tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60119046054065021432024-03-12T20:08:45.101-07:00Giving Thanks DailyYour journey to daily gratitude begins with your decision to find something good in every situation.Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.comBlogger892125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-40683437360539638942014-12-19T09:01:00.000-08:002014-12-19T09:01:03.618-08:00ON THIS WINTER MORNING - Wanda Winters-Gutierrez<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
from our beautiful friend, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WandaWintersGuttierrez" target="_blank">Wanda Winters-Gutierrez</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">ON THIS WINTER MORNING</span><br />
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THIS IS FOR Family & Friends who are facing a challenge , or a test of faith....❄💕❄<br />
"For I have known the thoughts that I am thinking towards you (-- an affirmation of Almighty God--) thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give to you prosperity and a hope filled life full of all good things..<br />
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The pic is a stool in front of the chair where I have my morning quiet time...the Rose just bloomed in my desert garden... It is called New Dawn.. And so it is... A Rose is about to bloom in your deep winter desert ... and New Life will Spring forth...❄💕❄💕❄please share❄💕<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">About Wanda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">I am a writer of creative non-fiction and memoirs. A few of my books in publication include: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Search-Peace-Wanda-Gutierrez/dp/0768429676/ref=la_B001KEE8HQ_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419008180&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Search for Peace</a>: A Women's Guide to Spiritual Wholeness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/After-Storm--Letters-Betty-Jefferson/dp/B0030B2YLO/ref=la_B001KEE8HQ_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419008180&sr=1-4" target="_blank">After the Storm</a>: An Anthology for Survivors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Secrets-Grace-Ann-Neuharth/dp/1615661336/ref=la_B001KEE8HQ_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419008180&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Family Secrets</a>: Letters to My Granddaughters </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">I do workshops, seminars, retreats, teaching Meditative Journaling...Writing Your Memoir...The Inner Life...and other subjects.</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-26938810949257179692014-12-18T21:54:00.002-08:002014-12-19T16:50:15.709-08:00Thankful Life - December 18, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As I fight through a little battle physically this morning, I thought about what all this means to me. Often times we believe the chronic pain is our curse or our cross to bear…For me, the reality it's my blessing… I have the opportunity to seek God more, and if that's what it takes for me to do so then it could never be a curse… It's my Saviors time with me. Daily I have opportunity, after opportunity… Thank you Jesus! I can only do this... live in hope and expectation because I am His. Help me Father to remember this in all my moments today, tomorrow and every day I am this side of Heaven.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"It is because of God that you are in Christ Jesus. He became wisdom from God for us. This means that he made us righteous and holy, and he delivered us. This is consistent with what was written: The one who brags should brag in the Lord!" ~1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (Common English Bible)</i></blockquote>
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I know that if things went smoothly, I would not have sought after or fought toward Him very much. I do notice that when things are going well, I tend to "not bother" God as much – I get complacent. I don’t want to, but it happens… by no means am I saying that God is creating the reasons for me to seek Him, but… if I recognize this about me, I realize that our Father definitely knows this about me.<br />
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Father, it is my desire to seek You at all times, including and especially during times that are seemingly going well – while reminding me that “all times” are going well when I remember You.<br />
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If there were no tough days, how would we know the good days? If there were no trials, how would we see the miracles?<br />
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I found so much joy today as I poured out prayer this morning – God truly comforted my own physical challenges are I brought the challenges of others to Him. My life is very blessed, and my heart and soul have learned to soar through recognizing God’s mercies in the every day. Today, I experienced many mercies… and I am thankful.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; </i><br />
<i>His mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; </i><br />
<i>great is Your faithfulness.” ~ Lamentations 3:22-23 (English Standard Version)</i></blockquote>
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And as I settle in tonight, I celebrate another day and sing my LORD’s praises in His Word, one of my favorites and such a comfort for my heart – <b>every time</b>!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>Psalm 62 (New American Standard Bible)</i></b><br />
<i>1 My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation.</i><br />
<i>2 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. </i><br />
<i>3 How long will you assail a man, That you may murder him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence? </i><br />
<i>4 They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah. </i><br />
<i>5 My soul, wait in silence for God only, <b>For my hope is from Him.</b></i><br />
<i>6 He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. </i><br />
<i>7 <b>On God my salvation and my glory rest; </b>The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.</i><br />
<i>8 <b>Trust in Him at all times</b>, O people; <b>Pour out your heart before Him</b>; God is a refuge for us. Selah.</i><br />
<i>9 Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie;In the balances they go up; They are together lighter than breath.</i><br />
<i>10 Do not trust in oppression And do not vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. </i><br />
<i>11 Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this:<b>That power belongs to God</b>; </i><br />
<i>12 And loving kindness is Yours, O Lord, ,For You recompense a man according to His work."</i></blockquote>
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
<br />
#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#ThankulLife<br />
#GivingThanksDaily<br />
#LifeincolorandWORDs<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-69433941918984675352014-12-17T20:43:00.000-08:002014-12-17T20:58:52.190-08:00Thankful Life - December 17, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Another day and yet more opportunities to seek my LORD and Savior...<br />
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Do you know God and His promises for you? I do… And once again today, I was reminded. God is present in my life.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"This means that our knowledge of men can no longer be based on their outward lives (indeed, even though we knew Christ as a man we do not know him like that any longer). For if a man is in Christ he becomes a new person altogether—the past is finished and gone, everything has become fresh and new. All this is God’s doing, for he has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ; and he has made us agents of the reconciliation. God was in Christ personally reconciling the world to himself—not counting their sins against them—and has commissioned us with the message of reconciliation. We are now Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were appealing direct to you through us. As his personal representatives we say, “Make your peace with God.” For God caused Christ, who himself knew nothing of sin, actually to be sin for our sakes, so that in Christ we might be made good with the goodness of God." ~2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)</i></blockquote>
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Breathe...<br />
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<b>Stand firm in the midst of storms and fires... they will never stop coming.</b><br />
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I find myself asking, during times that seem unbearable, "what more can I do to draw nearer my Father?" And, simply I pray more... talk to Him, seek Him and look for ways to do it even more - draw near.<br />
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So, as the waves crash and the smoke inches in... I breathe! I breathe in His Word.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI4keubY6GsFwepvwUp0I68V_Ux4Sh3CjJFnUdzzdVpx9VwqjVXK9zPErY3KVXAKS_5BRZywEfaq8giljyJAO1aMWbQjf6KSyYg4PCvtaevVPJUPRol5kqEnXSq7FOZNRwFBDxD_Mz1dL/s1600/Do+you+know+God+and+his+promises+for.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrI4keubY6GsFwepvwUp0I68V_Ux4Sh3CjJFnUdzzdVpx9VwqjVXK9zPErY3KVXAKS_5BRZywEfaq8giljyJAO1aMWbQjf6KSyYg4PCvtaevVPJUPRol5kqEnXSq7FOZNRwFBDxD_Mz1dL/s1600/Do+you+know+God+and+his+promises+for.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a>Father we come to You in whole heart that our lives can reflect our Savior in mighty ways. That we can minister when our lives and circumstances seem out of control, as well as when we see Your blessings in the good times. Help us to live Christ-like and love others without judgement or disdainment for anything that is done toward us. Let us remember that we have all sinned and fall short... that without You our lives would be empty and worthless. In Christ's name we pray.<br />
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My daily lessons, and perfect God's orchestrations of the interactions through others are my constant reminder that this life is to be 'done' for Him. When I dwell on "it's all about me", I become discouraged quickly... when I make efforts my focus is on Him, what He wants me to do.... and helping and blessing others, <b>I find peace and joy.</b> These constant reminders come to encourage me that this world is temporary... and He is the only thing constant and permanent... My friends.don't let this world and what happens keep you down. I pray you find joy even in the tough times....<br />
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God is present in my life. And I pray for you today that He will be present in your life as well.<br />
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
<br />
#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#ThankulLife<br />
#GivingThanksDaily<br />
#LifeincolorandWORDs</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-82705689080767359052014-12-16T21:33:00.001-08:002014-12-16T21:37:11.812-08:00Thankful Life - December 16, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday was a very strange day emotionally from the 'get go'... no event actually triggered any changes, yet as soon as I woke up, my heart was gravely lamented – and seeking my God began and continued all day.<br />
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<b>On days that are tough, I count on the LORD</b>.... and there have been many rough days lately, emotionally and physically.... So to my Father I run where I am accepted and comforted with open arms because He can handle it all.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">He has endured it all... </span>so I can have the strength to endure "just my part".</b><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." ~Hebrews 12:1-2 (New International Version)</i></blockquote>
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As I listen to those around me… either audibly or visually through the things that I read, I have an inkling of why my heart is so grieved, and I can only imagine how much the heart of our Father is grieved by what He sees; what His children say, live and share. We allow much to filter through to our lives and bleed out to those we are to example to. Every day I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ will allow the Holy Spirit to lead, that I will be led wholly by the Holy Spirit to live well… to be guided and corrected. And, as we live in this world, and see all that it delivers, we are called to decipher the truth and live righteously according to our Father’s will.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“Behold My Servant, Whom I uphold, My elect in Whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice and right and reveal truth to the nations.” ~Isaiah 42:1 (Amplified Bible)</i></blockquote>
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<b>Let me not be grieved, but celebrate...</b><br />
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This month, we celebrate the birth of Christ… Knowing that the birth of Christ would be nothing without the death, burial and resurrection of Christ – the Messiah. During this time year, many people celebrate! Sometimes what they celebrate isn't quite clear. But it's during this time that we can love in amazing ways and witness the true reason for the season.<br />
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God loves you so much and desires you to be His.<br />
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Many pray… as believers, we pray to God... and in one breath ask Him to "help" us – and then in action, we reject Him and adhere to what is acceptable to the world.<br />
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Father, I pray for our hearts to be Christ-minded... obedient and open to hearing Your leading in all things, even and especially with the things that seem to be minor or harmless or not so important. Help us to be mindful of what YOU DID to save us; that we are burdenless because of YOUR work and love for us; that we are limitless in our abilities to be like You and do Your will every day because of the Holy Spirit in us. Help us to be grieved and convicted to leave this world behind. Help us to leave behind our inappropriateness of speech or actions, our inabilities to operate in fullness of Spirit and let go of the flesh. As an example, but too for our own good and well being. Help us toward our own perfecting in this life of flesh because we need Your help in all this. Through Christ Jesus we petition and plead. Amen.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“I the Lord have called You [the Messiah] for a righteous purpose and in righteousness; I will take You by the hand and will keep You; I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles],<br />“To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness from the prison.<br />“I am the Lord; that is My name! And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images.” ~Isaiah 42:6-8 (Amplified Bible)</i></blockquote>
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If you do not know Jesus... it's time to choose Him. Know that He pursues you... He is for you... and it's all on Him, once you choose. He will help you be obedient, once you are His. Have you asked Him into your life?<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out," ~Acts 3:19 (English Standard Version)</i></blockquote>
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We must give our lives to Christ and accept His gift of salvation... His work on the cross DID IT ALL. Romans 10:9 says, <i>"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (New International Version)</i><br />
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Such a giving Father in heaven who prepared the way... and all we have to do to be saved is ask God to come into our life. To be the master over us. And, in that instant, we are saved. It's by the strength of the Holy Spirit AND BECAUSE HE LIVES IN US, that we can be obedient.<br />
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I pray for those who do not know You Father… that Your Word, Your promises will be revealed and embedded in their hearts and lives. <i>“teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (Lexham English Bible)</i><br />
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
<br />
#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#ThankulLife<br />
#GivingThanksDaily<br />
#LifeincolorandWORDs<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-9708066288137897512014-12-16T16:01:00.003-08:002014-12-17T10:21:07.479-08:00Thankful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There is such an outpouring from all of you of prayer and love... I just want to thank you for being here with me... I so appreciate and love you all.<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-32554743460871488882014-12-13T22:00:00.002-08:002014-12-13T22:03:28.545-08:00Thankful Life - December 13, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I trust You Father.<br />
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As we head out to our days... let us remember who we come from, who we honor with our actions and works. LORD, we thank You that we are wonderfully made (Psalm 139) and are loved so deeply (John 3:16-17) by You, THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16)....<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"For we are God’s masterpiece, created in the Messiah Jesus to perform good actions that God prepared long ago to be our way of life." ~Ephesians 2:10 (International Standard Version)</i></blockquote>
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I'm totally trusting that this is his orchestration, 32 years! Many tears, And everyone of them He counted. That's all I can look forward to.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." ~2 Corinthians 4:16 (New American Standard Bible)</i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe6pXtL-IUW7LAQcUVy4FIULnnaK1gsOm0Ln_tml4hGfRdV20iQYIw3sG_HN-LqzMhyphenhyphen21cLk62bKOVGSd_Qw4Jr5Ay6GmnfDCnf__0Vhbuq09KXS5EO2YmRI-H0ndpZ-6E_t8VBXw7wj0/s1600/Orchestra+394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe6pXtL-IUW7LAQcUVy4FIULnnaK1gsOm0Ln_tml4hGfRdV20iQYIw3sG_HN-LqzMhyphenhyphen21cLk62bKOVGSd_Qw4Jr5Ay6GmnfDCnf__0Vhbuq09KXS5EO2YmRI-H0ndpZ-6E_t8VBXw7wj0/s1600/Orchestra+394.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a>Regardless of what happens in this life - as children of God - we live through it because of what He did... because "it is finished", we live toward an eternity with a mighty and perfect God. The circumstances of this life that seem devastating... will not devastate us, but will form us. I had to hear this again today. God will sustain me. (Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 46:4; Psalm 37:24)<br />
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I am grateful for reminders and God's mercies throughout my day today: I can do all things... I am grateful that I chose... and that He is my everything.<br />
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It's all on Him, once you choose. He will help you be obedient, once you are His. Have you asked Him into your life?<br />
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We must give our lives to Christ and accept His gift of salvation... His work on the cross DID IT ALL. Romans 10:9 says, " If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."<br />
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Such a giving Father in heaven who prepared the way... and all we have to do to be saved is ask God to come into our life. To be the master over us. And, in that instant, we are saved.<br />
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It's by the strength of the Holy Spirit AND BECAUSE HE LIVES IN US, that we can be obedient.<br />
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God loves you so much and desires you to be His.<br />
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#givingthanksdaily<br />
#thankfullife<br />
#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#LiveincolorandWORDS<br />
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© 2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-8473634971471537662014-12-11T16:17:00.000-08:002014-12-12T08:57:57.511-08:00Thankful Life - December 11, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am thankful today... so much love and so many gifts that my God delivers to me daily. How can I count them? How much more LORD will You lavish upon my life?<br />
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God's goodness through His daily inspiration for me has delivered amazing peace and hope in my life... regardless of what is going on - every storm has a clearing. Every clear sky shines a mighty God and His glory.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">THESE ARE THE THINGS I MUST REMEMBER</span> in the times of storms, or troubled waters. <span style="color: red;">THESE ARE THE THINGS I MUST REMEMBER</span> when my flesh is weak, my heart is torn and my will is tattered. <span style="color: red;">THESE ARE THE THINGS I MUST REMEMBER</span> while the lessons are difficult and the times are tough... Yes, Father deliverance to and toward a life that is representative of You in it - <span style="color: red;">THIS IS MY DESIRE</span>!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"I'll give you <b>concealed treasures</b> and riches hidden in secret places, so that you'll know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name." ~Isaiah 45:3 (International Standard Version) </i></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">When we, as Christ's people, believe that wealth is define as the world defines it... we are deprived of God's infinite treasures...</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">And when we described our healing in the flesh, we let go of His tender and amazing mercies. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Our treasures and mercies are the gift that came with the beautiful words, "It is finished!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaNdeU1RoPlQqxI9rFNwTbs5W2jh1FhZhAUUPzqFt3bWBSLqURtFgUUeOVPlh8f5XncNrkNk-0LuONi639iByJgKm617uzDH5ruLWH4JHpdHky1swJ6vxgQ17gy0PJfV4jUp4xvoT90-D/s1600/with+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaNdeU1RoPlQqxI9rFNwTbs5W2jh1FhZhAUUPzqFt3bWBSLqURtFgUUeOVPlh8f5XncNrkNk-0LuONi639iByJgKm617uzDH5ruLWH4JHpdHky1swJ6vxgQ17gy0PJfV4jUp4xvoT90-D/s1600/with+God.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>We experience death—we give life, by the power of God</b></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">7-13</span> "This priceless treasure we hold, so to speak, in a common earthenware jar—to show that the splendid power of it belongs to God and not to us. We are handicapped on all sides, but we are never frustrated; we are puzzled, but never in despair. We are persecuted, but we never have to stand it alone: we may be knocked down but we are never knocked out! Every day we experience something of the death of the Lord Jesus, so that we may also know the power of the life of Jesus in these bodies of ours. Yes, we who are living are always being exposed to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be plainly seen in our mortal lives. We are always facing death, but this means that you know more and more of life. Our faith is like that mentioned in the scripture: ‘I believed and therefore I spoke’.</i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">14</span> "For we too speak because we believe, and we know for certain that he who raised the Lord Jesus from death shall also by him raise us. We shall all stand together before him.<br /><b>We live a transitory life with our eyes on the life eternal</b></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">15-18</span> "We wish you could see how all this is working out for your benefit, and how the more grace God gives, the more thanksgiving will redound to his glory. This is the reason why we never collapse. The outward man does indeed suffer wear and tear, but every day the inward man receives fresh strength. These little troubles (which are really so transitory) are winning for us a permanent, glorious and solid reward out of all proportion to our pain. For we are looking all the time not at the visible things but at the invisible. The visible things are transitory: it is the invisible things that are really permanent." ~2 Corinthians 4:7-18 J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)</i></blockquote>
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#givingthanksdaily<br />
#thankfullife<br />
#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#LiveincolorandWORDS<br />
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© 2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-67264901813743110572014-12-09T23:00:00.001-08:002015-01-19T16:01:35.051-08:00Thankful Life - December 9, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Today is a good day, but when someone asked me, "How are you?", the other day... my immediate thought was, "Now, that's a very complicated question!"<br />
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My answer...<br />
"It's been a big week for sleep and dwelling..."<br />
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Dwelling in His promise, rather than the 6 roughest days this year.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (New American Standard Bible)</i></blockquote>
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SURELY I WILL HELP YOU! ~God<br />
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I woke up refreshed this morning, and as usual I thanked the LORD for another day and prayed for the strength to focus on the great things in my life. There truly are so many… an amazing Father in heaven who never leaves me, a loving and caring husband who God has softened so greatly over the years, a beautiful daughter whose compassion for others is such a gift… An extended family who prays for me and cares about me. The true meaning of love one another is present in their actions and use of their giftings!<br />
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As I got ready for work this morning, and looked in the mirror, I noticed the "battle lines" in my face. I have two vertical lines in my four head that seem to get deeper with every episode of pain that I battle. And my first thought this morning was, "what could I do to ease those lines, to soften them… to make them disappear?" But through the day as I pondered that, and as I read through Matthew 7, my heart settled on acceptance of these battle lines. They are part of my journey! They are a constant reminder that this battle is not mine, but God's and He's got this.<br />
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During a conversation with my husband the other day, I admitted aloud that "I am afraid"… Not only afraid of what was to come with treatment options, but we talked about the "what ifs" as well. I am afraid to hope for result that have not occurred thus far. I admitted too, that I am afraid that he would become discouraged, lose heart and become distant in this process… That it would become even more difficult, even unbearable! And during this time of connection with my husband, which was the first like this, I sensed God comforting me… <b>Speaking gently to His daughter…</b><br />
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It was a great discussion, and God's comfort continued in the lesson on Sunday at church.<br />
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The greatest sin is <b><u>to not believe</u></b>… To look God square in the face day after day as I don't believe and really relay to Him, "My fears are bigger than You"! <b>Today, I am grateful.</b> For I will not be derailed from my God's healing, my fear will not delay me, my God will deliver me.<br />
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In my gleaning this morning... my attention was drawn to our Father's love for His children - that my relationship with Him is what matters. "<b>How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask!"</b> Let me remember always of this kind of love as I pursue His heart and desires for my life. Let me remember the way He loves me... comforts me... defines me!<br />
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I just love this... don't you?<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>Ask, Seek, Knock</i></b><i>“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets." ~Matthew 7:1-12 (New English Translation)</i></blockquote>
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God desires all of me. What part of have I not given Him, or haven't surrendered? It's time to give it up. Give it up to have it all. He is my treasure.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God desires all of you. What part of you have you not given him, or haven't surrendered? It's time to give it up. Give it up to have it all. He is your treasure.</span><br />
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#givingthanksdaily<br />
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#thankfullife</div>
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#LymeLifeHOPE</div>
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#LiveincolorandWORDS</div>
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© 2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-81218312790460039192014-12-07T22:23:00.004-08:002014-12-11T23:08:47.985-08:00Thankful Life - December 7, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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God is merciful...<br />
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"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" ~Matthew 7:11 (New Kings James Version)<br />
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<b>How much more! It is not a question, but a beautiful truth!</b><br />
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Today was a great day. I will start with my final thought for today, KNOCK... for He will hear you... never stop SEEKING... my God is faithful. Our message today was on prayer. I love prayer, but after the message, I believe I "give up" way too soon. God desires us to be persistent... to pursue our desires, but most of all, HE DESIRES US TO SEEK HIM.<br />
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<b>Prayer is everything... </b><br />
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Dwelling in His promise, rather than the 6 roughest days this year.<br />
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"'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" Isaiah 41:10 (New American Standard Bible)<br />
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#givingthanksdaily<br />
#thankfullife<br />
#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#LiveincolorandWORDS<br />
<br />
© 2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-57802694315849961352014-12-04T13:42:00.004-08:002014-12-11T23:04:11.215-08:00Thankful Life - December 4, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It may appear to the flesh that we have been forgotten, or abandoned in our storms, but we are never left to fend for ourselves as a child of God.<br />
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<i>"Then he went aboard the boat, and his disciples followed him. Before long a terrific storm sprang up and the boat was awash with the waves. Jesus was sleeping soundly and the disciples went forward and woke him up. “Lord, save us!” they cried. “<b>We are drowning!</b>” ~Matthew 9:23-25</i></blockquote>
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Awake… Thankful, first, I am grateful that I am awake and alert and ready to conquer another day… But never ready without "He who loved me first".<br />
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Awake… it appears that much more awake than just what you see. Lord I cannot do this today or any day without You, nor do I want to.<br />
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Awake… This body that appears whole - it's crashing on the inside, desperate for relief… crying and screaming on the inside… Praying to see the crashing of me restored.<br />
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It's days like these that I find my flesh screaming, "enough… Enough, enough is enough!"<br />
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And it's moments like these that I treasure that my God is enough, more than enough!<br />
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Most days I don't remember my dreams, sometimes I wake up and just know they were weird. Others it might be a calm. When I woke up yesterday, by the way after sleeping 14 1/2 hours after a first dose of an antibiotic for a kidney infection, it was not only weird… But I did remember it.<br />
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I spent the night experiencing crashes… Crashing cars, crashing waves, avalanching snow… Crashing into people. It depicted exactly what the inside of my body feels like - fine one minute and crushed the next. "Fine" defined is momentary lapses in pain. Again I say, I cannot do this alone, and today I am grateful I never have to.<br />
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I am grateful. Whatever you're going through today or in this life, you are not alone. We never have to be alone!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Jesus shows his mastery over the forces of nature in our lives daily... we just have to abide and be aware of His presence, through His Word and the consistence of the Holy Spirit.</span></b><br />
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<i>“What are you so frightened about, you little-faiths?” he replied. <b>Then he got to his feet and rebuked the wind and the waters and there was a great calm.</b> The men were filled with astonishment and kept saying, “Whatever sort of man is this—why, even the wind and the waves do what he tells them!” Matthew 8:</i><i>26-27</i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)</span></i><br />
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#givingthanksdaily<br />
#thankfullife<br />
#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#LiveincolorandWORDS<br />
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© 2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-27354556099062870142014-11-26T18:00:00.000-08:002014-11-26T19:03:22.280-08:00Guest Writer - Giving Thanks Daily, November 27, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Practicing Deliberate Thanksgiving</span></h2>
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By <a href="http://www.post-traumaticpress.com/id1.html" target="_blank">Rob Henslin</a></h4>
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<i>“… Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~Ephesians 5:19, 20 (New International Version)</i></blockquote>
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It’s quite easy for me to agree with the sentiment of those verses but quite another to actually live it out. In 2012 I was in the midst of painful and gut-wrenching divorce proceedings. Much of my energy was spent slogging through procedural issues and various points of contention, wishing it could all be over and done. I became “Danny Downer,” detached and hope-less.<br />
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My friend Amy picked up on that vibe and took action. When we met, she greeted me with a warm smile and handed me a wrapped gift. “I saw this and thought it was perfect for you right now.”<br />
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“What? Perfect for me?” I inquired.<br />
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“I just want you to stay focused and remember that you will get through the divorce, and your life will move forward.” Inside the box was a beautiful, hand-painted glass plate, five inches square, with an image of a yellow bird perched on a small tree branch. In the upper left hand corner, the word “hope” was etched into the surface.<br />
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When I returned home, I mounted my hope plate on the wall above my desk. With Amy’s encouragement fresh in my mind, I decided to take deliberate action to find the hope I had lost.<br />
One day in August of 2012 was a turning point in my life. I sat down at my laptop computer and created a new document simply titled “Miracles and Blessings.” As quickly as the neurons could fire between my brain and fingertips, I filled page after page with short entries detailing in very specific terms the many blessings I had forgotten and perhaps failed to even acknowledge in the past.<br />
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I pondered the previous two decades of my life—as far back as my wedding day and my battle with blood cancer. I skipped over stuff like the “blessing” of a parking place close to the entrance to Macy’s. I never prayed that kind of prayer.<br />
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I was more interested in the “meat,” the authentic blessings and miracles that God had showered upon me: getting into remission in five weeks following my original diagnosis of leukemia; my two miracle daughters who defied the medical establishment and graced this earth with their presence in 1992 and 1994; surviving a cancer relapse in 2008, receiving a bone marrow transplant in 2009, and on and on. Within a month or two the list had swelled to several thousand words.<br />
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<b>What an exercise!</b><br />
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Often my initial response given difficult situations is to focus on the negative rather than the positive. I hate to admit that but it’s the truth. Taking deliberate action was something I had to do.<br />
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In those times when I struggle with hopelessness, the hope plate on my wall and my growing account of all that God has done helps refocus and reaffirm my faith in Him, that he knows me, loves me, and even in the darkest hours has never lost His grip on me. My miracles and blessings document provides numerous reminders and reasons for me to give “thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” <br />
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In this season of hope, will you join me in an exercise of practicing deliberate thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done and is doing in our lives? Perhaps this Thanksgiving Day will be the day you begin keeping your own list of miracles and blessings.<br />
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Oh, and if you want to, it’s probably perfectly okay to pray for a good parking space! <b>Happy Thanksgiving.</b><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8HfK5WKwdxwgt-pwjIEusKPo7dpaNe6eKm5pqBDkW_aGhFD_oOXdANAR3NBTV-ansQKwKHaOPMg6C63SoPxyVPhe47rBd27n-Ho1t0XREH2_F3K7QnL3g530q_S3jgovNzAeTGcWkrnl/s1600/Rob+Henslin+headshotsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8HfK5WKwdxwgt-pwjIEusKPo7dpaNe6eKm5pqBDkW_aGhFD_oOXdANAR3NBTV-ansQKwKHaOPMg6C63SoPxyVPhe47rBd27n-Ho1t0XREH2_F3K7QnL3g530q_S3jgovNzAeTGcWkrnl/s1600/Rob+Henslin+headshotsmall.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>About Rob</b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Rob Henslin is a father, graphic designer, rocketry enthusiast, and author. He is passionate about finding ways to make the most of the hardships he has endured so he can help others through difficult times. Much of this article was adapted from his new book, “When You See the Cows, Make a Left!” (Amazon.com). Rob has volunteered his time to assist the Be The Match bone marrow registry (www.marrow.org) and has shared his story through speaking engagements, radio interviews, and magazine articles. Rob lives in Northern California, where the deer and his German shepherd play. Visit his website at www.post-traumaticpress.com.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">© 2014 Post-Traumatic Press, Robert Henslin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rob is a friend and brother in Christ. He has been part of of our prayer team with Ps139 group since the beginning and has been part of the family ever since. Even in the midst of his own trials, he prayed for others in need. I am honored to serve our Heavenly Father with this man God. Be sure to check out Rob's new book, <b>When You See the Cows, Make A Left!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>#givingthanksdaily</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>#thankfullife</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/WonderfullyMadePs139" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUvthwERXVXw-VfcTVtREbfehBvy841zwP3mRt8QssPUShWBZ2Iq1LrtasWM95xAvgbQxfp9Ec87s0jslJXMKeUflXYdCVwzDaiP2QHSsHS0VqCHdGpT5qdxAcw2IBAou70Ev4dGMkTgR/s1600/Ps139+group+new+image.jpg" height="100" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-80067845874088685202014-11-23T22:15:00.001-08:002015-09-23T12:05:33.989-07:00My Life is a Prayer - November 23, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am ashamed Lord that I have let my exhaustion come before Your praise. That I have a allowed my exhaustion to keep me from Your daily Word. But I am not seeing this for what it is… A distraction. Help me today and give me strength. Give me strength as I decide to abide and to fight to be in Your will.<br />
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Lord I don't want to be so focused on me that I can't see others in front of me and their need. I've been a little self-absorbed and consumed with research for doctors, treatments… But I don't want to be the person people avoid because of all this. Help me Lord to figure out how to disseminate and adjust while going about my life here. Today I felt very broken and alone in this process! But also, someone who is severely reminded that <strong>I am not alone. </strong>Today, as my own advice was lovingly thrown back at me, I began to realize that I am allowing feelings to cloud my ability to truly see things for what they are. Help me with this broken heart father, and to not dwell in this place that is so dark. I love You Lord and I need You now. Crying out to you Jesus in the full strength of the Holy Spirit.<br />
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<b>Father forgive me for not having enough faith, and strengthen me and provide it to me because I don't.</b><br />
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LORD our Father, You know the cries of Your children, and I pray for their hearts to be peaceful and wholly Yours. You know the prayers and needs of these beautiful brothers and sisters, and those who do not know You to come to Your saving knowledge through and in their trials... we pray for the workings of the Holy Spirit to be recognized and acknowledged in the hearts of all. We love You Lord Jesus for the work already accomplished and that which is yet to be done in us. Thank You for loving us so much and desiring us and pursing us. And, it's in Your precious name and trust in Your plans we pray. Amen.<br />
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<b>Consider everything joy. </b><br />
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Wow, I have to really ponder this one as I am so self-absorbed. Father... more of You - Less of me.<br />
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In Your presence I will find all of the joy necessary, while all of my needs are met. In Your presence Father <strong>I am comforted.</strong><br />
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<blockquote>
<b><i>Testing Your Faith</i></b></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<i>"James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,</i><i><br /></i><i>To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.</i><i><br /></i><i><strong>Consider it all joy</strong>, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." ~James 1:1-4 (New American Standard Bible)</i></blockquote>
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
<br />
#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#ThankulLife<br />
#GivingThanksDaily<br />
#LifeincolorandWORDs</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-5476816095626964502014-11-15T21:34:00.001-08:002014-12-11T23:09:53.682-08:00Being His - November 15, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Everything that happens in this life... is forgivable... redeemable.., purposeful... only because we have a God who loves so much, we are forgiven when we approach the throne and ask for forgiveness... Through that comes redemption, the amazing gift that our Creator and heavenly Father so lovingly prepared for those who love Him... And, every decision and direction of this life began with purpose and with His direction and pursuit, He calls us to that purpose.<br />
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Even in this... there is forgiveness... redemption... purpose!<br />
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My body is fighting LORD... and I need Your fight in me. There is just so much I can do, and I am seriously done for the moment... help me fight so I can then rest.<br />
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The physical pain Father and the dealings with this disease are nothing compared to the heartbreak You know because so many have fallen away from Your truth. It breaks my heart to know that I too can and will let you down. That I too fall short every single day and so desire to be Christ-like in my actions, thoughts and pursuits. Help me LORD to work through the heart issues that arise, the temptations that are ever present in this life, and to know You completely - as you desire for me. Help me to pursue Your Word diligently and to recognize what needs to change in me. Help me to love others, be patient and walk in a manner pleasing to You... even in and especially in my momentary states that seem to disallow clarity and wisdom. Forgive me for my shortness with others and let not my physical pain be a stumbling block to compassionate and passionate witness, but allow me to be empathetic to the pure needs of others. Help me pursue and believe whole restoration regardless of my physical being. I trust You Father and love You so much. Help me live out that example... not by complaining or bringing attention to myself in my own trials, <b>but glorifying You as I am strengthened, comforted and healed "yet more" by Your mercies daily.</b> Thank YOU Father for loving me completely, and giving me hope daily through Your tender and perfect presence. Let my life reflect Your grace as I relate to others in their need despite my own needs. In the glory of our Creator, and through the saving blood of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.<br />
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You are the fight I need right now Father...<b> take it from here.</b><br />
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
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#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#GivingThanksDaily<br />
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#ThankulLife</div>
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The precious Words of Jesus, and Truth of the Word must be spread throughout the world... this is done, when we step out of our own little life and engage with another's life. Through love, tenderness and sharing the truth is done as we relate to others... care about others... love on others... and live as Christ would live... not a simple "what would Jesus do" in action, but "who am I" through Jesus as we LIVE OUT being Christ-like.<br />
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What are you doing daily to spread the Word and Live the Word? How can your life, through the act of living, impact the Kingdom? How is your life representing a mighty, awesome, PRAISE WORTHY God?<br />
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(Matthew 28:19, Matthew 5:13-16)<br />
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<i>"In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16 (New English Translation)</i></blockquote>
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<b>Give Honor.... Glorify... Praise... your Father in heaven.</b></div>
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<b>Let me PRAISE YOU LORD</b>.... every day, in every moment.<br />
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PRAISE report ... I believe I have found a doctor, still working out all the details, and God's working in the lives of those who have seen this journey through the eyes of doubt and validity... just wanted to share a little bit.<br />
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The image is a typical night's sleep pattern (pretty active throughout the night). "Let your light shine among men"... is so in my thoughts (one of my life verses). God has really placed it on my heart that ALL is for a purpose, especially in the waiting upon Him to move in, and around us. During my "Kingdom Coffee" time with my BF and Myranda on Saturday, several things were said, that confirmed this route of healing. God is the God of restoration, and He has created a restorative body... one that He and only He can restore through the LIGHT. I will have much more to share, but just wanted to shine a little on you all today.<br />
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<b>KNOW THAT GOD IS WITH US. He has restoration and hope in our DNA because of Jesus' work and our acceptance of that gift. We are His people. </b><br />
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So appreciate all of you... your prayers and love. Much love in Christ to all of you who follow <b>Giving Thanks Daily </b>here and through my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShawnDBoreta" target="_blank">Facebook</a> pages.<br />
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For my brothers and sisters today, I pray for health, restoration, God's peace, healing... LORD our Father, You know the cries of Your children, and I pray for their hearts to be peaceful and wholly Yours. You know the prayers and needs of these beautiful brothers and sisters, and those who do not know You to come to Your saving knowledge through and in their trials... we pray for the workings of the Holy Spirit to be recognized and acknowledged in the hearts of all. We love You Lord Jesus for the work already accomplished and that which is yet to be done in us. Thank You for loving us so much and desiring us and pursing us. And, it's in Your precious name and trust in Your plans we pray. Amen.<br />
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
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#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#ThankulLife<br />
#GivingThanksDaily<br />
#LifeincolorandWORDs</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-63561619211938618472014-11-11T21:45:00.002-08:002014-11-12T07:28:42.352-08:00My Life is a Prayer - November 11, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Tirelessly our Father in heaven is here for each and every one of us... and He expectantly answers His children's prayers. Let us abide in His Word... through the active work and influence <b>of the Holy Spirit</b> this is possible. I am thankful for the lessons as I act in faith and trust our Father's plan even in the storms and trials. I am grateful for the restless moments when I am unsettled, for those are times when I seek Him more, and often more diligently...<b> thank You LORD for Your constant reminders...</b> thank You LORD for bringing clarity and lifting the fog that seems to settle in when I should be walking in the light. Keep me directed, and with a passionate desire to stay connected and in PRAISE. Asking this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen<br />
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Be encouraged tonight... there is nothing our heavenly Father cannot, will not do for His children, whom He loves!<br />
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Tonight I need the assurance that my Father is <b>present, aware and "for me..."</b><br />
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<i><b>Psalm 30 (New American Standard Bible)</b><b>Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death.</b>A Psalm; a Song at the Dedication of the House. A Psalm of David.<br />I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,<br />And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.<br />O Lord my God,<br />I cried to You for help, and You healed me.<br />O Lord, You have brought up my soul from Sheol;<br />You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.<br />Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,<br />And give thanks to His holy name.<br />For His anger is but for a moment,<br />His favor is for a lifetime;<br />Weeping may last for the night,<br />But a shout of joy comes in the morning.<br />Now as for me, I said in my prosperity,<br />“I will never be moved.”<br />O Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong;<br />You hid Your face, I was dismayed.<br /><b>To You, O Lord, I called,</b><br />And to the Lord I made supplication:<br />“What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit?<br />Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your faithfulness?<br />“Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me;<br />O Lord, be my helper.”<br />You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;<br />You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,<br />That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.<br />O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.</i></blockquote>
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
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#LymeLifeHOPE<br />
#ThankulLife<br />
#GivingThanksDaily<br />
#LifeincolorandWORDs</div>
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<b>Breathe in all that our Risen Savior has for us today... </b></div>
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<b>we sing hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome. </b></div>
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Healed by Your light Father and with every new sunrise, "I am renewed". I am blessed beyond measure or my imagination. I cannot comprehend how much You LOVE me. In Your pursuit of me to know You more and be more like You, I desire "yet more" of You, and I pursue You, "yet more". I am so grateful for His pursuit. I can see how this path has been paved by Your mercies and sealed by Your grace. So that every detour, or road hazard and all of its lessons are enveloped and delivered by Your amazing plans for my life. I am thankful beyond words and thoughts. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsaN0e_GoL5X8J0q0gvOshBUtuyaCSgknD8pB1NRxrmOC45RbzFHEzO1Jp7xRtSLddr-McJUrt6N3McGxYyr7LSL_FLSzUJ7PFpysf0nDYKZ42mf0oCIUPEuGtBM1mpLUw69gKzl-nhZw/s1600/11.9.14+fingertips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsaN0e_GoL5X8J0q0gvOshBUtuyaCSgknD8pB1NRxrmOC45RbzFHEzO1Jp7xRtSLddr-McJUrt6N3McGxYyr7LSL_FLSzUJ7PFpysf0nDYKZ42mf0oCIUPEuGtBM1mpLUw69gKzl-nhZw/s1600/11.9.14+fingertips.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><i>"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." ~2 Corinthians 4:16 (New American Standard Bible)</i></blockquote>
Regardless of what happens in this life - as children of God - we live through it because of what He did... because "it is finished", we live toward an eternity with a mighty and perfect God. The circumstances of this life that seem devastating... will not devastate us, but will form us. I had to hear this again today. God will sustain me. (Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 46:4; Psalm 37:24)<br />
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I am grateful for reminders and God's mercies throughout my day today: <b>I can do all things... </b><br />
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</div>
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Awesome GOD… That is what I'm truly THANKFUL for today. As I hit the wall of no energy, I have an opportunity to sit back, relax and take in all that has happened over the last few days. There were no high points, no low points… Just moments where I could see God working. Praising God for getting me through this day, these days... I still have more to do, yet this moment feels like "freedom" in the greatest way as I work and listen to some great music... </div>
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Mighty, awesome, faithful… My God, <b>my God thank You</b>. Yes, there is work to be done. And I wholly depend on strength that is not mine, but is for me.</div>
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<i>“‘Now therefore, our God,<br />great, mighty, fearsome God,<br />who keeps both covenant and grace:<br />let not all this suffering seem little to you<br />that has come on us, our kings, our leaders,<br />our cohanim, our prophets, our ancestors,<br />and on all your people,<br />from the times of the kings of Ashur<br />until this very day." ~Nehemiah 9:32 (Complete Jewish Bible)</i></blockquote>
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I am thankful that I could cry out for yet more God, and more strength, and more mercies to be appreciative of. I am grateful that I have a God who loves me, and has done it all for me. Thank you Lord for being here today. Thank you Lord for giving me yet another day to "feel".</div>
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With every challenge and "challenging" person, we have the opportunity to look upon our source to come through. In the strength of the LORD God, in the power of the Holy Spirit in me and because the work of Christ Jesus "is finished", <b>I CONTINUALLY HAVE VICTORY</b>. Lord I don't want the crowds… I don't want the many looking in, not caring, oblivious of my heart and its breaking. I want intimate relationships based on Christ. In the crowds there is familiarity in the eyes, yet no wrap of comfort. Where is that found? You are where! Let me seek you…<b>See You!</b></div>
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<b>Today, a new day! </b>This life affords every possibility to see God's mercies in abundance, and for this (today), I am grateful. I am honored to GIVE THANKS for all things. So, this day… Today’s reminders, and truly for every day. </div>
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Keep <b>going </b>to His Word. </div>
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Keep <b>pondering </b>His promises. </div>
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Keep <b>praying </b>for clarity and wisdom for your life. </div>
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Keep <b>obeying </b>Him and seeking His will.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzsL8vpfiiAsRPba-dCdNN1EJdhVsWcsgFu9ILs4vyzvlME2UCIYB7BlOa5uW_SuT89iVDktLwasrBkG2OSueLQMXgxMDYUr1VtimEdTxzrb9CWQbYmlbUwHHQhu263rWZuMs68OSfQEn/s1600/Liime-green-ribbon_612x870.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzsL8vpfiiAsRPba-dCdNN1EJdhVsWcsgFu9ILs4vyzvlME2UCIYB7BlOa5uW_SuT89iVDktLwasrBkG2OSueLQMXgxMDYUr1VtimEdTxzrb9CWQbYmlbUwHHQhu263rWZuMs68OSfQEn/s1600/Liime-green-ribbon_612x870.png" height="200" width="140" /></a>LORD, You've got this time that will be spent with yet another doctor over the phone... help me keep my frustration at bay, and my mind open to hear possibilities, not road blocks. Help me to see my way through to Your grace and mercies regardless of what is said during the phone call. Let my heart not be discouraged by the world's limitations, or my "little faith", but encouraged by Your abounding love and dedication to seeing me pursue You Father, in Jesus name and in the whole strength of the Holy Spirit in my moments of weakness and triumph. Help me to know Your name, Your holiness in all my breaths, whether relief or exasperation. Father, You are my calm, my refreshing rain... <b>my survival</b>. You are my everything. Thank you God for opening up my world… For letting me see You through eyes different than mine. Thankful, very thankful for God’s mercies and direction through this, and all my struggles. </div>
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I am in the midst of the greatest love story ever... my God's perfect, powerful, endless love is all need. Praise Him, I am redeemed. </div>
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<i>"It is through the Son, at the cost of His own blood, that we are redeemed, freely forgiven through that full and generous <b>grace which has overflowed into our lives and opened our eyes to the truth</b>. For God had allowed us to know the secret of His plan, and it is this: He purposes in His sovereign will that all human history shall be consummated in Christ, that <b>everything that exists in Heaven or earth shall find its perfection and fulfilment in Him</b>." ~Ephesians 1:9-10 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)</i></blockquote>
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</div>
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<i>"Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever." ~ Psalm 107:1 (New Living Translation)</i></blockquote>
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My thoughts over the weekend, as I continued my four days of rest - I was home resting all day... and guess what I am doing tonight? Yep, resting. I turned the TV on for noise as I match socks, pick up and dose off & on!</div>
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I am grateful for a day of rest, and time to think. I also wrote out the past 32 years of health challenges, what I can remember anyway. And, in this process today, one thing has become very clear - my life has been blessed!</div>
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I believe God has saved me from so much on this journey and exposed my heart to amazing doors, and there will be so many more. He has journeyed with me, and during the times when it was unbearable... He lifted me and carried me onward. Through days and nights of prayer, I have been assured in my salvation, yet drawn in to His mercies. I am grateful that no matter what part of my journey, our Father has been faithful. I am reminded daily to engage. We engage through prayer and reading His Word, through worship and praise!</div>
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Find a way to engage with our Father daily and you will see His faithfulness.</div>
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<i>[We have seen God’s mercy and wisdom: how shall we respond?] With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all His demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity." ~Romans 12:1 (J.B. Phillips New Testament)</i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzsL8vpfiiAsRPba-dCdNN1EJdhVsWcsgFu9ILs4vyzvlME2UCIYB7BlOa5uW_SuT89iVDktLwasrBkG2OSueLQMXgxMDYUr1VtimEdTxzrb9CWQbYmlbUwHHQhu263rWZuMs68OSfQEn/s1600/Liime-green-ribbon_612x870.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzsL8vpfiiAsRPba-dCdNN1EJdhVsWcsgFu9ILs4vyzvlME2UCIYB7BlOa5uW_SuT89iVDktLwasrBkG2OSueLQMXgxMDYUr1VtimEdTxzrb9CWQbYmlbUwHHQhu263rWZuMs68OSfQEn/s1600/Liime-green-ribbon_612x870.png" height="200" width="140" /></a></div>
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Prayer is necessary to keep us focused... staying focused on the LORD, glorifying Him, admiring Him... Praising Him will guide your motives during prayer. The Holy Spirit is an amazing encourager as we do. Help us LORD to remember You in our prayers.</div>
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</div>
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#GivingThanksDaily</div>
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#lifeincolorandWORDS</div>
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#ThankfulLife</div>
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#LymeLifeHope</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-547571530275365572014-10-23T20:29:00.001-07:002015-07-23T07:40:40.445-07:00My Life is a Prayer - October 23, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Through my darkest times there has been reward of God's amazing treasures; <b>mercy, grace, restoration and peace.</b><br />
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<b>I AM HIS... </b></div>
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I am not... </div>
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my past, my circumstances, my illness, my doubt, my fears.... </div>
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I am His.</div>
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Sometimes we have to look at where we are, physically, emotionally and how we are connected to Jesus. Today, I am at a loss (I am never lost.... for I have Jesus). I am overwhelmed with exhaustion and, most days physical pain racks up "weight to carry" on the 1-10 scale, and tips it. But today.... "I can do all things"... while letting Him bear the burden and weight.<br />
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My prayer today, Lord help me through the physical by assuring the Spirit in me today... to have strength, endurance, "to run this race"... To know Your promise to "never leave or forsake me"...<br />
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The routine of "not feeling well", is no routine at all - it is used, however, by the enemy to distract us and persuade us that our illness is more important than God's purpose in our life. I have seen that clearly this week - and honestly, there have been several moments that I wanted to just lay down and close up, or cry.... and I did do that a few times, I will admit... but the moments that I pushed through, smiled at the circumstance and said, "Lord have Your way", I was blessed.<br />
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Today there were several of these moments. The moment I decided to fight my way out of bed to get to our church serve... the moment I just "let go" so God could enter the moment... the moment I asked for prayer... the moment I pushed to go to the store so that I will be prepared for the week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnPkpRInu_jUV7xcTLgYeg1d02m4ellC7q8v7kRdHWRI71jVko-Veq4bXAmOlsuC-eW6zWTvHgboDfS26Y-pssM-cvNyfTZFGPdRK9rJy02C-9CTa5co4Yr2AQE5C_Ux6UbrIGQ5JaG6G/s1600/wholly+present.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnPkpRInu_jUV7xcTLgYeg1d02m4ellC7q8v7kRdHWRI71jVko-Veq4bXAmOlsuC-eW6zWTvHgboDfS26Y-pssM-cvNyfTZFGPdRK9rJy02C-9CTa5co4Yr2AQE5C_Ux6UbrIGQ5JaG6G/s1600/wholly+present.jpg" width="400" /></a>Thank You Father for the gift of .... <b>giving thanks daily!</b><br />
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For the days I don't want to get out of bed and sleep all day....<b> but do and go to work.</b><br />
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For the moments I look at the stairs going up or down, and want to cry,<b> but step by step make my way. </b><br />
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For the time I walk, stretch and don't take pain medication...<br />
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<b>THANK YOU LORD FOR GIVING ME ANOTHER DAY TO FEEL.</b><br />
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LORD, as my brother in Christ read through Psalm 22, and during the reading I thought... wow, "I don't feel like God is not here..." I always seem to know His presence... and today, I sense nothing. How, in less than 24 hours can my heart plummet and move so deeply away from the light? Help me Father to come into Your presence... as the Holy Spirit embraces my every part; physically, emotionally and spiritually.<br />
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Today, I do cry and request in whole heart - FATHER BE NEAR!<br />
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<i>"They open their mouth against </i><i>me like a lion tearing and roaring. </i><i>I am poured out like water, </i><i>and all my bones are out of joint. </i><i>My heart is like wax; </i><i>it is melted within me. </i><i>My strength is dry like a potsherd, </i><i>and my tongue is sticking to my jaws; </i><i>and you have placed me in the dust of death." -Psalm 22:13-15 (Lexham English Bible)</i></blockquote>
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But God shows us in many ways of His presence and persistence of His pursuit of our lives... the Psalmist does not stop at the cries of despair, and neither will I.<br />
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<i>"For He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither has He hidden His face from him, but when he cried to Him, He heard." -Psalm 22:24 (Amplified Bible)</i></blockquote>
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Father we come to you this today and we just thank You for your presence and Your love. We thank You that You love us so much. We thank You God there is nothing we can ever want because we have You! Help us tear the walls down that hinder our progress to a greater faith and closer relationship with You. Help us let go of the burdens in the woes of this life. Let us come to You and praise and worship many moments today. Thank you Jesus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzsL8vpfiiAsRPba-dCdNN1EJdhVsWcsgFu9ILs4vyzvlME2UCIYB7BlOa5uW_SuT89iVDktLwasrBkG2OSueLQMXgxMDYUr1VtimEdTxzrb9CWQbYmlbUwHHQhu263rWZuMs68OSfQEn/s1600/Liime-green-ribbon_612x870.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzsL8vpfiiAsRPba-dCdNN1EJdhVsWcsgFu9ILs4vyzvlME2UCIYB7BlOa5uW_SuT89iVDktLwasrBkG2OSueLQMXgxMDYUr1VtimEdTxzrb9CWQbYmlbUwHHQhu263rWZuMs68OSfQEn/s1600/Liime-green-ribbon_612x870.png" width="140" /></a>©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
#lifeincolorandWORDs<br />
#thankfullife<br />
#prayerchangesthings<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-70859365570278497622014-10-18T20:42:00.001-07:002015-07-10T16:26:42.750-07:00A Tick.... or a Bloodsucking Devil?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Learning that I have to write, <b>even this...</b> to keep sane.<br />
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Our entire lives are spent making decisions – what to eat for breakfast… what route to take to work… do I try yet another treatment for Lyme disease? Some decisions are simple, unimportant, while others are life-altering decisions. It may seem pretty simple from the outside looking in – but I can tell you that this has been a common, yet very difficult question I have asked, answered and asked again a dozen times in the 32 (yes, I did say 32) years since I was bitten by the microscopic, bloodsucking devil in 1982.<br />
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In all this time of dealing with this "enemy in my blood" I have not documented very much, or gone into much detail in my writings; and I don't plan to on a regular basis, but will share as I feel led. These were my thoughts during the day yesterday, and as I get going today. After reading about a young woman starting her Lyme Fight, my heart is breaking in so many ways. I have been praying for many of my friends and have new friends to pray for as well. I had planned to go home early yesterday from work so I can "rest more", maybe get a walk in and clean house. Due to the level of exhaustion, and shooting pains running up and down my left rib cage, this week played out very differently than I wanted it to, but in the process of this unplanned for, and unexpected week – I wrote, while seeking our LORD – I connected and watched as His Word exposed my heart to healing and comfort.<br />
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Rest indeed today... rest indeed! (Proverbs 1:33)</div>
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His grace is sufficient for me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)</div>
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God’s purpose will be established. (Proverbs 19:20-21</div>
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God is faithful and will strengthen me. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)</div>
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God is faithful and I am important. (Genesis 17)</div>
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How much more will He do for you? (Luke 11:10-13)</div>
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<b>God is Good.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45kT2HqNN5_TcK1ePxxpXfYOa75i2HDxqn-umgfCpj4AtFtZvfxMP50TJS9vJACnjJwj_Flewr5w-k4qQAyNNQLZ0bdn-U95uVIx1W-3mXoIs0FdTDjMUUXpaUuwdPFNpFzsmvFtQ8gSO/s1600/Liime-green-ribbon_612x870.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45kT2HqNN5_TcK1ePxxpXfYOa75i2HDxqn-umgfCpj4AtFtZvfxMP50TJS9vJACnjJwj_Flewr5w-k4qQAyNNQLZ0bdn-U95uVIx1W-3mXoIs0FdTDjMUUXpaUuwdPFNpFzsmvFtQ8gSO/s1600/Liime-green-ribbon_612x870.png" width="281" /></a>In a routine phone call to my friend Shellie today, I completely lost it – I would say I was as close to hysterical as I could be in getting to the edge without going completely over the edge. The past seven weeks have comprised of exhaustion on my exhaustion and explosions in my veins, which replaced the body aches I normally have. My arms and legs have literally been on fire – feeling like volcanic liquid rushing right under the skin, and when that subsides, my skin crawls and amid the buggy-like feelings there are sharp stabbing in my rib cage, leg cramps and stiffness. My feet hurt to walk on, and ache when I sit down... Then there is the IBS and inability to go more than two hours before my bladder is ready to burst... Too much information, I know - But wait, there's more...<br />
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Sitting too long is painful, standing too long is painful, lying down is painful – which leaves very little else to try. Most days I can handle the pain… or the exhaustion – BUT when they collide and mingle, it makes for a long day. We can add blurring vision and really dry and burning eyes; jaw, teeth and ear pain, and just feeling like “enough is enough”.<br />
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Which has led me to research more - and I have found a treatment...<br />
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Today I am afraid. Afraid to choose more heartache, when the LORD has so much joy in store for me. To raise that hope of healing the physical part of me, yet again. To dream of waking up 'pain free and full of energy'. Afraid to bear weak witness in my own weaknesses because I lack faith in the right things. I am afraid of letting go when I should hold on and holding on too tightly too long.<br />
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Seeking wisdom, clarity and strength today in Jesus' mighty name.<br />
Amen.<br />
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Earlier today, my friend Scott shared Jeremiah 33:3, which spoke loudly to me in a time of need...<br />
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<i>"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." (New American Standard Bible)</i></blockquote>
So now what? If the LORD brings tomorrow, than I will live another day. Seek the LORD and live expectantly to see "what God has for me now". Every day is a new day, and I am grateful for each and every one of them our Father faces me with.<br />
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A letter written to a local newspaper, after finding out many of my high school classmates have been affected by Lyme.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b>One Response to Lyme victims relate experiences </b></span></blockquote>
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Written 2011, <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">by Shawn Boreta</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I was bitten in 1982, as we hiked along the creek located on Murray Creek Road, San Andreas. I have had a myriad of symptoms, diagnosis and undiagnosis over the years. I am now 46 years old, and was formally diagnosed a couple months ago. I was told for years that Lyme didn’t exist in California, especially where I grew up. I am getting treated for some of my symptoms, but have yet to get relief. The fortunate thing is I am high-functioning and have been able to maintain a pretty stable life. However, I have also had years when functioning was an issue. Today, I work a full time job and come home and do very little else. None of my current treatment is covered by insurance and I don’t see additional treatment as the cost is outrageous for the alternative medicine.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It is my constant prayer that this enemy that has plagued my physical life, will just go away… twenty-seven years and counting. I will not see another regular doctor as they tell me there is nothing wrong with me, or “you look fine” or there is nothing we can do except give you pain pills and anti-inflammatory medications, or better yet another “guessed” diagnosis, like Lupus, Epstein Barr, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, MS, and most recently Rheumatoid Arthritis. I don’t want a support group or a counselor, I would, however, like to see change in the approach by health care providers and insurance companies.</span></blockquote>
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta<br />
#lifeincolorandWORDs<br />
#thankfullife<br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-82979752315359048502014-10-18T10:25:00.001-07:002014-10-18T10:25:08.922-07:00Thankful Life - October 18, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>"Is anything too hard for the LORD?" ~Genesis 18:14</b><div>
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We do not know why some are healed, some are not... but in the process of living out this life, we are to live in Christ and - and for me... it is heartfully stated, ".... whatever means Lord, keep me on the path toward You and remind me daily to 'run to You' for strength and my daily bread".<br /><br /><div>
Darkness hovers over this world and tries "desperately" to creep in to our lives... our hearts and minds; the enemy will fight to keep you resisting growth... rebuke him at every turn... and hang on to God for your daily witness and to His glory.</div>
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KNOW that as a child of God, light envelops you and your life...the light is already within us, but old habits, new worldly inputs and harsh times... we have to seek the light to stay in the light. We have to remember WHOSE we are and how much God loves us. When the world is closing in... let the God of the Universe open you up. Lord Jesus, help me not only see the light, but live wholly in it.<br /><br />It is our daily interactions with the Holy Spirit that brings truth into our hearts and minds. Without the Word, and dwelling in it, we wither and dwindle to what lies are prominent outside the Word. It is only this that helps us share God's amazing work in our lives. </div>
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I know there is so much to consider in this life... but when we consider all that He has for us, we can see this life's offerings as opportunities to seek Him. My heart breaks over all the heartache and pain that so many of you are facing and by no means can I even partially understand, but I can pray/we can pray...<b> May the brokenness be replaced with our LORD's restoration in full</b>, and may light be shown in the darkness that is consuming and devastating times. Be with us LORD and help us to be overwhelmed in the Spirit.</div>
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In the midst of "the journey", we will be blessed beyond measure; cry out with all of our hearts; laugh in disbelief of His promises for our life; disobey and not 'let go'... and ask un-rightly, "how much more God, how much more?" (2 Timothy 2:12) </div>
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And, He will respond lovingly and fully... </div>
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<i>"For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. But what father from among you, if his son will ask for a fish, instead of a fish will give him a snake? Or also, if he will ask for an egg, will give him a scorpion? Therefore if you, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father from heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” ~Luke 11:10-13 (New American Standard Bible)</i></blockquote>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">How much more will He do for you?</span></b></div>
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©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">#givingthanksdaily</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">#lifeincolorandWORDs</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">#thankfullife</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">#brokenglass</span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-14514410536724442732014-10-17T15:04:00.002-07:002014-10-17T15:04:28.687-07:00Thankful Life - October 17, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><strong><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">For me, I cannot focus on what is ailing me, but who is leading me...</span></strong></span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"> "By His stripes"... Isaiah 53:5 is a fulfilled prop<span class="text_exposed_show">hesy that our LORD Jesus bore our sins through the beatings and crucifixion. It is a promise of eternal healing... that He paid our debt for our sin, past/present/future. God is directing me to talk/pray/act differently when it comes to "my healing". Taking scripture to the meaning intended and leading others to seek His guidance too. Also referencing "By His wounds you are healed"...1 Peter 2:24 speaks volumes to me that I need to seek Him differently. That what I seek is not physical healing, but connection to the Holy Spirit through God's Word, while moving steadily in our pursuit to be Christ-like, and as our Father pursues us to KNOW Him... </span><br />
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My writings and prayers have been leading to so much revelation... about myself and exposing prayer in a new and wonderful light. Praying expectantly, but also praying thankfully - not just in my needs or wants - has given me so much hope and insight. <br />
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<strong> I am asking if anyone else is realizing or discovering anything similar? </strong><br />
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And, wanted to see if any of my writings are resonating with anyone else... too far out there? I appreciate your thoughts and input. <br />
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In Christ, <br />
Shawn Boreta<br />
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#lifeincolorandWORDS<br />
#givingthanksdaily<br />
#thankfullife</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-23530302992387244512014-10-16T22:47:00.001-07:002014-10-16T22:47:22.824-07:00Thankful Life - October 16, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been an amazing day in the LORD... I had a wonderful time with one of my prayer partners - my best friend - tonight. We have not had a chance to be face to face for over a month. And, it was a great time. We started doing an online study so we can be purposeful in our get-togethers... looking to fulfill our hearts, rather than our shopping carts or bellies (although, coffee was involved tonight). </div>
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Father, You are awesome and I am so thankful for special times of filling. Thank You Jesus. Amen. My prayer today is that you will share what the LORD brings to your hearts and to your minds as you study His Word… As I began my day, I started with Genesis 17, and several things came to mind, that I noted...</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><i>(God) As I reviewed this text, I was confronted with God's faithfulness. Because of Christ, we are ONE. It's very difficult to not see God as I read scripture. As God instructed Abraham to circumcise all in his household, I immediately thought of sanctification in my own household - I am to pray for those who do not know God/Christ/Holy Spirit. (ME) The O.T. promise, was fulfilled through Christ's finished work as we trust and believe in Him. Obedience is the word that is highlighted here - implied, not said. (The World) Obedient to Christ-like through the strength of the Holy Spirit is a steady thread in my readings lately, this just added more for this personal conviction to obey Christ to share Christ through my life. For God's people, we are to be one, to abide and live Christ-like, so the world will see Christ.</i></span></blockquote>
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I believe it will encourage others to seek more. We have many in the thralls of unrest, turmoil and grief... Paul wrote, <b>"Do not loose heart..." </b>we are to take note of our circumstances, but don't get caught up in them. We are reminded to seek God, dwell in His presence, seek His comfort... "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). What a wonderful thought it is to "get caught up in the LORD"... Awesome God so many need You right now. We ask for Your comfort and guidance as these waters are moved through. Let us know that You carry us through rough waters and never leave us in the calm. We are Yours Father and mighty Redeemer and trust Your every purpose. We pray for those around us who "run from You, and to the comforts of this world"... we pray for our own souls to be at peace, regardless of the physical pain, emotional pain that others work to engage us in.<br />
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My friends, don't ever 'think' you are not important to God... you are an amazing creation... and He really wants you to know that. Don't let anyone or anything sway you from knowing how beautiful you are.<br />
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I know there is so much to consider in this life... but when we consider all that He has for us, we can see this life's offerings as opportunities to seek Him. My heart breaks over all the heartache and pain that so many of you are facing and by no means can I even partially understand, but I can pray/we can pray... May the brokenness be replaced with our LORD's restoration in full, and may light be shown in the darkness that is consuming and devastating times.<b> Be with us LORD and help us to be overwhelmed in the Spirit.</b><br />
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God is in pursuit of all of us, and not only to say the right things but to be drawn to the Word so we can grow... I know you are all busy, but would love to hear your thoughts - concerns - insights.<br />
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<b>For me, it's about changing our direction, and going deeper.</b><br />
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<i>"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,</i><i><br /></i><i>To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:</i><i><br /></i><i>Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</i></blockquote>
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<i>Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ</i></blockquote>
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<i>"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.</i></blockquote>
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<i>"In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. <b>When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit</b>, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—<b>to the praise of His glory." ~</b>Ephesians 1:1-14 (New International Version)</i></blockquote>
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Thank You Father for Your faithfulness and persistence in my life. I am in awe daily, not only because You <b>love me so much</b>, but that You continue to show me so much. Help me LORD to engage as You desire me to engage; grow as You desire me to grow; and hope as only You can urge me to hope. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.<br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</span><br /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">#lifeincolorandWORDs</span><br /><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">#thankfullife</span> </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-47987889244891232712014-10-15T19:54:00.000-07:002014-10-15T19:54:54.593-07:00My Life is a Prayer - October 15, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Typically Lord I am very patient… With others mostly, and with myself but today Lord I'm just edgy. I'm annoyed by the littlest things and needing to give Grace. Although I'm not outwardly voicing these annoyances, I am allowing them to and enter my heart and my thoughts. Help me to be loving and kind in thought, as well as action. Help me Lord to love more… More deeply, more wholly! Help me to see the little things that show growth in those I love so much Father. Let me know today that the work we do counts for something. I don't want our efforts to be dirty rags, but to be a fragrance to Your presence. We pray that our actions Lord be those that glorify You… Especially in the little things, whether seen or not. We love you LORD and we just want to please you. Let us seek you more and love You more. Help us in the fullness of the Holy Spirit and with the interceding grace of our Lord Jesus.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Father we come to you this today and we just thank You for Your presence and Your love. We thank You that You love us so much. We thank You God there is nothing we can ever want because we have You! Help us tear the walls down that hinder our progress to a greater faith and closer relationship with You. Help us let go of the burdens in the woes of this life. Let us come to You and praise and worship many moments today. Thank you Jesus.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Today, I believe in the strength to endure whatever this world... and this body gives me, but only because I know my Lord will "not leave or forsake me", that I am loved beyond measure, and as I seek my God's will, as I abide, He hears me; He sees me; He knows my every need. Father, please work this heart out to be wholly Yours and let Your desires for this life, are fully the desires of my heart as well. Give me the strength to seek, believe and fulfill Your will. Let the Holy Spirit be my guide and the unending power I need to walk righteously and rightly, in the amazing promises, I come to You and trust in the mighty name of Jesus. AMEN!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Are you going through a rough time? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Let the LORD fill you... run to a comforting scripture... put on some worship music that will minister to you deeply... reach out to others you can pray for... and with...there might be too much to bear... KNOW THIS, the LORD is with you even in the times when it feels like you are straddling the deep end of grief and hardship.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Do you feel "unheard, unseen, unimportant"?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><i style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (New International Version)</i></blockquote>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I believe we have all been there. You speak, and it's like you are invisible? Well, know this – our God is hearing you, seeing you and you are important... how do I know this? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">(Psalm 118:6; Romans 8:31; Psalm 139; Genesis 16:13; 1 John 4:14)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">God is in pursuit of all of us, and not only to say the right things but to be drawn to the Word so we can grow... </span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">It's about changing our direction, and going deeper.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our God pursues us… not just for salvation, but for growth and engagement. Are you engaging with the living God? Are you allowing Him to let you grow in the Word and in your faith? It is the work of the Holy Spirit that leads people to salvation, not argument... let your convictions run deep and draw others to your light.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>“Listen to advice and accept instruction</i></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i> so that you will gain wisdom for your future.</i></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Many plans are in the heart of a man,</i></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i> but the purpose of Yahweh will be established." -Proverbs 19:20-21 (Lexham English Bible)</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">#lifeincolorandWORDs</span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">#thankfullife</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer"><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ZRnY1pxsm8_VWgOpK0uUlNhCW28ouNhHFEay4t171bo/viewform?embedded=true" width="760" height="500" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0">Loading...</iframe></div>Shawn Boretahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04795226581712438924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6011904605406502143.post-73244017896742499942014-10-15T08:35:00.004-07:002014-10-15T08:53:27.178-07:00Thankful Life - October 15, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It really is a beautiful day, rain or shine… Isn't it? Let's make these questions that we have in our head and in our heart about the Lord into explanation points.</div>
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God loves you! No question there.</div>
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Jesus died so that you could live! No question there.</div>
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Nothing is impossible because of God! No question there.</div>
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You were created with a purpose to fulfill God's plan! No question there.</div>
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<strong>Seek Him today!</strong></div>
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Father we come to you this today and we just thank You for your presence and Your love. We thank You that You love us so much. We thank You God there is nothing we can ever want because we have You! Help us tear the walls down that hinder our progress to a greater faith and closer relationship with You. Help us let go of the burdens in the woes of this life. Let us come to You and praise and worship many moments today. Thank you Jesus. In the midst of busyness Lord I forget to praise You and worship You… I forget that without You, I have nothing. That with You I am part of something amazing. That without you there would be a void and emptiness but nothing in this world could fill. With You Lord my life is overflowing, and I am so grateful to know You. I am so thankful that Jesus is for me and in me. Help me Lord to be thankful and every moment. Help me Lord to show others how much You love me but how much I love them. Help me love the unlovable, the unapproachable, the undesirable. Help me glorify You, while taking no credit. Help me, humble me And strengthen me as only You can. This I seek Lord in the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.</div>
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<em>"But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [a]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!" ~2 Corinthians 12:9 (Amplified Bible)</em></blockquote>
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<br />©2014 Giving Thanks Daily, Shawn Boreta</div>
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