tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76382589193373938452024-03-13T10:29:02.790-07:00Faith, Hope, Love"Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love". Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-36988758296338308012014-04-05T05:13:00.004-07:002014-04-05T05:13:57.602-07:00Psalm 139<br />
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<span class="text Ps-139-1" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;">"You have searched me,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16241A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1" style="position: relative;">and you know<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16241B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-2" id="en-NIV-16242" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>You know when I sit and when I rise;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16242C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-2" style="position: relative;">you perceive my thoughts<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16242D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> from afar.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-3" id="en-NIV-16243" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>You discern my going out<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16243E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> and my lying down;</span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-3" style="position: relative;">you are familiar with all my ways.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-3" style="position: relative;">Before a word is on my tongue</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-4" style="position: relative;">you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, know it completely.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16244G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-5" id="en-NIV-16245" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>You hem me in<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16245H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> behind and before,</span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-5" style="position: relative;">and you lay your hand upon me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-6" id="en-NIV-16246" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16246I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-6" style="position: relative;">too lofty<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16246J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> for me to attain.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-139-7" id="en-NIV-16247" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Where can I go from your Spirit?</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-7" style="position: relative;">Where can I flee<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16247K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> from your presence?</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-8" id="en-NIV-16248" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>If I go up to the heavens,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16248L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> you are there;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-8" style="position: relative;">if I make my bed<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16248M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> in the depths, you are there.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-9" id="en-NIV-16249" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>If I rise on the wings of the dawn,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-9" style="position: relative;">if I settle on the far side of the sea,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-10" id="en-NIV-16250" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>even there your hand will guide me,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16250N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-10" style="position: relative;">your right hand<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16250O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> will hold me fast.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-11" id="en-NIV-16251" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-11" style="position: relative;">and the light become night around me,”</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-12" id="en-NIV-16252" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>even the darkness will not be dark<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16252P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> to you;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">the night will shine like the day,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">for darkness is as light to you.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-139-13" id="en-NIV-16253" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>For you created my inmost being;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13" style="position: relative;">you knit me together<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> in my mother’s womb.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>I praise you<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">your works are wonderful,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">I know that full well.</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;"> My frame was not hidden from you</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15" style="position: relative;">when I was made<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16255V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> in the secret place,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15" style="position: relative;">when I was woven together<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16255W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> in the depths of the earth.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16255X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-16" id="en-NIV-16256" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Your eyes saw my unformed body;</span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16" style="position: relative;">all the days ordained<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16256Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> for me were written in your book</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16" style="position: relative;">before one of them came to be.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-17" id="en-NIV-16257" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>How precious to me are your thoughts,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-16257a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16257a" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16257Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> God!<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16257AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-17" style="position: relative;">How vast is the sum of them!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-18" id="en-NIV-16258" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Were I to count them,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16258AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18" style="position: relative;">they would outnumber the grains of sand<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16258AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>—</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18" style="position: relative;">when I awake,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16258AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> I am still with you.....</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-139-19" id="en-NIV-16259" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-23" id="en-NIV-16263" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Search me,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16263AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> God, and know my heart;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16263AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-23" style="position: relative;">test me and know my anxious thoughts.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-139-24" id="en-NIV-16264" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>See if there is any offensive way<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16264AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> in me,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-24" style="position: relative;">and lead me<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16264AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> in the way everlasting."</span></span></div>
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Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-59138174986641706762014-04-03T12:52:00.001-07:002014-04-04T10:36:03.044-07:00People Never Really Change.... Or, Do They?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Now
the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we all, who with
unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">transform</span>ed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which
comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit</span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">2 Corinthians 3:
17-18</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I’ve been thinking a lot lately
about the saying <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“people never <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really </i>change”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t believe that people have the
ability to change other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor,
do I believe that people have the power to change on their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m convinced there is someone much
bigger than us who has the power to change hearts - even the hardest of
hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it because I’ve
experienced it. I’ve seen, in my own life, what God can do with a broken spirit
through Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also witnessed
it in my husband’s life and in our marriage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> God has</span> revealed Himself to me in a profound way in different seasons slowly breaking
down even the toughest walls I’ve built.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe that as soon as we take our first breath, we are born with a
sinful nature. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where does this
innate nature come from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
it can only be explained through the story of Adam and Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as Eve ate the fruit, her
decision changed the entire world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the turning point for mankind, a crossroads between
perfection and imperfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
someone would come along who would repair what man had destroyed (John 3:16).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When I gave my life to Christ,
there wasn’t this instant spiritual transformation or understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I felt this strong desire
towards becoming a better person, a motivation to be more like Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been a gradual process, a very
dark one at times. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had so
many questions along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
been skeptical trying to put my faith in something or someone I wasn’t sure I
truly believed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
contemplated whether or not the entire Bible was the written word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve doubted Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve lost faith when I haven’t fully
understood His will or His motives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It took time for me to trust a Man I could not tangibly see, hear or
touch. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s put me in many
situations- some good, some bad- for my faith in Him to grow stronger, for
change to come. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A change that I
never thought was possible. And, I’m undoubtedly certain that those who knew me
at the time didn’t think it was possible either. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m realizing that Christ was the only One that saw my true
potential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was the only One who
truly believed in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That He
created me with a purpose in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That He created me in His image (Genesis 1:27). That I’m special and
loved more than human words could ever express (Ephesians 3:18). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m learning this more and more with
each new day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I’m in an amazing Bible study. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went last year and honestly wasn’t
crazy about it. I don’t blame God or anyone else for the mediocre experience. I
wasn’t in a position to really listen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was allowing circumstances to become my stumbling
block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost focus on Him and
turned to the world for comfort. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
one thing that I did gain through the study of Genesis was an understanding of
how Jesus fit into the Old Testament and how He’s always been there even from
the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t sign up for the next year but
my heart felt a slightly heavy feeling because of my decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The next fall, </span>I was surprised to hear
from my new leader for our discussion group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span>That’s weird, I thought. I wonder who signed me up?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confessed to her that I had been under a ton of stress and
couldn’t add anything else on my schedule. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With gentleness and grace, she said she understood and would
pray for me but to let her know if I changed my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart felt significantly heavier after our
conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew my desperate
soul needed Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really needed
to hear from Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth was
that I wanted to isolate myself even from Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt as if no one would understand my loneliness, my
depression and no one would want to be around my crummy attitude including
Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was being fake not
feeling comfortable sharing my struggles with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was giving into the lies instead of resting in His
promises. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I got down on my
knees and prayed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Asher was about four months old at
the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During these months, he was
extremely colicky and always seemed to be unhappy or in pain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was only getting about 30 minutes to an
hour sleep each night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed
as if he cried ALL the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
going through the motions of taking care of him but had little desire to bond with
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I was in survival mode. It</span> broke my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was crying a lot!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also dealing with a toddler that
was still in diapers who was adjusting to a new baby brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt I was in over my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t praying and when I did, my
words felt so empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
sharing time or thoughts with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t gaining strength from His word and so I didn’t even bother opening
my Bible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were rarely going to
church anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like I was
walking along on a straight path and somehow fell in a deep, dark hole
wondering how I got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting
out is hard when you’re not prepared with the proper equipment to get you out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guilt of not enjoying every second
of this precious time dug the hole even deeper and it spiraled me into a depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How in the world was I not enjoying
every second of this precious time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would envision leaving the family for a bit just to get myself back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I couldn’t run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to face my “demons” head on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family needed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know God must of used this depression to show me I needed Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, He made me realize I no longer wanted to “drink from this cup”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t just about me anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, I felt an intense
motivation to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danny also
recognized that something needed to change within himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t feel equipped enough to handle a wife that was so
sad, so disconnected and sometimes really draining to be around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He was tired too and in need of encouragement. </span>We were struggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He realized he needed to give this
situation to God in order to help me cope better – to help carry me, to help
support me, to help encourage me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
be that amazing spiritual leader that he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, we went back to the source.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only source we knew could truly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus</i> (Philippians 4:7)
and get us back on track.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The day rolled around for the first
class in this study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Again, </span>I was still really sad I
declined the invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same
day, my previous leader called on the phone (not a text, not a Facebook message,
but a phone call) asking where I was and how I had been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She said she had registered me for the class this year but was
disappointed to see that I wasn’t there (so, THAT is who signed me up).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also encouraged me to come even if I
realized down the road that it was too much for me in this season of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, between both of these women, God was pushing me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was calling me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, “I got up and
followed Him”. I’ve been going
ever since. I've also dealt with obstacles along the way and “ negative forces” trying
to convince me I shouldn’t go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, I persevered through the hurdles. I’m so very grateful that God
pushed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s most definitely rewarded me with a different
perspective and attitude through this experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer had been answered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I’m incredibly certain God has used
this study of Matthew to train me and to communicate how much He truly does
care for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, how He believes
in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, what I really want to
focus on is the transformation He’s made in me since studying this gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How His Spirit has become real and
alive in me again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of
you who aren’t familiar with Matthew, he was the tax collector who Jesus chose
as one of His disciples.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked
this ordinary man that was a sinner to leave everything and follow Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, Matthew did just that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture says, “he gets up and follows
Him” (Matthew 9:9).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author
didn’t say that he went home and packed a bag or told his family goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t say that Jesus asked him to
fix what was broken and come looking for Him when he got it all together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, Jesus wanted him right where he was,
sitting in his little tax collector’s booth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Great Shepherd found one of His lost sheep (Luke 15).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew, with very little knowledge of
who Christ was at this point, picked up his cross and followed Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asks us to follow Him in the very same way He asked Matthew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Spirit shines brightly
when we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seek Him with all of our hearts
and with all of our souls. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
when I’m in distress and things have happened to me, in later days, I will
return to the Lord and obey Him [because I love Him].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For my God is merciful and will not abandon me or destroy me</i>
(Deuteronomy 4:29-30).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I’ve seen His Spirit shine in me so
brightly this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see my
transformation when I put Danny before myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I selflessly pray, full of compassion, for
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I’m a gentle
and kind wife, mother and friend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I’m encouraging, effortlessly sharing God’s
promises to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when
I communicate out of love instead of anger in my relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I let go of past regrets
and failures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I
engage with my kids by not playing on my phone or focusing on other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I’m free of fear and anxiety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I’m intentional on giving
my very best to others and myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not in perfection, but focusing on just giving my best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I ask a disappointed friend
for her forgiveness instead of becoming defensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when we discipline Addy with love and gentleness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I see it when it's just me and Asher bonding. When I can do nothing but love on him and kiss him. </span>I see it when I help a neighbor or
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, when I help a complete
stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when my desire
is to please God and not others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
see it when I have self-control and do things in moderation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I’m tempted with lies
about myself and I shift my focus asking Him to help me take my thoughts
captive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I’m eager
to get home after Bible study and learn more about Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I really don’t want to do
my study but I do it anyway. I see it when I’m self-aware of my sin or
motivated to change for the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I see it when I talk to God, when I passionately cry out to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it even when I feel absolutely nothing and I pray anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when
I’m driving down the road worshipping Him through music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I truly believe and
understand what I’m singing in church or in my kitchen - I raise my hands in
praise - in thankfulness and submission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I see it when I empathize with someone hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I have deep conversations with Danny,
from reading Scripture together, about Jesus and how we want to change because
of Him but also for each other - for our kids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see
it when I’m feeling good enough, confident enough - when I feel His Power and
Love over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I
persevere through a challenging day with positivity and joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I don’t complain about
mundane activities like changing diapers or washing bottles or fixing dinner or
cleaning toilets or doing laundry or experiencing exhaustion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I embrace and reflect on eternal
life. I see it when I’m happy and excited for my loved ones that are with Him
instead of wanting them here with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it when I feel that He is all I need in this world to
feel secure and safe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it
when I write a blog confident in what I believe in without worries of how
people may judge me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be
one day when I’m in His arms, in His perfection. Until that incredible day, this
world will always bring trials; bring battles I will have to confront head on
with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve realized I can’t
expect perfection in myself or in others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, I can wait for a day that will come and I’ll truly be free of
imperfections. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where my soul will
be complete in His arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will
wipe every tear from my eyes and welcome me home (Revelation 21:4). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I vividly remember a conversation Danny
and I had a few weeks after losing Evie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would consider it as a defining moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was having a really hard day and just couldn’t find
peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a more of these days than good in the beginning of her death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whenever I was in one of these desperate moments, I would pick up the
phone and call Danny. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe
God knew I needed to hear His words through Danny’s voice because I wasn’t quite
there yet with trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I admitted to Danny that I wanted to walk away from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I confessed to him that I didn’t even
feel as if I truly believed He was real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, that the thought alone terrified me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was convinced I was done trying to understand Jesus until
Danny helped open my eyes to a new perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that by seeking Christ, he felt he would be able to give
the very best part of himself to me as well as others regardless if God were real or
not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said that if he died and
God didn’t exist, worst-case scenario, he gave his very best to the people and
things in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus’ philosophy
would teach him how to live a life of hope, faith and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The opposite, of course, would be if he
chose not to believe in Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he
didn’t live his life in accordance with God’s will, then to find out He was
indeed real; it would be a truly sorrowful day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That every trial he had ever faced on this earth would look like a walk in the park compared to finding out He does exist and lived a life of unbelief and
dead faith (James 2:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
think of this conversation to this very day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a game changer in my walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then decided I wanted to live the life with Him instead of
without Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I've been seeking and loving Him ever sense. I'm addicted to what only He can give. </span>I’m really looking forward to
the day I can thank Him face to face. Until then, the only thing I can do now is follow Him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
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<!--EndFragment-->Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-70157431118560177922014-03-14T05:53:00.000-07:002014-03-14T05:53:01.626-07:00"You Are Good"<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><i>When the sun starts to rise<br />And I open my eyes<br />You are good, so good<br />In the heat of the day<br />With each stone that I lay<br />You are good, so good<br /><br />With ever breath I take in<br />I'll tell you I'm grateful again<br />When the moon climbs high<br />Before each kiss goodnight<br />You are good<br /><br />When the road starts to turn<br />Around each bend I've learned<br />You are good so good<br />And when somebody's hand<br />Holds me up helps me stand<br />You are so good<br /><br />With every breath I take in<br />I'll tell You I'm grateful again<br />'Cause its more than enough<br />Just to know I am loved<br />And You are good<br /><br />So how can I thank You<br />What can I bring<br />What can these poor hands<br />Lay at the feet of a King<br />I'll sing You a love song<br />It's all that I have<br />To tell You I'm grateful<br />For holding my life in Your Hands<br /><br />When it's dark and it's cold<br />And I can't feel my soul<br />You are so good<br />When the world is gone gray<br />And the rain's here to stay<br />You are still good<br /><br />So with every breath I take in<br />I'll tell You I am grateful again<br />And the storm my swell<br />Even then it's well and You are good</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-32755005115039127482014-03-12T17:20:00.001-07:002014-03-14T05:53:23.850-07:00"I Shall Not Want"<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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</span></i></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
</span>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the love of my own comfort<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the fear of having nothing<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From a life of worldly passions<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deliver me O God<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the need to be understood<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the need to be accepted<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the fear of being lonely<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deliver me O God<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deliver me O God<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And I shall not want, I shall not
want<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">when I taste Your goodness I
shall not want<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">when I taste Your goodness I
shall not want<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the fear of serving others<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the fear of death or trial<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the fear of humility<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deliver me O God<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deliver
me O God</span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span></div>
Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-44808170604142277802013-09-19T09:14:00.002-07:002013-09-19T10:43:47.165-07:00What If???<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This is probably deeper than I should get with some, but
I’ve been pondering the phrase “God won’t give you more than you can handle”
for some time now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if this is
not the case?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe God doesn’t
give us these things, but what if this world gives us more than we can bear at
times: temptation, depression/anxiety, addictions, insecurities, death, overwhelmingly
busy schedules, financial burdens...whatever it may be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if, in
these moments, we realize we need saving? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That we need a rescuer to come down and scoop us up so we can
handle the things this world can bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if some of us need those rock bottom moments so we can humbly
realize we’re not in control?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
remind us that God is sovereign and He promises us His healing hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that He will carry our burdens and
hardships by giving us an inner strength like no other: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #030f19; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives”</span></i><span style="color: #030f19; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do not let your hearts be troubled and do
not be afraid” </i>John 14:27.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>What
if it’s necessary for some of us to receive more than we can deal with just so we
can cling to Him knowing we can’t do it alone? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if we need something heavy to jolt us, to wake us up
from our “content coma”, to help us get our focus back on Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so uncomfortable though, I know. But,
what if getting us out of our comfort zone is our saving grace? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time, I gain strength and
spiritual peace in my weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Some of you may too. </span>I can definitely relate to Paul in the New Testament:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Therefore, in
order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a
messenger of Satan, to torment me. </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">8 </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it
away from me. </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">9 </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">But
he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so
that Christ’s power may rest on me. </span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">10 </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in
weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For
when I am weak, then I am strong. </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">2 Corinthians 12:7-10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> The Bible study I’ve recently started attending has challenged me with
this question: have I realized I need a Savior? In this season of life I can
honestly answer, “yes” to this question. I desperately need Him in my current circumstance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The times when I’m
complacent or everything’s going just as it should…not so much. This is when I can potentially start to stray from Him the most. The realization
that I need a Savior is crucial in my understanding of Christ and essential in
my walk with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy to say
I believe in Christ, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, until I actually grasp why He came to earth for me, why He died for
me and why He resurrected for me, it won’t change my perspective or my
heart. This is where I'll find my rest...in Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I'll find a Savior. It definitely becomes more personal, right? </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-58335895250729019572013-07-29T07:28:00.005-07:002013-07-29T07:40:06.669-07:00What's Been Going On with Us....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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A sweet smile!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just chatting....</div>
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<br /></div>
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Who says girls can't play football!? As long as you wear your dress. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Danny is getting her ready for football season. </div>
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She even knows some of the Ole Miss players names. </div>
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She's pretending she's Dante in this video....</div>
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She loves her new floaties!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-27420280394758244602013-03-21T10:02:00.000-07:002013-03-21T17:16:21.029-07:00Random Thoughts<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> I’m running on an hour of sleep
today. ER with Addy for a few hours last night. Croup is no joke. Poor baby. I
absolutely hate it when she's this sick. Kids with vomit bags surrounded us.
One kid actually puked, but that was enough for me. If you know me well you
know I'm a germaphobe. If you know me really well you know I hate puke! I was not really prepared to face one my fears last
night. Silver lining: These sick babies got the best care ever and will quickly
get back to health. So thankful for pediatric nurses. They’re a gift from God. Addy
also got some really great meds. They're working already. She's on the mend
and eating lots of popsicles. Very fussy and cranky this morning, but wanted to
just cuddle up with me. I really enjoyed the closeness of her wrapped in my
arms. I’ll want these moments back one day. Got bleach on my very favorite
shirt. I’m still wearing it. I wore it to my appointment. It’s an awesome color (it brings out my eye color) minus the bleach stain. And, it fits
perfectly around my pregnant belly. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">I refuse to stop wearing it. I</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> ran out the door without a jacket. Is it
really Spring? Note to self: Check the weather before leaving house without a
jacket, genius. Silver lining: If I were wearing my jacket, there would've been
bleach on it too. Note to self: Collect old jackets to give to those that don't
have jackets. I hope I really do it this time. Oh, time. Precious time. What I fill
with my precious time these days. Trying to make doc appointment and left cell
phone in garage. Had to go back and get it. Danny didn't know I came back. He called asking me if I'd ever experienced the garage door going up and down on its own before. I
was going to mess with him, but didn't have the energy. He thought we had a
ghost or a really smart rat. He makes me laugh. Rewarded myself with a chicken biscuit with cheese
from Chick-fi-la. Hey, it’s the small things. I may continue to reward myself
today with a chocolate hazelnut frozen yogurt waffle cone at Pinkberry. Another one of my guilty pleasures. Got to see our sweet Asher on the big screen.... it’s so amazing every
time I get to see him on an ultrasound. We got a 3D this time. He was absolutely
gorgeous! I can't wait to meet him. My crazy morning ended with happy tears and
a sigh of relief. Just basking in the moment. I was reminded of Scripture: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #030f19; font-family: Arial;">Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry
about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”</span></i><span style="color: #030f19; font-family: Arial;"> I then had another thought. Jesus saying in a tender voice "my sweet girl, don’t worry about the other things going on around you. Enjoy what I’ve given
you. What's right in front of you. Don’t lose sight of what I’ve done for you. These are the moments that
count.” So true…. so very true. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">There's
going to be so many more crazy days like this when Asher gets here. Some days
when I feel I don't have it all together and I'm a mess. Some days when I feel inadequate. Some days when I feel
like pulling my hair out. And, some days when I’m thankful for the days that do
go smoothly. But, it’s all worth it. My kids are here to remind me of sweet
blessings. A mom’s job can be the hardest. At the same time, it can be the most
fulfilling, most rewarding job in the world. It's honestly one of the best things I've ever done. I wouldn't have it any other
way. </span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-5657610827932833322013-03-18T12:11:00.001-07:002013-03-18T20:40:12.681-07:00Learning to Move Forward<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span> I'm reading a great book called
"Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions" written
by Lysa Terkeurst. I would highly recommend it to anyone struggling with reining in emotions. Lysa Terkeurst’s life experiences in this book have brought
me so much comfort. I haven't felt
so alone after reading it and it's helped me through a really challenging
season. Just like Lysa, I've grown up with past experiences that have
shaped me into the woman I am today. I've
been conditioned to negatively think and feel a certain way for way too long. I
feel oddly safe with these unhealthy ways of thinking because it's what I'm used to. It's only when I started letting Christ in a few years ago that things
started to change. He's taught me so much through His example. The
way that He’s loved other people is astounding especially when they haven't
loved Him back. For Him to actually ask God to forgive those that
brutally beat Him and nailed Him to a cross (Luke 23:34) boggles my mind. We can all learn from His
testimony. He's definitely getting
me to a more healthier, more freeing place in my life. I'm a work in
progress though. I can revert back to my old ways of thinking at times. Boy, I
can be difficult. My stubborn
nature can take over and I don't want to go where God is moving me. I’m
so thankful Jesus loves me through it though (He wasn’t kidding when He said He
has come to love the world in the midst of its brokenness). I'm making what
Lysa calls "imperfect progress": <i>"Imperfect changes are
slow steps of progress wrapped in grace... imperfect progress... it's okay to
have setbacks and the need for do-overs. It's okay to draw the line in
the sand and start over again and again. Just make sure you're moving the
line forward. Move forward. Take baby steps, but at least take steps that
keep you from being stuck. Then change will come. And it will be
good."</i> Imperfect progress has allowed me to take a gigantic sigh
of relief from a life filled with anxiety encouraging me just to make progress
without the pressure of doing it perfectly. God doesn’t expect me to be
perfect. He just expects me to walk with Him through this progress and allow
Him to work in my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've learned valuable lessons from
individuals this year. And, even more on the person that God wants me to become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
taken baby steps on how to make better choices in the middle of my raw
emotions. Through this challenging season, I've been hurt. But,
instead of getting stuck in my circumstances I’m choosing to move forward. God
has given me the hope that more change is coming for me. And not just for me,
but for the people in my life. My emotions not only influence me but also
those around me. My progress may be imperfect and slow, but it's progress.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just need to be patient and wait
on God to move me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank
you for those that have walked with me through this season of life. I'm
especially grateful for those that have loved me even through my fears, my anxieties,
my weaknesses…. my mess. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some highlights from the
book that have really helped me through this challenging season. I
thought they would also bring comfort to others going through similar
challenges: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Yes, but I must remember God gave me emotions
so I can experience life, not destroy it."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"No, we won't bend from the weight of our
past, but we will bow to the One who holds our hope for our better future. It's
a truth-filled future in which God reveals how emotions can work for us instead
of against us." <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"For me, perspective doesn't just help me see
the current circumstance I'm facing from a new vantage point. It also
helps me process future things I face in a calmer, more grounded way. It
helps me develop a new way of thinking. And this isn't just some theory I've
observed in my life. It's actually the way God wired us." <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"I can't control the things that happen to me
each day, but I can control how I think about them. I can say to myself,
"I have a choice to have destructive thoughts or constructive thoughts
right now. I can wallow in what's wrong and make things worse, or I can
ask God for a better perspective to help me see good even when I don't feel
good." <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"I can face things that are out of my control
and not act out of control."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Could I trust God and believe that He is
working out something good even from things that seem no good?"
</i>(rhetorical question)<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Either way, as long a I believe, really
believe, God is there and that He is out to do me good, I can stop freaking out
trying to fix everything on my own. I can face things that are out of my
control and not act out of control." <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Labels are awful. They imprison us in
categories that are hard to escape." </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Trapped inside these straitjacket struggles
from all the self-defeating labels. Some prisons don't require bars to
keep people locked inside. All it takes is their perception that they
belong there. A soul that believes she can't leave....doesn't." <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Oh God, chisel me. I don't want to be locked
in my hard places forever."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"One of my favorite passages that confirms God
is calling us out of the darkness is from 1 Peter:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"As you come to him, the living
Stone...rejected by [humans] but chosen by God and precious to him...you also,
like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy
priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ.... you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of
darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:4-5, 9 NIV). <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Peter was also the man who loved his Lord
with such passion he drew his sword and cut off the ear of the guard trying to
arrest Jesus (John 18:10). Then, just seven short verses later, we find
this same Peter denying he even knew Jesus: "You are not one of [the]
disciples are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I am
not" (John 18:17 NIV). He sure sounds shifty to me. But not to
Jesus. Jesus saw a courageous man who needed chiseling. Jesus saw a
man who, when chiesled, whould boldly do what others would not. Jesus saw
Peter not as he was but what he could be. Tenderly, Jesus chiseled." <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“Self-effort alone can’t tame the tongue and our
raw emotions that run wild.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“When we are humble, we realize our honesty can’t
be one-sided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We make an effort to
see the situation from the other person’s vantage point.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“Sip the shame before guzzling the regret. In other
words, taste a little bit of the shame of letting it all rip before you find
yourself drowning in gallons of unwanted regret.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Choosing a gentle reply doesn’t mean you’re weak:
it actually means you possess a rare and godly strength.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"Holy restraint is the seed that produces the fruit
of self-control.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“We can pour out our anxious hearts to Jesus who
loves us right where we are, just as we are. Because His love comes without
judgment, we soften and feel safe enough to humbly admit we need Him to work on
us. Trying to fix another person only adds to my anxiety. Letting Jesus work on
me is where real progress happens. I claim the promise that says, “Cast all you
anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>"If I make the effort to handle this conflict well,
I can be freed from the pressure to make everything turn out rosy. Sometimes
relationships grow stronger through conflict; other times relationships end.
Because I can’t control the other person, I must focus on the good God is working
out in me through this situation and leave the outcome with Him. God’s Word
promises that “the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in
Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and
make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1Peter 5:10).” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“I’m an encourager at heart. I love to give words
of encouragement and I love to receive words of encouragement. That’s probably
why words of discouragement affect me so deeply. I don’t mind constructive
criticism given in a spirit of love. But when someone hasn’t taken the time to
invest words of encouragement in my life before offering some sort of
constructive criticism, it doesn’t feel so constructive.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“Open communication is the life-giving oxygen that
fuels good relationships.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“My job isn’t to fix the difficult people in my
life or enable them to continue disrespectful or abusive behaviors.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“Am I trying to prove that I am right or to improve
the relationship?”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“But God gave me more than just a heart to use in
processing life. He gave me a mind as well. A mind made for truth to reign
supreme and to keep my heart in check. We must remember, “The heart is
deceitful above all things….I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind”
(Jeremiah 17:9-10).” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i>“Operating in the flow of God’s power is so much
better than working against it.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>“Oh God, help us---help me. I want to be a passionate woman reined in by You and Your grace…. Not an exploder who shames herself or blames others. I want to sip the shame before guzzling the regret. I want to be the one who holds her tongue and keeps the Holy Spirit’s power working in me. I want these truths to sink in and become part of who I am and how I live. And I know that’s what you want too.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-69484876596528842532013-02-12T20:17:00.001-08:002013-02-12T20:33:08.633-08:00God's Miracles<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Dear Evie,</div>
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<br /></div>
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I
woke up this morning to my normal routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My day starts off at six in the morning with your baby sister
crying. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walk into her room, I’m
pleasantly welcomed as she sang, “Jesus wuves me for Bible tells me so”. What a
great reminder. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reply with, “yes,
Jesus does love us, sweet girl… how great is that news?!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ate our breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We played in the playroom with Daddy before
he got off to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pack up and
head out to start our ordinary day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I’m almost out of the garage, I receive a random text from a dear
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reads, “Just wanted to
let you know I’m thinking of you and Danny today. Hugs!! Love you!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a sweet text, but why did someone
want me to know they were thinking of me? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was so special about today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It then hits me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew this day was coming for weeks,
but for some reason the actual day snuck up on me this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memories of you and your death came
rushing in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered the life
you lived inside of me for nine months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remembered the anticipation of your arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered the happiness we felt knowing you would be a
part of our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered the
last time I felt you kick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remembered the dreadful words from the doctor “her heart’s not beating” and
watching the tears fall down her face as she delivers the heartbreaking
news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered the agonizing
pain of your birth wanting it to be over, but at the same time not wanting to
say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered your
amazingly supportive Daddy not leaving my side. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God uses your daddy to love me so much here on earth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered our family and friends
support. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered when you
were born and how physically and emotionally empty I felt afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered holding your lifeless and
delicate body in my arms praying that God would heal you in the way he
healed the little girl who was sick in the Bible. Or, the way He raised Lazarus
from the dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That He would
change His plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That He would
open your eyes and make it all better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered Jesus’ agony in the garden of Gethsemane wanting
God to “take this cup” from Him. I remembered your beautiful curly hair with a
mixture of different shades of brown. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered your sweet little hands and feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered not wanting to leave you
behind to go home without you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t want to face the nursery that we would never use and all the other
things that were ready for your homecoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered the day we went looking for your gravesite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a surreal day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered “Amazing Grace” by Chris
Tomlin playing over and over and over again on the radio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in my pain, it brought so much
comfort every time it came on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remembered the deciding factor of the cemetery we chose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was whether or not the geese were
friendly (even through the painful tears, we managed to laugh at the hissing
goose that almost ran me into the water).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remembered your funeral and how small your casket was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered feeling very uneasy that a
casket could be that small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remembered the pretty pink roses that brought a little beauty to the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remembered watching your daddy breakdown
at your gravesite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t
take it anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been way
too strong for me and just needed to let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m glad that he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t feel alone when he would feel with me, but I respected his
grieving process by letting him grieve the way he needed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I was amazed with how much closer we became through the process of grief. </span>I remembered the months that followed
your death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pain in my
stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ache in my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some days where I felt really peaceful and others
I wanted to crawl back into bed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remembered asking God to bring you back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I desperately wanted to witness a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know the kind of miracles that people experienced with
Jesus two thousand years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
ideal miracle obviously didn’t play out, but little did we recognize at the
time there was a miracle in motion.</div>
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Today,
the sun was particularly bright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The forecast called for another rainy day, but God managed to keep the
sun shining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m convinced that
God uses the sun to remind me of His presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one of His magnificent creations…. a work of art that
He shares with all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a
picture of it to capture its beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His beauty. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was reminded
of my redemption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reflected on all
the ways He’s saved me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
reflected on the huge price He had to pay for me on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reflected on Him becoming human so I
could relate to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reflected
on the hope of eternal life with Him one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reflected on His grace…. His Amazing Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It washes over me every single day even
when I don’t love Him the way that I should. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the day I accepted Him into my life, He’s been there
holding my hand, guiding me and loving me with His unconditional love. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,</span></i><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"> </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">neither height nor depth, nor anything else in
all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in
Christ Jesus our Lord” </span></i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Romans 8:38-39.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death did not separate me from His love and I’m convinced
nothing will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>As I’m
meditating on all of this, “Praise you in the Storm” by Casting Crowns plays on
the radio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song we played at
your funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved hearing this
while thinking of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
believe it was a coincidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
wanted to remind me through this song of how we trusted Him, walked with Him
through the storm of losing you and came out on the other side with our arms
stretched out praising Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, it
was because of Him we made it through: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Every
tear I’ve cried you hold in your hand you never left my side And though my
heart is torn I will praise you in this storm.”</i> I was so grateful for this
time with Him this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
reflection brought on a renewing of my mind. My soul was reenergized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My focus was shifted and my spirit was replenished. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been distracted and I’ve fallen
off-course the last couple of months so this time with Him was necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so thankful I was in a position to
listen and to receive. I praise
Him for this experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise
Him for being so active in my life and how He gets me back on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I praise Him for His miracles in my life. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYIxKL_dvEA/URsRbc3PAsI/AAAAAAAAATY/wtR7M4M2gDQ/s1600/IMAG0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wYIxKL_dvEA/URsRbc3PAsI/AAAAAAAAATY/wtR7M4M2gDQ/s320/IMAG0042.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="180" /></a> </div>
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As I cried and wiped joyful tears streaming down my face, I heard your sister’s amazing little voice
in the backseat saying, “Mommy’s crying, want a goldfish?” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has a special way of making me feel
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just laughed through the
tears and told her how much I loved her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She asked for my hand and we held hands the rest of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also felt your new baby brother moving
around in my belly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I could
think in this moment was how God has been so amazingly good in so many ways and
in ALL my circumstances. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I love you,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mommy</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-92152486987513550232013-01-12T07:38:00.000-08:002013-01-12T07:38:11.641-08:00There Will Be a DaySuch a burden on my heart the past couple of days, but <i>I will not grieve like those that have no hope. </i> I know there will be a day when He does wipe my tears and hold me so tight. I'm looking forward to that day, but until then I will praise Him and hold on to His truth until I'm there in His loving, comforting arms....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>There will be a Day by Jeremy Camp</i></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3c3c3c; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">I try to hold on to this world with everything I have<br />But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab<br />The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,<br />that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew<br /><br />But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings<br />That there will be a place with no more suffering<br /><br />There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears<br />There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face<br />But until that day, we’ll hold on to you always<br /><br />I know the journey seems so long<br />You feel you're walking on your own<br />But there has never been a step<br />Where you’ve walked out all alone<br /><a href="http://www.sweetslyrics.com/Jeremy%20Camp.html" style="color: #dadada; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: 6px;">Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com</span></a><br /><br />Troubled soul don’t lose your heart<br />Cause joy and peace he brings<br />And the beauty that’s in store<br />Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting<br /><br />I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced<br />To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing….<br /><br />There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears<br />There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face<br /><br />There will be a day, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears, He’ll wipe away the tears…..there will be a day</span></div>
Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-66541235390808375912012-12-15T11:01:00.003-08:002012-12-15T11:01:48.957-08:00Just Because....<div style="text-align: center;">
I know these pics are in no particular order, but they were just too cute not to post. </div>
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She's so much fun! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgWrgSwov3c/UMzF67NymJI/AAAAAAAAARY/8DsvZB15WAA/s1600/P1020587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgWrgSwov3c/UMzF67NymJI/AAAAAAAAARY/8DsvZB15WAA/s320/P1020587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Three Peas in a Pod. Enjoying her cousins. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq_lYNZO_JA/UMzGr0WDJtI/AAAAAAAAARg/FWqTTCY1zPw/s1600/IMG-20121111-00399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq_lYNZO_JA/UMzGr0WDJtI/AAAAAAAAARg/FWqTTCY1zPw/s320/IMG-20121111-00399.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Even though she's sick, she's still smiling. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPqr7uxbqZw/UMzGwoB5iKI/AAAAAAAAARw/8u93hPB8jYA/s1600/IMG-20121118-00413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPqr7uxbqZw/UMzGwoB5iKI/AAAAAAAAARw/8u93hPB8jYA/s320/IMG-20121118-00413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sweet kiss from Mommy. I didn't know anyone was watching. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofb0i7WQUg8/UMzGyrPjSuI/AAAAAAAAAR4/u15gdpxaF78/s1600/IMG-20121122-00429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ofb0i7WQUg8/UMzGyrPjSuI/AAAAAAAAAR4/u15gdpxaF78/s320/IMG-20121122-00429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sick baby in ER with Croup. She looks so pitiful. Too sick to smile. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJAL-GgTwCE/UMzGz3CM3PI/AAAAAAAAASA/JK_2b87qO-U/s1600/IMG-20121123-00440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJAL-GgTwCE/UMzGz3CM3PI/AAAAAAAAASA/JK_2b87qO-U/s320/IMG-20121123-00440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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WEEEEEE!!!!! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wRHrsC_Rls/UMzG2N25LHI/AAAAAAAAASI/2YSy_M_mL-s/s1600/IMG-20121201-00449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wRHrsC_Rls/UMzG2N25LHI/AAAAAAAAASI/2YSy_M_mL-s/s320/IMG-20121201-00449.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of her favorite things.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PnSWpLnPmA/UMzG3GzOSjI/AAAAAAAAASQ/-7_phBjkNX8/s1600/IMG-20121202-00454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PnSWpLnPmA/UMzG3GzOSjI/AAAAAAAAASQ/-7_phBjkNX8/s320/IMG-20121202-00454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He has her heart.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XnbDpXVcZs/UMzG9Et4AII/AAAAAAAAASg/nZ7VBW-Bf9I/s1600/IMG-20121202-00460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XnbDpXVcZs/UMzG9Et4AII/AAAAAAAAASg/nZ7VBW-Bf9I/s320/IMG-20121202-00460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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She really loved meeting Rudolph.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rr0DEsBcsL0/UMzHAAgZB_I/AAAAAAAAASo/cQVl07eiMF8/s1600/IMG-20121208-00468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rr0DEsBcsL0/UMzHAAgZB_I/AAAAAAAAASo/cQVl07eiMF8/s320/IMG-20121208-00468.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another favorite thing... dress up!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z53tXW_BMsw/UMzHEkQT0KI/AAAAAAAAASw/7xShZ3YAPxg/s1600/P1020651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z53tXW_BMsw/UMzHEkQT0KI/AAAAAAAAASw/7xShZ3YAPxg/s320/P1020651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On a rainy day. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exmzDNGr_SQ/UMzHMUnLwdI/AAAAAAAAAS4/2lb52zhalps/s1600/P1020655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-exmzDNGr_SQ/UMzHMUnLwdI/AAAAAAAAAS4/2lb52zhalps/s320/P1020655.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Probably not the safest activity, but we were supervising. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZF7YFEtg1U/UMzHSvJviXI/AAAAAAAAATA/vcPPIC8wEjg/s1600/P1020664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZF7YFEtg1U/UMzHSvJviXI/AAAAAAAAATA/vcPPIC8wEjg/s320/P1020664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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She's never done this before. She was pooped! </div>
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Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-78576082746719683032012-12-03T14:38:00.003-08:002012-12-03T14:46:11.307-08:00"You Could Have Left Us on Our Own, But You're Here.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my very favorite Christmas songs. What an amazing experience for Mary. What an amazing experience for those around Him during that time. What an amazing experience for those of us who believe even now. So thankful He was given to us. </div>
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"Look at your hands, they're still so small. </div>
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Someday you're going to stretch them out and save us all."</div>
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<br />Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-85309380098133521202012-11-29T18:13:00.003-08:002012-11-29T18:13:56.754-08:00"O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree"<div style="text-align: center;">
Addy "helping" Daddy put up the tree. </div>
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She's such a big help!</div>
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Here we go...</div>
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Almost there....</div>
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"Ready, Set, Go!"</div>
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"All done!" Merry Christmas! </div>
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Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-15356465682165259862012-11-24T17:41:00.000-08:002012-11-24T17:41:12.581-08:00Loved This by Sarah Mae on "Incourage" Blog....<br />
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<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“God calls us, as He did Adam, to come out of hiding. No amount of spiritual makeup can render us more presentable to Him.” -Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child</em></div>
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Naked.</div>
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Totally exposed; completely bare; <em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">free</em>.</div>
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For awhile now the clothes have been coming off, piece by piece, as I discover how bare I actually already am, and what it means to really be covered.</div>
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The first covering was given to Adam and Eve when they realized just how bare they were; it was uncomfortable and embarrassing; there was shame brought on by the fact that their sin was exposed. They were naked, and they knew it, and so they hid from the One who knew their nakedness before they did. For their sake, and out of His kindness, God covered them in a coat made of skin (Genesis 3:21). <strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">You don’t get skin without the kill</strong>. And so there it was, the first sacrifice, the spill of blood so that the people would be covered and their shame hidden.</div>
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And still we hide. Even though God knows every woven piece of our being, we hide. Our eyes are wide open to our failures, and so we cover because we don’t want to be found out. <strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We give pretense and we try to be and do in order to be accepted and loved, but what we forget is that God sees past all of it; He’s sees our bare selves and He loves us anyway</strong>. We can’t be more or better and think that we will some how get closer or be more loved by God; He loves us in spite of ourselves. And yet, He offers a covering still. He offers a covering of blood so that will be free to walk with Him in the garden without shame or pretense or posturing.</div>
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He offers the opportunity for <em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">freedom</em>.</div>
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Our new covering is on the inside, over our spirits, and it transforms us from being shackled to sin and frees us to stretch into our new selves without fear.</div>
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We don’t have to hide from God (this is actually impossible anyway), and we don’t have to hide from people (oh, this one is possibe, and quite frequent).</div>
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We are cracked and swollen and desperate. And He already knows our mess.</div>
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I’m saying,<strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> let’s be messy and honest.</strong> Let’s not try to super glue the cracks, but instead let the Holy Spirit work through them to bring light to a messy world. You can’t let your light shine if you try to patch up the cracks.</div>
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So here I am, losing my clothes, getting closer to naked.<strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"> I wonder if this is really what sanctification is about? Not becoming more, but becoming less, until we are fully bare.</strong></div>
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Covered yet naked. A gracious mystery that I am falling into. And it’s gloriously freeing.</div>
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<em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.” -Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child</em></div>
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By <a href="http://www.sarahmae.com/" style="color: #269eab; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Sarah Mae</a></div>
Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-90142741899353423092012-11-17T07:32:00.003-08:002012-11-17T10:20:15.173-08:00There's Something Terribly Wrong with this World at Times....I read this poem on a mother's blog whose six-year old daughter is losing her battle to brain cancer. This was sent to her by a follower and although it won't make things better for her, I pray that it brings her comfort in her most difficult days ahead.<br />
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"A Prayer"<br />
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Refuse to fall down<br />
If you cannot refuse to fall down,<br />
refuse to stay down.<br />
If you cannot refuse to stay down,<br />
lift your heart toward heaven,<br />
and like a hungry beggar,<br />
ask that it be filled.<br />
You may be pushed down.<br />
You may be kept from rising.<br />
But no one can keep you from lifting your heart<br />
toward heaven<br />
only you.<br />
It is in the middle of misery<br />
that so much becomes clear.<br />
The one who says nothing good<br />
came of this,<br />
is not yet listening.<br />
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― Clarissa Pinkola Estés, The Faithful Gardener: A Wise Tale About That Which Can Never Die</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span class="comment-actions secondary-text" id="bc_0_14MN" kind="m"></span></span>Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-83995598256501235192012-11-13T10:50:00.001-08:002012-11-13T10:50:16.768-08:00Our Little Dancin' Machine<div style="text-align: center;">
She really loves to dance!</div>
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Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-5797942573800192412012-11-01T19:00:00.003-07:002012-11-01T19:00:41.872-07:00Our Little Lady Bug<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Trick or Treat! </span></div>
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Sweet Friends, Addy and Coop </div>
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Happy Halloween! </div>
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Tickle, tickle, tickle!</div>
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Weeeeeeee!!!</div>
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Yummy Popcorn!</div>
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Brrr, it's cold!</div>
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Walking and Talking...sweet friends, Addy and Mila! </div>
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Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-651984376058693822012-08-31T17:57:00.000-07:002012-08-31T17:57:39.296-07:00Sweet Friends Along the Way....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F-ud2qThJCs/UEFZA9iLN6I/AAAAAAAAAKc/fueU-25VccU/s320/424155_10151412957040647_1902345833_n.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
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Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-19918407279047624982012-08-18T12:42:00.007-07:002012-08-18T17:01:56.612-07:00HOTTY TODDY!!! GO REBELS<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> Yes, I post random things on my blog. But, random things with meaning. One very special person in my life wrote a blog about his college football team that brought goose bumps to my skin. </span><span class="Apple-style-span">My</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> hubby, Danny, is so excited about the new coach of the Ole Miss Rebels. I'm not a football fan, but I’m becoming a huge fan of this coach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"> Some say when you marry a person you marry his family/friends. I'm going to also add: you marry his football team. I can't wait to see what this new coach will do in these players’ lives. Coach Freeze is a man of faith so I will not be surprised if God works His amazing power in some of these players through Him. It will be so amazing to watch the transformation. It will be a process because they are in the wilderness as Coach Freeze mentions, but I fully believe his integrity and faith will take them to amazing places even if they don't succeed in winning every game. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> Here's to Ole Miss football and their new head coach. May God be with them this season and show the team what it's like to really "win". <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times;">If you watch any of this video, please watch the last 12 minutes. It proves what this coach is all about:<span class="Apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><i>How the West was Won: The Beginning of Restoration</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><i>As the season opener draws near, I can once again feel the excitement building inside of me. We are on a journey Rebel Nation, and it will take time. However, the seeds of success have been planted and are being watered. I remember my skepticism in December when Freeze was hired. I remember judging his lack of experience and wondering why we "settled". With my heart hardened, I watched the press conference at the Ford Center where Freeze was introduced as our new head coach. Less than 30 seconds into his speech my heart softened. In an moment of vulnerability and transparency, Freeze nearly broke down allowing everyone watching to see how grateful he was for this opportunity. As he continued, something inside of me began to change and an unfamiliar feeling began to stir in my heart... Hope. Freeze went on to lay out a plan to restore our program. While any coach could have and would have come up with a plan, Freeze's passion for the Lord, heartfelt desire to be here and confidence in our future is not something we would have found in another candidate. Yes, we have a long, tough road ahead and I think, for the most part, we are all well aware of it. Freeze is recruiting character and building character among existing players. The latter is far more difficult and a few consecutive losses early on could cause the weaker links to fall back into a hole. But that's why this is a process. Character transformation takes faith and time. Not an easy task but I'm encouraged by how far some of our players have come in only 9 months. As the title suggests, I truly believe great things await our program under this staff but these things are not likely to happen as quick as we would all desire. If you agree so far, you will also agree that our task as fans is also a tough one. We must remain committed to the current staff and stay optimistic. Below is an awesome 20 minute compilation of the beginning of the Freeze Era. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><i>Makes me proud to be a Rebel. Hotty Toddy!</i></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4it8JRZeGbY&feature=relmfu" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0d3275; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4it8JRZeGbY&feature=relmfu</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-77296115688868965382012-08-03T13:06:00.003-07:002012-08-04T10:56:41.339-07:00A Letter of Love<div class="MsoNormal">My Dearly Loved,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I wish you could see the beauty I see in you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you could feel my heart break when you don’t feel loved or beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you knew the kind of love I have for you and how nothing could ever separate this deep love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to explain this type of love in words…there’s nothing else like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you were aware of how many times I have counted each hair on your head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, how <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’ve engraved you on the palm of my hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I wish you could’ve been there to see them spit in my face. Or, to see my skin rip and tear when they flogged me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you could’ve been there when they hammered the crown of thorns deep into my flesh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you could’ve have seen me beaten, bruised and barely hanging on carrying the cross for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or, to have seen each nail pierced painfully into my arms and feet. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you could’ve been there to see me struggle for breath desperately wanting to go home, but hanging on until my Father's plan was fulfilled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you could’ve seen the darkness cover the land and the veil torn after my last breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish you could see the place I have prepared for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s called paradise where you will one day be with me. Where there will be no more tears or pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just me and you together, forever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Don’t ever question how much I love you or how deep this love goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you ever do, remember what I’ve done for you on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I've given you things on this earth to enjoy, but </span>It’s best you don’t focus on this world because it will cause you to stumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also don’t have to focus on following the rules because the human race will always fall short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just ask that you love me with all of you heart and don’t forget to love others on your journey regardless of where they are in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love them just the same as I love you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not judge them for if you do, you’ll also be judged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will take care of the rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t have to worry or fear, my sweet one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve paid for EVERYTHING and it was all for you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Love,</div><div class="MsoNormal">J.C.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <o:p></o:p></i></div>Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-19946233991660318122012-07-13T07:26:00.000-07:002012-07-13T07:26:51.724-07:00He is Faithful, Even When My Skies Are Gray<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>178</o:Words> <o:Characters>1016</o:Characters> <o:Company>N/A</o:Company> <o:Lines>8</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>2</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>1247</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande";">"He is faithful to the marrow, so faithful that He comes with a guarantee. This guarantee is Jesus, and He promises to us His constant presence ("I will never leave you nor forsake you," Hebrew 13:5). Our learning to crawl may take some time. Learning to trust Him completely may take even longer. The beauty of the promise to be there is just that-- He will be there while you deal with trust issues and belief issues. He will be there while you wonder at sovereignty and get angry at it because you have nothing to do with it. He will be there when you're ready to talk, and He'll listen as you babble on about nonsense. And when you're ready, He'll speak back to you and begin to unravel some of the mystery. Not all of it. We are bound to limited eyesight, and we must understand that it will never be crystal clear on this planet. But learning to trust Him in everything means knowing you'll never know it all.... and He will. It means learning that He always has the best end in mind. It means more hurt is sure to come, but when it does, He feels it with you. Working through our trust in the beauty of faith and hope in God means we are poised to hear the whispers of small answers to our questions." Candi Pearson-Shelton</span></div><!--EndFragment-->Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-8558033922029266672012-06-12T18:32:00.000-07:002012-06-12T18:32:44.277-07:00Fun in Charleston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pay attention...she's starting to throw mini-tantrums when she wants to continue doing something. I adore her laughter and happy spirit! I absolutely love being her Mom. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iKgKbVovoMg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-51459105781337993102012-06-10T06:48:00.016-07:002012-06-10T14:01:30.015-07:00"The Brightest Little Star"<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">May his life shine through our love, support and prayers, and may the work of Compassion help him become "The Brightest Little Star”.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Danny and I received a call that we weren’t expecting just a few days ago. A call that was yet another reminder of how life is precious. A sweet six-year-old little boy that we sponsor in Tanzania went to be with Christ on May 25, 2012. He and his family were in a tragic car accident and he was the only one that did not survive. We wanted more details, but unfortunately, this is all the information we received. We wanted to be right there with his family holding them and wiping their tears. We wanted to remind them that their precious little boy was in Heaven with his Creator. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> This little boy was born on November 18, 2005. He drew us pictures and wrote us letters. We sent him a picture of our bulletin board with his work showcased so he would know that we thought it was special to us. We wanted him to know that we were proud of him as if he was part of our family.</div><br />
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He would tell us about his family. Some of the things he enjoyed doing was playing football (soccer), skipping and playing with cars. Another favorite thing he mentioned was fetching water on three different occasions (he really liked this activity). He mentioned that he spent most of his time with his Dad. Through him, I was humbled. He made me realize that you can be happy without a lot the stuff. He also reminded me of how blessed most of us are in this country. I think this picture is a drawing of him fetching water with his Mom. Danny thinks that it's his favorite activity because he gets to spend time with his mother. Or, playing in water as a kid is pretty universal.<br />
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We loved him even though we hardly knew him. The definition of compassion is “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626;">a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">misfortune<span style="color: #043bb4;">,</span><span style="color: #262626;"> accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.”</span></i><span style="color: #262626;"> After reading this definition, feelings of guilt crept in. I should’ve done so much more for him. I should've prayed for him and his family more. I should’ve written him more letters. I should’ve told him that I loved him more. I should’ve visited him. I felt selfish. I didn’t feel compassionate at all. Why do we feel this way after someone we love passes? Why don’t we do the things we wished we had done while they’re here so we don’t regret the things we didn’t do when they’re gone. How many more reminders of this simple principle do I need to recieve before it’s too late?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #262626;"> After the phone call, Danny and I made a commitment that the next life we bring into our family and the ones that are in it now will be cherished more. We will do our very best to comply with this definition of compassion even if they're across the world. We will do all the things that we wished we had done for this little boy and more. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #262626;"> Please pray for the father, mother and three brothers of this family. I don’t want to reveal names for their privacy. Please pray for us that we make a conscious effort to love those with all that we have who are still here on this earth. Please pray that we cherish each moment and that we’re continuously humbled during this life so we can be more compassionate.... <i>Carpe Diem.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626;">Jeremiah 1:5 says that God knew you before He even formed you in the womb. He thought of you and planned for you, specifically. He made you with a very specific set of qualities, skills sets and emotions. They may not be the qualities, skill sets and emotions that you would have chosen or desire but you were hand crafted with a purpose by the Creator of the Universe. The next time you feel like you’re not good enough. The next time you feel worthless. The next time you feel unloved. Remember this, every single thing about you makes you the most qualified person in the world to do what God has called you to do. So you do have a purpose, a very special one in fact. Following this purpose that God has laid out for you would likely result in tremendous self-worth and confidence. God loves you so much and so do we! (Letter written by Danny to this sweet boy).<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #262626;"><br />
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</div>Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-25791045181434666792012-05-10T04:57:00.001-07:002012-05-10T04:58:35.514-07:00On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman<div style="text-align: center;"><i>On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, "Life will never be the same." Because there had never been anyone like you... ever in the world. So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain that they whispered the sound of your wonderful name. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It sailed through the farmland high on the breeze...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Over the ocean...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And through the trees...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Until everyone heard it and everyone knew of the one and only ever you. Not once had there been such eyes, such a nose, such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes. In fact, I think I'll count to three so you can wiggle your toes for me. When the polar bears heard, they danced until dawn. From faraway places, the geese flew home. The moon stayed up until morning next day. And none of the ladybugs flew away. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So whenever you doubt just how special you are and you wonder who loves you, how much and how far, listen for geese honking high in the sky. (They're singing a song to remember you by.)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Or notice the bears asleep at the zoo. (It's because they've been dancing all night for you!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Or drift off to sleep to the sound of the wind (Listen closely...it's whispering you name again!)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If the moon stays up until morning one day, or a ladybug lands and decides to stay, or a little bird sits at your window awhile, it's because they're all hoping to see you smile...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For never before in story or rhyme (not even once upon a time) has the world ever known a you, my dear, and it never will, not ever again...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday, our sweet Adalyn Rose! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Words cannot describe how much God has used you to change our lives. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You bring incredible joy, happiness and laughter. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We're praising God that you're here with us! </div><div style="text-align: center;">"You are the one and only ever you."</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you, my little sweetheart!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638258919337393845.post-7473227173334966212012-04-12T11:45:00.002-07:002012-04-12T17:24:31.453-07:00"Old Prayer for Old Pain"<div style="text-align: center;">"Bless my Enemies, O Lord" by Ann Voskamp</div><br />
<blockquote style="border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Droid Sans', 'Lucida Grande', Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.538em; margin-left: 0.769em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0.769em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them.<br />
Enemies have driven me into your embrace more than friends have.<br />
Enemies have loosed me from earth more than friends have…<br />
Enemies have made me a hunted animal, finding safer shelter than an unhunted animal does.</div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I found safest sanctuary in You…may too my enemies-made-grace.<br />
I found greatest grace in You… may my enemies-made-grace find Your generous grace alive and radical in me.<br />
I found fullest forgiveness in You… may my enemies-made-grace find faith and freedom in You and Your forgiveness working surprising ways in me.</div><div style="line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The longer I walk with you, Lord, <em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I find I have no enemies: only your gift of chisels etching me deep.</em><br />
Bless my enemies, O Lord. <em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Even I bless them and do not curse them.</em></div></blockquote>Mika Rakovechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11109453904701819672noreply@blogger.com0