tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69761557638039504262024-02-07T01:01:00.783-05:00THE REST OF THE WAYFlourishing in my Summit Season -- "I Paint with Words"Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.comBlogger862125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-27680095791812037362018-07-05T22:04:00.000-04:002018-07-05T22:17:01.222-04:00WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENT!<span style="font-size: large;">(Introduction sent to my entire data base)</span><br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>NEWS RELEASE!</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span><b>I've launched a new</b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"<b>Space Craft" for my Wordsmithing!</b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Click below:</b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://leonachoy.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">leonachoy.com</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This website is my </b><i><b>total</b></i><b> Internet workSpace now!</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Hurry over!</b></i></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Below is what you will see on your computer </span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">when you arrive there...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o2h-R_8cyun8MBiVGS-aqU5k1TlG2RQ2WJdd6_M5YRZkfjfWVIszCCaIlyeUJcULnixbqmdij3AnKc2lbivNIw2HCu3NEQ3b1cDo4GPdsZLNOKB1lX3oFGXtL9hnXDZ1-ODeypaThM0/s1600/website+on+computer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o2h-R_8cyun8MBiVGS-aqU5k1TlG2RQ2WJdd6_M5YRZkfjfWVIszCCaIlyeUJcULnixbqmdij3AnKc2lbivNIw2HCu3NEQ3b1cDo4GPdsZLNOKB1lX3oFGXtL9hnXDZ1-ODeypaThM0/s320/website+on+computer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">While coaching Christian writers to move up to the next level of their potential and witness, I pressed on to do that myself. </span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My new author domain and website is professionally designed and up and running at <i><b>leonachoy.com.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I offer user-friendly information and inspiration for YOU, whatever your niche needs or interests—or that of your friends.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My new website is interactive. It's for YOU and ME to communicate. I welcome your questions and comments.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whether you are a beginning <b>WRITER</b> or a published author, I'm passionate about working with you toward your goals. Come to <i><b>leonachoy.com</b></i> and let's talk about how you can work toward fulfilling your dreams.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>There's more!</i></span> I'm eager to communicate with my <b>READERS.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">All of my books in print</span> are pictured, each with a <i>Peek Inside</i> feature in my Bookstore at <b>leonachoy.com</b>. </span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The low price of all my books hasn't changed...still <b>$12.99. </b>However, to make ordering super convenient, <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">shipping is already included</span></b> in the price listed!</span><br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm telling my readers back-stories of how I came to write each book. And you'll be the first to know about my current writing and publishing projects in process.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everyone who subscribes to my website automatically receives notification of all my new posts. (To “subscribe”</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">is </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">free</span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and safe and</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">doesn't obligate</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">you for anything.) </span></span><br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">On your first visit to <i><b>leonachoy.com</b></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">when you subscribe,</span></span> please indicate whether you want to receive my additional <i>Butterfly Briefs </i>with <b>WRITING </b>helps and resources.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hurry over online to my writing studio. Pay me a virtual visit—I'll be at my desk at </b><i><b>leonachoy.com</b></i><b> waiting for <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>you!</i></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNjwWoc04gKnni1NqmLFla-8L2eB3XypZm9lzsvDemC_m202W_CWwAHNLiVIvZjUGZhAERj2tetjagnOWBybu6onfueu5y2Xnm-IiELqTluOpZPJ2yaLW5qaifoKCC3iKG-MbsPaEdhE/s1600/Kelly-at+desk+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNjwWoc04gKnni1NqmLFla-8L2eB3XypZm9lzsvDemC_m202W_CWwAHNLiVIvZjUGZhAERj2tetjagnOWBybu6onfueu5y2Xnm-IiELqTluOpZPJ2yaLW5qaifoKCC3iKG-MbsPaEdhE/s320/Kelly-at+desk+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-56347070964865599022018-07-03T16:18:00.001-04:002018-07-05T08:24:21.873-04:00Announcing Leona's NEW WEBSITE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ADlI06di9Q-6YuFNTTZPN0qYuzG1Qr14A5_mvZcRQ_UnTN8ILHl6iO3fCjnDL8lIzjt0H-OhYDMCd7s1l_IAGS7MkallQd8ba7g5n0r-LzL5jLy5hc0NU1kWrOJLjDVk6jUf5ARrAz4/s1600/Fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ADlI06di9Q-6YuFNTTZPN0qYuzG1Qr14A5_mvZcRQ_UnTN8ILHl6iO3fCjnDL8lIzjt0H-OhYDMCd7s1l_IAGS7MkallQd8ba7g5n0r-LzL5jLy5hc0NU1kWrOJLjDVk6jUf5ARrAz4/s400/Fireworks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #f4cccc;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The 4th of July!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What a super time to announce</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> that my new website is now up and running!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just click on the link below: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://leonachoy.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">leonachoy.com</span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #e06666;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"></span><span style="background-color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">You will instantly be there! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">More quickly than <i>"Beam me up, Scotty!"</i></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Use <u>only</u> this new link from now on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This blog will continue at my new site. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tell your friends about the move</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> so they can find me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'll be waiting for you in my writing studio!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leona Choy</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BjKyhgqr1xdnkTplsyE5QVkVGuircpyDaeaySQ3zv-kZVGJwEuv23nFaSKFT5-Z8PBrArEFEu25GlbMdaYJg5cFPM20zjqUGmjfsLEcEr7iqbJFgKcNpooGhs3gAn5WgjAlaJRn74KY/s1600/At+my+desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BjKyhgqr1xdnkTplsyE5QVkVGuircpyDaeaySQ3zv-kZVGJwEuv23nFaSKFT5-Z8PBrArEFEu25GlbMdaYJg5cFPM20zjqUGmjfsLEcEr7iqbJFgKcNpooGhs3gAn5WgjAlaJRn74KY/s320/At+my+desk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-5571015263768277062018-06-22T11:49:00.001-04:002018-07-03T15:59:47.513-04:00MOVING! “The whole kit and kaboodle”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU9RLyrNmUq81gf0as9qStXNRnHrC5t0iDz0C0NFmUD1IqVOhPInTfxW0E_rFk9Fvfe9xxKtwyUOgc5QduoAzppljDJsEEYY1GBuIYfqSJXph5UkcLr45odOecTVc2kCVUYEjnqoj6Vk/s1600/moving+van+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCU9RLyrNmUq81gf0as9qStXNRnHrC5t0iDz0C0NFmUD1IqVOhPInTfxW0E_rFk9Fvfe9xxKtwyUOgc5QduoAzppljDJsEEYY1GBuIYfqSJXph5UkcLr45odOecTVc2kCVUYEjnqoj6Vk/s1600/moving+van+one.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-size: large;">THE BOTTOM LINE FIRST:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-size: large;">THIS BLOG IS MOVING TO MY NEW, ENHANCED, EXPANDED AND ALL-INCLUSIVE AUTHOR WEBSITE <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>leonachoy.com.</b> </span>ISN'T THAT EASY TO REMEMBER?</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">When?</span></b> Hopefully my new website will be active in a week or so.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Go to <b>leonachoy.com</b>. “Czech” it out. After reading my HOME PAGE, sample all my <i>pull-downs</i> to see what's in store for you as a <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>reader</i></span> of my books or as an aspiring or already published <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>writer.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Go to my FAQ's. There are several ways to CONTACT me. I'll be waiting for you.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Leave your email address to take advantage of all the forthcoming <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><u><i>free</i></u></span> PDF's, great resources for writers, and backstories of all my books in print.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Be the first to find out what's next on my writing and publishing schedule. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Order my books directly from this site.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll continue to post my inspirational writings on my new blog at <b>leonachoy.com</b> just as I did on this site. The archives will still be available. <span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, <i><b>the whole kit and kaboodle/caboodle.</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How do I apply that term to my MOVE?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The expression implies the whole nine yards, the whole ball of wax, the bundle, everybody and everything but the kitchen sink...and MORE.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The “kit” part is derived from a soldier's kit of necessaries, the contents of his knapsack. The “caboodle” comes from the word booty or bounty, the property one owns.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For you who are reading this, I apply "kit and kaboodle" to my all-inclusive MOVE from <b>leonachoy.blogspot.com</b> to <b>leonachoy.com.</b></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tell others about this important announcement. I don't want to lose anyone—my nearly 2,000 views a month represent valued friends of my blog site for the past 10 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Introduce your friends to <b>leonachoy.com.</b> I'm excited to make new friends!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>JUMP ON THE MOVING VAN</b>. This is a <i>happy </i>move. <i>Don't be left behind</i>. I'll see you <u>soon</u> over at <b>leonachoy.com!</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI8940_W5pIZV96xx4H25d9oRgCMvSNY5lKDQ0AWp7Ij4aHSyf-XRN1B7PfmKvOBb-Qthz4LBTJ3tmCWoKoDOVl3hiDIp91w_jVz7koekFjP7k70y4RnUWO4rVQJ02G25N69WgHNhpxU/s1600/moving+van+two.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI8940_W5pIZV96xx4H25d9oRgCMvSNY5lKDQ0AWp7Ij4aHSyf-XRN1B7PfmKvOBb-Qthz4LBTJ3tmCWoKoDOVl3hiDIp91w_jVz7koekFjP7k70y4RnUWO4rVQJ02G25N69WgHNhpxU/s1600/moving+van+two.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-77830147498248035932018-06-01T13:26:00.000-04:002018-06-01T13:33:26.032-04:00MOUNTAIN MUSINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qZHonaVlb8-MyohOAeoImPsLWyTXxrfeJKcGi2eQtYv3B0GfLyiuNm0QotqflT_u0EXe0WGbzuDtdvFk6zFTquIlUyo4HWf3CqpFIUC-h7RjgZAqFfPswiNJQq0kKKjDbiK073AKO90/s1600/Mountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qZHonaVlb8-MyohOAeoImPsLWyTXxrfeJKcGi2eQtYv3B0GfLyiuNm0QotqflT_u0EXe0WGbzuDtdvFk6zFTquIlUyo4HWf3CqpFIUC-h7RjgZAqFfPswiNJQq0kKKjDbiK073AKO90/s1600/Mountain.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MOUNTAIN MUSINGS</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A Dialogue with God</i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Leona Choy</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lord, would You please deal with this mountain</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That is looming so high in my life?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What shall I call the mountain—<i>Impossible</i>?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps <i>painful</i> or <i>inconvenient</i> or <i>disabling</i>?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's invisible, only for You and me to see.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But it <i>hinders</i> me. I'd say it really <i>gets to</i> me</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Please remove it! You promised </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">it could be cast into the sea for me.* </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How do You plan to get rid of my mountain, Lord?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Will You use a bulldozer and tunnel right through it?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Or will You fly me over it in an angel helicopter?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Or simply wave Your mighty hand</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">or speak the word and disappear it?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you want me to go around it?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, there's a condition?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I must have faith like a grain of mustard seed.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So I offer that to You. Is that all You need? </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Are You going to use it like a stick of dynamite</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and blow up my mountain? Spectacular!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You want me to stop guessing how You'll remove it?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That's something that You decide? Okay, I get it.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You say I might have misnamed my mountain?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It could be called “cross” or perhaps “thorn”?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The cross is for me to gladly “take up and follow You.”*</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Like “sharing in the fellowship of Your sufferings.”*</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The thorn is given me for Your special purpose</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And, like You answered the apostle Paul,*</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are <i>not</i> going to take it away?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I might have to live with my mountain?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lord, that wasn't the way I hoped You'd</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">deal with my unwanted mountain!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gladly glory in my infirmities </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and Your grace will be sufficient for me?*</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That's a pretty big order.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But You'll be helping me, right?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Awesome!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">^^^^</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">*Matthew 17:20; Matthew 10:38; Phil. 3:10; 1 Cor. 12:7-10</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-73918702225658899782018-05-26T11:41:00.001-04:002018-05-26T11:41:56.940-04:00PRESSING ON REGARDLESS<br />
<br />
<div class="posttitle">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Guest Post) </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">What if?</span></h2>
<div class="post-info">
(Used by permission May 26, 2018 by <a href="https://writehisanswer.blog/author/mbagnull/" title="Posts by Marlene Bagnull">Marlene Bagnull</a></div>
<div class="post-info">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">"This morning the Bible program that is always open on my computer crashed. I could have gone inside to get a Bible, but what if they had all been confiscated by the government because of the “hate language” they contained? What if it was a crime, punishable by death, to share my faith in Jesus Christ?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ostrich 2" class=" wp-image-10113 alignleft" data-attachment-id="10113" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-description="" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="ostrich 2" data-large-file="https://i2.wp.com/writehisanswer.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ostrich-2.jpg?fit=304%2C235&ssl=1" data-medium-file="https://i2.wp.com/writehisanswer.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ostrich-2.jpg?fit=300%2C232&ssl=1" data-orig-file="https://i2.wp.com/writehisanswer.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ostrich-2.jpg?fit=304%2C235&ssl=1" data-orig-size="304,235" data-permalink="https://writehisanswer.blog/2018/04/26/why-i-direct-two-christian-writers-conferences/ostrich-2/" height="199" src="https://i2.wp.com/writehisanswer.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ostrich-2.jpg?resize=257%2C199&ssl=1" width="257" /><br />Sounds far-fetched? Not really unless we’ve buried our head in the sand and refused to recognize the growing hostility toward Christians in our nation. Not unless we’ve chosen to ignore how our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I got home at 1:00 am Wednesday morning from directing the <i>Colorado Christian Writers Conference</i> for the 22<sup>nd</sup> year. I couldn’t help but wonder if this would be the last year for the conference.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I’m NOT quitting and I’m NOT retiring even though I am 73. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(Leona's note: I'm 20 years older than Marlene and still PRESSING ON REGARDLESS)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But I can’t assume that next year Christians will be free to gather or that our nation will even exist. When, not if, our economy collapses, we’ll have anarchy on our streets. If an EMT destroys our electrical grid, we’ll be back in the middle ages. Or if enemies intent on destroying America and Israel unleash another 911. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>The sad fact for America is that</em><em><br />
our sin has made God our enemy.<br />
Because of the rejection of God and His Word<br />
and because we have exchanged<br />
the God of Life for the gods of death<br />
and perversion,<br />
America is already under<br />
the Hand of God’s judgment.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>If there is no national confession of sin</em></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><em> and if we cannot find a heart of repentance,</em></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><em> a Holy God will complete his judgment;</em></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><em> either by the complete annihilation</em></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><em> or subjugation of what was once a great</em></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><em> and godly people or by rendering it</em></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><em> completely irrelevant on the world stage.</em></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">And so with a growing urgency each year the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference [which Marlene established and still directs] strives to “encourage and equip Christians to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives.” Whether through fiction or nonfiction, articles, poetry, or screenplays, we must “Write His Answer.”</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">**** </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">(Leona adds: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Neither am I quitting or retiring. I'm taking [as deep a breath as I can with a chronically compromised lung from cancer surgery 28 years ago] to pursue my vision to pass on the writing baton to another generation of Christian writers. I'm going forward regardless of a mountain of "what ifs"--personal or national.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus already warned us that "the night is coming when no man can work." I am a realist but full of hope to keep on "redeeming the time" I have left.)</span>Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-25422023982610890232018-05-25T09:56:00.000-04:002018-05-25T09:56:53.920-04:00PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLiAEkwQsTBJrsncqLw9aH4sGcha-Z0u5QqH6Lo0-qvweIqBhyE1Q3bqVT2JKal8YR_IlQqM_q3BZ3k2p0RgDuELRZNsNkcQFRIl6uWjmr3_PoArdGZXJE3d7TnqVkkhz1T_DMvpCCzs/s1600/pause_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="482" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLiAEkwQsTBJrsncqLw9aH4sGcha-Z0u5QqH6Lo0-qvweIqBhyE1Q3bqVT2JKal8YR_IlQqM_q3BZ3k2p0RgDuELRZNsNkcQFRIl6uWjmr3_PoArdGZXJE3d7TnqVkkhz1T_DMvpCCzs/s200/pause_0.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I published an entire book recently on this topic.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Press the PAUSE button" was the subtitle of my book SELAH REFLECTIONS.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRp8Fev8NvmbJovNH0bcaFtqDVOW-34ETocRZaGjMlfHE4t_hRjuMCe9TBn3io4jhCR_7Mbn9zxtDHRSDMp11mGwY3O3TKafbeyPV7vviw56MRF3XfMUXElMbWH49_cAaLIrI3fBC388/s1600/selah+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="671" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRp8Fev8NvmbJovNH0bcaFtqDVOW-34ETocRZaGjMlfHE4t_hRjuMCe9TBn3io4jhCR_7Mbn9zxtDHRSDMp11mGwY3O3TKafbeyPV7vviw56MRF3XfMUXElMbWH49_cAaLIrI3fBC388/s320/selah+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The word SELAH seems to be a mystery word in the Hebrew language. It occurs only in the Old Testament, 71 times in the Psalms. Since its exact meaning is obscure, most versions of the Bible don't even attempt to translate it but let it stand straight from the Hebrew.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Whether it's a musical term, an instruction to singers, indicates a PAUSE to praise God or to linger briefly and meditate on what is being said or written, I have combined all the possible meanings in my book: PAUSE, be silent, calmly think about this, ponder over it, meditate on it in your mind and spirit--then put it into action.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I filled this book with short, personal thought-reflections offering them as my own experiences to share with the reader to SELAH and PAUSE, to glean whatever Christian truth they might reveal. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I call them <i>sound bites in print</i>, <i>savory word snacks</i> which I first posted as mini-articles on my blog: <i>leonachoy.blogspot.com. </i>I grew a book out of my blog posts and compiled them under the SELAH theme.<i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">All of us need the SELAH PAUSES desperately in our often accelerated lives in the daily fast lane. We seem to have lost our appetite for quiet contemplation or we have never even experienced it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How I need "the PAUSE that refreshes"! Why does it seem so difficult to program it into my crowded days? I try to find SELAH moments to press the PAUSE button and capture opportunities to laud and applaud God from Whom all blessings flow. Then my "to do" list doesn't seem so ominous.</span>Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-37564578887017522792018-05-24T13:55:00.000-04:002018-05-24T13:55:33.734-04:00MEET MY FRIEND LOUISE<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3RT22RX1q-BrC6jF1D-Uu80QFVXU4GqusnsdCKWvaj9OTBy9adM5nRN5qG47LLIqnixQW-j17f6LMpf_HDjsLjKz1e2OXNUWW__4bvIsert2D65mDc-i4E71IkWYM8zHajhgtVPFiwc/s1600/coffee-table-books-louise-l-looney-best-rest-days_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3RT22RX1q-BrC6jF1D-Uu80QFVXU4GqusnsdCKWvaj9OTBy9adM5nRN5qG47LLIqnixQW-j17f6LMpf_HDjsLjKz1e2OXNUWW__4bvIsert2D65mDc-i4E71IkWYM8zHajhgtVPFiwc/s320/coffee-table-books-louise-l-looney-best-rest-days_orig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now is never too late and you are never too old to start doing something new! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let me tell you about my still-never-met-in-person author friend, Louise. I love to applaud other writers and recommend their books. The book shown above is a page-turner. My cup of tea got cold because I couldn't put this book down. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I did have a problem. I thought I was reading my own writing--Louise and I are so in sync on topic, writing style, many mutual life experiences, long-term widowhood, a love for the Lord and desire to uplift the attitudes of our fellow calendar-challenged friends. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a lifelong writer, but Louise's writing career began at age seventy-nine. Since then, she has written six outstanding books. Not having read her other books, although I intend to, I recommend this one without reservations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Louise is not a newbie in life experience, however. She has taught in all levels of education from elementary school through college, and in the prison system. A widow since the passing of her husband in his fifties, she has raised her family, managed a Christian Retreat Center for fifteen years and served as the Spiritual Director in a psychiatric hospital.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Would you believe? She says her greatest accomplishments have been since her mid-seventies when she started going to China to teach in an underground Bible school! There we are in sync again with our China connection. And certainly in our mutual desire to leave a legacy through our writings and personal witness wherever the Lord has planted us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now in her late eighties, Louise is out there busily speaking to Christian Writer's Conferences, on radio, making YouTube videos with her humor and continuing to live it up--and write more.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MAKE THE REST OF YOUR DAYS THE BEST OF YOUR DAYS </b>is no small book at 233 pages. How user-friendly is it? The ultimate: she has packed each chapter with her own life experience vignettes and those of others--you eagerly await her next illustration and it comes quickly. Her format is to use bite-sized, usually half-page topics with phrase appetizers to whet your appetite. Ideal for the diminishing attention span of the senior reader.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The subject Louise is exploring is the best real life exposition of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes chapter 12 that I have ever read. Several thousand years ago, the author, King Solomon, gave a poetic but rather dismal description of what happens to an aging body--to any aging person then and now. Louise brings it up-to-date without sparing any punches with her personal, earthy illustrations. If you are anywhere near the AARP age you will relate to her uninhibited examples dished out with spice and humor.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">She doesn't leave us dangling in suspense and depression as we face the deterioration of our mortal bodies, as the apostle Paul so well laid it out in 2 Corinthians chapter four, verses 16-18. Louise shows us, not just tells us, how not to "lose heart" with the downhill slide of our outer person, but to "be renewed day by day."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She demonstrates how a Christian can cultivate a godly, joyful life that radiates from within regardless of what is happening to our "earth suits." (We both use that term in our writing, although we didn't know each other or had ever read one another's writings until a few weeks ago.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Louise is so well-grounded in God's Word and so adept at finding just the right verse to season her illustrations that her writing flows seamlessly. I was so sorry that her book ended. At the same time, there was satisfactory closure to the topic. I was left restless and yet recharged to continue applying the principles from the Word even into my own life as a nonagenarian.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My new friend didn't leave me without consolation. With her book came a CD of <b><i>Scriptures For Encouragement </i></b>read by Louise in her sweet Southern accent, accompanied by the gentle strains of background flute music of familiar hymns played by one of her granddaughters. I'm on my <i>eighth</i> listen-through since I slid the disk into my Toyota's CD player for my drives into town. The Word of God is "dwelling in [my ears] richly."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I must tell you where to find my friend Louise. <b><i>www.louisellooney.com. </i></b>Go there. Really. And beside this book, see what other book you can order and savor for yourself.</span><br />
<br />Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-43831336890947736712018-04-29T12:34:00.001-04:002018-05-06T17:05:50.593-04:00FOR A TIME CAPSULE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Does an author ever write anything that is not targeted for publication?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I explored that in chapter nine in my recently published book, <i>Writing For The Supreme Editor</i> titled "Homespun Writing." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That kind of writing is "published" not in a paperback edition or online but in real time from our hearts to the hearts of people for whom we specifically write. It already accomplishes its purpose. No publicist or marketing or promotion or publicity needed. People close to us are often the ones to receive such writing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the case below, I wrote it to be put into a Time Capsule to be opened by my twin great-granddaughters on their 18th birthday. Today we celebrate their <i>first</i> birthday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My writing will be "in print" for 18 years and be "reprinted" in the year 2036, Lord willing. That's a longer in stock duration than most books rolling off the press these days. At its "publication" today it has subsidiary readers by family and friends and my blog viewers across the country and around the world. I'd say that's a pretty extensive readership for a piece of homespun writing that wasn't intended for the usual publication track, wouldn't you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV0i7OQM7C3WZOE-mGiSMpMn8WtDkZ7N7zT_8Bo2cMPwviqXw6x7GESjJiYEyO0_IFVbSzkHw_GIjOJCchdm3Q3rpCU_2_gVxdarj5fbxyogqsDhPcqI50JtWuh58eSaje6y8HjgzQyA/s1600/Kristen%2527s+twins+1+month+%2528Small%2529.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="854" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV0i7OQM7C3WZOE-mGiSMpMn8WtDkZ7N7zT_8Bo2cMPwviqXw6x7GESjJiYEyO0_IFVbSzkHw_GIjOJCchdm3Q3rpCU_2_gVxdarj5fbxyogqsDhPcqI50JtWuh58eSaje6y8HjgzQyA/s320/Kristen%2527s+twins+1+month+%2528Small%2529.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Great-grandchildren Abigail and Charlotte,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My name is Leona Choy. Many in our family call me “Bubi” which is the short form of the Czech language word pronounced “Bubitchka” which means “grandmother.” I am your great-grand-Bubi.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyvmuBANErmA85bwq0d880OvvZJNAbZpue2Q-g78mNezDyyl5lspkXjtfhAroo4r5HrN8THfvOiwPCdnQk1P2kBwhWUyVG6RQpnl_UMslmcryiKNsrwOrsGzazAZwtlUz2QMIoPktOkA/s1600/First+pictures+with+the+twins+%2528Small%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyvmuBANErmA85bwq0d880OvvZJNAbZpue2Q-g78mNezDyyl5lspkXjtfhAroo4r5HrN8THfvOiwPCdnQk1P2kBwhWUyVG6RQpnl_UMslmcryiKNsrwOrsGzazAZwtlUz2QMIoPktOkA/s320/First+pictures+with+the+twins+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was so excited to meet both of you beautiful babies when you came to visit me soon after you were born! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today you are celebrating your first birthday in real time, but apparently you will not be reading this note from me until you are 18 years old. We used to say that something like that is pretty “cool.” I don't know what newly coined words you say at the time you are reading this.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I wonder what you both look like as you are reading this 18 years later—you are two beautiful, intelligent young women for sure, who are probably living in a much different society than you were when you celebrated your first birthday. I can hardly imagine what your world will be like in 2036.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I won't be around to celebrate your 18th birthday with you. I expect to be in Heaven where I also anticipate meeting you girls someday. Then we will all be together again like when we were on Earth and we'll have a mega-celebration to get to know each other again.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I might actually know all about your growing years even when I'm in Heaven. I've been praying to my Heavenly Father God for you every day since long before you were born. When I get to Heaven, I believe I will keep on doing the same thing—praying for you every day. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Oops! Maybe they don't count days in Heaven since everything there is <i>forever?</i> Perhaps</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> God sends His angels to Earth to carry out the answers to the prayers we are bringing to Him for those we love who are still on Earth--like you. We will have lots of surprises when we get to Heaven!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You probably won't remember me when you are 18 because you were too young to figure out who is who among all the people in your family who love you. As you grow, you will sort out who is who. But your G-G Bubi has written a lot of books so that when you read them, you will get to know me too. Perhaps one or both of you will become writers too? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXlhSGltGRXcF-AoYU1GNlA_r6kiWTNY1MtX6w2IvwBqGIoajeMIEjRJwvCbXtE9bUL_CpAGseP_TgqG8pjj5ZFrqhq8TWTxBbsoX8JkYzikduGyP82Sb8ooTwQSVm3rxb3LIFmbpBUc/s1600/lc123+%2528Small%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="422" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXlhSGltGRXcF-AoYU1GNlA_r6kiWTNY1MtX6w2IvwBqGIoajeMIEjRJwvCbXtE9bUL_CpAGseP_TgqG8pjj5ZFrqhq8TWTxBbsoX8JkYzikduGyP82Sb8ooTwQSVm3rxb3LIFmbpBUc/s320/lc123+%2528Small%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXw4xy3HQO3BSN2E1W8IerBjJTuQ7fNS1f9rgnkuFOTj6dDWmUYvZSGNbX-9kIBp2IY8Kvbo4JHLI-WWko21vCwRI0Cs2s5jVm64axCLxQ00S13ih3fVlK0X8If4ayIFjd91sa5I5tFY/s1600/LC1+%2528Medium%2529+%2528Small%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="357" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXw4xy3HQO3BSN2E1W8IerBjJTuQ7fNS1f9rgnkuFOTj6dDWmUYvZSGNbX-9kIBp2IY8Kvbo4JHLI-WWko21vCwRI0Cs2s5jVm64axCLxQ00S13ih3fVlK0X8If4ayIFjd91sa5I5tFY/s320/LC1+%2528Medium%2529+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="238" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was once a baby like you girls. This is my picture before I was one year old. I didn't have any sisters or brothers.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I grew up I had children of my own, four boys. Your Poppy Cliff was one of them. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssarncnFPPNdMole-TZI0dr9vk9_QyVWhkGXKsfdORpcHDIZ_k5KMTW3ctLKsrjf8_5xEplorVB06h27ADDTFSZAzsFOEslQq_KJjFGCDd7Q4ahZx2DUtLqw04hyphenhyphenjTQahWV4tUvJixFw/s1600/Family+at+birth+of+Jeff20170420_102612+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssarncnFPPNdMole-TZI0dr9vk9_QyVWhkGXKsfdORpcHDIZ_k5KMTW3ctLKsrjf8_5xEplorVB06h27ADDTFSZAzsFOEslQq_KJjFGCDd7Q4ahZx2DUtLqw04hyphenhyphenjTQahWV4tUvJixFw/s320/Family+at+birth+of+Jeff20170420_102612+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is a picture of him with his brothers when he was a little boy. He is the one sitting in front of me. Yes, that is me G-G Bubi holding Poppy's new baby brother. To my right is my mother, Marie. To my left is Poppy's Daddy Ted.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Years went by and I was thrilled to have 10 grandchildren...your Mommy Kristen was one of them.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Eventually God blessed me with great-grandchildren like you. You girls were #12 and #13 of my great-grandchildren.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy5U_msrho9a8MZo8vrrpT4xj4MX__6FlzbmkeAYP-arwySDjbENlc_SblPpENOUajOKKTAN4LB1hWtsD0ZZmC1ck4hye0OqTQsTiDqnYeCTes7_hp3USuTkLD0GEsgXsKow2LThQTHs/s1600/Leona+with+90th+cake+%2528Small%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPy5U_msrho9a8MZo8vrrpT4xj4MX__6FlzbmkeAYP-arwySDjbENlc_SblPpENOUajOKKTAN4LB1hWtsD0ZZmC1ck4hye0OqTQsTiDqnYeCTes7_hp3USuTkLD0GEsgXsKow2LThQTHs/s320/Leona+with+90th+cake+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then more years went by and I had the fun of growing really older. This is my picture when I was 90 years old. I am almost 93 when I am writing this letter to you. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Through the love that your Daddy Bob and Mommy Kristen had for each other, you girls were born. That is how you got your earthly bodies. I call them “earth suits.” </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Those bodies will grow old someday too. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But when you were born, God also gave each of you separately a soul or spirit deep within you, invisible. That is the “real you.” Because God made your soul for living forever and ever. It will never grow old and die. I hope you will be learning more about all the exciting things that God, your Creator, planned for you two. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God loves you more than you can imagine and wants to be your closest Friend and Heavenly Father all your lives. God is with you constantly so you will never need to feel alone even at times when you will be away from each other and living your own lives separately. He designed a wonderful and <i>different</i> plan for both of you for your lives according to the talents and gifts and abilities He has given differently to both of you. I get so excited to think about what you both will become in your lives!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I want you both to know that I love you dearly, heaps and a bundle, and I'm so proud to have you in my life.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I want to give you a blessing:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>“May the Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you (that means “smile”) and enlighten you and be gracious, kind, merciful and giving favor to you; May the Lord lift up His approving countenance upon you and give you peace, tranquility of heart and life continually.” (Numbers 6:24-26)</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I pray that God may lead you, Abigail and Charlotte, all through your lives ahead and bless and prosper you in all your ways—forever and forever.</span></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With all my love,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your great-grand-Bubi Leona Choy</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-79189418151769792972018-04-27T11:29:00.002-04:002018-04-27T11:30:35.010-04:00OL'YELLER JOHN DEERE<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">STUCK</span> is the word of the day for “FMF” Five Minute Friday writing challenge.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMeNgXsXbUTWev0aCI6OihPLMSF7T6EzQpvg0Ea7ZubYhJ6VnTvw4b5O3Bghsa7_nPDPKJlckS-pTmGrFYu4waFQUbnfzuSj-WCza0_3GUYdhiu96Tl1UDkdwrvfvpwBaLFXhUjUbL-U/s1600/John_Deere+backhoe_snow_removal.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMeNgXsXbUTWev0aCI6OihPLMSF7T6EzQpvg0Ea7ZubYhJ6VnTvw4b5O3Bghsa7_nPDPKJlckS-pTmGrFYu4waFQUbnfzuSj-WCza0_3GUYdhiu96Tl1UDkdwrvfvpwBaLFXhUjUbL-U/s400/John_Deere+backhoe_snow_removal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My son Rick specializes in getting people UNSTUCK.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> That is because he owns a big kinda rusty ol' yeller <i>John Deere</i> backhoe.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We live in a wooded lots subdivision and his volunteer services are often needed whatever the season.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In winter after a blizzard our neighbors get STUCK in snow banks.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In rainy spring they manage to get their riding mowers STUCK in the mud by the creek.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My grandson Jeffrey got his pickup truck STUCK in the woodland last week while clearing out some nasty, thorny undergrowth.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I got to thinking about the people in my own life who sometimes pull me out of my STUCK situations. God bless them for encouraging me and acting as my cheerleaders when I'm feeling low.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We all have times when we're emotionally or even literally in the pits. King David the Psalmist talks about God rescuing him when he's “STUCK in the miry clay.” The Lord God is our <i>John Deere</i>. We put out an S.O.S. and God immediately shows up to pull us out and set us on a rock—the solid Rock, Jesus. “He is our ever-present help in time of trouble.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I think about my own responsibility to other people who are STUCK in the problems of life and need my <i>John Deere</i> assistance. I must lovingly come alongside them with my encouragement and offer my strength derived from God to UNSTUCK them. The Lord tells me to “bear one another's burden and so fulfill the law of Christ.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever the season of my life or in the lives of the STUCK ones, I must be there on call for them “in season and out of season.” That's what the Body of Christ is all about. We are knit together in the love of God and love for one another.</span></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-53444750171526443002018-04-23T11:14:00.001-04:002018-04-23T11:15:34.035-04:00“Wait for YOUR TURN!”<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Written for the prompt word "TURN" for FMF Community challenge</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91zPKRVKVPT86OLR2OQN_Imy9wz8MhWkKA_-r2k2OD-XLdiyvEpjbMOjn_7Uqu7zoJ7QiGDIGkRDJ-dvpVztAsJxwjgD4D9bl60lRrhE4cB1kEVEF2NOcvllv2yu9ya65EBcsyuCqFkA/s1600/42714340-little-boy-and-girl-on-a-plachildren+on+swings.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1300" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91zPKRVKVPT86OLR2OQN_Imy9wz8MhWkKA_-r2k2OD-XLdiyvEpjbMOjn_7Uqu7zoJ7QiGDIGkRDJ-dvpVztAsJxwjgD4D9bl60lRrhE4cB1kEVEF2NOcvllv2yu9ya65EBcsyuCqFkA/s320/42714340-little-boy-and-girl-on-a-plachildren+on+swings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was a toddler my mother's constant words whenever she took me to the park or when she was teaching me to play nicely with my neighborhood playmates, <b>“Take turns now. Your turn will come.”</b> But children aren't born with an ounce of patience.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My</b> <b>turn</b> eventually did come.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I grew impatient to start kindergarten like the neighbor children, again I heard, “<b>Your</b> <b>turn</b> will come.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And it did, of course.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Later, when I was anxious to grow up quickly and graduate and get on with life, “<b>Your turn </b>will come.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And it did.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn't wait to finish college and get on with planning for my wedding. Yes, <b>my</b> <b>turn</b> came.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And <b>my</b> <b>turn</b> came to become a mother.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then a grandmother.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then <b>my</b> <b>turn</b> has come to experience the joy of being a great-grandmother of 13 youngsters.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, with God's generous blessing of longevity, I look eagerly ahead for <b>my turn</b> to lay aside my “earth suit” and <b>turn</b> it in for a “space suit” more appropriate for Eternal Immortal Living.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“To everything there is a season,” declared the wisest of men in the Scriptures. “There is a <b>turn</b> for every stage of life. That's the perfect way God designed it.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-62625671688442984672018-04-16T17:32:00.000-04:002018-04-16T17:34:37.243-04:00"WATCH FOR FALLING ROCKS!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJKGHFPT639i52-S34E59_AH7Ta5YwU19t656nv-9Rc8lrejCkXHpi3qQKafp3ou6IBU0paC2n816mwXIZyGXmF8WhlRns6Qu8jw1vk-ud6LWy8J8eJ9xbR7UYzcRLKOuqrdIcYIJZ4k/s1600/Falling+person+sign.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="160" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJKGHFPT639i52-S34E59_AH7Ta5YwU19t656nv-9Rc8lrejCkXHpi3qQKafp3ou6IBU0paC2n816mwXIZyGXmF8WhlRns6Qu8jw1vk-ud6LWy8J8eJ9xbR7UYzcRLKOuqrdIcYIJZ4k/s320/Falling+person+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I pray for something now that wasn't on my priority list earlier in my life. <b><i>“Lord, keep me from falling!”</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't have a problem with my balance before. I could literally run to and fro in the fast lane of life. Being calendar-challenged now, compounded by neuropathy, changes the picture. My medical persons warn me not to fall because my “earth suit” is now more fragile and broken bones would be disastrous.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I see a correlation with my spiritual life as a Christian. Some of us solid Rock Christians, when undergoing pressures and trials, have been known to slip and stumble and fall. Due to the length of the journey of life and the weariness of always trudging uphill, some of us lose our balance and fall. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes Christians whose life is built on the Rock, who have known the joy of the Lord, as time goes on grow cold and lose their joy. (Luke 8:13) “But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Rather than adversity, it could be prosperity and success that contributes to our fall. (1 Timothy 6:9) “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Do we think that we would never fall? Do I? (1 Corinthians 10:12) “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” The apostle Peter, of all people, bragged that although all others would fall away, he would never do so. You know the rest of the story.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Scripture instructs us to look out for ourselves lest we fall. Beyond that, we are responsible to lift up other “fallen rock” brothers and sisters in Christ.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpWn7lkMWGSFNoSGEw6ZM1Ac8kYkroI85DqlvNOTb7wG40qU1GE4JHCxisNP0ZfOKpHPPIfOi3BAiu8NK3GZpxjj7fYGALuI-bG4W37xNATQn6zqCgIHcD6xyZYN_EKLuVBL8GBKjzkI/s1600/falling-rocks-.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1300" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpWn7lkMWGSFNoSGEw6ZM1Ac8kYkroI85DqlvNOTb7wG40qU1GE4JHCxisNP0ZfOKpHPPIfOi3BAiu8NK3GZpxjj7fYGALuI-bG4W37xNATQn6zqCgIHcD6xyZYN_EKLuVBL8GBKjzkI/s320/falling-rocks-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Driving along the blue line roads of Virginia surrounded by forest and rocky formations close to the roadside, I have come upon signs warning <i><b>“Watch for falling rocks!”</b></i> Erosion loosens rocks that were once firmly embedded and they tumble down onto the traffic lanes. The fallen rocks become a danger to others, as do we. When we fall, we drag others down with us.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Peter sums it up from his own experience. (2 Peter 3:17) “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the major factors contributing to our potential fallen state is when we have “fallen out of love” with our Lord. In Revelation 2:4 Jesus tells His own beloved ones, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we have become “fallen rocks,” it need not be permanent. Nor is it a problem only for us in our later years. Isaiah 40:30 “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God promises to uphold us in our weakness and pick us up when we fall. (Psalm 37:24) “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.” “The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14).</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-21646297685928622212018-04-13T17:11:00.000-04:002018-04-13T17:12:15.516-04:00My OTHER authorblog is being birthed<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the FMF writers' prompt word for
today: <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>OTHER</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I've been working on <b>“OTHER”</b>
in a creative way in my blogosphere lately. I've been a blogger for
10 years and although I will continue my inspirational posting there,
I'm excited to be birthing an <b>OTHER </b>second blog dedicated to
serving Christian writers.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I hope to launch this <i>authorblog</i>
in a week or so—I won't give you the link yet because I haven't
fully fleshed it out, added the <i>Mailchimp</i>, etc. I'm “aflutter”
(pardon the butterfly pun, given the theme I'm using) about its
potential and the interactive way I'm setting it up and the services
I'm offering to writers.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Below I copy the last couple of
paragraphs of my “WELCOME” page as an appetizer. I hope it tastes
good to you and you'll come over to visit me as soon as this <b>OTHER</b>
blog is flying. Stay tuned!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“For some time I've been
sending encouraging writing "Tips"-- suggestions, resources
and meaningful writing links by email to writers I'm coaching.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've
used the analogy of writers eventually becoming like <i>butterflies</i>
after starting out as <i>caterpillars</i>, going through the quiet,
growing <i>chrysalis</i> stage and ultimately emerging to fly freely
on their unique beautiful wings. I plan to continue my service of
<i>"Butterfly Tips"</i> through my posts on this blog.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSt9_m6RPjoDjSg1mBvmoZ1ncXqOWroWiXLYgdRbdbzYG9al0PnzLWQ35e6y8PuKcydCM0Gb0EpOIVHzQC3_oxqwPRUplHrjCnYDIb-RCpnmDL5SGhvo5VSmrE0e4EuG4uOoDolE3-_fg/s1600/caterpillar.jpg"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="154" name="graphics1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSt9_m6RPjoDjSg1mBvmoZ1ncXqOWroWiXLYgdRbdbzYG9al0PnzLWQ35e6y8PuKcydCM0Gb0EpOIVHzQC3_oxqwPRUplHrjCnYDIb-RCpnmDL5SGhvo5VSmrE0e4EuG4uOoDolE3-_fg/s1600/caterpillar.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />The hopeful dreamer,
the "wannabe" beginning writer is like the lowly
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>caterpillar</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> full of
potential but hardly aware of what could be coming. All writers start
out in that stage but shouldn't stay at ground level. God intends
more for you. You aren't meant to crawl forever; you were meant to
fly! The main occupation of a beginning writer, like a caterpillar, is to
"eat" to build himself up for the next stage by learning
his craft, listening to God and moving forward. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most
writers experience a </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>chrysalis</i></span><span style="font-size: large;">
stage where nothing seems to be happening. We feel static and
isolated and getting nowhere. Time and patience are needed. We are
being formed in the darkness for the surprise that is looming
ahead!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With the help of the Creator of
this splendid metamorphosis, the </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>butterfly</i></span><span style="font-size: large;">
struggles and in due time comes forth from its cocoon. Just so, the
butterfly writer emerges from his inertia and takes flight. With much
editing and revision he begins to successfully and professionally
communicate his message and becomes published. He realizes the
potential that God put within him when he was in his caterpillar
stage. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>An awesome transformation!</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I
encourage you through this new </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>authorblog</i></span><span style="font-size: large;">
to pursue your calling as a butterfly-to-be Christian writer. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What
is your mission, if you choose to accept it? </i></span><span style="font-size: large;">To
pollinate your part of the world with the Good News of the Kingdom of
God through whatever genre He is giving you.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>With
God, it isn't a "mission impossible!"</b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's get busy at
our computer keyboards so we can bless the world and witness for the
Lord through communicating His message as skilled </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>wordsmiths</i></span><span style="font-size: large;">
in God's Kingdom.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_g09fE3xiYc_Ofecfriwf2asSwVkKuDUHluT9JqKF7RtCaDEvWzjL5T1bwYr80T3FVjOte_m3HLJRgqFgkSXhmb_4cKZLyKkrR_Noilpu0j-XKWpj7xMBOQw2ZNXrR9hUxGHlUEZidLg/s1600/typing+at+computer+%2528Small%2529.jpg"><img align="BOTTOM" border="0" height="183" name="graphics2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_g09fE3xiYc_Ofecfriwf2asSwVkKuDUHluT9JqKF7RtCaDEvWzjL5T1bwYr80T3FVjOte_m3HLJRgqFgkSXhmb_4cKZLyKkrR_Noilpu0j-XKWpj7xMBOQw2ZNXrR9hUxGHlUEZidLg/s1600/typing+at+computer+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-63983028465784169322018-04-11T11:17:00.001-04:002018-04-11T11:17:38.974-04:00THE “HEM OF HIS GARMENT”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSebOb9-9aDWNYVWmkK1TO81YnFZN47UMjGc0n0AkVuS9I-VmjLMYCESPwhjOuugogCtsBFF7W4eriibLUXoZrWLVrk_EnpH9H_LIFY6UC0v9ADLYXk2DOYILg0gwujOcvQmgh1dTAkQ/s1600/Close+up+shawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSebOb9-9aDWNYVWmkK1TO81YnFZN47UMjGc0n0AkVuS9I-VmjLMYCESPwhjOuugogCtsBFF7W4eriibLUXoZrWLVrk_EnpH9H_LIFY6UC0v9ADLYXk2DOYILg0gwujOcvQmgh1dTAkQ/s400/Close+up+shawl.jpg" width="225" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">What's the story
behind sick people pressing upon Jesus trying to touch his clothing
to be healed? The passage from Mark 6:56 sent me on a search for Jewish
culture and traditions at the time of Christ. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Biblical scholars
tell us that some Scripture translations need more accurate
rendering. It was not simply the “hem” of His ordinary garment
which the woman with the issue of blood reached out to touch. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">More
correctly translated in some versions, it was the fringe, or tassels
on His Prayer Shawl. As a Rabbi, Jesus would have worn one most of
the time over his ordinary clothing and around His shoulders. The
Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all mention this.
Definitely Jesus would have worn it when He “went apart alone to
pray” or when He taught in the Synagogues. It was called a
“Tallith.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfFa90C0Nnn9Wis3sOdTtm5DZqF63DYSaY2D9h06BRQHKeAM0dnKJeHF1eQY0vAs-Usea1m9KVYkeUeeprYjDJ9uD91jb99K3byQYCUme7S3id1CmA_DChjMXonbKC3e2__r3Aenicio/s1600/Prayer+shawl+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfFa90C0Nnn9Wis3sOdTtm5DZqF63DYSaY2D9h06BRQHKeAM0dnKJeHF1eQY0vAs-Usea1m9KVYkeUeeprYjDJ9uD91jb99K3byQYCUme7S3id1CmA_DChjMXonbKC3e2__r3Aenicio/s400/Prayer+shawl+two.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was
traveling in Israel, I bought a modern one which was quite elaborate. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A Tallith today is made of silk or wool, usually white, interwoven
with threads of blue, gold, and silver. Each color has some
significance. The “zizith” are the fringes or tassels of entwined
threads at the four corners of the shawl which people were
reaching out to touch for healing. Smaller tassels are in series of
10 to represent the 10 Commandments. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Often a representation of the
tablets of the Commandments is embroidered on it, as well as the 7
stick candelabra. Hebrew words from the Torah, for instance: “The
Lord our God is one God” and other quotations are embroidered on
it. The tassels at the ends are blue or purple and longer than the
others. A Rabbi or Messianic Jewish friend could tell us more about
the spiritual and traditional significance of the designs.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In the Old
Testament in Numbers 15:37- 41 and Deuteronomy 22:12 God commanded
Moses to give specific
instructions to the men of Israel how certain items should be made and their significance. The
tassels at the corners were a reminder to keep the Commandments
of God. They became the symbol of Jewish obedience to the Law. Jesus
condemned the Scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites in Matthew 23:5 for
making their tassels overly long to publicly display their piety
while their actions didn’t measure up.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some biblical
scholars suggest that the word translated “tent” in reference to
the apostle Paul's occupation to support himself while preaching so
that he would not be a burden to those who heard his good news
actually means the making of Prayer Shawls. <i>Not </i>tents in the
sense of durable cloth sewn together to provide a place of temporary
living outdoors. “Tentmaking” was also the occupation of
Priscilla and Aquila mentioned in Acts. Jewish society at that time
would not have been a ready market for such a commodity as
collapsible shelters. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(Still other scholars believe that Paul and his
friends were constructing the temporary booths that were required for
the Feast of the Tabernacles called Sukkot. So the jury is still out
on the precise meaning of their occupation.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In Israeli society
then as well as now, there was little time alone because people lived
so crowded together. Jesus often felt the urgency for privacy, to
separate Himself from the crowd, even from His disciples, to listen
to His Father. When a Jewish man wanted to pray, he could do so
<i>anywhere and anytime</i> by putting his Prayer Tallith<b> </b>around
his shoulders or over his head. Immediately, whether there was a
crowd around him or not, he was “praying in secret” as Jesus
described it. Some suppose that “entering into your closet to pray”
could also have referred to creating a private place for prayer by
putting on the Prayer Shawl.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">These days in our
society privacy is at a premium as well. Our cities are crowded and
at home we are often surrounded by family members. Friends, work
associates, and the general public press in upon us when we are away
from home. Quiet time to pray is hard to come by. Nevertheless, we
can and should “pray without ceasing” throughout the day whatever
the circumstances as the apostle Paul wrote.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Christ indwells the
believer. God is always with me and in me by His Holy Spirit. I am
never separated from Him. However, some people may find it helpful
during their private prayers to use some tangible symbol to make such
time special. Some people light a candle. It can be a reminder to
approach the presence of God in silence and with a spirit of
reverence and awe.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Of course there is
nothing magical about putting on a prayer shawl of whatever kind when
I set aside a regular time for prayer. We don’t have to use an
authentic one such as Jewish men, and women too, use today during
prayer. It can be a scarf around my shoulders or a veil over my head
as a symbol that I am separating myself from the distractions around
me while devoting myself to prayer. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When Susanna Wesley, mother of 18
children (including her famous preacher and hymn writer sons, John
and Charles Wesley) wanted privacy for prayer, she pulled her work
apron over her head. Whether she was in the kitchen or the bedroom,
her children, even the youngest ones, knew and respected her quiet
time with God.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In whatever way we
reach out to touch Jesus for healing, wisdom, strength or provision
of our daily needs, the promise is “Draw near unto God and He will
draw near to you.” (James 4:8) </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">No matter what crowd is pressing
around us, how our circumstances push us to the wall, how we long for
personal space, how much we desire healing and wholeness of body,
mind or spirit, <i>we can touch Jesus</i> as did the woman in the crowd.<b> “The Lord is near to all who
call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the
desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will
save them”</b> (Psalm 145:18, 19).</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span>Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-91623323010817491942018-04-06T08:32:00.002-04:002018-04-06T08:32:41.670-04:00RELEASE THE BARNACLES!<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVlo45rwQq-B8Jt1f0287rtBH9Ly1qnRQt3Jg7i5QgnDdjqr1tVh82lY_okQCG_4vgWACSCTj__p6Yv4GSAn2KcfVyZ2MEYf9fLi88y15RIXWabtG2JcQGn1yoYE-XEhh-350wn2DtcA/s1600/barnacles.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVlo45rwQq-B8Jt1f0287rtBH9Ly1qnRQt3Jg7i5QgnDdjqr1tVh82lY_okQCG_4vgWACSCTj__p6Yv4GSAn2KcfVyZ2MEYf9fLi88y15RIXWabtG2JcQGn1yoYE-XEhh-350wn2DtcA/s1600/barnacles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> (For the FMF writers' challenge to write on the word "release.")</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>BARNACLES are small marine crustaceans, saltwater animals
with an external shell-like covering. They are "attachers."</span><span><span style="font-family: Times\ New\ Roman, serif;"><span></span>
They join themselves permanently to ships, wharves, and rocks, and other marine animals. Clinging to the hull of a ship they can reduce
the vessel's speed. The ship must be put in dry dock to have the
bottom scraped from barnacles. </span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> I too am like some ships at sea
which are loaded down with barnacles. I'm
weighted down, slowed from pressing on to the best plan God has
for my life. I confess to unwanted attachments and feelings. I need to <i><b>release</b></i> them, <b><i>let them go!</i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> I unnecessarily cling to offenses against me, real or
imagined. They multiply exponentially. I remember hurts and keep the
wounds open by reviewing them in my mind. I cling to negative emotions
long after the situation is resolved which was the cause of them. I should <b><i>release</i></b> these barnacles. I
should <i><b>let them go!
</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> I can't seem to forget events of the
past when I was slighted or disappointed, occasions when I was
sinned against or taken advantage of. They are barnacles. I should
<i><b>let them go!</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> Sometimes I, myself am a barnacle clinging to some relationship that is over, trying to
resurrect a friendship that should be relegated to the past. There may
be people I should allow to leave my life, whom God wants out of my life. I may be holding on
to a wrong relationship or an addiction. <span style="font-family: Times\ New\ Roman, serif;">I should intentionally release it. I should <b><i>let it go! </i></b></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times\ New\ Roman, serif;"> I
might be holding on to some thoughts of evil or revenge, planning to
get even with someone for what he or she did to me. I must <i><b>let it
go! </b></i></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier\ New, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times\ New\ Roman, serif;"> If
I am stuck in the past and God is trying to take me to a new level in
Him, I should turn my back on the past, <i><b>let it go,</b></i> and let God do His
new work in me. If I keep trying to help someone who doesn’t accept
or want my help, I should back off and <i><b>let it go!</b></i> If there is a
particular situation that I am used to handling myself and God is
saying 'take your hands off of it,' then I need to <b><i>let it go!</i></b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times\ New\ Roman, serif;">If I don't release these things voluntarily, God may need to scrape these barncales off. The process is sure to be painful. Nevertheless, I will be lightened to “press on to
the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 3:
13, 14).</span><span style="font-family: Courier\ New, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times\ New\ Roman, serif;"> The
Lord will bless me with a fresh start in a new direction if I allow
Him to scrape the barnacles off of my life. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Courier\ New, monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times\ New\ Roman, serif;">In my older calendar years I have an even greater accumulation of barnacles <span>from which I need to be deta<span>ched. N</span></span>o matter what my age or
how complicated my circumstances, God is sufficient if I am willing to <i><b>let them go,</b></i> release them, detach myself from the
“clingers,” forget the past, and surrender myself
totally into His hands.</span></span></span>Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-31032680077020799692018-04-05T18:53:00.002-04:002018-04-05T19:00:39.142-04:00Why Does the Sky Cry?(For the online writing-challenge--an April poem)<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></b></i></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fsZzA7QV6ru4yd_Lrhk8zLLP184oCZjwKW6SLdd_xX33rSzubhg5E5zPKb54y-ke-_jHUUopji_Eke3Nyc1cn41bDxhms3y5ohbtpO8tFBEmpoCHyWpnZVfD5HihJ3fv14grvpGC5Rk/s1600/Rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fsZzA7QV6ru4yd_Lrhk8zLLP184oCZjwKW6SLdd_xX33rSzubhg5E5zPKb54y-ke-_jHUUopji_Eke3Nyc1cn41bDxhms3y5ohbtpO8tFBEmpoCHyWpnZVfD5HihJ3fv14grvpGC5Rk/s200/Rain.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">One
might expect a little child to ask such an innocent, naive question
when watching the spring rain fall. Since I am a “forever-child”
of my Heavenly Father, He won’t object to my asking the same
question.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> A dark, overcast sky with gentle raindrops pattering on my
roof and splashing in puddles outside evokes conflicting emotions
within me—I feel wistful, happy, yet sad, peaceful, nostalgic, and
pensive all wrapped up with melancholy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> Rain makes me feel both
<i>restful </i>and <i>restless.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Sky
Tears</b></i></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Why
does the sky cry?</span></i></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">For what has been and is no more?</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">For what is not and never will be?</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">For what will be but is delayed?</span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">Does
the sky cry from emptiness or fullness?</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or
simply because in the cycle of seasons</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">it
is time to cry?</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
sky needs release and the thirsty ground</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">needs
sky tears to soften the soil</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">and
prepare for spring:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"> the planting, sprouting,
birth of life. </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
weeping sky and the rejoicing earth</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">meet
in expectancy for the certainty</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">of
growth after the spring rain.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Why
does my heart cry?</span></i></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
don't know why. Perhaps </span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">for
all the reasons </span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">of
the sky and earth combined</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">for
I am part of that cycle of life</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">and
its seasons.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
seem to be always in transition </span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">always
in anticipation</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">always
in passage to another stage.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">I
too cry from emptiness and from fullness</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">and
for release. Sometimes wistfully</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">looking
backward</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">and
then again pressing </span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">longingly
forward.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes
my tears are neither sad nor glad.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps
my tears are the bridge between</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">the
loving decrees of God for my life</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">those
unknown episodes </span></span>
</div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">still
beyond the horizon</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">and
the thirst of my earth-heart to know</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">what
they are and what the coming spring will bring</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">after
the planting, after the sprouting</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">after
the births of life that will come forth in me</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ultimately </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">after my spring rain.</span></span></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-28435687418276898572018-03-30T19:49:00.001-04:002018-03-30T19:50:45.888-04:00Settled=Done=IT IS FINISHED!(Written for "FMF" <u>Five Minute Friday</u> writing challenge on the word "settled"--on Good Friday's commemoration of our Lord's death on the Cross)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVczW6u2zKy4Wro4TRnTy0OOZ1qo6p_dlhcDhr2ww0dkeB_FH4JVwRZR2uBCNDg4PMxnLbGp6BnwC5w17shL0YGTC7hd6vGFTOUfr_fdDntasws_Z3v6Lh90J_6Bqzp0NoJLgArtZHV0k/s1600/risen+Christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="228" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVczW6u2zKy4Wro4TRnTy0OOZ1qo6p_dlhcDhr2ww0dkeB_FH4JVwRZR2uBCNDg4PMxnLbGp6BnwC5w17shL0YGTC7hd6vGFTOUfr_fdDntasws_Z3v6Lh90J_6Bqzp0NoJLgArtZHV0k/s200/risen+Christ.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On a pilgrimage to the Holy Land some years ago, our group of American Christians had the opportunity and physical challenge to try climbing to the summit of what is traditionally known as Mount Sinai in the Egyptian desert. We were awakened at 3 in the morning by our Israeli guide so we could reach the top in time to view the sunrise. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The climb in pitch darkness with failing flashlights over rocky terrain was more than arduous! I was <i>not</i> one of those who completed the ascent--some of us, breathless and exhausted, took shelter in a rocky cove about half way and waited to join our triumphant group for our descent. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote this poem afterward contrasting the two mounts: Mount Sinai and Mount Calvary. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TWO MOUNTS</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sinai thunders <i>"Do!"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Calvary whispers <i>"Done!"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As Moses climbed Mt. Sinai</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">so I will try</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">sweating and straining</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">stumbling over rugged rocks</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">slipping on steep slopes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Attempting Sinai's summit</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I make it only half way!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sinai thunders <i>"Do!"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE LAW</b>, imposed for the good of man</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">measures with a perfect, divine ruler</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">man's inability to attain</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">a "mission impossible" standard:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">breaking one law</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I stand condemned by all. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Calvary whispers <i>"Done!"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>GRACE,</b> bought by the blood of the One</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who dragged a rugged cross</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">over rough cobblestones</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">up Calvary--instead of me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and made it <i>all the way</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">bought my freedom from THE LAW!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not by works of THE LAW</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>but by GRACE! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i> It is settled!</i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"It is finished!" our Savior cried. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sinai thunders "Do!"</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Calvary whispers "Done!"--</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>once for all!</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-46499572166666802252018-03-26T13:27:00.000-04:002018-03-26T13:29:33.720-04:00IF THE SHOE FITS....<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-9081824726704852777" itemprop="description articleBody">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQBfLwXW_tk_BKKHxuvOoBrwWVI1T5yq-jfomE1gbVnX-E-zz_OkJ-N6o9ac5DHnkjMGid8yNT5lEFFmcC6QH3TlImPTpyJ5gt6hHJXelH5OkYKBQyVrigA_aQOYoy8ioQDIgDQ07LdI/s1600/Sandals+of+Jesus.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQBfLwXW_tk_BKKHxuvOoBrwWVI1T5yq-jfomE1gbVnX-E-zz_OkJ-N6o9ac5DHnkjMGid8yNT5lEFFmcC6QH3TlImPTpyJ5gt6hHJXelH5OkYKBQyVrigA_aQOYoy8ioQDIgDQ07LdI/s320/Sandals+of+Jesus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> (Background from Scripture)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">[The night Jesus was betrayed]<b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"> "...they all left Him and fled. And a certain young man was following Him,
wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized
him. But he left the linen sheet behind, and escaped naked."</span></b><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"> Mark 14:50-52 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"> </span><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";">Mark
is the only Gospel writer who records this incident. Was he himself
perchance that young follower of Jesus whose well-to-do mother is identified as
Mary of Jerusalem? Mark is referred to by historians as 'John Mark of
Jerusalem'. His mother is known to have hosted Jesus and His disciples
on numerous occasions in her probably spacious home. It remained a gathering place for
prayer for the early Christians. (Acts 12:12). </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";">She may have been one of the women who followed Jesus seeing to their collective material needs with their own resources.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";">Her
home may have been the location of the Last Supper. (Mark 14:15) My
pure speculation, but Mark may have been there that night assisting his
mom with the hospitality. After they had sung the last hymn and headed
off to the Mount of Olives, (Mark 14:26) young Mark might have been
getting ready for bed when his mom got wind of something sinister about
to happen to Jesus in a familiar location not far from their home. The young man
might have taken off at a run to see for himself, neglecting to put his
clothes back on. Could he have been "the young man wrapped in a sheet"
who got scared and ran off after the soldiers arrested Jesus?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "bookman old style";"> </span><i>From a Commentary:</i>
The early Church is practically unanimous in ascribing the Second
Gospel to Mark, the cousin of Barnabas and associate of apostles Paul and Peter.
Thought to have been baptized by Peter, strong tradition also supports
the assertion that in this Gospel he
recorded the firsthand recollections and preaching of Peter, who calls
Mark "my
son" in 1 Peter 5:13. Mark was along on one of the early missionary
journeys with Paul and Barnabas but dropped out and returned home to
Jerusalem for unknown reasons. (Acts 13:13) This resulted in "a sharp
disagreement" between Paul and Barnabas and a parting of their ways.
(Acts 15:39) As John Mark, the unproven fledgling Christian, grew up and matured in
his faith to become a steady, dependable disciple, he was restored into
the good graces of Paul. (Colossians 4:10) After the death of Peter,
historians say that John Mark became the first bishop of the Alexandrian
Church.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>HIS SANDALS</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(An imagined scenario)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What happened to Jesus’ sandals?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Leona Choy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Soldiers jerked off His <i>sandals</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to nail His bare feet</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to a rough-splintered cross</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">callously casting lots</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">for His seamless garment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">They tossed aside His filthy <i>sandals</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">caked with mud</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">stained with blood</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">from His painful struggle</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">up Golgotha's hill</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">--not worth a throw of dice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Then I noticed the <i>sandals</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">hugged tightly under the arm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of a frightened youth.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">They called him John Mark.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Where had I seen him before?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the synagogue door? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Or helping his mother</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">hosting the Last Supper?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps in Gethsemane</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">running naked from the grasp</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of Jesus' enemy? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What would that lad do</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with those precious <i>sandals</i>?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Were they just a souvenir</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of a grisly spectacle</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">that even in a later movie age</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">would surely be rated "R"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">for violence and brutality?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hiding alone in the shadows</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">on the fringes of the crowd</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the boy watched the Man on the cross</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">suffering and dying. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Without Parental Guidance</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to explain the meaning</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of this atrocity </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">would he grasp the import</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">of this scandalous documentary? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would this wide-eyed youth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">understand the dreadful drama </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">he beheld that historic day</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">outside the city wall?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would he realize that God </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">had planned it all</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">from Eternity? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would God provide a mentor</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to relate the significance</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of the death of this Man</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who laid aside <i>His sandals</i> and robe</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in the Upper Room</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and stooped to wash</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">the grimy feet of His friends? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would the boy wear <i>those sandals</i>?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would he dare?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would he be found worthy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and chosen eventually</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to walk in the sandals</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of that God-Man of Galilee?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would they be to him</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">like the mantle of Elijah</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">enduing him doubly</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">with power for service?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Would he wear those very <i>sandals</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to take the Good News</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">one day far away</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">on missionary journeys? </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>YES!</i> And he would write</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">a Gospel for those </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who weren't there</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">those scattered everywhere</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">down the corridors of time</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to tell what he had witnessed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">firsthand with his youthful eyes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">at the Cross that terrible day </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and received from the keen memory</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of Peter the fisherman-disciple</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">who too had known</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">the beloved Christ of Galilee</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and followed Him</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>in his own sandals!</i></span></b></span></div>
</div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-48290428605495353262018-03-25T16:17:00.000-04:002018-03-25T16:17:34.537-04:00IN THE WRONG/RIGHT PLACE AT THE WRONG/RIGHT TIME?<br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7810587659853510235" itemprop="description articleBody">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNmXOUqaDjdiMxYneWkWXc9Ik-dTpTW-b6xyVyjZmi26Zqa3AAQiuHRbzwiZ7rFK2rVe4-NbDWgr_6IHrZY2qmRkJwOVObi2wwRrjAFM2KcltTbtMd-17B7cODBBfvu-8LdbSdW_SJHQ/s1600/sIMON+OF+cYRENE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNmXOUqaDjdiMxYneWkWXc9Ik-dTpTW-b6xyVyjZmi26Zqa3AAQiuHRbzwiZ7rFK2rVe4-NbDWgr_6IHrZY2qmRkJwOVObi2wwRrjAFM2KcltTbtMd-17B7cODBBfvu-8LdbSdW_SJHQ/s320/sIMON+OF+cYRENE.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7810587659853510235" itemprop="description articleBody">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">THIS MYSTERY MAN comes along every Easter in the reading of Scripture during Holy Week in most churches. We wonder about him.</span></b></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7810587659853510235" itemprop="description articleBody">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7810587659853510235" itemprop="description articleBody">
<span style="font-size: large;">So who was this<span> Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry His cross? Wasn't he
just a man in the wrong place at the wrong time, an insignificant,
curious "passer-by," as he was referred to in the Scripture? Wasn't he
randomly picked from the crowd by the Roman guards?<i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7810587659853510235" itemprop="description articleBody">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7810587659853510235" itemprop="description articleBody">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>What was so important about him that all three synoptic gospel writers
would record the event? Why would his name be recorded for history when others prominent in Jesus' ministry like the rich young ruler didn't even get a name identity? <b><i>There must be more here than meets the eye! </i></b></span>
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><b><span>Where is Cyrene anyway?</span></b> I was surprised to find that it is in North Africa not far from the modern day city of <span>Benghazi</span> in Libya which was so prominently in the news during the
terrorist attack of September 11, 2012! </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A<span> condemned person was always forced to bear his own instrument
of torture, in Jesus' case it was the heavy crossbeam of a cross. But
the soldiers didn't want a prisoner to die on the way up the hill to
his crucifixion because that would spare him from the planned cruel
torture of a deliberately slow and painful execution. A criminal was crucified in a public place to serve as a warning and
deterrent to would-be evildoers. Jesus was already staggering under
the weight of the crossbeam and falling repeatedly from extreme
weakness after his agonizing, prolonged scourging by the soldiers.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> In various translations of this
biblical passage Simon was said to have been “pressed into service”
or “seized” or “compelled.” He obviously didn't volunteer; he
had no choice. He was forced at the point of a spear. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> Why would the gospel writer Mark so
precisely identify him that he even recorded the names of his sons and
that he had come to Jerusalem from “the country” or “the
fields.” Since Mark
wrote for Jewish believers, it is likely that by the time
he wrote the gospel story the inclusion of the names of his sons in <span style="font-style: normal;">Mark
15:21 </span>may suggest that they were well known and of some standing in the
Early Christian community. Tradition says that Simon's sons Rufus and
Alexander became missionaries of the gospel. It has also been suggested that the
Rufus mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:13 is the son of Simon of
Cyrene. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> Libya is separated from the Holy Land by
Egypt. Simon would have had to cross Egypt by land or come by sea. Libya was under Roman rule at that time but there was a Greek
colony in North Libya along the Mediterranean Sea with a large
settlement of Judean Jews. Most of Libya is covered by
the Sahara desert except for that special long strip of Northern coastline
where eighty percent of Libya's people live. <i>Cyrene became an early
center of Christianity in the centuries after the Church began to
spread.</i> Some also link Simon with the "men of Cyrene" in
Acts 11:20 who preached the gospel to the Greeks—the Cyrenians would have
known how to speak Greek. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>Why was Simon there in the crowd that
was following Jesus to
Golgotha? Were his sons with him? Were they adults or children? Was he a
common laborer or a wealthy foreign businessman? Was he
a Jew from the diaspora or a dark-skinned Libyan native? Was Simon a
believer in Jesus already
when he carried Jesus' cross? Was he a devout Jew on a
pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover according to the requirement of
Judaism? Or was he only a curious pagan caught up in the drama of a
Roman execution until he became part of what was a life-changing event
for himself and his sons and perhaps his heritage for generations to
come?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>Simon, <span style="background-color: white;"><i>“Were you there when
they crucified my Lord?”</i> </span>Did you stay at the cross after you
carried it up the hill for Jesus and watch salvation history unfold? Were your sons at the crucifixion with you? <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>“Were you there when they laid
Him in the tomb?”</i></span></span> Did you become a Christian as a result of
seeing Jesus die on the cross or later, perhaps after hearing the witness of the
disciples proclaiming Jesus' resurrection? (Someone ought to write a novel about this man!)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> Simon,<span style="background-color: white;"><i>“Were you there when the
Holy Spirit came?”</i> </span>Were you among the 120 in the Upper Room? In
the biblical account of the birth of the Church on Pentecost in Acts
chapter two, in the list of places from which people were present at
the event, <b>“the districts of Libya near Cyrene”</b> was noted. Simon,
<span style="background-color: white;">“Were you there in the Upper Room?” </span>We can only speculate.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>What is the take-away insight for us
from this special event?</b></i> </span>In His suffering humanity and to accomplish
His mission from His Father, Jesus allowed Simon to help carry His
cross. He could have called ten thousand angels to strengthen Him to
carry the heavy cross, but He <i>permitted and welcomed</i> a mortal man to
help Him. In His teaching before the crucifixion Jesus spoke about
the necessity of taking up <i>our</i> cross and following Him.
(Matthew 16:24) On the way to Golgotha Simon didn't carry <i>his own</i>
cross; he carried <i>Jesus'</i> cross.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> We can't do what Simon did. We can't
carry Jesus' cross. Jesus gave His life once for all on the cross for
the forgiveness of our sins and to obtain eternal life for us. <b>So
then, </b><i><b>how can we bear Jesus' cross for Him now?</b> </i>Jesus declared
that whatsoever we do for others or to others, we do as if we did it
unto Him. The Lord receives it as literally done to Him! (Matthew
25:35-46) In practice then, we are to <i>bear one another's burdens</i>
and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span> Each of us has a unique personal cross
to bear as well as burdens, afflictions, and problems. There is a
sense in which we must with courage and God's enabling accept and
bear <b><i>our own cross</i></b>, the cross that God has given us in His
love. By this we glorify Him and give witness to Him. However, there
is a further sense in which we should reach out in love and
compassion to <b><i>help others shoulder their crosses</i> </b>as Simon of
Cyrene did for Jesus. By so doing, we are privileged to partake in
Jesus' suffering, “For to you it has been granted for Christ's
sake, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
(Philippians 1:29)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6976155763803950426" name="role_document"></a>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">YOUR <i>UNIQUE</i> CROSS</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">The
everlasting God has, in His wisdom,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">foreseen
from eternity the cross</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">that
He now presents to you</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">as
a gift from His inmost heart.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">This
cross He now sends you</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">He
has considered with His all-knowing eyes,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">understood
with His loving mind,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">tested
with His wise justice,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">warmed
with His loving arms,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">and
weighed with His own hands,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">to
see that it be not one inch too large</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">and
not one ounce too heavy for you.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><br /></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">He
has blessed it with His holy name,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">anointed
it with His grace,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">perfumed
it with His consolation,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">taken
one last glance at you and your courage,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">and
then sent it to you from Heaven,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">a
special greeting from God to you,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">
</span></span><div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;">an
alms of the all-merciful love of God.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto auto;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">Saint
Francis de Sales</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">1567-1622</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-49969004665501992532018-03-23T14:00:00.002-04:002018-04-20T22:24:28.312-04:00BILLBOARD NUDGES<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZnSFdK85M1oh63ZrgniAkq8H_8S-8_Aa2niXzVh3EEwjGk3i3u7-Zr6XdOw55qraJVWdXpFp6WIJem_f4jAFqSgpcrjiZsTUQwyCsQoHdBMUSu0SMiRR8AJ5RtQhL2QeK_LN1cv0rCg/s1600/listening+ear.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZnSFdK85M1oh63ZrgniAkq8H_8S-8_Aa2niXzVh3EEwjGk3i3u7-Zr6XdOw55qraJVWdXpFp6WIJem_f4jAFqSgpcrjiZsTUQwyCsQoHdBMUSu0SMiRR8AJ5RtQhL2QeK_LN1cv0rCg/s320/listening+ear.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Just a routine trip on a routine day as I drove along my routine route into town.</i></b> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly I passed by a small billboard posted at the entrance to our Shenandoah Valley Museum complex:</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>"HEAR MY VOICE!"</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I did a double-take as I caught sight of the large newly-erected sign with only those three words. I routinely stay alert for how God might speak to me subliminally through unexpected ways like road signs, billboards, bumper stickers, street signs, advertisements and other types of media--<i>if I "have ears to hear"</i> as Jesus reminded us in the Scriptures. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Being curious as to what the sign meant, I took the next U-turn to double back and look at the smaller print underneath. <i>"Display of Native American arts and crafts from the past and present"</i> I read quickly at my second pass. The words of explanation seemed a disconnect to me. Well, never mind, I had already received the message that God meant <i>for me </i>in those three prominent words. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="2956676602993544399"></a><br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">It's like an “inner impression,” a mental feeling or a sudden knowing. It is like a gentle poke in the ribs or God's tap on the shoulder to get my attention. I keep the ears and eyes of my heart alert because I believe He speaks to me through routine circumstances.<i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you want to call it, you <i>know that you know that you know</i> when God is speaking to you, whatever the source. It isn't audible but you hear the voice of God nonetheless; you see with your eyes closed. “My sheep hear My voice,” Jesus declared. The qualification is that you must belong to Him, be one of His sheep, and acknowledge Him as your Shepherd. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've heard that a shepherd has such an intimate relationship with each of his sheep that when several flocks of sheep are in the same fold, all bleating noisily, and several shepherds are tending them, each sheep can recognize its own shepherd's voice when its shepherd calls its name. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Equally awesome is the analogy that Jesus made for the same kind of intimacy that is available between Himself and us. He calls us by name and we are supposed to be able to hear Him, if we are listening. But we have to be listening; we must have an obedient heart. We have to get quiet enough so that the static from the busy environment we live in doesn't drown out His voice.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening,” is what Eli the prophet instructed young Samuel. That's an audio posture I want to be in continually. Many people claim that they have a difficult time hearing God speak. It shouldn't be that hard to recognize His voice, if we know Him intimately. We usually can recognize the voice of a close friend or loved one if they say only a word or two to us on the phone. If some of us older Samuels have a greater challenge discerning the voice of God, we may need to upgrade our <i>hearing aid</i>s. God has provided that through the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts. He who turns the volume up in our spiritual audio. God doesn't usually speak in the high decibel range; He doesn't shout at us. He expects us to listen for His slight whisper.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God is continually speaking through creative ways. God speaks to us through His Word; the Holy Spirit quickens it to our heart and applies it personally. He speaks through His creation. He speaks through His Church and our Shepherds. He speaks through other people whom God “nudges” and they in turn “nudge” us. We exhort and encourage each other as members of the Body of Christ, His Family, His Household of Faith. He speaks to us through circumstances, positive ones and negative ones, if we are open to hear His voice. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEY1xS01aisVYhfgIrIH-zIt5kcqONZb1sSh-Twl2HZzdyHCbQOEYHzShNz7TYg_pcp_FvHW_4JKFwi1JpN023eVHSg2Ea-6QEfQSOW7WW4Pz4llbEObrEFhyphenhyphenlCtZ72k7xuXX_JDRgXM8/s1600/cell+phone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEY1xS01aisVYhfgIrIH-zIt5kcqONZb1sSh-Twl2HZzdyHCbQOEYHzShNz7TYg_pcp_FvHW_4JKFwi1JpN023eVHSg2Ea-6QEfQSOW7WW4Pz4llbEObrEFhyphenhyphenlCtZ72k7xuXX_JDRgXM8/s1600/cell+phone.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The technology of cell phones is incredible, although we seem to take them for granted these days. Less than a generation ago our parents and grandparents would have thought such a gadget impossible. "Where are the wires?" To call them “smart phones” is an understatement. They are an analogy to our spiritual connection with God. Wherever we are, we are connected and can receive and transmit as long as there is a cell tower within range. God is our stable Cell Tower. We, however, are responsible to keep our cell phone battery charged up so we will not miss His call. His call comes only into <i>our</i> personal device. He knows <i>our</i> individual number; He knows <i>our</i> name. In a room full of people and cell phones and noise, we can recognize <i>our</i> special signal or vibration. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's not miss the <i>vibration</i> of God's voice, that “nudge” notifying us that God has something to say to us. Let's expect Him to speak <i>today</i> in our ordinary day through routine experiences like a roadside billboard. He speaks to our ordinary needs as well as our extraordinary needs. We don't have to wait for special occasions or when we are in special places to hear God's voice. He may surprise us with something He wants us to say or do as He directs our routine “going out and coming in.” If we are always connected to Him in an inner posture of “praying without ceasing,” as Saint Paul encouraged us, our hearts are in the listening mode all the time.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“If today you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts” (Psalm 95; Hebrews 3 and 4).</b></span></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-12839286243857824522018-03-21T13:01:00.000-04:002018-03-21T13:29:09.588-04:00WHEN SOMEONE WE LEANED ON LEAVES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAxhV1oWId43dplXmWKbr5iCWns7V-MH-6Ae4GDAIOVsZok2e-dehlY9UW7kyowwf-FIcSdZFuhBvM_1Mx-LetUCvaQiuL6h-tAq7EoxXwx3E3NlYsDXiIbiMzyaNd3vhpjDrKVWc2Rs/s1600/widow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAxhV1oWId43dplXmWKbr5iCWns7V-MH-6Ae4GDAIOVsZok2e-dehlY9UW7kyowwf-FIcSdZFuhBvM_1Mx-LetUCvaQiuL6h-tAq7EoxXwx3E3NlYsDXiIbiMzyaNd3vhpjDrKVWc2Rs/s1600/widow.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Common feelings of Christians who have
lost a spouse:
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">“</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">We've lived our <i>yesterdays</i> together. How am I going to make it alone from now on? </span></b>I want binoculars to see far down
the road. But God gives me only one day at a time. If He helps me make it through <i>today</i>, then I know He will take care of all my
<i>tomorrows</i>!”</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I've written a book to fill that need especially for the first few months of a woman's new walk alone. This book has been reprinted more times
than any of my many other books. It was recently SOLD
OUT again but—<b>GOOD NEWS</b>—<b>cases of</b> <b>a fresh
reprint have just arrived </b>in time <span style="font-weight: normal;">to
fill your orders!</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Many</span><b>
c</b>hurches keep copies on hand for the continuing need to give
comfort to the newly bereaved. Most copies are ordered by friends and
families of a new widow to encourage her in her first steps of adjustment. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Dpnc9DxbkwweCJnrM2akRMc7V_dcRW5H93vwHVLYrydgCX62S8I91Y1AHaU-Sk1pAwvB5wXaDeeERpgxYTWvfGVCyDQYgI_gQWgzD6J8_24mo028WYMs7SIdB83S0TeIDeshCDaBqKM/s1600/Widows+Might+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="853" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Dpnc9DxbkwweCJnrM2akRMc7V_dcRW5H93vwHVLYrydgCX62S8I91Y1AHaU-Sk1pAwvB5wXaDeeERpgxYTWvfGVCyDQYgI_gQWgzD6J8_24mo028WYMs7SIdB83S0TeIDeshCDaBqKM/s400/Widows+Might+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> My book includes <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>73</b></span> power-packed daily Christian
meditations in a user-friendly format to guide the newly-alone woman
through the unfamiliar tunnel of grieving toward a joyful, meaningful
life that will please the Lord. Topics center on God's promises of
might, strength, and power—things a widow may have in short supply
as she embarks on her new role as a <i>single</i> again...but not alone...the Lord will never leave her or forsake her.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I tag each bite-sized devotional with
a <i>Honey From The Rock</i> Bible verse and a brief, related prayer. From my own experience of loss and the
Scriptures, I distill God's principles to cover the entire gamut of
emotions, struggles, uncertainties and adjustments that widows may be
facing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">God demonstrates through the Scriptures
and through the actions of Jesus a deep compassion for <i>widows and
orphans. </i>Many women find themselves in <i>both</i>
categories—their roots are truncated having lost their own parents
which makes them orphans; now the loss of their life companion makes
them widows. They are qualified for a <i>double portion</i> of God's
compassion, love, favor and protection.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a “pick up anytime” book which the
woman newly-alone doesn't need to read straight through but can
select topics at leisure according to her felt need. </span>I can safely say that everyone knows
some widows who need the encouragement of this book no matter how long or short her journey has been. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Copies are available by following the
ordering information on my website: “<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.goldenmorning.com/">http://www.goldenmorning.com</a></u></span></span>”
or by email: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="mailto:leonachoy@gmail">leonachoy@gmail</a></u></span></span>,
or by phone 540-877-1813. I will personally sign copies to you or
your friends if you want to give them as gifts.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Widow's Might: Strength from <i>The Rock</i></b> is part of my Trilogy
of books for those who have lost a loved one. See my website as above
for reviews of my other two popular books for widows. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKhQ8l_XYnACtOXq870ldbDeBViVM7LRmHiEeay8k36UI5wTpUvr-p0-bgF9mjiKJdOjaoWeCxk0Rbq5YPiqa5aJ2ySiypNznAkvvD2aLmBx8Wht6TXs0ywqfvBsop8V_vNeWQ8vwLFQ/s1600/Better+Loss+3+books+%2528Small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKhQ8l_XYnACtOXq870ldbDeBViVM7LRmHiEeay8k36UI5wTpUvr-p0-bgF9mjiKJdOjaoWeCxk0Rbq5YPiqa5aJ2ySiypNznAkvvD2aLmBx8Wht6TXs0ywqfvBsop8V_vNeWQ8vwLFQ/s320/Better+Loss+3+books+%2528Small%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-28825029156033510572018-03-17T08:30:00.001-04:002018-03-17T08:42:03.466-04:00"CHEWING MY OWN CUD"<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Something that I have written previously often circles around to nourish ME again because I'm at a new stage of my life and need a reminder to <i>continue to apply it. </i>Or in a little more earthy analogy, <b>I need to "chew my own cud again."</b> I need to trust God Who was piloting me a few years ago when I wrote this, to continue to pilot me safely around new "hidden rocks and treacherous shoals." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">
</span><b><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Our personal storms are not
necessarily age-specific. They may be related to health or finances or
relationships or spiritual struggles or mega-fear of national and
international terror or economic collapse. We have a Pilot, a
skilled and experienced Navigator, waiting for you and me to invite Him
on board and allow Him to freely take the helm and bring us to Safe
Harbor.</b><br />
</span><b><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Hyei3s6WyBd-Y-vVfNb2eXlSMLfsoTnQzPsz5yYY1YjcTU5b-OaaaGZGkWoxxviyrqb6AQSdGcZJX3apSzl2R_xOJp_zkIFAgKGb_GqMUCtEvVVcRfboAQ_6f1otfBl8crOe_75Ms5Q/s1600/Steering-ship-240x200.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Hyei3s6WyBd-Y-vVfNb2eXlSMLfsoTnQzPsz5yYY1YjcTU5b-OaaaGZGkWoxxviyrqb6AQSdGcZJX3apSzl2R_xOJp_zkIFAgKGb_GqMUCtEvVVcRfboAQ_6f1otfBl8crOe_75Ms5Q/s1600/Steering-ship-240x200.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In His loving generosity, God has given
me <i>nonagenarian</i> waters—my calendar nineties—in which to
navigate. Many others are navigating <i>octogenarian</i> waters,
<i>septuagenarian</i> waters, and <i>sexagenarian</i> waters. They
are my friends, loved ones, and peers, and the many friends-as-yet-unmet who read my blog.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each of us has some similar challenges
and some unique ones according to the depth of our waters, the intensity of our storm, and our life destiny. If we
admit it, we all need help in navigating.<i> </i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Navigating</i> is not just
paddling around aimlessly in our own canoe or drifting merrily,
merrily, gently down the stream. It is not reckless motor boating. To
navigate is defined: to plot, ascertain, direct, or manage a ship to keep on
its course; to control its position in relation to its destination;
to cross a body of water safely and soberly. A navigator is a person
who is skilled and experienced in navigation.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not a skilled
or experienced navigator regardless of how many years I've lived. I
have never lived in my nineties before, and you have never before lived
in the circumstances in which you find yourself. These are continually new waters
for all of us! I know my
Eternal Destination but the nautical miles between here and There are
fraught with uncertainty, the weather is changeable, the gathering
clouds seem ominous, my ship is quite ancient, and I feel as if I am
running short of fuel. </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I'm sending a distress signal for help—an
S.O.S. There is an experienced Pilot who hears my signal, and yours.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">JESUS, SAVIOR, PILOT ME<br />Over life’s tempestuous sea;<br />Unknown
waves before me roll,<br />Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.<br />Chart
and compass come from Thee;<br />Jesus, Savior, pilot me!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When the darkened heavens frown,<br />And the wrathful winds come
down,<br />And the fierce waves, tossed on high,<br />Lash themselves
against the sky,<br />Jesus, Savior, pilot me,<br />Over life’s
tempestuous sea!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As a mother stills her child,<br />Thou canst hush the ocean
wild;<br />Boisterous waves obey Thy will,<br />When Thou sayest to them,
“Be still!”<br />Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,<br />Jesus, Savior,
pilot me!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't matter at whatever calendar level -genarian any of us
is, we reach the point where wisdom dictates that we turn over the
helm to Jesus Christ, the Wondrous Sovereign of the sea, and let Him steer
our life craft. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nor does it matter whether we've been
navigating
through life with sails which are beginning to tatter, or we feel as
if we've been frantically rowing our boat in circles, or we've been
lumbering through life like a ponderous steamboat now running out of
steam, or whether we've been plowing through life's decades like an unwieldy
ocean liner trying to avoid the icebergs with a broken compass--we
come to face the reality that our human energy is depleted. The
weather forecast is threatening. We can't see clearly what's ahead nor
where the rocks lie beneath the churning waves. In our stress and
distress we need Jesus in our boat to speak <i><b>"Peace! Be Still!"</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWpuxRgdluSRldtG0-FY-RV6SuUo75AvmcMJCLhDdvCPOJI-dxIZUh2LM30GpshK5ExIf0OUhf6mIROmJup2FfNxgPZbZ_9L1yGGZJ-fmg0eX_-QROBugPnF6PzifOx9klUahkT7bcCM/s1600/Jesus+calming+storm.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWpuxRgdluSRldtG0-FY-RV6SuUo75AvmcMJCLhDdvCPOJI-dxIZUh2LM30GpshK5ExIf0OUhf6mIROmJup2FfNxgPZbZ_9L1yGGZJ-fmg0eX_-QROBugPnF6PzifOx9klUahkT7bcCM/s320/Jesus+calming+storm.jpg" width="227" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I can't pilot my own ship. Whatever waters still lie ahead of me
which I need to navigate, <i><b>Jesus, Savior, please pilot me!</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When at last I near the shore,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And the fearful breakers roar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">'Twixt me and the Peaceful Rest,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then, while leaning on Thy breast,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May I hear Thee say to me:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Fear not! I <i>will</i> pilot thee!" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-84317230631484243962018-03-12T12:32:00.001-04:002018-03-12T12:38:23.999-04:00PINNACLE PONDERINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwtCHLfBjpVVWqviU1xjTTAQWZzdZVtEPXFwr0xcZG0aU3Wo0BPYCJ16pY_GWZHbaL0UhNSisdMRS5mvmDLFStf9LrRClTSxyI2wALfgIygVTLMNZ5B7KeMsZi3qE5j7DFP0cs16aq7U/s1600/Pinnacle+summit.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="1024" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwtCHLfBjpVVWqviU1xjTTAQWZzdZVtEPXFwr0xcZG0aU3Wo0BPYCJ16pY_GWZHbaL0UhNSisdMRS5mvmDLFStf9LrRClTSxyI2wALfgIygVTLMNZ5B7KeMsZi3qE5j7DFP0cs16aq7U/s400/Pinnacle+summit.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> I've stood at the pinnacle, the summit of Great North Mountain, our
highest point in my part of Virginia, which I can see from my writing studio window. Our radio station tower was
located there. I've looked over the valleys below—an incredible
view.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I actually live in a valley, Shenandoah
Valley. However, I can see Virginia's mountains in the distance. Valley
dwellers even call some of their businesses “Mountain View” as
does my ENT doctor.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I subtitled the third of my faith autobio
Trilogy of books <i>Flourishing on my Summit</i> and the final two
chapters of my autobiography <i>Czeching My Roots</i>: <i>View from
My Summit </i>and <i>Living on My Summit</i>. The reason? I've been
writing them from the vantage point of my calendar-challenged but
blessed vintage season, my Summit.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What's to enjoy on life's summit when
you are thought to be “over the hill”? The final years of life
are more often considered depressing valleys because our best days
are behind us. We do have a choice. We can wallow in the loss of our
yesterdays, bemoan our limitations of the present, fearful of our
lack of a future. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cD5vjCUeLGw0ucQOz6_vN__mq0OxFUoMEcVOK2nDc79RoQWl2GM3S02p5u8OUp5WNu0dZeGzwBUcfuBKpA4i0afwIJYB9DKXi5LbJjlnldIA2wOg6kETru6XLNg-C_05rRV0vyy9Y5w/s1600/old+men+sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="402" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cD5vjCUeLGw0ucQOz6_vN__mq0OxFUoMEcVOK2nDc79RoQWl2GM3S02p5u8OUp5WNu0dZeGzwBUcfuBKpA4i0afwIJYB9DKXi5LbJjlnldIA2wOg6kETru6XLNg-C_05rRV0vyy9Y5w/s400/old+men+sleeping.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Or we can take in the fabulous vista of God's
faithfulness and savor the fruit of our life from its orchard. We can choose to
“smile at the future” as the worthy woman of Proverbs 31 did.
“Give her the fruit of her hands,” the last verse declares. God
wants us to enjoy our harvest, to munch on a crunchy Virginia <i>Granny Smith</i> apple--although it was not from an orchard that I cultivated.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Age provides a better perspective
although we may physically be viewing our summit through diminished physical
eyesight, bifocals or through inter-ocular lenses from cataract
surgery. Even if we are visually challenged, we can use the eyes of
our heart, the “enlightened eyes of understanding” which
Ephesians says we possess as God's children. We can even ask God to
give us another mountain as 85 year old Caleb asked Joshua on the
verge of their entrance into The Promised Land. Why not?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Each new season not only has its
challenges and demands, but its own beauties, opportunities and
fulfillments to relish. If God gave us this summit time, it is His
generous, loving gift. Robert Browning got it right: “Grow old
along with me; the best is yet to be, <i><span style="font-style: normal;">the
last for which the first was made.</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;">”</span>
Think of many loved ones who were not blessed with longevity and with whom we were not able to grow old. If we're still here, we
still have time, even if only one day, to appreciate our remaining
relationships. Each new dawn provides us with another fresh slice of
life to rejoice in and live for the Lord. Another chance to make the
present day, the present moment, the most meaningful yet.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's focus our priorities as though
our days were soon coming to a close. <i>They are indeed</i>—whether
in a few years, one year, a month or a day. As summit Christians,
let's guard our precious calendar commitments as seriously as we
would against an approaching hoard of locusts who would eat up all
our time. Yes, there is a proliferation of doctor appointments and
the growing burden of just getting through the mundane routines of
life which are consuming greater and greater amounts of our shorter
days. Let's invest whatever discretionary time we have left to
cultivate a deeper and closer relationship with Jesus Christ, the
Lord of our lives—both temporal and everlasting—a glorious,
forever and ever summit relationship.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“So teach us to number our days that
we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom”</b> (Psalm 90:12).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR4KqES9bPv_cdRO2s8V-FSk_riVQXe_uBtdDwdwQNfGLtgI8hZHFj_ti9xtFgwbFQh7pJLzOVTalpiJjYx394aRNlkZXxl1mQyl_HFF6P4Q-WNdI5PyN0c1IA8GXtclSrtkfD2MjUKY/s1600/hands+with+Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRR4KqES9bPv_cdRO2s8V-FSk_riVQXe_uBtdDwdwQNfGLtgI8hZHFj_ti9xtFgwbFQh7pJLzOVTalpiJjYx394aRNlkZXxl1mQyl_HFF6P4Q-WNdI5PyN0c1IA8GXtclSrtkfD2MjUKY/s200/hands+with+Bible.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-46875567896007014942018-03-11T18:53:00.001-04:002018-03-11T18:53:37.191-04:00WEARY OR JUST TIRED?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTVlYd_vD8GuHF_9OIY4-IhpnAwXniw9HZfVzRD1iMqd_LQnj92Tl61DDfDGQEjO9Y6rlKbTzKQCdZNVWuh-L1ROl7uT3T4-r8HjmGCsToPauoftshXqh0LAxTtGjibHJA_cvAWzJ6o8/s1600/tired_work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="670" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTVlYd_vD8GuHF_9OIY4-IhpnAwXniw9HZfVzRD1iMqd_LQnj92Tl61DDfDGQEjO9Y6rlKbTzKQCdZNVWuh-L1ROl7uT3T4-r8HjmGCsToPauoftshXqh0LAxTtGjibHJA_cvAWzJ6o8/s320/tired_work.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TIRED, WEARY, FAINT</b>—one definition
doesn't fit all. There are nuances of difference in meaning. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The
classic passage in Isaiah chapter 40 expresses all of those words. I
tried to mine gold out of each word with the help of a Hebrew-Greek
Expository Dictionary, reliable old Webster, the Amplified Version
Paraphrase and a comparative word study Concordance. Subtle shades of
meaning shine forth to encourage our daily walk with the Lord.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We draw our strength from God whom this
text makes clear never becomes weary or tired as we human creations
do. <i><b>Tired</b></i> implies loss of energy, zip and vitality. We
have used up our physical or mental reserves through arduous work,
strain or continuous stress. We are depleted and feel drained. Our
battery has lost its charge. Such feelings are common to mortal life
so we shouldn't feel guilty about being tired.
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus became so tired that he could nap
in a rocking, rolling boat in the middle of a storm while His
disciples panicked in fear for their lives. He had exhausting days
and was physically depleted in the human part of His nature. Tired is
something that rest and sleep will cure. The three most faithful
disciples fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane from physical
weakness.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">After their return from the ministry of
teaching and healing on which He had sent them, Jesus told His
disciples they had to retreat to a quiet place to become restored.
“Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give
you rest,” was a remedial invitation extended to us as well. Tired
is temporary and part of our temporal existence on Planet Earth. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOFB-AlXT2Bq5m0BmOBz4StSsFZ3DX8x2nLuldUERClisYYI59RuwzZ76zArWcSAhd8BIVYPdn9RpuOwbFCNXV3u9ASuDE7JHBXTF1ps2y2_eRB4Y1x9nZ70xRvxaYkX9Gru477ui-hI/s1600/TIRED+SLEEPER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOFB-AlXT2Bq5m0BmOBz4StSsFZ3DX8x2nLuldUERClisYYI59RuwzZ76zArWcSAhd8BIVYPdn9RpuOwbFCNXV3u9ASuDE7JHBXTF1ps2y2_eRB4Y1x9nZ70xRvxaYkX9Gru477ui-hI/s1600/TIRED+SLEEPER.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rest
and sleep and good nourishment, as was the case with Elijah the
prophet. He was exhausted mentally and physically after his
confrontation and spiritual battle with the pagan prophets of Baal.
God prescribed extended restful restoration at his point of need to
get him back on his feet.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Isaiah passage adds another layer
over the feeling of tiredness—<i><b>weariness</b></i><i>.</i> We
who are in our calendar-challenged years find ourselves not only
prone to tire more easily but also inclined to become weary. That
isn't exclusive to the aging process; it also afflicts the young.
“Even the vigorous young men grow weary and tired and stumble
badly.” It is a condition of the flagging spirit. Weary is a
protracted feeling not easily remedied, more inward and serious than
being physically bushed or wiped out.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What can we become weary of?
Well-doing. Weary of discharging responsibilities given us by the
Lord. Weary of striving against sin. Weary of the length of the road.
Weary of being under the chastening hand of God. Weary of persevering
in prayer. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAopOi-lmjrSGzSdtTSwS3q1ECy9JSaOipbnYRQ659JFhCb1_hMaCgE_BU0PXcp9na7tX9hTpjVUotmLXr73TDjoKda1j0-nWQDvEqH6JynsmsRnNaZaj-5w24dC0FbPv9w2gTomUi1ns/s1600/woman+praying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAopOi-lmjrSGzSdtTSwS3q1ECy9JSaOipbnYRQ659JFhCb1_hMaCgE_BU0PXcp9na7tX9hTpjVUotmLXr73TDjoKda1j0-nWQDvEqH6JynsmsRnNaZaj-5w24dC0FbPv9w2gTomUi1ns/s1600/woman+praying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAopOi-lmjrSGzSdtTSwS3q1ECy9JSaOipbnYRQ659JFhCb1_hMaCgE_BU0PXcp9na7tX9hTpjVUotmLXr73TDjoKda1j0-nWQDvEqH6JynsmsRnNaZaj-5w24dC0FbPv9w2gTomUi1ns/s1600/woman+praying.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Endurance, perseverance, faithfulness, determination,
fidelity are what God wants us to express as an antidote to being
weary. Since He promises to give His strength to us in our weariness,
it is His desire for us as His disciples to “know how to sustain
the weary one with a word,” (Isaiah 50:4).</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Translations differ in the Isaiah 40
verses as to whether we will be able to “run and not get tired, to
walk and not become weary” or vice versa. Sometimes a short sprint
like a mile run makes us physically tired but the walking, the
steady, long road plodding along with its daily routines may make us
weary in our spirit. We are not left in doubt how to run. The writer
of Hebrews twice encourages us to “run with endurance,” “so
when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was
promised” (Hebrews 10:36 and 12:1).</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Drawn-out weariness will lead to the
even more serious condition of <i>fainting</i>. We don't want to go
there. In Revelation 2:3, 4 Jesus praised the Church at Ephesus,
“And you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and
have not grown weary.” Then follows the tragic <i>“but.” </i>“But
I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Galatians 6:9 in the Amplified puts it
all in perspective. I don't need any application pointed out to me
beyond the Word of God itself speaking to my heart. Am I simply
physically depleted? Perhaps I should sleep it off. Am I weary of
well-doing? <b><i>“Let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in
acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed
season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and
faint.”</i></b></span></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-91207780669272178632018-03-05T10:46:00.001-05:002018-03-05T10:46:35.297-05:00COACHING WRITERS OPPORTUNITY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44hmveUD2a9VTrULsIFRQW-jXM6IBXUK-XvOLuqQY5FA85EB7BU9BSLIEM8YPzzZr1qJCz1z583-TA9_WoM9Fw-nXS_e51OA-RS5frg32EcDRqodx3ofF58VLP0gGdOoZMrAkpulq6BM/s1600/Butterfly_Adult_Emerging_Chrysalis_all_steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44hmveUD2a9VTrULsIFRQW-jXM6IBXUK-XvOLuqQY5FA85EB7BU9BSLIEM8YPzzZr1qJCz1z583-TA9_WoM9Fw-nXS_e51OA-RS5frg32EcDRqodx3ofF58VLP0gGdOoZMrAkpulq6BM/s320/Butterfly_Adult_Emerging_Chrysalis_all_steps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Among the many viewers of my
blog, I'm sure there are <i>caterpillar</i> writers and writers in process
of emerging from their <i>chrysalis</i>, and already flying <i>butterfly</i>
writers who want to soar even higher. I am offering FREE Coaching to
Christian Writers at every stage from <i>"Caterpillars to
Butterflies."</i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaPb47yHKBeXqulG0uHXKhAC7uPsTFhfoPWsFrk7xl18MxGtXHCpc0M_xMchaDEXA_PpOGiMHwf-DXQcraP5U3ZeAp1cqzg881-vqSJmx25TpvpFCKhU1I2vgdjnPKU3ERaJ35-gn4aI/s1600/caterpillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaPb47yHKBeXqulG0uHXKhAC7uPsTFhfoPWsFrk7xl18MxGtXHCpc0M_xMchaDEXA_PpOGiMHwf-DXQcraP5U3ZeAp1cqzg881-vqSJmx25TpvpFCKhU1I2vgdjnPKU3ERaJ35-gn4aI/s1600/caterpillar.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please let your writer friends know about this
opportunity. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why FREE? I want to pass the baton of
<i>Writing for the Supreme Editor</i> to the next generation and help
Christian writers to the <i>next level or stage </i>in their writing dreams
and skills. So I call it “Stage Coaching.” You are never too young
or too calendar-challenged to write for God's glory, if you feel a
gift arising in you or God is giving you a nudge or a dream.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some may dream of writing a best seller
or being widely published with name or face recognition, or being
asked to speak in Writers Conferences or hold workshops, or have a book signing.
Hopefully, most of us want first of all to fulfill our calling from
God to communicate what He wants to say to specific readers and to
give Him the glory. Perhaps you need a coach for awhile to help you
refocus your skills, develop new ones and discover new markets for
your writing. I want to support you to achieve your specific
personal or professional goal by providing guidance.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">As your temporary STAGE COACH friend, I
want to help you: </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Improve your writing skills and
explore your realistic dreams</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Refocus your goals in respect to
writing, if necessary</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Move past challenges that may
stand in the way of achieving your goals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Press forward in your writing
beyond your present stage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Identify your strengths and
talents, natural and spiritual gifts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Develop a writing plan to maximize
your experiences and present opportunities</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">We'll “talk by email” about your experience and what you
want to accomplish. You'll work on the steps by which you can
achieve your goals. I'll suggest how you might improve your writing
skills to editorial standards. I will point you to other resources
and professional persons in specific areas, if you need extra help. I
will offer support and guidance along the way, with my prayers for
your progress.
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My coaching is not only for beginners
who are just discovering God's latent gift of expressing themselves
in writing. I also coach my seasoned writing peers and those who are
already well-published with skills and experience and publishing
credits far beyond mine. I welcome anyone who wants to explore
together further ways to move forward “with their stage coach” up
the winding trail to a higher stage in their calling as a writer who
is a Christian.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There is no charge for my one hour of
email coaching.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How to get started:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1. So we can know each other better, read my recent book "Writing
for the Supreme Editor," (Order by email: leonachoy@gmail.com)
Become familiar with my website www.goldenmorning.com and my blog:
www.leonachoy.blogspot.com.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Email me requesting the Questionnaire to
introduce yourself and let me know that you'd like to take advantage
of my coaching. Return Questionnaire to me by email.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Send
me by email a sample of your writing, whatever you wish, up to 1000
words.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I will go over your writing and email you to discuss
it and your specific writing interests (back and forth by email as
we progress). No deadlines. I may have more specific questions to
ask you based on your stated writing dreams and goals.<br /><br />I will
spend at least an hour to prayerfully suggest how <i>you </i><span style="font-style: normal;">could</span>
move forward in your writing. I personalize my coaching—one size
doesn't fit all—writers are at different levels and unique in
their needs and God-given gifts.<br /><br />I might ask you to send me
more of your writing. When my promised coaching hour together
concludes, does that doesn't mean that our communication is over?
No, I will continue praying for and encouraging you and follow your
progress. I will still be available to answer your questions. I'll
probably offer you further suggestions as time goes on. I may point
you to helpful writing resources and online Writing Groups for
instruction and fellowship.<br /><br />We'll go with the flow and share
the joy of writing together while we watch how God will lead you as
you as you write for the Supreme Editor! Email me to get started
with our coaching. leonachoy@gmail.com.<br /><br />Your writing friend,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Leona </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3m5awPOIeRi4a119x2gzMs832W1AQ4qHIbTl2ieTTySxAXFSlcHe2JacBbGKN6DHZ1D1pgSVYa8wRlrnwTr2ZEZ_ZktAHa7Gq301FFi9pqnKh93EeliSkagVX111LQSnxfy9V4oCiEo/s1600/Leona+and+Myla+%2528Custom%2529+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="105" data-original-width="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3m5awPOIeRi4a119x2gzMs832W1AQ4qHIbTl2ieTTySxAXFSlcHe2JacBbGKN6DHZ1D1pgSVYa8wRlrnwTr2ZEZ_ZktAHa7Gq301FFi9pqnKh93EeliSkagVX111LQSnxfy9V4oCiEo/s1600/Leona+and+Myla+%2528Custom%2529+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6976155763803950426.post-72981161454812230022018-02-23T08:41:00.000-05:002018-02-23T08:41:14.173-05:00COLOR, BEAUTY AND HARMONY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
A submission to FMF (Five Minute Friday) word for this week: BEAUTY<br />
Leona Choy<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13v3eqQ7FSWnQuquwRq9NI7Z7jFHQeUHfg30UkNRiggbcgAt6qXOyHg5lsMTjWLMZUIid0R2RN0PUptDrAoF0wLC61rwhqUgixDKIaROsgyhfPky2nTHc95ZmW7Y3aeI_A9Q54YTOFNc/s1600/dawn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13v3eqQ7FSWnQuquwRq9NI7Z7jFHQeUHfg30UkNRiggbcgAt6qXOyHg5lsMTjWLMZUIid0R2RN0PUptDrAoF0wLC61rwhqUgixDKIaROsgyhfPky2nTHc95ZmW7Y3aeI_A9Q54YTOFNc/s320/dawn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">COLOR, BEAUTY AND HARMONY</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">GOD, in primal creation</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">splashed every color</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">hue and shade</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">splendid spectrum</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">throughout His world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The firmament shows</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">His lavish handiwork</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in infinite variety</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">design and symmetry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">MAN, as part of God's creation</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">echoes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">mirrors</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">reflects</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">his Creator</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">with human creativity</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">by taking brush</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">chisel or pen</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">instrument of music</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">voice and body</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to express</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to the eye</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and the ear</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Color, beauty and harmony.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The DEVIL, a disordered creation</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">forever masquerades</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">as an angel of light</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">but thinks black</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">expresses drab</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">detests beauty</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">shrouds himself in darkness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He refused</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">to acknowledge God's way</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">so he knows how to play</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">only one discordant song:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"I did it my way!”</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Only GOD paints in COLOR</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">reveals BEAUTY</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">and composes HARMONY!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Leona Choyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474861451906394565noreply@blogger.com0