tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6796337367267250882024-02-07T13:28:23.185-06:00Serve One Another In LoveHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-12676318198986043242011-07-28T13:29:00.000-05:002011-07-28T13:29:58.380-05:00Tomorrow is the Big Day!!!Late tonight, Sydney and I will officially launch the new and improved "Serve One Another in Love" website! That girl is AMAZING with blog design and has made our site more beautiful and organized than I could have ever done on my own! There are already a few posts there, waiting for someone to read them and we will have some features coming up soon!<div><br />
</div><div>In addition to our regular posts, there will also be a section devoted to Teens. We feel that the teen years are a particularly slippery time for Christians and we want to do everything we can to foster a healthy relationship with Christ.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I hope you'll stop by the new site when it launches and let us know what you think! </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-27763044781508203972011-07-27T12:31:00.000-05:002011-07-27T12:31:44.046-05:00Leaving the Details to GodWhen I originally started this blog and it began to grow quickly, I worried about how God would provide for our family if I followed my calling to write and spread His word. The answer came in the form of my husband being offered a job that he had wanted for over 3 years, one that paid well and offered insurance from almost the first day.<br />
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As the time passed, I went through a roller coaster of trusting in God and doubting my own contribution to the family. My husband, who most of my readers know is an unbeliever, was very upset with the amount of time I was devoting to a ministry and felt there were better things I could be doing. That's not why I stopped blogging, but I'm sure it played a part in the decision and the circumstances.<br />
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A few days ago, I decided that this blog was a major missing piece in the puzzle of me. I felt a purpose when I was spending time with Christ every day and praying for Him to give me a message to share with the world. The two hang-ups were my husband and the domain and hosting for the site we had built.<br />
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The answer to both "problems" came within 24 hours. First, Sydney worked tirelessly to find a way to bring the site back to life and purchased a new domain. That night, we stayed up late planning the rebirth of the Serve One Another in Love site, she dove into the design and I started writing new content.<br />
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The second solution came the next morning while my husband was at work. It seems that he's made quite the impression on some of the team leaders at his work and they are asking him to go out of town next week. This is not something they ask just anyone to do, so I'm very excited for my husband! And this morning, he came home to tell me that his trip may be extended another week so he can visit other locations. The man who used to hop from job to job is stable where he is AND he's beginning to climb the ladder.<br />
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As of right now, I remember how amazing life can be when you leave the details to God. There's really no point worrying about them all the time because He knows what he's doing!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-71800129625220935062011-07-25T16:58:00.000-05:002011-07-25T16:58:56.555-05:00Coming Back to LifeI first of all want to apologize to everyone who read this blog for my dropping off the face of the earth. There were many issues that led to me not posting anymore but it is something I regret. I hit a moment of darkness and pulled away from many of the things that I loved so much.<br />
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First and foremost, I have to admit that I pulled away from God. Rather than turning to him when life was overwhelming me, I allowed Satan to win the battle. There are many ways he was trying to pull me away from Christ and it worked. Until now.<br />
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For those who have read Serve One Another in Love when it was self-hosted (which it soon will be again, thanks to Sydney) I have battled depression for a number of years. This year has been one of the worst, which seems odd since so many things were going right in my life.<br />
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It will take time to get back into the swing of things, but I truly hope to start posting again and building my relationship with Christ to where it was and beyond.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-28545350968369831102011-03-26T11:17:00.000-05:002011-03-26T11:17:40.946-05:00The Way He WorksIt hasn't even been three weeks since I started this blog and yet it feels like I've been doing it forever. When I started, I figured that someday it was supposed to grow into something more. Well, "someday" is now. Well, someday is as soon as the hosting company emails me back and we get some kinks worked out so I can start getting the site ready to go live!<br />
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The same day I started this blog, I had a self-proclaimed stalker named Sydney. It was cute, the way she commented on every post, both here and on my Blog Frog community. I fell in love with her writing and her compassion for others. She was the first person to jump in and help me when I needed some posts for the time I was out of commission this week. She has become a sister in Christ of the best kind!<br />
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I'm excited that she and I will be working together to form a comprehensive ministry site. She is working on a newsletter that she felt called to begin, we will have bloggers posting on different aspects of Christian life and I hope to begin an online study group in the near future. This will also become the home of all of my book reviews. <br />
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I truly hope that you will keep watching and join us as soon as the site is ready to go live! <br />
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If you would like to be a part of this ministry, please email me at <a href="mailto:galatians513blog@gmail.com">galatians513blog@gmail.com</a> and let me know what topics you would like to write about!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-18908508253551464422011-03-26T10:15:00.001-05:002011-03-26T10:15:45.006-05:00Day 16 - Prayer for Morality and Purity<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today is the 16th day of the 40 Days of Prayer challenge. If you missed yesterday's prayer and would like to add it to today's prayer, you can find it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-one-pray-for-those-seeking-work.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTDT4GHXTUbp6tCSWIR1hQaTnxv9rn6lPUg448FDOP2muyS4hwOAfQJltwdjVuTJTsUXwL40nozY71A4qPh3s746ggL3THtlmH_PJU2tOh0QWhFf6sOQeW0E-unPH3UsYC9yOA7n5ZXqc/s1600/40day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTDT4GHXTUbp6tCSWIR1hQaTnxv9rn6lPUg448FDOP2muyS4hwOAfQJltwdjVuTJTsUXwL40nozY71A4qPh3s746ggL3THtlmH_PJU2tOh0QWhFf6sOQeW0E-unPH3UsYC9yOA7n5ZXqc/s1600/40day.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">When you hear words like "morality" and "purity" you may think, at first, that these are very old-fashioned words that aren't heard in 2011. That is what makes it especially important for us to pray that we can hang on to these character qualities in our lives. As children of God, we need to be especially mindful to live a life for Him, avoiding all immoral actions. We also need to work very hard to avoid the pitfalls of the world we live in and live a pure life for Him. </div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-34121049615098736282011-03-25T23:38:00.002-05:002011-03-25T23:38:50.662-05:00Changes Are Coming!!I'm not going to get into too much detail yet, but please stay tuned for some big and exciting changes!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-39420712240018918262011-03-25T20:06:00.002-05:002011-03-25T20:06:39.875-05:00Rising With God WinnerCongratulations to Wander, comment #7, you are the winner of "Rising With God." Please send me your address so I can send the book!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-86243014004520912282011-03-25T13:22:00.000-05:002011-03-25T13:22:57.310-05:00Putting Things in Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgrrUY1V17MuCOZlqCrHtrRWRRpKAAfRXDkkl7KuQvSIMSkV68HzSgzEzJ80JolCYSVTDeHoNWxFIRXgWtoXALxuAYocA8HqPrXaw9yVN8QIiYuyIc8pqpeYn3mgcAvTY2SiSdplxEod0/s1600/1002069_3d_financial_graph_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgrrUY1V17MuCOZlqCrHtrRWRRpKAAfRXDkkl7KuQvSIMSkV68HzSgzEzJ80JolCYSVTDeHoNWxFIRXgWtoXALxuAYocA8HqPrXaw9yVN8QIiYuyIc8pqpeYn3mgcAvTY2SiSdplxEod0/s1600/1002069_3d_financial_graph_5.jpg" /></a></div>If you frequent any message boards that cater to bloggers, there is a common theme that runs across every site, "How do I get more followers on my blog?" I will admit, I have posted those threads and been slightly upset that no one seems to have the magical answer. It took a discussion with my pastor to put things in perspective for me and lead me to ask Christ to place contentment in my heart with the growth of my blog.<br />
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</div><div>Pastor Sue has been a huge source of encouragement for me as I have begun this ministry. For the first time ever, I too the news of my calling to her rather than to a member of my family. As strange as it may sound, my first email to her solidified that I was doing what He wants me to do. You see, I've always placed clergy on some sort of pedestal and viewed them as too busy to focus on my joys and concerns. Yes, I know that's foolish but the pastors of my youth were somewhat intimidating.<br />
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Earlier this week, I was in her office and we were talking about the blog. I told her how many page views my blog is getting per day. Now, I'm not unhappy with how many I have but, as with anything, I would love to have more. Then, she told me that she doesn't get that many people into the seats in church on Sunday. That really hit me. Maybe I'm not doing as bad as I thought since I have people choosing to come to my site daily and every single day I have more views than we have members in church. Boy, sounds like I need to just take what the Lord has given me and be happy with it!<br />
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In some ways, I think we are even more driven to have huge numbers when we view our blogs as a ministry to others. If you choose to spread God's Word with people, you want to spread it to the masses. When you start to feel that way, perhaps it's time to remember that some of the greatest work performed by Jesus and his disciples was done in front of very few people.</div><div><br />
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</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-15044742527566712102011-03-25T06:00:00.016-05:002011-03-25T08:40:33.269-05:00Day 15- Prayer for our Integrity<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today is the 15th day of the 40 Days of Prayer challenge. If you missed yesterday's prayer and would like to add it to today's prayer, you can find it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-one-pray-for-those-seeking-work.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><em>“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not.” - Oprah Winfrey</em></span><br />
<h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h1>Today, we are praying for our integrity. Over the course of life, we run into many different unplanned, unexpected situations. We need to be able to make the right choices! Do you know anyone who is in a tough place right now? Say a prayer that they will be able to understand what is right and act on that, no matter what the problem is. Let's all be wise in our decision-making, even if no one else ever knows what we decide.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-50700378846199905062011-03-25T02:34:00.000-05:002011-03-25T02:34:39.687-05:00She Speaks Sponsorship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="146px;" id="internal-source-marker_0.0738909412175417" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/3VYI7LmqvNCiKZmCXam7HWiQ1hnAKbLFDqJH9ArgCQJ9jKPRIskJsOIYpL7xpq6iQibllmaPRyhrAfVj54OcFPIK6owmvic8mrRFBIbKaexAE4oMWNw" width="160px;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #990110; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #990110; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: purple; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 24pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: purple; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 26pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #993366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 26pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #993366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proverbs 31:26</span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #993366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #993366; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 22pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She Speaks Conference</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is a life-changing conference for women seeking to step out in the passion God has placed on their heart. Hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries (501(c)3), </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She Speaks </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">encourages and equips women to make the most of their messages, communicating God's Word through:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #537000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She Writes: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #537000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Writers Track) From basic writing guidelines to preparing an article or manuscript for submission, and everything in between. In addition, the opportunity to meet one-on-one with some of the top editors, publishers, and literary agents in the Christian market.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #537000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She Speaks:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #537000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Speakers Track) Whether speaking in a large arena or leading Bible studies in church, participants will be equipped with the tools needed to effectively share the Word of God, create a bio sheet, market her ministry, and give successful presentations. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #537000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She Leads: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #537000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Women's Ministry Track) This track is specifically designed for women's ministry directors and facilitators. Included are creative ways to reach her community with the life-transforming hope of Jesus, organize small groups, select a team of volunteers, plan successful events, and network with other directors.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #537000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lord has laid it on my heart to attend </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She Speaks</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in July 2011. My first step is to raise funds. Will you prayfully consider partnering with me through a financial contribution towards a scholarship? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As you feel led to join me in this exciting call, there are two ways to participate. Call Proverbs 31 Ministries at 877-731-4663 to contribute by credit card; or send a check payable to Proverbs 31 Ministries to:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proverbs 31 Ministries<br class="kix-line-break" />She Speaks Scholarship/Heather Brooks<br class="kix-line-break" />616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road<br class="kix-line-break" />Matthews, NC 28105</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please be sure to designate the scholarship in my name in order to credit my scholarship fund. You will be receipted for your tax-deductible donation. For more information: </span><a href="http://www.shespeaksconference.com/index.htm"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.shespeaksconference.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your prayers and support.</span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-3569138389790845542011-03-25T02:21:00.000-05:002011-03-25T02:21:43.229-05:00My Faith Friday #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl1W5wLstK4IUsPS1j67zOHZ4zwhod_vhOthyGDdd4PL9_iPp29wN5Eq_NcCAeGaBpmJH661zDQRW5gJDph8YUvisrq6jp7lqq7LjBXMJmTrTxd9mfAxcKYEqdx8NDAesmEPMmUIKY8DZ/s1600/friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisl1W5wLstK4IUsPS1j67zOHZ4zwhod_vhOthyGDdd4PL9_iPp29wN5Eq_NcCAeGaBpmJH661zDQRW5gJDph8YUvisrq6jp7lqq7LjBXMJmTrTxd9mfAxcKYEqdx8NDAesmEPMmUIKY8DZ/s1600/friday.jpg" /></a></div>Today, I don't have a guest blogger for My Faith Friday, so I'm writing something up at 2am. I really hope that since Bubba is just now going back to sleep we'll be able to sleep in a bit. I can dream!<div><br />
</div><div>Yesterday, I took a huge step for me. I shared part of my story with our Bible Study group at church. You see, I can talk to readers who are on the other side of a computer connection all day but I'm still a bit nervous at times to talk to those I know about where my faith is and where I'm hoping it will go. Pastor keeps saying to me, "I really hope you can share your testimony with the church someday." and the thought scared me to death! What if they all laugh at me? What if they don't take me seriously? Well, if the general church is anything like it was at study, I will have a much larger support system in place for what I'm trying to do! </div><div><br />
</div><div>Tonight's study lesson was talking about Jesus at Gethsemane and how he told God that it was His will, not Jesus' will that was to be done. That led to a couple of fascinating conversations that I hope to share with you before Easter, but that's not this story...</div><div><br />
</div><div>The conversation question asked about a time we felt anxiety about saying, "not my will but Your will be done." I knew it was time to share and I did. I explained how I got to where I am today with the blog and a little of what I hope to do. When I was done, one participant thanked me for sharing and many of them asked for my blog address. (If any of you are reading this, THANK YOU for supporting me emotionally!)</div><div><br />
</div><div>I learned an important lesson today, that we can't underestimate the good that can be done by sharing our stories. I truly hope that, in time, everyone who reads this blog will feel comfortable to share their story of faith. It may not be on the blog, but somewhere to someone who needs to hear it!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-92089195235789572462011-03-25T00:59:00.000-05:002011-03-25T00:59:58.650-05:00Ultimate Blog Party 2011 Prize<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bgL80Ob1JO43Vda9gFkePvicbj5nnFYHKiMhl7oVbcPR-zXXz58EevN29JWJ1T7fJY5bdPGpkN3GucWQ_Pt-O1Hdk-yz_B49_svgazpZ7Didm58gFzdjJO463iz8hEA27sZoTO3ign6Q/s1600/IMG_20110325_004814-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bgL80Ob1JO43Vda9gFkePvicbj5nnFYHKiMhl7oVbcPR-zXXz58EevN29JWJ1T7fJY5bdPGpkN3GucWQ_Pt-O1Hdk-yz_B49_svgazpZ7Didm58gFzdjJO463iz8hEA27sZoTO3ign6Q/s200/IMG_20110325_004814-1.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>Next month, I'm going to take part in the "<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/34635/ultimate-blog-party-2011-announcing-dates/">Ultimate Blog Party</a>" hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom. Not only am I going to participate, I also want to donate a prize to a lucky party-goer! Whoever wins will get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310435579/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=questseeki-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310435579">Busy Mom's Bible</a>, <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0310435579" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078523165X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=questseeki-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=078523165X">A Conversation with God: If You Could Ask God Anything What Would It Be?</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=078523165X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307729443/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=questseeki-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307729443">Thirty-One Days of Drawing Near to God: Resting Securely in His Delight</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=0307729443" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br />
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In addition, I will have random "quick fire" giveaways during the week. I hope you'll join the party with me!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-73287428018058944422011-03-24T13:40:00.000-05:002011-03-24T13:40:11.574-05:00Miss Mack Gets SillySome days, we just have to take a moment to enjoy the little blessings God has given us! Miss Mack is a bit impatient for her second tooth to come out. At least she has some manners...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mKsRIb4KEXM?fs=1" width="425"></iframe>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-86771113516423231972011-03-24T06:00:00.001-05:002011-03-24T06:00:06.594-05:00Day 14 - Prayer for Abuse Victims<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today is the 14th day of the 40 Days of Prayer challenge. If you missed yesterday's prayer and would like to add it to today's prayer, you can find it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-one-pray-for-those-seeking-work.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration: none;">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO3bLbrQYQi0b2o6Zu8sQfk9k3vA_IJBz-DRWSWNIZDQUDsFSsH2vdzsH44fyZHkXbAv6c4qcc9tLoYQBEMEawnvHHO6ecfrOJmXurZL6p5QZ_yxsU7Ag_A623PlFKTi38G-UIVoQsoP_/s1600/40days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO3bLbrQYQi0b2o6Zu8sQfk9k3vA_IJBz-DRWSWNIZDQUDsFSsH2vdzsH44fyZHkXbAv6c4qcc9tLoYQBEMEawnvHHO6ecfrOJmXurZL6p5QZ_yxsU7Ag_A623PlFKTi38G-UIVoQsoP_/s1600/40days.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Today, we are taking a moment to pray for those who have been victims of any type of abuse. Abuse victims come in all shapes and sizes, from little children to elderly adults. We pray that the Lord will watch over them and keep them safe. We want Him to help them find a way out of the terrible situation they are living in and their accusers to face punishment for their evil actions.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">In addition, I would ask for Christ to enter the lives of the abusers and help them overcome their own demons that lead to their actions. Please help them see what they are doing and guide them to a peaceful place where they can ask forgiveness for their sins and receive any treatment necessary to keep them from offending again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you have a moment, please also read <a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/favor-for-another-blogger.html">this </a><a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/favor-for-another-blogger.html">post </a>and take a moment to vote for Melinda, a fellow blogger whose ministry is devoted to helping victims of abuse and other unfortunate circumstances.</span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-70741994696213883322011-03-23T19:36:00.000-05:002011-03-23T19:36:40.945-05:00Favor For Another BloggerMelinda Todd from "<a href="http://melindatodd.com/">Trailing After God</a><span id="goog_587939877"></span><span id="goog_587939878"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>" is trying to win funding to expand her mission and needs votes! If you have a Facebook page, please click on <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/contestshq/contests/89059/voteable_entries/17159290?ogn=facebook">this link</a> to vote for her. For those who don't know, Melinda works to help women who have struggled with abuse, depression and alcoholism among other afflictions. <br />
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Voting is quick and painless and you'll be helping our sister in Christ achieve her goal!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-29186828742255438502011-03-23T14:16:00.000-05:002011-03-23T14:16:31.457-05:00You Can't Take Without Giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD4y3rR7exTCjcZiBEGT0zfm6to78A5bB_kWwm0n5kkT6clxQV-dmW1D_bjEWxjOxFnjUYbK_Fji2Ja2cbDqLtdue8gvZEl7lrRdB6r3zcHcdhHnq2xiv7g56ZjSyBDvp8lu8t0R4MoNU/s1600/1162404_love_god_and_your_neighbor_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguD4y3rR7exTCjcZiBEGT0zfm6to78A5bB_kWwm0n5kkT6clxQV-dmW1D_bjEWxjOxFnjUYbK_Fji2Ja2cbDqLtdue8gvZEl7lrRdB6r3zcHcdhHnq2xiv7g56ZjSyBDvp8lu8t0R4MoNU/s1600/1162404_love_god_and_your_neighbor_1.jpg" /></a></div>Recently, I joined a forum for writers to discuss the craft and learn about different aspects of the publishing/writing world. Once you have a certain number of posts, you can share work that you have written to have other writers give you brutally honest feedback. <br />
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As I got close to the required number of posts, I got excited at the prospect of having something I'm working on critiqued so I have a better feel for whether or not it's good quality writing. Then, as if she knew that I was looking forward to this milestone, another board member told me that it would be advantageous for me to critique the work of others before jumping to share mine.<br />
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At first, I was slightly offended that she felt the need to tell me this. After all, I had been trying to spend part of my time looking at others' work and offering feedback. I wasn't expecting to instantly receive critique with nothing in return. As I scanned through other posts on the board, it became clear to me that this has been an issue in the past on this board and I felt confident that it wasn't a jab at me.<br />
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As I laid in bed last night, I realized how this situation can be adjusted to fit many scenarios in life. We live in a very self-centered world, everyone looking out for themselves. We expect others to do something for us without thinking about whether there is something we could do for the other person.<br />
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I have been guilty of this in the past, just as much as anyone. From now on, I am going to work on thinking of what I can do for those who do something for me without them asking a favor. And when I do something for someone else, I no longer want to keep a mental tally of what I've done for them. Doing so isn't helping us to serve in love, it is still self-service veiled behind helping someone out.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-40416207557559901102011-03-23T13:31:00.000-05:002011-03-23T13:31:50.479-05:00Day 13 - Prayer for the UnderemployedToday is the 13th day of the 40 Days of Prayer challenge. If you missed yesterday's prayer and would like to add it to today's prayer, you can find it <a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-one-pray-for-those-seeking-work.html">here</a>.<br />
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<center><a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="40 Days of Prayer Button" border="0" src="http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k549/gal513/40days.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center>Today, we are praying for those who are blessed to have a job while experiencing the pain of not having enough to sustain their families. Many families have reached a point where they have to choose between food and a roof over their heads because there simply isn't enough money left to pay for everything. We hear stories of families who have had to move into cramped motel rooms because it's cheaper than all of the expenses of having a home.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-34757396567532327142011-03-23T06:17:00.001-05:002011-03-23T06:17:00.556-05:00Love At the Heart of Service<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Today's guest post comes from Carla Maclachlan, the wonderful author of "<a href="http://www.carlamaclachlan.com/">Applying Truth in Daily Living</a>." I was honored when she answered my call for help asking readers to send me their thoughts and stories. I hope you'll stop by her blog as well!</i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I substitute for someone else I want to be mindful to do things like he or she would want them done. For example, Heather’s heartfelt desire for us, her readers, is to learn to serve others in love. Personally, I enjoy serving others, but I’m not certain if I always serve from a motive of love.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In being completely honest with you there are times when I view acts of service as an obligation. There are also times when I’m thinking more of how I want to meet the needs of others rather than how their needs could best be met.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In the same way I chose to be honest about my shortcomings I also want to be honest about those times when I serve out of a genuine motive of love and how I can distinguish the difference.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In 1 Corinthians 13:3 Paul writes: <i><span style="font-style: italic;">If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.</span></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I serve from a selfish motive I draw attention to myself, focus on the tasks needing to be done rather than the person, consider the ways I might be inconvenienced or I let others know what I am doing.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When I serve from a motive of love I ask God to show me what the person needs rather than providing what I want him to have. When I desire to serve others with love I am patient in my actions and gracious with my words. I am not in a hurry, but want to be thorough in doing all God asks of me. When showing genuine love to others my service is an offering to my Lord Jesus as I desire for Him to receive all the glory.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In John 13:34-35 Jesus said, <i><span style="font-style: italic;">“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”</span></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In honor of our Lord Jesus, may we choose daily to serve one another in love.</span></span></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-90930611667114200752011-03-22T14:46:00.000-05:002011-03-22T14:46:57.337-05:00Tyndale Book Club Hub NewsletterI just received a wonderful email from Tyndale regarding their new Book Club Hub newsletter. I think this is going to be an amazing opportunity to expand our ministry to include an online book club and discussion where we can share our faith. <br />
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For the next 30 days, Tyndale will be doing giveaways of some of their books and gearing up for a wonderful newsletter filled with ideas for book clubs. I'm looking forward to sharing this opportunity with my blog readers! If you want a chance to win the books, you can find the details <a href="http://www.tyndale.com/00_home/contest.php?id=17">here</a>.<br />
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I will be posting more details as they become available!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-33025145393628723352011-03-22T06:00:00.003-05:002011-03-22T06:00:15.009-05:00Day 12 - Prayer for Students to Remain Diligent and Respect Their TeachersToday is the 12th day of the 40 Days of Prayer challenge. If you missed yesterday's prayer and would like to add it to today's prayer, you can find it <a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-one-pray-for-those-seeking-work.html">here</a>.<br />
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<center><a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="40 Days of Prayer Button" border="0" src="http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k549/gal513/40days.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><center><em>The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. - Proverbs 13:4</em></center><br />
Today, we are praying for students to be diligent in their schoolwork and to respect their teachers. In our busy world, it is easy for children to get off track and lose the initiative they once had in doing schoolwork. Also, many students see teachers simply as people to make their life miserable, and they don't show much respect or thankfulness for them.<br />
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Even though most students don't really like school, they still need to show respect for their teachers and peers. Teachers are there to help students learn and homework is there to help better prepare students for the real world. Students are being provided with wonderful resources through schooling, and we don't want them to miss out. Be praying the students can stay on track, focus on what's important, and realize what a blessing their education really is!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-80925895065286450452011-03-21T13:46:00.000-05:002011-03-21T13:46:10.443-05:00She Speaks - A Journey of Self-Discovery<a href="http://shespeaksconference.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="She Speaks Conference" border="0" src="http://shespeaksconference.com/files/2011/01/She-Speaks_button_125.jpg" /></a><br />
Ever since stumbling upon the information about <a href="http://shespeaksconference.com/">She Speaks</a>, I have felt that I was given that information for a reason, that I need to be there. I also know that with me staying at home right now, that's just about impossible unless I can win a scholarship. But what if I don't win? What if God has other women in mind who need it more than me? I have entered several contests and He keeps choosing someone else. Even though I know that He works through us and He is the one truly choosing the winners, it's nearly impossible to not feel down at some point.<br />
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What if I am supposed to go to She Speaks even if I don't win a scholarship. Anything worth getting is worth working for, right? So, I'm going to start working towards raising my own funds. It won't be easy but it will give me a total appreciation for the knowledge I will gain while I'm there. Hopefully, I will come home with the know-how on getting the books in my head onto paper and into print.<br />
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I think those around me are starting to think I'm crazy for repeatedly saying that I'm giving control over to God, but I truly feel that I am allowing Him to work in my mlife for the first time ever. And if this conference is <b>truly </b>His desire for me, He will show me the way to make it. <br />
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If you would be interested in helping me raise the funds to attend, please email me at <a href="mailto:galatians513blog@gmail.com">galatians513blog@gmail.com</a> and I will send you the information of donating money to my scholarship fund directly through <a href="http://proverbs31.org/">Proverbs 31 Ministries</a>. This way, you know that your money is going where it should be, something you can never be too careful about on the internet!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-63427209967486934072011-03-21T06:00:00.003-05:002011-03-21T06:00:15.678-05:00Day 11 - Prayer for Those Battling Addictions<i>Thank you to Sydney for jumping in to help out this week! </i><br />
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Today is the 11th day of the 40 Days of Prayer challenge. If you missed yesterday's prayer and would like to add it to today's prayer, you can find it <a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-one-pray-for-those-seeking-work.html">here</a>.<br />
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<center><a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="40 Days of Prayer Button" border="0" src="http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k549/gal513/40days.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
</center>Today, we are praying for people to be set free from their addictions. Understand that whatever someone's addiction may be, they are not a bad person. They have just made some wrong choices, that, with prayer, we can help them overcome.<br />
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Deep down, those with addictions are no different than any of us. We all make wrong choices sometimes, and we eventually pick ourselves back up again. If you know someone battling an addiction, don't be a stranger! Reach out to them in their time of need. Sometimes all a person needs to get their life back on track is a little encouragement and the comfort of knowing they are not alone in this world.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-46694374799936552242011-03-20T20:42:00.007-05:002011-03-21T15:04:20.283-05:00Rising With God - Book Review and Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k549/gal513/risingwithgod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k549/gal513/risingwithgod.jpg" /></a></div>As a result of many comments from readers, I have started trying to find devotional books that will make it easier for us to find time to renew our spirits in the morning. Last week, I received "<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/rising-with-inspiration-start-your-day/marjorie-kimbrough/9781426714801/pd/714801?item_code=WW&netp_id=858732&event=ESRCN&view=details">Rising with God</a>" by Marjorie L. Kimbrough.<br />
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I opened the book when I got home, thinking I would read a couple of pages and then put it away until the next morning. Before I knew it, I was more than half through the book. This may have been just the book I was looking for to help me learn to be studious and grow my faith in Jesus.<br />
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Each of the devotions were only a couple of pages long, perfect for those of us who claim we're too busy to find time for God in the morning. The messages were applicable to the real world, they don't come across as "preachy" or impersonal. The devotions begin with a Bible verse, something I cling to since I'm not at a point where I have any clue where to find verses on my own. At the end of the devotions, there is a very short and simple prayer.<br />
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I have read other devotion books, but very few of them seem to find the perfect length that Ms. Kimbrough has found with hers. Very few of the chapters leave me longing for more and they are short enough that I don't feel like I couldn't sneak them in before the rest of the house wakes up.<br />
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This week, one lucky reader of my blog is going to receive "Rising with God" in the mail. <b>To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post.</b> If you want more than one opportunity to win, you can:<br />
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Like "Serve One Another in Love" via Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs. (1entry)<br />
Join the "Serve One Another in Love" <a href="http://theblogfrog.com/1502893">Blog Frog community</a>. (1entry)<br />
Like the Facebook page by clicking on the box to the right. (1entry)<br />
Post about this giveaway on your blog or FB. (1entry)<br />
Tweet this post by clicking the Twitter button under the post. (1entry daily)<br />
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The giveaway will be open until Friday, 3/25 at 8pm CDT. At that point, I will draw a winner from all of the comments submitted using random.org.<br />
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**Don't forget to leave a separate comment for each entry!<br />
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<i>I received this book free from Abingdon Press. <http: booksneeze®.com=""> I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http: 16cfr255_03.html="" cfr="" nara="" waisidx_03="" www.access.gpo.gov=""> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</http:></http:></i>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-38430507290255587962011-03-19T12:54:00.000-05:002011-03-19T12:54:21.083-05:00Pardon My Dust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FtyedZBLo7qy8Xw8MTjhvMrOC1Wtj18bpPPHH2mDB4r4S-9kPOtuCnmiI5g3f86iPYW7FI4lfVns9iMsPf0LBXYvKdxjY-Um3SYBtPJ9tJPCuafxx6ajjibJ-kUs3Mf_mjsv60D6RkAi/s1600/730481_construction_zone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FtyedZBLo7qy8Xw8MTjhvMrOC1Wtj18bpPPHH2mDB4r4S-9kPOtuCnmiI5g3f86iPYW7FI4lfVns9iMsPf0LBXYvKdxjY-Um3SYBtPJ9tJPCuafxx6ajjibJ-kUs3Mf_mjsv60D6RkAi/s1600/730481_construction_zone.jpg" /></a></div>It looks like today is going to be a perfect day for me to work on tweaking my blog. So if you're wandering around today and things get all weird, you're not losing your mind! And if you really like or really don't like something, feel free to give me some feedback here!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679633736726725088.post-63354072976859801282011-03-19T06:00:00.010-05:002011-03-19T16:48:17.030-05:00Day Ten - Prayer for the HomelessToday is the 10th day of the 40 Days of Prayer challenge. If you missed yesterday's prayer and would like to add it to today's prayer, you can find it <a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/2011/03/day-one-pray-for-those-seeking-work.html">here</a>.<br />
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<center><a href="http://gal513.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="40 Days of Prayer Button" border="0" src="http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k549/gal513/40days.jpg" /></a></center><center><br />
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<i>They will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'</i><br />
<i>He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' ~Matthew 25:44-45</i><br />
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Today, we pray for those who are homeless. Whether it is by poor choices made in life or a failing economy, they are all deserving of our prayers. We pray for their safety and health and someone to help give them the tools to regain the life they want to live.<br />
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I will also be praying for every one of us to find it in ourselves to help the homeless in some way. Just as with my post on paying it forward, there are many different ways you can help the homeless. Perhaps you can find time to take your family to a soup kitchen to volunteer or you can stock up on toiletries when you find them on sale and donate them to a shelter. The homeless shelters in our area also accept donations of old blankets and coats.<br />
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<center style="text-align: left;"><center style="text-align: left;">If you are joining us on this 40 day journey of prayer, please add your link below so we can support one another in love. If you're so inclined, you can also grab the button to the left to let your readers know you are participating and invite them to join the challenge!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br />
</center></center>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12398617144509955322noreply@blogger.com1