tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78199722253295142952024-02-21T09:29:05.596-05:00Wow Dee Wow!When it comes to God's greatness, a simple "Wow!" won't doKim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-33627335046122855462014-05-29T04:00:00.000-04:002017-05-24T08:45:56.001-04:005000 Reminders<span style="font-size: large;">With barely a month before my trip to Romania, I sat with coffee, Bible, journal and devotional books. And discouragement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As an advocate for hundreds of elderly and frail in Romania, part of my work with <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.com/" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care </a>is to raise awareness, resources and funds for their care. Donations tend to spike and sink, seemingly dependent on special projects, fundraisers and my speaking schedule. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Recently I had a few ideas I thought would bring in a slew of donations, but they failed to do so. And although Pastor Viorel, my ministry partner who does the hard work 24/7 in Romania, never asks for money, the needs are hard to miss when I visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had hoped to take a substantial financial gift for Pastor Viorel to assist him in providing shelter, food, and medical help for the precious souls in his care, but it looked as if I’d be going empty handed.
Little did I know when I couldn’t shake the discouragement that had crept into my heart, God was smiling. Because He knew what was going to happen next. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sighed and picked up a favorite daily devotional. The Corrie Ten Boom quote at the top of the page quickly got my attention: <b>“Do not ask ‘What can I do?’ but ‘What can God not do?’”</b></span><br />
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The correlating Scripture verse was Jeremiah 32:17. When I looked it up I knew God was speaking directly to me: <b>“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wrote the quote and Scripture in my journal and read them slowly, again and again. Then I wrote <i>“It really isn’t about me, is it, God? I’ve been striving in my own energy. How about if I get out of the way and let you decide when and how you will provide?”</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That seemed to get a “Good idea!” response in my spirit, so after reading my other devos and praying, I set out on my first appointment of the day. When I pulled in the parking lot I glanced at my phone and noticed a new email from my friend Andy. The subject line read “Anonymous”. That made me curious, so I took time to read the email.
<i>“Kim,
There is a saint out there who sent in a cash donation requesting it be used to help the elderly. The note was NOT signed. $5000!”</i> The email ended with this comment: “Smiling!” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That’s one difference between Andy and me. I was SCREAMING, wildly shaking my head and pounding my fist on the steering wheel. What?! What?! I reread the email. Seriously! <b>FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I caught my breath I read the email one more time to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. That’s when I remembered the quote and Scripture I had written in my journal mere minutes earlier. <b>Obviously God had perfectly orchestrated my morning devotions as a beautiful and powerful backdrop for this amazing scene to be played out. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All my striving, all my ideas, my plans! And then God uses a wonderful, generous, anonymous donor to give me 5000 reminders that nothing is too difficult <i>for Him.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>“Has there not been, sometimes, this temptation to do a great deal for Christ, but not to live a great deal with Christ?” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>-Charles Spurgeon </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> “…we pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 Thessalonians 1:11 MSG</span></div>
Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-39034339196807937552014-04-02T23:00:00.000-04:002014-04-02T23:00:54.464-04:00Unopened Envelope<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The envelope sat in a pile of unopened mail for several days.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was busy and assumed from the return address it was the annual plea from a local theme park to bring my youth group there in the summer. It was only January so certainly there was no rush to open it. I had even considered removing that event from our calendar because the tickets were getting so expensive and the kids would also need money for lunch. Maybe we wouldn’t even go this year. So there was no need to open the envelope because I knew what was inside. <b>Why take time to open something when I already knew what it said? </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or did I? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I opened the envelope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Surprise!</b> "</span><span style="font-size: large;">Congratulations, Kim Jackson, for registering your church group for a chance to win a FREE OUTING at Knight’s Action Park…. Your card was selected as the winner… You have won one free church youth group outing for up to 100 youth to include unlimited water attractions and miniature golf, plus lunch. Congratulations!” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>So…uh….it seems I didn't know what the envelope contained after all! </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHZ9iHGJVoNdR_RzeCP_Kul6KOBJkT0F1LfAxPbPf65W0RjB8l9b0X3Fvcxs9WttpCaKYmgRTro-eaQie-Q-AcKOODsH-Nu0Iz5lRLnaXwDywZx9VkJKr92q-fhPzHieDpTzL3D6MfOts/s1600/KimsBiblePoster.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHZ9iHGJVoNdR_RzeCP_Kul6KOBJkT0F1LfAxPbPf65W0RjB8l9b0X3Fvcxs9WttpCaKYmgRTro-eaQie-Q-AcKOODsH-Nu0Iz5lRLnaXwDywZx9VkJKr92q-fhPzHieDpTzL3D6MfOts/s1600/KimsBiblePoster.jpg.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I’ve kept that letter for 18 years because it reminds me of the Word of God. Yes, the Word of God, the Bible. I remembered the unopened envelope recently when my church began reading two chapters of Luke together each day. I joined in even though I’ve read that Gospel dozens of times. But guess what? As I read, I heard myself saying, “What? Since when has THAT been in the Bible?” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hmmm…so I just thought I knew….and made assumptions….but when I opened God’s Word there were wonderful surprises awaiting me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oh God, may this be my constant prayer: "Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your Word" (Psalm 119:18 LV).</b></span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-50682116572913187332014-02-12T21:26:00.000-05:002017-05-24T08:57:44.774-04:00No Adults of God<span style="font-size: large;">I had cash in hand to pay for the used books I was buying, so I couldn't figure out why the lady at the thrift store asked me for identification. When I questioned her she said, “I wanted to see if you qualify for the <b>senior discount.</b>” </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Oh… </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That was my first “over 55” shopping conversation. But it hasn’t been my last.
I think there may be a better way to get information (“Do you qualify for any discounts?”) but I am thankful to receive any financial favor based on the fact that I’m a ’57 model (It was a great year for Chevys and Jacksons).
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<span style="font-size: large;">I’m much more grateful, however, that <b>my age has no bearing on my status as a child of God. </b>
You can check your Bible if you’d like, but I’m confident you will never find the phrase <i>adults of God. </i>You will, however, find several passages referring to <i>children of God.</i></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">So in Christ Jesus you are all <i>children of God</i> through faith… (Galatians 3:26). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become <i>children of God</i>… (John 1:12). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the <i>children of God.</i> The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption as children. And by him we cry, “Abba Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are <i>God’s children</i> (Romans 8:14-17). </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Based on these verses, I often introduce the work I do with <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.com/" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care</a>, a ministry to homeless elderly in Romania, by saying <b>“I serve God’s older children.”</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I doubt that these photos are what you expect to see when you hear the phrase <i>children of God</i>, but in each case, these “seniors” came to faith in Christ, so they are most certainly children of God, <b>because there are no adults of God!</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank God for Viorel Pasca, the Romanian pastor who took action in 2006 when he saw a newscast about homeless elderly who froze to death. <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.com/" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care</a> is now one of several ministries that helps Viorel care for hundreds of elderly and frail, including the precious souls in the collage <b>who have become children of God since being rescued by Viorel.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more information about Elder Orphan Care visit <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.com/" target="_blank">www.elderorphancare.com </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Learn to do good; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">commit yourself to seeking justice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Make right for the world’s most vulnerable,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">the oppressed, the orphaned, the widow (Isaiah 1:17).</span></div>
Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-31575573643028331612014-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-23T00:01:57.498-05:00Shalom Y'all<span style="font-size: large;">There’s a huge “One Word” movement of people who choose a single word to focus on for a new year. I’ve done that in the past, but sometimes a word chooses me before I get around to making a choice. That’s what happened in December. The word <i>shalom</i> began appearing everywhere. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I dug deeper into the meaning of the word I realized you could swim in <i>shalom</i> forever. <i>Shalom</i> is an ocean! I’m sorry I didn’t dive into <i>shalom</i> sooner. I must have skipped that day in Bible College because I absolutely don’t remember studying such a treasure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sure, I know it means <i>peace</i> but the more I study shalom the more I agree with Eugene Peterson: “Shalom is one of the richest words in the Bible. <b>You can no more define it by looking in the dictionary than you can define a person by his social security number.</b> It gathers all aspects of wholeness that result from God’s will being completed in us.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to <u>Strong’s Concordance</u>, shalom means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, tranquility, prosperity, fullness, rest, harmony. See what I mean? It’s an ocean! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jim Wilder says “Shalom is everything in the right place at the right time.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So imagine my delight a few Saturdays ago when, after lots and lots of prayer about the possibility of moving into a place of my own, (after nearly 20 years of living life in community with a variety of dear friends), I went to look at an apartment and, don’t you know, <i>shalom</i> got there before I did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This sign greeted me on the first apartment door I saw, and yes, I did take it as <i>a sign!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mike, the landlord, led us past the Shalom Y’all door, up the stairs, and unlocked apartment 12. It was love at first sight. I knew in my know-er that I was home. And guess what? Jesus, the Prince of Shalom, had arrived before me. He had a story ready, and it wasn’t long before it was told. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“I’m very interested in renting this apartment.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“OK, I just need your email address so I can send you the application.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I handed Mike my <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.com/" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care</a> business card, he looked at it, then looked at me and said, “I knew I recognized you! I go to Crossroads Church too. I’ve heard you speak about Romania there!”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly I was renting my new home from a brother in Christ who has turned out to be an encouraging and generous one. You would almost think “everything was coming together in the right place at the right time,” wouldn’t you? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And so it has. I move February 1st. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Shalom, Y'all! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May the Lord bless and protect you; </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">May the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">May He be gracious to you,
show you His favor, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and give you His <b>shalom.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Numbers 6:24-26</span></div>
Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-49297329225989247432014-01-16T00:41:00.000-05:002014-01-16T06:17:56.603-05:00Biggest Place on the Map<span style="font-size: large;">Last Sunday I walked into church and was greeted by a friend who gently said, “Pam Rimer passed away this morning.” </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39z2tholBTmczdY5idYk0gSzCZD0rCGg5oLjAPBZRHrfTBQuT5ZQa-A86wGkxWT3Z8uZfG-pZZ596zYFbGwln1l7sQa7Hw8Jqk9zG7uBmfBwU35_ROaVquNsibJ6MCyIWexU0JiYBqkHz/s1600/DSC09160_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39z2tholBTmczdY5idYk0gSzCZD0rCGg5oLjAPBZRHrfTBQuT5ZQa-A86wGkxWT3Z8uZfG-pZZ596zYFbGwln1l7sQa7Hw8Jqk9zG7uBmfBwU35_ROaVquNsibJ6MCyIWexU0JiYBqkHz/s1600/DSC09160_2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Pam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I stared at her. Surely I’d heard incorrectly. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“What did you say?” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Kim, Pam died this morning.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“No she did not!” I said. “No, she did NOT!” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But she did.
Suddenly, unexpectedly, at age 50. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a time long ago when the population of Heaven was not personal to me. But now when I think of those I love who are in the presence of Jesus, the list is long, and will only grow longer. <b>Pam’s death brings Heaven close once again. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Today I read this excerpt from an old booklet a friend gave me, <i>Pell’s Notes</i>, the July 1911 issue:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“You have heard of Brownsville all your life. But Brownsville never meant anything to you until a year ago when a loved one went there to live. Now the mere mention of the name sends the blood rushing to your heart. Brownsville? Why, Brownsville is everything to you now. <b>Before it was a mere name: now it is the biggest place on the map.</b> You pass over the big headlines in the morning paper to find the little news items from Brownsville at the bottom of the column on the last page. Jones died in Brownsville yesterday. They have begun to pave the street in Brownsville. Mrs. Smith, of Brownsville, gave a dinner and your son was there! What an interesting place is Brownsville! And it all came about because a loved one went to Brownsville to live a year ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So you have heard of the other world—the unseen world—all your life, but it never meant anything to you until the other day when a loved one went there to live. And at last heaven is real to you. Before it was a mere name. Now it is the biggest place, the most interesting place on the map of the universe. Every time you hear heaven mentioned the blood goes rushing to your heart. You have a vital connection with heaven now; you feel that you have a part and lot in it. And it is all because your loved one—a part of yourself—has gone there to live. We may talk eloquently about the invisible life, but it is all mere poetry until we go ourselves or until a part of ourselves goes there in the person of a loved one. It takes death to reveal heaven—either our own or the death of one whom love has knitted to us as a part of ourselves.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thank You, Jesus, for preparing heaven for us (John 14:2, 3 ) and providing the way to get there (John 14:6). And thank you, Pam, for pointing us to God and His heaven, through both your life and your death. Meet you in Brownsville!</b></span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-65264237441434490742014-01-08T02:36:00.000-05:002014-01-09T17:32:39.431-05:00He Lost His Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI1rDegD4IMLNaMA0gL_GuZTAYnKGrVAkqw8eM8xM-Go4_GMDso9KQJQu72DEu_xPWYDBh6F2GIwT0laxZk8e-vfTJsZexKKxJyLN8nHXchXgsH9hx_GWJsg634MPf3_KqgqEI4LhuiFh/s1600/IMG_20131224_172158_334+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikI1rDegD4IMLNaMA0gL_GuZTAYnKGrVAkqw8eM8xM-Go4_GMDso9KQJQu72DEu_xPWYDBh6F2GIwT0laxZk8e-vfTJsZexKKxJyLN8nHXchXgsH9hx_GWJsg634MPf3_KqgqEI4LhuiFh/s1600/IMG_20131224_172158_334+%25281%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pastor Nicu smiled as the last of the children, bundled up in new coats and proudly carrying their Christmas Boxes of Hope, left the church to go to their homes in a remote Romanian village. It had been a wonderful evening as our team shared about the birth of Jesus and then handed out gifts as an expression of His love. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we gathered to pray, Pastor Nicu apologized because it was so cold. He explained the lack of warmth by giving a quick tour to the back of the church to see a furnace that was just too small.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“What would it take to get the type of furnace needed?” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“If we trade the one we have, we would still need $700.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Well then, let’s pray about that, too.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After prayer and hugs goodbye we boarded the van. We had just sat down when one of our team members walked the aisle asking each of us, “Would you like to give something towards the $700 that’s needed?”
Within minutes of going back in to the church, he returned with our friend, Danny, who is also a Romanian pastor. Both were grinning. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">“We just gave Pastor Nicu $700 for the new furnace!” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Danny shook his head in amazement as he described Pastor Nicu’s reaction: <b>“He was so surprised, he lost his words!”</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Pastor Nicu was speechless because <i>we prayed for what was needed and what was needed was quickly received.
</i>
It reminds me in some ways of the story in Acts 12. Peter had been thrown into prison and the church was praying for his release. An angel of the Lord appeared to Peter and said, “Quick, get up!” When he did, the chains that had bound him fell off and the angel led Peter out the prison doors! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When he determined he wasn’t dreaming, he went to Mary’s house where people had gathered to pray for him. When he knocked on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the outer entrance Rhoda came to see who was there. When she recognized Peter’s voice (he must have been doing more than knocking) she was so stunned that she ran back to the praying people without opening the door so Peter could come in!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Peter is at the door!” she exclaimed. </b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“You’re out of your mind!” they responded. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">While they debated, Peter kept on knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw that it really was Peter, they were astonished. They may even have lost their words.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But let’s get this straight: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">They were praying for Peter’s release from prison. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> Peter was released from prison. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> They were amazed that Peter was released from prison. </span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jesus said: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>“It’s because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you”</i> (Matthew 17:20). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now I’ve lost <i>my</i> words….</b></span><br />
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Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-18056619098539738432014-01-01T22:25:00.000-05:002014-01-02T20:58:26.759-05:00A Sure-Fail Resolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6BXpVhUgiCqMvtLVHTgvoiPjvP1a0uduMaAk3tcNBqSaIgMNp8K58XeaG-hO-L-jAHQtsiqT3f49FAYo1qqEOQnBa0iFuLXtLszz6vG6DcBaRmfRlmP3wWJy5hPG4kEn6jtveVH9A7yK/s1600/New-Year_Resolutions_list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6BXpVhUgiCqMvtLVHTgvoiPjvP1a0uduMaAk3tcNBqSaIgMNp8K58XeaG-hO-L-jAHQtsiqT3f49FAYo1qqEOQnBa0iFuLXtLszz6vG6DcBaRmfRlmP3wWJy5hPG4kEn6jtveVH9A7yK/s320/New-Year_Resolutions_list.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">“After reading so much about how bad processed foods are for health, my New Year’s resolution is to stop reading.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My friend’s creative avoidance made me smile.
‘Tis the season for making resolutions, and about 50% of all Americans do so. The top ten resolutions, according to the University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology, are: <i>lose weight, get organized, spend less/save more, enjoy life to the fullest, stay fit and healthy, learn something exciting, quit smoking, help others fulfill their dreams, fall in love, spend more time with family.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don’t know how they track such matters, but their research also reveals that <b>a mere 8% succeed</b> in achieving their resolutions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since there’s such a small chance of success, <b>I decided to start the new year with a sure-fail resolution.</b> It’s found in 2 Corinthians 5:9. “So I make it my goal to please God.” </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQklZJf3K0RCupGTR12dIC8KE_w4hNsyPfHId5kv8Hg6OlmhQwCa1yBng5B3EZoTiLGgCKXq0tUvzYaiOUKNN1Ge80QN4JCOhqi2uDEJRCoKPIwI5nGTlFosgmstzmL18Ba85OyohD5km/s1600/Cartoon+list.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQklZJf3K0RCupGTR12dIC8KE_w4hNsyPfHId5kv8Hg6OlmhQwCa1yBng5B3EZoTiLGgCKXq0tUvzYaiOUKNN1Ge80QN4JCOhqi2uDEJRCoKPIwI5nGTlFosgmstzmL18Ba85OyohD5km/s320/Cartoon+list.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">See what I mean? There’s no way I can please God. I’m sure to fail. Think about it: how could I, a human being who can’t even keep a resolution like “get organized” have a chance at pleasing God? Me, a sinner who struggles with controlling my tongue, my attitude, my desires—how could the likes of me please God? There’s no doubt: it’s a sure fail. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or is it? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully there’s good news, found, not surprisingly, in God’s Word: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know personally and intimately the One who invited us to God (2 Peter 1:3 MSG).</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure (Philippians 2:13 MSG). </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Amazing, isn’t it? We can please God…because God gives us what we need to please Him! </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“I also pray that you will understand <b>the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. </b><i>This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead </i>and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:19, 20 NLT).
</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-2012164645029932972013-11-27T03:47:00.000-05:002013-11-27T03:47:02.585-05:00Don't Waste the Leftovers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg6KSrW12VOC7UGvzUaZBsa-zOcGYcM8sRsRtsBEJFXJlSoqweqqnOdYhBgr7i2mqkmkAaKQB62uhfJTsIIiCj2ELtZNgVQurOWkJk3br9vNlTokWB8GQkr1gJhSy3uWrm4e9Wn0uVl0x/s1600/turkeyneckbonesplain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGg6KSrW12VOC7UGvzUaZBsa-zOcGYcM8sRsRtsBEJFXJlSoqweqqnOdYhBgr7i2mqkmkAaKQB62uhfJTsIIiCj2ELtZNgVQurOWkJk3br9vNlTokWB8GQkr1gJhSy3uWrm4e9Wn0uVl0x/s320/turkeyneckbonesplain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I was 10 when Mom handed me the oddly shaped bones and said, <b>“I bet you could make something out of these.” </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Then she smiled and returned to the kitchen where she began adding carrots to her Turkey Neck Soup. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Mom resembled God in that neither of them wastes anything.</b>
God never wastes our experiences, for example. He always finds a way to use them to help us grow, or perhaps to comfort someone else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Mom, on the other hand, never wasted a pencil if it had half an inch of lead left in it. And she might throw away my Dad’s worn-out boxers, but not before cutting off the elastic around the top, just in case she might need a large rubber band at a later date.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Beyond such innovations, Mom was also a master at encouraging me to make my own fun, which was an especially good thing when you’re growing up in a town with no stoplights. Fun might come via a trip to the local gravel pit to look for geodes and Indian beads or, in this case, it was handing me freshly scrubbed turkey neck bones and <b>expecting art to appear from leftovers. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Which it did. All it took was a quick visit to our “junk drawer” where misplaced game pieces, broken ink pens, milk jug caps, and a variety of nuts and bolts were gathered for such a time as this.
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Turkey Neck Bone People that I created that day have survived 46 years in their egg carton display case. I rediscovered them 14 years ago after Mom relocated to Heaven and my siblings and I took a year to organize her house, a house that held many, many things that were waiting to be made into something new. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I’m glad Mom kept the Turkey Neck Bone Sailor, Cameraman, Hippie, and the Blind Man with his pencil cup and dog. No, you probably won’t see this craft taking Pinterest by storm, and certainly there’s no deep theological point to be made. <b>They simply make me thankful for a creative Mom who knew better than to waste the leftovers, whatever form they might take. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus ordered. And all of them—the approximate count of the men only was five thousand—sat down on the grassy slopes. Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks to God and passed them out to the people. Afterwards he did the same with the fish. And everyone ate until full! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Now gather the scraps,” Jesus told his disciples, “so that nothing is wasted.” And twelve baskets were filled with the leftovers!</b> John 6:10-12 LB
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<br />Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-49514868259890906662013-11-12T23:32:00.000-05:002013-11-12T23:32:31.862-05:00Never-Before, Never-Again Day<span style="font-size: large;">Running late for work. Spilled coffee. Misplaced cell phone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">With a sigh, she summed up her feelings in two words: “Typical Monday!” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I flinched when I heard it, and the phrase kept playing in my brain: “Typical Monday!” A strange sadness came over me as I realized how often I’ve also mistakenly deemed days—the precious time we are given by God to walk this planet—as “typical.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since I’m a word person, I looked up <i>typical</i> and my suspicions were confirmed: commonplace, natural, average, expected, ordinary, regular.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How could a day--a gift from God--be described using any of those words when we know these truths?</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">God has good works planned for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">God is working in our days to bring about good (Romans 8:28). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">God gives us access to resurrection power (Ephesians 1:19, 20). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask, hope, or imagine by His power at work in us (Ephesians 3:20).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">God sent Jesus to give us abundant life (John 10:10). </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Of course our days will contain routine and similarities, yet every 24 hours we are given is a “never-before, never-again” day. And certainly a day that has never been before and will never be again should not be called typical! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">My sister, Judy, recognizes the extraordinary in her days, even as she is walking through a long and extremely challenging season with her husband who has advancing dementia. Many of her days have a "sameness," and I'm sure there's more stress and discouragement than I know. Yet when I talked to her recently she was grateful that Carroll had a good day when his youngest great-grandchild and family visited. She counted it as a gift because the next day he was unable to eat and the day after he could barely rouse from sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“God gives us gifts," she said. "It just amazes me sometimes, the little gifts we get.” </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> Teach us to number our days </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> and recognize how few they are; </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> help us to spend them as we should. </i> Psalm 90:12 (TLB)</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-54818596719174387462013-11-05T23:23:00.002-05:002013-11-05T23:30:16.347-05:00My Thankful Thirty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was being interviewed for a regional television program when I said: “If it’s God’s will, I plan to serve the elder orphans of Romania for the rest of my life.” The statement itself is not especially noteworthy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next day, November 9, 2011, as I was driving 70 mph, I hit a deer. The semi-trailer truck traveling too closely behind me was unable to stop. When the truck rear-ended my Honda Civic, my car flipped three times.
<b>The eyewitnesses told me later they were surprised to find me alive. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That’s when “I plan to serve the elder orphans of Romania for the rest of my life” took on new meaning. <b>“For the rest of my life” very well could have been a mere 24 hours. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies” (Charles Edward Jefferson). </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This month I join a host of others in being intentionally grateful. I’m all for taking time to identify specific people and situations for which I’m particularly thankful and I appreciate reading the “Thankful Lists” of my facebook friends. But I also agree with the unknown sage who penned, <b>“Thanksgiving, to be truly thanksgiving, is first thanks, then giving.” </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That’s why I’m excited about “My Thankful Thirty.” It’s a combination of “thanks” and “giving” that is simple, yet powerful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;">f you’d like to join “My Thankful Thirty,” grab a piece of paper and start your list of 30 reasons you’re grateful. That’s the “thanks” portion of the program. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To add the “giving” part, you can make a $30 tax-deductable, secure online donation by clicking <a href="https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/RememberTheChildren/OnlineGiving.html" target="_blank">HERE.</a> Be sure to put “Thankful Thirty” in the comments box.
If you prefer to give by check, make it payable to <a href="http://www.remember-the-children.org/" target="_blank">Remember-the-Children </a>(<a href="http://www.elderorphancare.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care</a> is an outreach of RtC), 2611 W. 16th Street, Bedford, IN 47421. Please put “Thankful Thirty” on the memo line. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>May God abundantly bless you, Grateful Givers! </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You probably realize that “My Thankful Thirty” is near to my heart because 100% of the funds raised will benefit <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care</a>, the ministry I plan to serve “the rest of my life,” <b>whether that is the next 24 hours or 24 years. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And you most likely can guess the first reason I’m grateful: <b>I’m alive! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“What can I give back to God for the blessings he’s poured out on me? I’ll lift high the cup of salvation—a toast to God! I’ll pray in the name of God; I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do, and I’ll do it together with his people” (Psalm 116:12-14 MSG).</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-43154525217006008602013-10-15T23:13:00.000-04:002013-10-16T17:38:02.069-04:00Life's Scoreboard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The score was 8-5 with an inning left. A steady stream of Cardinal fans had given up on the home team and were headed for the parking lots. But my friend and I weren’t about to leave. Sure, we wanted the Cards to win, but mostly we were happy to be enjoying a major league baseball game while filling our stomachs with ball game food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other fans weren’t as laid back. Their cheers had turned to disparaging remarks. More and more fans streamed out the exits. I’m guessing they stopped in their tracks when a thunderous roar burst from the stadium. A single, a walk, and then McGee’s pinch-hit RBI tied the score at 8! <b>It was a brand new game!</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Before you could sing “take me out to the ballgame,” the Cards jumped ahead 10-8. How could it get any better? My team was winning and my stomach was full. But to our amazement, the Cardinals continued to score…and score…and score! When Willie McGee hit a grand-slam, every remaining Cards fan flew into a giddy happy dance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It’s been 17 years since that wild game, but I can remember the final score as if it was 17 minutes ago: 16-8. Yes, the Cards scored 11 runs!
It was 8-5 going into the bottom of the 8th inning. It was 8-16 going into the top of the 9th. <b>My, how things can change.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Like a life, for instance.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I remember a time in my life when the score was definitely not in my favor. Victory was a long shot. Defeat seemed a sure bet. Did anyone in my “cheering section” consider bailing out when things looked grim? Were my circumstances too bleak to hope for a rally? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can only speculate about those who considered heading for the exits. I only know that I’m eternally grateful for those who didn't give up on me. Thank God for those who stayed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We have trouble all around us, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 NCV).</b></span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-30618679503176529482013-10-09T00:58:00.000-04:002013-10-09T01:00:31.037-04:00Love Has Ears<span style="font-size: large;">I had more than my fair share of conversational chaos last weekend. It happened in three different scenarios, but each had a similar theme that you will quickly discern. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Not only did my friend interrupt me, she went on to complete my sentence…with incorrect information. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">She made a no-doubt-about-it-I’m-ending-this-conversation statement, in essence declaring “There is nothing else to be said and if you do I will not hear it. Period.” </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She paid attention long enough to get the gist of my story and then commenced to enthusiastically tell her own vaguely related story over the top of mine. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In each case, listening was not valued. Trust me, I’m not throwing stones. I’ve been on both sides: sometimes I’m a good listener. Often I’m a rotten one. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I wish I could consistently live out the </span><span style="font-size: large;">biblical admonition to be <b>quick to listen and slow to speak</b> (James 1:19). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Author Debbie Macomber believes that becoming what she terms a <b>‘generous listener’</b> can transform our lives. In her book "One Simple Act" she lists several benefits of good listening skills:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">* Gaining wisdom </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsCltbaTAX1j3elunzycTdS7u6FIwGqJB3wveiZywJI0WRdYnsMWjlfRvKrS29KJsLpetOuJ0DZWE9Fxeon8ok4FLqFvEW512yvydk_quH-UpK59PbYKmxjCdlMZyqRuAu2ngJ2ZRunx6/s1600/ListenerCookie.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsCltbaTAX1j3elunzycTdS7u6FIwGqJB3wveiZywJI0WRdYnsMWjlfRvKrS29KJsLpetOuJ0DZWE9Fxeon8ok4FLqFvEW512yvydk_quH-UpK59PbYKmxjCdlMZyqRuAu2ngJ2ZRunx6/s1600/ListenerCookie.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">* Reducing/avoiding conflict </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">* Building stronger relationships </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* Being viewed as more trustworthy </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I have a long way to go to become a generous listener. But I want to learn from my mistakes as well as the errors of others. And when I feel discouraged that no one is listening, I will find comfort in this amazing truth: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He heard my cry for mercy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Because he turned his ear to me, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I will call on him as long as I live. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 116:1, 2</span></div>
Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-17017444450604284362013-10-01T22:20:00.000-04:002013-10-01T22:20:03.693-04:00Dead Mentors<span style="font-size: large;">I have several living mentors. But today I’m writing about my dead ones. I did not have the opportunity to meet these women, but they have taught, advised, inspired and challenged me. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Instead of introducing you to these amazing women by name, I am going to tease you with fascinating facts about each of their lives. At the end of the post I will reveal their names.</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She had all her teeth extracted in preparation for serving in China, where snow and distance would make dental treatment impossible. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Her life made such an impact that her funeral was attended by 38,000 people. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">As a young girl she prayed that God would change her brown eyes to blue. God later revealed why His choice was best. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdyo_QYFpTss1dHpHZpvYmcpNNY_pC2ORQCabEScbmtUW_zgGJcTTC1jx7vOM60SAAgUFk6fiNfOtWEIEY7dL8wgz-fLvFzZyZsv2fRVvf4nCmgp5PTRq00ZgsV9Mskn98LhfYHqukWFa/s1600/amy-carmichael-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdyo_QYFpTss1dHpHZpvYmcpNNY_pC2ORQCabEScbmtUW_zgGJcTTC1jx7vOM60SAAgUFk6fiNfOtWEIEY7dL8wgz-fLvFzZyZsv2fRVvf4nCmgp5PTRq00ZgsV9Mskn98LhfYHqukWFa/s320/amy-carmichael-2.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She was an obscure, middle-aged woman who survived Hitler’s worst concentration camp and became an evangelist who spoke on all continents and in 60 countries. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Blinded by a medical error at 6 weeks of age, she wrote thousands of hymns and was the first woman to speak before Congress. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She gave birth to 19 children in 19 years and homeschooled the 10 who survived. Her son John preached a series of messages that birthed a revival. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">A World War II WASP pilot, she helped start <a href="http://www.maf.org/" target="_blank">Mission Aviation Fellowship</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">She was expelled from Bible College, rejected by a mission agency, and told her call in life was to remain a housekeeper, but her simple dependence on God led her to life-long missionary adventures. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How many of my dead mentors did you know?</b><br />
<ol>
<li><b>Isabel Maxey Dittemore's</b> story is told in <i>He Leadeth Me, Forty Years in Asia </i></li>
<li><b>Catherine Booth </b>is known as Mother of the Salvation Army</li>
<li><b>Amy Carmichael</b> spent 55 years in India (where her brown eyes were advantageous) rescuing children from temple prostitution </li>
<li><b>Corrie Ten Boom</b> was imprisoned, along with her family, for helping many Jews escape the Nazi Holocaust. </li>
<li><b>Fanny Crosby</b> wrote so many hymns that she began to use a pen name so her name wouldn't appear on too pages of the hymnal! </li>
<li><b>Susanna Wesley</b> had 16 house rules. Number 6 was “To teach a child to pray as soon as he can speak.” <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xvi0yHcy8Bpug04H1DNAzvg3tqyu98vYXp0HFA1JTipnVjooyiGWoJpQzHuWnkPwSx8p-yKwyJg56xRYlH2M6L0IzudhVAodKqavROb8rCzIFhBgEIHIsPyXl0jLXQopMCjC1aUslxVW/s1600/Betty+Greene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xvi0yHcy8Bpug04H1DNAzvg3tqyu98vYXp0HFA1JTipnVjooyiGWoJpQzHuWnkPwSx8p-yKwyJg56xRYlH2M6L0IzudhVAodKqavROb8rCzIFhBgEIHIsPyXl0jLXQopMCjC1aUslxVW/s320/Betty+Greene.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</li>
<li><b>Betty Greene</b> said when a friend suggested that she use her flying for mission work, “I leaped for joy at the thrilling thought of combining flying with my love for God.”</li>
<li><b>Gladys Aylward’s</b> story is told is several books. Her life is a testimony to one woman's determination to serve God at any cost. </li>
</ol>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Do you agree these women make magnificent mentors? How I thank God for their sold-out passion for Jesus! Their earthly lives have ceased, but their impact endures. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up (Hebrews 12:1 NCV).</b></span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-29787372018483638252013-09-18T02:50:00.000-04:002013-09-18T04:39:08.601-04:00The McIntyre Motel<span style="font-size: large;">I love staying at the “McIntyre Motel” in rural Illinois. And it’s obvious that I’m not the only one who does. When I arrived at Duke and Bev's house this month I was the 11th houseguest they had hosted in less than three months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Everyone has a mission. Part of ours is to provide a room for those who need a place to stay,” Bev explains. “Duke and I believe it’s the reason we’ve been able to keep our house in spite of several farming disasters.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Disasters?” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">With that inquiry, Duke opened a kitchen cabinet and brought out</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">a plastic bag marked “2006.” He pulled out an ear of corn. </span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Yikes! I don’t know much about farming, but I’m guessing that 2006 was not a good year.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Duke shook his head. “Let’s put it this way: some years we’ve had a 170 bushels per acre yield. In 2006 it was 37.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bev smiled. “But with God’s help we were able to hang on.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some people would have given up. Others might hang on, but that’s it. Others, like Duke and Bev, see God’s provision in the midst of adversity, and then gratefully offer what they have to others. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality</i> (Romans12:12, 13).
</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-47342634285056878432013-09-10T11:38:00.002-04:002013-09-10T11:38:54.179-04:00On the Road<span style="font-size: large;">Dear Readers of Wow Dee Wow:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />I am on week 2 of a 3-week <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.com/" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care</a> "Tour" through 8 states, covering thousands of miles in my new <a href="http://wowdeewow.blogspot.com/2013/07/friend-mobile.html" target="_blank">Friend-Mobile</a>! It is an amazing adventure, but it's not allowing much time for writing or consistent internet connections, so there will be no "Wow Dee Wow" post this week. Please keep me in your prayers and I will "see" you next Wednesday, September 18!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Gratefully,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Kim</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-69341188114076802672013-09-04T00:41:00.000-04:002013-09-04T00:42:35.296-04:00Inspired or Energized?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy61PPIvLACghoQYvMOJWWVwNKMtEnxwDnNBxH3Y7GcIxsmVxAOQa3k2N7Vk-aZ7_rHgOV28SPLWhbF0uaDvDvGyB0l1FPh-8lmai2dfY8vsVqrYlh9i79VM-qz4Ss2eLE8CBWXHwBOsQ/s1600/MP900448396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy61PPIvLACghoQYvMOJWWVwNKMtEnxwDnNBxH3Y7GcIxsmVxAOQa3k2N7Vk-aZ7_rHgOV28SPLWhbF0uaDvDvGyB0l1FPh-8lmai2dfY8vsVqrYlh9i79VM-qz4Ss2eLE8CBWXHwBOsQ/s320/MP900448396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Much of the news world was focused on Diana Nyad over Labor Day weekend, but hey, I was in water, too. I waded in the ocean and floated on my back in a pool. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What do you mean, that’s not impressive? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Just because Diana Nyad swam over 100 miles in 53 hours at age 64 through powerful waves with poisonous jellyfish and without a shark cage; while I tiptoed near the seashore and later dog paddled in a heavily chlorinated pool, you’re not impressed?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Me either.
I don’t know much about Diana Nyad, but I was inspired by what she said as she victoriously stumbled upon the shore in Key West: </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Never, ever give up</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">It’s never too late to chase your dreams </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">This may look like a solo sport, but it’s a team effort </span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Her statements are inspirational and applicable to each of us, no matter our age or aspirations. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbztFeWyTMcKi4jsnivuyoHPyupfHPRXfreRNYQyh7oM5_p2LwCzeUFJeQQxHzzaA4F9vT9uv_Ze4bK8RmbqCzI_y2B6r80-_1C7TY1nhPV1pE3dxuDof6BdBfBEYgt9xJ0-AuBvgpmFM/s1600/MP900431043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbztFeWyTMcKi4jsnivuyoHPyupfHPRXfreRNYQyh7oM5_p2LwCzeUFJeQQxHzzaA4F9vT9uv_Ze4bK8RmbqCzI_y2B6r80-_1C7TY1nhPV1pE3dxuDof6BdBfBEYgt9xJ0-AuBvgpmFM/s320/MP900431043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But I require more than inspiration.</b> I <i>can’t</i> do life with just my own strength. I <i>will </i>give up, left to my own resources. I'll quit chasing my dreams, and I'll forget that I am on a supernatural team. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That’s why I need to be energized by the power found in these promises: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. May he be given glory forever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:20-21 TLB). </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have no plans to become a long-distance swimmer. But I do hope to continue dreaming big dreams for God and relying on His power to bring them to pass. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Join me?</b></span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-9747963336781824372013-08-28T01:44:00.001-04:002013-08-28T01:44:37.794-04:00God-Birthed Friendships<span style="font-size: large;">When I checked the <a href="http://joshuaproject.net/world-clock.php" target="_blank">World Population Clock</a> a few seconds ago, it said there are currently 7,107,569,345 people on the planet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">This week I am staying in the home of 1 of those 7,107,569,345 people. Her name is Cathi. <i>And I am in awe.</i> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCzXaOo7_qBVBHTn1c2N0NbkOFZafxlk-bPURLDOttiynMXH72DEZjYBKfHXFKHkmC5BAeg2FNqKiErp4-QHU0knEVqYF109WW28wtRwPCiQUqfzLFClRiMkxN0o2zmWKCk7Hw5DbPJwF/s1600/Cathi+Kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCzXaOo7_qBVBHTn1c2N0NbkOFZafxlk-bPURLDOttiynMXH72DEZjYBKfHXFKHkmC5BAeg2FNqKiErp4-QHU0knEVqYF109WW28wtRwPCiQUqfzLFClRiMkxN0o2zmWKCk7Hw5DbPJwF/s400/Cathi+Kim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">That may not seem like an awe-inspiring statement, but it actually is. Nearly ten years ago, Cathi walked into a class I was teaching. <b>That’s where our friendship was birthed.</b> Neither of us planned it, neither of us knew it was going to happen. <b>Only God knew.</b> Since then we have shared lots of life together: much joy, and plenty of sorrow. I am so grateful that God had the idea of our friendship; that out of 7 billion people in the world, Cathi walked into my life. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw96urGQqT-DIx9dlWo7Muq2zHFvGsGNy1p-TxQNTvb4kZHu6WJj6PZfBZ0Eq65ZWOtB_QjrmFLuI2LiP7Mq0aTANGo0xPWJFNrawVpwpkJ0cd35B_Xa6dZPWKsSFDNoNN7ab93BcRqA07/s1600/Liz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw96urGQqT-DIx9dlWo7Muq2zHFvGsGNy1p-TxQNTvb4kZHu6WJj6PZfBZ0Eq65ZWOtB_QjrmFLuI2LiP7Mq0aTANGo0xPWJFNrawVpwpkJ0cd35B_Xa6dZPWKsSFDNoNN7ab93BcRqA07/s320/Liz.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">During that same timeframe, I was told by my boss that I needed to meet with a lady name Liz to plan an event. So one day we met at a restaurant to talk about the upcoming program. But we instantly realized our mutual love of the Lord, and it was a long time before we started talking business.
<b>That’s where God birthed our friendship. </b>It was a season when we both were crying out to God, seeking His wisdom for the future. God knows the importance of an understanding encourager in times like that. Mine was named Liz, chosen by God out of 7 billion people! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One day I was going to meet Liz for lunch and Cathi rather uncharacteristically invited herself along. Turns out, it was God’s plan for Cathi and Liz to meet. <b>And that’s where<i> their </i>friendship began. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJPHMpu76UwzdtIXC1UIM1VpGxvlN6KEknHDVyhZ2qaKLCPHe86LUe7j1YcpHnhuvSH344oSNt4v9VAq5dR0Ww3V5_CZ8YmU2a98gxnutSjDp_3lAqfxqCa5S-zfOfykUB67ChDkT2tM9/s1600/LizPray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJPHMpu76UwzdtIXC1UIM1VpGxvlN6KEknHDVyhZ2qaKLCPHe86LUe7j1YcpHnhuvSH344oSNt4v9VAq5dR0Ww3V5_CZ8YmU2a98gxnutSjDp_3lAqfxqCa5S-zfOfykUB67ChDkT2tM9/s1600/LizPray.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">God has been busy in the years since I met Cathi and Liz. Liz founded <a href="http://loveunveiled.org/ministry-overview/" target="_blank">Love UnVeiled</a>, a ministry that equips and empowers women to find their identity in Jesus Christ. And guess what? Cathi serves on her board of directors. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">God answered the cries of my heart, too. I am an advocate for homeless elderly in Romania through <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.blogspot.com/2013/05/only-god-go-ro-team-praise-report.html" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care.</a> Cathi is a faithful supporter and encourager of my calling. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Out of 7,107,569,345 people in the world, God brought Cathi and Liz in to my life. And then He connected them. <b>Three lives brought together for His purposes, for our good, for His glory.</b>
It is impossible to know what our lives would look like if God had not connected us. But I am in awe of what has happened because He did.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And it makes me wonder: Who might God bring into my life tomorrow?</b></span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-87114039873892626852013-08-21T01:18:00.000-04:002013-08-21T03:45:57.441-04:00I Found You in the Bible<span style="font-size: large;">One of my tasks when I worked for an estate sale company was to look for valuable books. My boss told me to pay particular attention to Bibles. That initially confused me, because as precious as Bibles are to me, I know they have little resale value. But my boss had a different angle. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“Be sure to flip through the pages of every Bible you find. People often stash cash in there.”</i> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZEnMLy_tpXDsQKluhY6hAD45O2qJ8WMny-CdPUxvIahL7u_C4Pk5kK571l1Ha82GHUK62E2ux4O5miLWZDc2PArRlS3sIPt2_x5DfO41wbnLRH6DIl-jU5jxDv5E0iosfHhYG1EqfXjl/s1600/MP900442235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZEnMLy_tpXDsQKluhY6hAD45O2qJ8WMny-CdPUxvIahL7u_C4Pk5kK571l1Ha82GHUK62E2ux4O5miLWZDc2PArRlS3sIPt2_x5DfO41wbnLRH6DIl-jU5jxDv5E0iosfHhYG1EqfXjl/s320/MP900442235.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I did find cash. The largest bill I found was a fifty. I don’t know if the owner used it as a unique bookmark or if it just never made it to the offering plate. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Marion Shurtleff of San Clemente, California, made a much more startling discovery in a used Bible she purchased. She found an essay she had written 65 years earlier when she was a 10-year-old Girl Scout in Covington, Kentucky.
“I opened the Bible and there was my name,” Shurtleff said. “I recognized my handwriting. I was shaking, literally.” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That <i>would</i> be a stunning discovery, absolutely “shake-worthy.” But believe it or not, I recently made an even more amazing discovery in my Bible.
It happened during a team-building exercise this summer in Romania. Our mission team stood in a circle and leaders Becca and Kelsea chose one person to stand in the center. Then each team member took a turn speaking encouragement and blessing to the person in the middle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">That evening Lauren was chosen as the focus of our encouraging words. Earlier in the week she had courageously shared her powerful testimony in a village church. It was obvious that Lauren’s words brought hope to those who listened.
Now she </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">stood in the center of our circle. When my turn came, I said, <b>“Lauren, I found you in the Bible! Right here you are:</b> <i>Praise be to the God and Father of Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in trouble with the same comfort we ourselves receive from God </i>(2 Corinthian 1:3, 4). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I saw in Lauren the beautiful flow described in these Bible verses: God had comforted her during an extremely challenging season. <b>The story could have ended there, but it didn’t.</b> Lauren shared her testimony, and as she did, God’s comfort continued its flow through her and into the lives of those who heard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people find old letters or forgotten cash in Bibles. But I found a person, a young woman whose life beautifully illustrates a passage in the Bible. <b>How absolutely spectacular to see Scripture sprout legs and walk off the pages of the Bible in the form of a believer named Lauren.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Praise be to the God of all comfort, who comforted <b>Lauren </b>in all her troubles, so that she could comfort those in trouble with the same comfort <b>Lauren</b> herself received from God.
</i></span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-79338517121970133492013-08-14T00:01:00.000-04:002013-08-14T00:01:54.395-04:00Chuhch Sawngs<span style="font-size: large;">"Miss Kim, I have to go potty."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"OK, sweetie, we'll be right here when you get back."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOTsOZ45JWeKYOHBNfFGWwyJTz-2yBd37AM6OTG2lnvZWTiX49S-7ZUZ2Qd4rAMyZPhV7iFK1SLk1crd6fP2kHcpiLwmjTbXxX1A1DVsRlBsAlnbNP4yEqaM2WmgQ64ebMBPanYq_M7AO/s1600/Legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOTsOZ45JWeKYOHBNfFGWwyJTz-2yBd37AM6OTG2lnvZWTiX49S-7ZUZ2Qd4rAMyZPhV7iFK1SLk1crd6fP2kHcpiLwmjTbXxX1A1DVsRlBsAlnbNP4yEqaM2WmgQ64ebMBPanYq_M7AO/s320/Legs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Three-year-old Erin made her way to the bathroom while her brother Craig and I continued a wicked game of PreSkool pool.
Eventually I became aware of a little voice wafting its way up the stairs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Miss Kee-um!, Miss Kee-um!" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Assuming Erin needed help completing the job she'd left to do, I went to the bathroom door and peaked in.
Erin, who is no bigger than a minute, was sitting on the outer edge of the big people's toilet, with plenty of room to spare. Her little bottom hung balanced precariously on the front rim, and her chin was resting in her hands, with her elbows on her knees. It was quite a sight.
I opened the door a bit wider. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"What do you need, hon?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her dark brown eyes looked up at me as she asked, <b>"Will you sing to me?"</b>
Of all the words I might have assumed would come out of her mouth at that moment, these words were not even close.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"What?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Will you sing to me?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Well, uh, sure. What would you like to hear?" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Chuhch sawngs," she replied. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Ah--church songs! OK, Erin. Church songs it is."
So there we were: a single adult woman singing "Jesus Loves Me" to a constipated three year old. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Several songs later, the task was completed and Erin ran up the stairs, totally unaware of the lesson she’d taught me: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>If you're going to be stuck for awhile in unpleasant circumstances, you might as well enjoy some tunes!</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Or as Paul the prisoner wrote: <b>"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-58868734829042628982013-08-06T23:38:00.001-04:002013-08-06T23:38:55.404-04:00Sower, Seed and Soil Story<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">A Parable from
Matthew 13</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">in the “KJV” (Kim
Jackson Version)</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Best enjoyed by reading it aloud)</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Slowly strolling beside the secure shelter, the Savior stopped and sat on the sand beside the sea. A stupendous swarm surrounded the Savior so he sought a small ship, sailed from the shore and sat still, as the stupendous swarm stayed, standing on the seashore. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So the Savior spoke in a series of stories, saying: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWduKgAMWnBgMedZc2pcFf8WT0kKJaX_uW1G9W6p9jVaxZ0k1FzElyvey6KTJoDVt9oKP2DD3HR-8q-jB1xixn08jj5muLFomomV8I2kzOtBfGmebgEhB3pTZvqGMGfDEAPv1UHJfNH6yR/s1600/Sower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWduKgAMWnBgMedZc2pcFf8WT0kKJaX_uW1G9W6p9jVaxZ0k1FzElyvey6KTJoDVt9oKP2DD3HR-8q-jB1xixn08jj5muLFomomV8I2kzOtBfGmebgEhB3pTZvqGMGfDEAPv1UHJfNH6yR/s320/Sower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">“A certain sower set out to sow some seed, and as he sowed, some seed scattered beside the street and was stomped by several sandaled soles and the scavenger sparrows soaring in the sky swooped, seizing and swallowing the seeds. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some seed scattered on stony sod, where the soil is sort of scarce, so the scrawny seedlings swiftly sprouted since the soil was so slight. Soon the sun shone severely, suddenly scorching the skimpy seedlings since they possessed such superficial stems, so sadly, they shriveled and slumped. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some seed scattered on the sharp, stiff sort of stickers and the stickers sprang up and strangled the seedlings. Some seed scattered on select soils and survived, succeeding in sprouting splendid and stable stalks, some supplying several sizable sheaves, some sixty and several a still smaller sum. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So the story of the sower, the seed, and the soils is this: the seed is the Scripture. Sometimes someone seemingly searches Scripture without succeeding in sustaining the spiritual significance of his study, so shrewd and sneaky Satan schemes, snatching and sabotaging what is sown inside. This is the seed scattered beside the street. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So the seed sown on the stony sod is someone who listens to the Scripture, receiving it speedily with celebration, but is shallow and has such a small source of stability he stands for a smidgen but soon, suffering and seasons of struggle and strife surface and simultaneously he succumbs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So the seed scattered in the sharp, stiff stickers is someone who listens to Scripture, but soon stews in the distresses of such a sordid society, and seeking assets so superficially satisfying, strangles the Scripture, and all sprouting skids to a sudden stop, certainly a sorry sight. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlvIFiWkAiBQHWqmTBrXoWXll9eJ3vf7VujTrdEUJ5PFMLqjSYGmkoisYyeMsJlmyWGs0CHdS9cAz3cnBWzPwY2UZFREhihNVjC4n8-WULgsKzXTuKSeg1wwcC3neleNxHAM_spCXZG-1/s1600/SowerGrowth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlvIFiWkAiBQHWqmTBrXoWXll9eJ3vf7VujTrdEUJ5PFMLqjSYGmkoisYyeMsJlmyWGs0CHdS9cAz3cnBWzPwY2UZFREhihNVjC4n8-WULgsKzXTuKSeg1wwcC3neleNxHAM_spCXZG-1/s320/SowerGrowth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So the seed scattered on select soil is someone who savors Scripture and sagaciously spawns—in certain situations—sensational superior-sized supplies; in similar circumstance, sixty; and in several, slightly smaller, but certainly supremely significant sums."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So this is the story’s cessation.
</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-12206375250317451322013-07-31T03:05:00.000-04:002013-08-01T14:23:17.932-04:00Question Mark to Exclamation Point<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It was selfish on my part. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I hoped to make friends at my new church and I wanted to improve my writing, so when the staff was taking questions at the ministry fair I blurted out “Have you considered starting a writer’s group?” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Josh answered by asking, “What are you doing Tuesday at 10:00?”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">“Um… meeting with you about starting a writer’s group?” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec6EQd1v-BDoHoQStbaF7uPHKlgLQFrM3Z3T8GwXZwHgr-5KgZfnC0lFXob_tfHJ5RtkvK27RwllXghTADFH-Uxm6-B58zW4XZyjKcUcNKZInDmVhTNIB6BZxOn0_L9WPi4wyoB-4hfS5/s1600/DSC08187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjec6EQd1v-BDoHoQStbaF7uPHKlgLQFrM3Z3T8GwXZwHgr-5KgZfnC0lFXob_tfHJ5RtkvK27RwllXghTADFH-Uxm6-B58zW4XZyjKcUcNKZInDmVhTNIB6BZxOn0_L9WPi4wyoB-4hfS5/s320/DSC08187.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Crossroads Communicators was conceived on that day five years ago. Over the course of time, God has used this group to realize my initial desires: I made new friends and my writing improved. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>But God always has more, and this was no exception.</b> He has done abundantly beyond what I had hoped, and not just in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Little did I know that God would take a question mark and turn it into an exclamation point:</b> one simple question led to the formation of Crossroads Communicators. But then, like the proverbial pebble in the pond: </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Books were born </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Poems penned </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Blogs birthed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Curriculum created<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_dX9F8i74cxgNzhpCJOX4wNXtPkk5fvmMTpzxYhYVjoaFC6vz_9Mz6LnOujjIqXd3vGEJkXcCQK6QW8IlGVBZmhtYwFsfz2799WECKMfTEgaoLJlgaUqVCCgRP8B7Q54lWoa49s5n1yM/s320/JennFromke.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Jenn Fromke</td></tr>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ideas encouraged </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Creativity cultivated </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Plots pondered </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Tales told </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Articles authored </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Stories shaped </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pages published </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our words travel around the world via the blogosphere, much to our amazement. Believers dive deep in to God’s Word using resources we’ve written. Other times our words leap off pages and are spoken from podiums. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I couldn’t have imagined what would happen when I asked that selfish question five years ago. But I am forever grateful for a pastor with vision for what could be, for writers desirous to glorify God with pens and keyboards, and ultimately for Jesus, the Word become flesh, the Author of our faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness” (Psalm 145:6 MSG).
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>YOU ARE INVITED:</b> Crossroads Communicators is celebrating five years of God’s goodness by hosting a writer’s workshop, led by <a href="http://www.vondaskelton.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Vonda Skelton</b></span></a>, on Saturday, <b>October 5, 2013</b>. Former members and aspiring writers in the Concord, North Carolina, area are invited to join us. For more information, email Kim Jackson at kimagine320(at)gmail.com.
</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-3535783067456840632013-07-24T02:26:00.000-04:002013-07-24T02:26:27.396-04:00Friend-Mobile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I just peaked out my bedroom window to make sure I’m not dreaming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nope, not dreaming. There really is a 2010 Hyundai Elantra in the driveway. <b>And I have the keys to it! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And in case you were thinking that you have the best friends in the world, think again, because I’m sure <b>my</b> <b>friends are the best</b> <b>in the world.</b> Case in point: e</span><span style="font-size: large;">arlier this year friends Michael and Gail Purath felt led to help me get a</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">car to replace the 1995 Pontiac Bonneville which was given to me in 2011 after my leased Honda Civic was totaled when I hit a deer and a semi hit me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On April 25, 2013, Michael and Gail sent out an email with the subject line “Kim Needs a Set of Wheels.” <b>I am stunned by what has happened since then:</b> the family of God in three churches and twenty seven other friends have generously given enough funds for me to purchase the car that now sits in my driveway. <i>See, I told you, I have the best friends in the world! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But God also used new friends to write this story. Alan was the first person we met when we stopped at our fourth dealership last Saturday. Within minutes we knew we were talking with an authentic believer in Jesus who just happened to be selling cars. Michael explained to Alan that I'm a missionary/advocate for homeless elderly in Romania.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Then you’ll want to meet our sales manager, Dumitru," Alan smiled. "He’s from Romania.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don’t you just love how God orchestrates such things? I mean, what are the odds?</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So this afternoon in Concord, North Carolina, I sat across from my new Romanian friend, Dumitru, and signed all the paperwork required when purchasing an automobile—or in this case, a Friend-Mobile. It took quite a while, but it had nothing to do with the amount of signatures. What took so long was listening to Dimitru brag on God, sharing story after amazing story of God's goodness. He eventually had to stop and help another customer, but I’m hoping it won’t be the last time Dimitru and I swap God-stories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">July 23, 2013, my friends bought me a wonderful vehicle: low mileage, great warranty, well-kept, high safety rating, good MPG, plenty of room for carrying <a href="http://www.elderorphancare.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Elder Orphan Care</a> displays and donations, and all for the right price, thanks to the team at Modern Hyundai. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It’s not a dream. I just checked the driveway and the Friend-Mobile is still there. But not for long, because I can’t wait to hit the road! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway!”</i> (Psalm 119:33-35 MSG)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Click <a href="http://wowdeewow.blogspot.com/2011/02/thank-you-dear-deer.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> to read a story about my car accident entitled "Thank You, Dear Deer.") </span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-76711282108662896712013-07-17T02:40:00.000-04:002013-07-17T02:40:17.158-04:00Melodious Invitation<span style="font-size: large;">The doors and windows of the rural Romanian church are flung wide open to welcome any hint of breeze in the July heat. Eighteen children sit inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Let’s get started,” Pastor Danny says. “More children may come later.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our mission team gathers at the front of the room and begins to sing. <b>“Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save! Forever, author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave!” </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eighteen voices join in and carefully mimic the correlating motions. As they learn the song, their volume increases. And increases! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I’m in the back of the church praying and taking photos, so I was the first to notice the beautiful sight: a line of children walking toward the church. A dozen? No, at least twenty, and there are more coming further down the road!
Newcomers are led to empty seats, but before long the growing crowd has to share chairs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend Andy catches my eye: <b>“We sang them in!”</b>
Indeed. The village children were drawn to the church by the inviting sound of voices praising God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Who hears music, feels his solitude peopled at once.” </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward to our mission team’s last night in Romania. We sit in the gathering room of Noble House, singing our grateful praise to God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“How great is our God, sing with me, how great is our God, and all will see how great, how great is our God!”</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We sing song after song, eyes closed, hearts focused…until the realization that our voices have multiplied, new harmonies are blending in. A glance to my right confirms that our circle has grown to include members of other mission teams who have just arrived. Hearing our praise, they were drawn to join in. And so by evening’s end we worshiped God in Romanian, English, French, Spanish and Italian. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mission trips end, as this one did. I’m back home in North Carolina now, sitting alone at my computer. But I’m praying that my heart stays in tune, that my very life will continue to joyfully sing the invitation, “Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us magnify his name together” (Psalm 34:3 NLT).</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-15756763576922138812013-07-10T03:45:00.000-04:002013-09-13T15:10:12.736-04:00Life-Giving Love<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A month ago I didn’t know them. Yet when our paths parted Monday I thought my heart might explode with gratitude to God for bringing them into my life.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had the privilege of serving in Romania for three weeks alongside eleven new friends from William Jessup University in California. I was captivated by their passion for God, their spiritual maturity, their powerful prayers and enthusiastic praise; the way they lavished God’s love on those so thirsty for hope; their authenticity, intentionality, and deep joy; their testimonies, flexibility, selflessness, and their ability to look each other in the eye and speak truth and encouragement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I had to sum up their impact in one phrase, I would choose <b>life-giving.</b> Often I return exhausted after being away on a mission trip, but instead, I am simply tired. I don’t feel drained. On the contrary, <b>serving alongside this team was energizing.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had to catch a flight home to North Carolina a day before their flight to California. The evening before I left, my new friends encircled me and poured their prayers out for me. <b>As my tears flowed, my heart filled.</b> The depth of my love for my new friends is a testimony to the miracle of God knitting our hearts together for His purposes and our joy. The gift of their friendship makes me feel very loved by God! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A long time ago when I was in college I read a book called “God is No Fool” by Lois Cheney. I have always remembered her writing about "Bits and Pieces."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I believe in God’s master plan for our lives. People move in and out of each other’s lives, and each leaves his mark on the other. You find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who have touched your life, and you are more because of it, and you would be less if they had not touched you.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank God for Team Unity, my brothers and sisters in Christ, friends, partners in the Gospel. I am grateful for the beautiful bits and pieces of you that have made my life more. <b>So much more. </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamec2U9xGfb_poTasPpuH8lmlv4SjtO_vC0ktSoUyfTSEdE54MKVI4-0noe1asUKtzj9cwjHePhbX0N7L8SS-srFRq0XCsBGOCTfpkZm-FGN-6ShDwBng3jEsWzGMHIQRKI7c7qMF4ajv/s1600/Team+Unity+Mtn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamec2U9xGfb_poTasPpuH8lmlv4SjtO_vC0ktSoUyfTSEdE54MKVI4-0noe1asUKtzj9cwjHePhbX0N7L8SS-srFRq0XCsBGOCTfpkZm-FGN-6ShDwBng3jEsWzGMHIQRKI7c7qMF4ajv/s640/Team+Unity+Mtn.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I thank my God every time I remember you.</b> In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:3-5).</span>Kim Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08311773345566101020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7819972225329514295.post-76807537258398157452013-07-02T21:57:00.000-04:002013-07-12T15:18:55.412-04:00A Picture is Worth....<span style="font-size: large;">We often say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and it is...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjVosIfLY24s8YJuPECPDsmyOpCdwodqiCOuxawAL-YK68XNxVdbl0k-nU0vyODre-cEPKCCTLIFokO9h2V2p5dQHUV8oFJboePwtQQ2PsIpEwYHNY-BbLnb28iCUobBfbHEl_POp5K0/s518/6766_561542827229106_1921867643_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjVosIfLY24s8YJuPECPDsmyOpCdwodqiCOuxawAL-YK68XNxVdbl0k-nU0vyODre-cEPKCCTLIFokO9h2V2p5dQHUV8oFJboePwtQQ2PsIpEwYHNY-BbLnb28iCUobBfbHEl_POp5K0/s640/6766_561542827229106_1921867643_n.jpg" width="592" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The simple joy of a photo</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This week Kim has been unexpectedly without internet as she ministers to the elderly and orphaned in Romania. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJU4U5g5tqr5JaVerUr-_lYbOE2b0Yu-M4KV6qKmeVM8A6T15xhW_YyZDJUtNQANHGisZg3WuFHNarpDIp_KeqP06yiOl4XC-ixh1ce8Q1bc-0MibWAaaniEgxG3kL0Y0dcxorx4VQbs/s1459/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJU4U5g5tqr5JaVerUr-_lYbOE2b0Yu-M4KV6qKmeVM8A6T15xhW_YyZDJUtNQANHGisZg3WuFHNarpDIp_KeqP06yiOl4XC-ixh1ce8Q1bc-0MibWAaaniEgxG3kL0Y0dcxorx4VQbs/s640/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No legs but a big heart for Jesus.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So she texted me and asked me to fill in for her on WOW DEE WOW... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb2ZJWqs7pd_xJiuTePS5_dwFgtG6LJEbGJ5pyylL8SHgzBg1nBjduCzCELR3i6ihI3fwkZXwAZ1Mo7e8az9zgk0h2h6IJ2aFNIfvQ_6kIWS7PBRm0dGmzut8ybmOgDLnkzC0fMl6ZJA/s640/994165_563892070327515_1261275689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb2ZJWqs7pd_xJiuTePS5_dwFgtG6LJEbGJ5pyylL8SHgzBg1nBjduCzCELR3i6ihI3fwkZXwAZ1Mo7e8az9zgk0h2h6IJ2aFNIfvQ_6kIWS7PBRm0dGmzut8ybmOgDLnkzC0fMl6ZJA/s640/994165_563892070327515_1261275689_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided that it would be a beautiful tribute to the Lord to share some of the photos of Kim doing her ministry during this trip and earlier trips. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHaeGT9aIMQHArr0eiSzOGbAjBH7a-QU1NAYrXJYpZPl1a7Wtq4TEG6yc2pCOi8y2aJ4H7Li5VPbUbZRqMpcNbClGXNp8FLKxjoaHfWt1jW2h-XbSHxtlcJXvb-Zh5IVwex0BhiYMZ-8/s640/379593_553433964706659_1206569909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHaeGT9aIMQHArr0eiSzOGbAjBH7a-QU1NAYrXJYpZPl1a7Wtq4TEG6yc2pCOi8y2aJ4H7Li5VPbUbZRqMpcNbClGXNp8FLKxjoaHfWt1jW2h-XbSHxtlcJXvb-Zh5IVwex0BhiYMZ-8/s640/379593_553433964706659_1206569909_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kim puts her whole heart into everything she does, and especially her advocate work for the elderly in Romania. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzebOC6oDMsNE-QlCRB2K1lWdv7LLGN-iZ3A4WWRrBBbcKgtKs-q9AsODeLj6bBWJfyvnwPPqBpjIw_FJVJP7I72NdDJC3BcWjJKw6BbQ5nOcO-FTQpFVl9KvbUK1NH6I18eKQ2m7sbg/s400/KimROFaye.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzebOC6oDMsNE-QlCRB2K1lWdv7LLGN-iZ3A4WWRrBBbcKgtKs-q9AsODeLj6bBWJfyvnwPPqBpjIw_FJVJP7I72NdDJC3BcWjJKw6BbQ5nOcO-FTQpFVl9KvbUK1NH6I18eKQ2m7sbg/s640/KimROFaye.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All of these dear seniors were rescued from the streets, unable to live on their meager pensions.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rXHW4i7uqksJ8lgEMSxgc8gbw33Vcj-_ZQfgXM4S0nDTCn5FUAdGanrlf1vSAO7u5ONCcgKJmIEmFzaCQZcVdrcD852Jd5dRCjYEA8HuCaMEXaePTO9To0eGFoGLYM-XBCHVfx3Ylvw/s400/Ludivich+walker.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rXHW4i7uqksJ8lgEMSxgc8gbw33Vcj-_ZQfgXM4S0nDTCn5FUAdGanrlf1vSAO7u5ONCcgKJmIEmFzaCQZcVdrcD852Jd5dRCjYEA8HuCaMEXaePTO9To0eGFoGLYM-XBCHVfx3Ylvw/s640/Ludivich+walker.jpeg" width="404" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They are given a safe, clean place to live, food and minimal medical care. And "luxuries" like a walker bring tears of joy.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> No longer bed-bound!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeBQZ9SdcVw-AyJbkB43etqRtkOnnEGgQFNFCkhGKdF7Gd4A1DdIPAAHa4Y5bvycRvX1ih2TqMWUdzkqgTesxStcAIDBFnHWqAA-blkmyk6mAlr1TNmwma7izgTvGCBGxehzfcLug1nE/s400/YoungMaria+iPad.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeBQZ9SdcVw-AyJbkB43etqRtkOnnEGgQFNFCkhGKdF7Gd4A1DdIPAAHa4Y5bvycRvX1ih2TqMWUdzkqgTesxStcAIDBFnHWqAA-blkmyk6mAlr1TNmwma7izgTvGCBGxehzfcLug1nE/s640/YoungMaria+iPad.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes words just can't capture the simply joys that God's love provides. I hope you see God's hand in these images and in your life today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://biblelovenotes.com/" target="_blank"><b>Gail Purath</b></a>, filling in for Kim today while she is being Jesus to these dear souls who seemed to be forgotten...but not by God.</span>
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Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17462629145629813283noreply@blogger.com12