tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83221939207209457482024-02-07T21:21:19.045-05:00Comfort to ComfortChristy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-61749807580686271962022-01-02T20:08:00.002-05:002022-01-02T20:08:15.968-05:00My Top 10 Lessons of 2021<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkzgnRdA0FrJUclq8w9YJTzIHBM5nPByenpdWuJyZr4FTov5DFz0Y2yMUNwTrLs_Gzu-2P5GEBRaK9Dgm4vcT9tpao1Y7RBUhaepZvkycSp6Xow-yBa2pDSXHc_b76ETZEhuKWY149EeE8gvVXiwY7VHJhy9dKfjHMefIo64haPEGzlclus60kmgNa4Q=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkzgnRdA0FrJUclq8w9YJTzIHBM5nPByenpdWuJyZr4FTov5DFz0Y2yMUNwTrLs_Gzu-2P5GEBRaK9Dgm4vcT9tpao1Y7RBUhaepZvkycSp6Xow-yBa2pDSXHc_b76ETZEhuKWY149EeE8gvVXiwY7VHJhy9dKfjHMefIo64haPEGzlclus60kmgNa4Q=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Physical fitness can get out of hand fast. I must stay
disciplined if I want my clothes to fit right and feel confident. Pictures
don’t lie!️</li><li>Be careful who you follow and who you listen to. Be
bolder in speaking up (with grace) when Truth needs to be upheld.</li><li>Pride comes before a fall. Less about me, more about Him.
God taught me much about humility this year and I’m a continual work in
progress.</li><li><o:p>T</o:p>aking a social media break once in a while can be good
for my mental health. That said, it’s okay to unfollow or “hide” someone. It’s
about protecting my mind and trying to steer clear of comparison traps or
simply feeding my mind with garbage.</li><li>It’s okay to splurge on myself (especially at my age) and
try not to feel guilty about it. </li><li>Don’t take anything for granted, especially my health or
the health of my loved ones. Life is truly a vapor. </li><li>The “hustle” is overrated. Cherish time with family and
learn to be content with my life while following my dreams. In fact, simpler
living is underrated. Thank goodness God didn’t give us all the same dream.</li><li>Let the little betrayals and hurts go. Be a forgiving
friend and remember to remove the log from my own eye when I’m tempted to
criticize. </li><li>An idol is not always an easily identifiable golden calf,
but a sneaky desire in my heart that pulls me away from God. My heart requires
frequent examination of my priorities.</li><li>Be better at planning or inviting if you want to see your
people. Get-togethers don’t just happen. It takes effort. Invite them and they
will come.</li></ol><div>Happy New Year, Friends! May God bless you abundantly in 2022! </div><div><br /></div><div>Christy </div><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">© Christy Long. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></p><br />Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-78456569352884205852021-04-26T10:37:00.079-04:002021-04-26T11:11:25.793-04:00A Different Kind of Monday Motivation - Slow Down and Water the Flowers!<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Seventeen years ago today, on a bright Monday morning
much like this one, my Grandma Dot’s life on this earth was over and she and
flew away to Jesus. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDqTzeSO5QRQmewu0-Y1vWlSDndao9jy-3lELYQWf7VRH-qhW2ws-qP9n00UbY0oZsYNleGuc5cchgUdoY6cgT1h1Rv9Qy-_UzKQP4ZsiLMUrCIVIWMMy9t1j87zX_sLS21GStTMuSXJx/s2048/GrandmaDotblackandwhite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDqTzeSO5QRQmewu0-Y1vWlSDndao9jy-3lELYQWf7VRH-qhW2ws-qP9n00UbY0oZsYNleGuc5cchgUdoY6cgT1h1Rv9Qy-_UzKQP4ZsiLMUrCIVIWMMy9t1j87zX_sLS21GStTMuSXJx/s320/GrandmaDotblackandwhite.jpg" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It still makes me cry when I relive the suddenness of it
all, the wailing sobs of my Pap-Paw, her husband of 67 years, and the regret
that still haunts me for not spending more time with her that weekend. I had
taken the Monday off and I was planning to spend the day with her in the
hospital, except she passed around 6:00 that morning. </span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I had spent the weekend planting flowers, trying to work
on curb appeal of the home we were about to list. I can still hear her voice
reminding me, “they need watering...” (She and Pap-Paw lived up the street from
us and he would often walk down and rescue my parched outdoor plants.) </span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Madison was in first grade and Jackson was about to turn
4. She loved her great-grandchildren and never missed a chance to see them!
Unfortunately, she never got to meet Bryson. How he would have entertained her!
From an active and talkative toddler (she loved to talk to people) to all his
time spent on the baseball field, she would have eaten it all up! She loved
watching baseball on TV! Even kept a little notepad of players, numbers, &
stats! ️</span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: georgia;">She researched family history before delving into one’s
ancestry was cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I had asked
more questions and written down all the stories. She loved to play the organ
and created many beautiful items doing her handwork. If she crocheted you a
Christmas stocking, it meant you were officially in our family. ️<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was her only grandchild and we talked often, but I should have made time to visit more. I suppose most of us feel a certain amount of guilt when we experience death. We wish we had done more and said more. </span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you’re blessed to still have your grandparents, slow
down and make time for them. Time really is fleeting and life is truly a vapor. None of us are promised tomorrow. It all sounds cliché until it becomes real.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So today, as I celebrate her life and reflect on what I learned from her death, I'll leave you with her favorite passage of Scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV):</span></p><p class="chapter-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-1" id="en-KJV-17361"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:</i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-KJV-17362"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;</i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-3" id="en-KJV-17363"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;</i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-KJV-17364"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-5" id="en-KJV-17365"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;</i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Eccl-3-6" id="en-KJV-17366"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;</i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;</i></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhFSCsqdm09qQBFfZH5n9_pO6tIp2ESR9FuLsWCmyKvhKtLJ5L7AVc7VxsqzFtyFIrBX1A_mc2APl11uZ7mcZmnbjGiDBmYmAT-KadeDKtkNwCGoPr9N3bHTpdKKU4S6-FEHjKpmxVCEp/s2048/flowersneedwatering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1986" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhFSCsqdm09qQBFfZH5n9_pO6tIp2ESR9FuLsWCmyKvhKtLJ5L7AVc7VxsqzFtyFIrBX1A_mc2APl11uZ7mcZmnbjGiDBmYmAT-KadeDKtkNwCGoPr9N3bHTpdKKU4S6-FEHjKpmxVCEp/s320/flowersneedwatering.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This Monday and <i>every</i> day, let us love the people in our life well, and slow down enough to remember to water the flowers! (As you can see from the photo above, I still need reminding!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Homemade Apple;">Christy</span></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">© Christy Long 2021. All Rights Reserved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoPlainText"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> </i></span></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-87808496761998858672021-04-16T11:56:00.015-04:002021-04-16T13:23:12.955-04:00The Perfect Mother Daughter Trip - Charleston, South Carolina!<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCAguJsO8CXesom2SbP5O9vh_QEt2Mf4R6wPp-e7jE1Qf8ECEjfe8UMKm7ZgUA1KvAnd6CPjRLYjICu_7GGI2Lx7M4rsJlc_37QzsSBMLKzfHYcsZxhJ0Lior086DcRRMPbsl1HCFy5oB/s2048/MadFast%2526French.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCAguJsO8CXesom2SbP5O9vh_QEt2Mf4R6wPp-e7jE1Qf8ECEjfe8UMKm7ZgUA1KvAnd6CPjRLYjICu_7GGI2Lx7M4rsJlc_37QzsSBMLKzfHYcsZxhJ0Lior086DcRRMPbsl1HCFy5oB/w235-h320/MadFast%2526French.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"> </h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><i> “A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be your best friend.”</i> </h3><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHb9qTP-conMTpx8JkyXSyBE_ZrQHPDbLc9ZzXjFhdRYy75vKItmSABQJNckhhzu0e4mBvD5yYNLi1YYsQz1CyuPUa-CMMMFMg-q9UA_Mb76yVORvstu958pPx3G8Bc6KHeDx3tgYANBO/s2048/MeFast%2526French.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1824" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHb9qTP-conMTpx8JkyXSyBE_ZrQHPDbLc9ZzXjFhdRYy75vKItmSABQJNckhhzu0e4mBvD5yYNLi1YYsQz1CyuPUa-CMMMFMg-q9UA_Mb76yVORvstu958pPx3G8Bc6KHeDx3tgYANBO/w253-h285/MeFast%2526French.jpg" width="253" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div>Not sure who originally said it, but I agree!</div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p>I had the best 3-day mother daughter trip with my adult daughter! We went to Charleston, SC and made the most of our 2-nights and 3-days. Sharing the details of our fun itinerary for anyone planning a perfect girls’ weekend or mother daughter trip!</p></blockquote></blockquote></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Day One</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We left early in the morning to arrive at Folly
Beach, SC and get a few rays to help add a little color to our pasty skin! We
found a public parking spot and had a delicious lunch at <a href="https://www.snapperjacks.net/" target="_blank">Snapper Jack’s. </a>My daughter,
Madison, had sushi, the Snapper Jack roll and I had the blacked mahi tacos!
They were delish and we enjoyed eating with a view!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Then we headed to the beach to catch a few rays. It was
Spring Break, so it was crowded but a beautiful day! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Check in time at our hotel, <a href="https://www.kesslercollection.com/bohemian-charleston/" target="_blank">The Grand Bohemian</a> was 4pm, so
we stayed at the beach until 3:15, just enough time to get a little sun-kissed!
We drove into Charleston, checked in, and quickly freshened up before heading
to dinner. The hotel was beautiful and in a great location in the historic
district. They display an impressive art gallery, although the art choices in
our room were a bit unsettling. Thankfully, I was too tired both nights to lose
any sleep over the creepy eyes over my bed.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFx1g1xNT8_EhIg-Zzpv1S51mBIR87G2Ezniq1vn_XE9RcyAicykHj8u9RlGttp_w5AdBVRm8qg73tA81vzrTT8jVnpEK025IaJ2NLoMbbhCwEVKaZ8Rr_ML23vwX5Kswng_upc6EN905/s320/thegrandbohemian.JPG" /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Lunch or dinner at <a href="https://www.kesslercollection.com/bohemian-charleston/" target="_blank">Fleet Landing</a> is a must do! It is fabulous!
(And reasonable, comparatively to some of the higher end restaurants.) We ate
outside overlooking the harbor and ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes as an
appetizer, then ordered the special tile fish, blackened with tomato vinaigrette
sauce. I chose asparagus and Charleston red beans and rice as my sides. It was
a perfect dinner!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H7sfVQpJ3K4C5oe-kP3-Wr0ngpYZJ6iW5Azta3fiR9ayLEeyUDzippndyB-7vWaTThIgFSyWTHAo_RrZFNagnWR9y-WdrFEWU7aSuPFdMq8qEtu0Yi6hm1bViw3icnX29hOTZ7uwbCaH/s2048/fleetcrab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0H7sfVQpJ3K4C5oe-kP3-Wr0ngpYZJ6iW5Azta3fiR9ayLEeyUDzippndyB-7vWaTThIgFSyWTHAo_RrZFNagnWR9y-WdrFEWU7aSuPFdMq8qEtu0Yi6hm1bViw3icnX29hOTZ7uwbCaH/s320/fleetcrab.jpg" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Too full for dessert just yet, we walked around the historic
district before stopping in at <a href="https://www.kaminskys.com/" target="_blank">Kaminsky’s</a>. Madison ordered the bourbon pecan pie with
ice cream and I had the coconut cream pie! Yum!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirlJot1w9VI-c3q5pnHlsk0rd9HIeRSJTMAg-SxljqfDlkngCKCOIzQi5uU1r__g1Lc9v4JOaUk4l7cRrCFNusqFDf7u9Tr72sQTZ2E7Q1jtNiRa0DnP4a3QKK_uXfO8pviKlGYfD0aHV/s2048/kaminskys1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirlJot1w9VI-c3q5pnHlsk0rd9HIeRSJTMAg-SxljqfDlkngCKCOIzQi5uU1r__g1Lc9v4JOaUk4l7cRrCFNusqFDf7u9Tr72sQTZ2E7Q1jtNiRa0DnP4a3QKK_uXfO8pviKlGYfD0aHV/w240-h320/kaminskys1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpvXcJ52FjvcbDQoCUSJ3drdWBwpAH6DEiuZB5uTuQxo_Hd42OHy5LZHXPaXI0CZi_OIv7uuPantJO2H48XFvExUe5OUP8IiI0EYdIOBbcu5XxOns_pPROR064NZraWw4y_xg6i7okXDa/s2048/kaminskys2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpvXcJ52FjvcbDQoCUSJ3drdWBwpAH6DEiuZB5uTuQxo_Hd42OHy5LZHXPaXI0CZi_OIv7uuPantJO2H48XFvExUe5OUP8IiI0EYdIOBbcu5XxOns_pPROR064NZraWw4y_xg6i7okXDa/w242-h320/kaminskys2.jpg" width="242" /></a></div></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We were honestly exhausted, and I am a little embarrassed to
admit that we turned in early (her idea, she's teacher! need I say more?), watching Friends on TV with the
sleep timer.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Day Two</h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We did get a relatively early start the next day. We walked
to <a href="https://toastallday.com/location/toast-charleston/" target="_blank">Toast</a> for breakfast/brunch. There was a wait, as expected, so we walked
around the corner to <a href="https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/" target="_blank">Bitty & Beau’s</a> for a cup of coffee. If you’ve never
been, you must go! They have an incredible story and new locations continue to
pop up all over the Southeast! I love supporting their business! Check them out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_jQnq4gWCbHrJ19Rc1RSnrRsVk8MqKIdyd_LAwDNZFnaxVHbHYodzngtcuingym_pkmrIamhtdSdPJ11uyZcpGxKsyczXgut5xtyoHg1QPogp6M0BDJPQGHEy3ZngWriVYS4F4fbnp9F/s2048/bittyandbeaus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1791" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_jQnq4gWCbHrJ19Rc1RSnrRsVk8MqKIdyd_LAwDNZFnaxVHbHYodzngtcuingym_pkmrIamhtdSdPJ11uyZcpGxKsyczXgut5xtyoHg1QPogp6M0BDJPQGHEy3ZngWriVYS4F4fbnp9F/s320/bittyandbeaus.jpg" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Not long after we finished our coffee, our table was ready
at Toast. They have a variety of unique brunch items and assorted mimosas, by
the glass or a carafe.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I ordered the Spinach Oysters Benedict (a new menu item), which was superb!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwWFm5uAzVsBjwI9DVEV9VQppA_FOGVVCANO485qvAzs0j6PJizVFNT-FbEDMr4q5ZfrdV-_Dm0H4cznj7o0sJeXXOwcRjsIJ1bjl3sFcZQ4qZTogb-a4I0egIHYTBFrE5kCx5eqta0qM/s2048/toast1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwWFm5uAzVsBjwI9DVEV9VQppA_FOGVVCANO485qvAzs0j6PJizVFNT-FbEDMr4q5ZfrdV-_Dm0H4cznj7o0sJeXXOwcRjsIJ1bjl3sFcZQ4qZTogb-a4I0egIHYTBFrE5kCx5eqta0qM/s320/toast1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Madison ordered one of their classics - Eggs Meeting Street.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUg2-l0mKjL-5d5BGJAVZeFqOuZehgG8OlbExps5LeUuM0PLqOVd4otSq0lCJqB8aB8A0o44Ejyei9oazO2_7YzXhIJi1F17s-7tRV36QxCApVsRILGnQ2DapmCgfISVug9QtZeCswSmY/s2048/toast2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUg2-l0mKjL-5d5BGJAVZeFqOuZehgG8OlbExps5LeUuM0PLqOVd4otSq0lCJqB8aB8A0o44Ejyei9oazO2_7YzXhIJi1F17s-7tRV36QxCApVsRILGnQ2DapmCgfISVug9QtZeCswSmY/s320/toast2.jpg" /></a></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It was a lovely Spring day and we set out to the Market, <a href="https://www.theblackdog.com/" target="_blank">The Black Dog</a> store (one of my favorites), and then King Street to browse and do a
little shopping. We stumbled upon this unique bookstore on King Street, <a href="http://bluebicyclebooks.com/" target="_blank">Blue Bicycle Books</a>, with an impressive collection of old, used, and rare books as well
as the usual Charleston historical books and ghost stories. I spotted a 1936
edition of Margaret Mitchell’s, Gone with the Wind for a mere $250.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Per my son's-in-law recommendation, we stopped in <a href="https://www.riverstreetsweets.com/retail-locations" target="_blank">Market Street Sweets </a>to try
the River Street Pralines. They were soooo good! I may have made another stop
before we left town so we would have plenty to share when we returned home! </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We strolled back to our hotel early to mid-afternoon and
decided that we were slightly hungry but did not want to ruin our 5:15 dinner
reservation, so at the recommendation of the hotel valet, we crossed the street
to the Renaissance Hotel and enjoyed the perfect snacks at <a href="https://www.handyandhot.com/" target="_blank">Handy & Hot</a>. We shared
the tomato pie and a different but delicious salad with broccoli, peanuts, buttermilk,
olives, raisins and pickled onions. Sounds weird, I know, but trust me, it was
amazing! Sadly, I don’t think we took a picture. We were too busy devouring it!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We returned to the hotel and took a power rest before
heading out to <a href="https://thedarling.com/" target="_blank">The Darling Oyster Bar</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We started with a small Seafood Plateau... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4snSqyubBwomtkYD9coXyctQaRvr28LRfiWGfsS7sfSj20xij8MvtuFDuasZ3_dq4saiCfNo3mu27FKpEPuVjjr5XQXtniLITg_VY23fcsvJuprrKw4ExP_BJDdKO7Loi_LjpaSYsIWD/s2048/seafoodplateau.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1652" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4snSqyubBwomtkYD9coXyctQaRvr28LRfiWGfsS7sfSj20xij8MvtuFDuasZ3_dq4saiCfNo3mu27FKpEPuVjjr5XQXtniLITg_VY23fcsvJuprrKw4ExP_BJDdKO7Loi_LjpaSYsIWD/s320/seafoodplateau.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Then we split a Lobster and King Crab roll and fries with their homemade Oyster
Bay seasoning. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifNKxgmYrsdRZiwTm9iNxow6YcO6tAlFqKrUJr8KlKlD8OQlovBQJW3CUWs2qS0KtWBs7Q4KR-6GJvJ13SC5bNCsRRYgPPtKg5775PR7eMXRnmhGBkaye-HRrb0bFzqU8x54EdOMk4Xke/s2048/lobsterroll.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifNKxgmYrsdRZiwTm9iNxow6YcO6tAlFqKrUJr8KlKlD8OQlovBQJW3CUWs2qS0KtWBs7Q4KR-6GJvJ13SC5bNCsRRYgPPtKg5775PR7eMXRnmhGBkaye-HRrb0bFzqU8x54EdOMk4Xke/s320/lobsterroll.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Our<a href="https://nightlyspirits.com/charleston-ghost-tours/" target="_blank"> Nightly Spirits </a>ghost tour was scheduled for check-in at
7:15 so we walked through Marion Square and took a couple of photos before
arriving at <a href="https://www.henrysonthemarket.com/" target="_blank">Henry’s on the Market</a> to meet our group and begin our ghostly adventure! The tour was definitely a highlight of our
trip! We had a wonderful tour guide (pirate) and he was super knowledgeable about
all the spooky hauntings of the Holy City. He passed out glow sticks to each of us so he could keep up with us and we are wearing them on our heads in the picture below. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrHE8SlTdWSktwqczTIxXUnjHjlTOyQH-OeAijdIYSPuxWwZZO2Ki8jrZaH35bxnx6ngoO9r2jimvpHMKILEuWUQoDFSxYz1W6Pw8h9TKFsjzaD_ms4qblecWKWF1WMY_WxGJq9PVIacj/s2048/Mad%2526MeHenrys.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrHE8SlTdWSktwqczTIxXUnjHjlTOyQH-OeAijdIYSPuxWwZZO2Ki8jrZaH35bxnx6ngoO9r2jimvpHMKILEuWUQoDFSxYz1W6Pw8h9TKFsjzaD_ms4qblecWKWF1WMY_WxGJq9PVIacj/s320/Mad%2526MeHenrys.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We eventually ended up at the circular church
and graveyard with several other dark and chilling spots we visited on the way!<o:p></o:p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULQ-mTA4C1yWFIENR5Q0c2Uq15ULLGBkxp81O7mm_yOKx1DN3rIdjV_m-DHktc07cbxjKsnuIuJZSywPKolvSJFZ06n4kxUqjTRuHGCerfzrZSjMCZj_crcZa7NLJHjsxVZfdtg0FPC5R/s2048/nightlyspirits1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULQ-mTA4C1yWFIENR5Q0c2Uq15ULLGBkxp81O7mm_yOKx1DN3rIdjV_m-DHktc07cbxjKsnuIuJZSywPKolvSJFZ06n4kxUqjTRuHGCerfzrZSjMCZj_crcZa7NLJHjsxVZfdtg0FPC5R/w300-h400/nightlyspirits1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wsdnuIp00OUrWSxbL915T2N8PlDveeWN9UQ6-zTcQsCYQOzlnnA1_kqefkRRzdXR62uXtak86xoMNGFudQTEKQYNTs5aJI4g592axfHaWXNpcehDzGz-hKdwpXn1VBjRCYb4W3oiuaao/s2048/nightlyspirits2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wsdnuIp00OUrWSxbL915T2N8PlDveeWN9UQ6-zTcQsCYQOzlnnA1_kqefkRRzdXR62uXtak86xoMNGFudQTEKQYNTs5aJI4g592axfHaWXNpcehDzGz-hKdwpXn1VBjRCYb4W3oiuaao/w300-h400/nightlyspirits2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">We were ready to stay out late since we had rested up the
night before, but perhaps because it was a Tuesday night (I kept forgetting) or
because we are still in a pandemic, or maybe because there were lots of families
vacationing for Spring Break, the town seemed to close early. Madison and I
were the only ones out walking back to our hotel just before midnight. I don't think we were breaking any curfews, but it did feel a little eerie. Again,
we fell into bed and slept like babies! The creepy eyes did not give me nightmares, even after all the ghost stories.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><o:p>Day Three</o:p></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The next morning, we checked out and parked in a public
parking deck. I was so happy to grab a sidewalk table at my favorite café in
the French Quarter, <a href="https://www.fastandfrenchexpress.com/" target="_blank">Gaulart & Maliclet|Fast & French</a>! <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GDenF7BOjf1YG588CTPod9LI11M-rPU7KlZKrgZ50CJ8F0nti9QeFhGM8pMBt_PSG42M3tE9RWfa7VVb6gR5KcMCPSHRdqOG-rVKabXy96tslqHm3-I0RiJ35mFuSW1yoRQ-Lsw5W4g-/s2048/Fast%2526French1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GDenF7BOjf1YG588CTPod9LI11M-rPU7KlZKrgZ50CJ8F0nti9QeFhGM8pMBt_PSG42M3tE9RWfa7VVb6gR5KcMCPSHRdqOG-rVKabXy96tslqHm3-I0RiJ35mFuSW1yoRQ-Lsw5W4g-/s320/Fast%2526French1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4023c1hdfSDZx5Ha5rPR58wwluOAs_bzgJJsbrrjQ7ChBVrz98bOusTFf3LGKcauD7ZdxQdnqwGNFdkXt_QqMRVHSX8J5KWevimZOv54aEaQu6JNPD1vbJyoPrujFwlmeX28bR8tG09NG/s2048/Fast%2526French2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4023c1hdfSDZx5Ha5rPR58wwluOAs_bzgJJsbrrjQ7ChBVrz98bOusTFf3LGKcauD7ZdxQdnqwGNFdkXt_QqMRVHSX8J5KWevimZOv54aEaQu6JNPD1vbJyoPrujFwlmeX28bR8tG09NG/s320/Fast%2526French2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">French pressed coffee, fresh croissants, and an incredible location!
And of course, wonderful company! This is always a must visit in Charleston!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Before heading out of town, we had to take a stroll along
the Battery, Rainbow Row, and stop for a photo op by the Pineapple Fountain! <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0LZnKYTZCV0XcCET8tUYqXd28dZ1_0hK6rset8MjLtLJD-YYuiu2mVG7gI5P5jkTlklIejfaeys5Pu788nxt2lPsRr25FCdY6ojvsv-BI8m5MPry1-TvW0b8mQB-copgbrnQHkQDm7Vq/s2048/Mad%2526MeBattery.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0LZnKYTZCV0XcCET8tUYqXd28dZ1_0hK6rset8MjLtLJD-YYuiu2mVG7gI5P5jkTlklIejfaeys5Pu788nxt2lPsRr25FCdY6ojvsv-BI8m5MPry1-TvW0b8mQB-copgbrnQHkQDm7Vq/s320/Mad%2526MeBattery.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAfLx1bPkY5YP5WY9YNp0bsaI8xQTP1B8VnwXYPxfkO-jeshFThQHT07U9kk-n2BVNSRgThVAoS0gNueiBGWgBxtSIaBoarm9bxOut-ZACTAq3FSa2JMsVitCLpI5uvcFHppMN7hqNFRt/s2048/CharlestonCarriage.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAfLx1bPkY5YP5WY9YNp0bsaI8xQTP1B8VnwXYPxfkO-jeshFThQHT07U9kk-n2BVNSRgThVAoS0gNueiBGWgBxtSIaBoarm9bxOut-ZACTAq3FSa2JMsVitCLpI5uvcFHppMN7hqNFRt/s320/CharlestonCarriage.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4YsDD3WRWdvCYy1lFhpa6ZpI0bmeJsipJwXFstDLlARjfCJll0KVpoQ1g1KCWAgfm4KJSUD753XSrfy7LrfkwP9AOTLGfk-5-Fr4btSJCXtRzoEQr74ZCqO3QCsYFkRMRmQ8G48UC7x9/s2048/MadisonPineapple.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4YsDD3WRWdvCYy1lFhpa6ZpI0bmeJsipJwXFstDLlARjfCJll0KVpoQ1g1KCWAgfm4KJSUD753XSrfy7LrfkwP9AOTLGfk-5-Fr4btSJCXtRzoEQr74ZCqO3QCsYFkRMRmQ8G48UC7x9/s320/MadisonPineapple.JPG" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Sullivan’s Island was our next stop. Neither of us had ever been there and it was very different from the crowded and commercialized Folly
Beach. We had to drive around a bit before finding a parking space. Apparently,
this is a beach the locals frequent and you have to park along the side of the road in the
grass. They actually have a rule that your tires must be completely off the road. Once we settled
on our beach spot, it was a refreshing place to sit back and rest a bit before the
long drive home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrG6hkr4dV3CCLiQaWPpCiJs3iEAIs_FAA01x0Cp6RFPmFGZEzO7hLpZ4fpL4fP6UKl0QI-j_W_tMgDwTsOUcpAwp1vlzfOuMCWPNcH6RQLzocMs0t13EeDgqiF4LLzM88MWiuFyz9QuU/s2048/SullivansIsland1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrG6hkr4dV3CCLiQaWPpCiJs3iEAIs_FAA01x0Cp6RFPmFGZEzO7hLpZ4fpL4fP6UKl0QI-j_W_tMgDwTsOUcpAwp1vlzfOuMCWPNcH6RQLzocMs0t13EeDgqiF4LLzM88MWiuFyz9QuU/s320/SullivansIsland1.JPG" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Sullivan's Island is home to Fort Moultrie, an unusual lighthouse, and tributes to Edgar
Allen Poe!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuuHWwGjOB-pHSrywKMvyqvG_psZhKebu6_r9b6hXGEkP7bPtEe3jBwFauQvIQzU22jqfAv2081_iTfqcAbEX0Nn3LO06HrcdnULiLqU_nTs9fYheMaV9AbVQPvIW2S6fGol_Mb7UzHRh/s2048/SullivansIsland2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuuHWwGjOB-pHSrywKMvyqvG_psZhKebu6_r9b6hXGEkP7bPtEe3jBwFauQvIQzU22jqfAv2081_iTfqcAbEX0Nn3LO06HrcdnULiLqU_nTs9fYheMaV9AbVQPvIW2S6fGol_Mb7UzHRh/s320/SullivansIsland2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Apparently, Edgar Allen Poe enlisted under a different
name (Edgar Parry) and was stationed at Fort Moultrie, pictured above. (His intriguing story had been shared in our ghost tour the night before.) There is a Poe library there and <a href="http://poestavern.com/sullivans-island/menu/" target="_blank">Poe’s Tavern</a>, where we had dinner on the way out.<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBJFiowZxA-qKEo4Qp-GOnLKFkM65t-YTCOMQ3dFb2uO9inOcxJnLiH4sj4y4zoN6xBpZ0rjuvA6-LowJpHVrEnNLVpJJCq9lkaw8O30o_tJQbFRcDH5ixqJI3ITXmGeLz7yyHHFl1f5C/s2048/PoesTavern.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1410" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBJFiowZxA-qKEo4Qp-GOnLKFkM65t-YTCOMQ3dFb2uO9inOcxJnLiH4sj4y4zoN6xBpZ0rjuvA6-LowJpHVrEnNLVpJJCq9lkaw8O30o_tJQbFRcDH5ixqJI3ITXmGeLz7yyHHFl1f5C/w275-h400/PoesTavern.JPG" width="275" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">It was a fun place to eat and if
you’re a fan of Poe’s work (like me), the menu items (mostly unique burgers) are
named after his short stories and poems. </p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZXVwfqLl3-F24MygL5pcE9m45DPkj30Z8Ff7M1DutDmQjVUTMGprcOQBRaPguqEV0ifMNj4tIyrxAVwDefg3FNSsr6QXcOPsXUTSVkJqMzsFw0fM1agNHI6cAAhi6vPjgMku1HXx8mrG/s2048/PoesTavern2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZXVwfqLl3-F24MygL5pcE9m45DPkj30Z8Ff7M1DutDmQjVUTMGprcOQBRaPguqEV0ifMNj4tIyrxAVwDefg3FNSsr6QXcOPsXUTSVkJqMzsFw0fM1agNHI6cAAhi6vPjgMku1HXx8mrG/s320/PoesTavern2.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">I ordered The Sleeper – a burger with
roasted garlic blue cheese and buffalo fried shrimp.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This mom and daughter certainly made the most of a two-night
trip and crammed as much in those three days as possible! Beaches, great food,
shopping, and history! I hope we can continue this tradition. Life is short. Make time to spend it with those you love and do fun things!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Homemade Apple;">Christy </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">© Christy Long 2021. All Rights Reserved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p>Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-87650589434801232742021-03-21T17:17:00.004-04:002021-03-22T07:25:09.897-04:00Long Story Short (God's Promises When Your Fairy Tale Fails)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0NMPvWS5HwODZI9T6xty7uNEqQuBpcey8Pwvh3msxRM9XX0E5ukoUXUu1oeXO3coln-RCqh3lO53XqjVvKJVB0X6CGFJ6n_HtrKSFQH3ZwMOjsBuw6UGAikswhitWK2w2TMtnTidrDrA/s626/fairytale-cinderella-carriage-concept_23-2148521670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="626" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0NMPvWS5HwODZI9T6xty7uNEqQuBpcey8Pwvh3msxRM9XX0E5ukoUXUu1oeXO3coln-RCqh3lO53XqjVvKJVB0X6CGFJ6n_HtrKSFQH3ZwMOjsBuw6UGAikswhitWK2w2TMtnTidrDrA/w400-h400/fairytale-cinderella-carriage-concept_23-2148521670.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">All good fairy tales begin with, “Once upon a time,” right?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And like most little girls and the famous line from Pretty
Woman, I wanted the fairy tale, too. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I first got married in 1995, the wedding seemed like
the perfect ending to a fairy tale. Even at the end of the wedding video there
was a little Cinderella carriage that concluded the recording as if to imply
the prelude to a lifetime of happily ever after. However, less than five years
later, with a 2 ½ year old daughter and 7 months pregnant with my second child,
our marriage was ending.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was probably the worst time in my life. I could not keep
food down, my nerves were a wreck, I was so worried and stressed that I had
trouble sleeping and would lie in the bed in a fetal position and shake. As a
young Christian (I had recognized my need for knowing Jesus in a personal way
and was baptized the previous summer), my mom suggested that I ask Jesus to wrap
His arms around me at night, so I tried it. I would imagine that Jesus was
holding me in His arms as I drifted off to sleep and it truly helped to calm me
down so I could rest.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The day my mother drove my baby boy and me home from the
hospital was the day I knew for certain my marriage was over. Separation papers
were eventually signed, and I took on more debt than I should have because I
wanted to stay in the home with my babies.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I did plenty of things wrong during this time and I take
responsibility for my part in the downfall of the marriage, but I never wanted
to be divorced. I still believe God can heal any marriage if both spouses are
willing, but after counseling and lots of prayer we became another statistic. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, during this trial I learned to trust more in Jesus
and read my Bible. I began to cling to His promises.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Promises that He would provide.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>And my God will meet all your needs according to his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV) </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Promises that He would work all things for my good.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
(NIV)</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Promises that He would restore my life again.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you
will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring
me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. Psalm 71:20-21
(NIV)</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Promises that He would give me hope and a future (once I got
serious about seeking Him first).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah
29:11-13 (NIV) </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several months later, the Lord was preparing my heart for
the work He was about to do in my life. I had been attending a singles’ Bible
fellowship class at my church and we had been studying the Book of Ruth. It got
my attention because of the fairy tale like story of how God provided for Ruth
and her mother-in-law, Naomi after they lost their husbands. Ruth was a woman
of noble character and she was obedient to God. Boaz, her prince charming, was
a kinsman-redeemer and they were married. There are so many important parts to
this story – they are the ancestors of Jesus!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What stood out to me at the time was how God took care of
Ruth and worked all things for her good. Like Boaz was her kinsman-redeemer,
God redeems us with His unfailing love (See Psalm 44:26). And The Message
version of the Book of Ruth begins with the words, “Once upon a time…”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">God is our King in this fairy tale of life and His happily
ever after is His unfailing love for us!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Soon God put my earthly prince charming in my path. Not too
many weeks after a long walk on the beach in heartfelt prayer asking Him to
send someone to love me and my children if it was His plan. If it was not His
plan, I had prayed that He would help me to raise them alone. It was my moment
of surrender.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Mark (my boyfriend of 2 ½ years in junior high/high school)
contacted me not too long after that. Instead of riding a white horse, he was
driving a white Chevy pickup. It didn’t take long before we knew it was meant
to be.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We were married a little over a year later (2002) and our
son Bryson was born on Father’s Day 2006.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Being a blended family is not always easy, but I feel very
blessed. I believe that with God’s help, we have made the best of things.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So much time has passed since I clung to those promises I
read in the Bible. It almost feels like it all happened to someone else. God
kept those promises and He proved faithful in working everything out. He
provided in ways that only He could, and in ways I could never have imagined,
He worked all things for my good. And he did restore my life again.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He also healed my heart and helped me forgive. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm
147:3 (NIV)</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you would have told me even a decade ago that we would be
going to the same church as my ex-husband and his family, never would I have
believed it! And the weird thing is, is doesn’t seem all that weird. God
continues to amaze me with His sense of humor and unexpected plot twists as He
continues to write my story.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is my prayer that if you have read to the end, that you will trust God with whatever is going on in your life. His plan is always better than anything we could have asked or imagined. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen! (Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I pray that God will work in your situation in a powerful way and give you a story to be used for His glory!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div>Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-46575835969137498012019-08-09T14:30:00.000-04:002019-08-09T14:30:29.518-04:00Mamas, Don't Lose Heart!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMnI-_yKdrvWukyCe2HOYjti0KizE6RNlIs50HkXEVMT3In62iwVwfsOAZzu0-xZqcLF66JApX8STL49pFiCB4Q_igAY9iTVeQ6tO0T0agJ8mQbWUh875ZQYNgoSldthI9gdTZpq_VO-P/s1600/rainbow+app+orientation+IMG_2042+%2528002%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMnI-_yKdrvWukyCe2HOYjti0KizE6RNlIs50HkXEVMT3In62iwVwfsOAZzu0-xZqcLF66JApX8STL49pFiCB4Q_igAY9iTVeQ6tO0T0agJ8mQbWUh875ZQYNgoSldthI9gdTZpq_VO-P/s400/rainbow+app+orientation+IMG_2042+%2528002%2529.JPG" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
One of the most difficult seasons in my life was the gradual series of events leading up to my daughter’s college drop off as well as the first few weeks of her first semester. <br />
<br />
We had already had many awkward conversations about would-be college situations. Raising a teenage daughter in general had been challenging. <br />
<br />
One day when she was still in high school, I was certain she hated her mother and I was questioning her spiritual health and the condition of her heart, I walked into her bathroom and discovered these verses she had written in dry erase marker on her mirror:<br />
<br />
<b>"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18<br />
</b><br />
I was shocked to find those verses that day, during a time of uncertainty and worry. But also, because I had just heard a remarkable speaker at a women’s event at our church give a message based on these very verses! Her message had been what needed to hear, and now God was revealing it to me again in the sweetest way, handwritten by my daughter. It was surely a sign!<br />
<br />
He was letting me know He would see this through. I had been fixating on what I could see – the temporary. The immaturity, the rebellion, the eye-rolling. I needed to trust Him for the inward renewing He was working on day by day that I couldn’t yet see – the unseen! <br />
<br />
That day, Jesus gave me a sneak peek of what was to come. Just the fact that this verse was written on her bathroom mirror and she was memorizing it and hiding it away in her heart was amazing indication that she was heading in the right direction. <br />
<br />
Overall, by the time she was about to enter college, she was a spiritually grounded, normally excited, freshman girl. Why was I so worried about letting her go? Perhaps it was because I started college having been brought up in a similar background, but eventually some of the choices I made were far from God-honoring. <br />
<br />
Would she be able to live in this place for the next four years and remain a Christian? Or would her faith falter under the weight of atheist professors and peer pressure?<br />
<br />
Again, the evening of her freshman orientation, as I was pondering all these questions, God visibly gave me another sign. I was about to turn in for the evening, and as it so often does in Boone, NC, it came a little rain shower. Afterwards, God sent this beautiful rainbow that I could see perfectly outside my hotel. It was as if to say again, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.” And I was again reminded of those verses. <br />
<br />
Focus on the unseen. God is at work. After all, that’s what faith is, right?<br />
<br />
Now I wish I could say that I never worried again or lost any sleep over my only daughter once she went away to college, but I did. Finally, after a couple of months of adjusting to our new normal, things did get a little easier.<br />
<br />
Over four years have passed since freshmen orientation and my daughter graduated from college this past May, got married two weeks later (she met the love of her life through CRU – Campus Crusade for Christ), and is now a math teacher and JV cheer coach at a local high school. She has matured beyond anything I could have imagined back in Spring of 2015. <br />
<br />
So, mamas, don’t lose heart! <br />
<br />
There are a few things I learned along the way that I hope may help first-time freshman moms. (Some took me a little longer than others.):<br />
<br />
<b>1. Give your adult child the privilege of freedom.</b> For control freaks like myself, this one took a little time. And I believe it may be even harder with a daughter. I simply wanted to know she was alive and well every day. Nothing wrong with texting or calling, but try to resist the urge to stalk, or um track them via their phone. Try to battle the temptation to hit that button. They are most likely having fun or even taking a nap. Give it plenty of time before you freak out (not that I ever did!) Otherwise, they will resent your paranoia and call you "cray". Instead, fast forward to #2.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Pray hard. </b>I can’t stress this one enough. Keep a journal of your specific prayers, the big general ones like, “Lord, please help _______ to continue to follow you in college, help him/her to find good, Christian, like-minded friends to hang out with. I pray that he/she would plug in to campus organizations like CRU or Young Life, and find a Bible teaching local church with an impactful college ministry.” Pray for the small details as well. Start praying for next year now. Such as, “Lord, I don’t know the best living situation or the best roommate for ________ next year, but You do. Please work out those details.” <br />
<br />
I prayed specifically for a 2-bedroom apartment for my son this past year so he and his friend would not have to live with a third random person. And even though we were told only a few were available and it may not happen, it DID! God answers little detailed prayers. Keep a list of your prayers and then check off and date them once God answers. It is so comforting to look back and see how He worked everything out. Trust Him in the details and you will see Him working on your behalf in your adult child’s life!<br />
<br />
And don’t forget to pray Scripture prayers. One of my favorites is from 1 Corinthians 10:13, “Lord, when __________ is tempted, please help him/her take the way out You are so faithful to provide.” You can tailor Scripture prayers specifically for your child. What worries you most about sending them off to college? Then search those key words to find verses you can apply in your prayers. God’s Word does not return void. There is such power in praying His Word!<br />
<br />
Lastly, we all make mistakes and we all sin. Pray that your adult child will not make any life-altering pitfalls during their college experience and trust God for the rest. And if something terrible should happen, continue to love them as Jesus loves us (in spite of our own sinfulness), and help them to process the consequences of their mistake with your unconditional love and support. Make sure you are approachable and your adult child knows there is nothing they can do that would cause you to stop loving them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>3. Keep a positive outlook.</b> This is important for them and for you. I went through a little bit of depression after my daughter left for school. However, when we spoke, I didn’t drag her down emotionally with my sadness. I missed her terribly but eventually I embraced the new season of life. The same is happening again now that she is married and no longer living in our home. My son is about to leave for his second year at college and we will soon be down to one child in the nest again. All I can say is focus on the joy of your child growing up and maturing and spreading their wings. It may sound cliché but isn’t is better than them staying in their room playing Fortnite for the rest of their life? We raise our kids to be become independent adults and find their purpose in this world. Let’s cheer them on and rejoice in their new adventures! You will be amazed how they grow and mature in this next chapter of their lives!<br />
<br />
There will most likely be tears on freshman move in day. (Hopefully, you can hold it together until the ride home.)<br />
<br />
But try to embrace this new season. Instead of grieving what is behind, look forward to what’s to come. And maybe God will even give you a rainbow reminder as if to say, “Don’t lose heart, I’ve got this.” <br />
<br />
Hang in there, Mamas! And Dads too! It will get easier!<br />
<br />
Christy<br />
<br />
<br />
© Christy Long 2019. All Rights Reserved.<br />
<br />
Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-16398940995160364482019-05-03T10:59:00.000-04:002019-05-03T11:38:56.587-04:00Do It Again, God!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzOULmHfkrsGtguM48hhrJjxPkD4B2mdm_3ntIyf1uz1YmO7jrMtl6OUudt8fqVqYMS1qNIm7SdSSNHYiU20dCiodQI3YPfRyAIu4XAycGr6wpfKRqTkuqC6R3M9IUuEke1ilMwpFyYPN/s1600/IMG_9109+%2528002%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzOULmHfkrsGtguM48hhrJjxPkD4B2mdm_3ntIyf1uz1YmO7jrMtl6OUudt8fqVqYMS1qNIm7SdSSNHYiU20dCiodQI3YPfRyAIu4XAycGr6wpfKRqTkuqC6R3M9IUuEke1ilMwpFyYPN/s400/IMG_9109+%2528002%2529.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="640" data-original-height="640" /></a></div><br />
Careful what you pray for! <br />
<br />
I’m a big believer in praying Scripture as God’s word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). A few months ago, I ran across this psalm and had an A-ha moment. I mean, who wouldn’t want to pray this passage of blessing? <br />
<br />
<b>Psalm 126 The Message (MSG)<br />
<br />
A Pilgrim Song<br />
<br />
126 1-3 It seemed like a dream, too good to be true,<br />
when God returned Zion’s exiles.<br />
We laughed, we sang,<br />
we couldn’t believe our good fortune.<br />
We were the talk of the nations—<br />
“God was wonderful to them!”<br />
God was wonderful to us;<br />
we are one happy people.<br />
<br />
4-6 And now, God, do it again—<br />
bring rains to our drought-stricken lives<br />
So those who planted their crops in despair<br />
will shout hurrahs at the harvest,<br />
So those who went off with heavy hearts<br />
will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.<br />
</b><br />
Yeah, God! Do it, again!<br />
<br />
Let me be clear that I’m not a believer or a fan of the prosperity gospel. Nor do I view my God as some sort of genie in a bottle in order to fulfill selfish prayers for me and my family. <br />
<br />
That’s not who He is and it’s certainly not how I should view my Heavenly Father.<br />
<br />
However, I have seen Him do amazing, unimaginable, seemingly impossible things in my life and I know He can choose to do it again, IF it is His will.<br />
<br />
In the past, He rained blessing on our family after a time of loss and struggle. He provided unexpected blessing during a time of despair. He supernaturally implemented a plan for me to stay home with my children when just nine months earlier it did not seem fathomable. (Just to name a few.)<br />
<br />
To say my God is big feels like a gross understatement.<br />
<br />
So, as we have been in a season of spending for my daughter’s wedding, I must admit these verses seemed promising. <i>Not to sound greedy, but any extra blessing here would be great, God! If you feel like showering on us “armloads of blessing” we would really appreciate it!</i><br />
<br />
Often, He doesn’t answer the way we expect Him to.<br />
<br />
What had not occurred to me about praying the beautiful psalm of praise of remembrance and petition was that God had done great things for them <i>after</i> a terrible time of captivity, and they are filled with joy.<br />
<br />
After all, Psalm 126 is a Psalm of Ascent, which itself implies that you are rising from a lower position – a pit, a valley, or place of humility.<br />
<br />
There had to be a <i>trial</i> before there could be a <i>blessing</i>.<br />
<br />
Last week instead of receiving the “armloads of blessing” for which I had prayed, my husband lost his job due to cuts made after a company acquisition. The timing is almost comical because as I am writing this the wedding is only 22 days away!<br />
<br />
But I know God’s got this.<br />
<br />
In my faith journey, there are 3 things I am learning when setbacks happen.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Accept the trial.</b> God knows what He is doing. Although I would never compare our situation to the severity of Job’s, we can know through his story that nothing happens to us in life that God has not permitted. It is up to us, however, how we handle the adversity. Whether it be a financial crisis or a major health issue, may we choose to accept the trial and stand firm in our faith, making our Heavenly Daddy proud. <i><i><b>“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” Job 23:10<b></b></b><i></i></i> </i>As my pastor would say, it’s like giving the devil a punch in the nose! <br />
<br />
<b>2. Rely on God for restoration.</b> The psalm really says it all! He is beyond capable and all -powerful to work on our behalf. He has repeatedly come through for us. In fact, a little over two years ago, we were in the same situation and He was wonderful to us! (verse 3) Sometimes God must take you back to the trial in order to bring the next blessing. Our job is to trust and persevere. <i><b>“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12</i><br />
</b><br />
<b>3. Praise Him continually and expectantly.</b> To be perfectly honest, we were blindsided over the job cut but there are so many silver linings in this cloud. Ironically, I was driving home that day thanking God for all His many blessings in our lives. Perhaps at the very moment my husband was receiving the news of his job cut, I was in a spirit of praise? At one point, I remember being moved to tears as I was counting the ways God has blessed me and our family. And not just material blessings, but for the stuff money can’t buy. For my husband – his big ol’ generous heart, the way he loves my older two children as his own, the way he loves me and all my messy crazy. For my kids – they are not perfect (none of us are!), but I am so proud of them and for their love of the Lord, they are turning out to be remarkable people and that makes a mama’s heart almost burst with thankfulness. For many answered prayers…I could go on and on… <br />
<br />
So, when I walked in the door with my TJ Maxx bags and saw the unpleasant look on my husband’s face, I still had no idea. He said he didn’t want to give me the news while I was driving. Hugging him, I remember saying something like, “It’s okay, God has something better.” And I truly believe it. We are not losing sleep. He always provides. He is our Jehovah-Jireh. My God is an awesome God!<i><b>“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:28 <br />
</i></b><br />
So, do it again, God! We have faith that You will. <br />
<br />
Trusting Him with expectant hearts,<br />
<br />
For His Glory,<br />
<br />
Christy <br />
Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-46372987839447687912018-12-23T21:38:00.000-05:002018-12-23T21:38:01.626-05:00Merry in the Mourning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UAaHy5RE1FhjZYPBCTb44qgp07O1M4ljWUst2ARzlzlXhiPB_RACZTsqXVew6FjBrejoQ2HqmCPfPhr50bACR6Yod_zDkzhi8XS2ibU8cQsVggWo0mzl1aoJWglOEUYUKcbHOHO3MWU2/s1600/christmas+card+2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UAaHy5RE1FhjZYPBCTb44qgp07O1M4ljWUst2ARzlzlXhiPB_RACZTsqXVew6FjBrejoQ2HqmCPfPhr50bACR6Yod_zDkzhi8XS2ibU8cQsVggWo0mzl1aoJWglOEUYUKcbHOHO3MWU2/s400/christmas+card+2018.jpg" width="400" height="342" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1367" /></a><br />
<br />
As I was frantically addressing and preparing to mail our Christmas cards earlier this week, I received some horrific news that one of our church members had died unexpectedly, leaving behind a wife and four boys. Less than two weeks earlier, similar news was delivered, involving a family we knew from our previous church. Again, a father tragically leaving behind a wife and three children. <br />
<br />
There are many other families that have experienced loss here at Christmastime, through death, illness, and broken relationships.<br />
<br />
In between tears, stuffing our “A Time to be Merry” cards in envelopes suddenly seemed wrong. For some, it is anything but a time to be merry.<br />
<br />
We experienced much joy in 2018. A graduation and an engagement were among our celebrations and there is much anticipation and excitement as we look forward to 2019.<br />
<br />
However, there were some Christmas pasts that weren’t so joyful, and downright mournful. I wrote a piece several years back during one of those Christmas seasons called <a href="http://http://www.christylong.org/2017/">Where is the Joy?</a> and after digging it out of the files last year around this time, it happened to be lying right on top of my Christmas card address list. It was as if I needed another reminder this year.<br />
<br />
I shared in that post about some of my saddest Christmases. The one where we buried my grandma on Christmas Eve, my first Christmas as a single mom with a baby and a toddler, and the most recent one in 2011 where my children had lost their aunt to cancer in November. She left behind a son in college and a daughter who was a freshman in high school and still needed her mom.<br />
<br />
Even having experienced grief at Christmastime, the events that have happened recently are incredibly hard to make sense of. The grief their families must be feeling is unimaginable. <br />
<br />
<b>Be aware of the enemy’s schemes.</b><br />
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It has occurred to me that Satan attacks with a vengeance the closer we get to Jesus’ birthday. <br />
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While we can’t blame everything on the enemy, we know <i>“…the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)</i><br />
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And <i>“he is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short.” (Rev 12:12) </i><br />
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In my personal reading for the month of December, I have been going through the book of Luke and then reading <i>The Wiersbe Bible Commentary</i> on each chapter. After the events of this week, I was reminded of something I had read earlier this month about how Satan can use his demons to attack believers in Christ. <br />
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Knowing that once Christians accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and we are then sealed by the Holy Spirit (belonging to God), it would therefore not be possible to become demon possessed. (See Ephesians 1:13) For this reason, I have struggled to understand how our brothers and sisters in Christ can commit certain acts and devastate those they love so much.<br />
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Wiersbe refers to “demonic work in believers as ‘demon oppression’ rather than ‘demon possession,’” and that, “Certainly Satan can and does attack the bodies and minds of God’s people.”1 <br />
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It gives me comfort to know that a child of God is still a child of God. When life ends here on earth for a Christ-following believer, they become present with the Lord. (See 2 Corinthians 5:8)<br />
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Tragedy may occur. The enemy may win the battle, but we know who wins the war. One day the devil will be thrown into the lake of fire. (See Revelation 20:10)<br />
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<b>Jesus is worthy of our worship, even more in times of suffering.<br />
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Jesus tells us <i>“the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) </i><br />
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Jesus came to fulfill the prophecy from Isaiah. He announced in the synagogue, <i>“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19, Emphasis mine)</i><br />
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We celebrate the birthday of the One Who came to give us life to the full and release us from that oppression - our own sin oppression, or demonic oppression. Jesus is the reason for our hope.<br />
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In our sorrow, let us not be tempted to skip Christmas or let stress and sadness stifle our joy. As I heard a friend say this week, “Jesus was <i>still</i> born!” Amen! <br />
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In this world of sin and darkness, He is our bright, Morning Star! (See Revelation 22:16)<br />
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He deserves our worship and our adoration no matter what.<br />
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<b>Some things we will not understand this side of heaven. Trust Him anyway.</b><br />
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Perhaps my favorite verse in all the Bible is Romans 8:28, <i>“And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” </i>While some may not want to hear this verse when terrible things happen, all I can say is, have faith.<br />
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His words are true and His promises He keeps. I have seen Him work miracles in my own life. We must trust that whatever means Satan uses to harm us, our God can use it for our good and His glory.<br />
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I can’t imagine the pain Mary must have endured watching her son, Jesus, suffering on the cross. Yet it was necessary for God to accomplish His plan and bring salvation to a world of sinners like us.<br />
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<i>As the heavens are higher than the earth, His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)</i><br />
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There are some things that are not meant for our understanding. We must simply trust Him and pray.<br />
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Pray for those who are hurting to have a <i>peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7)</i> and that the God of all comfort will hold them close and give them strength as only He can.<br />
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Because Jesus was born, we have hope. <br />
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Because Jesus was born, <i>there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. (Isaiah 9:1) …And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)</i><br />
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Keep focusing on Him and the reason for His birth. And understand that it is okay to be merry in the mourning.<br />
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Jesus was <i>still<i></i></i> born.<br />
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Merry Christmas to all!!!<br />
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© Christy Long 2018. All rights reserved.<br />
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1) The Wiersbe Bible Commentary New Testament, Warren W. Wiersbe, David C. Cook, Page 182.<br />
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Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-8596337110432193852018-03-16T12:20:00.000-04:002018-03-16T12:20:52.947-04:00Liquid I.V.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdHH6rVeLmdiidx_D-tc2uC-JBpiTYFrqGNYT9bq-VBKth2BZ3Ne3Z4AUS4lgOz1wD6VDyxkpBotMGxWO4-n17Jhwhzo2bhstTn_6OYAXUoMpxsbqR4uMLCFpHze8EEoRagtqper-lhtN/s1600/IMG_6298+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdHH6rVeLmdiidx_D-tc2uC-JBpiTYFrqGNYT9bq-VBKth2BZ3Ne3Z4AUS4lgOz1wD6VDyxkpBotMGxWO4-n17Jhwhzo2bhstTn_6OYAXUoMpxsbqR4uMLCFpHze8EEoRagtqper-lhtN/s400/IMG_6298+%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" height="400" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
<b>Keep your eyes on <i>Jesus</i>, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! Hebrews 12:2-3 The Message<br />
</b><br />
For most of my life, I have NOT been an athlete. Memories of being the last kid picked when choosing teams back in elementary school, getting hit in the face while trying to catch a softball in the backyard, being startled and confused by that alarming whistle blown almost the instant I attempted to dribble the basketball in a high school intramural game (I was forced to participate) are still etched in my forty-something adult brain. <br />
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Oh, and I will never forget my glorious moment in sixth grade when I finally scored a point in hockey. Jumping for joy and lifting my hockey stick in the air felt like such a victory until I realized my teammates were shaking their heads, “No!” My horrific error was publicly pointed out in front of everyone in P.E. class - I had scored a point for the other team! <br />
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My spiritual life has been a lot like my athletic ability. There have been times where I was completely taken off guard, felt as though I was not good enough, struggled with self-comparisons, insecurities, doubts, guilt over past sins and failures.<br />
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And oftentimes preceded by those struggles were excitement, passion and motivation in serving the Lord in some area of ministry, or a commitment to spending more time in prayer and Bible study. What usually begins with much energy and ease, soon grows weak and weary, or admittedly, sometimes lazy. <br />
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Sometimes I have wanted to just quit. There have been times I became too comfortable sitting on the couch watching TV, content to let others use their spiritual gifts in areas that I knew deep down I should still be doing too. <br />
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Running is something you must train your body to do. In fact, I’ve said many times in my life that I couldn’t run. I truly thought God did not make me to be a runner, but the truth is I had not learned endurance yet. I would start off running hard and quickly get out of breath, resulting in my either having to stop, or walk. Just as with the Couch to 5K, or similar programs, running eventually happens by walking and then running for various intervals of time until your body becomes used to running for the entire time. And if you are inconsistent in the training process and miss several days, chances are you will have to start all over again.<br />
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Endurance happens when you keep going. <br />
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You can’t cave to exhaustion and you can’t quit.<br />
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Recently, I have been training for a 10K (my first one). Therefore, I have been running further distances. Somewhere around mile 4 or 5, I get tired and begin to converse with myself as to whether-or not I think I can go on. One thing that gives me confidence is knowing that I have hydrated myself. <br />
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I read this in an article not long ago about the importance of hydration in running: “Dehydration causes your body’s blood volume to drop, which lowers your body’s ability to transfer heat and forces your heart to beat faster, making it difficult for your body to meet aerobic demands.” (from Sipping Points by Karen Asp, Runners World, June 10, 2010)<br />
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Simply said, without proper hydration, we get tired and wear out.<br />
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Last weekend, I used a product called Liquid I.V. – a hydration multiplier that I purchased from my local GNC store. It states on the bag that it can provide the same hydration as the equivalent of drinking 2-3 bottles of water. It’s a powder that you add to your water bottle and it works in your system by delivering hydration directly to your bloodstream, which is much faster than drinking water. I experienced a much better run as a result, without the usual tiredness in the middle.<br />
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So, when I was reading Hebrews 12 on Monday morning, I was struck by Paul’s description of how keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and going over His story and all that He endured, <b>“that will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” <br />
</b><br />
Jesus! My Liquid I.V. <br />
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The Living Water. Our Ultimate Hydration!<br />
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Running hard for Jesus means we must stay hydrated in Him. Just as water is vital for human life, Jesus is our Liquid I.V. – the Living Water running through us. He is our burst of energy when we feel like we can’t go on.<br />
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What about you? Could you use some spiritual endurance, too?<br />
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Keep thinking of Him in all things. Don’t look back at past failures or dwell on our weaknesses. Focus instead on His strength and what He endured for us. Through His power we can go the distance He is calling us to. And we can finish the race! Let’s continue training daily and not give up!<br />
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© 2018 by Christy Long. All rights reserved.<br />
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Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-23733354723798838412018-01-04T10:59:00.000-05:002018-01-04T12:01:31.533-05:00My Word for 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkOuVeAdoOueyXaJFSw5TmrLOlhVe9ruvTuieqTZyhSFZI27f2zHo8_r8RGybOQGD7bhO_sWiPl9FnLYpwNi5xuBvebNNyTwscilHE79LKUUFhywdh2NfH1WIEjQcUwhYEPPtQnTfZ2hD/s1600/IMG_6024+%2528002%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkOuVeAdoOueyXaJFSw5TmrLOlhVe9ruvTuieqTZyhSFZI27f2zHo8_r8RGybOQGD7bhO_sWiPl9FnLYpwNi5xuBvebNNyTwscilHE79LKUUFhywdh2NfH1WIEjQcUwhYEPPtQnTfZ2hD/s400/IMG_6024+%2528002%2529.JPG" width="400" height="400" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
It’s becoming more and more common for people to think of a word to set the stage for their new year rather than resolutions that get broken, often within the first week.<br />
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As my 2017 wrapped up, and for the last couple of weeks of the Christmas season, I had determined that my word for the year would be SERVICE. I had come across the passage in Matthew 20:26-28, when Jesus told His disciples, <i>“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” <br />
</i><br />
Without going into details, Christmas is so much work on us mamas, and it had me worn out at one point, wishing it would just be over already. But Jesus reminded me that I needed to change my attitude to one of service to my family and others. And not only to serve, but to serve with <i>joy</i>. <br />
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There are also some areas within my church that I am planning to serve this year. Our Divorce Care for Kids ministry kicks off January 18th and I signed up to help with the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine in February that our church is hosting. Really excited about both!<br />
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Again “service” just seemed like an appropriate word. <br />
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Then, while scrolling Facebook, I happened upon a little online test by Dayspring that you can take to determine your word for the year. I thought it would be fun to see what it came up with. Surprisingly, and yet not so surprisingly, my word was LOVE. <br />
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Expecting a word with a little more action or specific meaning, I first thought it to be vague.<br />
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But then….<br />
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I began to ponder all the areas I need to improve in my life, especially my spiritual life, and LOVE (the verb) is perfect. <br />
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Love…<br />
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Overlooks offenses. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+17%3A9&version=NIV">(Proverbs 17:9)</a><br />
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Chooses its words carefully. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+12%3A25&version=NIV">(Proverbs 12:25)</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+25%3A11&version=NASB">(Proverbs 25:11)</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A26&version=NIV">(James 1:26) <br />
</a><br />
Is not judgmental. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+14%3A13&version=NIV">(Romans 14:13)<br />
</a><br />
Makes time for others because it values relationships. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12%3A10&version=NIV">(Romans 12:10;</a><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12%3A13&version=NIV"> 13)<br />
</a><br />
Prays and intercedes for others. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+12%3A12&version=NIV">(Romans 12:12)<br />
</a><br />
Keeps its motives pure. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+16%3A2&version=NIV">(Proverbs 16:2)</a><br />
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Obeys God. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+5%3A3&version=NIV">(1 John 5:3)</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+john+5%3A6&version=NIV">(2 John 5-6)</a><br />
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Reaches out to those who need comfort and encouraging. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+1%3A3-4&version=NIV">(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A11&version=NIV">(1 Thessalonians 5:11)<br />
</a><br />
Is kind to myself - takes care of my physical and spiritual body, focuses on my strengths instead of beating myself up over my past failures, puts an end to self-hate talk and comparisons. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+timothy+4%3A7-8&version=NIV">(1 Timothy 4:7-8)</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+10%3A5&version=NIV">(2 Corinthians 10:5)</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians+5%3A25-26&version=NIV">(Galatians 5:25-26;</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=galatians+6%3A4&version=NIV">6:4)</a> <br />
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Celebrates the success and talents of others. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+2%3A3-4&version=NIV">(Philippians 2:3-4)</a><br />
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Is concerned for orphans, widows, and the lost. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A27&version=NIV">(James 1:27)</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+18%3A10-14&version=NIV">(Matthew 18:10-14)<br />
</a><br />
Is able because He first loved us. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+4%3A19-21&version=NIV">(1 John 4:19-21)<br />
</a><br />
Is <b>the greatest!</b> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+corinthians+13%3A13&version=NIV">(1 Corinthians 13:13)<br />
</a><br />
And perhaps the icing on the cake for my word of the year is this – I decided to start the year backwards in my Bible reading and begin with Revelation. Chapter 2 – a letter to the church in Ephesus, really spoke to my heart and reinforced my word for the year.<br />
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The people of the church there were working hard for the Lord, they were intolerant of the sinfulness in their culture, they showed discernment in recognizing false teachings, they were standing firm in the faith and not growing weary in their work. However, they had forgotten their FIRST LOVE! <br />
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<i>Repent and do the things you did at first. Revelation 2:4</i><br />
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<i>“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ~ Jesus (Matthew 22:37-40)<br />
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Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)</i><br />
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Love.<br />
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The verb.<br />
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The forgiving kind. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+4%3A32&version=NIV">(Ephesians 4:32)<br />
</a><br />
The unfailing kind. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+130%3A7&version=NIV">(Psalm 130:7)</a><br />
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The God that sent His Son, Jesus to die on a cross for my sins kind. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+3%3A16&version=NIV">(John 3:16)</a> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+4%3A16&version=NIV">(1 John 4:16)<br />
</a><br />
<i>Thank You, Jesus, that we can know love because You first loved us. Help me to love You with my whole heart– keeping You in Your right place as my First Love. May my love for You spill over into every other area of my life so that I may love and serve others in a way that fulfills Your purpose for my life and glorifies You! Give me eyes to see and ears to hear how I may “love” better this year. Amen.</i><br />
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Do you have a word yet for 2018? If this spoke to you, feel free to use mine. The world could certainly use more #love! :)<br />
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Love,<br />
Christy<br />
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(c) Christy Long 2018 <br />
Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-85834556900446102402017-12-22T09:28:00.000-05:002017-12-22T09:28:51.946-05:00Where is the Joy?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjspQBUPFG3uCzpY7FR-C_VO_RQ12j7SvARkSRWNwOKPRwFJafLTEo9gnggnINCSOrOQG7pWBClMwgYuIqpvznHDrlP7rXHLR4hDXoRlXnk2_8szVlZ9K17ZweUoOQHrB_T102GcK4VWy/s1600/IMG_5963+%2528002%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjspQBUPFG3uCzpY7FR-C_VO_RQ12j7SvARkSRWNwOKPRwFJafLTEo9gnggnINCSOrOQG7pWBClMwgYuIqpvznHDrlP7rXHLR4hDXoRlXnk2_8szVlZ9K17ZweUoOQHrB_T102GcK4VWy/s400/IMG_5963+%2528002%2529.JPG" width="400" height="387" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1548" /></a></div>(One from the archives. Originally posted December 21, 2011, on God Encounters blog, once a women’s ministry of Calvary, Winston-Salem, NC.)<br />
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<i>It’s the most wonderful time of the year! </i>(Insert melody) Except maybe it doesn’t feel like it.<br />
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Sometimes Christmas feels like the <i>saddest</i> time of the year.<br />
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There has been so much death and sorrow over the last couple of months. Many families, including our own, will be experiencing their first Christmas without a loved one. Chances are we all know someone who has experienced some kind of loss this holiday season.<br />
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My children lost their aunt just before Thanksgiving. She leaves behind a 14-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old son. My heart especially aches for that teenage girl who was once my niece.<br />
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While putting the finishing touches on my Christmas tree, my oldest two children were attending her funeral in Maryland with their dad and would be traveling back home that evening. As I decorated, I prayed for their family and my heart felt heavy. Somehow trying to be festive and playing Christmas carols seemed wrong. Where was the joy?<br />
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A couple weeks later, after dropping my kids off at school, a familiar <i>Where Are You Christmas</i> filled the air waves of my vehicle. As I listened to the words, I couldn’t hold back the tears as I was driving out of the school traffic. Surrendering, I decided to let them freely flow all the way home.<br />
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<i>Where are you Christmas?<br />
Why can’t I find you?<br />
Why have you gone away?<br />
Where is the laughter<br />
You used to bring me?<br />
Why can’t I hear the music play?<br />
<br />
My world is changing<br />
I’m rearranging<br />
Does that mean Christmas changes too? </i>1<br />
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I have felt burdened for those whose Christmas has drastically changed this year. How is your world changing? Is there something that is stealing your joy?<br />
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A separation or divorce? Struggling with an illness? The loss of a loved one? Could the Holy Spirit be placing someone on your heart to reach out to this week that needs a little help finding their joy?<br />
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As I look back on the Christmases in my life, there are some unusually sad ones that stand out.<br />
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For instance, the Christmas Eve that we buried my grandma, my daughter was 6 months old – my baby’s first Christmas. However, we found that focusing on the new life that God had blessed us with helped our family to get through an otherwise very mournful Christmas.<br />
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Another would be my first Christmas as a single mom to two small children. Instead of having a terribly “blue” and lonely Christmas after my separation (and I did have my moments), we celebrated with a crowded and noisy houseful of relatives. In an effort to surround myself with people, I opened my home to my whole, extended family.<br />
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You see, when we choose to focus on Jesus, the One True Gift, the One who brings new life, <i>a second birth</i>, we find real Christmas joy.<br />
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When we are intentional about our worship and keep it all about Him rather than dwelling on our circumstances, we find real Christmas joy. <i>Inexpressible and glorious joy!</i><br />
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<i>You believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.</i> 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)<br />
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The birth of Jesus is bittersweet because we know why He came. He came to die for you and me and a world of other sinners.<br />
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But there is <i>inexpressible and glorious joy</i> because of what happened next. <i>Jesus conquered death!</i> (1 Corinthians 15:55) And one day <i>there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain!</i> (Revelation 21:4)<br />
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Because of Jesus, this life does not have to be the end.<i> For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.</i> Romans 6:23 (NIV)<br />
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The truth is as long as we are still living on earth we will sometimes have to endure sad Christmases. But please don’t let the evil one steal your joy! Jesus reminds us in John 10:10 (AMP) <i>The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).</i><br />
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And that is where the joy is, my friends! I pray you find it this Christmas!<br />
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<b>Prayer</b><br />
Heavenly Father, thank You for the ultimate gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. For without Him, we would have no hope. Thank You for loving us with an unfathomable love. May we keep our focus on Jesus this season and be filled with indescribable Christmas joy no matter what our circumstances. Happy Birthday, Jesus! In Your Precious Name, Amen.<br />
<br />
<br />
Christy<br />
<br />
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© Christy Long 2011 <br />
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1 Where Are You Christmas, by Faith Hill, from the album Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2000, Words and Music by James Horner, Will Jennings, and Mariah Carey<br />
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Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-47917654638830982222017-02-28T22:46:00.000-05:002017-02-28T22:46:35.306-05:00Reflecting on God's Goodness After the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYucS9Dad80aDsHp0sdAlxIPMCdg4zOKA4UdR2pNJOgexfX0fIW1tVhOD4AWpJjWmtMT85xAtn-cfUw0NVKuK3iWxqSKPot82t6nOmtjD75MNRCWmD72GijYAuEewaHqA9pruW-CEFO9h/s1600/phonto+%2528002%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYucS9Dad80aDsHp0sdAlxIPMCdg4zOKA4UdR2pNJOgexfX0fIW1tVhOD4AWpJjWmtMT85xAtn-cfUw0NVKuK3iWxqSKPot82t6nOmtjD75MNRCWmD72GijYAuEewaHqA9pruW-CEFO9h/s400/phonto+%2528002%2529.jpg" width="400" height="300" /></a></div>It is with great excitement and thankful heart I can announce that my husband starts his new job next Monday!<br />
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Our storm began on January 17, when he called me from Chicago to give me the “good news” that he was coming home, only to then give me the bad news that his job had been cut. The first words out of my mouth were, <i>“It’s okay. God has something better.”</i><br />
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And I really believed that He did. Anxiety only began to creep in when I discovered that our family’s health insurance would end on January 31. <br />
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Then sometime in the early morning hours of February 1, the youngest of our three kids became extremely sick. The following week, almost like clockwork, the middle child was hit with the exact same symptoms. And finally, last week the oldest child was diagnosed with the flu and I drove her home from college to care for her for two days. <br />
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Seriously? Are you kidding me, God??? <br />
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I have been fiercely fighting to stay healthy as well, battling my own sinus/cough/respiratory crud. Hoping to stay away from the doctor’s office so as not to have to pay out of pocket costs or activate expensive COBRA insurance. <br />
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But thankfully God has taken care of us through all the illnesses and we are fortunate that my oldest two are also covered under their step-mom’s health insurance. It was truly a blessing that my daughter had that insurance card when she visited the Urgent Care in Boone. <br />
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That brings me to several reflections I believe God has shown me throughout the last month and a half as to why He allows us to go through storms in life.<br />
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<b>He sometimes allows storms to humble us.</b> First, after the job loss, I was completely blown away by the messages of support and prayers from friends, even offers of help if we needed it. I was also amazed at the network of friends my husband has in his co-workers, former colleagues, and old friends who reached out to him immediately in to offer job leads or recommendations on his behalf. I only hope I can be equally supportive in my prayers and encouragement to those same friends within our community who were so kind to us during this time should they ever have needs that arise.<br />
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The healthcare situation has also humbled me. I have never been without health insurance and honestly have taken it for granted. Once you are in a position that you probably need to go to the doctor, but choose not to because who knows how much it will cost, it is eye-opening as to why we need health care reform that is truly affordable in this country! <br />
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<b>God allows us to go through storms to rekindle our faith.</b> When we rely on Him during these times and trust Him to prove Himself faithful (which He always does), our faith grows even stronger, and our love for Him even deeper. Without experiencing times of trouble, our dependence on God can diminish as we may have the illusion that all is well on our own. <br />
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It is good every so often to be reminded that God is <i>still</i> in control and He <i>still</i> keeps His promises. Storms are a good time to remind ourselves of the promises in His Word. He has continually amazed me with working out even the tiniest details of our lives and blessing us during this situation.<br />
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<b>Sometimes God allows storms to force us to move in a situation so that we may receive His next blessing.</b> Even though it was somewhat of a shock in the beginning, this job loss has proven to be a better thing for our family. My words to my husband over the phone turned out to be prophetic. <i>God did have something better, indeed.</i><br />
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However, my husband needed to be forced to move so that he could find this new opportunity. He was as loyal as employee as they come and was committed to his work and to the success of the company. He had not searched for another job in the 13 ½ years he had been employed. Therefore, God had to allow this to happen so that the best next career move could take place. <br />
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Jesus said:<br />
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<i>“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33 (AMP)</i><br />
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Life is not perfect for any of us but we can be thankful that we have a Good, Good Father who can give us perfect peace and confidence in our storms and that He is actively at work in our circumstances. His ways are always higher and better!<br />
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Continuing to praise Him…<br />
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Christy<br />
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© Christy Long 2017. All Rights Reserved.<br />
Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-87592473466174280372017-01-26T07:38:00.000-05:002017-01-26T07:38:40.001-05:00Peace over Panic: My husband lost his job and I’m a stay-at-home mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekGJXhTmUhit9MA5gNzSCTqRwK6n4e309RpoGnP7Bh7yNjkFMOHSDHMXEmoU85tVQLNprndXZTVWOZLNnzDxWD4VVpLRRE64UImsmk4PZlIdIC6DSItuFBn9XQNyDRkJ96NeK9JsBKmbq/s1600/IMG_3509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekGJXhTmUhit9MA5gNzSCTqRwK6n4e309RpoGnP7Bh7yNjkFMOHSDHMXEmoU85tVQLNprndXZTVWOZLNnzDxWD4VVpLRRE64UImsmk4PZlIdIC6DSItuFBn9XQNyDRkJ96NeK9JsBKmbq/s320/IMG_3509.JPG" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><br />
It’s true. When I re-did this blog less than a month ago, I really had no clue what God-story would be written for our 2017. But here we go…<br />
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Last week, after being employed in sales at the same company for 13 ½ years, my husband’s job was cut. Surprisingly, when he telephoned with the news, I felt peace over panic.<br />
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<b>Peace because I had been praying for the job situation.<i></i></b> It was not the outcome I had hoped, but I felt confident that it was God’s will for our situation. Had I not already been in prayer about it, it may have stung more. Instead, it was much easier to accept because I immediately felt that security from God that this was His plan and He would use this for good. <br />
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<b>Peace was present due to praise.<i></i></b> It may sound strange, but in the middle of the of the disappointment and sadness I could not help but check off a mental list of all the ways God blessed us over the years through my husband’s company and simply thank Him. On the top of the list: we vacationed in Hawaii three years in a row as a reward trip, I accompanied him on a trip to San Diego (one of my favorite places I’ve ever been), and (most importantly for me), I got to live my dream as a stay-at-home mom. (Some days it feels more like a nightmare than a dream, but seriously, I truly am grateful.) ;) No matter how it ended, I will always be grateful for those opportunities and memories.<br />
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<b>Peace because He has already proven Himself faithful.<i></i></b> We went through this same trial almost exactly 14 years ago. We had only been married four months when his job was cut. However, I was working back then and covered our family’s health insurance through the company I was employed so that part was not as scary. But God was faithful. He took care of us then, and He will take care of us now. In fact, God has proven Himself so faithful that I wrote a book sharing my testimony entitled God Keeps His Promises. And God still keeps His promises. <br />
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So, there are a lot of uncertainties as our family heads into 2017. Will he find a job sooner than later? Will I have to go back to work? Time will tell, I suppose. Until then, I will trust Him with this chapter. <br />
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I will continue to pray, give Him praise, and wait expectantly! <br />
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Perhaps your 2017 has brought challenges or unwanted change. Whenever life gets hard, I encourage you to seek out God’s promises, meditate on His comforting words, and choose peace over panic.<br />
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<i>Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. <b>Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)<br />
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Copyright 2017 by Christy Long. All Rights Reserved.Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-17609697807572177262016-12-31T21:44:00.000-05:002016-12-31T21:44:10.712-05:00Once Upon a TimeAll good fairy tales begin with, “Once upon a time,” right? And like most little girls and the famous line from Pretty Woman, I wanted the fairy tale, too. <br />
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When I first got married in 1995, the wedding seemed like the perfect ending to a fairy tale. Even at the end of the wedding video there was a little Cinderella carriage that concluded the recording as if to imply the prelude to a lifetime of happily ever after. However, less than five years later, with a 2 ½ year old daughter and 7 months pregnant with my second child, our marriage was ending.<br />
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It was probably the worst time in my life. I could not keep food down, my nerves were a wreck, I was so worried and stressed that I had trouble sleeping and would lie in the bed in a fetal position and shake. As a young Christian (I had recognized my need for knowing Jesus in a personal way and was baptized the previous summer), my mom suggested that I ask Jesus to wrap His arms around me at night, so I tried it. I would imagine that Jesus was holding me in His arms as I drifted off to sleep and it truly helped to calm me down so I could rest.<br />
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The day my mother drove my baby boy and me home from the hospital was the day I knew for certain my marriage was over. Separation papers were eventually signed and I took on more debt than I should have because I wanted to stay in the home with my babies.<br />
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I did plenty of things wrong during this time and I take responsibility for my part in the downfall of the marriage, but I never wanted to be divorced. I still believe God can heal any marriage if both spouses are willing, but after counseling and lots of prayer we became another statistic.<br />
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However, during this trial I learned to trust more in Jesus and read my Bible. I began to cling to His promises. <br />
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Promises that He would provide.<br />
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<i>And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)</i><br />
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Promises that He would work all things for my good.<br />
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<i>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)</i><br />
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Promises that He would restore my life again.<br />
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<i>Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again. Psalm 71:20-21 (NIV)</i><br />
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Promises that He would give me hope and a future (once I got serious about seeking Him first).<br />
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<i>“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)</i><br />
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Several months later, the Lord was preparing my heart for the work He was about to do in my life. I had been attending a singles’ Bible fellowship class at my church and we had been studying the Book of Ruth. It got my attention because of the fairy tale like story of how God provided for Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi after they lost their husbands. Ruth was a woman of noble character and she was obedient to God. Boaz,her prince charming, was a kinsman-redeemer and they were married. There are so many important parts to this story – they are the ancestors of Jesus! <br />
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What stood out to me at the time was how God took care of Ruth and worked all things for her good. Like Boaz was her kinsman-redeemer, God redeems us with His unfailing love (See Psalm 44:26). And The Message version of the Book of Ruth begins with the words, “Once upon a time…”<br />
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God is our King in this fairy tale of life and His happily ever after is His unfailing love for us!<br />
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Soon God put my earthly prince charming in my path. Not too many weeks after a long walk on the beach in heartfelt prayer asking Him to send someone to love me and my children if it was His plan. If it was not His plan, I had prayed that He would help me to raise them alone. It was my moment of surrender.<br />
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Mark (my boyfriend of 2 ½ years in junior high/high school) contacted me not too long after that. Instead of riding a white horse, he was driving a white Chevy pickup. It didn’t take long before we knew it was meant to be. <br />
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We were married a little over a year later (2002) and our son Bryson was born on Father’s Day 2006. <br />
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Being a blended family is not always easy but I feel very blessed. I believe that with God’s help, we have made the best of things.<br />
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So much time has passed since I clung to those promises I read in the Bible. It almost feels like it all happened to someone else. God kept those promises and He proved faithful in working everything out. He provided in ways that only He could, and in ways I could never have imagined, He worked all things for my good. And he did restore my life again.<br />
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He also healed my heart and helped me forgive. <i>He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 (NIV)</i><br />
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If you would have told me even a decade ago that we would be going to the same church as my ex-husband and his family, never would I have believed it! And the weird thing is, is doesn’t seem all that weird. God continues to amaze me with His sense of humor and unexpected plot twists as He continues to write my story. <br />
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This blog originated in 2008 when I published the long version of the story, God Keeps His Promises – Trusting in the One Who is Faithful When Vows are Broken. It was then called Comfort to Comfort based on 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. <i>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (NIV)</i><br />
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If I can offer any comfort here, it blesses me to do so. It just felt like time for an update and blog makeover that more accurately reflects who I am today and the more recent changes in our lives. I also hope to offer more variety in my writing. We will see where God and the keyboard leads us!<br />
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Copyright 2016 by Christy Long. All Rights Reserved.Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-83660476778415544542016-05-13T09:36:00.000-04:002016-05-13T09:36:57.691-04:00Caution: Remodeling project underway...stay tunedChristy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-3875035226504177902014-07-23T19:53:00.001-04:002014-07-23T19:53:47.684-04:00Cool as a Cucumber! <b>Minty Cucumber Salad</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUppAgHaykQnbzyy9Q25yS2PIxhy9YPbh6F1jKUnyex1bNFdspNtQzl6HeA7geygIDFWbRQAKmRYK7RyLpwejRsRNBeGB7S52vmjO4kj3Mr8B7nexA_K1zbKPmy1sStayBN98qv8qyDA9-/s1600/cucsalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUppAgHaykQnbzyy9Q25yS2PIxhy9YPbh6F1jKUnyex1bNFdspNtQzl6HeA7geygIDFWbRQAKmRYK7RyLpwejRsRNBeGB7S52vmjO4kj3Mr8B7nexA_K1zbKPmy1sStayBN98qv8qyDA9-/s320/cucsalad.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Getting back on track with healthy eating can be hard after vacation, but fresh cucumbers from my daddy's garden make it a little easier!<br />
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As a light side dish this evening, I made this yummy minty cucumber salad. It was very easy...<br />
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The recipe:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO7zMNjPigG9A2bgC73Ra9ZD2XG5yEw5B9_gqVQfmo0meTp9Ng6ZT1qxVXcASblT1ilxsKQ5O9M6k2TIz_Utlwsg2FlWBhl28VfAmuGRubxSgRDo2ONoY9NWJLhXEyPwcazPI041-Tb1f/s1600/cucrecipe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO7zMNjPigG9A2bgC73Ra9ZD2XG5yEw5B9_gqVQfmo0meTp9Ng6ZT1qxVXcASblT1ilxsKQ5O9M6k2TIz_Utlwsg2FlWBhl28VfAmuGRubxSgRDo2ONoY9NWJLhXEyPwcazPI041-Tb1f/s320/cucrecipe.JPG" /></a></div><br />
From one of my favorite Charleston cookbooks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW7RuDwoCxtPLwbnahfjQvh3PnyRdgtzpGc7Qtyk_Fc3cDhYTjfzmMpEGBFC6XBfHuQ_knfz5-uiYu5Y7sZgO6mHFFRIdmYTlBpXYplUr6QT7iaIr61BT9_Q8Yn0hbYswWx6k0Qv3oMS3/s1600/cookbook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW7RuDwoCxtPLwbnahfjQvh3PnyRdgtzpGc7Qtyk_Fc3cDhYTjfzmMpEGBFC6XBfHuQ_knfz5-uiYu5Y7sZgO6mHFFRIdmYTlBpXYplUr6QT7iaIr61BT9_Q8Yn0hbYswWx6k0Qv3oMS3/s320/cookbook.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Instead of sugar, I used Stevia in the Raw. A perfect addition to a summer supper - it was delicious and great for making ahead. I knew it was a hit when my husband kept eating cucumbers out of the bowl <i>after<i> dinner! </i></i><br />
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Hope y'all enjoy!<br />
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Christy<br />
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Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-4812379646621073932014-02-07T06:46:00.000-05:002014-02-07T09:30:54.034-05:00Overcoming the OverwhelmingFor anyone who has followed my blog since I started it several years ago, you will know that it has been anything but consistent.<br />
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In fact, I've struggled with consistency so much, I've actually considered writing a book about it! Ha!<br />
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The reality is I am a real woman who struggles with real stuff. I have three kids (2 teenagers!) who are involved in a lot of activities, a house that doesn't clean itself, and laundry that never ends. <br />
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It is difficult most days to stay on task as I tend to get easily distracted. There are many good intentions floating around inside my brain and there are several lists of projects that have been waiting to be tackled for quite some time.<br />
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Even though I am blessed beyond measure, the truth is life can be overwhelming.<br />
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At times I have been consumed with worry and frustration. Sometimes it has been difficult to find the words to encourage others when I have struggled myself. Perhaps that is why I have had an on again off again relationship with this blog.<br />
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Sadly, I have allowed the enemy to often steal my joy rather than be the overcomer I am meant to be in Christ.<br />
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So, I’ve decided to share some of the reminders I have received lately from Jesus. We weren’t meant to overcome the adversities of this life alone. He has given us a wonderful, powerful, Counselor and Comforter - the Holy Spirit! <br />
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<b>The Comfort Zone:</b><br />
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<i>John 14:27 (NIV) “Peace I leave with you; peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ Jesus<br />
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John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ Jesus</i><br />
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His beloved disciple, John, tells us in <i>1 John 5:4 (NIV) for everyone born of God overcomes the world… <br />
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And finally, in the Book of Revelation, over and over in the letters to churches, it is said, <i>“to him who overcomes…__________.” (See Rev 2:7, Rev 2:11, Rev 2:17, Rev 2:26, Rev 3:5, Rev 3:12, and Rev 3:21.) </i> Please take a few minutes to read over all that God has promised <i>to him who overcomes!<i></i></i><br />
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I have written in my Bible from a past study that the word overcomes (in these passages from Revelation) actually means, “still overcoming.” The word is in present tense form. Not intended as something we do once and pass the test, but rather a continual overcoming of the struggles, trials, and sufferings we face.<br />
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Okay, so I may continue to be consistently inconsistent…<br />
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There are still things that worry me (though I try to turn my worry into prayers). <br />
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There are still areas in which I struggle that I feel I should be victorious by now.<br />
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And that’s exactly why I need to remember more than ever to focus on the One Who can help me overcome.<br />
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<i>Lord, I thank you that no matter how overwhelming life gets, You have promised that we are not here alone. We thank You for the Helper, the Counselor, the Comforter, You sent us. We love You and praise You for all that You overcame for us. Help us to be overcomers through the power of Your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, Amen.<br />
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As Mandisa sings, let’s be an overcomer this year! <br />
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Christy<br />
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© 2014 by Christy Long. All rights reserved.<br />
Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-66552743292996909972013-11-04T21:23:00.002-05:002013-11-05T09:15:30.461-05:00Getting Real About Food, Fitness, and Life, and Cheering You on in Your Journey!Anybody else have trouble balancing the priorities of life? <br />
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Certainly something I struggle with daily. We all have the same number of hours in a day. So why do some people seem to get more done? <br />
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Each morning I try to begin the day with reading the Bible and a devotional and spending some quiet time in prayer. Though I confess there are some mornings I am out the door with the kids before I have made the time. Not usually a great start to the day.<br />
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Then there is the exercise thing. I have been so inconsistent over the years. I would join a gym and go regularly for 3 weeks or so. You know, just enough time to work up a good tight soreness? Then something would happen or I would just not be in the mood to go for a few days and my body would soften and expand right back into its flabby self.<br />
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And food! Oh well, I LOVE food! You could say I'm a foodie! Always planning my next meal...I love to eat out, I love to cook. It's been my comfort in a lot of ways, although Jesus should be our REAL comfort. <br />
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While I'm still on my journey, both in my faith and in my fitness, I hope to share some comfort with you. We have to make time for the important things in life. Our spiritual and physical health are both important. As a Christian, I need to spend time with my Heavenly Father and be in His Word each day. As a human being, I need to exercise and be healthy in order to take care of my physical body. <br />
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Coaching has become a part of my life because I can help others achieve their goals while keeping myself accountable. We need each other's support in life. I've started "getting real" about my struggles and my victories. <br />
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Find me on Facebook at both <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Comfort-to-Comfort/183466435023350">Comfort to Comfort</a> and <a href="www.facebook.com/GETREALFoodandFitness">GET REAL Food and Fitness</a>. <br />
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Allow me to cheer you on in YOUR journey!<br />
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Christy<br />
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Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-54561673154512263432013-02-13T10:14:00.000-05:002013-02-13T10:14:04.138-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0BobMtPgl0P95dqjt6blwLj85gfFfit2UH7oZZc2TwTy-vkKY-YpwUvUOHHzZvslwLG_AiiZP5I4zg4YCHarO8O1tHAPL9SIBJM-Qa4BKCH9BIXIJ_mzqD0UJvHAjsUwEzptYvs7dpxn/s320/Book+Cover+-+God+Keeps+His+Promises.JPG" width="201" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/God-Keeps-Promises-Christy-Long/dp/1597551775/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1315358529&sr=1-1">Available on Amazon.com. Click here to order your copy.</a></div><br />
In <i>God Keeps His Promises</i>, Christy shares her personal story of God's comfort and provision through a painful separation/divorce while expecting her second child. Through time and a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, she has experienced true healing and grace. She wants to give God all the glory and desperately wants others to experience the same for their lives.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/God-Keeps-His-Promises/127110702316">Find <i>God Keeps His Promises</i> on Facebook.</a>Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-4341450638933103282012-08-08T22:03:00.001-04:002012-08-17T10:19:39.516-04:00Not My Best Carol Brady Moment!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSRQcl6eUifu4rFwpTVcXsRd5fYRNAGPESxkZh7DSYAAMd0GUgzf24dx3GPg4r6hvU1fftYejEhiRSZeT5kObXT1zJZyJUA_GmTwOMzQE0HXunTeWCf7Hd0cdS8Bq9ur-rupEkD4esv75/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSRQcl6eUifu4rFwpTVcXsRd5fYRNAGPESxkZh7DSYAAMd0GUgzf24dx3GPg4r6hvU1fftYejEhiRSZeT5kObXT1zJZyJUA_GmTwOMzQE0HXunTeWCf7Hd0cdS8Bq9ur-rupEkD4esv75/s200/IMG_1320.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<i>"Mom always says, 'Don't play ball in the house...'" <br />
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Growing up in the 70's/80's, I watched A LOT of the Brady Bunch. And I mean A LOT!<br />
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As an only child, I'm pretty sure I wanted to be a Brady, but perhaps even more, wanted to be a mom like Carol Brady. She was the kind of mom that always had the right words to say to her children. She disciplined in love and was never short on good advice.<br />
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However, she was pretty ticked in the episode where Peter broke her favorite vase.<br />
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Still, I don't remember her screaming at her kids.<br />
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So, I have two boys and they love to play ball. You already know where I'm going with this...<br />
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A few months ago, they were playing baseball in the living room where they have been told a million times NOT to play ball! And you guessed it! They broke something. Little Bryson was sliding into first base when his foot went into the glass cabinet on which our TV sits.<br />
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And I exploded! That particular piece of furniture was less than six months old and they knew better. Afterwards, I had to apologize and thankfully praise God that he wasn't cut anywhere. He could have easily needed stitches.<br />
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One night last week night, it happened again. This time it was a blow up beach baseball that took out an antique plate that belonged to my grandmother. Its home used to be atop my mantle. Until crash, boom, bang! <br />
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What did I do? <br />
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Yep, I exploded again. Threatening I don't remember what as I angrily swept up the pieces. Mad at myself perhaps for not putting the antiques away until my boys are away at college. <br />
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I had to apologize for getting angry again. And thank the Lord the plate didn't fall on his precious head. Sigh.<br />
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It gets better...<br />
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The next day at the pool, Bryson took the beach ball to play with. Harmless at the pool, right? Or one would think.<br />
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As we were getting ready to leave, I had my back turned to him. I was saying goodbye to a friend and folding up my chairs. When I heard a familiar crash, boom, bang - again! <br />
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The clock to the pool was lying on the concrete with the glass face shattered. Bryson was standing there with a look of shock and guilt all at the same time.<br />
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Evidently, he was bouncing the ball against the wall when it hit the clock and knocked it off the wall. <br />
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The first words out of my mouth were, "That ball is going in the trash when we get home."<br />
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Realizing my words must have seemed a bit harsh to the moms around me, I explained that I couldn't believe he had broken something else with <i>this same ball</i> in less than 24 hours!<br />
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At least I didn't scream this time. Although in all honesty, it was probably because we were in a public place. I asked the manager if we needed to buy another clock and had Bryson apologize as well. <br />
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She was very gracious. No one was angry.<br />
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Still I have to wonder what in the world is God trying to teach me through all these broken pieces? <br />
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I know that I need to use my words more carefully. To build up and not tear down.<br />
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<b>The Comfort Zone:<br />
</b><br />
The very next day, <i>Jesus Calling</i>, by Sarah Young, spoke directly to me, "Watch your words diligently. words have such great power to bless or to wound. When you speak carelessly or negatively, you damage others as well as yourself."<br />
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Perhaps I need to realize that when things break, a heart doesn't need to be broken as well. A heart is more fragile and valuable than any antique plate. And a heart has feelings.<br />
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<i>Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18</i><br />
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<i>My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20</i><br />
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<i>Lord, help me to stop and think. Count to ten. Bite my tongue. Whatever it takes before I hurt someone with my words. Help me to be a better listener, use more caution with my words, and become slow to anger. In Jesus' Name. Amen.</i><br />
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Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-42612078929180678442012-07-26T21:24:00.000-04:002012-07-26T21:30:07.522-04:00Trashy People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlMHsh5k3rmuIuiwI_IQQfguV9q2FAqhFwNyXZw4XWeUg5Q0w8ukOBOOp_yS4ivp2B7f1PwquEuh0N8dYviKnsTqKYLk1OLbuzoQ6xWYu10Qdx_5VTYwYmcU6pGPtRe-VAh_kOkC42aEH/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFlMHsh5k3rmuIuiwI_IQQfguV9q2FAqhFwNyXZw4XWeUg5Q0w8ukOBOOp_yS4ivp2B7f1PwquEuh0N8dYviKnsTqKYLk1OLbuzoQ6xWYu10Qdx_5VTYwYmcU6pGPtRe-VAh_kOkC42aEH/s200/IMG_1446.JPG" /></a></div><br />
"Trashy people!" my husband's Mamaw used to tease, every Friday afternoon when she accompanied my mother-in-law to pick up our trash.<br />
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Sounds a bit odd, I know. But we live out in the country and have a pick up truck, so why pay for garbage service? My husband and his mom take the trash to the dump instead. Actually, she usually takes it for us on Fridays as a favor to her son. She's a good woman, right? Certainly not a glamorous job!<br />
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However, we are a family of 5, and we have bags and bags of trash! And now that Mamaw is gone, my mother-in-law is the one who comments, "Trashy people!" each week. Of course, it's said all in good fun, but is there any truth to it?<br />
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Unfortunately, I believe there is.<br />
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Our culture is trashy. Period. Just take a look at what is on Primetime TV, on the New York Times best seller list, in the movies, on the radio.<br />
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Recently, God has been showing me that we are as trashy as we allow ourselves and our families to be. I have been reading the Book of James about once a week. It is quite convicting in many areas.<br />
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<i>James 1:27 (NIV) Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.</i><br />
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Not trying to sound legalistic here...or judgmental. I watch shows and listen to songs that some of you may think are inappropriate. Each one of us must decide for ourselves what we will allow before our eyes, what we will listen to, and what degree of language (pure, slanderous, or profane) we will use or accept as inoffensive. But we can't deny that God's Word gives clear instructions.<br />
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In talking with a friend of mine at the pool a few weeks ago, she shared with me something Beth Moore said in her James study - <i>Mercy Triumphs</i>. She referred to "washing the world off." <br />
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We have to live in the world, yes. But we can and should be washing it right off of us. And we are called to lead pure and blameless lives. Not to be a friend with the world. In fact, James 4:4 says that, <i>"friendship with the world is hatred toward God."</i> Pretty strong, huh?<br />
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As Christians, we should look different to non-Christians. We should not blend in so much.<br />
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We should be Light to the world. Not accepting what God has deemed sinful, but living out what we read in God's Word. And prayerfully and purposefully teaching our children the same thing. <br />
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Yes, it is hard stuff. But let's not get lazy and give up! <br />
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This trashy woman has allowed herself and her family to become polluted by the world. <br />
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I have caved to the culture. And then I have had to make it right.<br />
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Apologize to my kids. <br />
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Set new boundaries.<br />
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Like going to the dump once a week, we need worship with other believers every Sunday morning. And unless we want our kitchens to stink, we also need to be taking out the trash daily. <br />
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The same is true with our bodies. If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit lives inside of us. Let's keep a clean and tidy place for Him to hang out! <br />
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<b>The Comfort Zone: </b><br />
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<i>1 John 1:9 (NIV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.</i><br />
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If this post speaks to you, here are some things to consider:<br />
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Ask God to show you areas you have let the world slip in and pollute your soul.<br />
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If you have children, ask Him to show you where you may need to re-establish boundaries for their well being.<br />
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As you shower each day, imagine yourself washing off the filth the culture has splattered on, and thank the Lord you are merely passing through.<br />
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<i>Father, forgive us for the times we have caved to the culture. Show us how to live in the world as the example You expect from Your children. Help us to practice what we preach and shine Light into darkness. Draw our children close to You and give them strength to represent You well even when their peers may ridicule them. And thank You for faithfully forgiving us when we confess our worldly waywardness. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i><br />
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For His Glory,<br />
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Christy<br />
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(c) 2012 by Christy Long. All rights reserved.<br />Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-81516326013697818552012-06-29T06:56:00.000-04:002012-06-29T06:56:21.967-04:00Their Church Every Other WeekendSharing my children with their dad after our divorce has not always been easy. I used to feel cheated out of spending time with them. It pained me that they were not able to be involved 100% at our church. <br />
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Helping to teach their Sunday school class while they were absent and attending their dad's church made me miss them all the more. It even made me reluctant to serve in those areas because it reminded me that our family was dysfunctional.<br />
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At their dad's every other weekend and one evening a week made it tough for them to feel a regular part of the children's activities at our church. But honestly, it probably bothered <i>me</i> more than it bothered them. I perceived my glass as half empty.<br />
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Then something wonderful changed. <br />
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This past year, my teenage daughter was asked to join the praise dance team at her daddy's church. She has taken dance for years, but had never really used that gift for the Lord. <br />
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Admittedly, I was reluctant to allow her to "sign up" for that. It would mean driving her to practices and potentially giving up more Sundays at our own church when they performed during their services.<br />
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However, after putting my own selfishness aside, I realized that she really wanted to get plugged in. It really wasn't inconvenient because their church is even closer to our house than our own church. It would seem that I did not have a good argument.<br />
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I'm so glad I allowed her that opportunity. She has performed 4 times this year. We visited on the Sundays they danced and saw firsthand what a young, energetic, Bible teaching pastor my children hear on opposite weeks. <br />
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She is currently on a Senior High Youth beach retreat with this church where they will be leading worship at two churches, performing their routine to <i>Live Like That</i>, by Sidewalk Prophets.<br />
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My glass is not half empty after all. It is overflowing.<br />
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Because as I joined the kids and chaperones in prayer before they departed, this mama was reminded that we are all one in the body of Christ. How blessed my children are that they have two churches to be a part of and two church families that love them and encourage them!<br />
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<b>The Comfort Zone: </b><br />
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Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4: (NIV) <br />
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May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 (NIV 1984)</i><br />
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Let us praise God for opportunities for our children to use their spiritual gifts, even if it means permitting them to go to the "other" church. We can also encourage, participate in service, and worship with fellow believers, even if they are a different denomination, as long as they teach Bibilical truth. No longer do I worry about which church my kids will attend which weekend, but praise God for the opportunity they have to attend a <i>good</i> church <i>every</i> weekend. <br />
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Lord, help us blended families have a clear understanding of what is in the best interest of our children. Help us to put aside our own selfish desires or turf wars, even in the area of church. May we view our children's activities and involvement with eternal eyes for Your Kingdom! Thank You, Jesus. Amen.</i><br />
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For His Glory,<br />
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ChristyChristy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-85647733191488681172012-06-15T07:58:00.000-04:002012-06-15T07:58:33.792-04:00A Groundhog Day in JuneEver experience one of those days where you seem to be spinning your wheels? One where you end up backtracking and doing things over and over again?<br />
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I kind of felt like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day this week. It seemed as though I was reliving my day over and over, except in my day I was getting further and further behind as I had to go back to the same stores and redo and exchange items I had just purchased earlier that very day!<br />
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Frustrated was pretty much the word that summed up my entire day. <br />
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And both do-overs could have been avoided if I had only taken the time to scan the price or double check the size in the clothing label. Of course my mistakes set me back in my schedule.<br />
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It's like that sometimes in my spiritual walk. I find myself back in a familiar place and it would seem that God is teaching me the same lesson over and over again. I wonder if He ever thinks,<i> is this girl ever going to get it?</i><br />
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I suppose I shouldn't feel so bad. Even the disciples were sometimes slow to get it. After Peter asked Jesus to explain one of his parables, Jesus asked them, <i>"Are you still so dull?" (Matthew 15:16)</i><br />
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Can anybody relate? Does the phrase "3 steps forward and 2 steps back" resonate with you? It could be the story of my life!<br />
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However, let us not be discouraged!<br />
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<b>Finding the Comfort Zone:</b> <i> James 4:8 says, "Come near to God and he will come near to you."</i><br />
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Drawing closer to God is usually the first step in getting back on track. Many times when I realize I have fallen backwards, it occurs to me that I have short changed my time with Jesus.<br />
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Getting alone with God regularly is necessary for continued spiritual growth. Jesus set the example of getting up early and praying in a quiet place. (Mark 1:35)<br />
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Oh how my day goes smoother when I slow down long enough to thoroughly read a chapter or so of His Word and spend time quiet time in His presence.<br />
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Not that our day will be problem free, for Jesus said in this world we will have trouble, but we can have peace through Him.<i> For He has overcome the world! (John 16:33)</i><br />
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When we have bad days or become frustrated with ourselves, we can praise God that He is not finished with us! We are still an individual work in progress!<br />
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We can be confident that <i>He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)</i><br />
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Father, we praise You for the peace you give us which is found through a true relationship with You. Thank You for not giving up on us in our "duh" moments, but for patiently allowing us to learn some of the same lessons over and over, and yes, even over again...we trust that You will complete in each one of us the good work You began.</i><br />
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(c) 2012 by Christy Long. All rights reserved. <br />
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<br />Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-77213154522826303202012-06-08T11:02:00.000-04:002012-06-08T11:02:55.455-04:00Finishing StrongThe past couple of weeks have been incredibly busy for my family. My daughter, a high school freshman, had a semester project that was due the week after Memorial Day - she built a model of the Palace of Versailles out of styrofoam bricks! She barely had any fun over Memorial weekend, although we did go shopping at the mall for a couple of hours to enjoy a short break, and pick up more supplies at AC Moore.<br />
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She had a test in the same honors class the day before the project was due. She was bordering on an A and a B and had opportunities for extra credit which she had taken advantage of, though not as much as her mother would have liked. I'm sure I sounded like the biggest nag!<br />
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A crazy semester schedule, my daughter was a pole vaulter on the track team, a dancer at a local dance studio (recital was last weekend), and participated in a local ministry one night a week through our church, and somehow managed to complete Driver's Ed!<br />
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As we approached the last couple of weeks of school, I could see she was getting tired and losing interest. She was exhibiting an attitude of simply getting by.<br />
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My words to her over and over, were "finish strong." You've come this far, your grades have been good all semester. I know you're tired, but do your best. Just a little bit longer.<br />
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As I've heard myself speaking those words to my child, I have almost heard God speaking those same words to me!<br />
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It is easy for me to tell someone else to finish strong, but how am I doing? In January, I wrote a blog post about called Keep it Simple - Don't Ever Quit, based on 2 Timothy 4:1-5:<br />
<i><br />
I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.<br />
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...—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant. </i><br />
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We often set great goals for ourselves in January, and then realize as the year moves on and we become overwhelmed with life, how difficult it seems to complete those goals. This could be related to our spiritual walk, weight loss, getting and staying organized, just to name a few. Or in my case - all of the above! ;)<br />
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We may even wonder if it even matters. We may think of giving up. Quitting. <br />
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Our flesh says, "It's just too hard!" or questions, "Does it really matter?"<br />
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Yes, it does!<br />
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When I begin to feel tired and lazy, the Holy Spirit convicts me to do my best for the Lord.<br />
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<i>Am I keeping my eyes on what I'm doing? Am I accepting the hard times along with the good? Am I keeping the Message alive? And am I doing a thorough work as God's servant?</i><br />
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Reading on in the same chapter, Paul tells Timothy:<br />
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...This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause!... 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (The Message)</i><br />
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A mid-year evaluation if you will, this is a reminder to me to stay in the race. <br />
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What about you? What do you believe God has called you to do? Every life matters to God. The enemy would love for believers to slack off and question their worth in the All Conference Kingdom Meet. He would love nothing more than for each one of us to sit on the sidelines without participating. <br />
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But God expects more. We are ALL called to run this race. <br />
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Finish strong!<br />
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Lord, help us to finish strong in the personal race you have for us. Life is too short not to give our best to Your Kingdom work. May we be focused and determined, not losing sight of the goal You would have us accomplish. </i><br />
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(By the way, my daughter managed to pull off an A in that class! And confirmed that her mother was a nag! :))<br />
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Christy<br />
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<br />Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-57626903153265586202012-05-25T06:15:00.000-04:002012-05-25T06:15:55.811-04:00What Matters Most<i>...a righteous man [woman] will be remembered forever. Psalm 112:6</i><br />
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Last week our family said goodbye to its last WWII veteran, Jimmy Culbreth. Sweet Jimmy married my Pap-Paw's first cousin, Rosemary, who was beautiful on the inside and out. <br />
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Rosemary passed away last August. She and Jimmy had been married for 67 years. Expectedly, he missed her greatly and longed to be with her.<br />
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Emotions stirred deep within me as I tearfully attended Jimmy's graveside service. Much like Rosemary's funeral, the pastors spoke of the legacies these two had left behind. Lifelong and very active members of a church my great, maybe great-great, grandparents had been a part of establishing many years ago, they had touched countless lives.<br />
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Standing in the same small, quiet cemetery where my greats and great-greats are buried, I was reminded of how short our lives are on this earth.<br />
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Gone, but not forgotten.<br />
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It's really not the accomplishments we achieve in life, but the relationships we touch. <br />
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It's good to spend some time reevaluating our lives every so often. Funerals seem to trigger that in me because I am reminded of how short life really is.<br />
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I have written before about the busy lifestyle we lead, as many families do. (And right now, we're at peak season!) Often, I have good intentions. Taking a meal to someone, sending a card, inviting a friend to lunch.<br />
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However, if those thoughts never leave my head and never get put into action, they are forever only a good intention. <br />
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Unfortunately, legacies aren't made of good intentions. They are instead made of time well spent and choices well made.<br />
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Jimmy made a choice years ago that I only learned of at his passing. When he was in high school, he must have been quite a football player. He received offers to play at Georgia and Carolina. Most young men today would be thrilled to have those opportunities. Their only decision being, which school?<br />
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But Jimmy made his choice to join the US Navy as WWII was getting started. That makes him a hero in my book! And God blessed his decision, because it was during this time, that he met Rosemary. <br />
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A life of service. Service to his country, service to his family, service to his church. And most importantly, service to His God.<br />
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Jesus is our ultimate example of serving and loving others. <br />
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A life that follows His example is a life well lived. A life that leaves a legacy is not soon forgotten.<br />
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Lord, help me to not get so caught up in my own busy schedule that I have no time for others. Help me to listen to Your guidance when I need to act on a kind thought or a small gesture that may brighten someone else's day. I don't want to live a life of good intentions, but leave a legacy that mattered. May I truly follow my Jesus, each and every day, and may He show me what matters most. Amen.<br />
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<br />Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8322193920720945748.post-80686352562251129222012-05-17T15:51:00.000-04:002012-05-17T15:51:11.955-04:00Witnessing a World Without Love<i>But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, <b>without love</b>, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. <br />
~ 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV) (Emphasis mine)</i><br />
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Sound like the world we live in today?<br />
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I have referenced in by Bible the words "without love" (vs. 3) in Greek, actually means "family love." <br />
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Deeply saddened over the past several months, I have been carrying around a heavy heart for people I am close to, as well as several acquaintances. <br />
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Families are falling apart, marriages are dissolving, even couples one would never suspect as having the first problem are choosing to separate. Some of these hit very close to home. Never could I have imagined some of the events that have happened recently.<br />
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Divorce at any age, whether a person is a young adult with small children, or a senior citizen with several grandchildren, trickles down and affects the entire family.<br />
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Marriages today are under attack.<br />
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The devil is on the prowl. (1 Peter 5:8)<br />
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Honestly, I have felt somewhat paralyzed. It is not my crisis. Perhaps it is not your crisis. Or perhaps it <i>is</i>. <br />
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What should a Christian friend or family member do? <br />
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The answer seems too simple, but I will share what I believe God has impressed on my heart. <br />
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Pray. Simply pray.<br />
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Pray the Holy Spirit will convict and change the person'(s)' heart(s), making a way for reconciliation. Remember, we are ALL sinners saved by the grace of God. There is no sin so awful that He cannot forgive. Pray also for ALL family members affected.<br />
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Pray for wisdom when given opportunities to speak the Truth in love. Proverbs 15:23 says, "a man [woman] finds joy in giving an apt reply - and how good is a timely word!" <br />
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Pray the Holy Spirit will give you power to love like Jesus, and leave the judging to Him.<br />
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How did Jesus respond to the woman at the well? (John 4) The adulteress about to be stoned? (John 8) <br />
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He did not condemn. rather he loved them and gently pointed them to the Truth. A delicate balance for most of us, myself included. <br />
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Kindness can be misunderstood as acceptance or condonement. On the flip side, confronting a sinful behavior can be interpreted as judging or self-righteousness. Therefore, I have decided to try to err on the side of kindness rather than condemnation. (I confess, I haven't always handled these matters in the best way.) One must use caution or a friendship may be damaged.<br />
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And finally...<br />
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Pray for healing. Some marriages will be reconciled; some will end.<br />
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Healing must take place in either case. Nothing is impossible for God. He can bring good out of heartbreaking circumstances. Trust Him to reveal His glory in the midst of pain.<br />
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Human love sometimes fails. And even more so in today's world. <br />
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But God is forever faithful.<br />
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And He is our Comforter.<br />Christy Longhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09638311839718733095noreply@blogger.com2