tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-118836582024-03-06T23:18:57.164-06:00Stained Glass PickupInspirational and fiction writing in a farm setting near a metropolis--Loving God, family and friends is the way I choose to spend my time. Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.comBlogger439125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-1018321563090316832014-09-18T11:39:00.000-05:002014-09-18T11:39:38.144-05:00Mud Dauber Determination<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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To feed their families, the mud daubers (dirt daubers) pack their dinners on my back porch. Spiders seem especially tasty to them, so they paralyze the main course and stuff them into their custom designed nursery units. <br />
Mud daubers are members of the wasp family and are not hostile "stingers" as are some of their cousins. However, they are aggressive in another area: nursery construction and stocking of provisions. In the summer, the female frequents the edges of a mud puddle where she rolls wet dirt into tiny balls about the size of a BB. Then, she flies one uniform ball at a time, held in her mandibles (jaws), to her construction site. Pellet by pellet she constructs tubes shaped like organ pipes. The females in South Texas seem partial to the mortar indentations on my bricked back porch. Bit by bit, BB by BB they carry out their mission to ensure the survival of their young. <img align="left" src="http://img.heartlight.org/articles/black_widow_spider.jpg" height="200" hspace="8" vspace="8" width="300" />Upon completion of one nursery tube, mama mud dauber lays an egg, right on top of the food supply. Yes. On top of paralyzed spiders. She's done her homework. The spiders will not harm the larvae when they hatch, they will only nourish the larvae. Each species of mud daubers prefers certain types of spiders for their nursery pantries. One even prefers the immature black widow spider for its food supply. Horrifying to me, but mud dauber moms seal their unborn in cylinders with live spiders. However, the precautious moms have made sure that harm cannot come to the next generation.<br />
Read the rest of the article from link<br />
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<a href="http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201408/20140831_mud_dauber.html">http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201408/20140831_mud_dauber.html</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-16589657493068914942014-05-10T13:01:00.001-05:002014-05-10T13:01:50.058-05:00Lucy, Daniel, and Chance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Find an article about Lucy, Daniel, and Chance at this link. Don't miss this treasure of a story about Lucy and motherhood. I had the pleasure of interviewing Lucy for this article.<br />
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<a href="http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201405/20140509_mothersgrace.html">http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201405/20140509_mothersgrace.html</a> </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-88475114495268392442014-05-09T09:51:00.000-05:002014-05-09T09:51:05.640-05:00Monday's List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When Monday's list seems long, I remember my theme scripture from 2013 and pray that God will make it a reality in my life: "March on, my soul; be strong!" (5:21).<br />
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Those encouraging words come from Judge Deborah in the Old Testament (Judges 4-5). In her lyrical battle poem she recalls God's victory over Israel's enemy. If we had interviewed Israel's commanding officer, Barak, and we could only take in statistics and what the eyes saw, Israel was about to get the "daylight beat out of them." (I'm from Arkansas, and we heard that often, probably from an adult aggravated by rowdy children). The Canaanite oppressors had 900 iron chariots, and history says three warriors often rode in each chariot. Plus they had foot soldiers and they had iron weapons, including shields and spears.<br />
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The Philistines had removed the iron and welders from Israel. Israel no doubt had a few tools to skin animals and do their garden work, but basically, Israel is about to go up against their enemy with pocket knives and garden hoes. Except........God had told Deborah, "Go, and I'll be with you." So, Deborah called upon soldier Barak, and they went.<br />
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Because of the wording of Barak and Deborah's victory song, scholars believe that God sent a thunderstorm to stop the Canaanites. Blinding rain and thick mud can do a number on chariot wheels and charioteers. Why else would the enemy commander, Sisera, abandon his chariot and take off on foot? He jumped chariot. And when he set out on foot, he met his demise when the cunning homemaker Jael refreshed him with buttermilk, covered him with a blanket, and said get some rest. Nothing like a tent peg and a hammer for nailing your enemy to the tent floor. but that's another story for another day. <br />
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Combat details aside, I love that Deborah relates that during the battle, she stopped and gave herself a pep talk, "March on, my soul; be strong!" I understand this. Women do this all the time. We know God is alongside, but we still have these internal monologues with self. The Margarets, Cathys, and Jessicas spur ourselves on in our individual lives: "Come on, Margaret, you can do one more thing before you collapse in bed." "Okay, Jessica, get going, these clothes aren't going to fold themselves." "How can you get so distracted, Cathy, get back to your to-do list."<br />
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A soul solo. A pep talk. A reminder. A hurrah speech to self. Oh, Deborah, we women understand. We want to walk in God's will. We want to finish the race. We want to succeed with families. We want to stay the course. We long to know that we'll finish all God planned for us. Thank you, Father, for sending Deborah's words across thousands of years and from among the "galloping steeds" and "thundering horse hooves." <br />
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We hear her voice. Father, we trust in your care. So, we say confidently to self, "March on, my soul: be strong!" </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-48717110681651540842013-11-06T10:42:00.000-06:002013-11-06T10:42:00.214-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Don’t Use Sexy to Sell Me a Pair of
Shoes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The actor swirls around in a
clingy dress wearing stilettos. Viewers even see her naked calves hanging over
the side of a white bathtub, her feet wrapped in stylish heels. In another scene
with no seeming inhibitions, the actor dances with allurement. Oh yes, and
there’s a man in the commercial. He has a glint in his eye or is that a leer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>See,
there’s the problem. The utmost thing this commercial said was that shoes
attract a man. Do they keep your feet dry? Are they supportive? Do they hold up
fallen arches? I don’t know because all I really saw was the flashy image of an
alluring female and skyscraper shoes. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
skeptical. The ad implies that shoes draw a man’s interest. I want proof. I
want to see a thick curtain and behind it women’s clad feet shown from the
ankle down. I want to see men picking a woman by just seeing her feet. Would any
man really point to a set of feet, “Yeah Baby! I choose her.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
confused. In the current ad on TV, are they selling shoes or sexy?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
suppose some truth lies in the commercial. Fellows do like high heels. At least
mine does. I like to wear them for him since there’s a foot difference in our
heights. It’s nice to be nearer to his face for a little impromptu kissing
should the urge hit. But then we’re not prone to overt public displays of
affection, and, no, I don’t wear heels to bake potatoes at home. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
the above paragraph, I meant to put “truth” and “lies” right next to each other
in the first sentence because that’s what so many television ads do. They serve
up a product or brand logo with illusions: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunglasses at night will cut headlight glare;
cat litter makes your house smell tidy not feline; fake butter tastes like real
butter; burn belly fat while eating ice cream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some
advertisers do practice some truth in advertising, and look how their taglines
have caught on: “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.” And, plenty of Americans know
that “the best part of wakin’ up” is coffee in the cup, whether it’s Folgers or
not. Astute advertisers know their audiences. On the old reruns of family safe
TV shows and movies, a staggering array of ads geared toward senior citizens
fill in the gaps between show scenes: cereals with fiber, burial insurance, and
a medicine cabinet full of cures, plus those for motorized scooters and reverse
mortgages touted by Fonzie of “Happy Days.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Whoa.
I’d better stop. You don’t want to hear about the “happy days” of reversing a
reverse mortgage. All I can say is when our family paid off a parents’ reverse mortgage
the interest rates and fees were stiletto. And it took half of their investments
to buy back their home worth five times what the mortgage company had loaned. You
get the picture. Don’t believe everything you hear hawked by the makers of a
product.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now,
back to feet and shoes. I long for truth in advertising. I’d rather see a foot
with a bunion and then the happy face of a senior woman when she finally gets a
comfortable pair of shoes fitted to her feet—granny shoes are good ‘cause at
some time most women will have granny feet. I long to see beach shoes covering
the soles of young feet keeping them from the burning sand, or even snazzy
shoes on teens going to a high school football game. Just give me a real
scenario without the sexual innuendoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m
not naïve, I know that advertisers think if sexy is present at least the males
pay attention to the ad. And the feminist notice and other women who are offended
by ads using the female body to sell products. But PR firms have also thrown in their share of hunks to lure women: from yogurt
to pizza to floor cleaners, they give us glimpses of brawny men along with mops
and buckets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One
of the newer Skittles candy commercials showed a girl kissing a boy who smiled
and had Skittles in place of his teeth. Some of the Skittles were missing after
the kiss—the tagline “French the rainbow. Taste the Rainbow.” After complaints Wrigley,
makers of Skittles, changed the line to “Kiss the rainbow. Taste the rainbow.” Their
change is somewhat admirable (after a parent alarm went off), but their original
appeal to sixth grade boys has costs them some longtime purchasers, who say
they’ll never buy Skittles again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Back
to shoes and all other ads, please, tell us about the product. Use humor, jingles,
facts, characters, or metaphor but please know we’re not fools who will swallow
anything you set before us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From
<a href="http://buzzle.com/">Buzzle.com</a> “</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">David Ogilvy wrote in
his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Confessions of an Advertising
Man</i>, ‘The consumer isn't a moron. She is your wife.’ Whenever you take a
look at different advertising techniques and those examples that you would like
to use in order to design your own advertising strategies, keep in mind this
little tip from Mr. Ogilvy. After all he is not called the father of modern
advertising for no reason.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So really, you want me to buy a pair
of women’s shoes because you showed me stilettos and naked calves draped over the
side of a bathtub. Do I look like a moron? All I’m asking is for truth in
advertising and don’t use sexy to sell me a pair of shoes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-2754255544752076582013-11-05T09:05:00.001-06:002013-11-05T09:05:47.091-06:00Article Featured at Heartlight.org <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Pool of Mercy" article featured at <a href="http://www.heartlight.org/articles/201311/20131102_poolofmercy.html">Heartlight.org</a> To read and/or share. Thanks, friends.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-88905110844456703272013-10-04T05:30:00.000-05:002013-10-04T05:30:01.989-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>An interview and book drawing with Anita Higman author of <em>Winter in Full Bloom</em></strong>
(Leave a comment to enter book drawing)
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSaGOg0-y5KFSirba86mn6rrJ-uTxAQBNBGza_G4Cq7QDE-jo23hFQzL5orYo4ofbyhYrZHxxZJIr2N8SnMMteftDNpSJtOmX4sAitSbrvURyAvv1T-5a04EwiGXn_n4FvQVRIg/s1600/Winter+in+Fulll+Bloom+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSaGOg0-y5KFSirba86mn6rrJ-uTxAQBNBGza_G4Cq7QDE-jo23hFQzL5orYo4ofbyhYrZHxxZJIr2N8SnMMteftDNpSJtOmX4sAitSbrvURyAvv1T-5a04EwiGXn_n4FvQVRIg/s320/Winter+in+Fulll+Bloom+Book+Cover.jpg" width="209" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Welcome my guest, Anita Higman, prolific author and communicator. I've read Winter in Full Bloom and here's my review: </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sincerity and sparkly
humor in a well-told story describes Anita Higman's latest offering,
<strong><em>Winter in Full Bloom.</em></strong> Set in Australia and Texas, the author
expertly melds the lives of a widow, a daughter, a sister, a reluctant mother,
and a man estranged from his family. A romance blossoms as characters find
their way out of life scrapes. The twist-and-turn story kept me wondering what
would happen next, and thanks to Anita's imagination, rarely was anything
predictable. One of my favorite things about this book was that Anita wove the
characters' faith into the story in a compelling and natural way. That way, I
too could grow as the story moved along. Thank you, Anita Higman, keep writing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<strong>Cathy:</strong><em> Winter in Full
Bloom</em>
is set in Texas as well as Australia. What made you want to set the novel in
these two places?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anita:</strong> Well,
I live in Texas, and so I wanted to make use of my home state. After living
here for about thirty years I have a soft spot for Texas now. Also, I’d visited
Melbourne, Australia for about three weeks and had taken notes, and since it
was such an exotic place and I’d had such an amazing time there, I wanted to
share some of my experiences with readers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<strong>Cathy:</strong> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
cover is beautiful. Did you have any input in this cover?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anita:</strong> Yes,
actually, I did. The publisher sent me a few samples to look at, and I chose
this one. But the cover you see now was tweaked a number of times. One of the
changes was the addition of the red tulips all along the snowy path. I’m so
glad the publisher was open to changes. I’m very happy with the final cover. It
reflects the story even better than before, and I think that bit of unexpected
intrigue along the road will be eye-catching to the bookstore browser. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cathy:</strong> That
title is unique. How did you come up with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Winter
in Full Bloom</i>?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anita:</strong> Sometimes
I brainstorm titles, and then sometimes I use a phrase I find within the
manuscript that works well as a title. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Winter
in Full Bloom</i> was created during one of my brainstorming sessions. As a
side note, there are a couple of meanings to this title. The heroine’s name is
Lily Winter. Also, half of the book takes place in Houston at the advent of
winter, but when she flies to Melbourne at the same time of the year, Australians
are experiencing the beginning of spring. So, even though Lily has begun
getting ready for winter, she suddenly enters into a season of springtime—literally
and in her personal life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cathy:</strong> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Are
the characters from your imagination, or do they come from real life?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<strong>Anita:</strong> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
characters are a mixture of both. I’ll be watching someone at the airport or
the mall or at church, and I’ll think, “Wow, that gesture or laugh or walk is perfect
for my character.” Then some of my character’s traits will come straight from my
imagination. Usually, it’s a fun brew of all the above. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cathy:</strong> Do
you and your husband travel a lot?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anita:</strong> We
travel much more now that we have empty nest. Last year we went to Alaska,
Hawaii, and Canada. This year we’ve been to Mexico, California, and right now
as I type this answer, my husband and I are waiting at the airport to fly to
Ireland. Can’t wait. I’m hoping to set one of my future novels in Ireland. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cathy:</strong> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Why
do you write?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<strong>Anita:</strong> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
have a real need to express myself creatively—guess I was born that way—and
writing and I fit well together. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cathy:</strong> Your
heroine, Lily Winter, is experiencing empty nest. Why did you add that element
to the story?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anita:</strong> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
was going through this same rough phase of motherhood, and I thought it would
be good to add this to the story. I hope it added an element of authenticity to
the tale. And too, forcing myself to write about the pain surely helped me deal
with it better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cathy:</strong> How
long have you been writing?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anita:</strong> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve
been in this profession for about thirty years. It’s been a long, stumbly kind
of journey. I’ve had some dark hours—those moments when I really didn’t know
what I was doing or why I was doing it. Moments when rejection swept me under
like a scary undertow. Moments when getting published seemed pretty much
impossible. But I never gave up, and I’m glad I didn’t. I’ve had thirty-four
books published in many genres, and even though it’s been a rough ride, it’s
also been deeply satisfying. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cathy:</strong> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
story is about twin sisters? Are you a twin and do you have a sister?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfus1wQx9lTtxAhMQgHX8diHXoofoyCatVplwBIhbTWc5IMhm8Vo9sAuaf-FBwENxxSU6kOwz9MfVp85Xex2dnuV4uT4wb_gRRKuHnj83PLQjokb_Ja2TomMsEOT53xypsuTLdA/s1600/5_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfus1wQx9lTtxAhMQgHX8diHXoofoyCatVplwBIhbTWc5IMhm8Vo9sAuaf-FBwENxxSU6kOwz9MfVp85Xex2dnuV4uT4wb_gRRKuHnj83PLQjokb_Ja2TomMsEOT53xypsuTLdA/s320/5_016.jpg" width="256" /></a><strong>Anita:</strong> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’m
afraid I have to say no to both of those questions, but I’ve always wanted to
have a sister. And that desire I suppose fueled the dialogue and some of this
story. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<strong>Cathy:</strong> <em>Winter in Full
Bloom</em>
is a love story but also a story of family reconciliation. Have you experienced
that last part in your own life?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anita:</strong> Yes,
I have known the miracle of family reconciliation, and it has brought me great
joy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<strong>Cathy:</strong> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Any
final words for your readers?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Anita:</strong> If
you have ever taken the time to read one of my novels, I thank you with all my
heart. I sincerely hope that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Winter in Full
Bloom</i> inspires you and makes you laugh, and when you come to the last page and
close the book, I hope your heart and your step feels just a little lighter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Cathy:</strong> Oh, Anita, our hearts feel better knowing that God has placed authors like you in the market place. Thank you this interview and for giving us a glimpse into the process of writing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winter-in-Full-Bloom-ebook/dp/B00BV0FK6W/ref=la_B001HD24IA_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380731212&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Winter in Full Bloom</a> Available in paperback or Kindle version. (Don't forget: leave a comment to enter book drawing. Drawing ends on Monday Oct. 7, midnight).</span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-82238233989425118342012-12-28T06:31:00.001-06:002012-12-28T06:31:34.646-06:00Saying Goodbye to Newspaper Readers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As the end of 2012 nears, I close by
sharing Jeremy Taylor’s (1613-1667) nineteenth tip for humble living. I am also
saying goodbye to all dear readers of this column. First, let’s consider Taylor’s
final guideline for seeking humility. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Taylor
says, “Humility teaches us to submit ourselves and all our faculties to God.” He
asks followers to recall the previous eighteen rules for humble living, and he encourages
seekers of humility to adore God, submit to superiors “in all things, according
to godliness, and to be meek and gentle in conversations toward others.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because
I’ve written fifty-two columns on humble living, I now have more knowledge about
humility. Attaining humility is difficult, so God and I continue to move my
stubborn will into better habits of humble living. The thing that most stood
out in my study this year was author Randy Harris’ suggestion that whenever we
walk into any rooms to consider ourselves the least in the room. Then to ask a
mental question, “Who may I serve?” That’s powerful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Two
special scriptures about humility took up residence in my heart. They contain
both directives and a promise from our gracious Father: “Do nothing out of
selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than
yourselves” (Philippians 2:3), and “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he
will lift you up” (James 4:10). I know without doubt that as we honor God and
others, God meets our needs. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
will be my last column. After eleven years plus a few months, I find that the
time has come to close out this phase of writing. Several family needs brought
me to this decision, as well as offers to write for other venues. I can’t do it
all. Even though I would love to write day and night, home duties call, and my
dishes have not learned to wash themselves. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>First,
thank you to “The Courier,” to Jim Fredricks, Andy Dubois, Bob Borders, Nancy
Flake, Mike Jones, and Sondra Hernandez, who have guided, edited, and headlined.
Some of you are no longer with “The Courier,” sort of ghosts of columns past.
However, each of you shined your skills on my writing making it better. Any
grammar mistakes were mine. I seem to be the queen of split infinitives. I’m
indebted to Jim Fredricks for taking a chance on a very green writer in the
summer of 2001 when I phoned and asked if I could write a column. I especially thank
“Houston Community Newspapers” affiliate editors for publishing some of the
columns. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thank you, readers. Many of you have
let me know through phone calls, emails, or in person when a certain column encouraged
you at just the right moment. You have gently let me know when I made a
scripture stumble, by misusing or misapplying. Sometimes, I had general information
wrong, such as the time I mistakenly said morning glories have tendrils. A kindhearted
horticulturist from Huntsville sent an email. We are friends to this day. I’ve
grown because of the knowledge many of you shared with me.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I also treasure those of you who introduced
yourselves in aisles of stores or in restaurants. A few of you, when I pushed
my cart by, got that I-know-her look on your faces. When you braved asking who
I was, you gave me hugs, handshakes, and personal thank yous for the columns. You
were wonderful, and your enthusiasm and appreciation kept me writing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I apologize for any preachiness,
poor writing, and hurried writing of columns. I’ve done all three at times. When
I began this column, my mission was to help readers love God because he first
loved us. By faith, I knew that God could multiply any seeds of information
about him. I trusted God to take the messages and use them any way he wanted. Readers,
you have mailed them to prisoners, relatives, and even government officials. You
told me you have them on your refrigerators and tucked in your Bibles. Aren’t
you wonderful to receive and to pass on messages about God?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Goodbye” comes from the 1570’s word
“godbwye,” a contraction of “God be with ye.” Today, I reach back several
hundred years and borrow that sentiment: May God bless your journey. May God carry
out the plans he has for you. May God be with you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (Week 52): “The
Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in
you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
(Zephaniah 3:17)</span><o:p></o:p><br />
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-73768516707795210282012-12-20T21:00:00.000-06:002012-12-20T21:00:56.733-06:00Christmas and Tragedy: Poor Bedfellows<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Christmas and
tragedy are poor bedfellows.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In this season of Advent, when we
remember the coming of Christ, we long for surrounding events to reflect the joyous
mood. Then an unthinkable act of inhumanity happens and we shudder to remember
that all is not well in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At Sandy Hook Elementary School in
Connecticut, a slaughter took place. Adults died. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They expected to return home that evening.
Children’s souls lifted from this earth and passed into the hands of God.
Without a doubt, we know the Evil One instigated this catastrophe.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I’ve read the Bible over the
years, I’ve learned that God reigns supreme over all happenings on earth. He
alone has the power to allow or forestall any happening, good or bad. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Questions occupy our thoughts and
conversations. Why didn’t God step in and prevent this? <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God alone understands all the intricacies of this devastation.
Opinions about how to prevent evil are as numerous as grains of sand. We strive
for solutions, for reasonable answers, to fix things.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We want to draw boundaries around
evil. We long to be in control of our lives, to make sure that our loved ones stay
safe. We want good to penetrate hearts, as we long to expel evil out of every
corner. That day is coming, however it’s not here, yet. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Where are we capable of banning
evil? Where do we have dominion over powers of darkness? We have power over our
own heart and soul. We cannot force other humans to turn to God, to seek his
will, to welcome a holy invasion of God into their hearts. We have willpower to
invite God to saturate us with his goodness, to lead us not “into temptation” but
to “deliver us from evil.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God, the origin of life set up a
perfect plan: love him and love your neighbor and your enemy. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When people lose sight of God, the
creator of life, they begin to lose their way. In addition, as they stray from
God, they lose respect for life. When power hungry dictators seek control
through invasion and bloodshed—evil gains momentum. When selfish parents prefer
mind-altering drugs to parenting children—evil laughs at their folly and
tallies its rewards. When we cheat in the smallest way, have lustful thoughts, slay
unborn children—evil wins victories. Life becomes cheap. When polls show that
seventy-five per cent of married people cheat on their spouses, the Evil One
sneers at God’s call for fidelity in marriage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s Christmas. We want to gather
with family, hug our children. We want to hear bells ringing, choirs singing,
we want to be merry and happy. We want dark valleys to go away. We want shadows
of death to disappear. We long for streams of living water to purify peoples
and societies.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wholesome streams of water always have a
fountainhead, a beginning place. Christians know that fountainhead as Jesus
Christ. He spoke to his followers and said, “<span style="color: #001320;">The
thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life,
and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Every moment we make choices. We
either live in God’s camp or take up with the thief, whom God also calls a roaring
lion, his purpose to steal, kill, and destroy. In God’s camp, he first purposes
to give love, restore life, and make whole. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Someday, all tears will cease. God will
triumph over evil, sickness (mind and body), and death. In the end, God wins. Even
now, a victory occurs each time we make a conscious decision to obey the Good
Shepherd, who can lead us into paths of right thinking and living.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This Christmas, may you receive the
blessing of peace that comes from the hand of God. Only he can gift what we
really need. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in;" valign="top">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 12pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 12pt; padding: 0in;">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in; width: 99%;" width="99%">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger
for Humility (Week 51): “The Lord bless you and keep you;</span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Lord make
his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face
toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 5:24-27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in; width: 99%;" width="99%">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in; width: 99%;" width="99%">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-53058422769157600592012-12-15T11:27:00.001-06:002012-12-15T11:27:22.703-06:00A Story with a Good Ending<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">A homeless man
pictured on the cover of a book looks skyward as snow drifts down. He looks as if
he’s hoping for a better day. The title of the book is “Unexpected Christmas Hero”
by Kathi Macias. I downloaded the book onto my Kindle reader, and since the book
contained a fictional work, I assumed that the cover featured a model for the
photo, but that’s when I heard more about the cover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A photographer, who currently works with Christian
publisher New Hope’s cover design team, found a homeless man in Ashville, North
Carolina and asked if he would allow him to take pictures of him for possible
use on a book cover. The homeless man Willard Parker agreed. As the
photographer Michael </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lê and his wife Christine took pictures, Mr. Parker told some of
his story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He
has acute leukemia and is not in good health. He lost his home and eventually
ended up homeless. On the streets, his constant search is for a place to pillow
his head at night and looking for food to eat. He lost touch with his two
daughters and grandchildren, and later told someone, "When I had my
picture taken for the book cover, all I wanted was for it to help me get back
with my family. It worked, and I'm really grateful." He signed a release for
the company to use his photo, and when the author heard the story, she wanted
to assist him in reuniting with his family and set up a financial fund to help
with travel expenses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Unexpected
Christmas Hero” released in mid-October, and a copy eventually fell into the
hands of someone who knew one of Willard Parker’s daughters, 26-year-old Amber.
Looking online, she found the book cover and wept. It was her daddy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>However,
she didn’t know how to contact him or where to find him. Mr. Parker’s ex-wife
was driving near Ashville one day, spotted Willard Parker, and picked him up.
Since then he has spoken to both his daughters by phone, Amber and Rebecca, but
they haven’t had the miracle of a reunion. Mr. Parker is presently in Toledo,
Ohio, according to Christian News Service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Author
Kathi Macias and I have corresponded about Mr. Parker. From her, I found that </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Michael
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lê and his wife
Christine treated Mr. Parker with respect and as an equal during and after the
photo session. Their respect helps introduce the eighteenth rule of humble
living written by Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667). In the language of his day, Taylor
wrote, “Upbraid no man’s weakness to him to discomfort him, neither report it
to disparage him, neither delight to remember it to lessen him or to set
thyself above him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
respect involved in reuniting Mr. Parker with his family warms me all the way
down to my tiptoes. I found out from the photographer that he was about to give
up hunting for an appropriate subject for the book cover when his wife felt
strongly that they should drive to a specific part of town. That’s where they
discovered Mr. Parker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>All
involved felt that God put them on a specific path, so he could reunite a
father with his children and grandchildren. God remains faithful in his work
today as he breaches gaps in families and capably reunites sons and daughters
to himself. After all, isn’t that what Wonderful, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace came to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the next two weeks, we’ll wrap up
this series on humble living. I continue to pray that the words of God and
suggestions of Jeremy Taylor have caused you to consider how you might further
embrace humility in the context of your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>May God continue to bless the Parker
family as they find their way back to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (Week 50): “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others" I Corinthians 10:24”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at <a href="mailto:writecat@consolidated.net"><span style="color: blue;">writecat@consolidated.net</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-83698737656047718512012-12-07T08:00:00.000-06:002012-12-07T08:00:13.252-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK1"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Winter memories. December memories.
Part of the fun of Christmastime.<o:p></o:p></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During
the 1989 winter, Louise Gore and I drove our two high school seniors to Searcy,
Arkansas to Harding Christian University’s campus. I phoned Arkansas relatives
for a weather report, and my 90-year-old grandmother, who hadn’t been outdoors
in weeks, answered, “Hon, the weather’s fine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">By the time we reached Searcy, thick ice had formed
everywhere. On a very steep decline, we inched into town taking a suggested
shortcut. We later heard from the locals that we had come into town on the
worst choice road. We made our icy descent into town from a steep road that had
a winter name of “Suicide Hill.” One day later, travel was still treacherous,
the highways glazed like a doughnut. As we traveled homeward on “black ice,” we
passed numerous cars in ditches. With all of us having tense shoulders, we
didn’t even make it to the Arkansas state line. We stopped our trip, and a
clerk rented us her last motel room in Prescott, Ark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Every two hours, night and day, I started my
vehicle to keep the weak battery charged. We’d already had to jump it off one
morning of the trip. No. It wasn’t a Die Hard brand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Meanwhile, back at our South Texas home, outdoor
temperatures hovered around six degrees. Weighted by ice, tree limbs broke. Electric
power ceased. Warm houses grew cold. With no electricity, my husband and teen
daughter had the fireplace roaring and camped out nearby. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Our fireplace had a swing arm to hold a cooking
pot. After many cold PB & J sandwiches, they wanted to eat something hot,
so they combined culinary skills and cooked dried beans. They couldn’t find my
all-metal cooking pot, so they used a teakettle that didn’t have any plastic
parts. Never having cooked pintos before, they washed a two-pound-bag of beans,
added water and salt, and shoved the lid onto the medium sized kettle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">As the blazing fireplace heated the metal
bottom, the beans began to absorb water and swell. For about four hours, the
growing beans pulsed out the spout of the teakettle. They formed a sort of
cooking brigade. Add water. Catch beans. Add water. Catch beans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">When the weather began to warm and folk began to
stir, neighbors Myra and Elton invited hubby and daughter to dinner. They
didn’t go empty handed. They had plenty of fresh mesquite-smoked beans. We
still laugh about the miracle multiplying beans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">During another South Texas ice storm,
temperatures skidded beneath the 32 mark. I was at home for that freeze, and
the view out my kitchen window fascinated me. Six-inch icicles hung from the
roofline, but pressed against the window panes were three red roses, the
climbing kind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">The disparity of the icicles and red roses
prompted thoughts about a Bible passage. God said through the prophet Isaiah,
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord: “Though your sins are like
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson, they
shall be like wool” (Isaiah 1:18). <span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">During Advent, we once again enact awaiting a
Savior. One, who can scrub the darkness from a soul and turn it white as snow.
We await the arrival of one who delivers on all his promises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">God’s reaches through any kind of inclement
weather or stained life to provide care and healing. He sometimes sends fresh
reminders in icicles and roses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Hunger for
Humility (Week 49): “<span style="color: #001320;">Yet the Lord longs to be
gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of
justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy
Messecar welcomes comments at <a href="mailto:writecat@consolidated.net"><span style="color: blue;">writecat@consolidated.net</span></a>
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-82145961532823769412012-11-30T10:43:00.000-06:002012-11-30T10:43:00.327-06:00The World a Cathedral<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK1"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK6"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">The men fished all night
without success. This fishing mattered because it put bread on the table. Their
work included casting cumbersome nets and moving their boats by hoisting sails,
straining at oars, and praying that the wind would put them near a school of
fish. <o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Throughout
the night, they cast bulky nets onto the inky surface of the lake. Each cast had
brought the same disappointing results after they drew the nets toward the boat.
Empty. Empty. Empty. Their nightshift ended without profit – or so they
thought.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Dawn found
them anchored on shore. Weary. Fatigued. Hungry. Wet. They were ready to wash
their nets, search for tears, and untangle the snarls from lake debris. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">At lakeside
that morning, Jesus had drawn a crowd to hear his teachings. Finally, Jesus suggested
that Simon Peter launch his boat into the foamy surf as a pulpit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Peter moved
the boat just offshore where Jesus sat down and continued teaching from a
watery platform. When Jesus finished he said, “Put out into the deep water, and
let down the nets for a catch.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Peter answered,
“Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because
you say so, I will let down the nets.” On the lake, after letting down the
nets, Peter felt the familiar drag of a catch, a huge catch. Checking the heavy
mesh, he saw it teemed with fish and the weight of them caused tears in the
sturdy rope lacings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">He motioned
to partners on shore to join them, and James and John oared out and hauled in
fish after fish. The weight of the fish soon leveled the boat railings with the
water surface. One more fish wiggle and water could have spilled into the crafts
causing them to sink. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">However, the
miracles continued and they made shore without losing sailors, boats, or fish.
The fishermen, the scaly catch, and The Teacher came ashore. That’s when Simon
Peter recognized God’s divine hand and fell at Jesus’ feet saying, “Go away from
me, Lord, I am a sinful man!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Jesus
didn’t leave.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Instead, Jesus
consoled Simon Peter and said, “Don’t be afraid, from now on you will catch
men. Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Luke 5).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">On this
day, God provided for these men and their families. He was about to call them
on a monumental mission, and their families would be taken care of through the
huge haul of fish. On this day, the lakeside became a cathedral when Peter fell
down to worship Master of Earth and Sea.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">As had
happened before, God used the earth, his footstool, as a platform for the Son
of God. Concern, care, and compassion showed in the abundant catch of fish. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">Chapels,
cathedrals, and church buildings are formal places of worship where body and
mind can be still and quiet. Places of worship where God is present as the audience
as his people adore him through worship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">God dwells in
the everyday happenings, too. In addition, where you walk, play, and work can
become places of worship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK6;"><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;">On this
day, nets, boats, and fish became props to display Jesus as the son of God. Thirty
years earlier, a stable, shepherds, and sheep had been stage props for the
Savior. Today, as in times past, a car, a rented room, or a mall can be a cathedral
if Jesus is there.</span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>During Advent,
watch for the arrival of Jesus into your ordinary days.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for
Humility (Week 48): “And <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">lo</span>, I <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">am</span> with <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">you always</span>, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-50129540624039375892012-11-25T07:42:00.002-06:002012-11-25T07:42:39.119-06:00Thanksgiving in Tough TImes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
"It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels," said Augustine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><strong> </strong></span></span></span><span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Readers, although not planned, we arrived
simultaneously at Thanksgiving and rule seventeen of Jeremy Taylor’s (1613-1667)
about gratitude. He defines how appreciation helps us live humbly: “Give God
thanks for every weakness, deformity, and imperfection, and accept as a
favoured grace of God, an instrument to resist pride, and nurse humility.” He
goes on to say a man who has a crooked back has opportunity to stoop low in
spirit. Those who suffer physical maladies often find themselves looking to God
for help.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I find it difficult to thank God for
trouble, even though I know that hardships can shape me into a better person – if
I allow it to do so. I’m thankful that God allowed the Apostle Paul to share in
the Bible about his “thorn in the flesh,” a physical limitation that Paul had.
Even after a request for healing, God said no to him because the weakness would
become a facilitator to strength.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hear what the Apostle Paul said
about his chronic condition. Whatever it was, he prayed three times for healing.
However, God’s return answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power
is made perfect in weakness.” So, Paul said, “I will boast all the more gladly
about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
Taylor most likely had Paul’s experience in mind when he suggested that giving
thanks for difficult circumstances could bring about unexpected blessings, most
certainly internally and often externally.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A friend once reminded me that if
everything remained perfect in our lives, we could more easily be tempted to make
it on our own. That’s impossible for as Luke the writer of Acts quotes, we “live
and move and have our very being” in God (17:26).<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Surely, we should fully rely on God through
good times and bad, but the bad times force us into the reality that we don’t
take our next breath without God granting it. Often troubles arrive larger than
our pocket books, our common sense, or our abilities to solve. Those difficult
circumstances can cause a broader reliance on God. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I remember something Joni Eareckson Tada
wrote about her arrival in heaven someday. You may recall that she broke her
neck in an accident and has been a paraplegic for decades. Her ministry to the
suffering multiplied more than one-thousand fold because of her permanent
injury and her willingness to praise God and embrace her new limited life.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>She said that her life on earth of
being wheelchair bound has been involuntary. No one gave her a choice, or asked
if she chose to be paralyzed for the remainder of her life. In heaven, her new
eternal body will give her the freedom to move again. She doesn’t plan to jump,
run, or shout, but she hopes voluntarily to remain before the Lord, not moving,
stillness in worship of God because she chooses to worship him and he always
chooses the best path for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Giving thanks for tough
circumstances. Yes. It’s possible. We have great advice in Jeremy Taylor’s
writings, and proof that it’s possible in the Apostle Paul’s life. Joni Tada
has shown bravery and courage trapped in her withered body. Many others have
done the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For what will you give thanks? Certainly
for the good, and consider thanking God for the awful things, too. Ronnie
Milsap has grown to call his lifelong blindness “an inconvenience.” I think the
Apostle Paul would agree that God in the middle of any trouble makes all the
difference in a life. Humility in the middle of trouble, thanksgiving in tough
times, can make mere men seem as angels.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Happy Thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="bodybold1"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (Week 48): “When
times are good be happy; but when times are bad, consider God has made the one
as well as the other” (Ecclesiastes 7:14) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-53374874022258062622012-11-18T11:00:00.000-06:002012-11-18T11:00:01.135-06:00Helpful Apologies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Jeremy Taylor,
writing from several centuries back, states the sixteenth rule for humble
living (out of nineteen), “Be not always ready to excuse every oversight, or
indiscretion, or ill action, but if thou beest guilty of it confess it
plainly.” To beest humble, one must beest ready to apologize.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I’m queen, all citizens will be
required to take a class on humble living, at least one whole week, students
will practice making apologies. A true apology comes from a contrite heart when
the person realizes that a personal mistake or selfishness caused another to
suffer.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This past year, a company charged us
double for an annual insurance premium. Fortunately, our bank account had
enough to cover the insurance company’s mistake. By the time I discovered the
error it was closing time on Friday, and the company employee said she would
look into it the next business day. I may have imagined the disbelief in her
voice, but it seemed she doubted that they would make such a mistake.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On Monday morning, the
representative phoned me to say they had double billed us. As we closed out our
conversation, I thanked her for solving the issue. She replied, “No problem.” I
realize that “No problem,” has become a phrase that can mean, “I’m happy to
take care of this for you.” However, when a person is troubled in the least or
double billed several thousands, a more appropriate admission of guilt keeps
customers happy, “I’m sorry we double billed you. We do appreciate your
business.”</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I bring this topic up because often
the phrase “no problem” has filled in where an apology would be more
appropriate. After a customer has struggled with righting a billing issue, the
last thing I imagine they want to hear in the same sentence are the words “no”
and “problem.” Businesses would do well to train their personnel in making
sincere apologies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Most apologies come from humble
people, who have consciences, and who have made a practice of saying, “I’m
sorry.” However, some find confessing a wrong difficult. While others, will
only admit a wrong when caught or confronted. We’re also good at vague
apologies, “I’m sorry for what happened.” Instead, a noble apology will admit fault
and seek forgiveness, “I had no right to call you names. Please forgive me.” Mignon
McLaughlin said, “True remorse is never just a regret over consequence; it is a
regret over motive.”<br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When was the last time you
admitted a wrong aloud? Take a minute to ponder that. We commit infractions
almost daily, and they often harm someone. In the heat of a moment, we verbally
wound husband, wife, child, or close friend. We cast rude or impatient glances.
We become exasperated and impatient and it shows in our behavior. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Another kind of apology is the one
that has a “but” in the middle. “I’m sorry, but my alarm didn’t go off and
that’s why I’m late.” As one person said, “Never ruin an apology with an
excuse.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">This week, act upon your pledge to live
a humble life. Apologize when you’re wrong. Be sincere. Ask for forgiveness. Leave
out the “but.” To better your life and your family’s lives, remember what Lynn
Johnston says, “An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair just about
anything.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (Week 46): “So
if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother
has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First
be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew
5:23-24)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-43442251207779462102012-11-17T04:51:00.000-06:002012-11-17T04:53:02.803-06:00Help Us Move Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I'm not superstitious. I depend upon God to supply our basic
plus unanticipated needs. Yet, a fortune cookie declared a good general message
on Tuesday night as I watched the presidential election results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That
evening, I tidied areas in my home and prayed strength and guidance over our
next president. Many of you did the same – prayed for our country. Maybe you
weren’t tidying your house or maybe you were. While straightening, I found two unopened
fortune cookies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I don’t
ever look to fortune telling for my future, because God alone provides for me. However,
on a whim, I shuffled the two cookies wondering which one might provide at
least an “aha” moment. I was hoping for a message that read, “Your candidate
won the election because a voter from an obscure county in Oregon just cast the
winning ballot.” Okay, okay, I know fortune cookies have no prediction power. I
was only hoping because I was tired and wanted to sleep instead of waiting for election
results.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
the message in the cookie wasn’t profound, the words suggested a godly way for
citizens and those who hold public offices to succeed: "He climbs highest
who helps another up." Does that sound vaguely familiar? Perhaps, the
fortune cookie writers look at Bible verses and spin them. “</span></span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James
4:6). I’m an advocate of everyone doing his or her part to give someone who has
less a hand up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This past week, I had the privilege
of attending a CLASS writers’ seminar in Ghost Ranch, New Mexico because Cecil
Murphey, co-author of “90 Minutes in Heaven” gave me a tuition scholarship. Murphey
had many successes in ghost writing and some books had the fortune of becoming movies,
“Gifted Hands” was one. He, in turn, gives writers scholarships to conferences where
they network and hone their craft. He reached out to help me up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Represented at this conference were
organizations with which Christian audiences are familiar: Christian
Broadcasting Network, Focus on the Family’s “Adventures in Odyssey” and
“Clubhouse” magazines. Also present were editors and publishers of publications
such as “The Upper Room,” and book publishers Revell, New Hope, WMU, and AMG.
All spoke encouraging words, looked at manuscripts, and pointed writers to
noble goals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I turned in my evaluation form,
I noted two outstanding features of the conference: the willingness of each
writer to help other writers and the ever present enthusiasm for fellow
writer’s successes. Competition was absent because we all grabbed a hand and
helped a fellow writer up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Henry Cabot Lodge said, “The nation has not
lived in vain which has given the world Washington and Lincoln, the best great
men and greatest good men whom history can show.” Someone had given them a
chance and helped them up, and each of these leaders reached out and helped
this nation up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Although we may never rise to
heights of notice in the political field or on a football field, we can write
our own fortune by maintaining humility, integrity, and reaching out to help
someone up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (Week: 45): “One
man gives freely, yet gains even more.” (Proverbs 11:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-91448341703000842292012-11-07T09:31:00.001-06:002012-11-07T09:31:16.087-06:00A Poem for the Day after the 2012 Presidential Election<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Nativity</span></u></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By: G.K. Chesterton</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“For unto us a child is
born.” — Isaiah</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The thatch of the roof was as golden,<br />
Though dusty the straw was and old,<br />
The wind was a peal as of trumpets,<br />
Though barren and blowing and cold:<br />
The mother’s hair was a glory,<br />
Though loosened and torn,<br />
For under the eaves in the gloaming –<br />
A child was born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">O, if a man sought a sign in the inmost<br />
That God shaketh broadest his best,<br />
That things fairest are oldest and simplest,<br />
In the first days created and blest:<br />
Far flush all the tufts of the clover,<br />
Thick mellows the corn,<br />
A cloud shapes, a daisy is opened –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With raw mists of the earth-rise about them,<br />
Risen red from the ribs of the earth,<br />
Wild and huddled, the man and the woman,<br />
Bent dumb o’er the earliest birth;<br />
Ere the first roof was hammered above them.<br />
The first skin was worn,<br />
Before code, before creed, before conscience –<br />
A child was born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What know we of aeons behind us,<br />
Dim dynasties lost long ago,<br />
Huge empires like dreams unremembered,<br />
Dread epics of glory and woe?<br />
This we know, that with blight and with blessing,<br />
With flower and with thorn,<br />
Love was there, and his cry was among them –<br />
“A child is born.”</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And to us, though we pore and unravel<br />
Black dogmas that crush us and mar,<br />
Through parched lips pessimistic dare mutter<br />
Hoarse fates of a frost-bitten star;<br />
Though coarse strains and heredities soil it,<br />
Bleak reasoners scorn,<br />
To us too, as of old, to us also –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though the darkness be noisy with systems,<br />
Dark fancies that fret and disprove;<br />
Still the plumes stir around us, above us,<br />
The tings of the shadow of love.<br />
Still the fountains of life are unbroken,<br />
Their splendour unshorn;<br />
The secret, the symbol, the promise –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Have a myriad children been quickened,<br />
Have a myriad children grown old,<br />
Grown gross and unloved and embittered,<br />
Grown cunning and savage and cold?<br />
God abides in a terrible patience,<br />
Unangered, unworn,<br />
And again for the child that was squandered –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the time of dead things it is living,<br />
In the moonless grey night is a gleam,<br />
Still the babe that is quickened may conquer,<br />
The life that is new may redeem.<br />
Ho, princes and priests, have you heard it?<br />
Grow pale through your scorn.<br />
Huge dawns sleep before us, stern changes –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">More than legions that toss and that trample,</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">More than choirs that bend Godward and sing,<br />
Than the blast of the lips of the prophet,<br />
Than the sword in the hands of the King,<br />
More strong against Evil than judges<br />
That smite and that scorn,<br />
The greatest, the last, and the sternest –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the rafters of toil still are gilded<br />
With the dawn of the star of the heart,<br />
And the Wise Men draw near in the twilight,<br />
Who are weary of learning and art,<br />
And the face of the tyrant is darkened,<br />
His spirit is torn,<br />
For a new King is throned of a nation –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And the mother still joys for the whispered<br />
First stir of unspeakable things;<br />
Still feels that high moment unfurling,<br />
Red glories of Gabriel’s wings.<br />
Still the babe of an hour is a master<br />
Whom angels adorn,<br />
Emmanuel, prophet, annointed –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To the rusty barred doors of the hungry,<br />
To the struggle for life and the din,<br />
Still, with brush of bright plumes and with knocking,<br />
The Kingdom of God enters in.<br />
To the daughters of patience that labour<br />
That weep and are worn,<br />
One moment of love and of laughter –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To the last dizzy circles of pleasure,<br />
Of fashion and song-swimming nights,<br />
Comes yet hope’s obscure crucifixion,<br />
The birth fire that quickens and bites,<br />
To the daughters of fame that are idle,<br />
That smile and that scorn,<br />
One moment of darkness and travail –<br />
A child is born.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And till man and his riddle be answered,<br />
While earth shall remain and desire,<br />
While the flesh of a man is as grass is,<br />
The soul of a man as a fire,<br />
While the daybreak shall come with its banner,<br />
The moon with its horn,<br />
It shall rest with us that which is written –<br />
“A child is born.”</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And for him that shall dream that the martyr<br />
Is banished, and love but a toy,<br />
That life lives not through pain and surrender,<br />
Living only through self and its joy,<br />
Shall the Lord God erase from the body<br />
The oath he has sworn?<br />
Bend back to thy work, saying only –<br />
“A child is born.”</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And Thou that art still in the cradle,<br />
The sun being crown for Thy brow,<br />
Make answer, our flesh, make an answer.<br />
Say whence art Thou come? Who art Thou?<br />
Art Thou come back on earth for our teaching,<br />
To train or to warn?<br />
Hush! How may we know, knowing only –<br />
A child is born?</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Listen to this group, who played and recorded several stanzas of this on their Christmas album, very moving: <o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://langelus.com/the-world-speaks/fan-reviews/52-o-night-divine-reviews.html" target="_blank">L'Angelus (Lawn je loose)</a> </span></o:p><br />
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-67561650508609748672012-11-02T11:00:00.000-05:002012-11-02T11:00:03.662-05:00Meek Means?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK1"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Blessed are the
debonair for they shall inherit the earth.” When the French translated the
third beatitude that is how they rendered, “Blessed are the meek.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Debonair” in English means pleasant
manners, courteous and gracious. Derived from Old French it means “of good
disposition.” The understanding of “meek” remains vital to living out “meek.” What
does it really mean? The dictionary defines meek as “humble, patient, or
submissive” also as “overly patient; spiritless; tame.” That’s a bit on the
wimpy side for my tastes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I
much prefer many preachers’ definition of “meek” as “power under control.” Moses
fits that description—a solid leader, a man who went before kings, a family
man. Moses had his faults, but he was viewed as a “very humble man, more humble
than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). Jesus described
himself as “meek,” and he lived a perfect life, so I don’t see the word meaning
“spiritless” in any way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">For
today’s Christian, one of the characteristics of a “meek” person means that
they remain teachable. When instructed they readily listen to learn. The
arrogant, when corrected, might reply with a flippant answer of “Whatever.” Besides
not being courteous, that answer reveals an unwillingness to learn, whether it
be performing a task or changing a behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My friend Jan Tickner prays for self-reliant
people to “come to the end of themselves.” That prayer opens the door to a
university of “higher” learning, where a person recognizes his or her own faults.
The, that prayer becomes a launching pad to learn better living habits from
others and from the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus defined “meek” when he said
about himself, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give
you rest.” He then said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle
[meek] and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus invites those who have tired
of trying to make it on their own to team up with him, and he is never too
proud to step alongside the most unworthy person on earth. He only needs an
invitation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Imagine yourself in a harness alone
and you’re struggling to pull all your burdens against the grade of a hill. Now
imagine Jesus slipping the leather straps of the same harness over his
shoulders and pulling with you. Shoulder to shoulder, Jesus and you, in sync.
Together, you make progress, and you have an all wisdom and compassionate person
pulling with you. Now that’s power under control.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">The
word “debonair” and Jesus seem not to belong in the same sentence. However, when
we consider that the word defines the Teacher who will come alongside and help
all of us come to the end of ourselves, then Jesus is debonair. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: OLE_LINK1;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (Week 44):</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="color: #001320;">"Look!
I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will
come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20 NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy
Messecar welcomes comments at <a href="http://www.cathymessecar.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.cathymessecar.com</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-20607446483279666912012-10-25T07:12:00.000-05:002012-10-25T07:12:40.120-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“An expert is
just a little spurt who is away from home.” I heard something similar from a
speaker introduced as an expert in his field. This week, we consider the pitfalls
of comparison in regards to humility. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Here’s Jeremy Taylor’s (1613-1667)
rule fifteen for humble living in the dialect of his day, “Never compare thyself
with others, unless it be to advance them and to depress thyself. To which
purpose, we must be sure, in some sense or other, to think ourselves the worst
in every company where we come; one is more learned that I am, another is more
prudent, a third more charitable, or less proud.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I didn’t share the rest of Taylor’s original
writing about that rule, but he further explores that each of us knows what
tempts us most, and many lead to unwholesome thoughts. We could tell our bad
thoughts to another person, but most of don’t want to admit our darkest
thoughts, even to trusted friends. There is an escape from arrogant and evil
thoughts – resistance training: “<span class="text">Submit yourselves, then, to
God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>My parents taught me that verse
early in life, and it’s been a cornerstone promise because I’ve experienced the
good results of resisting evil. Taylor also reminds his readers to keep in mind
that none of us behaves perfectly. Someone has said that it’s disheartening to
climb the ladder of success and then to discover it was leaning against the
wrong wall. Some of us have experienced that. Taylor brings up the subject of
Paul’s first passion to capture and punish Christians, and then how God adjusted
his ladder, leaned it against a different wall.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Paul
claimed to be chief of sinners, and Paul knew his inmost sins better than others
did. He had persecuted and tracked down Christians and killed them.</span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Paul affirmed, “Here is a
trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the
world to save sinners -- of whom I am the worst. Paul concluded by saying, “But
for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ
Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would
believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Total forgiveness vanished Paul’s
past sins. Wherever he preached he could express the patience of because Christ
had pursued him. He could extend the same to others. Paul didn’t claim superiority.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Taylor calls us to consider our inclinations
that we are better than others are. I see this in everyday life with the most
trivial things. One woman thinks she knows best how to peel potatoes. Another thinks
she knows best how to discipline children. A man in the passenger seat thinks
his driving habits better than the driver’s habits. We participate in silent
thoughts of patting ourselves on the back, while thinking our companions don’t
quite measure up to our standards. That’s a tough habit to break. However, humble
living demands that we look for the good in others. If we’re comparing
ourselves and we think we’re better, then we have put the habit of comparison first,
not the other person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A large stone can cause a stumble or
it can become a steppingstone. When in the presence of others, give them a step
up. From the book, “</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Rees Howells Intercessor,” I appreciate what Howells said about forgetting self
and embracing the discipline of the Holy Spirit, "I began to side with the
Holy Spirit against myself, and looked on the stripping [of self] as a
deliverance rather than a loss."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
will take some adjusting, but it’s best to think of ourselves as “little
spurts.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger
for Humility (Week 42): “</span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Do not think of
yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober
judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.</span>”</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> <span lang="EN">(Romans 12:3) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy
Messecar welcomes comments here or at <a href="http://www.cathymessecar.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.cathymessecar.com</span></a>
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-1129610970570584012012-10-12T10:30:00.000-05:002012-10-12T10:30:00.536-05:00Politcally Correct or God Corrected<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Prayer may be
the most humble act of dependence we’ll ever experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I watched an independent three-year-old
tie his shoelaces -- “all by myself.” I offered help but he refused. He knotted
the two laces, over looped, under looped, twisted, and tucked. Satisfied with
his work, the laces perched in two tangled masses on top of his shoes. I knew the
strings wouldn’t do their job after five steps. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Unfortunately, the I-can-do-it myself
spirit never completely goes away. At mid-age, we remain enamored with
ourselves, thinking we can “handle” whatever comes our way. By our senior
years, we don’t want to bother others, and we wish to take care of ourselves.
We like our independence. I like mine, and I imagine you like yours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m oversimplifying what has
happened in our nation, but I think dependence on self has caused most of our
woes. When we think that we know better than Almighty God how to live our
personal lives and govern a nation of peoples, we fall into the decline of idolatry.
Self becomes god.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>More laws would not help. We know that
morality cannot be legislated. Laws exist against driving while under influence
of mind-numbing substances. However, the law on paper doesn’t keep those drivers
off the roads and endangering the lives of others. Only personal convictions of
the heart can do that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our choices have caused a downward
spiral. Personal worlds inflated with self as god turns to illegal drugs (prescription
drugs, too) to numb their senses. One drug cartel in Mexico reaps one and half
billion dollars because we are addicted to pleasing self. Thousands have died from
drug overdoses, and thousands more have died in the drug wars as cartels maneuver
to ship drugs into the United States. We have their blood on our hands because
of our insatiable desire to escape our undone lives. Independence from God has
a high price tag.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While some in government seek the
counsel of God, others tout blatant sins -- the opposite of Judeo and Christian
values. It’s no secret that we allow the killing of unborn babies for the sake
of convenience. The general media seeks to influence and “entertain” us with
stories of sex outside of traditional marriage, of men marrying men and women
marrying women, throwing humor into the mix so we’ll swallow the ungodliness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Those who cling to God and traditional
values (that God put in place for the good and safety of humankind) experience the
ridicule and labeling of “old fashioned” and “out of touch with the postmodern
world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The surmounting problems of not only our
lives, our nation, and the world seem overwhelming. Questions come to mind: When
did we become politically correct, instead of God corrected? What can I do? How
can one person do anything to influence change for a better world, a better
nation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The answer remains simple. We can
depend upon God, exercising the privilege of prayer and voting. We can stop spouting
political views, arguing, and forwarding nasty emails about candidates or our
president. How many have equaled their prayers with the forwards of derogatory
emails? This is what I’m praying these days: “Lord, I give up. I have no wisdom
about this. Please place in office the one who will bring us back to you.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We’re an old nation that has lost its
bearings, and we need a Caretaker, someone besides our politicians. Join nearly
50,000, already praying Sept. 28 – Nov. 6 using Max Lucado’s prayer guide. It’s
not politically slanted prayers. They admit dependence upon sovereign God. The acronym
USA aids in remembering to pray three things: Unite us, Strengthen us, and
Anoint and Appoint our next president.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>One verse always seems popular during
election times, as a guide to a past straying nation, it hinged on the word “if.”
Read it afresh today. The outcome of our nation depends on how you will comply
with that word “if.” “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves
and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear
from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2
Chronicles 7:14). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (week 41):<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I<span class="text">f my people, who are
called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn
from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their
sin and will heal their land.</span>” </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><span class="text"><span style="font-size: small;">(2 Chronicles
7:14)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at <a href="http://www.cathymessecar.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.cathymessecar.com</span></a> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></h2>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-30828688765936700192012-10-07T07:38:00.000-05:002012-10-07T07:38:14.693-05:00The Priest and Leprosy in MId-1800s<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ten-square-mile Makanalua Peninsula juts into
the Pacific below the world's highest sea cliffs. An internet site about the island
says, “It's been blessed by nature's grandeur and cursed by humanity's
ignorance and fear.” To this day, it remains home to forty elderly patients sent
there many years ago because they contracted Hansen’s disease, the proper term
for leprosy. At least one humble priest learned contentment there as he served
those less fortunate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
week, we look at rule number fourteen from Jeremy Taylor’s (1613-1667) nineteen
ways to live humbly. He encouraged all to rejoice when others rise to higher positions
or achievements: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be
content that he should be employed, and thou laid by as unprofitable; his
sentence approved, thine rejected; he be preferred, and thou fixed in a low
employment.” Key words in this rule about humility are “be content.” The longer
I live, the more I realize that life goes downhill and uphill again. This
pattern repeats throughout life, challenging us to remain contented even if
others receive seemingly better assignments from God or man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If we
can focus on helping others instead of our misfortunes, it’s easier to be
content. I recommend renting or buying the movie “Molokai: the Story of Father
Damien” (available on Amazon) or reading the book. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In 1865, leprosy plagued those living in
Honolulu, and officials shipped the ill to the desolate </span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Makanalua Peninsula. There,
they dwelt in makeshift shelters and caves, living with the bare necessities of
life. Seven years later, Father Damien volunteered to go and help knowing that
he might contract the disease. Instructed not to touch the diseased, he purposefully
touched them as he fed and cared for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
fifteen years, he labored almost single handedly to alleviate suffering. He
pled for supplies and extra help, but few had the heart to face the constant
sorrows and weary work. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">King
Kamehameha V brought into law the “Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy.” About
8,000, between the years of 1865 and 1969, went to live as exiles on Molokai. Today,
about forty aging people, who have the disease (no longer contagious, but some
disfigured), have chosen to remain on the island, although they are isolated
from most of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hansen’s disease
is the most misunderstood disease in the world. Myths and ignorance about the
disease were rampant in the mid-to-late 1800s when Father Damien volunteered to
help. Today, medical science knows that about 95 per cent of the population cannot
contract the disease. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is no longer debilitating.
The diseased person remains noninfectious after only a couple of doses of
medicine and may remain with family even though treatments last for several
years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The United States
documented only 213 new cases in 2009. The social stigma still exists in most
of the world and may be more difficult to deal with than the physical illness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What if the clock turned
back to the year of 1876, and a call for volunteers went out to serve the
colony of ill. If we had no physical obstacles, would we have the inclination
to serve others, supposing that we could contract the disease? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus gave an upside-down message to
those who sought greatness in God’s kingdom. They were to serve. He taught his
disciples that they were to approach any with this question on their minds, “How
may I serve this person?” We can consistently seek the higher good of others,
even though we live within a culture of self-indulgence. Be inspired by Father
Damien’s story, who allowed others to ascend to hierarchy as he became lowly in
spirit and content to dwell among the lonely and hurting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for
Humility (week 40): “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your
servant.” (Matthew 20:26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy Messecar welcomes
comments at <a href="http://www.cathymessecar.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.cathymessecar.com</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-30213174554552717122012-10-06T11:40:00.001-05:002012-10-06T11:40:32.070-05:00Servant, the Better Assignment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The ten-square-mile Makanalua Peninsula juts into
the Pacific below the world's highest sea cliffs. An internet site about the island
says, “It's been blessed by nature's grandeur and cursed by humanity's
ignorance and fear.” To this day, it remains home to forty elderly patients sent
there many years ago because they contracted Hansen’s disease, the proper term
for leprosy. At least one humble priest learned contentment there as he served
those less fortunate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
week, we look at rule number fourteen from Jeremy Taylor’s (1613-1667) nineteen
ways to live humbly. He encouraged all to rejoice when others rise to higher positions
or achievements: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be
content that he should be employed, and thou laid by as unprofitable; his
sentence approved, thine rejected; he be preferred, and thou fixed in a low
employment.” Key words in this rule about humility are “be content.” The longer
I live, the more I realize that life goes downhill and uphill again. This
pattern repeats throughout life, challenging us to remain contented even if
others receive seemingly better assignments from God or man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If we
can focus on helping others instead of our misfortunes, it’s easier to be
content. I recommend renting or buying the movie “Molokai: the Story of Father
Damien” (available on Amazon) or reading the book. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In 1865, leprosy plagued those living in
Honolulu, and officials shipped the ill to the desolate </span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Makanalua Peninsula. There,
they dwelt in makeshift shelters and caves, living with the bare necessities of
life. Seven years later, Father Damien volunteered to go and help knowing that
he might contract the disease. Instructed not to touch the diseased, he purposefully
touched them as he fed and cared for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
fifteen years, he labored almost single handedly to alleviate suffering. He
pled for supplies and extra help, but few had the heart to face the constant
sorrows and weary work. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">King
Kamehameha V brought into law the “Act to Prevent the Spread of Leprosy.” About
8,000, between the years of 1865 and 1969, went to live as exiles on Molokai. Today,
about forty aging people, who have the disease (no longer contagious, but some
disfigured), have chosen to remain on the island, although they are isolated
from most of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hansen’s disease
is the most misunderstood disease in the world. Myths and ignorance about the
disease were rampant in the mid-to-late 1800s when Father Damien volunteered to
help. Today, medical science knows that about 95 per cent of the population cannot
contract the disease. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is no longer debilitating.
The diseased person remains noninfectious after only a couple of doses of
medicine and may remain with family even though treatments last for several
years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The United States
documented only 213 new cases in 2009. The social stigma still exists in most
of the world and may be more difficult to deal with than the physical illness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What if the clock turned
back to the year of 1876, and a call for volunteers went out to serve the
colony of ill. If we had no physical obstacles, would we have the inclination
to serve others, supposing that we could contract the disease? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jesus gave an upside-down message to
those who sought greatness in God’s kingdom. They were to serve. He taught his
disciples that they were to approach any with this question on their minds, “How
may I serve this person?” We can consistently seek the higher good of others,
even though we live within a culture of self-indulgence. Be inspired by Father
Damien’s story, who allowed others to ascend to hierarchy as he became lowly in
spirit and content to dwell among the lonely and hurting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for
Humility (week 40): “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your
servant.” (Matthew 20:26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy Messecar welcomes
comments at <a href="http://www.cathymessecar.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.cathymessecar.com</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-74960723011129437702012-10-04T05:11:00.000-05:002012-10-04T05:11:00.095-05:00God Gaze or Scar Gaze <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Scar Gazing”
was the title of a devotional I read in “Power for Today.” Immediately, I was intrigued
with how the change of one letter in a common phrase sent me on a different
learning path. In that devo, Steven Lemley, co-editor, focused on Apostle Paul’s
encouragement to the Philippians where Paul gave an attitude update on himself,
“Forgett<span style="color: #001320;">ing what is behind and straining toward
what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has
called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dreadful pasts, have poisonous
drawing powers beyond our understandings. Why do we return in our minds to
hurtful times and replay them again. I think that’s what Lemley had in mind
when he dubbed such events as “scar-gazing.” After reading his thoughts, I
recalled an Old Testament story, reflecting scar-gazing and moving forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Several times in Israel’s history, they
looked back and longed for their former miserable lives. Exodus 14, describes
one such scene. God had led the Israelites away from Egypt and out of
generational bondage, lasting for over 400 years. He purposefully had Moses
cause the hundreds of thousands of people to encamp “between Migdol and the
sea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God knew that Pharaoh would think
that the Israelites were wandering aimlessly in the desert, and Pharaoh, having
his umpteenth change of heart, would order his army to pursue the newly freed
slaves. Apparently, the former miracles performed in Egypt were not enough to
convince the Egyptians of God’s sovereignty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When the Israelites camped beside
the sea, fearful and cautious, they looked behind them. I don’t blame them. The
past chases us down sometime. They saw all Pharaoh’s six hundred best chariots
and all the other chariots bearing down on their encampment. “They were
terrified and cried out to the Lord.” They also complained to their leader Moses
as they did a bit of scar gazing: “Was it because there were not graves in
Egypt that you brought us out into the desert to die? What have you done to us?”
Did graves in Egypt suddenly look better than the unknown plans of traveling
with God? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They were “used ruthlessly” as slaves
under harsh Egyptian taskmasters (1:14). For goodness sake, only a generation
back the Egyptians threw the Israelites’ newborn sons into the Nile River like
yesterday’s garbage! Atrocious annihilation! Hadn’t God proved his majestic
capabilities? Even so, they chose to look back to their wounded past. Sometimes,
what we’ve known seems better than an unknown future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Faithful Moses assured the people
that God would not abandon them in this current crisis. He told them, “Do not
be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you
today.” He went on to say they would never see the Egyptians again. He added, “The
Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I love what the Lord God said to
them after Moses’ instructions to stand firm and only be still. In seeming contradiction,
God said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me, tell the Israelites to move
on.” God instructed Moses to stretch his staff over the sea, and all that “night
the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry
land.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The Israelites found themselves with
no seeming escape. They couldn’t physically get to another place, but maybe God
was asking more of them. Perhaps he was asking for a heart change, a different
mindset. Maybe he was asking for faith-growth – upward to God, to move on in
their minds. With God’s rescue from Egypt, evidently he had them in his radar. In
addition, they had assurance that God could also move them from fearing and
thinking about the Egyptians. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I wouldn’t have wanted to be a slave
back then, even a rescued slave, but I admit to wishing I could have been
present for that night’s unfolding events. The pillar of cloud that had previously
led Israel moved and became a barrier between them and the Egyptians. To the
enemies, the pillar appeared as blackest night blotting out all. On the other
side of the pillar of cloud, fire illuminated the Israelite’s camp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Scar-gazing, too much and we drown
in past mistakes and sorrows. Blessed is the humble follower, who chooses to God-gaze,
imagining future possibilities within his amazing grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (Week 39): “But
solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to
distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at <a href="http://www.cathymessecar.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.cathymessecar.com</span></a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-12375042017460270162012-10-03T05:10:00.001-05:002012-10-03T05:10:41.899-05:00Mr. or Mrs. Friend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 20.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">My best-known identity is that of friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 20.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am a
wife to one, David. I am a daughter of two, my dad and mom. I am a mother to
two, Russell and Sheryle. I am a sibling to three, a sister and two brothers. I
am grandmother to five. However, I am a friend to many.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If
you are like me, your best-known identity is that of friend. As we do life, we
have a limited number of relationships that come about because of the relatives
God presents to us. As we know, blood kin can produce some of our closest
friends. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Throughout
lifespans, we encounter others who become friends, rising to significant
numbers. I imagine we all have yet to meet some friends we will dearly
treasure. Turn a metaphorical corner in life, and boom, we meet different
people, and encounter probable new friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Enemies
don’t form friendships, or people with opposite opinions don’t think alike, so
they prefer not to spend time with each other. Friendships occur among those
who have something in common. A number of avenues bring us to friendships: church,
politics, sports, hobbies, support groups, medical problems, kinship ties, careers,
armed services, schools, social clubs, service organizations, neighborhoods, or
providential meetings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sometimes
it takes very little in common to make a friendly alliance. Sydney Smith said,
“Madam, I have been looking for a person who disliked gravy all my life; let us
swear eternal friendship.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve
found that friendships, which have grown from mutual agape love, have helped to
keep me sane through some of life’s darkest moments. Friendships enrich our
lives. The characteristics of healthy friendships are many, here are just a
few: humor, reliability, accountability, sharing, kindness, listening, and
respect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At a
conference this week, I watched a short video about poverty, where the narrator
asked people what they thought poverty meant. They answered lack of food, lack
of money, lack of shelter, and transportation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then
he asked another question to those same middle class citizens, if you lost all
today and had absolutely no resources, how long would it take you to find food,
shelter, and employment? Most answered that they could find food in a couple of
hours, shelter within 24 hours, and work within a week’s time. Why? They said they
could depend on friends to help them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I
got it. I understood that for the desperate who have nothing a friend is the
most valuable thing in life. In addition, for those who have everything – same answer.
Friends are our most valuable asset in any economic situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Some
friends come into our lives and stay until we draw our last breath. Others are
not so permanent. We can think of friends who only had relationship with us for
a while. For many reasons, they were short term. Perhaps they came into our
lives for a reason, for us to help them or them to help us. Other friends are
seasonal friends, such as my dear friend Bev Grayson. I knew her only six years
before she left this earth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A fragrant,
sugar crusted loaf of friendship bread doesn’t last long in my household, but
friendships fueled by the ingredients of heaven endure and have an eternal
shelf life. Friendships remain an integral part of our lives because Triune God
lives in community and created beings capable of community with him and each
other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Many
scriptures give guidance for friendships, a component of friendships is
humility, because it takes a humble person to learn from another and to allow a
friend to help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
week, when you gather with friends, leave them better than you found them,
because “As iron sharpens iron, so one friend sharpens another” (Proverbs
27:17).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger
for Humility: “I<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">f one falls down</span>,
his friend can help him up. But pity the<br />
man who <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">falls</span> and has no <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">one</span> to help him up!” <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">(Ecclesiastes 4:10)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px 1em 2.45pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-66689735009070571192012-09-13T13:07:00.000-05:002012-09-13T13:11:46.288-05:00Quit Quaking <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"It has been said that somewhere in the Psalms can be found a
reflection of virtually every religious experience known to man, and the person
familiar with the Psalter can find balm for every wound." Anthony Ash quoted
that, however he admits that this statement may not be strictly true, but it
does reflect the high regard for the Psalms from those who have experienced
camaraderie and good-fellowship with the authors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Within Psalms, we find a blending of theology, worship, and daily
living. One of my favorite psalms is 46 and begins with these words, "God
is our refuge and strength, and ever present help in trouble." This psalm
covers three troubling areas: natural disasters, political upheaval, and battle
fatigue. During any of these events, we may lose sight that God remains aware
of circumstances and remains in control, never to dethroned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The third stanza portrays war and battle fatigue, and God gives
directions near the end. He says to the weary, "Be still, and know that I
am God." That seems a daunting request when worry assaults as fast as a Ninja.
However, for those who accept the challenge and stop worry, they find solace
and anchorage for their souls because God keeps his promises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Through media, we’re bombarded with disturbing news, in our backyards
and abroad. Shellshock has taken on a new definition. In our day, we experience
virtual shellshock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Who
doesn’t need a break from warfare? My heart breaks for the citizens of
countries who actually live the headlines, news stories of rebellion, street
attacks, and revolution. If you need a refreshing break from worldwide chaos or
hometown commotion, take a deep drink from the Psalms this week. You can choose
from 150 psalms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
1529, the 46<sup>th</sup> psalm inspired Martin Luther to write the words and
music to a well-known hymn. You may recognize the first phrase "A mighty fortress
is our God, a bulwark never failing." The same psalm that inspired Luther
still instructs today’s believers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Be still, and know I am God," isn't a take-it-or-leave-it
instruction. It's a gentle invitation to bring about blessings through
participation. This week, we could pray that phrase for the troops from our
community, military personnel worldwide, President Obama, this country, and our
enemies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lean
on the strong shoulders of the psalms for comfort, resolve to be still, and depend
upon God to perform his promises. Join me in an act of humility as we admit our
smallness in prayer, “You, O God, are eons beyond our imaginations. We trust
your unfolding destiny for this earth and for us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger
for Humility (Week 37): “In my alarm, I said, ‘I’m cut off from your sight!’
Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.” (Psalm 31:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-19967300779336037482012-09-07T09:59:00.002-05:002012-09-07T09:59:13.697-05:00Speak Volumes in Words or Silence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Words or silence – both
speak volumes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Joy ignites smiles when clever persons
respond with humorous replies. We need good clean fun, and dry-witted people
often provide that. In addition, pleasures arrive when a person responds with the
right answer at the right moment. Several stories about word usage come to mind
from a favorite book of mine, “Viva la Repartee,” a collection of “clever
comebacks and witty retorts from history’s great wits and wordsmiths.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Calvin Coolidge, the thirtieth president,
was a man of few words, earning the nickname, “Silent Cal.” After returning home
from church one Sunday morning, the First Lady, Grace, asked, “What did the
preacher speak about today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Coolidge replied, “Sin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Disturbed by his lack of detail, she
wanted to hear more news of the sermon she’d missed, “Well, what did he say
about it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Apparently enjoying the moment, Coolidge
replied, “He was against it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In the 1900s, Joseph Choate and his
wife lived in England while her husband served as ambassador. While at a London
party, the host suggested they play a game. She asked partygoers to name the
person they’d most like to be if they were not themselves. When Choate’s turn
came, he stood and glanced toward his wife before providing his diplomatic answer:
“If I could not be myself, I would like to be – Mrs. Choate’s second husband.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As refreshing as clever words are, silence
can prove stronger than words. When an intellectual discussion goes over my
head, I dive out of the conversation and swim into the shallows of silence. There,
I can seem contemplative instead proving my ignorance by speaking. “Blessed are
they who have nothing to say, and who cannot be persuaded to say it,” said
James Russell Lowell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In this year of studying, reading,
and searching out humility, I’ve concluded that silence becomes trademark of a humble
person. However, silence can be the wrong response whenever we see evil and our
integrity demands a rebuttal. At those times, we must gather the courage to
respond, but for this day, we address the good nature of silence. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Consider these effective ways to practice
silence: Within a small gathering of people, when someone has received praise,
remain silent and allow them to bask in the rewards of their labors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How about swallowing pride and
backing out of opinion based squabbles by saying, “You could be right,” and
then remain silent and listen to the other person. However, don’t stew in silence:
truly contemplate their stance on the issues.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When you ask a trusted person for
advice or to evaluate your job performance, become silent, listen intently, and
consider all spoken observations. A simple thank you will suffice when they are
through. Don’t let bitter thoughts invade. Pray to receive and accept any
truths they relate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Mend arguments with apologies. However,
after a sincere apology, allow the controversial issue to drop, even if the
other person continues to lecture. Remain silent and practice humility. You don’t
have to get in the last word. Silence can often be the most sincere answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: top;">
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am moved by the many times, Jesus told
evil spirits and storms, “Be quiet.” He stopped their rackets and trumped evil
by calling for silence. I am moved when I remember how his disciples “kept quiet”
when Jesus asked what they had been arguing about. They kept silent because
they were guilty of arguing about “who was the greatest.” In poignant reply, Jesus
sat down, called the disciples to join him, instructing, “If anyone wants to be
first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:33-35). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Silence deserves a larger stage. Try
lifting the curtains on it among your family and friends. When you stop a volley
of words, they might want a curtain call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for Humility (36): “He who
has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy Messecar welcomes comments at <a href="http://www.cathymessecar.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.cathymessecar.com</span></a> </span><span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11883658.post-54639508172777885862012-09-03T12:00:00.000-05:002012-09-03T12:00:55.400-05:00What to do?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I hear myself
saying this sentence more as I age, “I have no wisdom about that.” When our
family encounters a problem that has no probable solution, or two good choices come
along in life, I refer to my go-to mantra: “I have no wisdom about that.” Read
what Old Testament King Jehoshaphat did when faced with an advancing army,
people to protect, and he had no apparent knowledge of what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The account of his kingship, in 2
Chronicles chapters 17-21, shows the king’s prayer-response to an advancing enemy
against Judah. A report brought to King Jehoshaphat announced a “vast army is
coming against you from Edom” (20:2).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When the
message arrived, the enemy was still at least 25 miles away. The news of
impending attack spread from farmer to farmer from merchant to merchant, household
to household. The citizens surrounding Jerusalem rushed into the city to “seek
help from the Lord.” The urgency caused men to bring their unprotected families
with them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Alarmed by the news of enemies on their tunic
tails, Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast for all of Judah, and afterwards he faced
the temple and prayed. During his talk with God, the king reminded God of his
promises. God had previously assured his people that when they sought an
audience with him he would hear. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The final
words in Jehoshaphat’s prayer express a common feeling of helplessness when our
piddling wisdom and resources run out. The king admitted to God, and before his
citizens, his lack of wisdom: “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have
no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.” He continued his plea, “We
do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” (20:12). I’ve adopted the last
sentence of Jehoshaphat’s prayer about personal issues, our country, and its
people: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Too often, we let the daunting troubles
that our eyes see sway us toward fear. We forget that God is mightier than any
problem or foe we will ever face in life. The last line of Jehoshaphat’s prayer
acknowledges our smallness and lack of wisdom. His words also confess that God
is God and man is man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What was God’s
response to this humble leader who knew he didn’t have the answers or the power
to protect his people: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast
army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Then the Lord gave King Jehoshaphat
an assignment, “[S]tand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you”
(20:17). Read further in these chapters to find how conflict in the enemies’
ranks caused them to slay each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Until the
end of December, we’ll keep focusing on disciplining ourselves in humility. To
help in our efforts, adopt Jehoshaphat’s verbal confession of faith and
reliance. Almost daily, we see life stick out her foot to trip self or someone
we know. We will have that “what-now?” look on our faces again. When that
happens, remember God says, “Before they call, I will answer; while they are
still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). Make a habit of praying the short
prayer of King Jehoshaphat. Pray it for self. Pray it for the nations of the
world and for our country: “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Hunger for
Humility (Week 35): “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in
spirit, and trembles at my word.” (Isaiah 66:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">www.cathymessecar.com</div>Cathy Messecarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01139439786620700500noreply@blogger.com0