tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35814063678289777462024-03-13T19:57:25.144-07:00God first. Life second.God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame. -Robin Jones Gunnlaurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.comBlogger366125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-52780032273950419422020-01-18T05:51:00.003-08:002020-01-18T05:52:42.782-08:00how to help a grieving friend, part 2Nine years ago, I wrote down some ways you can help someone who is <a href="https://laurawegener.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=APq4FmDsxHpj66SPl39Ui0gfqYRMqvekhuCMmPGZKQ9SmgTiCitpkRguIL9kDhl5OimC3LlbXaGo1CVCDBqQ9CJGkZ_l5Bbwm5v_pBxEcGPFf1kcZ2CiIPVa6nXKJvxniWZGhYNcgv7r&postId=856777538449128335&type=POST" target="_blank">dealing with grief</a> (<a href="https://laurawegener.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=APq4FmDsxHpj66SPl39Ui0gfqYRMqvekhuCMmPGZKQ9SmgTiCitpkRguIL9kDhl5OimC3LlbXaGo1CVCDBqQ9CJGkZ_l5Bbwm5v_pBxEcGPFf1kcZ2CiIPVa6nXKJvxniWZGhYNcgv7r&postId=856777538449128335&type=POST" target="_blank">click here to read</a>!). I started thinking about it again recently because of some dear people who have passed way too soon into heaven and my friends are grieving their loss.<br />
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I also thought about it because someone sent me something that made me remember my brother, who passed away in 2009... which is why I wanted to write how to help a grieving friend, part 2.<br />
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Here's the story... in the stack of Christmas cards I got this year, I received one from a close girlfriend. It got shoved away in my desk, so I forgot to open it until yesterday. When I did, it wasn't the normal Christmas card I expected. It said, "A gift has been made to Samaritan's Purse in your honor." Now, Samaritan's Purse is an awesome organization that I am happy to support, but it wasn't until I opened the card that I was floored.<br />
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The inside read:<br />
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I immediately cried. I hadn't seen his name written out for years. It reminded me that he was more than just a family memory. He was a real person that I used to hug and live with and make memories with. It was such a moment to treasure to just reflect on him and love on him and know that someone across the world was getting blessed because of this gift in his honor and they knew his name. </div>
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Whoa... it blessed me!</div>
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And I wanted you to know... if you want to help a grieving friend, do something out of the ordinary and in that person's honor like this. Surprise them weeks down the road, years down the road. Write down the anniversary on your calendar. Write down a note to do something for them in the future. Do something now to let them know that you remember and care about them. </div>
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I vividly remember nine months after Brody passed that we got a card in the mail from someone just talking about him... and it came from someone who wasn't necessarily a close friend we talked to every day! That blessed me so much! So much love and outpouring comes immediately after something happens - and yes, that stuff sticks with you too - but there's something special about someone remembering when the world has moved on. </div>
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So if you know someone who lost a friend last year or the year before that or years or decades ago... or even last week, send them a special note. If it was a recent loss, make a note of the anniversary and send them a gift next year and the year after. Do something out of the ordinary and unexpected to show you care... it will bless them! </div>
laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-43747946585894723302019-04-27T21:12:00.001-07:002019-04-27T21:12:59.237-07:00In the books of Revelation, we see this description of God.<br />
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“Who was, who is, and who is to come”<br />
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I like the message translation.<br />
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“The God who is, the God who was, the God about to arrive.”<br />
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I like that. He’s almost on the scene. Get prepared. He’s almost there!laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-68001517968491942242019-04-24T05:29:00.002-07:002019-04-24T05:29:41.443-07:00healed as they went"As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!'<br />
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"He looked at them and said, 'Go show yourselves to the priests.' And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.<br />
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"One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, 'Praise God!' He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan.<br />
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"Jesus asked, 'Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?' And Jesus said to the man, 'Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.'" -Luke 17:11-19 NLT<br />
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I've had a phrase that I've been thinking on over the past few weeks.<br />
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"healed as they went"<br />
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The concept comes from this passage of Scripture. The lepers were healed as they went. Consider how odd it must have felt for them to walk away from Jesus without seeing immediate change in their bodies. Maybe they expected that because lepers were thought to be contagious, and they knew they shouldn't get close.<br />
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Jesus didn't even touch them, yet they were cleansed through their obedience.<br />
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They had to turn around and walk without seeing immediate change. That must have been hard. I'm not exactly sure when the change came, but it says they were healed as they went to see the priests... I imagine it came slowly. Once they started to see a difference, I bet their excitement rose.<br />
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Placing myself in that story helps me imagine that God doesn't always answer as we plan or want Him to. Obedience is key. Trusting Him is key. Don't stop believing if He doesn't do as you expect. Anything is possible when you believe.<br />
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One reason this is a big idea for me is because my hubby has been going through a lot of health issues. Right now, he has some opportunities that I believe as he walks them out in faith and trusting God, he will be healed as he goes!<br />
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Now, God may not answer exactly as I plan, but I'm learning to trust Him through the process as these lepers did, even if I don't see things right away. HE IS STILL AT WORK! All caps to remind me it's always the case.laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-71246444574798526772019-04-15T08:42:00.001-07:002019-04-15T08:42:22.691-07:00passing on the love of booksI've hit a busy season with work! Through it all, my goal is to keep reading to my kids.<div>
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I finally remembered to ask Erik to take our pics... I've been reading with these kids on couches and next to beds for years, and the space we need as we read keeps expanding as they get bigger. </div>
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Here's our latest pic and I love it. </div>
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Keep reading to your kids... and grandkids! Which prompts an extra shout out to my mom, who reads to the kids via Facetime! YAY! </div>
laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-6753250352555293892019-04-04T04:52:00.003-07:002019-04-04T04:52:51.980-07:00don't despise the little things!We're hosting a baby shower at my house on Sunday, and so we are in full pick up the house and clean mode!<div>
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<div>
Yesterday, my five-year-old was vacuuming the stairs and when he stopped he said, "Mom, mom! I figured out how the vacuum works!" He went on to explain how our hands hold the vacuum down and air comes out that pulls up the crumbs/dirt. </div>
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It was a really fun moment, because a couple days ago, his older brother did something similar with a zipper. He had been zipping his coat and must have been contemplating how it actually worked, and then told me, very excitedly, how interesting it was and how he figured it out. </div>
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It goes to show you that kids are always trying to figure out life! This is one reason I value homeschooling. I get to hear all those moments of discovery... and they happen all the time, even when they are helping with chores or putting on a coat. They don't need tons of extra stuff to learn. They just need a safe place to learn and someone who will guide them through it! </div>
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I'm certainly not perfect, but I'm enjoying it! </div>
laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-125034511516503472019-04-02T05:28:00.000-07:002019-04-02T05:28:01.346-07:00sap to syrup!Happy April!<br />
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Wowza, it's amazing how quickly time goes by. Already April! I think it helps that we have more than enough to do as moms and wives and workers and such to fill each day and week. I remember realizing how a kid's calendar goes by so slow when they are waiting for a big event that is weeks out because all they have to do all day is play / school... the days are much longer then!<br />
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Well, clearly I'm off my normal devo routine, and I'm rethinking what my blog will look like going forward. I may switch it up and mix in devos with 5 things I'm grateful for as well as homeschool stories.<br />
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Yesterday was a fun homeschool day because we boiled down maple sap into syrup for the first time! It was something my hubs and I were interested in for a while, and it finally happened yesterday. The syrup was delicious! And it smelled so good as it boiled down. It was fun to realize how that experience was so good for the kiddos. They got to watch evaporation first hand as the sap changed to syrup. I think we are all excited that we get to do this all again each year! A lot of work, but it pays off. Oh and I ran to the gas station last night for vanilla ice cream to eat with our syrup! Delish treat after a long day of work (much of it my hubby's patience as it boiled!).<br />
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We still have sap to gather. I think it might run for a few more days. We also have more sap to boil. Yay! more syrup.<br />
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Anyway, I hope your week is going well! Thanks for reading about what is going in my world!laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-43239601549488111632019-03-30T21:21:00.000-07:002019-03-30T21:21:08.956-07:005 things 3/30/191. Weekends.<br />
2. Family.<br />
3. Girls nights.<br />
4. Chocolate chip cookies.<br />
5. Singinglaurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-70789749974490765572019-03-28T19:13:00.001-07:002019-03-28T19:13:44.230-07:005 things for 3-28-191. Music.<br />
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2. Pianos. They are beautiful.<br />
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3. Colored socks. So much more fun than regular, and yes, I wear them mismatched! It's easier than matching socks regularly.<br />
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4. Our old sofa. I'm sure I'll have to get a new one eventually, but this sofa has seen many times of bedrest and stories.<br />
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5. Tutus. I still am amazed to look at my little girl! What a blessing! I sometimes still pinch myself that it's real, for I fully remember when we just had the two boys and I was happy and loved it, but my husband and I would talk about a girl. SO much fun to have that become a reality... especially after my first baby was born prematurely! I remember the days when I didn't know if I could have a baby, and now I have three to hold.<br />
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Thank you, Lord.<br />
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How about you? What five things are you thankful for?<br />
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<br />laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-25094096381150358452019-03-27T18:41:00.002-07:002019-03-27T18:41:47.313-07:005 things 3/27Hellooooo!<br />
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Loving spring! How about you?<br />
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Today's five things.<br />
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1. Proverbs 3:5-6<br />
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I love this verse. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Everything. All of it. He will take care of you.<br />
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2. Sweets<br />
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Ahhh, I know, I know... I'm working on keeping my sugar cravings under control!<br />
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3. The Bible<br />
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It's a road map. Encouragement for each day!<br />
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4. Parks<br />
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Today I got to go to a park and just sit and let all my kids play! So nice after years of following them around to keep an eye on them! My youngest (1.5 yrs) is adventurous and loved walking/climbing/going down slides on her own. It was fantastic!<br />
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5. The Internet<br />
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I know this is a two-edged sword, but today I am thankful for all the research that can be done in a few clicks! And yes, double check your clicks since you can't believe everything on the Internet!<br />
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That's all for today... how about you?laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-83623556256235816572019-03-26T17:54:00.000-07:002019-03-26T17:54:08.142-07:00today's 5 thingsThings I'm grateful for today....<br />
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1. Being outside and talking to people in not freezing weather!<br />
2. Kids running around outside, getting fresh air and wearing themselves out before bed!<br />
3. Fun adventures in trying international food! This week we tried chicken souvlaki and baklava from Greece!<br />
4. The time after kids go to bed. It's wonderful and refreshing to take a moment to catch up on things and/or have a moment to just be me. Love it!<br />5. Erik - he does all these woodworking projects around the house and outside and lets the kids do it with him and learn. Great learning opportunity for them.<br />
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What are you thankful for?laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-65030552388542067322019-03-25T05:51:00.000-07:002019-03-25T05:51:02.755-07:00God helps in daily lifeThere’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger<br />
and directs us to hidden treasure.<br />
Otherwise how will we find our way?<br />
Or know when we play the fool?<br />
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh!<br />
Keep me from stupid sins,<br />
from thinking I can take over your work;<br />
Then I can start this day sun-washed,<br />
scrubbed clean of the grime of sin.<br />
These are the words in my mouth;<br />
these are what I chew on and pray.<br />
Accept them when I place them<br />
on the morning altar,<br />
O God, my Altar-Rock,<br />
God, Priest-of-My-Altar.<br />
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Psalm 19:11-14 Msg.<br />
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I was just listening to a retelling of the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, and this phrase describes what they did perfectly as well as what we often do: "Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work;"<br />
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Sarah thought she could help God finish His plans by having Abraham hook up with her slave Hagar. But the promise was for Sarah & Abraham, not Hagar.<br />
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When God has a promise for you, wait for Him to fulfill. Be obedient and patient in the process, and He will fulfill it for you - not your attempt at a plan, but His fulfillment of your plan.<br />
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laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-90496630015986788382019-03-24T22:46:00.001-07:002019-03-25T05:52:20.080-07:00my first missed day! **So Sunday I missed blogging! (First time since starting it daily in 2019)<br />
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I usually catch up in the afternoon ... But I had the best time prepping for the babysitter coming over. My hubby and I had a delayed celebration for our ten year anniversary. A night of sushi and a movie and memories made.<br />
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I loved it.<br />
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I didn't finish up work for the day. I lost track of blogging. I focused on the moment and it was lovely.<br />
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It refreshed my mind and heart and our marriage.<br />
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It was lovely. Off to bed.<br />
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**EDIT: Oh, I just saw that blogger's time zone must be different than my time zone, for it looks like I didn't miss a day. I posted after midnight my time, but it captured it as a Sunday post. Yay!laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-56757561971077162972019-03-23T19:37:00.001-07:002019-03-23T19:37:27.576-07:00five things!Today I'm thankful for...<br />
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1. Friends<br />
2. Sunshine<br />
3. Outdoor parks<br />
4. Spring!! (I love the symbolism of rebirth and fresh start!)<br />
5. Steak cooked by my hubby over the fire!!<br />
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How about you?laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-85394138400193055402019-03-22T06:46:00.001-07:002019-03-22T06:46:19.682-07:00God is unlike any other"How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you." -2 Samuel 7:22 NLT<div>
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God is unique. No other God can compare to who He is. </div>
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He is beautiful. </div>
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He makes beautiful things. </div>
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He tells beautiful stories. </div>
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He is big, powerful, and unmatched. </div>
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He is love. </div>
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He is joy. </div>
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He is peace. </div>
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He is patient. (so important - I need Him to be so patient with me when I mess up in my life and when I'm impatient with others!)</div>
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And I love what my son said: He is welcome. </div>
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He is welcome in my life. He wants to be invited into our lives. So big and powerful. And not only does He want to be welcome, but He willingly comes in and brings all these good things with Him. </div>
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Whoa. </div>
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Is He welcome in your life today? </div>
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We welcome You, Lord! You are amazing.</div>
laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-444958929230235022019-03-21T06:17:00.001-07:002019-03-21T06:17:51.974-07:00Psalm 23This is a favorite verse of mine. I turned it into a song for the boys (and eventually Brielle!) to learn. Well worth memorizing, in whatever translation you want. It encourages me that God is leading and helping me through life!<br />
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Psalm 23 NKJV<br />
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The Lord is my shepherd;<br />
I shall not want.<br />
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;<br />
He leads me beside the still waters.<br />
He restores my soul;<br />
He leads me in the paths of righteousness<br />
For His name’s sake.<br />
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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,<br />
I will fear no evil;<br />
For You are with me;<br />
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.<br />
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You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;<br />
You anoint my head with oil;<br />
My cup runs over.<br />
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me<br />
All the days of my life;<br />
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord<br />
Forever.laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-13805582605175307442019-03-20T06:01:00.002-07:002019-03-20T06:01:35.130-07:00prayer works"The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with." -James 5:16 Msg.<br />
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I think we too often forget that our prayers matter. We pray about everything and then if we don't see results, we stop praying.<br />
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That shouldn't be!<br />
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Our prayers should continue whether or not we see what we think we should... because our prayers are powerful.<br />
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Keep bringing your prayers to God in faith! He is working on your behalf!<br />
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"Tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer." -same verse, Passion Translationlaurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-78759238101879078662019-03-19T05:36:00.002-07:002019-03-19T05:36:50.690-07:00take your choices to the streets!Hebrews 13:16 talks about doing good to others. There's something in particular from the Message translation that stands out to me.<br />
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"God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship - a different kind of 'sacrifice' - that takes place in kitchen and workplace and on the streets."<br />
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God doesn't want our Christianity to be stuck in our homes or in our heads. He wants us to live it out in our daily lives. He wants us to choose wisely and choose kindness and love in our relationships. The best way to do this is to be aware that He is with us throughout each day. He can help us center on His kindness and grace and ability to choose love, even in difficult times.<br />
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And we don't have to do this on our own. As my son just reminded me when he saw the word "grace"...<br />
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This is amazing grace<br />
This is unfailing love<br />
That you would take our place<br />
That you would bear our cross.<br />
You lay down Your life<br />
That I would be set free<br />
Oh, Jesus, I sing for<br />
All that You've done for me<br />
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(This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham)laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-28873280349409275592019-03-18T06:46:00.000-07:002019-03-18T06:46:04.094-07:00today I'm thankful for......it's so close to spring! I love spring. Such a beautiful time of year where we see the rebirth of a cold season where everything is closed away.<br />
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It's a time filled with mud and the beginning of bugs, so that's not as fun... but then again, I have kids, so mud (for them) is awesome!<br />
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It's a time filled with puddles and wet dogs, which often equals a beautiful wet mess.<br />
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There's something wonderful about watching kids see puddles and just feel the need to jump! Yesterday, Brielle (1.5 yrs) put on her rain boots and went to a puddle and jumped. She just knows puddles are awesome fun!<br />
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So nice to be able to head outside in the melting of snow and ice and have fun!laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-60209952649736656242019-03-17T16:52:00.001-07:002019-03-17T16:52:25.089-07:00five things for 3/19Five things I'm thankful for today:<br />
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1. NASCAR ... I grew up watching golf on Sunday afternoons with my dad. My kiddos are growing up watching NASCAR on Sunday afternoons with dad. I enjoy it too. A fun relaxing family activity.<br />
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2. My husband's creativity and quick abilities ... today my hubby heard someone was thinking about starting a woodworking project With a few questions and an offer to help, the project is now at our house, almost completed, ready to be given to the person who wants it tomorrow.<br />
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3. Friendships ... I'm learning to value the advice and input of people and their experiences from all ages.<br />
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4. Worship ... Erik and I got to lead worship at an out-of-town church this morning that we hadn't been to before. It was fun. Loved being a part of the body of Christ I hadn't yet met, but somehow, they feel like family because we all have the same Heavenly Father.<br />
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5. Stairs ... They are a great way to enable us to build floors of our homes on top of each other and expand our houses in unique ways! :-)<br />
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What are you thankful for today?<br />
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laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-59023203212791416892019-03-16T06:26:00.001-07:002019-03-16T06:26:55.122-07:00love God!"Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!" -Deuteronomy 6:5 Msg.<br />
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God is worthy of our love. I'm so grateful of all that God has done for me. He provides me with purpose and security. He is my friend who I turn to. I try to turn to Him in need and in plenty... when I'm frustrated and when I'm thrilled. He can truly be that to you.<br />
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Have you ever asked Him to join your life? It's one of the best decisions you can make.<br />
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<br />laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-44964034815605166532019-03-15T06:42:00.002-07:002019-03-15T06:42:55.485-07:00responding to tragedyLast night, evil touched New Zealand through a shooting at two mosques.<br />
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What do we do about these tragedies?<br />
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For me, they need immediate prayer to help resolve what they are facing. First responders and leaders need to know what to do to best help the people harmed in this situation. Our prayers do make a difference, so lift them up to the Lord.<br />
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Next, the people who have lost someone need God's love to surround them today and going forward in the future. They need comfort and peace. I can't necessarily touch them directly, but I can pray that God will impact their lives and show Himself on their behalf.<br />
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Lastly, leaders need to know if there is a need for response. Most often a call for gun resolution follows, but is that truly the best path? Our leaders need wisdom to know if that is the best course of action. What can happen that will truly help curb crime?<br />
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For me, the answer lies not in legislation, but in turning back to the morals of the Bible.<br />
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"Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers? If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up." Psalm 94:19 Msg.<br />
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<br />laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-17199426321744133372019-03-14T18:30:00.001-07:002019-03-14T18:36:53.947-07:00gratefulYou know, a lot of junk goes on in life. A lot of things that make you wonder and question what you believe.<br />
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And then you have moments like <a href="https://twitter.com/bubblegirl214/status/1106033484462809088" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">this</a> this that steal your heart and make it worth it.</div>
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Have a wonderful day!</div>
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<br />laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-56169017599663126242019-03-13T19:58:00.002-07:002019-03-13T19:58:40.762-07:00finally ... and five thingsSo sometimes the days tick by pretty quickly and you don't take a moment for yourself until late at night.<br />
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Apparently today was that day for me!<br />
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I had gotten out of the habit of starting with my blog the past couple days, and then the day just gets off running. It probably didn't "help" that we woke up later than normal (which is wonderful!). I'm rejoicing any time the kiddos and pups don't wake me up too early!<br />
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So what are you thankful for today?<br />
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I missed my five things on Sunday... so it's a great time to look back on today and say thanks. I'm grateful for:<br />
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1. Cheese. It's yummy.<br />
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2. Keto supplements. Yep, I did something I don't ever do and I jumped in and got some Keto supplements to help me jumpstart the diet for a short time to hopefully get rid of some of the baby weight (+) that has stuck around for a while. I've been on it fairly well (I think!) for a week, and I'm back to the weight I was last spring when I was doing well at exercising regularly. To be honest, I don't know what I started at, but I am sure I've lost a few pounds, so I'm grateful for that too.<br />
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3. Scales. Yeah, this is kinda grateful, kinda not, since they tell the truth (lol!), but I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to step on that scale and get an idea of how I'm doing. Do I have wiggle room for a treat or do I need to be super controlled to stay the same weight? I don't have to be controlled by it, but it can guide me. P.S. I learned this from my Grandma! Mom says she did it every day and that's how she stayed trim! I bet I can follow her lead. :-)<br />
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4. Blogs. It's a unique format to share your thoughts with others, and I've learned a lot from reading other people's blogs! Glad for an opportunity to have my own. I am considering what mine will look like going forward. Should I stick with a daily Scripture and a few thoughts? Should I jump into homeschooling/mom-ing thoughts? Should I do five things I'm thankful for every day? Considering if I should be specific or do a mix. We'll see as it evolves over time!<br />
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5. Aldi. Yep, I like their food and their prices and their random assortment of things you can buy throughout the year that keeps changing.<br />
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There you go! Happy Wednesday night to you!laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-41276195716000433322019-03-12T14:04:00.000-07:002019-03-12T14:04:05.103-07:00be flexible!So today we were planning on heading to a play date at a friend's house... and then as I was coughing while getting ready, I realized I shouldn't pass on my germs to their home.<br />
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Thankfully, she was flexible and had another idea for a get together!<br />
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I appreciate her grace. She was willing to go out of her way to make new plans, and I am grateful. I want to learn to extend that grace to others.<br />
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Sometimes it's harder to extend grace to the people close to us, but they are the most important to give grace to. So always remember... Give grace! Be flexible! It helps you and others!laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3581406367828977746.post-90990330739180256222019-03-11T06:10:00.002-07:002019-03-11T06:10:31.681-07:00you can handle it!"No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it." -1 Corinthians 10:13 Msg.<br />
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I love this verse! </div>
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Some people interpret this verse differently as to what exactly is the test or temptation God will bring you through... but I think the basic point of this verse is important. God's got your back! He will help you through what seems to be your hardest days. Rely on Him for strength, grace, and the patience you need. If you work to be aware of Him throughout the day, you can become aware of the ideas He supplies to you as well! He'll supply you with ideas that will help you be patient and filled with love and kindness. </div>
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I'm grateful for His help! </div>
laurawegener25http://www.blogger.com/profile/11414954103346599445noreply@blogger.com0