tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77867151922170355672024-03-28T20:50:47.449-07:00From Valerie's HeARTPeek into my daily gratitude journal. Gratitude is a daily decision... not just a feeling. Stories, pictures, songs, scripture and other goodness to savor. Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.comBlogger3145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-83968686937143004752024-03-28T20:45:00.000-07:002024-03-28T20:50:15.979-07:00The Last Supper<p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJd4BxmHvul8a5KcL57uowIReMowPE0QBZxagM76miFOx5iQmA0KZbEEAOh-7RoNUkSvnFbq7zw_9yo5vx6p0pO8vcT7ngZevI3POjWbAOhJ_NZww5pDae1s5AdlVNSV0sP5GE7nYwB6S2fxg6zxUYmsM8eSa8vPHz5R5BLseINgYj8ksjQvAkC4L-x8UF" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="564" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJd4BxmHvul8a5KcL57uowIReMowPE0QBZxagM76miFOx5iQmA0KZbEEAOh-7RoNUkSvnFbq7zw_9yo5vx6p0pO8vcT7ngZevI3POjWbAOhJ_NZww5pDae1s5AdlVNSV0sP5GE7nYwB6S2fxg6zxUYmsM8eSa8vPHz5R5BLseINgYj8ksjQvAkC4L-x8UF" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 88: Today, I am grateful for "The Last Supper."</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">Years ago, I attended a dramatic presentation called "The Living Last Supper" at the Manteno Church of the Nazarene... if my memory serves me correctly. It was an awesome experience. 13 men stood frozen in place in the position of the famous painting on the stage until it was their turn to "come to life" to offer their perspective on that night. Powerful is an understatement. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">It was Passover. The celebration of the night the death angel passed by the houses marked with the blood of the lamb... at the head of the door and on each side. It created a triangle, in the same way the blood marked the cross Jesus died on when he became The Lamb. The timing was no accident. "When it was time" is full of mystery, moments, and miracles. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">On Maundy Thursday... he had washed their feet, broke the bread and shared the wine and completely confused them all. Except, Judas. Judas knew a little more because of his betrayal. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Crete Round;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">"</span><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. -1 Timothy 2:5-6 (NLT)</span></b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="color: #6e6e6e;">The time was right. </span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Psalm 22</b></span><span style="color: #6e6e6e;">, written by King David centuries before, reads like an account of the crucifixion. </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">Here are verses 15-18:</span></b></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> an evil gang closes in on me.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> They have pierced my hands and feet.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> I can count all my bones.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> My enemies stare at me and gloat.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">They divide my garments among themselves<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> and throw dice for my clothing."</span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Despite his floggings and beatings, they could count all of his bones and not one was broken. They gambled for his clothing. They pierced his hands and feet. His enemies gloat. It all points to Jesus... to Yeshua. He was, is, and will always be the perfect Passover lamb. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: #6e6e6e;">Ray Boltz wrote a song many years ago that sticks in my head when I think of my hand in his crucifixion. Yes, mine... and yours. </span><i><span style="color: #990000;">"Does he still feel the nails? Every time I fail, does He hear the crowd cry, "Crucify!", again?" Am I causing him pain? Then I know I've got to change, 'cause I just can't stand the thought of hurting Him." </span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">The magnitude of his choice is hard to fathom. He took every step with intention. From the foot washing bowl, to the Passover feast, and then to The Garden of Gethsemane. He knew what was ahead. He prayed for the "cup to pass," but accepted "Thy will be done." </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">From the dinner table to the pits of Hell... in just a few days. He did it all for us. <br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Today, I am grateful for "The Last Supper."</span></span></div><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-49576303644864591132024-03-27T16:47:00.000-07:002024-03-27T16:50:50.096-07:00Unreachable<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYOnT4Kue8Z6tjG2hvNEmDGxRQO_7gZaaihAHpLoSRlXSQhFqsI2gXZxmu3YTncaAON5OdAH1Tal-6UURwMWcSBi0vJMUAfygmy6eW_rvYgXVMZ4MmNylu0Wb97SXPTaLxZOqCdo0pqtQMMj8bi3yLDYQuqkTmdP6irhN7214NdYa4lxjhXjuL2bIu_Yc/s564/Psalm%2062_7%20My%20Rock%20Unreachable.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="564" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYOnT4Kue8Z6tjG2hvNEmDGxRQO_7gZaaihAHpLoSRlXSQhFqsI2gXZxmu3YTncaAON5OdAH1Tal-6UURwMWcSBi0vJMUAfygmy6eW_rvYgXVMZ4MmNylu0Wb97SXPTaLxZOqCdo0pqtQMMj8bi3yLDYQuqkTmdP6irhN7214NdYa4lxjhXjuL2bIu_Yc/s320/Psalm%2062_7%20My%20Rock%20Unreachable.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 87: Today, I am grateful we can be unreachable.<p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Our fur-baby, Daisy Mae, is so brave when the mailman comes by everyday. She sounds ferocious from the window. Without the protective barrier of the window(or a fence), she is more chicken than fierce. She is much braver when something is between her and the danger. Aren't we all? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">"My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me." -Psalm 62:7</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">This passage is humbling and comforting all at the same time. Our victories, big and small, come from God. Pride sneaks in and creeps up so quietly at times. Few knew that better than King David. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">David knew what was to be favored. He knew what it was to be on the run from someone who wanted him dead. He knew victories, betrayal, and temptation. He knew the unreachable refuge of a God who saw his every need. </span></p><p><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">If we choose to "go to The Rock '' of our Salvation, we are untouchable and give him all the glory, we will find comfort, peace, and the ultimate safety for our souls. Live or die, we are His. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 14.85px;">Today, I am grateful we can be unreachable.</span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-41863796742347476122024-03-26T21:41:00.000-07:002024-03-26T21:43:46.301-07:00Protection<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_M8yYvy3PessnRupgOO0Ocad0STxAdPe_kot3cc9U692PHRZ15G-Y2gZSUePjQaIpL8sNj8pD6ZIMpRijoxbYLvLU0jHF6POgS0RyJYi-KmZj7DDE6N3ShuAUCDMPmfiJRNaeQAXoZDAh-IOl-weBVYl4k9Qq8R2LPds3JBv7k0Pqw5AWEyYI5PGhHLOw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_M8yYvy3PessnRupgOO0Ocad0STxAdPe_kot3cc9U692PHRZ15G-Y2gZSUePjQaIpL8sNj8pD6ZIMpRijoxbYLvLU0jHF6POgS0RyJYi-KmZj7DDE6N3ShuAUCDMPmfiJRNaeQAXoZDAh-IOl-weBVYl4k9Qq8R2LPds3JBv7k0Pqw5AWEyYI5PGhHLOw=w225-h400" width="225" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 86: Today, I am grateful for protection.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Crete Round;">"Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.: -John 10:15</span></b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">The image is one that sticks with me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I am so easily distracted and caught up in my own little world. How often to I miss the very real dangers and threats? He doesn't miss them. Sometimes, the rescue happens before I even know I am in trouble. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Jesus knew what was ahead of him. He knew it would not be easy. Still, He submitted to the will of the Father. "Not thy will but thine be done." A pure example of practicing what He preached. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">He lay down his life for "the sheep"... like you and me. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Crete Round;">Today, I am grateful for protection.</span></span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-65651767838222693742024-03-25T20:07:00.000-07:002024-03-25T20:07:34.606-07:007 Days<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZSLTgbasEcY2PykBXHH378eimedv7zJAEbBz-WBX9kQjvqLcnDbTTKE9eamVxoh3QLxFVCurpvaOMd0DjRf6mL8rFzHT0oDRr2UPY5JYbnkjQwLZ9T1KK4KTbtCtfdtGa7gJpGry9QRYd4dsU2kd26hI6v9qNNo_DmpMElNMn6S3sUZ3EL0I6VGAVqq3E" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="564" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZSLTgbasEcY2PykBXHH378eimedv7zJAEbBz-WBX9kQjvqLcnDbTTKE9eamVxoh3QLxFVCurpvaOMd0DjRf6mL8rFzHT0oDRr2UPY5JYbnkjQwLZ9T1KK4KTbtCtfdtGa7gJpGry9QRYd4dsU2kd26hI6v9qNNo_DmpMElNMn6S3sUZ3EL0I6VGAVqq3E" width="196" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 85: Today, I am grateful for reminders of what can change in seven days. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Palm Sunday is a powerful reminder of how quickly popular opinion can change. Jesus entered Jerusalem with the people crying, "Hosanna" as they waved palm leaves. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Popular with the people who were in awe of his miracles and teachings, the religious leaders were equally unhappy. Jesus upset the proverbial apple cart. His ways were different. His teachings seemed upside-down, but somehow they rang true. Truer than true. They had the power to change everything. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">And... they did.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">He did. He changed everything.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Holy Week is a time to pause, ponder, pray, and praise.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><b>"Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’" -Mark 11:9</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Today, I am grateful for reminders of what can change in seven days. </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-43642696258654759842024-03-24T15:24:00.000-07:002024-03-24T15:34:47.188-07:00Forgive the "Not Sorry"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUIrmXPjU_oJy7I4iHa4hhVQUkslYVEokEG8rBwOeslOdJWjpwagdf6C95n8yMgXSDEzmufb06Fb3T9MoLWFxAjL9nIgnOvEInpOanKzJezqTLVkREkDUb7G4jzxkwDsDqpvo5fZfH9bWTq5_npwksJ42nl9oxjLUmJm6LtnmAfzXtqrJOpJ6h7rElCR6/s625/Forgive%20them_the%20not%20sorry.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUIrmXPjU_oJy7I4iHa4hhVQUkslYVEokEG8rBwOeslOdJWjpwagdf6C95n8yMgXSDEzmufb06Fb3T9MoLWFxAjL9nIgnOvEInpOanKzJezqTLVkREkDUb7G4jzxkwDsDqpvo5fZfH9bWTq5_npwksJ42nl9oxjLUmJm6LtnmAfzXtqrJOpJ6h7rElCR6/s320/Forgive%20them_the%20not%20sorry.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 84: Today, I am grateful for the power in forgiveness. </span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">We humans can be fairly fickle. We can and do change our minds and our opinions. Sometimes, we need to change. Other times, there is no compromise. Still, we are called to kindness, foot washing, humility, and turning the other cheek. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">"Forgive them, even if they're not sorry." </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">That is a tough prescription to hand out and fill. We all make mistakes. Jesus taught us to pray in a way that says, "forgive us our sins, as (in the same way that) we forgive those who sin against us."</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">Our portion of mercy and grace is reflected in our own ability to forgive? That is how it sounds to me. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">I went to Matthew 6:12 to look at the original Greek. The original Greek suggests "in the same manner as, in the same way." </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">"Give us today the food we need, a</span><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">nd forgive us our sins, </span><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">as we have forgiven those who sin against us. </span><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"> And don’t let us yield to temptation, </span><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">but rescue us from the evil one." -Matthew 6:11-13</span></b></span></div><p><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e;"></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">It feels like a huge commandment, and it is, but when practiced, forgiveness is often more freeing to the one who forgives, than to the one who is forgiven. No one can make us forgive... it is always a choice. Some are easy. Some we battle for many years until we finally surrender.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #6e6e6e;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Yes, there is a unique freedom that comes from surrendering to forgiveness. </span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #6e6e6e; font-size: 14.85px;">Today, I am grateful for the power in forgiveness. </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-22948487163559390072024-03-23T21:30:00.000-07:002024-03-23T21:32:22.944-07:00As The Deer Pants<p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQj9_sGW8zr-lztjRVzFv23OrWsL4cwQEpmEEw6egOu699MTyjmanB4PMkZAPh1pE0EGVhpwkyLpRv5Qzg3YU-qgm0A_kInqelUwfwGu93GZa0Sw-cr9y81hGsy7y6wtesuJApe1nWddKCOaoGt6LQknYRuMlwwjG3jfOymUjpg2FCPkog86R30fDPIRE/s750/Psalm%2042_1%20Deer%20pants%20for%20water.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQj9_sGW8zr-lztjRVzFv23OrWsL4cwQEpmEEw6egOu699MTyjmanB4PMkZAPh1pE0EGVhpwkyLpRv5Qzg3YU-qgm0A_kInqelUwfwGu93GZa0Sw-cr9y81hGsy7y6wtesuJApe1nWddKCOaoGt6LQknYRuMlwwjG3jfOymUjpg2FCPkog86R30fDPIRE/s320/Psalm%2042_1%20Deer%20pants%20for%20water.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 83: Today, I am grateful for a lesson from the deer. <p></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This scripture has been set to music and the tune runs through my head. Truth be told, it was originally given to the choir director, so it was likely intended to be sung from its origin. The phrasing is certainly melodic and worshipful. </span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you read the entire Psalm, you will find very human struggles. Not so different from some of the songs written today. Life has sad and hard times. When we find ourselves sitting in the mess of it all, does our soul crave time with Him? </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." -Psalm 42:1</b></span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Such a beautiful image. Let our souls crave Him like the thirsty deer craves water. Water is life. He is our Living Water.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful for a lesson from the deer. </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-16163672933898487852024-03-22T18:32:00.000-07:002024-03-22T18:33:17.135-07:00Sun With Water<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjufRHRLdKCHrj01teP_hVwEhdNJrwwluEF8supocI563nsnSUv6Q_TBv4GmaAxI1sKJPKQB5cd50S8ad4hsoKB7kR79mUm6qfyOqXXjYx9dr_y1FMii4LyjELe-dgXTTUTA1oLrITTJ_Bjey2tkBKR80RkAiiU27PO-BnyfLFr5jdG8uAlC1RI7YbzKM2/s564/Houseplants%20complicated%20emotions.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjufRHRLdKCHrj01teP_hVwEhdNJrwwluEF8supocI563nsnSUv6Q_TBv4GmaAxI1sKJPKQB5cd50S8ad4hsoKB7kR79mUm6qfyOqXXjYx9dr_y1FMii4LyjELe-dgXTTUTA1oLrITTJ_Bjey2tkBKR80RkAiiU27PO-BnyfLFr5jdG8uAlC1RI7YbzKM2/s320/Houseplants%20complicated%20emotions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 82: Today, I am grateful we can thrive with sun and water. </span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This one made me giggle. It is kind of true. Having just returned from some fun in the sun and water, I am reminded basic water and sun are to life. They are crucial. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>"Don't forget to drink water and get sun. You're basically a houseplant with complicated emotions."</i></span></b></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We were made to crave the water and the sun. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I love the conversation Jesus had with the Woman at the Well. It is one of my favorites in the entire Bible. To know Him is to experience the "Living Water." </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;"><b>“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water” -John 4:10</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;">Jesus in another conversation refers to himself as "The Light of the World." </span></span></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif">"</span></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -</span></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">John 8:12</span></span></b></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There is no darkness for those who walk in Him. We were made to crave the water and the Son. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful we can thrive with sun and water. </span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-83105886038854764442024-03-21T18:31:00.000-07:002024-03-21T18:36:09.282-07:00Trust the Captain<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp_NVfC9kkofZqz1aOD7-9m7Gb9ITAv6MXNsBYhNZ2Bc58FRlpXO5do5vNeXcknCuqGvjapjp2uFBKLsyWBkpS-iDPlxY9YgW_pn0ej4iogXrg4fVN3G4NitnK4-Tngdi1CfJOJ_u2_Qenc5UznVvWOSLr69OQFSklDZmLig904kAi7SKp33n8z235Rtx/s2048/IMG_7405%20Captain%20Valerie-Alibi.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp_NVfC9kkofZqz1aOD7-9m7Gb9ITAv6MXNsBYhNZ2Bc58FRlpXO5do5vNeXcknCuqGvjapjp2uFBKLsyWBkpS-iDPlxY9YgW_pn0ej4iogXrg4fVN3G4NitnK4-Tngdi1CfJOJ_u2_Qenc5UznVvWOSLr69OQFSklDZmLig904kAi7SKp33n8z235Rtx/s320/IMG_7405%20Captain%20Valerie-Alibi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 81: Today, I am grateful we can trust the "Captain."</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We just had a big, magical adventure on a boat. This is a picture of our Captain. Her name was Valerie, too. We called her Captain Val. She was amazing. Her attention to every detail made the day go flawlessly. She is small but mighty. She could cast an anchor and get it safely set. She could swiftly pull anchor and move when we needed to move. She was impressive. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I knew it would be a good day while watching her complete the safety checks and listening to the way she prepped us. She gave clear directions for our safety... and to protect the boat. Let me tell you, the girl knows how to park a boat! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It was fun to watch her work and even more fun to listen to what she had to say. We quickly knew that she could be trusted. Never once did the vastness of the sea seem "too much" with her at the helm. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She was constantly looking for potential trouble and found some. There was a group that had rented a Catamaran that they were captaining themselves. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">They had abandoned their boat to eat and play on White Beach. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Catamaran was drifting toward where we were anchored with two other vessels. There was not enough room for any of us to escape the drifting boat. The three captains worked together to resolve the problem. Captain Val was in a good spot to see what was going on with the drifting ship. The other two Captains boarded a dingy and headed to the catamaran. They boarded it, ready to take action and move it. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Eventually, the crew of the abandoned Catamaran saw them and came back to the boat. They did not seem happy. They did not understand the problem. They were clueless. They were not following the established rules and protocol. They didn't seem to have a real captain who was trustworthy. They only thought they knew what they were doing. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We were grateful for the three captains who knew trouble when they saw it. And, they were willing to jump in, work together, and do what needed to be done. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I am so grateful we have Jesus who is the Captain of our ship. The Holy Spirit guides us like GPS and we have an anchor that holds. </span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #00bbff; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence." -Jeremiah 17:7</b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful we can trust the "Captain."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-54682354460008693652024-03-20T16:47:00.000-07:002024-03-20T16:50:48.484-07:00Things That Glow<p><span style="font-family: Poppins;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd14WjZwapZzgpEnz2OSJJ6xIT0_kFOu3tjbU4a788SPzglLyxvtTFi8EhyG2SnHdH9DWZlrp8QbUMx9R4TXtWZWjQAW7amx6RwJx5PgTHtdaqn44VlX3FS5XTPvR8gOt0Mky5UL5E2km-kvhRuUxoj-c1D9TCJ_KO1K5jiNxrUN6aorj1lHsnYY3rXlh8/s2048/IMG_7295.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd14WjZwapZzgpEnz2OSJJ6xIT0_kFOu3tjbU4a788SPzglLyxvtTFi8EhyG2SnHdH9DWZlrp8QbUMx9R4TXtWZWjQAW7amx6RwJx5PgTHtdaqn44VlX3FS5XTPvR8gOt0Mky5UL5E2km-kvhRuUxoj-c1D9TCJ_KO1K5jiNxrUN6aorj1lHsnYY3rXlh8/w320-h240/IMG_7295.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 80: Today, I am grateful for things that glow.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There is something fascinating about something that glows. Children of all ages love glow sticks. Fireflies are fascinating. City lights and even kayaks can glow. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A bright light disperses the darkness and cuts through the night. Sometimes a bright light is too much. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A glow is a softer kind of light. Remember the children's toy called a "glow worm?" It would glow when it was squeezed. It was designed to comfort children at bedtime. </span></span></p><p><b><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the Lord looked like to me." </span></span><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">-Ezekiel 1:28</span></span></span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The glory of the Lord is described like a "glow." We can only imagine. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Poppins; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful for things that glow.</span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-54618650367853360232024-03-19T20:35:00.000-07:002024-03-19T20:44:16.867-07:00Garden Tips<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCdU7ihyphenhyphenxkt6fFOfhEL5ZuiEenYKLDjdW5cXr5gnpK9rwW0k09GmOv4umc4vRw4xn-fiMAwb0GsgPCPogEVbb4uJYCyBEZksE6JJR5yE4RfelWNdqlIE_Z3o-J-j-V3xQo3HwI6X7odt9aaGbm_of9Y9rovZ5Ix0eYhMrhV6PpBpdvOTbW3PQU1NOhgwG/s640/Garden%20Tips.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCdU7ihyphenhyphenxkt6fFOfhEL5ZuiEenYKLDjdW5cXr5gnpK9rwW0k09GmOv4umc4vRw4xn-fiMAwb0GsgPCPogEVbb4uJYCyBEZksE6JJR5yE4RfelWNdqlIE_Z3o-J-j-V3xQo3HwI6X7odt9aaGbm_of9Y9rovZ5Ix0eYhMrhV6PpBpdvOTbW3PQU1NOhgwG/s320/Garden%20Tips.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 79: Today, I am grateful for garden tips.</span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I do not think Mama loved gardening. She did it, but it felt more like work than fun. We helped. Not always with joyful spirits. She did love the produce that came from the garden and we enjoyed the canned vegetables until the next season. Dad loved things made with homemade canned tomatoes. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This image was posted as a suggestion for a win-win garden tip. Plant marigolds between rows of vegetables to keep the critters from the veggies and it good for the at risk bee population. </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It reminded me of the tricks the Native people taught the settlers when they came. Corn, squash, and beans were called the three sisters. They grew better together.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This scripture is a perfect reminder that some things compliment each other. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;"><b>"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" -Galatians 5:22-23</b></span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">They grow better together! </span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful for garden tips.</span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-42454403297267339952024-03-18T21:00:00.000-07:002024-03-18T22:18:28.506-07:00Homecomings<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph0ca2BEH4lb2YjO0EV40UFbkdJ08CDevk0j1wYLUOLYSDR-jLM5fe5EBXIEGm5rAGu8T_OxepJNLNI8q1hucRPGVLg-YLf5sIRBsR_olCdrh9-TelmnW5jhPuSeG2vgTaSnKdCIWtKcA9bDn_kFpQ8dmHQ5jDupUd86zXOkLRfNoEgkAl5hnJbwAbf1U/s600/Homecomings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjph0ca2BEH4lb2YjO0EV40UFbkdJ08CDevk0j1wYLUOLYSDR-jLM5fe5EBXIEGm5rAGu8T_OxepJNLNI8q1hucRPGVLg-YLf5sIRBsR_olCdrh9-TelmnW5jhPuSeG2vgTaSnKdCIWtKcA9bDn_kFpQ8dmHQ5jDupUd86zXOkLRfNoEgkAl5hnJbwAbf1U/s320/Homecomings.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 78: Today, I am grateful for homecomings.</span><p></p><p>There is something wonderful about homecomings.</p><p> I've never been able to watch soldier homecomings without choking up. There was a commercial showing a soldier being reunited with her big, gray dog. The affection is deep and real. </p><p>Videos showing soldiers who show up at their children's schools when they get home always make me cry. </p><p>Young adults surprising parents with an unexpected homecoming from college is always sweet, too. </p><p>I could not help but think of Joseph being reunited with his father, Jacob, and brothers. The story has some really ugly parts, but the reunions, forgiveness, and redemption in the story are unforgettable. Joseph didn't go home. Home came to Joseph. God redeemed the ugly and turned for their good. He has a way of doing that. </p><p><b><span style="color: #ff5f03;">"When Joseph arrived, he embraced his father and wept, holding him for a long time. " Genesis 46:28b</span></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Today, I am grateful for homecomings.</span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-66749892736583466522024-03-17T20:00:00.000-07:002024-03-20T15:48:38.290-07:00A Good Night's Sleep<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN9WhKm3s_q0qDygSOLX2LIsKJAzXL6XTfUeYWjLW1sQIk4COcgVINxHIPq_mjFGdVwLtK4Eax60GNQ-preVE7ka-svtmhDrDisPsSBPcYeL36Kmg5kXsOZYwdKhibvdOJAtpvD7qM-PqPXtwocjF7r5fAnMNCLTlAJ6BRg9G2wdsFW7ypQp0kMpIQlJw/s225/IMG_7596.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEN9WhKm3s_q0qDygSOLX2LIsKJAzXL6XTfUeYWjLW1sQIk4COcgVINxHIPq_mjFGdVwLtK4Eax60GNQ-preVE7ka-svtmhDrDisPsSBPcYeL36Kmg5kXsOZYwdKhibvdOJAtpvD7qM-PqPXtwocjF7r5fAnMNCLTlAJ6BRg9G2wdsFW7ypQp0kMpIQlJw/s1600/IMG_7596.PNG" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 77: Today, I am grateful for a good night’s sleep. </span><p></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Rest is so important to well being. It is easy to neglect. I am not good at protecting my sleep hours. I feel better when I do. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday was full of physical activity. I could hear the bed calling me to sleep. So, I answered the call. A good sleep is the best way to recharge. </div></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>Today, I am grateful for a good night’s sleep.</div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-4597711226076381572024-03-15T22:30:00.000-07:002024-03-16T17:49:36.461-07:00Caribbean Blues<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 76: Today, I am grateful for Caribbean blues.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMBhXD5y9Z29kbJs0BlwKHYZ7gjeuVujNZQoVOYLI2zgKL_lncheqkzV5R_12wSd81lgNWrHYGYvv6burDQaNu8EX2SHn0M5z2tJ-JnZWDSuKYsuMyemeDbrvN8nTlOX0twIS1b9yvok7mIIWdj_U-8C6UZzY9MRDXVqH89ca4TbZho5TAk9jirjdrBAH/s4032/Jost%20Van%20Dyke%203-16-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMBhXD5y9Z29kbJs0BlwKHYZ7gjeuVujNZQoVOYLI2zgKL_lncheqkzV5R_12wSd81lgNWrHYGYvv6burDQaNu8EX2SHn0M5z2tJ-JnZWDSuKYsuMyemeDbrvN8nTlOX0twIS1b9yvok7mIIWdj_U-8C6UZzY9MRDXVqH89ca4TbZho5TAk9jirjdrBAH/s320/Jost%20Van%20Dyke%203-16-24.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">They are my favorite blues. They were Mama Ina Mae's, too. From the color of a robin's egg and sea glass to the blue ink of deeper waters. They are beautiful. beyond compare. </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My favorite is the color of Caribbean waters when the water is shallow. It is a clear and truly magnificent. I never tire of the color. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The majesty of His creation never ceases to awe and amaze. How many colors are there on the spectrum? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, I am grateful for Caribbean blues.</span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-26015772075822087832024-03-15T16:34:00.000-07:002024-03-15T16:51:13.648-07:00Sunscreen<div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP24iaCF0dONC6k-18UAItiUTYDP32CO2bW_jVLEFQsw7vIk76z1WMbS-QJH-kAjD3M2mh9D8hdgzZTRAjGvRaDXMulv8uyui2YyDNL3qbGTIZLjqU8TykWM5k2OUDQFQYml-Zg1ItQpMmV2T-Hg7JOM61jJ016u7k4hqQuD6ETeJGf7rQGLtauhx1w9C/s225/Wear%20Sunscreen.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP24iaCF0dONC6k-18UAItiUTYDP32CO2bW_jVLEFQsw7vIk76z1WMbS-QJH-kAjD3M2mh9D8hdgzZTRAjGvRaDXMulv8uyui2YyDNL3qbGTIZLjqU8TykWM5k2OUDQFQYml-Zg1ItQpMmV2T-Hg7JOM61jJ016u7k4hqQuD6ETeJGf7rQGLtauhx1w9C/s1600/Wear%20Sunscreen.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div>Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 75: Today, I am grateful for sunscreen.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love the sun. I do not like being sunburned. In this chapter of my life, I do not want to speed the aging process. Sunscreen is my friend. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back around 1997, Mary Schmich wrote a book called, <u>Wear Sunscreen (A Primer for Real Life).</u> If I recall, it was a graduation address. Someone was smart enough to encourage her to put it in a book. It is full of advice for the young just starting out. Wear sunscreen is the last tidbit of advice given.</div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sunscreen should be common sense, but it is sometimes an afterthought. I don't like how it feels. I do appreciate the benefits. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love the sun, but respect it, too. And don't forget the sunscreen. There are times we all need shelter. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; transition-property: none;"><b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock." -Psalm 27:5</span></span></b></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></div><div>That passage reminds me to be grateful for shelter and protection. </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I am grateful for sunscreen.</span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-73438202045454668592024-03-14T05:50:00.000-07:002024-03-14T17:53:33.032-07:00Play<div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRYDNvC5rywlJwU7YwmYd5vfzjHJKaLbigclFnzx0T7gwkA2c0F4QZ2Cfug5ZRAVv6ctqnMqhkR9b9N1evfZrXy6C5UBiGNersafx441t_WXqdxAh8vkN8ZEwM8KcodiU_1V6SnkZXOAhSo99pVtxCxVR1MHBd6tx-iOIw-eLpfcG7EaAcFkvAfyrofIu/s564/Play%20Albert%20Einstien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="564" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRYDNvC5rywlJwU7YwmYd5vfzjHJKaLbigclFnzx0T7gwkA2c0F4QZ2Cfug5ZRAVv6ctqnMqhkR9b9N1evfZrXy6C5UBiGNersafx441t_WXqdxAh8vkN8ZEwM8KcodiU_1V6SnkZXOAhSo99pVtxCxVR1MHBd6tx-iOIw-eLpfcG7EaAcFkvAfyrofIu/s320/Play%20Albert%20Einstien.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 74: Today, I am grateful for play.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red; font-family: inherit;"><b>"Play is the highest form of research." -Albert Einstein</b></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What a wonderful quote! It is full of truth. So many of the greatest discoveries in the world have been accidental or a result of play. While attempting to create or solve one problem, another fun discovery was made. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They say that play is a child's work. Grown-ups need play, too. Play increases our sense of well-being. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is your favorite form of play? For some it is art or dancing. For others, they sculpt beautiful gardens and carve from wood. A simple card game or crochet are different kinds of play. Write a song or a poem. It is all play. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy." -Psalm 33:3</span></span></b></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I am grateful for play.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-82807508900860992042024-03-13T06:18:00.000-07:002024-03-13T06:58:04.724-07:00Puzzles<div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhS5K5dYbtYl44c6AaZ7C9o9KN4EYweQ6x-7hyphenhyphenyvDjdjX-GPYasoyddbi7zbFBL4K33Se3Ilabk10N5B55EvrFdzdUJWXLqn9ihv6AS7OVpRJWQkyhrczKJjVBxMjOkKlxviqyEWkwegpz7ERcxRhZV8cG2seTyOmpbxhdTqNGIawQevrOtJkHxYXaR89/s914/Florida_White%20mountain%20Puzzle.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhS5K5dYbtYl44c6AaZ7C9o9KN4EYweQ6x-7hyphenhyphenyvDjdjX-GPYasoyddbi7zbFBL4K33Se3Ilabk10N5B55EvrFdzdUJWXLqn9ihv6AS7OVpRJWQkyhrczKJjVBxMjOkKlxviqyEWkwegpz7ERcxRhZV8cG2seTyOmpbxhdTqNGIawQevrOtJkHxYXaR89/s320/Florida_White%20mountain%20Puzzle.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 73: Today, I am grateful for puzzles. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I enjoy puzzles and mysteries. I like to figure things out before the solution is revealed. It is a good way to keep our brains active. Wordle is the latest word puzzle I use to relax. Some find it frustrating. I find it a way to unwind. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a fun memory of playing puzzles with Randy's side of the family a few years ago at our Craig and Monica's house (our nephew, niece, and great-niece, Addy, too). It is not something we get to do often, but we were gathered to grieve and had some extra time. It was a perfect way to hang out together with all ages. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The puzzle was a Florida map. Many conversations grew out of the places on the map of Florida. We shared memories and laughter. We made more memories. I can hear Lola and Sheryl saying, "Randy!" in a way that only sisters can. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are times puzzles are hard to figure out. It often seems the pieces do not fit together as they should. There are times when a piece does not seem right, but it fits perfectly in the end. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is a perfect metaphor of God's hand in the plan of our world and or lives. We tend to think we our the center of the universe. In our own families, we have to adjust if a family member has special needs or is simply struggling. Imagine being the Creator of the Universe and trying to balance one treasured child's needs against the other?</div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." - Romans 8:28</span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am grateful for the promise that even in the hard days, our God is working things out. I am grateful he designed us with a sense of curiosity and the desire to solve puzzles and mysteries. </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; transition-property: none;"><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I am grateful for puzzles. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div><br /></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-79528547722089424092024-03-12T17:30:00.000-07:002024-03-13T05:52:52.476-07:00Plants That Repel Mosquitoes<p></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><p></p><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; transition-property: none !important; widows: 2;"><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0589bXPt1TuMaG-C0IYhcBplY7ZNYVL_QEEJZlU5Dk2yU1vK9468BjoiZNLUm4OpcGoAcO21c5rv9ruXfw0V3J-mHg80blGjMWxALJKSGTbYsTrUJ93ngApdUDJbqTp13wkV1mvr1MJ-ahBiZFplticriQRbWv8bb-gGuj9zSLOP1ZqGexqtLfPjkZ1og/s1334/No%20Moquitto%20plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0589bXPt1TuMaG-C0IYhcBplY7ZNYVL_QEEJZlU5Dk2yU1vK9468BjoiZNLUm4OpcGoAcO21c5rv9ruXfw0V3J-mHg80blGjMWxALJKSGTbYsTrUJ93ngApdUDJbqTp13wkV1mvr1MJ-ahBiZFplticriQRbWv8bb-gGuj9zSLOP1ZqGexqtLfPjkZ1og/s320/No%20Moquitto%20plants.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 72: Today, I am grateful for plants that repel mosquitoes.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Warmer weather has me thinking about evenings on the patio. If it is nice, Randy and I eat out there most evenings. We love sitting under the pergola at the end of the day. Food tastes better outdoors. The only downside is the mosquitoes. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; animation-name: none !important; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-transform: none; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We grow mosquitoes fairly large in Illinois. They drive me crazy. I seem to be more </span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">susceptible</span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> than Randy. Did you know there are plants you can add to your landscape to ward off the unwanted mosquitoes? </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last year I planted lemongrass and citronella to deter the pesky bugs. There was a bit of basil too. I think this year I will be more intentional and add in some lavender, rosemary and lemon thyme to the mix. </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring plantings are just around the corner. The ambitious will start from seeds. I will make my way the local garden centers to capture my favorites. </span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; text-align: start; transition-property: none !important;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing </span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">plant</span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">s, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced </span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">plant</span><span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px;">s and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. -Genesis 1:12</span></span></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none !important; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none !important; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Some plants are really good! </div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none !important; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none !important;">Today, I am grateful for plants that repel mosquitoes. </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-79523075449421926012024-03-11T13:00:00.000-07:002024-03-13T05:46:09.855-07:00Great Expectations<div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi x1l90r2v x1swvt13" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id=":rrk:" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 16px 16px; transition-property: none;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="animation-name: none; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px; transition-property: none;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; transition-property: none;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x10flsy6 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x x4zkp8e x41vudc x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" color="var(--primary-text)" dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; word-break: break-word;"><div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEOWy22svdud2fM5L_qRdU_7pOS0dBVBGq5DlU0GuUZ15j_84nKd-Tzk1YiMUc0cWcj8veR1PWrcLpYk3SW2yQ6otDVh6Y4BvwLnQWj6gRKrUtHbhtq_tFqrIacHOpbeemtVWuLvxXjMGS9T1VTye2PWi9zvEOvDlmnfFpFX9-bjzTOy6mVF-yPn86G9u/s353/March%20Days%20C%20Dickens%20Great%20Expectations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEOWy22svdud2fM5L_qRdU_7pOS0dBVBGq5DlU0GuUZ15j_84nKd-Tzk1YiMUc0cWcj8veR1PWrcLpYk3SW2yQ6otDVh6Y4BvwLnQWj6gRKrUtHbhtq_tFqrIacHOpbeemtVWuLvxXjMGS9T1VTye2PWi9zvEOvDlmnfFpFX9-bjzTOy6mVF-yPn86G9u/s320/March%20Days%20C%20Dickens%20Great%20Expectations.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Gratitude Year 12 - Day 71: Today, I am grateful for great expectations.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">What an amazing description of March. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the winds blow cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." -Charles Dickens, Great Expectations</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I <span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><a style="animation-name: none; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>believe we read the book, "Great Expectations," in the 8th Grade with Miss Rosie Chalfant. Some of my Nash Jr. High/ CHS classmates may be able to confirm or deny that memory. Perhaps Dickens was an early influence on my love of descriptive language. Miss Evelyn Schlie led us through a "Tale of Two Cities" in high school. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Miss Margaret Mills was our leader through Shakespeare, and she would have had it no other way. "MacBeth" was so witty, once we started to understand the language. And "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I have reread parts of it as an adult. It is classic literature and points to the fact that people do not really change that much over the centuries. The clothing and language may change, but choices driven by love, deception, power struggles, family feuds, economic challenges, and bribery are the same. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I am grateful my English teachers had great expectations for us. Many from my days at Central High School have gone on to use the power of their words for good, for entertainment, and to research and record history, to interpret the law, and to write well because our Language Arts teachers would not let us be defeated by difficult language. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">I failed to mention two very special teachers. My 6th grade teacher, Ms. Pat Braun-Schroeder, was the first to encourage me to write and embrace my love of words. She knew me. I baby-sat for her children and loved being with her. She gave me one of my most treasured books... a Thesaurus with a warning that words could be powerful and I should choose and use them wisely. I am so grateful we have stayed connected over these many years. She was my first real mentor and today I count her as a friend. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Last but not least, forget Mrs. Clara Schroeder, who taught Language Arts to a class of squirrely seventh graders at tables in the Library. I remember assignments where she turned us loose in the midst of the books. I think she longed to instill a love of reading in us and she did. She sparked our curiosity, too. She had great expectations. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">Great teachers see our potential. They walk with us through the learning curves. They encourage us to learn and grow from our struggles. They expect it. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">We can cling to the great expectation we have because of our hope in Jesus. He conquered death so we might be redeemed. We have a priceless inheritance. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;">"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay " -1 Peter 1:3</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition-property: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"> Today, I am grateful for great expectations.</div></div></span></div></div></div></div><div class="x1n2onr6" id=":rrl:" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><a class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n2onr6 x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz x1lliihq x1pdlv7q" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10229842392498533&set=a.1076266141425&__cft__[0]=AZXQ3blYxzBirSS6DdlQ_5RZ4014qmxSjPfqIWhdgszwzYuP4YQ8ye3-gnu82vkbm5R9KVV0rSf_H6VJC9oCQN1bZNb1RjXEAuF8fLRfsHBCT8IfwuYohcI1iSxgKjpkfbXIeqE69GMwoL2OkcnDK3rqxHSqD0WCnzvY9xmiw2KcJg&__tn__=EH-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; display: block; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><div class="x6s0dn4 x1jx94hy x78zum5 xdt5ytf x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6 xh8yej3" style="align-items: center; animation-name: none; background-color: #fdfff9; display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative; transition-property: none; width: 500px;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; max-width: 100%; min-width: 500px; transition-property: none; width: calc((100vh + -325px) * 0.668555);"><div class="xqtp20y x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 747.875px; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x10l6tqk x13vifvy" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; height: 747.875px; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; transition-property: none; width: 500px;"><img alt="May be an image of text that says 'IT WAS ONE OF THOSE MARCH DAYS WHEN THE SUN SHINES HOT AND THE WIND BLOWS COLD: WHEN IT IS SUMMER IN THE LIGHT, AND WINTER IN THE SHADE. CHARLES DICKENS'" class="x1ey2m1c xds687c x5yr21d x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy xh8yej3 xl1xv1r" height="353" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://scontent.fstx1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/432623897_10229842392458532_5736376348455229543_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=2HM-54mGifIAX-XA2GT&_nc_ht=scontent.fstx1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAGHzMo2cU3_7m08hFjAw8WDzHqc8dpyatL31PLFUm7lA&oe=65F62490" style="animation-name: none; border: 0px; height: 747.875px; inset: 0px; object-fit: cover; position: absolute; transition-property: none; width: 500px;" width="236" /></div></div></div></div><div class="xua58t2 xzg4506 x1ey2m1c xds687c x47corl x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy" style="animation-name: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); border-top: 1px solid var(--media-inner-border); font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-property: none;"></div><div class="x1ey2m1c xds687c x17qophe xg01cxk x47corl x10l6tqk x13vifvy x1ebt8du x19991ni x1dhq9h x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m" data-visualcompletion="ignore" role="none" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: inherit; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-duration: var(--fds-duration-extra-extra-short-out); transition-property: none; transition-timing-function: var(--fds-animation-fade-out);"></div></a></div><div class="x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"></div></div></div><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x168nmei x13lgxp2 x30kzoy x9jhf4c x6ikm8r x10wlt62" data-visualcompletion="ignore-dynamic" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: 0px 0px 8px 8px; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><div class="x1n2onr6" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; position: relative; transition-property: none;"><div class="x6s0dn4 xi81zsa x78zum5 x6prxxf x13a6bvl xvq8zen xdj266r xktsk01 xat24cr x1d52u69 x889kno x4uap5 x1a8lsjc xkhd6sd xdppsyt" style="align-items: center; animation-name: none; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--divider); color: var(--secondary-text); display: flex; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; justify-content: flex-end; line-height: 1.3333; margin: 0px 16px; padding: 10px 0px; transition-property: none;"><div class="x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1iyjqo2 x6ikm8r x10wlt62" style="align-items: center; animation-name: none; background-color: white; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-grow: 1; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; overflow: hidden; transition-property: none;"><span aria-label="See who reacted to this" class="x1ja2u2z" role="toolbar" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none; z-index: 0;"><span class="x6s0dn4 x78zum5 x1e558r4" id=":rrn:" style="align-items: center; animation-name: none; display: flex; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><span class="x6zyg47 x1xm1mqw xpn8fn3 xtct9fg x13zp6kq x1mcfq15 xrosliz x1wb7cse x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi xamhcws xol2nv xlxy82 x19p7ews xmix8c7 x139jcc6 x1n2onr6 x1xp8n7a xhtitgo" style="animation-name: none; border-bottom-color: var(--card-background); border-left-color: var(--card-background); border-radius: 11px; border-right-color: var(--card-background); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--card-background); border-width: 2px; font-family: inherit; height: 18px; margin-left: -4px; position: relative; transition-property: none; width: 18px; z-index: 2;"><span class="x12myldv x1udsgas xrc8dwe xxxhv2y x1rg5ohu xmix8c7 x1xp8n7a" style="animation-name: none; border-radius: 9px; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; height: 18px; transition-property: none; width: 18px;"><span class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1h9r5lt x1jfb8zj xv2umb2 x1beo9mf xaigb6o x12ejxvf x3igimt xarpa2k xedcshv x1lytzrv x1t2pt76 x7ja8zs x1qrby5j" style="align-items: inherit; align-self: inherit; animation-name: none; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; transition-property: none; width: inherit;"><div aria-label="Like: 10 people" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n2onr6 x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x3nfvp2 x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); 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align-self: inherit; animation-name: none; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; flex: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; max-height: inherit; max-width: inherit; min-height: inherit; min-width: inherit; place-content: inherit; transition-property: none; width: inherit;"><div aria-label="Love: 10 people" class="x1i10hfl x1qjc9v5 xjbqb8w xjqpnuy xa49m3k xqeqjp1 x2hbi6w x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x9f619 x1ypdohk xdl72j9 x2lah0s xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x2lwn1j xeuugli xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x1n2onr6 x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1ja2u2z x1t137rt x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x3nfvp2 x1q0g3np x87ps6o x1lku1pv x1a2a7pz" role="button" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); 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animation-name: none; background-color: transparent; border-radius: inherit; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: inherit; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 1.3333em; outline: none; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation; transition-property: none; user-select: none; z-index: 1;" tabindex="0"><div class="x9f619 x1ja2u2z xzpqnlu x1hyvwdk xjm9jq1 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk x1i1rx1s" style="animation-name: none; box-sizing: border-box; clip-path: inset(50%); clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); font-family: inherit; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; transition-property: none; width: 1px; z-index: 0;">All reactions:</div><span aria-hidden="true" class="xrbpyxo x6ikm8r x10wlt62 xlyipyv x1exxlbk" style="animation-name: none; float: left; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; transition-property: none; width: 100px;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="xt0b8zv x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;">21</span></span></span><span class="xt0b8zv x2bj2ny xrbpyxo xl423tq" style="animation-name: none; background-color: var(--surface-background); float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-left: -100px; transition-property: none;"><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;">Jan Smith, Cynthia Jennings Andrews and 19 others</span></span></span><div><span style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; transition-property: none;"><span class="x1e558r4" style="animation-name: none; font-family: inherit; padding-left: 4px; transition-property: none;"><br /></span></span></div></div></span></div></div><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x78zum5 x2lah0s x1qughib x1qjc9v5 xozqiw3 x1q0g3np xykv574 xbmpl8g x4cne27 xifccgj" style="align-items: stretch; animation-name: none; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #65676b; display: flex; flex-flow: row nowrap; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; justify-content: space-between; margin: -6px; position: relative; transition-property: none; z-index: 0;"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-80327616347788760562024-03-10T10:00:00.000-07:002024-03-10T17:43:53.538-07:00Waiting on the Daffodils<p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi27MA497t4fTHeAw4kIfH3WoOQwTMh8od4F7DY6M4JEemaRqg8AxMctyvavXN72ENLhRXbQpocqFiQJqYPHHSyzywx20UrrPNYWtTc6z2EFkR4Un6QEe0qf_V2cE61JXOcBXaH08NmhZukpdtNlHp_Vqv8GLGgzIUiY0R9pT88ehz875NcHO1-1usKdQ/s400/daffodils%20waiting.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="400" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQi27MA497t4fTHeAw4kIfH3WoOQwTMh8od4F7DY6M4JEemaRqg8AxMctyvavXN72ENLhRXbQpocqFiQJqYPHHSyzywx20UrrPNYWtTc6z2EFkR4Un6QEe0qf_V2cE61JXOcBXaH08NmhZukpdtNlHp_Vqv8GLGgzIUiY0R9pT88ehz875NcHO1-1usKdQ/s320/daffodils%20waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 70: Today, I am grateful for waiting on the daffodils.</span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white;">Title</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 16px;">: Daffodils, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 16px;">Etching, <br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Crete Round"; font-size: 16px;">Artist:Isabel Saul (early to mid-1900’s) </span></div><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Crete Round;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>"Daffodils come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with Beauty. The Winter's Tale. William Shakespeare.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I have not seen this verse before. Shakespeare did have a way with words, didn't he? He must have been so observant of the details of the world around him. The people and nature, too. He is spot on about daffodils. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I have mentioned the brave little crocus, but after the crocus is spent, the daffodils and tulips are on their way. I really like yellow. It is not my favorite color, but it is high on the list. Yellow is sunlight, warmth, and hope. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">That the courageous little daffodil dares the winds of March before the swallows return is a powerful testimony to beauty in the winds of changing seasons. (I have a wind theme going this week, apparently.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">When the winds hit the daffodil, it chooses to dance. It is built for the dance with a stem that is not too thick... and not too thin. It is just right. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">"Lord, we are grateful for the lessons you give us in nature everyday. Help us to pause and ponder what you long to teach us. You want us to see the examples before us. Too often, I am in a hurry. Help me to slow down to watch, listen, and learn without a crisis. Fill our hearts with a hunger to chase your heart in the ordinary days. We thank you for the gift and lessons from the daffodils." -Amen</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">One scripture passage stands out like song: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">"To everything there is a season..." but as I headed to Ecclesiastes, I received my verse of the day. What do you know... His is better than mine. (Imagine that... He wins again!)</span></p><div id="verse-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 34px; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." -1 Peter 3:15</b></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">The daffodil dances before our Lord in the sometimes bitter winds, and keeps on shining with all of its hope and purpose. Resiliency and beauty before us. The hope and promise of good days around the corner. While we wait, don't forget to dance!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful for waiting on the daffodils.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-54161025800658103342024-03-09T10:00:00.000-08:002024-03-09T10:00:00.144-08:00A Plan<p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNmQ3VTnaFxtEbC3iEpXEPm6vxK1Pl2TgkkyrGB6nmrMu6SdG9vL5iaq-MCw2A8An_wfVsvj4qhpdXHe0wA4DZsYtbVZQOdtQCYDP3yCxxpjmcdrwhA3SVSKi6Yhh-IMlC8P0sbXSlv18hLCP1q0lkW8KNMlCeBP3XS4g5U30MAMTWfKCkQnVn1xo_cEp/s810/No%20Longer%20an%20Option%20Mary%20E.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNmQ3VTnaFxtEbC3iEpXEPm6vxK1Pl2TgkkyrGB6nmrMu6SdG9vL5iaq-MCw2A8An_wfVsvj4qhpdXHe0wA4DZsYtbVZQOdtQCYDP3yCxxpjmcdrwhA3SVSKi6Yhh-IMlC8P0sbXSlv18hLCP1q0lkW8KNMlCeBP3XS4g5U30MAMTWfKCkQnVn1xo_cEp/s320/No%20Longer%20an%20Option%20Mary%20E.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 69: Today, I am grateful for a plan.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Mary Englebreit is a St. Louis artist. She has been my favorite for more than three decades. I discovered her before Chase was born through my friend, Karen Smith. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Her art resonates with my soul on so many levels. She loves all of the colors. She uses favorite quotes on all of her art. She raised two boys and "gets it". She loves the girly thing, too. If you appreciate a little sarcasm, you might get that, too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">"Your Life. No Longer an Option." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">The image here has been one of my favorites. It is a reminder that life is full of choices. We make some of them. Others are made for us. We have to adjust to Plan B, Plan C, and so on. Own it. Embrace it. Grieve when you must, because life is full of hard things, but press on. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><i>We cannot change the wind, but we can harness the winds of change. </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Even in the storms of life, His Hand is real. There is a bigger plan than mine. His is much more important. "That all might be saved" is a big number. Each one in the vast sea of "all" must decide for themselves. </span></p><p><span style="color: red; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. -2 Timothy 1:9</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">From the beginning of time is a long time! His plan is about the long game. There are wins and losses along the way, but He is always faithful. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Stay the course. Embrace the changes in the winds. Trust His hand in the plan. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I am grateful for a plan. </span></p><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></p><div id="verse-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 24px; line-height: 34px; margin-top: 1em; min-width: 0px;"><br /></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-47351211353579698362024-03-08T17:27:00.000-08:002024-03-08T17:34:58.374-08:00Familiar Faces & Places<p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPH0SXWIZ26FP0yUB8D_f74idB9TTWt1m8EIhCkTybYG4bgRYfi8H9_0YKnLJHO4od0R3ki5CEJrJhxW4OXiWePqds1fRgvbDVLbY1EVCoMumMLUScPER-BntuEWXoCLQRpVCobtF6pX9xsNPL-G_OwUlj-flmOUa4IK2xMitIbm6cMeCOQp5yOq3uS6d/s750/Central%20Perk.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPH0SXWIZ26FP0yUB8D_f74idB9TTWt1m8EIhCkTybYG4bgRYfi8H9_0YKnLJHO4od0R3ki5CEJrJhxW4OXiWePqds1fRgvbDVLbY1EVCoMumMLUScPER-BntuEWXoCLQRpVCobtF6pX9xsNPL-G_OwUlj-flmOUa4IK2xMitIbm6cMeCOQp5yOq3uS6d/s320/Central%20Perk.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 68: Today, I am grateful for familiar faces and places.</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">In every chapter of our lives there are familiar spaces and places. Remember the old T.V. Show "Cheers?" The theme song was "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name." What about "Central Perk" where all of the "Friends" would hang out for a decade through many life changes. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">When Walker was little, he loved to go to Panera. (For those who are unfamiliar, they are known for their soups, salads, bagels, pastries, and paninis. ) Before Walker was 3-years-old he had a well developed vocabulary. He would walk up to Miss Jacqui at Panera and clearly order, 'Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a bread bowl, please." By the time Walker went to school, he and Miss Jacqui had a relationship. She would not even ask our names. The order was always called out as "Walker." When he started school, she sent him a cookie to let him know she missed his familiar face. Honestly, Jill and I missed our little sidekick, too. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">When we go home it is special to walk the halls of our old schools. When we go away, it is good to return to our favorite places. In a nutshell, there is comfort in the familiar. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Isn't it amazing to know that God knows us? It is in that familiar way that makes us feel like being welcomed home after a long journey. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 19.2px; letter-spacing: 0.384px;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Crete Round;">You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. Psalm 139:1</span></b></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful for familiar faces and places.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></div>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-47378719025483463392024-03-08T17:00:00.000-08:002024-03-11T13:47:28.330-07:00Great Expectations<p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYosNe4iAJUldqA5loMKHF4zLaMw_ctC4StyydG8QC4FS2WOdt7u-DwTgPIQP2Pil1z1fHWGrUlUSjV15dRIAAgmF2RswKdRF3TU85EHHUxwiqM51jwLspy-BhYINsKoZ74Dwu3ycbc-G3IupwnNEvwosUeX3_mQKondwKE7g6iYd8LeqlYYVkRdPfWiC/s353/March%20Days%20C%20Dickens%20Great%20Expectations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYosNe4iAJUldqA5loMKHF4zLaMw_ctC4StyydG8QC4FS2WOdt7u-DwTgPIQP2Pil1z1fHWGrUlUSjV15dRIAAgmF2RswKdRF3TU85EHHUxwiqM51jwLspy-BhYINsKoZ74Dwu3ycbc-G3IupwnNEvwosUeX3_mQKondwKE7g6iYd8LeqlYYVkRdPfWiC/s320/March%20Days%20C%20Dickens%20Great%20Expectations.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 71: Today, I am grateful for great expectations.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">What an amazing description of March. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the winds blow cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." -Charles Dickens, Great Expectations</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I believe we read the book, "Great Expectations," in the 8th Grade with Miss Rosie Chalfant. Some of my Nash Jr. High/ CHS classmates may be able to confirm or deny that memory. Perhaps Dickens was an early influence on my love of descriptive language. Miss Evelyn Schlie led us through a "Tale of Two Cities" in high school. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Miss Margaret Mills was our leader through Shakespeare, and she would have had it no other way. "MacBeth" was so witty, once we started to understand the language. And "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, I have reread parts of it as an adult. It is classic literature and points to the fact that people do not really change that much over the centuries. The clothing and language may change, but choices driven by love, deception, power struggles, family feuds, economic challenges, and bribery are the same. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I am grateful my English teachers had great expectations for us. Many from my days at Central High School have gone on to use the power of their words for good, for entertainment, and to research and record history, to interpret the law, and to write well because our Language Arts teachers would not let us be defeated by difficult language. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">I failed to mention two very special teachers. My 6th grade teacher, Ms. Pat Braun-Schroeder, was the first to encourage me to write and embrace my love of words. She knew me. I baby-sat for her children and loved being with her. She gave me one of my most treasured books... a Thesaurus with a warning that words could be powerful and I should choose and use them wisely. I am so grateful we have stayed connected over these many years. She was my first real mentor and today I count her as a friend. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Last but not least, forget Mrs. Clara Schroeder, who taught Language Arts to a class of squirrely seventh graders at tables in the Library. I remember assignments where she turned us loose in the midst of the books. I think she longed to instill a love of reading in us and she did. She sparked our curiosity, too. She had great expectations. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Great teachers see our potential. They walk with us through the learning curves. They encourage us to learn and grow from our struggles. They expect it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">We can cling to the great expectation we have because of our hope in Jesus. He conquered death so we might be redeemed. We have a priceless inheritance. </span></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay</span> " -1 Peter 1:3</b></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful for great expectations.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></div><p></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-90363188321631372792024-03-07T18:36:00.000-08:002024-03-07T18:39:16.084-08:00Safety Checks<p> <br /></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Gratitude Year 12 - Day 67: Today, I am grateful for safety checks.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">"Safety First" was a book Chase loved to read when he was little. It was in the Disney Babies series of books. He would say, "Let's talk about dangerous things." He wanted to know the safety rules. Walker, on the other hand, was more of a test subject to see if something was dangerous. There were many times we were grateful for the safety testing that goes into products before we use them.</span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Safety checks are important in public transportation, on heavy farm and construction equipment, and car seats. Remember your first seat belt? Mine was my mother's arm flung across the passenger side of the car. Yes, that dates me a little. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Safety checks can slow things down, but they are time well spent. One tiny safety check can save many tears. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">When a worksite posts how many days they have been without an accident, it says safety is a priority. Those who are wise, practice safety checks in other areas of their lives, too. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">King Solomon asked God for wisdom when God offered him anything. His request is proof he had an understanding of the value of wisdom. </span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Crete Round;"><b><span style="font-size: 16px;">During Solomon’s lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">safe</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">ty, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree. -</span>1 Kings 4:25</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"></span></p><p style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Today, I am grateful for safety checks.</span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-39516026668697966042024-03-06T21:38:00.000-08:002024-03-06T21:38:41.249-08:00Searches<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCD24LhLgFWtfSTnKeWnSfV_PgKBn4o8g2hBQJ0i8Nf9fC-_rIvV5QfHVphSex4-P6LxwQ_rQDXDlaBSpu5L5sTksFzW5WB012jXc15mrZ69A9RTzYTFIvhSKaPHFMeMDiJezHhkwuKNdhEJOysP--CfgfJ9oXJEs3Y0dWcMbnc7LXLBoenKlKZyk8n2Oz" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCD24LhLgFWtfSTnKeWnSfV_PgKBn4o8g2hBQJ0i8Nf9fC-_rIvV5QfHVphSex4-P6LxwQ_rQDXDlaBSpu5L5sTksFzW5WB012jXc15mrZ69A9RTzYTFIvhSKaPHFMeMDiJezHhkwuKNdhEJOysP--CfgfJ9oXJEs3Y0dWcMbnc7LXLBoenKlKZyk8n2Oz" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 66: Today, I am grateful for searches. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Anytime we travel, I am the one who gets pulled and searched by the TSA. I must have a dangerous look. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I do my best to not get grumpy. They are doing their job. They are trying to keep us safe. I've been patted, scanned, and rescanned. Many years ago, I never stopped setting off the metal detector. They final gave up and let me through. There is only so much you can take off in public.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">Another time I was traveling from a conference at St. Jude in Memphis. The presenter was a precious nun who worked with Elizabeth Kubler Ross who wrote the book, "On Death and Dying." The book was a best seller and the first to really talk about the grief process. The sweet sister and I shared a cab and made our way to security. I warned her of my gift for getting pulled for extra scanning. She laughed and said, "I get it all the time, too." She was wearing a traditional habit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">On the surface, she and I did not look that suspicious, right? But a scanner sees what is hidden. It made me think of this verse. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. -Psalm 139:23-24</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";">I need the accountability of knowing that he know my heart. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"> </span><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"> Today, I am grateful for searches. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7786715192217035567.post-62439169553495476192024-03-05T21:35:00.000-08:002024-03-05T21:35:02.807-08:00Perfect Faithfulness: The Crocus<p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd7-c0XQrnpLraeH4U7sBG-KXBtRyze4DdvzG7e3XlWCfpyA8kK0VEDr23NhALX_2yIf8egpoUr5Ec1aW5Sdz_7VbxGdjafwfVvzaw7YkNpvoewMrBP2sh8jMgXpaJzxn7jg5plAHJOUxLudV5j8kQu6dJ3_R0Tye8UtckKPnSVnBhApRXk1UufaOlySza" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd7-c0XQrnpLraeH4U7sBG-KXBtRyze4DdvzG7e3XlWCfpyA8kK0VEDr23NhALX_2yIf8egpoUr5Ec1aW5Sdz_7VbxGdjafwfVvzaw7YkNpvoewMrBP2sh8jMgXpaJzxn7jg5plAHJOUxLudV5j8kQu6dJ3_R0Tye8UtckKPnSVnBhApRXk1UufaOlySza" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Daily Gratitude Year 12 - Day 65: Today, I am grateful for perfect faithfulness. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Our crocus just came up. I have always thought of them as brave little flowers. They are one of the first flowers to break out on the cusp of Spring. I am particularly fond of the purple color in this image. Not all of them are bright. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">Did you know that precious spice, saffron, comes from the stamen of the crocus flower? I didn't.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"> Randy knew it. He probably learned it while watching Alton Brown. Something about that little bit of learning resonates with my soul. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">The crocus is such a humble little flower, yet it produces a spice that may be more precious than gold. It is the most expensive spice in the world. From something that appears insignificant, comes something treasured. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;">His faithfulness is part of the process. His hand is on the crocus flower, and it is on us, too. </span></p><p><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Crete Round;"><b>Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. -Isaiah 25:1</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: "Crete Round";"> Today, I am grateful for perfect faithfulness. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Crete Round;"><br /></span></p>Valerie's HeARThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11795664709144216257noreply@blogger.com0