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Miranda, I miss this thing too! Over the past few days, we've been reading about Joseph. I live how he stays focused. Years in prison and he never feels abandoned by God. I want the confidence to know all the time He is present and by my side.

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I don't know if anyone is reading along with the whole One Year Bible Plan, but today's reading included Genesis 38. What a crazy, amazing, scandalous heritage we have! And through it all, God has ALWAYS accomplished his purposes. Lots of times as I read the Bible, I think, "Those idiots! Always messing with God's plans. It would be so much easier if they would just do things his way!" Other times I think, "Wow, God! You just never do things the way we would expect, do you?" And then in my own life, over and over I find myself resisting (or sometimes ignoring) God's will or questioning his ways. I don't know why I expect God to do things my way! He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and that's never been the way he operates.

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Found this online...

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Mara, I love the mirror thing! Nate and I are doing a blue band thing. I'm reading a Beth Moore book called Believing God (Miranda has already finished the whole thing of course! ha) She talks about a band as a reminder for a sacrifice for God or adding something to your practices. Nate's is to remind him to read the bible daily. Mine is to remind me to talk to him about what he reads and explain when needed.

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Still doing the mirror thing

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1 John 5:19

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

I chose this verse to put on the blog today because I thought the second part of us would help us answer today's question: Is it harder to sow good seeds than ungodly ones?  Why or why not?

But as I think about it, I don't think the problem lies completely in the fact that the world is in control of the evil one but in the fact that we don't completely believe we are the children of God. If we lived in complete faith that we are who God says we are, wouldn't we have the courage to fight the enemy? Wouldn't we have the confidence to stand up to our friends or stand out in our schools. If we really lived with the confident assurance that we are his, what is there to be afraid of? In today's #fpbibleplan reading, we read Genesis 18:14- "Is there anything too hard for the LORD?" We ARE who God says we are-- we are his children!

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There is no rewind button on life. How I wish I could rewind or erase past choices of mine. We all know we can't. So what do I choose to do instead?.. Make the best choices for today. Forgive myself for past mistakes and choose to follow God's word today. Make today your best day!

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I love each and every one of you and it was such a blessing to be with most of you for two years! I have seen God move in all of you in so many ways and I know he will continue to do so- never forget to be bold and let your special lights shine!! I will miss you girls, stay warm!

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Did anyone notice that Pastor Chris talked about the same scripture that's on the blog today? God must really want us to hear that today! In case you missed it, here was Pastor Chris's translation: If you sow crap, you're going to reap crap! :)

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Reading Beth Moore's Believing God and this was in the chapter I just read. It goes perfectly with today on the blog...

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Come on girls..........

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Kind of a creepy picture, but I love the idea of being wrapped in His word! If you are soaking up His word it will play out into your life. I am working to increase my study time by using a prayer journal, and reading multiple Christian texts. Share your ideas for ways to set your mind on Him.

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Today's reading in Genesis talks about the fall. This post just happened to come up on my news feed this morning. God asked Adam and Eve, "Who told you that you were naked?" Translation: "Who told you that you were not enough? Who told you that I didn’t love you? Who told you that there was something outside of me you needed?" He asks us these same questions.

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I don't want to brag, but I'm pretty awesome at applying band-aids. And make no mistake, that is an art. Because if you go too quickly and unpeel them the wrong way, they stick to themselves and you end up with a wadded up useless mess, instead of the Little Mermaid festooned bandage your daughter so desperately wants to apply to a boo boo that may in fact be 100% fictional.

Half of the injuries I treat at the Acuff house are invisible or simply wounds of sympathy. My oldest daughter will scrape her knee, and my younger daugther, realizing the band aid box is open will say, "Yo dad, I'd like to get in on that too. What do you say we put one on, I don't know, my ankle. Yeah, my ankle, let's pretend that's hurt."

But sometimes the cuts are real, like the day a few years ago when my then 5-year old got a scrape on her face playing in the front yard. I rushed in the house and returned with a princess bandage. As I bent down to apply it to her forehead, her eyes filled up with tears and she shrunk back from me.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I don't want to wear that band-aid." She replied.

"Why? You have a cut. You need a band-aid." I said.

"I'll look silly," she answered.

Other than her sister and her mom, there was no one else in the yard. None of her friends were over, cars were not streaming by our house and watching us play, the world was pretty empty at that moment. But, for the first time I can remember, she felt shame. She had discovered shame. Somewhere, somehow, this little 5-year-old had learned to be afraid of looking silly. If I was smarter, if I had been better prepared for the transition from little toddler to little girl, I might have asked her this:

"Who told you that you were silly?"

I didn't, though. That question didn't bloom in my head until much later, and I didn't understand it until I saw God ask a similar question in Genesis 3:11. To me, this is one of the saddest and most profoundly beautiful verses in the entire Bible. Adam and Eve have fallen. The apple is a core. The snake has spoken. The dream appears crushed. As they hide from God under clothes they've hastily sewn together, He appears and asks them a simple question:

"Who told you that you were naked?"

There is hurt in God's voice as He asks this question, but there is also a deep sadness, the sense of a father holding a daughter that has for the first time ever, wrapped herself in shame.

Who told you that you were not enough?

Who told you that I didn't love you?

Who told you that there was something outside of me you needed?

Who told you that you were ugly?

Who told you that your dream was foolish?

Who told you that you would never have a child?

Who told you that you would never be a father?

Who told you that you weren't a good mother?

Who told you that without a job you aren't worth anything?

Who told you that you'll never know love again?

Who told you that this was all there is?

Who told you that you were naked?

I don't know when you discovered shame. I don't know when you discovered that there were people who might think you are silly or dumb or not a good writer or a husband or a friend. I don't know what lies you've been told by other people or maybe even by yourself.

But in response to what you are hearing from everyone else, God is still asking the question, "Who told you that you were naked?"

And He's still asking us that question because we are not.

In Christ, we are not worthless.

In Christ, we are not hopeless.

In Christ, we are not dumb or ugly or forgotten.

In Christ, we are not naked.

Isaiah 61:10 says:

"For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness."

The world may try to tell you a thousand different things today. You might close this post and hear a million declarations of who you are or who you'll always be, but know this:

As unbelievable as it sounds, and as much as I never expected to type this sentence on this blog:

You are not naked.
(This is a throw back post that originally appeared on SCL a few years ago.)
- See more at: http://stuffchristianslike.net/2012/03/07/thinking-youre-naked/#more-6985

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Thinking you're naked. - Stuff Christians Like

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I don't want to brag, but I'm pretty awesome at applying band-aids. And make no mistake, that is an art. Because if you go too quickly and unpeel them the wrong way, they stick to themselves and you end up with a wadded up useless mess, instead of the Little Mermaid festooned bandage your daughter ...

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In today's reading in Genesis, Cain is not willing to give his best to The Lord. He suffers. How often do we take credit for something positive in our life and just give a little shout out to God for his help? What a mistake to think what we accomplish is from us and not through Him. Let's glorify Him in all we do and give Him all the glory. He is the reason for the blessings in our lives. I don't want to be so consumed with my life that I forget about God's ever-present role in all things good. I would be lost without Him.

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Brittany,

Your post reminded me of one if my my favorite verses... Another version says "we are his masterpiece!" He created us for his purpose... Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks!

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This year I think we've all come a long way in a lot of areas of our lives and I think that's pretty cool. It's awesome to see everyone else's verses and seeing how you can use them in your own life. Personally, I adored Kyna's and it's one of my new favorites. It was cool that people picked similar ones too.

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Camryn and Mara,

I love both of those verses too! I think it's so cool that you both chose verses about the same thing. God is definitely working on that in all of us! I think that sometimes I tend to just accept anxiety as a fact of life instead of believing that God can do something about it. But he is a limitless, all-powerful, faithful God! And he is present and active in every situation. Knowing this, after fighting anxiety and panic since I was your all's age, I am starting to let go of it. We can live as overcomers!

Also, I love both of you all so much! Since meeting you both, I've been constantly impressed with how open and honest and willing to let me in that you have been! Man, I wonder how much further I would have gotten in my faith journey in high school if I'd been that willing to open up with my Christian mentors. I just think God is going to do AMAZING things through both of you! Love you!

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Kyna & Miranda

Working with you is a blessing God placed in my life. Kyna, I am praying I too will be listening and ready to go where God leads me. Miranda, prayers for the FP students ministry have been heavy on me. I continue to pray for guidance and encouragement.

All, what an amazing love God has for us. That He continuously seeks us, guides us, redirects us and holds us in His hand. How will we work for Him in 2014? I'm praying He wears me out for His kingdom!

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Kyna (and everyone else too),

I feel like this has been a huge theme in my life this year too. The cool thing is, when I truly seek God's direction, he provides it. I was so glad to read this verse this morning because I had JUST finished praying for direction for our ministry in 2014. Girls, if you haven't yet, please join us in praying for God's direction in FpStudents in the coming year. As you've seen this year, he is doing something amazing in that ministry! But we can't afford to miss out on anything he's doing by allowing ourselves to drift along with complacency instead of actively seeking his will for us. Pray for his direction, girls, pray!

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Micaela,

I am so glad that you've felt God's presence in your life this year! Also, that was a great reminder that witnessing is a privilege!

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Kayla,

I walked around in the spring of my senior year in a constant state of anxiety. I worried constantly about getting a job, my relationship, just generally being an adult. I am so thankful for the fact that God has already been teaching you this year to fully rely on him. I'm praying over this coming semester for you this morning- that you will show God's light to the kids you come into contact with, that you will have the enthusiasm to do your very best work every day, that you will feel confidence and peace in teaching math and science, that you will soak up every opportunity to learn during your student teaching experience, and most of all that you will have the calm assurance that no matter what happens with a future job, God is working all things together for your good. Love you, girl!

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Kayla,

We will miss you in our group but we are praying for the next adventure God has for you. Keep trying to listen to Him.

I know in my life I can look back on moments when He was yelling, jumping, and waving flares and I chose my own path. It is not always easy to listen. I pray all the girls will be still and listen for His voice as He guides us through life.

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Dee,

I second everything you said! It's been an amazing year, and I'm incredibly thankful for my FP friends!

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Madison,

I'm so proud of you for your increasing confidence at school. You are beautiful inside and out. God made something amazing when He created you! I have loved watching you grow spiritually over the past year. I can't wait to see God's 29:11 he has for you!

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Madison,

This was my favorite verse when I was your all's age too. For some reason, it's so hard to remember sometimes that God is working things out for our future. I remember at 15 feeling like "the future" was so far away. That time has gone by in a blur and now here I am. I can look back over the years and see God guiding me in a million different circumstances to bring me to where I am right now- which feels like right in the middle of God's best! It's getting easier to look at the big picture and see God leading me towards a future and hope, but daily, in the middle of stressful circumstances, that can still be hard to remember sometimes! Thanks for reminding me of this great promise, Madison!

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Jessie, This year I have seen you grow in many ways. You have stepped out in ways that were not always comfortable to you because it's what God had put before you in the moment. I'm proud of you and love you!

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Sweet Jessie:

It has been so great getting to know you this year! I wanted to share what lesson God taught me through you this year. At camp, you told me that you try to start each morning by praying, "Any glory that comes to me in anything I do today, let it be all for you!" It's amazing how your perspective changes when you start your day with that prayer! Thank for letting God work through you in teaching me how to glorify him with my life. I've been blessed by your friendship

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To my Jessie:

I am so excited to see you follow the path God has for you. He has big plans for you and He will have a big impact on others through you. I will continue to pray that you will be listening to His directions and continuing to trust in His plan. I love you!

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If you're reading this, you may have noticed there's not a Wednesday reading on the blog. Oops! Just use today to pray and think about what God has done for you this year! Here's you a verse to meditate on too... This was the one that came to mind this morning as I pray over so many friends dealing with heartache.

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I love Miranda's post today. I spent several years "fighting" with God over giving somethings back to Him. My life has been blessed beyond anything I could imagine since I made the decision to stop arguing with Him and just do it!!

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This is an excerpt from Max Lucado's book "And the Angels Were Silent." Love this! Be a donkey-giver... Whatever your donkey is!

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Today reminds me to never think one sin is bigger than another. God gave ME Jesus to save me from MY sin which is no bigger or smaller than others'. Thank you God for that gift

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7eventh Time Down gives us a brand new original Christmas song! Available on the BEC Christmas Compilation (http://bit.ly/1jA0S5g) featuring All Things New, Shine Bright Baby, Manafest, The Museum, Citizens, and 7eventh Time Down.

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Sometimes I feel too small to make a difference in the big issues. I trust that God does not see me that wayGod can take our time, talent, and treasure, even though we think they are small and insignificant, and exponentially multiply them for the advancement of his kingdom in this world.

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in·sig·nif·i·cant

ˌinsigˈnifikənt/

adjective

1. 1.

too small or unimportant to be worth something

synonyms:

unimportant, trivial, trifling,negligible, inconsequential, of no account, inconsiderable;

nugatory, paltry, petty,insubstantial, frivolous,pointless, worthless,meaningless, irrelevant,immaterial, peripheral

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In case I wasn't the only now who needed it, here's the message version of 2 Cor. 5:18-21.  Reconcile= settle the relationship, drop our differences, makes things right between

All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you. How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

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This week has been very busy. I knew it was going to be and had prayed over it. The problem is, throughout the day, I do tend to trade my peace for busyness and get caught up in everything my life holds. It's times like this, though, that having a daily quiet time is even more essential. My prayer time this week has been awesome. God is faithful. Even when life gets to be too much, the Lord meets you right there to be the Prince of Peace.

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Chris Tomlin - Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Lyrics

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Hark the herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled" Joyful, all ye nations rise Join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!"

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For so long I fought God for control of the plans for my life. I know I'm still guilty of this at times, but life has been so much better since He taught me that He is in control and He will accomplish His plans for me!

Isaiah 55:8-9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

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I have definitely strayed on and off the path God has for me through out my life, but God keeps digging a new trail to lead me back to where He wants me to be.

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:) :) :)

Woke up still feeling amazed to the point of tears at how God is working in our friendships. Girls, seriously... Beyond all we dare to ask or imagine. (Eph. 3:20)

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Last night, my youngest and I had an amazing conversation about sin, death, faith, and God's gift. He committed his life to Christ! Praise God for his gift! Psalm 118

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Yesterday Pastor Chris started a series called "Come Let Us Adore." This month, I really do want to focus on adoring God. I want to praise more. I want to stand in awe.

Saturday night my cousin performed at Vienna Coffee. I couldn't make it for the whole performance but snuck in at the end and got to hear one song. But it was this... Perfect for adoring.

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Phillips, Craig & Dean - Revelation Song lyrics

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Phillips, Craig & Dean Revelation Song lyrics Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain Holy, Holy, is He Sing a new song, to him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord God Almighty Who was, and is, and is to come With all creation I

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Intimidation: Have you ever been intimidated by someone or something? As Mary, I imagine the unknown of being an unwed mother was frightening. As Joseph, I imagine the news of a King to save the world was unbelievable. How significant could Joseph have felt in a small town as a carpenter? In a time of kings and rulers this must have been hard to imagine from his "girlfriend". Without God neither of them could have believed and fulfilled this stoey

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Through the act of sending Jesus, God allows us to see himself. Immanuel! God with us

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Last night, I sat down and wrote in my journal everything in the past year that I'm thankful for. This morning as I look at this verse, I see a theme to all of those blessings-- "God with us!" In the past year, my family's whole world has changed in subtle yet powerful ways. Most of these changes have to do with the fact that we started going to Faith Promise. We weren't even really looking for a new church, but God picked us up out of our comfort zone where we were spiritually stagnant and dropped us where we could thrive. Because of this, I spend time with God each morningour marriage has improved, we have amazing friends who encourage us, I met you guys, Clark has learned to pray in everything, and the list goes on and on. This past year, I've felt Immanuel like never before.

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I think Mighty God is what is most comfortable to me. Prince of Peace is hard for me to grasp all the time. God is almighty, forgiving, and holy but he is also wrathful. Some Christians see God as Dad and others see him as King; however, both are correct. God is many things and I just have to remind myself that not only does a father guide his children but he will punish them as well to make them learn.

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I know it feels a little funny to read this verse on Thanksgiving because it's such a Christmassy verse. I'm probably not the only one who hears Amy Grant singing it when I read this. (Actually I probably am--- y'all are to young to have roller bladed to Amy Grant in your garage during childhood.) But I knew that as soon as today is over, the Christmas rush will start. And I didn't want to let this week get away from us without getting our minds focused on who Jesus is! When I think of that tiny baby Jesus, Prince of Peace is the name I have the easiest time understanding. He came as a sweet, innocent baby to bring everlasting peace to all who know him. I also feel Jesus on a day to day basis as Wonderful Counselor. But sometimes I forget that tiny baby in the manger was also the Mighty God and the Everlasting Father. But that's really the main idea of this Christmas love story- that God left the perfection of heaven to come to earth and live (and die) among us imperfect people. That's how much he loves us! Oh, how he loves us!

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Thankful for FP, you girls, and the fabulous leaders I get to work with

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From my reading this morning...

1 John 1: 5-10 from The Message

5 This, in essence, is the message we heard from Christ and are passing on to you: God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him.

6-7 If we claim that we experience a shared life with him and continue to stumble around in the dark, we’re obviously lying through our teeth—we’re not living what we claim. But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purges all our sin.

8-10 If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.

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Yesterday my Zach led a small devo about complaining. Today's verse reminded me of his point. Whenever you hear or catch yourself complaining, think of a reason to be thankful for whatever it is. Example: homework- be thankful it makes you smarter or leads you towards future success; or thankful you have the brains to complete and understand it. We raked our yard full of leaves yesterday remembering to be thankful for our home and the beautiful seasons God has created on this earth. If you hear me complain, poke me and ask me to find a reason to be thankful for it!

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For some of us who feel like we've known Christ as long as we can remember, sometimes this verse doesn't have a huge impact. This is because we don't really remember "the old." But if you think of it like this, it makes a huge impact. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a love-driven creation. The sin-driven has passed away; behold the love-driven has come." Now this really challenges me. If I am in Christ, there Holy Spirit within me leads me to love. That "old" me that was motivated by worldliness and sin has no place in my "new" life. Am I living as a love-driven creation? Because that is how they will know we are different and that's how they'll see Christ in me!

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This is not exactly spiritual, but it's good advice and it'll make you smile, which we all need on a Friday evening. Enjoy

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Kid President's 20 Things We Should Say More Often

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An inspiration, a woman who took action. She didn't just talk the talk. Mother Teresa lived a life with impact. I challenge you to google some of her quotes. Post your favorite one here! She spoke with so much wisdom but she wasn't just about words, she was about change and live.

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The Black Eyed Peas - "Where is the Love?" ft. Justin Timberlake

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"Where is the Love?" by The Black Eyed Peas ft. Justin Timberlake from the album Elephunk SUBSCRIBE ► http://bit.ly/williamSUBSCRIBE PLAYLISTS Music Videos ► http://bit.ly/williamMUSICVIDEOS Tracks ► http://bit.ly/williamTRACKS Behind the Scenes ► http://bit.ly/williamBEHINDTHESCENES Google Hangouts ► http://bit.ly/williamGOOGLEHANGOUTS Hit Singles ► http://bit.ly/williamHITS WILL.I.AM SOCIAL Twitter ► http://bit.ly/williamTWITTER Facebook ► http://bit.ly/williamFACEBOOK Instagram ► http://bit.ly/williamINSTAGRAM Official Website ►http://bit.ly/williamWEBSITE LISTEN TO WILL.I.AM iTunes ► http://bit.ly/williamITUNES Google Play ► http://bit.ly/williamGOOGLEPLAY Spotify ► http://bit.ly/williamSPOTIFY LYRICS will.i.am What's wrong with the world, mama?

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Hawk Nelsons New Cd 2011 Crazy Love Lyrics: We're the ones who believe in the things unseen This home, this body is an in-between We're the ones who fight down on our knees Who dare to love our enemies Love enemies They say it sounds insane We say that we've

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Let's do one handed cartwheels for Christ! Remember your quiet time

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I feel the same way Miranda. I hope you girls can learn from our past and start building a relationship with Christ built on your study, your time, your effort. Surround yourself with those that will encourage you, build you up, and give you guidance with biblical wisdom.

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I spent a large part of my life as a Christian "drinking milk" instead of "solid food." What I mean by that is that I was a passive listener when I came to my faith. Instead of making the effort to spend time in the word myself, I depended on other people (pastors, group leaders, friends) to teach me everything I needed to know. Well, what would happen if a toddler never started to eat solid food? It would stunt his growth! Although he's still drinking milk, he's not getting everything he needs from it anymore. This is what happened with my faith walk. My spiritual growth was stunted by not making the effort to learn for myself. I sometimes wonder how much further, how much more in love with Christ, I would be by now if I had begun the "solid foods" of daily scripture study and writing my prayers much earlier in my faith walk. Fortunately, we serve a big God who can do "immeasurably more than we dare to ask or hope" (Ephesians 3:20), and he can pull you up our of anywhere and turn things around. You see, I thought I was content drinking baby milk (occasionally attending a church that I didn't feel a part of, praying sporadically, having some friends that I couldn't even be honest with, measuring myself against culture.) But all of the sudden, God snatched me up out of that life and plopped me down at Faith Promise, where suddenly I was feeling the spirit move in my heart constantly. And I wanted to pray and study the word every morning! And I had amazing, real friends who pray with and for me. And God gave me a ministry that I love and have learned so much from. And my husband and I are learning to love and serve each other better. EVERYTHING has changed in my life because God changed it! I'm so glad I'm on "solid food" now. Praise God!

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Today I think about a conversation I had with a student several months ago. Ministering to others is great and super important, but we also need to allow ourselves to be ministered to. Even if you feel very sound in your walk with Christ, allow others to pour into your life and open yourself up to being taught.

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Have y'all ever read The Message version of this verse? Probably my favorite Message translation of a verse ever! It just makes the whole idea so clear!

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This morning I was reminded of this song that was one of the worship songs we sang a lot when I was in youth. I need to pray this everyday, that God will prepare me to be sanctury for Him, giving myself as a living sacrifice so that all anyone can see in me is Him living in me.

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Sanctuary - worship video with lyrics.wmv

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Sanctuary worship video with lyrics Randy Rothwell Sanctuary lyrics are property and copyright of it's owners

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This week we have focused primarily on things that we need to do in order to press on towards our goal. Today is different. This scripture doesn't focus on our actions. The focus is on God's love for us. As we are striving to be more Christ-like, let's not forget that we love because he loved us first.

Don't ever forget that we do all these things because he loves us. (He doesn't love us because we do things for him... If that were the case, we'd never be enough.) No, while we were still sinners, he loved us in a way that was so wide, so long, so high, and so deep that it is beyond our understanding.

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This weekend, I faced several challenges. Some were emotional and some were physical. All of them could not have been overcome without my faith.

I have been doing a study titled Diligence and the verses I read Saturday morning could not have been more appropriate. I ran a half marathon with my twin sister this weekend. I have run several before, but I have always trained for 12 weeks to prepare. This time, I didn't make time for training. The race was a fundraiser for a rare cancer my sister's friend is battling. I chose to do the race to support a good cause even though I knew I was not physically ready.

The course wound through the country passing gorgeous pieces of God's creation. I actually ran part of it with my eyes closed and arms stretched out praising God for his glorious creation. I thanked him repeatedly for the blessing of being able to participate, I sang hymns of praise in my head, and prayed scriptures I had read that morning. All of this gave me the ability to complete a very difficult 13 mile course in an hour and 55 minutes.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Where would we be without faith and our strength from the Lord? I would have been on the side of a country road in the middle of nowhere holding a cramping calf muscle.

When I finish my race here on earth I hope I stand before my God and say "I have kept the faith."

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Agreed, Miranda! There are situations I truly don't know how I would even make it through, much less joyfully! It is really hard to get there, and I'm with you, not there yet!

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I do feel like that in the last year I've learned that God's purpose is beyond our understanding and that he is working all things for our good. I've even had several experiences where I was able to look back at a bad situation and see how God was using it. But joy? To be honest, I'm not sure my faith is quiet there yet. I want it to be. And my intention is for joy to be my heart in all things. But this week, I heard some really sad news about a family in my neighborhood losing their young daughter suddenly. As soon as I was alone I begged God to somehow use that situation for good. But even as I was praying it, I knew in my heart that if it was my family going through that, I wouldn't be able to pray that... At least not as my first response. But God is working on my heart. I'm confident in this, that he who began a good work in me will carry it to completion (Phil. 1:6).

This is one of my all time favorite songs. I pray that God would continue to mature my faith in him so that "on the road marked with suffering, still I will say... Blessed be the name of The Lord!"

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Tree63 - Blessed be the name of the Lord

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Whew! Today's passage is heavy and hard! I for one have a hard time thinking of hard times in my life with joy! This is why I try to totally imprint Romans 8:28 on my heart and in my head. My hope is that if I can remember that God works all things together for good that I will be able to face the trials joyfully. We also should remember that being joyful and being happy are different. We won't be happy when we face certain trials, but our joy comes from the Lord not earthly things and relationships.

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Love this! Who are you showing Christ's love to?

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The really crazy thing is we have no excuses because this verse tells us exactly what to do! It's like "effectively and productively knowing Jesus for dumbies!" Lol!

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We strive to be effective and productive in all other areas of our lives, school, job, family, friends, so why do we put Jesus on the back burner and not worry about being productive or effective in our pursuit of Him in our lives? I know I'm guilty of it! Working on that!

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Reading today's verse, at first I thought... "Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love? Isn't that kind of a lot of pressure? That's a lot to ask of a sinner like me!" But then I realized 2 things: (1) Verse 8 says, "If you possess these qualities in increasing measure." It doesn't say, "If you are perfect at all these things." What God wants from us is for us to be pressing towards these goals daily. He knows sometimes we won't make it, but he wants us constantly growing towards these things. And (2) All of these things are variations of the Fruits of the Spirit, so the Spirit living in us will guide and direct us towards all these things. Case in point:

(A couple of them are a little bit of a stretch but I could definitely defend them! I thinks it's a solid argument.)

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Me too, Logan! Great pic! Thanks for sharing!

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I want my life to be like this so bad

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It's pretty amazing how little things make such a big difference. One day this week, a girl asked me for a dollar saying that she had not had any food that day. When I gave her my dollar she said she would pay me back, when of course I told her not to worry. It's just a dollar but at the same time, it's not just a dollar to her. Little things can go a long way.

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Mrs. Dee has been "spurring other towards acts of love and good deeds" this week by leading her students in a service project. Her class collected over 700 cans of food for hungry families. This is one example of how we can show love like Jesus, even in a public school!

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This song came to mind this morning. I love the line, "I don't wanna say a word, unless it points the world back to You."

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I wish there was a LIKE button on here!

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This passage makes me think about our motto at the PRC, speak the truth in love. We are not here to drag each other down, but we also cannot always give people what they want to hear. How you speak the truth to a person can either make or break them and how they see you. Be sure you are trying to motivate people because of Christ's love that flows through you and in a loving way.

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Another version of this scripture says "Let us think of ways to motivate each other to acts of love and good works." What can we do to motivate another group member to "live a life of love" (Eph. 5:1-2)? Be an example of that love, call or text them to encourage them to do their quiet time, pray for them, be a real friend to them, give them Godly advice instead of telling them what they want to hear, decide to "stand out" together for Christ. Anyone have other ideas?

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I love this picture. It's my phone wallpaper. Music connects us all through ways we can't even comprehend. My favorite song is You Are Greater by NewSpring. It says "In the moment of my suffering, who will be my strength? You are." Even when we feel withered, He is there for us. He will give us what we need to survive, like water that yields it's fruit in its season

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The part that stood out to me this morning was "like a tree planted by water." Have you ever noticed how strikingly green the trees are beside the river? This is a picture of the Little Pigeon River in the Smokies. Look how bright the trees are! They have a constant source of water and nutrients. Even when rain doesn't come for weeks at a time, they are nourished. Are you planted where you can be constantly fed? Do you keep a steady stream of Christian wisdom flowing in your life through true friends and study of the word? Sometimes we settle for less than God's stream of nourishment and accept the small trickles of the world's wisdom. I want to be GREEN!

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I remember reading magazine advice columns as a teenager...not my brightest moments! When I think about seeking Godly wisdom, I remember that I may not always like what I hear, but using those answers from The Word or Godly people is worth it!

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What a great reminder today's verse is. I've made the mistake of seeking advice from the wrong source. Surround yourself with others seeking Christ, seek counsel from the Word and those studying it.

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For those who didn't know the song Logan and I were belting in group, here it is..

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Sometimes it feels like I'm watching from the outside Sometimes it feels like I'm breathing but am I alive I will keep searching for answers that aren't here to find All I know is I'm not home yet This is not where I belong Take this world and give me Jesus This is not where I belong So when the walls come falling down on me And when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea I have this blessed assurance holding me.

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This song came into my head at the end of Jayson's sermon. ~Mikala

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This song came into my head at the end of Jayson's sermon. ~Mikala

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JESUS AT THE CENTER Lyrics - ISRAEL & NEW BREED | eLyrics.net

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Israel & New Breed Jesus At The Center lyrics & video : Jesus at the center of it all Jesus at the center of it all From beginning to the end It will always be, it's always bee...

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Madison.....wow!

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Jessie and Madison!!!!!!!

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Staph watchin us

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I SEE U GUYS