;">“I am willing</span>.” Those three words bring me such comfort- I am willing.<i> I</i> am willing. I <i>am</i> willing. I am<i> willing</i>. Jesus, you healed ALL who came to you.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Author</span></b> and <b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">perfector</span></b> of my faith- my biggest “cheerleader.” Jesus, you want me to succeed, you want me to grow and mature. Jesus, you don’t condemn me, but challenge me, encourage me, guide me and perfect me……..<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Bridegroom-</span></b> waiting in eager expectation to return in glory for <b>ME</b>. As a bridegroom, you rejoice over me with singing (Isaiah 61), Jesus, you are “enthralled with my beauty.”<br />
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Jesus is my <b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Intercessor</span></b>- <i>Jesus is praying for me every day</i>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 20.8px;"><b><i>Redeemer,</i> </b></span><span style="font-size: 27.8162px;">You bought back my life....REDEEMED it! My life is "paid in full"!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Friend</span></b>, a friend that sticks closer than a brother, my best friend……<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Freedom!</span></i></b> I no longer am in bondage to anything!!!!!!!!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Lover</span></b>- Jesus, you love me with an everlasting love that never ends……<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Way</span></b>- Jesus, you are the only way to the Father………..<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">I love you, Jesus</span></i></b>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 30.2162px;">Who is Jesus to you?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 23.6438px;">This was first posted 1/18/08</span></div>
<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-67502694868007376852020-02-26T18:00:00.000-06:002020-03-03T15:48:02.968-06:00<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-6c07ed90-7fff-79f5-4228-5de06fb1f491" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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Today is Ash Wednesday. And, if you are out and about, you may see someone with ashes on their forehead. No, it isn't dirt. Don't try to wipe it off! 😳😁</div>
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It is the "imposition of ashes" and marks the <br />
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I was reading something online which said something like, "Ash Wednesday is the one holiday the secular world won't take over and make it about materialism. Hallmark won't be making Ash Wednesday cards." 😅</div>
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Could you imagine? So.....WHAT IS LENT?????</div>
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Lent is our time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Easter...a time of repentance. With the beginning of Lent being Ash Wednesday, it is a season of realizing your sin and complete "human-ness." We are reminded that "from dust we came and to dust we will return." We remember that we are sinful creatures in need of a Savior. </div>
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Time to reflect. </div>
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A time to surrender my heart, deny my flesh & allow God to speak & uproot negative things out of my heart.</div>
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You may hear people say "I am going to GIVE UP something" during the journey, like sugar or alcohol or soda or social media.</div>
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What I have decided to give up for lent:</div>
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[CRITICAL SPIRIT]<br />
I am going to look for the best in others & give people the benefit of the doubt. Dig for gold. Expect the best. Give grace freely & generously. Walk & operate in grace. </div>
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[HARSH WORDS]<br />
Behind my sweet smile, lurks sarcasm & a tongue that can cut to the quick. The Holy Spirit tells me to keep mouth closed but I often choose to ignore that because that little comeback is just "too good" not to get in. Power of life & death are in the tongue. I choose to give up words that kill the spirit & bring death & I choose life giving words.</div>
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[OFFENDED HEART]<br />
I choose to give up any easily offendable heart. I am not going to be offended by what other people say or do to me or around me. Again, I choose to believe the best about others & walk in grace when others (intentionally/unintentionally ) hurt me. Choose to be secure in my identity in Christ. </div>
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[NEGATIVE SELF-IMAGE ]<br />
I choose to believe that I am His beloved daughter, loved & accepted and my identity is secure in Him. I am His masterpiece, fearfully & wonderfully made. My worth doesn't come from what others think of me, not from how successful I am or how my kids are. My worth comes from a good Father & I am loved by Him.</div>
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Complaining.</div>
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Self-centered-ness.</div>
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Turning to food, alcohol, scrolling for comfort, INSTEAD OF my relationship with Christ.</div>
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Every judgemental thought.</div>
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Every selfish ambition.</div>
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I want to "give up" everything of this fleshly, sinful nature....</div>
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I want to walk in the Spirit.</div>
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I want to walk in the BLOOD of Jesus...</div>
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the SACRIFICE of the cross...</div>
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I want to put off my old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires...</div>
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to be made new in the attitude of my mind...</div>
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to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 5:24)</div>
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I am tearing my heart wide open, falling down on my face and asking Jesus to do such a mighty work in me.</div>
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Purify me.</div>
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Make my heart right, Jesus.</div>
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Jesus.</div>
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What a beautiful Name.</div>
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What He did. What He does.</div>
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Lord, I do come before You in spirit of repentance, with a broken and contrite heart. Lord, I confess and repent (turn away from) the ugliness of my heart.</div>
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I repent of a critical spirit that is quick to judge others. </div>
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I repent of complaining. Forgive my heart that complains instead of offering gratitude.</div>
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I confess my bad attitude and worshiping at the alter of myself. ME ME ME</div>
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I confess my bad choices. Instead of doing the things You have laid on my heart, Lord, I do things my own way. I waste precious time. I choose the easy way, the lazy way...</div>
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I confess my unbelief. I say I believe You, but do my actions trust you completely, Lord? Am I obedient in all things? </div>
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Lord, forgive me for going my own way so often. Forgive my pridefulness. </div>
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Lord, I turn away from all of these things and turn towards you. Help me, Lord! Thank you for Jesus! I am in such desperate need of a Savior! Prepare my heart, Lord for the season of Easter. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me! Lord, may these 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter be filled with Your Presence. Thank You for Your forgiveness. I love You Lord. In the Precious Name of Jesus, the Name above all names, the Alpha and Omega, the Lamb of God, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel, the Healer of the lame, the One who sets the captives free, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, the Resurrection, and the Lover of my soul, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.</div>
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Praying your personal journey draws you close to a God who loves you greatly. ❤❤❤❤❤</div>
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He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.</div>
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For as high as the heavens are above the earth,</div>
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so great is His love for those who fear Him;</div>
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as far as the east is from the west,</div>
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so far has He removed our transgressions from us.</div>
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As a father has compassion on His children,</div>
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so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him;</div>
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for He knows how we were formed,</div>
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He remembers that we are DUST...(Psalm 103:10-14)</div>
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...from dust you are</div>
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and to dust you will return....</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-4781901094060430082020-02-21T08:53:00.001-06:002020-02-21T08:53:58.595-06:00Beauty all around...Gifts from Sanibel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love to walk. And when I walk, I love to notice the beauty around me. And...when I notice the beauty around me, I want to share it! My kids are forever giving me "posting advice" and warning against "oversharing,"</div>
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and "less is more" when it comes to photos....</div>
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BUT....</div>
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I. CAN'T. HELP. MYSELF!</div>
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And, my desire is to encourage YOU to notice the blessings and gifts that are all around YOU.</div>
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You may be thinking, it's easy to notice beauty and blessings when you are near the ocean or the mountains, or some exotic locale...but oh, how I encourage you to notice </div>
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RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE. </div>
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It could be at the mall (I have shared inspiration from the mall!), on the bike trail, in your own backyard...appreciating the experiences around you...SLOWING DOWN to notice the beauty around you. </div>
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I can get so busy, focused, that I MISS the gifts right in front of me. </div>
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So..I encourage you (& ME!) to </div>
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SLOW DOWN</div>
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NOTICE</div>
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APPRECIATE</div>
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and..</div>
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TAKE TIME FOR GRATITUDE.❤</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-30640171010226110682020-02-18T06:37:00.000-06:002020-02-18T06:37:06.282-06:00Chasing the Moon!Did you see the amazing "Snow Moon" last week? If not just Google to see some fantastic images. Itvreminded me of this post I wrote several years ago when I CHASED the moon...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">This morning as I walked in the still, quiet air, I was delighted by God’s glory. It was one of those rare mornings that the moon and the sun were sharing the sky. The sky was beautiful, with blue/gray and pink hues. There were clouds sweeping around the sun, making a breathtaking sunrise. But, the moon was incredible! It was a huge, perfect golden circle in the sky. As I walked, I tried to keep that moon in sight. I knew it wouldn’t last much longer, the later it became and the more the sun rose.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">As I turned the corner and went on my usual path, and as the moon made its journey, it was now behind me. It began setting in the sky, behind houses and trees, and it became harder to find. As I continued to walk, I kept looking behind me, stretching my neck, trying to catch those last glimpses of the beautiful moon. When, I finally turned my head, and looked straight in front of me, there it was! The moon had been there all along, as I kept looking behind me searching for it.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">I instantly thought of Paul’s words, “Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14) I thought how often in life we keep looking behind us, chasing the moon! We may have had a success in life that we keep remembering and trying to imitate. Or, we may have had a failure that we keep thinking about, and wishing we could change it. “If only…”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">But, Paul tells us to forget what is behind us! Forget about the mistakes and failures of the past. And, although we rejoice in our successes of our past, instead of being stuck in those, look forward! He says he is “straining” toward what is ahead. That means that it may not be easy to go forward, to keep our eyes ahead. But, we are to “press on” toward the prize- our supreme and heavenly prize in Christ Jesus. Don’t be foolish like I was- trying to find the moon behind me when it was in front of me all along! Jesus is right in front of our eyes! Keep your eyes on Him- straight ahead, pressing forward!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;" /><em style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">Father, we praise You and glorify Your holy name. We thank You for Your creation- the sun and moon and beautiful mornings when we get to see them both in the sky. God, help us to forget what is behind- the failures that we keep reliving, the regrets of yesterday, the mistakes we have made. Your Word says “there is no condemnation in Christ, and that Your compassion is new each morning.” Help us to let go of those things, God. Also, help us to see that Today is a new day. We rejoice in the successes You have brought to us in the past, but we also want to focus on the new challenges of Today. Help us to strain toward what is ahead. Help us God to “press on” everyday. Thank You for Your love, Lord. Thank You for Your Word that teaches us something everyday. Thank You for life experiences that help us see Your Word in our lives. I pray we all will have eyes open to You, Lord, so that we can see how You are working in our lives everyday. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.</em><br />
<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-8598406656751305952020-02-14T06:10:00.001-06:002020-02-14T06:10:57.465-06:00<div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFgIA5K-6QT2Xev4kAt5RG_WTCPC7bInlOJBxcRM5j-KIlaWNwWZZD4G_bAfiDluXHrGU2r7SEAQzP-CIHCPlh6iwnZZEaZfZEwtBlmuXtOmwT9WQkQiaOhlKLtq_u9od4-OyJA/s1600-h/p_hearts.jpg" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302691864151767826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFgIA5K-6QT2Xev4kAt5RG_WTCPC7bInlOJBxcRM5j-KIlaWNwWZZD4G_bAfiDluXHrGU2r7SEAQzP-CIHCPlh6iwnZZEaZfZEwtBlmuXtOmwT9WQkQiaOhlKLtq_u9od4-OyJA/s280/p_hearts.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 280px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 100%; padding: 5px; position: relative; width: 280px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 20.592px;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "lucida grande";"><b>Happy Valentine's Day!</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;">It's the day of "love". Lovers around the world celebrate their affection for one another. Families make heart-shaped pancakes.....Men buy red roses and chocolates...Some women even receive gifts such as jewelry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;">But, what if you don't have a spouse?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;">What if you have a child who won't speak to you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;">What if you are grieving the loss of your loved one?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;">Or, what if your "honey" doesn't buy flowers, chocolates, or jewelry?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;">What if you feel disappointed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;">Unloved?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;"><span style="font-size: 26.7696px;">Whether we are celebrating the love of those around us, or we feel "left out" in this love thing, we need to remember our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can ever imagine.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 20.592px;">For God so loved the world...</span></div>
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“<span style="color: #009900;">We love because God first loved us!”</span> (1John 4:19) We can only love God and take delight in Him because He <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">FIRST</span></b> loved us! <span style="color: #009900;"><b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">"For God so loved the world, that He have His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." </span></b></span>(John 3:16) God loves the world so much that He sacrificed His one and only Son so that we may live.</div>
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God loves the <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">WORLD</span></b>, and you are included in the WORLD, but God loves <span style="font-size: 20.592px;"><b>YOU</b></span>….personally. God loves <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">YOU</span></b> so much that He gave <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">YOU</span></b> Jesus.<br /><br />When our youngest child Abby was about 8 months old, I was making my bed and I happened to look over at her. She was quietly napping in her swing. All of a sudden, I was filled with such an overflowing, intense, unconditional love for her. It was like a wave of love washed over me. I HAD to stop making the bed, drop everything and scoop her up, kissing her from top to bottom. I thought, "Abby, you are "addicting!" Sometimes I can't even do anything else but love on you!" I felt so much love for her.<br /><br />She hadn't DONE anything.<br /><br />She hadn't performed.<br /><br />She wasn’t “being good.”<br /><br />She was just….being.<br /><br />And, I just felt overwhelming love for her. God whispered to my heart at that moment. “Tracy this is how I feel for you. I want to scoop you up and love on you. You don’t have to <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">DO</span></b> anything. You <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">don’t</span></b> have to perform. You don’t have to “<b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">be good</span></b>.” Just <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">BE</span></b>.........”<br /><br />Sweet Reader, God feels that way for you as well. He has an overflowing, intense, “gotta<br />stop what He is doing, scoop you up and love on you” unconditional love. Beloved, we don't have to <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">DO</span></b> anything, He JUST loves us! He just has to pick us up, breathe us in, kiss us, love on us.... The God of the Universe feels that way for <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">YOU</span></b>! Doesn't it just bring you to your knees?<br /><br />God loves you and desires that you love Him back! “<span style="color: #009900;">The Lord Your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. And He will rejoice over you with singing.</span>” (Zephaniah 3:17) Your God sings over you like a mother singing to her newborn babe cradled in her arms.</div>
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Do you get it?</div>
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Can you comprehend how much God loves YOU?</div>
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He takes delight in you. You make Him smile. You are His<b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;"> Beloved</span></b>!</div>
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I'm sorry to say that our sweet husbands, children, parents, and friends will disappoint us at times....they are not meant to fill our needs, our longing...</div>
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Only your God can love you the way you need to be loved.</div>
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Completely.</div>
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Unconditionally.</div>
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Beyond measure.</div>
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And, because God loves us, He wants US to love one another.</div>
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This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.-1John 3:11</blockquote>
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Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.-1John 3:18</blockquote>
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Remember, <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">LOVE</span></b> isn't a <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">FEELING</span></b>. <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">LOVE </span></b>is an <b><span style="font-size: 20.592px;">ACTION</span></b>.</div>
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Love someone today.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 20.592px;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></b></div>
<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-63273870570243776192020-01-30T06:48:00.000-06:002020-01-30T06:48:36.187-06:00The Greatest of These Is LOVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNeWBzDCOqMjyGWQlURUsz6X4G0bqisDUTOp4ERVfA7dNR7w12W6pkZSr49rBK3tVYUnedLfjJ5LWwvnJ6vbdi96rjG8DdXn9hGriFB3OFALScKtOfv03T5SoManpwJreV51awA/s1600/1580385247328_1280x1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNeWBzDCOqMjyGWQlURUsz6X4G0bqisDUTOp4ERVfA7dNR7w12W6pkZSr49rBK3tVYUnedLfjJ5LWwvnJ6vbdi96rjG8DdXn9hGriFB3OFALScKtOfv03T5SoManpwJreV51awA/s320/1580385247328_1280x1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."<br />
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Have you ever been so annoyed by an irritating sound? Nails on the chalkboard...snooring, sneezing, incessant gum smaking? Someone's ring tone that continues to go off AND THEN the person talking loudly so that you are part of the conversation and have just heard waaaayyyy too much information???<br />
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Yep. That's what WE sound like to the world as Christians if we don't love others... I could speak 10 different languages fluently, publish a book, write beautiful blog posts...but, if I don't love the people in my life well...coworkers, in-laws, neighbors...I am as irritating as a GONG.<br />
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"If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing."<br />
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Doesn't matter how SMART I am...how much I KNOW...how well I can interpret the Bible, even if I could explain it beautifully and teach it perfectly to others, if I don't LOVE, it doesn't mean ANYTHING. A N Y T H I N G!!!!<br />
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"If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing."<br />
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So...where is my heart? Because I can "give" to others.....but in a grudgingly, stingy, eye-rollin' judgmental way. Has anyone ever given something to you and you have secretly thought "thanks, but NO THANKS!" Giving WITHOUT love is not truly giving. I may be able to BRAG about my giving...but how does my recipient feel???<br />
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"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."<br />
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Ahhhh....most quoted Bible wedding verses. But wouldn't it be better if these, for Christ-followers were most quoted FUNERAL verses? Yes, Tracy lived like Jesus. She was patient. She was kind. She wasn't jealous or boastful or proud. She didn't demand her own way. She wasn't irritable (EVEN during PMS!), didn't hold a grudge, didn't "keep score", didn't rejoice about injustice but celebrated justice. She never gave up, never lost faith, was always hopeful, and always endured...Wow! If we as Christians lived our lives that way, WE WOULD CHANGE THE WORLD! I have taught my kids that love is a VERB. And, an action verb at that. Love DOES. What does love "do"? Reread this paragraph! Love is patient...with your kids, your spouse, even your SIBLING, the person who cut you off in traffic, the person taking too long ordering in a huge line, the cashier who has made 12 mistakes and causing the too long line, your boss, your co-worker, your in-laws....EVERYBODY! Love is kind (go through people list again!). Love isn't jealous...ouch, not proud, doesn't brag. Love is the WALK that accompanies the TALK. And, it endures....hard things...uncomfotable things...scary things. Lord, may I endure, all times, all things IN LOVE.<br />
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It's hard to live like this. I try. But, I mess up. I fall down while I am WALKING the TALK. But, my God is right there to pick me up, encourage me, and help to continue to love. And, he is right there for you when you stumble in your walk!<br />
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"Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."<br />
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And the greatest of these is LOVE. Oh Lord, help me to LOVE.❤<br />
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1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 13 NLT<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-10585242342041117452020-01-23T07:02:00.002-06:002020-01-23T07:02:29.175-06:00Don’t Waste Your Life!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">2019 seemed to pass by so quickly and now another new year is just beginning. A new decade! I have found, if I am not careful, I can allow time to slip by too quickly, and when I look back, I am disappointed, feeling like I have wasted this precious time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you still walking out those New Year's resolutions?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes I make resolutions with the best intentions, but all too quickly they are forgotten by now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Resolutions" seem to be important to all of us. There seems to be a common desire among us- to find out and fulfill our "purpose" in life. Nobody wants her life to be a "waste"! Most people want to leave a fingerprint on the world, to make a difference, to have an impact on others’ lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We want our lives to be special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you ever wondered what God wants to do with YOUR life? What His PURPOSE is for YOUR life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DOES He have a PLAN FOR ME?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yes, God does have a plan for our lives!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans for hope and a future. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, how do I live out these plans, WITHOUT wasting precious time?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Paul writes in Ephesians, “Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">...BEING DELIBERATE AT LIVING OUR LIVES- PAYING ATTENTION...ON PURPOSE KIND OF LIVING.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be careful how you live. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here, the Greek literally means, “don’t stumble through life.” Do you ever find yourself “stumbling through life?” Does life ever seem to fly by so quickly that you find yourself saying, like me, "Where did the day go? Where did the month go? Where did 2019 go?!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I once saw a billboard that said, “Time flies, but you are the pilot.” I loved that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You are the pilot, so fly carefully!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Be careful how you live … and try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you know what the Lord wants you to do?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you ever thought about it? Maybe you’re thinking, “I didn’t know the Lord wanted me to do anything!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is the first thing God wants us to do? He wants us to hunger for Him! More than service or obedience, or ANYTHING, God wants us to seek after HIM in an intimate, real, living, breathing relationship with Him. Jesus said the greatest commandment was "to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength. Then, love your neighbor as yourself.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You see, sometimes we get confused and we have a RELIGION, but we don’t have a RELATIONSHIP with the One who so desires us. God simply desires US.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What else does God want from MY life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus wants a relationship with Him, AND He wants us to make HIM our FIRST passion. God wants our wholehearted devotion, and He wants our whole life. Our WHOLE life, not just part of it, not just on Sunday mornings, ALL of it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Romans 6:13 says, “Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your WHOLE BODY as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Give ourselves completely, completely to God- every part of our lives in total surrender to Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So often, we only allow God into the “spiritual” part of our lives. We go to church on Sundays. We have our “quiet times.” We even are reading through the Bible. But, God wants so much more than that- He wants it all- my whole life. Not just the areas that I think are “OK” to give to Him, the “churchy things," GOING TO CHURCH, GOING TO BIBLE STUDY, RETREATS, SERVING IN THE CHURCH…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NOT JUST THOSE THINGS, but every area- my marriage, my relationship with my kids, my home, my friends, my work, my free time. He wants every thought, every decision, every choice to be surrendered to Him, totally making Him Lord of my life! He wants to be part of everything that is important to us. And, when we do, He leads us in the days, the months, the years... accomplishing what is truly important...walking out our purpose according to His plan. Loving others well. Doing hard things. Making a difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, for me, this year, 2020, I purpose to NOT waste my life! I intend to slow down and make God my first priority. I want to get lost in my relationship with Him. I want to spend time at His feet, filling up on Him. I want to give Him everything. I want to make the most of every day....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How about you? How will you make the most of 2020?</span></div>
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Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-22912235008136458932020-01-01T12:10:00.002-06:002020-01-01T12:10:46.514-06:00<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-b096396f-7fff-82d0-6e79-0c6b5010adab" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2020.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's a new year. A time to reflect. Make improvements and resolutions….and look back at the past year. Accomplishments and victories...and mistakes and disappointments. Scrolling social media, some friends are so glad to have 2019 OVER, while others had the best year of their lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like you, I have had ups and downs in this past year. Like you, I have experienced great heartache loss and grief...and overwhelming joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 2019 was a year I watched my mom slip away from me. A year I experienced exhaustion of caring for her, 6 hour car trips back and forth, the stress of what was happening, unanswered prayer, begging and pleading for more time with her, AND YET experiencing the greatest peace I have ever known, knowing she is resting in the arms of Jesus, full of hope and the comfort of knowing we will meet once again. Experiencing such miracles through the process and surrounded by the love and care of family and friends. Witnessing my children walk in such maturity and compassion and great love...character that is only developed through difficulty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2019 was a year watching grown kids wrestle with their own demons.. disappointments, stress, heartache..AND celebrating their victories, accomplishments, and happy moments. Vacations. Graduations. Answered prayers. Relief.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2019 was a year of friendships. New friends and the joy of growing in friendship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friends that loved me well. The joy of overflowing love and support. Friends who surprised me. And...the disappointment of friends letting me down, because being human means that will happen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2020. It's a new year. A new decade. It WILL be filled with joy...and grief. Love...and loss. Victory ...and disappointment. It is all part of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Part of loving and living.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My prayer for you this new year and decade is that you know the Source of all hope. The Source of joy amidst grief. Overwhelming Peace. Love complete. That your heart would be captured by the love of a Savior and filled beyond measure with His Presence. Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with God's abundant blessings. </span></div>
Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-66353105784823600782019-12-20T06:56:00.003-06:002019-12-20T06:56:57.692-06:00Some Christmas This Turned Out To Be! <div style="background-color: white; font-family: Trebuchet, "Trebuchet MS", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.08px;">
Have you ever seen the movie, </div>
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<strong>"Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas</strong>"? One of the short stories in the movie has Donald Duck's three nephews <span style="font-size: 42.8896px;">reliving</span> Christmas day over and <em>over. </em>Until they learn the "true" meaning of Christmas, they reek havoc on Christmas morning. They hurt the family's feelings, ruin Christmas dinner, even cause the tree to fall, breaking all of the ornaments. In sad disbelief of the total disaster all around, the aunt cries out, "<strong>Some Christmas this turned out to be."</strong></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285299878848621714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyx4ldAF2TAU70ALLJ2hCuEKUFiDKqZY8c0AkB1xl15lxAZUJi0gFfQvJXqUjgomBOLKfhOGcmW9WEdsF8oxBrWP2mn0dXqn-rIgyyixN1VrSxHlL-1yCpORLnyr4Y2vSbV5u4/s200/mickey+christmas.jpg" style="border: 0px; display: block; height: 115px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /><br />We expect Christmas to be "perfect." The decorations. The lights. The presents. The food. We expect it to be a Norman Rockwell painting.<br /><br />Or....a Thomas Kinkade Christmas card...<br /></div>
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One year our Christmas was much more "<strong><em>Some Christmas this turned out to be</em></strong>" than <strong><em>Norman Rockwell </em></strong>or<strong><em> Thomas Kinkade.</em></strong></div>
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We had gotten weather that prevented us from spending very much time with my family. What was supposed to be a whole weekend celebration of visiting turned out to be a few rushed hours spent with only part of the family making it due to weather. Hours spent planning and searching for "perfect presents" and anticipation to see their faces when they opened them were traded for the disappointment of leaving the gifts with relatives to be picked up at another time.</div>
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Brian had not been feeling well since Thanksgiving. So, with Daddy sick off and on, many of our usual traditions were not done this year.</div>
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My sweet friend Jamie had passed away right before Christmas. Attending her wake and funeral made some holiday activities just seem irrelevant.</div>
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Illness struck our house. Many of the usual traditions were skipped because someone was sick. Even Christmas morning present opening had to be postponed due to the flu.</div>
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That year, as I spent Christmas Day wallowing, praying, being angry with God, rebuking the sickness, asking for Jesus' healing....I thought about the true meaning of Christmas and what </div>
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THE "perfect Christmas" was like.... </div>
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the <span style="font-size: 42.8896px;">perfect</span> Christmas didn't have a tree, or decorations, or a fancy meal....the <span style="font-size: 42.8896px;">perfect</span> Christmas didn't have Christmas cards.....the <span style="font-size: 42.8896px;">perfect</span> Christmas didn't have fancy wrapped packages....the <span style="font-size: 42.8896px;">perfect</span> Christmas had a humble baby in a manger that came to love and live and die for us. <span style="font-size: 42.8896px;">The perfect Christmas was when Jesus was born and His promise to all of us.</span></div>
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The "perfect" Christmas isn't about <strong><span style="color: #006600;">presents</span></strong>, but about <strong><span style="font-size: 42.8896px;">His Presence</span></strong>.</div>
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That year, in bed, Christmas Day, I thought about all these things....praying and pondering.</div>
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No matter what our circumstances. No matter what the weather. No matter if we get to "do" all of our favorite traditions. No matter if our Christmas list is filled or not...</div>
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Even if we "lose" a precious loved one.</div>
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These "things" don't "make" Christmas.</div>
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Jesus makes Christmas.</div>
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His gift to us makes Christmas.</div>
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His love makes Christmas.</div>
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The "perfect" Christmas was when a sweet young girl surrendered to her Lord and when her husband obeyed Him. They traveled to Bethlehem. There was no room in the inn for them to stay so they found a stable on the outskirts of town. Sometime during the night, a precious baby was born. A Savior. Immanuel. Messiah. A soft, warm, crying baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger. Angels glorified Him. Shepherds worshipped Him.</div>
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<em>What a Christmas this turned out be!</em> Hallelujah</div>
Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-26604343332384265752019-08-27T11:53:00.002-05:002019-08-27T11:53:59.406-05:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonYtp8G9RaBSQA7ojRCd5_sGyhszs3ALVV7G97bRwNHoice2SugXELGpzzLF15fxZuqHBqXj0XV5HdSf2i4JB63TBRAwPd_0zOKyl2G4CprWvdcsE6M5gLmEguAFyDg_ppTCt8A/s1600/Screenshot_2019-08-27-11-06-09.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonYtp8G9RaBSQA7ojRCd5_sGyhszs3ALVV7G97bRwNHoice2SugXELGpzzLF15fxZuqHBqXj0XV5HdSf2i4JB63TBRAwPd_0zOKyl2G4CprWvdcsE6M5gLmEguAFyDg_ppTCt8A/s320/Screenshot_2019-08-27-11-06-09.png" width="147" /></a></div>
<br />
Well.... I have to start SOMEWHERE.<br />
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My 1st run in a long while. Beginning, I felt out of shape (which I am!), tired, and lethargic.<br />
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It was HARD. I had to PUSH myself.<br />
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I was really mad at myself. How had I gotten here??? It seems like the last 5 years have been a constant yo-yoing of up and down battles with fitness. I felt (feel) like I had lost the victory of where I was...of where I USED to be.<br />
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I have had a lot of "excuses "- My mom having breast cancer. My (step)dad having bladder cancer and having his bladder removed. Helping my mom and dad through that year of depression and lack of fight, his depression and her stress and my many trips back and forth. Dealing with an injury and pain. Celebrating Andrew's wedding and the fact that Grandpa could be there. My mom's cancer coming back. The ugly 2 and half months of her suffering. Losing my mom. My feelings of inadequacy taking on the role of being his POA. It's been a rollercoaster 5 years.<br />
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I could blame all these things for where I stand in my weight, my attitude, and my backsliding.<br />
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But, the TRUTH is that I allowed a bitter root to take hold in my heart.<br />
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I was mad at God and it was easier to turn to food, alcohol, Netflix, even exercise, for comfort INSTEAD of the only One who brings true comfort.<br />
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I battled turning to Him...to surrendering my heart to Him. I fought it.<br />
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So much so that I took an 8 month hiatus from my Bible Study. A study I started and led for the last 16+ years. (Thankfully, they have been doing just fine without me because it was never truly "mine", but God's!)<br />
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I didn't cut God off... I listened to worship music, prayed constantly, went to church (off & on, but let's be honest, I was avoiding Sunday morning worship as much as Monday night study)...<br />
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But I wasn't allowing him full access to my pain (where only TRUE healing can begin) and I was not surrendering my heart to Him.<br />
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So...as I worked through all of this on my run today...Day #1 of training for a 5k...getting through even though it was excruciatingly hard....God reminded me:<br />
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Tracy, don't focus on where you USED to be....focus on what is ahead!<br />
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"So, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.<br />
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Philippians 3:14 NLT<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-15511205632952362382017-02-14T06:00:00.000-06:002017-02-14T06:00:16.458-06:00Happy Valentine's Day!<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFgIA5K-6QT2Xev4kAt5RG_WTCPC7bInlOJBxcRM5j-KIlaWNwWZZD4G_bAfiDluXHrGU2r7SEAQzP-CIHCPlh6iwnZZEaZfZEwtBlmuXtOmwT9WQkQiaOhlKLtq_u9od4-OyJA/s1600-h/p_hearts.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302691864151767826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFgIA5K-6QT2Xev4kAt5RG_WTCPC7bInlOJBxcRM5j-KIlaWNwWZZD4G_bAfiDluXHrGU2r7SEAQzP-CIHCPlh6iwnZZEaZfZEwtBlmuXtOmwT9WQkQiaOhlKLtq_u9od4-OyJA/s320/p_hearts.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"> <i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "lucida grande";"><b>Happy Valentine's Day!</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">It's the day of "love". Lovers around the world celebrate their affection for one another. Families make heart-shaped pancakes.....Men buy red roses and chocolates...Some women even receive gifts such as jewelry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">But, what if you don't have a spouse?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">What if you have a child who won't speak to you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">What if you are grieving the loss of your loved one?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Or, what if your "honey" doesn't buy flowers, chocolates, or jewelry?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">What if you feel disappointed?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Unloved?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Whether we are celebrating the love of those around us, or we feel "left out" in this love thing, we need to remember our Heavenly Father loves us more than we can ever imagine.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">For God so loved the world...</span></div>
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“<span style="color: #009900;">We love because God first loved us!”</span> (1John 4:19) We can only love God and take delight in Him because He <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">FIRST</span></b> loved us! <span style="color: #009900;"><b><span style="font-size: 130%;">"For God so loved the world, that He have His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." </span></b></span>(John 3:16) God loves the world so much that He sacrificed His one and only Son so that we may live. </div>
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God loves the <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">WORLD</span></b>, and you are included in the WORLD, but God loves <span style="font-size: 130%;"><b>YOU</b></span>….personally. God loves <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">YOU</span></b> so much that He gave <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">YOU</span></b> Jesus.<br />
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When our youngest child Abby was about 8 months old, I was making my bed and I happened to look over at her. She was quietly napping in her swing. All of a sudden, I was filled with such an overflowing, intense, unconditional love for her. It was like a wave of love washed over me. I HAD to stop making the bed, drop everything and scoop her up, kissing her from top to bottom. I thought, "Abby, you are "addicting!" Sometimes I can't even do anything else but love on you!" I felt so much love for her.<br />
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She hadn't DONE anything.<br />
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She hadn't performed.<br />
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She wasn’t “being good.”<br />
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She was just….being.<br />
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And, I just felt overwhelming love for her. God whispered to my heart at that moment. “Tracy this is how I feel for you. I want to scoop you up and love on you. You don’t have to <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">DO</span></b> anything. You <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">don’t</span></b> have to perform. You don’t have to “<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">be good</span></b>.” Just <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">BE</span></b>.........”<br />
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Sweet Reader, God feels that way for you as well. He has an overflowing, intense, “gotta<br />
stop what He is doing, scoop you up and love on you” unconditional love. Beloved, we don't have to <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">DO</span></b> anything, He JUST loves us! He just has to pick us up, breathe us in, kiss us, love on us.... The God of the Universe feels that way for <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">YOU</span></b>! Doesn't it just bring you to your knees?<br />
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God loves you and desires that you love Him back! “<span style="color: #009900;">The Lord Your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. And He will rejoice over you with singing.</span>” (Zephaniah 3:17) Your God sings over you like a mother singing to her newborn babe cradled in her arms. </div>
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Do you get it? </div>
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Can you comprehend how much God loves YOU? </div>
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He takes delight in you. You make Him smile. You are His<b><span style="font-size: 130%;"> Beloved</span></b>!</div>
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I'm sorry to say that our sweet husbands, children, parents, and friends will disappoint us at times....they are not meant to fill our needs, our longing...</div>
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Only your God can love you the way you need to be loved.</div>
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Completely.</div>
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Unconditionally.</div>
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Beyond measure.</div>
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And, because God loves us, He wants US to love one another.</div>
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This is the message we have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.-1John 3:11</blockquote>
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Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.-1John 3:18</blockquote>
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Remember, <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">LOVE</span></b> isn't a <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">FEELING</span></b>. <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">LOVE </span></b>is an <b><span style="font-size: 130%;">ACTION</span></b>.</div>
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Love someone today.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: 130%;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></b></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" /></div>
Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-41222197951509411692015-12-10T06:52:00.000-06:002015-12-10T13:29:19.218-06:00Christmas with the Kranks! Repost from 2012<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkuU5nHIrCyZd0Te5_-Jf3rJT9-YDn0m9Z2qVHm-GFPc18kLbuNOuTDL6uWDRUmhv7cadl_LGV-v9KCSXWzBx1NFvMNFh8oh4xzNVFWq12Euuzcn7sFRg_lkaIQKspBi-NmYYGQ/s1600/christmas-with-the-kranks-large.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410388612303784450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkuU5nHIrCyZd0Te5_-Jf3rJT9-YDn0m9Z2qVHm-GFPc18kLbuNOuTDL6uWDRUmhv7cadl_LGV-v9KCSXWzBx1NFvMNFh8oh4xzNVFWq12Euuzcn7sFRg_lkaIQKspBi-NmYYGQ/s400/christmas-with-the-kranks-large.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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Have you seen the movie, “Christmas with the Kranks”? It is hilarious!</div>
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With their only daughter away with the Peace Corps over Christmas, Luther and Nora Krank decide to “skip” Christmas and go away on a cruise. Their decision to boycott the holiday has the neighborhood in an uproar. </div>
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This movie is hilarious because it is so relate-able! I can identify with all of the <span style="font-size: 130%;">crazy details</span> that we can get caught up in over Christmas- the cards, decorations, parties, lights….losing sight of WHAT Christmas is really about. Sometimes we can become so overwhelmed with the activities, forgetting that Christmas is remembering and celebrating the <span style="font-size: 130%;">birth of Christ</span>. </div>
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One of my favorite Christmas traditions that I got from the book, "<i>Redeeming the Season</i>,"<br />
is called “<b>Gift with Purchase</b>.” Our family spends some time together making simple crafts, like ornaments or jewelry. We make several, usually at least 10-20 items. Then, when we are shopping, we give them to sales clerks, thanking them for working during the holidays. We make sure to include a scripture and message of God’s love through the birth of Jesus. </div>
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The reaction of surprise and thankfulness of the clerks is so worth the effort! They love being appreciated. </div>
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<b>This season, especially when you have the opportunity to spread Christ’s love with strangers, remember to keep Christ in Christmas. Don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed in the details, but remain in His peace. Help your family to bask in the gift of Jesus….His love, His peace, and His hope. </b></div>
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You don't have to be like the Kranks and try to "escape" all of the hub-ub by "skipping Christmas", but stay grounded on why we are celebrating- the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" /></div>
Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-35601298265894657202015-11-15T22:30:00.002-06:002015-11-15T22:31:23.227-06:00(Still) Beautiful...<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet" , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;">I had been reading some of my original blog posts and found this gem from 2007. Love it!</span></div>
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Last night I wasn’t feeling well. In fact, our whole family is fighting off a “bug.” So, with homework finished early and supper done, we left the dishes in the sink and all got under some blankets to “snuggle buggle” and watch a movie. Lying there next to Ashley, my precious 8yr old, she looked up at me and said, “You are so beautiful, Mama.” She outlined my features and continued, “More beautiful than Miley (aka “Hannaha Montana”) or Mary Jane (Parker from Spiderman).” Now this surprised me, because I had not a stitch of make-up on and my hair was pulled back into a ponytail. (Not exactly “movie star” material!) I hugged her closer and giggled and we continued watching the movie.</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet" , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;">But, as I was out walking this morning, God brought back that moment to my memory. What made me so beautiful to my little girl? It wasn’t the make-up or the hair or a gorgeous outfit. One of the verses I purpose in my heart to “live out” is 1Peter 3:3-4. It is my hearts’ cry that “</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #3333ff; font-family: "trebuchet" , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;">my beauty should not come from outward adornment….Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a GENTLE and QUIET spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet" , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;">.” Gentle….a fruit of the spirit. How I long that I am gentle. That my talk is gentle (a gentle answer turns away wrath). Other words for gentle are calm, kind, and tender. I always want to be tender to my family. And, “quiet.” I look at quiet as resting in God, trusting Him. A quiet spirit…….a humble spirit…..</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet" , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;">How I long to reflect these things. But, I feared that I had “exploded” with my children too many times for them to see me as gentle. I feared that I had said too many unkind words to be this gentle spirit. I have nagged too much… Complained too often… I feared that I had “exasperated” (Ephesians 6:4) my children too many times to be “beautiful” in God’s sight and their sight. I have a vision of what I so long to be……</span><br />
<br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;" />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet" , "trebuchet ms" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;">But, through the sweet, gentle, kind words of my little girl, God reminded me that I am indeed beautiful in His sight. And, what a joy to a mother’s heart that her daughter would look past the physical beauty that the world espouses, traces the features of mama’s face, and calls her “beautiful.”</span><br />
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<em style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.527999877929688px;">Father, may this be a gentle reminder to all of us that true beauty comes from a spirit who loves, follows, and trusts You. There is nothing more beautiful than a reflection of Your glorious Light. Help us, as women, Lord, to be secure and comfortable in who You have created us to be. Father, we praise You and love You. Glory to God in the highest! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.</em><img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-40942163981852110842015-11-11T08:46:00.000-06:002015-11-11T08:46:03.107-06:00Wilderness Hikes<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />During my time in Tuscan, I had a couple of days on my own while Brian worked. There was an amazing hiking trail adjacent to our hotel and Brian and I had hiked part of it together. On my first free day, a friend from the conference and I ventured out on the trail. I had been on it once already and was able to lead us further than where I had been. On my second free day, God called me out into this wilderness trail to be alone with Him. Now, I was a little more than nervous doing this, especially since I had seen a (dead) rattlesnake the day before when I was out walking. I knew the trail was pretty challenging and a bit treacherous at times with streams to ford, rocks to climb, and plenty of wildlife to be wary of. But, if God was calling me out, I knew He would protect me.<br />
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It didn't take long for me to understand that I was going to have to face my fears. The biggest fear for me was that of the unknown. I literally trembled as I had to walk through jungles of overgrown brush or when the the trail narrowed and I had to creep closely to the canyon walls. I was petrified that something hidden would come out and hurt me.<br />
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Being alone was so much harder than with a hiking buddy. Every little noise put me on edge and I had to continue to call out to God and depend on Him. Over and over I asked Him to give me courage to continue. God continued to push me farther, to challenge myself to do more than what I thought I could. He encouraged me over and over to face my fears and keep going. When I sat down on a boulder near a stream, I soaked in His sunshine, His beauty, His peace....A beautiful butterfly was my constant companion. I continued to feel stronger and the more I pushed in, I felt more brave.<br />
<br />
During life, God calls into the wilderness at times. He pushes us deeper...further. He asks us to face our fears and join Him near the streams for refreshment. He teaches us lessons that can only be learned in the wilderness.<br />
<br />
During my experience, He revealed things in my heart that need to change. He drew me closer still to Him. He proved Himself a trustworthy guide.<br />
<br />
Some lessons I learned were that shortcuts, although they may appear to be shorter can be dangerous. The trail may take longer, but it is the safe path.<br />
<br />
I met several other hikers along the way. Most were small groups, but some were alone like me. Now, I am often a bit wary of strangers when I am alone and in an isolated place, but I found a co artery and unity with my fellow travelers. We were all facing these same struggles....the same streams to ford, boulders to climb, narrow trails to navigate. We ask one another what the trail was like ahead and how far we had gotten. We had the same struggles, but also the same desire and goal to reach the maiden pools. In life, we need a community of others to encourage each other.<br />
<br />
Going up the trail can be physically demanding, climbing up rocks and canyons. But, coming down isn't always "easier". The momentum can bring you down too quickly. I had to use muscles and energy to slow myself at times. Jumping down can be more perilous than hoisting myself up.<br />
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I am thankful for my wilderness time. I felt so accomplished and victorious when I finished! God showed me that I am much more brave than I had imagined. He helped me face my fears. My favorite time is still sitting near the quiet stream, soaking Him in and allowing Him to fill me with His Presence. I encourage you to take some time alone with Him in the wilderness.<br />
<br />
Thank you Lord for your love. Thank you Lord that you encourage us to spend time with you alone in the wilderness and that you challenge us to face our fears. Thank you for providing community to encourage us. Thank you for quiet rests. I love You Lord. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-77763832665080426552014-07-25T09:48:00.000-05:002014-07-25T09:48:41.114-05:00Thirsty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnO0zz1o01cLUoBTTSoM9qpXJh8bJQFyjuliteTUT8Om_9xM_cJ9XFK5sk3hUdgfY3UgIjpZxSHlrWyjavf4FanzC4k-O92DfG4CGjRzY_sZCt9q-BQ62WUN8tBNIm3eixOB1SQ/s1600/women+praying.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnO0zz1o01cLUoBTTSoM9qpXJh8bJQFyjuliteTUT8Om_9xM_cJ9XFK5sk3hUdgfY3UgIjpZxSHlrWyjavf4FanzC4k-O92DfG4CGjRzY_sZCt9q-BQ62WUN8tBNIm3eixOB1SQ/s320/women+praying.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5777637869647713010" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 256px;" /></a><br />
<blockquote>
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<span style="color: #000099; font-size: 130%;">“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”</span></div>
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-Psalm 63:1</div>
</blockquote>
<br />Have you ever been thirsty, really thirsty? So thirsty that your tongue was sticking to the roof of your mouth? So parched and dry that your throat was sore? <br />
I believe we are thirsty in today’s world. We are thirsting for God and His Word. We are longing for Him, as Psalm 63 cries. God has placed this desire in our hearts and our souls to know Him, to search for Him, to worship Him. There is a deep yearning inside of us to grow closer to our Creator. You may be feeling this desire, this longing, this thirst right now, but you are not sure why you feel it. You only know that something is missing. You have a longing, a need that has not yet been met. You begin to search for the cause of your thirst. <br />
Unfortunately, in today’s “me-centered,” impatient society, we try to fill that thirst, that longing with a “quick fix”- a chocolate brownie, a shopping spree, a margarita, TV, our endless activities, or a gossip session with a friend on the phone. We think these worldly pursuits will fill us up, make us feel better, and quench the thirst we are experiencing. These invitations look so appealing. The world claims we will experience fulfillment and satisfaction. <br />
And, we want instant gratification! We don’t want to wait for God to fill us. We want to control our lives, to take care of ourselves, to pamper ourselves. We look to the world’s methods of making us feel better. We don’t like the uncomfortable feeling of thirst. We don’t want our spirits to feel pain, discomfort, longing or loneliness. So, we become deceived into looking for the “water” of the world to quench our thirst.<br /><br />But, Jesus offers us such a better way! While talking to the Samaritan woman at the well, (John 4) Jesus talks about <strong>“living water.”</strong> He points out the “world’s” water- the water of the well, and says, “<span style="color: #3333ff;">Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again.</span>” <br />
Isn’t that true with our “water”? Food, possessions, praise from man, turning to exercise or watching TV never satisfies us. We continually want more and more. Our desire becomes insatiable, sometimes consuming us. The more we have, the more we want! <br />
Jesus tells the woman at the well, <strong><span style="color: #3333ff;">“But, whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.</span></strong>” (John 4:14) Doesn’t that water sound so much more refreshing? Not only will our initial thirst be quenched, but we will have a <strong>SPRING</strong> bubbling, flowing within us! Not a glass of water, a drop of water, but a source of water. You will never, never be thirsty again! Jesus says in John 7:37-38, “<strong><span style="color: #3333ff;">If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”</span></strong> Remember, your soul is thirsting for the Lord! When you fill it with Him, you will be satisfied. <strong>Come, drink of this water and be refreshed</strong>.<br /><br /><em>Father God, thank you for loving us so much! Thank you for creating this longing in our souls to know You. Please help us Father to seek you earnestly and to look to you to fill our heart’s longings. Father, please help us to ignore the invitations of the world. Help us to instead drink in Your living water. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.</em><br /><img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" /> Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-70064707963066394522014-07-25T09:45:00.001-05:002014-07-25T09:46:28.687-05:00How are your flowers looking?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3brsyc-9HWZWPsxfv69W-DM5vLG7aEzRWmte2L31mrkv5cWOS7nh8xHCcYUn4foM6O2hkS1u8QS3tTdFn6j1J1tMdfHj2m7XlGBjFg4gb9SB2jKOC9JqNYNzqxSTabNVPgm21g/s1600/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3brsyc-9HWZWPsxfv69W-DM5vLG7aEzRWmte2L31mrkv5cWOS7nh8xHCcYUn4foM6O2hkS1u8QS3tTdFn6j1J1tMdfHj2m7XlGBjFg4gb9SB2jKOC9JqNYNzqxSTabNVPgm21g/s1600/water.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Water...it is so important for LIFE. </span></div>
<br />
I was looking at my flowers on the deck and they look "wilty", scraggly, <b>NOT</b> healthy and vibrant! Usually, my deck pots are overflowing abundantly with luscious, beautiful flowers. But, this has been a summer of hurry and busy, and the flowers have suffered. I usually tend my flowers, but have assigned the task to the kids this summer. Pondering, I realize that there are object lesson for my faith life as well.<br />
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I need the <b>Living Water</b> in my life on a daily, regular, overflowing basis or I will become wilty, scraggly, or even DIE, depending on how dry I have become. I need Jesus so that I truly live and live <span style="font-size: large;">abundantly</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">beautifully.</span><br />
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I can't depend on others for my spiritual water. I can't depend on Facebook posts. I can't depend on YouTube videos or Sunday morning sermons. I can't depend on the latest book. I need to spend quiet alone time with the Lord and the Word and depend on Jesus as my Living Water. Only He can fill me completely. While those other things are beneficial, they should never be my <b>SOURCE</b> of refreshment. <span style="font-size: large;">Only personal, intimate time with Jesus will refresh, nourish, and keep me beautiful and fruitful.</span><br />
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I also need a steady watering, not haphazardly drinking some here and there. My neighbors' flowers are gorgeous because they have been steadily and consistently watered. I need a continual input of the Living Water. I can't take sips here and there, but I need to drink deeply and constantly of Jesus. I need Him to refresh and fill and make me beautiful. He can only do this when I spend time with Him- not hurried, take-a-minute-here, once in awhile time- but quality, abundant, QUIET time...sitting at His feet, soaking Him in. Like my flowers, it is then that I will be healthy and bloom abundantly!<br />
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"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:38<br />
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<i>Lord, water me. Fill every fiber of my being with YOU. I know <b>only You</b> are life-giving water.</i><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-1995039956751334042014-07-07T10:55:00.001-05:002014-07-07T10:55:44.332-05:00Rollercoasters, Australia, and Les Mis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqAKMTThHK-bVrX9rFuz88klJd9BvNa99ofwzOCwBgZyYJJ7ff7wt7YYIPWhYYmNlFW4wKD_8Iuv0wgsTQqmpMteJyWZF0ARQZVjrT4qgC8DOC2yXMocSUE_-wFN5pUy6L638uA/s1600/DSCF1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqAKMTThHK-bVrX9rFuz88klJd9BvNa99ofwzOCwBgZyYJJ7ff7wt7YYIPWhYYmNlFW4wKD_8Iuv0wgsTQqmpMteJyWZF0ARQZVjrT4qgC8DOC2yXMocSUE_-wFN5pUy6L638uA/s1600/DSCF1718.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Wow, was last week a rollercoaster of emotions! From the passing of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jenny.groothuis?fref=ts">Jenny Groothius</a>, the storms and flooding to Andrew leaving, not hearing from him for two days, then finally getting to SEE him thanks to Facetime, I was EXHAUSTED! <br />
<br />
God was amazing through it all. I have to share what a sweet, wonderful Lord we have. Andrew left on Friday, July 4th. We were able to talk to him as he made his way to LA and waited for his connection to Sydney. He flew out at 11 PM. We expected him to text or call when he arrived, using open WiFi. The flight was 15 hours, so we knew it wouldn't be until sometime Saturday afternoon. When we didn't hear from him right away, we figured he had to get through customs and get to his transportation pick up point, but he would let us know soon that he arrived safely. I thought we would hear from him by dinner time.<br />
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Brian and I had tickets to<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5CWpwQoyjc"> Les Mis</a> Saturday night, and I thought it would be a good distraction. Our son<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=823851680967144"> Aaron is Gravoche</a> and we have several tickets to see him. When we hadn't heard from Andrew by intermission, I was beginning to worry. My imagination began cooking up all sorts of sorted possibilities and by the time the show was over, I could not wait to get home and check email for news. Andrew has an app to use for free international texting and calling, but he has to have Internet to use it. The app tells you the last time he has been online, and he wasn't online since LA. We tried calling him, the<a href="http://www.ywamnewcastle.com/training/world-explorer-dts/"> YWAM base</a>, and the transportation company, but because it was Sunday there, we could not reach anyone! We sent the base, his contact person, and the transportation company several emails asking them to reach us. Shortly after 1:30 A.M., Brian made me go to bed because there was nothing more we could do. Brian reminded me that Andrew is in God's hands and he was safe. So.....we went to bed, sure we would hear something in the morning.<br />
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Well, up at 7 AM and still NOTHING. I had rushed to my computer, sure that there was an email waiting to be opened that confirmed Andrew had arrived. When there was no news, we tried making contact again, but by then it was the middle of the night in Newcastle, and we just had to WAIT. <br />
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When we went to church, I desperately was praying. Here is Tracy, the "great woman of faith", being forced to WALK the TALK. I am the one forever encouraging others to trust God and His plan, knowing that He is sovereign over everything. In knew in my HEAD that Andrew is in God's protection, that God called him to be there, that God was in control.....but the sick feeling in the pit in my stomach gave me away. I had been gripped with fear.<br />
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During worship, praising God, singing the words, "I have been set free...it is for freedom that I have been set free...." I released the worry... the questioning... ANDREW... to the Lord. God loves Andrew even more than I do. And, IF the worst of all my imaginary circumstances actually came to pass, then God was weaving them into His plan and purpose for something greater. I heard in my head the same words I had spoken to Brian on our Grand Canyon road trip. We had been stranded in the Colorado Rockies during a blizzard. The hotel where we were was full, the roads were closed and we had nowhere to go. As Brian worried that night going to bed, we prayed, and I reassured him that God wasn't going to bring us all the way out west on this awesome trip to leave us stranded in Colorado. In the morning, a room had opened up. In church, while singing, I heard those same words, "God is not going to bring Andrew all the way to Australia and leave him stranded somewhere."<br />
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I immediately felt peace! <br />
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And, this is where God's TENDERNESS completely blows me away.<br />
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Take 2 on Les Mis. <br />
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The night before I had NOT enjoyed the show one bit....I was worried about Andrew. I just wanted to be home. <br />
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Sunday's matinee was completely different. I felt peace about Andrew. Grandma and Grandpa were there to see the show. We had AMAZING tickets center and just a few rows back. But, as we were being seated, we realized we were one seat short. I had somehow only ordered 6 instead of 7! The usher graciously told us Abby could sit on my lap or I thought I could watch down in the green room. But, to our amazement, the lady behind us told us she had an EXTRA SEAT! Someone in her party could not make it at the last minute and the seat directly behind us was available! Isn't God so awesome???? <br />
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The show was amazing! Every song perfect...Aaron did his BEST performance yet.<br />
<br />
Then, at intermission, I received a message that Andrew had gotten to YWAM base safely and he would contact us soon. We went in to enjoy the rest of the show. During the story, Jean Valjean<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"> </span></span><br />
sings an amazing song, "Bring Him Home." This song will bring tears to your eyes, but as Valjean prayed that God would bring this young son home safely, I bawled my eyes out. This was my prayer and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jared.rogers.71">Jared Rogers</a> had me completely weeping as he sung the exact words I was feeling.<br />
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As we were walking into the lobby, my phone began vibrating, and as I looked at the front, I saw Andrew's smile. He was calling from Australia! The auditorium was clear and I was able to talk to my sweet boy. He had not had Internet access until then since he had arrived on a Sunday. We were able to laugh and cry and it felt GLORIOUS! How good God is!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" /> Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-42475018233122450132014-06-30T08:25:00.001-05:002014-06-30T08:30:19.666-05:00Four Days....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOVWHFJj-OU7yodo-HH8fnC6oKb_iOXPN-UgfwleVZxJuRAyhdpRZv33WKbHehRIp5YmoDETn-9ZxJtYCGyrKzOmewPqMvOASXNZ0fuuLGRh2vVCNdCjKB1M0gA_iaod3J2cnaQ/s1600/DSCN1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOVWHFJj-OU7yodo-HH8fnC6oKb_iOXPN-UgfwleVZxJuRAyhdpRZv33WKbHehRIp5YmoDETn-9ZxJtYCGyrKzOmewPqMvOASXNZ0fuuLGRh2vVCNdCjKB1M0gA_iaod3J2cnaQ/s1600/DSCN1083.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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OK, so it has been a LONG time since I have written any NEW posts. I occasionally get on to tinker and repost some old things, but since beginning homeschooling, I just haven't had the time to write like I used to. With Andrew leaving in four days for Australia, I am needing to just exhale and put "pen" to paper about how I am feeling. So here I am. <br />
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When I think about him going, it is surreal...like I am watching from the outside. Just how far is Australia from Iowa exactly? 8,990 miles.<br />
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Is he prepared? Will he be ready? Will he find his way through LAX OK? <br />
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I have been looking forward to him going, excited, thrilled for him and what God is going to do in him and through him....so why am I having a hard time breathing right now? Why is there such a lump in my stomach moving all the way up through my throat and stinging my eyes?<br />
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Lord, I trust You and what You are going to do in Andrew's life. I know You have good plans for him. I know he is under Your protection.<br />
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But, the reality is beginning to sink in.<br />
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Of not being able to talk to Andrew any time I want.<br />
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Of real possibilities of real danger.<br />
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Of him being gone. For 6 months. Gone. 8,990 miles gone.<br />
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Lord, I know you will be teaching all of us many life lessons through this experience. And, you are showing me what it really means to truly follow You. Anywhere. Everywhere.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r278/splitdecisionz/Thirsty%20for%20HIm/signature.png" />Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-61807603064413339472014-05-12T23:09:00.004-05:002014-05-12T23:09:57.931-05:00Chasing the Moon<div>
As I walked in the still, quiet air, I was delighted by God’s glory. It was one of those rare mornings that the moon and the sun were sharing the sky. The sky was beautiful, with blue/gray and pink hues. There were clouds sweeping around the sun, making a breathtaking sunrise.<br />
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But, the moon was incredible! It was a huge, perfect golden circle in the sky. As I walked, I tried to keep that moon in sight. I knew it wouldn't last much longer, the later it became and the more the sun rose.</div>
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As I turned the corner and went on my usual path, and as the moon made its journey, it was now behind me. It began hiding behind houses and trees, and it became harder to find. As I continued to walk, I kept looking behind me, stretching my neck, trying to catch those last glimpses of the beautiful moon. When, I finally turned my head, and looked straight in front of me,there it was! The moon had been there all along, as I kept looking<i> behind </i>me searching for it.</div>
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I instantly thought of Paul’s words, <b><span style="color: #274e13;">“Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. "</span> </b>(Philippians 3:13-14)</div>
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I thought how often in life we keep looking behind us, chasing the moon! We may have had a success in life that we keep remembering and trying to imitate. Or, we may have had a failure that we keep thinking about, and wishing we could change it. “If only…” </div>
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But, Paul tells us to forget what is behind us! Forget about the mistakes and failures of the past. And, although we rejoice in our successes of our past, instead of being stuck in those, look forward! He says he is “straining” toward what is ahead. That means that it may not be easy to go forward, to keep our eyes ahead. But, we are to “press on” toward the prize- our supreme and heavenly prize in Christ Jesus. Don’t be foolish like I was- trying to find the moon behind me when it was in front of me all along. Jesus is right in front of our eyes. Keep your eyes on Him- straight ahead, pressing forward!<br />
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<br /><em>Father, we praise You and glorify Your holy name. We thank You for Your creation- the sun and moon and beautiful mornings when we get to see them both in the sky. God, help us to forget what is behind- the failures that we keep reliving, the regrets of yesterday, the mistakes we have made. Your Word says “there is no condemnation in Christ, and that Your compassion is new each morning.” Help us to let go of those things, God. Also, help us to see that Today is a new day. We rejoice in the successes You have brought to us in the past, but we also want to focus on the new challenges of Today. Help us to strain toward what is ahead. Help us God to “press on” everyday. Thank You for Your love, Lord. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for life experiences that help us see Your Word in our lives. I pray we all will have eyes open to You, Lord, so that we can see how You are working in our lives everyday. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.</em></div>
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Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-28702167075704260182014-05-12T23:00:00.000-05:002014-05-12T23:16:22.357-05:00Those shoes!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BoXf9s3O1f6GpICexx4mAxQFPTGNAmS1hBBferPC2v0PFgeWImK1IEBkXkdKSY78zzPAlEKkywLxYlVlh04R0toDrEIIKkiFEmayb3qn3J6vK1Bqr04mMLsiw9gsxYGQX9tG0Q/s1600-h/DSCN24300001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BoXf9s3O1f6GpICexx4mAxQFPTGNAmS1hBBferPC2v0PFgeWImK1IEBkXkdKSY78zzPAlEKkywLxYlVlh04R0toDrEIIKkiFEmayb3qn3J6vK1Bqr04mMLsiw9gsxYGQX9tG0Q/s400/DSCN24300001.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374277712111235090" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” NIV</span></b><br />
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We had been talking about being “kingdom minded” at Bible Study. How meaningless things of the world really are when your focus is on the Kingdom of God. My friend, Kim, had been telling us that she was trying to look at life in comparison to eternity. She asked, “<b>Does it really matter that much that my son’s room isn’t picked up perfectly? Do I need to get upset over it? Is this really going to matter in the Kingdom?"</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In light of eternity, does this matter?</span></b><br />
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Well, the next morning, as I was picking up my husband’s shoes, AGAIN, to replace them on the shoe rack, I was starting to grumble and complain. Then, God reminded me of the previous night’s conversation about keeping our focus on the Kingdom of God, and not daily trials and irritations. I thought, “Does this really matter that I have to pick up my husband’s shoes...again? In light of eternity, is it really important?”<br />
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And, God said, <span style="font-size: large;">“Yes!”</span> But, the messy shoes weren't important to God in the way I expected. In fact, the lesson God taught me was the opposite of what my flesh wanted to hear.<br />
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God spoke scripture to me right away. “Do everything (EVERY THING- even picking up someone else’s messes) without arguing or complaining so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16).<br />
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Messy shoes ARE important to God, at least regarding to me, because He is watching my<i> reaction</i> to them.<br />
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God also reminded me of the scripture, “<b><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;">Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion (or with a complaining heart) for God loves a cheerful giver</span></b>.” 2Corinthians 9:6-7.<br />
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I have decided in my heart to give grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and love and to give them generously and cheerfully. It is my heart’s desire to please God. I want Him to say, “Well done My good and faithful servant.” I want to live my life for Him (with Him and through Him). <span style="font-size: 130%;">So, although messy shoes don’t or won’t matter much in the Kingdom of God, my response to them will!</span><br />
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My Prayer for Today:<br />
<i>Father, I love You and praise You. I pray that I will “do everything without arguing or complaining.” I pray that I will become more like you- full of love and rich in mercy. Help me to give grace to others freely, in the way that You have so generously given to me. I love You Lord, and I thank You for Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.</i>Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35756324.post-40214284507285332842014-04-18T04:59:00.000-05:002014-04-18T08:24:41.342-05:00Who is Jesus? I AM Part 7<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6ENS2k0S8autdLomiEap3T_yJkppgzEbWf6PPkeCTSxjRzTIQEWOiXxNr1YA-JWxYcoZD2BUWGHspQoNxRCOjGuXZZfBwg_fZ1743blnXpu2WQmlKRE3usl6biKEb8ueXIpDCA/s1600-h/easter.jpg"></a><b><span style="font-size: 130%;">I am the Resurrection.</span></b></div>
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Mary and Martha, sisters of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lazarus</span>, were distraught.</div>
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They were without hope.</div>
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Hope did not come.</div>
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They were confused. They did not understand why Jesus had not come.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">"He healed the blind man. Couldn't He have saved His friend?"</span></i></div>
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Their brother <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lazarus</span>, who was loved by Jesus, had fallen ill. The sisters sent for Jesus.</div>
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They had seen Jesus heal lepers.</div>
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He opened the eyes of the blind.</div>
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He healed the lame and told them to walk.</div>
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He had stopped a woman's bleeding who had suffered 12 years.</div>
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These had been strangers.</div>
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Surely, Jesus would come to heal a friend.</div>
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But, He did not come.</div>
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<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lazarus</span> died.</div>
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It was over.</div>
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Hope did not come.</div>
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But, <b>Jesus did come</b>. When Jesus heard about <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lazarus</span>, He PURPOSELY stayed away for two days. When Jesus knew that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Lazarus</span> had died, He tells His disciples that it is now time to go to him. Jesus knows the miracle He will perform.</div>
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He chooses His friend to work this last, amazing miracle.</div>
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He chooses His friend, to draw many new believers to Him.</div>
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<span style="color: #006600;"><b>"When Jesus arrived, He found out that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was less than two miles to Jerusalem. Many Jews had come to Mary and Martha to comfort them because their brother was dead. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him." John 11:17-20</b></span></div>
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Listen to the pain in Martha's voice.</div>
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<span style="color: #006600; font-size: 130%;"><b>"Lord, I know that if You would have been here, my brother would not have died!"</b></span></div>
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<b><b>Jesus said to her, " I am the <span style="font-size: 130%;">Resurrection</span> and the <span style="font-size: 130%;">Life</span>. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if he dies. And those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?"</b></b></blockquote>
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Martha affirms that she DOES believe.</div>
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AND....</div>
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Hope DOES come.</div>
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Jesus calls <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lazarus</span> from the grave.</div>
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He who had been dead four days.</div>
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Death that had such a stench that Martha balks when Jesus tells her to command the stone to be rolled away.</div>
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A man who had been dead walks free from the grave.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">Alive.</span></div>
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Jesus promises us that we, too, will have life instead of death.</div>
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We, who were dead in our sin....</div>
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have LIFE in the Son.</div>
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Jesus can RAISE any dead thing. Nothing is without HOPE.</div>
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Is there something dead in your life?</div>
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A dream?</div>
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A relationship?</div>
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Hope?</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 130%;">Jesus can RESURRECT it</span></b>.</div>
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He can bring life back to anything you are sure is dead.</div>
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Martha was sure that her brother was lost to the tomb. That she would not see him until the Last Day when all would be resurrected. She didn't think she would talk to him, eat with him, hold him, see him....</div>
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But, HOPE, did come.</div>
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And, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lazarus</span> walked free from the grave.</div>
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Jesus can do the same for you.</div>
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Trust Him.</div>
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Trust His words.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">I am the Resurrection.</span></div>
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Because of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Lazarus</span>, and this miracle, many people come to Jerusalem and are there to experience Holy Week. They want to see <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Lazarus</span> with their own eyes. What they see is even more amazing. Because of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Lazarus</span>, many people come to believe in Jesus.</div>
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Jesus can take the dead thing in your life, raise it, and use it to bring many more to Him.</div>
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<i>Lord, help me to trust You. Help me to proclaim, believing in full assurance of faith, that You are the Resurrection and the Life. Thank You, Jesus that You bring hope to what I see as hopeless. Praise You, Jesus!</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">This is part 7 in a series of who Jesus is.... The earlier parts are posted below. Please scroll down. This series </span><br />
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Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11182790179432456441noreply@blogger.com3