tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41327446046349140712024-03-12T19:50:08.961-07:00On My KneesDiva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-54155756471547320152015-02-14T08:43:00.001-08:002015-02-14T08:43:28.541-08:00Finding Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is Valentine's, a day that carries so many expectations. We heap our longings and heart's desire onto this poor little day. If we are in a new love relationship we are giddy about the prospect of showering and receiving expressions of love. If we are alone we rue the day and it's reminder that we find ourselves unattached. As women we may have come to expect grand gestures from our love and are disappointed when our expectations are not met. I imagine many men find themselves stressed at trying to find the right gift to meet the demands of the holiday. We expect so much from this one little day.<br />
Maybe it's because as I have grown older I have matured or maybe it's because my husband and I are nearing our 24th anniversary this spring that I have come to believe that love can not be relegated to one day a year. The card that was lovingly selected, the beautiful bouquet that is given or the jewelry and candy that have come to symbolize love are sweet gestures but not what love is really about.<br />
Love happens in the everyday, the small moments, the day in and day out routines. Love is expressed with a good morning kiss, preparing a meal, creating a home that provides a sanctuary at the end of a long day. It is in the seemingly simple gestures, the ones that often go unacknowledged.<br />
My husband shows me his love by taking care of my car, stocking the woodpile for our fireplace, shoveling the snow so I don't have to. Most recently he picked me up at the airport and had a picnic lunch waiting for me in the car. He knew I was coming in without having eaten and didn't want me to go hungry. Sometimes when I have taken a weekend retreat I will find a card tucked into my suitcase, a simple reminder that he will miss me while we are apart.<br />
We demonstrate our love for each other in showing love to our children. As a blended family loving all of our children is a gift we give daily, can there be anything more important to a parent than to know their children are loved and appreciated? We work side by side to create a loving home, a place for gathering with those we hold most dear. We cook together and for one another to nourish our bodies and our souls. The simple acts of creating a life together are how love is demonstrated, daily.<br />
Maybe you don't have a husband, wife or life partner, you have friends, family, children, grand kids. You have an opportunity to express your love to them every day. Embrace those moments for they can bring you great joy if you are willing to see beyond the boundaries of this one little day. Go head and enjoy the love holiday, just remember to celebrate love everyday, in all those small ways!</div>
Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-32804118921806993562014-01-05T09:01:00.001-08:002014-01-05T09:01:00.320-08:00kim beller designs: mantra for the new year ~ copper cuff giveaway!<a href="http://www.bigstronggirldesigns.com/2013/12/mantra-for-new-year-copper-cuff-giveaway.html?spref=bl">kim beller designs: mantra for the new year ~ copper cuff giveaway!</a>: ~ copper cuff mantra bracelet giveaway~ happy new year!!! i just LOVE giveaways!! this one is just in time for the new year! YOU ...Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-49264436828191129692014-01-01T15:47:00.001-08:002014-01-01T15:47:46.675-08:00Paying Homage to My Mom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today as I welcomed the New Year I did so paying homage to my dear sweet mother. My mom passed away in 1997 and not a day goes by when she is not in my thoughts. My mother immigrated to this country with my then 3 year old sister from Portugal. She was coming to join my dad who had established his residency years before. They came to the country without speaking the language, without the support of nearby family, with only the dream to begin anew in this land we call home.<br />
As I do many times when I am cooking some Portuguese recipe my mother taught me I find that I am surrounded by her spirit. Today I was cooking some red beans for my mother's recipe of "feijouda' a dish of red beans and rice from her native country of Brazil. I always reserve some of the broth and beans to make a Portuguese soup called " Soupa de Coves" to make at a later date. My intention was to serve either of these dishes in the coming days as I return to work after the holiday break. Knowing that these dishes require time and pot watching I thought I was getting a head start.<br />
My youngest son, home from college, walked in the house and immediately said what's for dinner? I asked him what he wanted and reminded him that the fridge was full of food from a week of home cooking. His response was, 'it smells like grandma's soup'. I smiled and asked if that's what he wanted and of course that's what we had, a little earlier than planned.<br />
It's funny how theses smells emanating from the kitchen can take us back in time and unite us with loved ones long gone. I channel my mom whenever I cook one of our Portuguese Brazilian dishes, she never used a written recipe but I have managed to remember what she taught me in the kitchen. My children love these dishes as do some new members of our family. I am certain that while I can never make things exactly as my mom did my efforts to try are met with her guidance and smiles from heaven. I love you mom and miss you still.</div>
Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-17520638939123950952014-01-01T15:27:00.000-08:002014-01-01T15:27:08.254-08:00Enjoying Cabin Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My husband and I decided to spend a few days at our cabin in central PA after the holidays. For those of you new to my blog, it is a log cabin situated on a private lane in the middle of Bald Eagle State Park in Snyder County. That puts us just about smack dab in the middle of PA, an hour northwest of Harrisburg and about 35 minutes away from State College PA.<br />
It's quiet and peaceful, we are surrounded by mountains and wildlife, it's our home away from home. This afternoon we went out to enjoy the warm sun and get a glimpse of the last traces of snow before it all melted away. Just last week there were eight inches here and I am certain that more snow will fall during the coming months. As the sun began to set the chill returned and so we came in to enjoy the fire and have dinner.<br />
I love all the seasons here, each has it's own special beauty. The cold crisp air this evening has given us a clear view of our mountain and my husband and I will once again delight in seeing the deer return to feed in our back yard. They are daily visitors while we are here, we feed them and provide them a safe haven. Come dawn we will watch as the birds get busy at the feeders and the chipmunks and squirrels make a quick meal of any corn left behind by the deer.<br />
As we we sit quietly reading or in my case writing we enjoy the peaceful solitude this cabin provides. My wish for each of you is that you find your own peaceful haven to contemplate the beauty of nature that surrounds you, be it a stroll through a park, a walk on the beach or simply looking out your own window with new eyes and wonder.<br />
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Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-38817980150429614692013-12-26T15:30:00.001-08:002013-12-26T15:30:00.781-08:00Belated Christmas WishesThis sweet little face has brought so much joy and love to our entire family! Jacob celebrated his first Christmas this year at 9 months. After seasons of loss this sweet new life makes my heart happy, my first grandchild has renewed in me the magic of the season. My husband and I were truly blessed this year having all five sons, their wives and girlfriends here for Christmas Eve. Of course this little angel stole the show and everyone's heart. Knowing that all my boys have their own lives and new families and in-laws to share these holidays with I count myself truly blessed that this year they were all home. I know that this won't always be the case, families grow, traditions change and new ones are made and I am ok with that. After all I raised them to do just that, move on, <font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">make their own homes and families and I am so happy that they are happy. What more could a mother want for her children! That said I know that this year was a gift I will always cherish. My prayer for each of you is that you experience this same love with your own families and friends. Whether near or far these connections are what matter most, embrace them, tell folks you love them, spread love and joy as you move through your days. Sometimes family is what we are born into but sometimes it is those we surround ourselves with, so no matter who you consider family I wish you all a new year filled with many shared and loving moments!</font><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7gH5s-VjGaM/Ury79rTYLKI/AAAAAAAACKY/yTI09JfodZs/s640/blogger-image--1878707750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7gH5s-VjGaM/Ury79rTYLKI/AAAAAAAACKY/yTI09JfodZs/s640/blogger-image--1878707750.jpg"></a></div></div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-38573410837336356862013-10-04T09:15:00.001-07:002013-10-04T09:15:34.889-07:00Where the BLEEP have I Been???<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Not sure where the time has gone, or why i decided to check out this blog. It's been some time as you can see, I haven't posted since my sister passed away. It was such a life changing time for me, so huge that I seemed to fall down 'the rabbit hole' as it were. Life continued as it does but I seemed to be viewing it through some distorted lens. Slowly the passage of time and the life changes that occurred over the last two plus years have lifted me out of that darn hole. Don't get me wrong, the pain of my sister's abscence is still with me but not nearly as raw as it was.</div>
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I spent some time checking into some blogs I followed and see that some of you are still here and that some of you stopped posting as well. It would seem that the ebb and flow of life affects us all. I hope and pray that any of you still here reading these words are well, that God continues to bless each and every one of you. I am not sure if I should continue on this blog or perhaps start a new one. So many changes have taken place over the last two years. I guess it will depend on if anyone is still reading so perhaps I'll check back and see if there are any responses over the next week or so. In the meantime, love to you all!</div>
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Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-65537870648456496402011-04-03T05:26:00.000-07:002011-04-03T05:26:47.796-07:00Guest Book for Cecelia Gunick – Online Guest Book by Asbury Park Press and Legacy.com.<a href="http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/app/guestbook.aspx?n=cecelia-gunick&pid=149834695&sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d986778ed615a27%2C0">Guest Book for Cecelia Gunick – Online Guest Book by Asbury Park Press and Legacy.com.</a>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-2495090106942714872011-02-10T04:33:00.000-08:002011-02-10T04:33:19.890-08:00Author Unknown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">There's always a little truth behind every 'just kidding.' <br />
<br />
<br />
A little knowledge behind every 'I don't know.' <br />
<br />
A little emotion behind every 'I don't care.' <br />
<br />
A little love behind every 'I hate you!' <br />
<br />
A little uneasiness behind every 'I'm okay.' <br />
<br />
A little pain behind every 'forget it.' <br />
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A little fear behind every 'leave me alone.' <br />
<br />
A little hope behind every 'goodbye.' <br />
<br />
And a little 'something' behind every 'nothing.' <br />
<br />
<br />
Author Unknown<br />
<br />
But Very Much Appreciated!<br />
<br />
</div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-46935723706832177782011-02-06T08:57:00.000-08:002011-02-06T08:57:24.332-08:00Heart to Heart with Holley Devotional<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>This devotional from 'heart to heart with Holley' stuck a cord with me today so I decided to share it with you...</em><br />
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<br />
The Best Kind of Rest <br />
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<br />
I sit across the table from my husband on a cold morning. Snow spatters the streets outside and coffee steams from my cup.<br />
<br />
“I’ve been trying to rest,” I say, “And I don’t think it’s working.”<br />
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He looks up at me, “Maybe what your idea of rest isn’t really rest.”<br />
<br />
I nod. I’ve been thinking about that too.<br />
<br />
When I felt like I needed to start slowing down a few months ago, I took that literally. I spent more time on the couch. I crossed items off my to-do list.<br />
<br />
And I felt worse.<br />
<br />
You’re a dreamer,” my husband goes on, “You need to be free to chase ideas, move toward the future, try new things. That’s what renews you.”<br />
<br />
He’s a wise one, my man.<br />
<br />
I realized what I’d been missing more than I realized…<br />
<br />
God-sized dreams.<br />
<br />
I’m coming to see that when God asked me to rest it was actually more about my heart.<br />
<br />
Learning to trust instead of strive.<br />
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Learning to enjoy rather than push so hard.<br />
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Learning to focus on the moment instead of results. <br />
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I think of the verse God put on my heart when all this began…<br />
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“Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.” Song of Solomon 2:10-13<br />
<br />
Rest is an intimate invitation—<br />
<br />
not to step away from life but to embrace the Giver of it.<br />
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<br />
</div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-33183324057627977592011-01-30T06:56:00.001-08:002011-01-30T06:56:32.654-08:00Words to Live By<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there can be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.<br />
<br />
<br />
~William Penn<br />
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<br />
<br />
</div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-81966101785377879402011-01-27T05:48:00.001-08:002011-01-27T05:48:43.976-08:00Don't Worry...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. <br />
If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever. <br />
<br />
Tenzin Gyatso<br />
<br />
14th Dalai Lama of Tibet<br />
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</div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-53067359410645096442011-01-23T07:58:00.000-08:002011-01-23T07:58:59.482-08:00Great news if you feel like you need to do it all this week...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
I'm thinking of you today,<br />
<br />
wondering about a new week,<br />
asking, "How am I going to do it all?"<br />
Here's the great news:<br />
<br />
Through Christ.<br />
<br />
I can do everything through Him who gives me strengthen me. Philippians 4:13<br />
<br />
And here's the secret...<br />
<br />
Just offer what you have.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking of this, how I fear what I have falls short.<br />
<br />
But then God whispers, reminds me, that He can redeem anything. <br />
<br />
So as long as we do something, as long as we have the courage to move forward, then He can use whatever the outcome may be for His purposes.<br />
<br />
(Oh, and resting, waiting, praying are most certainly doing something too.)<br />
<br />
The greatest risk is doing nothing at all.<br />
<br />
I heard someone say recently, "The world isn't looking for perfect people--it's looking for people who just haven't quit."<br />
<br />
Your to-do list for the week?<br />
<br />
Don't quit.<br />
<br />
Just keep going.<br />
<br />
God will do the rest.<br />
<br />
Promise. <br />
<br />
<br />
<em>As a new week begins I thought I would share this daily devotional from 'Heart to Heart with Holley'.</em><br />
<br />
<a href="mailto:holley@holleygerth.com">holley@holleygerth.com</a><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-34596413666380449042011-01-20T05:28:00.000-08:002011-01-20T05:28:08.355-08:00A Much Needed Reminder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Thought for the Day: “Many of us are always the ones that seem to need to be strong for everyone else. We are the providers, the caregivers, the listeners, the mothers, the fathers, the protectors, the “go-to” people… And when the day is done who do we have to turn to to be the strong one for us? God… He is always waiting to give us His shoulder to lean on.” Have a great day today everyone! – Elmer Laydon<br />
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<br />
</div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-68560433864333353132011-01-19T07:35:00.000-08:002011-01-19T07:35:59.493-08:00Memories of W.P.I.X New York !!!<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Njs9NuDopC4?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />This sums up my childhood in seven minutes and 36 seconds...enjoy the trip down memory lane!Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-61007680808511925322011-01-18T06:56:00.000-08:002011-01-18T06:56:18.542-08:00God Cares About the Details<em>This was in my 'Five Minutes For Faith' devotional this morning and it hit a chord with me. As I am often in conversation with God throughout my day, blabbering on about all sorts of things I found it comforting to know he does care about the small details of my life. Somedays I imagine Him sitting in Heaven going 'Okay Diva, I hear you, you can stop now'...or 'I do believe we've been over this before dear child, don't you get it yet?' I picture Him as a parent simply longing for some peace and quiet and all he gets are constant requests, well isn't it wonderful to know there is a story in the Bible to remind us that He really does care about the details? I hope this helps you along your day today.</em><br />
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<br />
<br />
Posted: 17 Jan 2011 05:56 AM PST<br />
<br />
Ever had those days when you felt you were throwing up emergency prayers that seemed unimportant in the big scheme of things? You know the ones. “Lord, please let me find my car keys or I’m going to be late, again.” “Lord, please let me find a parking place close to the door, because I have to get these children and all this stuff in that store quickly in the rain.” “Lord, please let my child sleep through the night, because I have to get some sleep.”<br />
<br />
If you are a mom, I’m sure you’ve prayed one or more of these prayers on some occasion. I know I’ve prayed them many times. I used to think they were sort of “silly” prayers. After all, there are much greater problems going on in the world while I’m looking for my keys. But for some reason it makes me feel better to tell God what I need, as trivial as it seems, so I keep praying them.<br />
<br />
I was reading through 2 Kings recently and came across the passage of the floating ax head. This story takes place right after Elisha has healed Naaman of leprosy and right before Israel’s army is delivered from the Arameans – an important man and an important event.<br />
<br />
The prophets who were following Elisha were cutting trees by the Jordan to build larger quarters to accommodate their growing numbers. One of the men’s iron ax head fell into the water. He became panicked because the ax was borrowed. Upon hearing the man’s distress, Elisha asks where the ax head fell. The man showed Elisha the place. Elisha cut a stick, threw it into the water, and the iron ax head floated to the top where the man could reach down and lift it out of the water.<br />
<br />
The man was obviously not a big, important person like Naaman, as he didn’t even have enough money to buy his own ax, but had to borrow one. He didn’t seem to be performing some big, important task like fighting in Israel’s army. But he was doing what God had called him to do – building a home so that God’s Word and work could be furthered. Most people focus on the fact that the iron ax head floated, certainly a miracle; but I notice that Elisha focused on meeting the man’s need, even though it might have seemed trivial.<br />
<br />
As moms, we sometimes feel our needs or wants are trivial. We don’t feel we are important or that we are accomplishing anything important, but we are. We are building a home. Hopefully it is a home where God’s Word and work are furthered. And God cares about the details. He wants to hear our “silly” prayers. He cares about our worries and concerns and He wants to meet our every need.<br />
<br />
1 Peter 5:7 says cast the whole of your care, all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (The Amplified Bible)<br />
<br />
Many times God will use our “silly” little prayers and the answers He gives us to teach us about Himself and His purposes for us. We simply must ask for the spiritual vision to see the lessons. He wants to use our everyday life circumstances to draw us to Him, build our faith and ultimately change us into His likeness.<br />
<br />
The next time you feel your prayer or need is silly or unimportant; remember the floating ax head and that God cares about the details.Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-6738887943299428452011-01-17T07:51:00.000-08:002011-01-17T07:51:21.682-08:00Martin Luther King Jr.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TTRlOGwoKeI/AAAAAAAACH8/DAAkn6npatU/s1600/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-2010-Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TTRlOGwoKeI/AAAAAAAACH8/DAAkn6npatU/s320/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-2010-Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
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We are now confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action. <br />
<br />
<br />
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968<br />
<br />
American Civil Rights Leader<br />
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Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-78168110588474842012011-01-14T06:43:00.000-08:002011-01-14T06:43:32.863-08:00Life is like Coffee Movie<a href="http://www.flickspire.com/m/lgroup/LifeIsLikeCoffee?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d306103e585f4f9%2C0">Life is like Coffee Movie</a>: "Do you know people that just seem to be happier in general? Do you say to yourself, "I want to be more like them"? Often, the happiest people in the world don’t have the best of everything...they just make the best of everything!"Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-90614813535949764322011-01-12T15:42:00.000-08:002011-01-12T15:42:09.799-08:00Observations on Growing Older~Your kids are becoming you...and you don't like them...but your grandchildren are perfect! <br />
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~Going out is good.. <br />
<br />
Coming home is better! <br />
<br />
~When people say you look "Great"... they add "for your age!" <br />
<br />
~When you needed the discount, you paid full price. <br />
<br />
Now you get discounts on everything... <br />
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movies, hotels, flights, but you're too tired to use them. <br />
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~You forget names .... but it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!! <br />
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~The 5 pounds you wanted to lose is now 15 and you have a better chance of losing your keys than the 15 pounds. <br />
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~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything .... especially golf. <br />
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~Your spouse is counting on you to remember things you don't remember. <br />
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~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore. <br />
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~Your husband sleeps better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than he does in bed. It's called his "pre-sleep". <br />
<br />
~Remember when your mother said, <br />
<br />
"Wear clean underwear in case you GET in an accident"? Now you bring clean underwear in case you HAVE an accident! <br />
<br />
~You used to say, <br />
<br />
"I hope my kids GET married... <br />
<br />
Now, "I hope they STAY married!" <br />
<br />
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.. <br />
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~When GOOGLE, ipod, email, modem ..... <br />
<br />
were unheard of, and a mouse was something that made you climb on a table. <br />
<br />
~You tend to use more 4 letter words .... <br />
<br />
"what?"...."when?". ??? <br />
<br />
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere. <br />
<br />
~Your husband has a night out with the guys, but he's home by 9:00 P.M. Next week it will be 8:30 P..M. <br />
<br />
~You read 100 pages into a book before you realize you've read it. <br />
<br />
~Notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!! <br />
<br />
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots. <br />
<br />
~Everybody whispers. <br />
<br />
~Now that your husband has retired .... <br />
<br />
you'd give anything if he'd find a job!<br />
<br />
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet .... <br />
<br />
2 of which you will never wear. <br />
<br />
~~~~But old is good in some things: <br />
<br />
old songs, old movies, And best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-43886685924418455572011-01-08T17:42:00.000-08:002011-01-08T17:42:22.435-08:00Spiritual Sundays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSkSWZRmKDI/AAAAAAAACH4/RWXNQUETqnw/s1600/christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSkSWZRmKDI/AAAAAAAACH4/RWXNQUETqnw/s320/christmas.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div>It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home for this is where our love for each other must start. <br />
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Mother Teresa, 1910-1997Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-59248328241519331902011-01-07T06:23:00.000-08:002011-01-07T06:23:35.735-08:00"Five MInutes for Faith" Devotional<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TScf3dh4wLI/AAAAAAAACH0/tXagA4nIPR4/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TScf3dh4wLI/AAAAAAAACH0/tXagA4nIPR4/s320/fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Don’t Play With Matches! <br />
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<br />
<strong>As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. Proverbs 26:21 NIV</strong><br />
<br />
“I can’t find the thing,” I spat into the phone. <br />
<br />
“Which thing?” my husband questioned me. <br />
<br />
“The thing. The thing! The thing that tightens the car seat!” My patience thin, I shouted into the phone while my husband tried to explain how to install my daughter’s car seat. <br />
<br />
I hunched in the back of the van, stepping on toys and castaway cereal, heat dripping down my face, trying for the life of me to find the magical tightening strap for baby Grace’s seat. The temperature outside was ninety-eight. I was sure it was ten degrees hotter in my vehicle. <br />
<br />
Later that afternoon when my husband came home, an apology was necessary for my short temper and blistering tongue. “It’s okay,” he told me as he kissed my forehead, “I knew you were just hot.”<br />
<br />
Heat is one of my trigger factors. <br />
<br />
When tempers quickly flare in any relationship, trigger factors are often the reason. They are outside influences that can affect our temperament and lead to conflict. Trigger factors vary for each person. Mine are heat and clutter. One of my husband’s is hunger. If he is hungry, he will often snap at me for no good reason. He isn’t actually mad at me; he just has a hard time controlling his emotions on an empty stomach.<br />
<br />
Think of a match. At first strike, it flares and fizzes, then settles down for a quiet but quick burn. You can do two things before you get scorched. <br />
<br />
1. Drop the match and leave it alone; it will sputter out in a hurry. Or<br />
<br />
2. Throw the match on something and start an even bigger fire. <br />
<br />
When your spouse hits a trigger factor, it’s like those matches. You can drop the issue and choose to overlook some harsh words knowing you aren’t the true cause. Or you can start a rip-roaring fire by focusing on the quick flare. <br />
<br />
Identify trigger factors for both you and your spouse. Next time you sense a fight coming on, look for those tricky little nuisances and make a choice. Drop it or start a fire. <br />
<br />
Choose wisely.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>this devotional was in my mail box this morning and I thought it was worth sharing...</em></strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-81446995853349580752011-01-05T08:16:00.000-08:002011-01-05T08:16:59.431-08:00Have You Got Mail ???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRgdJPy1I/AAAAAAAACHY/-QcJa1PVSWs/s1600/mailbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRgdJPy1I/AAAAAAAACHY/-QcJa1PVSWs/s1600/mailbox.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>Now I must admit that my mailbox always has something</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>waiting for me at the end of each day,</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>granted it's usually junk mail, bills and an occasional</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>magazine, but I still love to check it.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Mail delivery has changed a great deal over the years...</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSSEzUbQtI/AAAAAAAACHk/SR2Z7zy8OTY/s1600/pony+express.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSSEzUbQtI/AAAAAAAACHk/SR2Z7zy8OTY/s320/pony+express.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSSV5cZe8I/AAAAAAAACHo/CBJkfGgrCcQ/s1600/pony+express2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSSV5cZe8I/AAAAAAAACHo/CBJkfGgrCcQ/s320/pony+express2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>from the early Pony Express days to</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSQxJD-KFI/AAAAAAAACHI/0U6yegccRoY/s1600/mail+delivery.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSQxJD-KFI/AAAAAAAACHI/0U6yegccRoY/s320/mail+delivery.bmp" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><strong>the more efficient and speedier delivery we are </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>currently used to,</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRWRL2L0I/AAAAAAAACHU/PJKjM19f7d8/s1600/mailman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRWRL2L0I/AAAAAAAACHU/PJKjM19f7d8/s320/mailman2.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRr-AB8yI/AAAAAAAACHc/HFzCk2bg3iM/s1600/mailman3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRr-AB8yI/AAAAAAAACHc/HFzCk2bg3iM/s320/mailman3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSR2rDJt8I/AAAAAAAACHg/ofwGy8EPXOQ/s1600/mailman_on_motorcycle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSR2rDJt8I/AAAAAAAACHg/ofwGy8EPXOQ/s320/mailman_on_motorcycle.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><strong></strong><div align="center"><strong>and everything in between.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>My fondest mail memories are those of my</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>childhood, when you would eargerly await</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>the mail's arrival hoping there just might be</strong></div><div align="center"><strong> something for you </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>(maybe that secret decoder ring you mailed away for).</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRMo7utXI/AAAAAAAACHQ/vD4NZM9xln8/s1600/mailman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRMo7utXI/AAAAAAAACHQ/vD4NZM9xln8/s320/mailman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>I am as guilty as most these days and do</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>most of my bill paying online and much of my </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>correspondence is via email,</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong> but I still</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>enjoy sending out Christmas cards,</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Birthday greetings and of course </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Valentine's cards.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>I am overjoyed when I actually recieve</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>a note from a friend or card from</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>a loved one in my mailbox so I plan on joing</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>with Suzanne over at 'Colorado Lady'</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/">http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/</a> </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSQfy6grHI/AAAAAAAACHE/eL8RjLk2InA/s1600/FirstFifthForever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSQfy6grHI/AAAAAAAACHE/eL8RjLk2InA/s1600/FirstFifthForever.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>in her year long challenge to send</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>at least one handwritten piece of mail</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>out to a friend each month.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Hop over to her blog to read all the details</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>and join us before your mailbox starts</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>to look like these...</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSP4rDThxI/AAAAAAAACHA/aAwSp4MFXio/s1600/3013740-old-vintage-mailboxes-in-rural-midwest-united-states-late-sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSP4rDThxI/AAAAAAAACHA/aAwSp4MFXio/s320/3013740-old-vintage-mailboxes-in-rural-midwest-united-states-late-sun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>sadly neglected and under used!</strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>I happen to have a 'mail lady'</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRBcGB27I/AAAAAAAACHM/_KAys5k-kXs/s1600/mail+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TSSRBcGB27I/AAAAAAAACHM/_KAys5k-kXs/s1600/mail+woman.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>She's a real sweetheat and always gets </strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>out of her truck to bring me my mail when it </strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>won't fit in my box </strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(none of those pick up at post office notes for her).</div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>So in order to insure her job security I'm taking</strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>on this challenge, if you'd like a piece of snail mail</strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>from me simply email me your address and I'll put you</strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>on my list!</strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Here's hoping your mailbox is filled</strong></div><div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>with lovely letters and less junk!</strong></div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-63452775749709723422011-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:002011-01-02T07:10:19.836-08:00Welcome 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TR5XoAwowBI/AAAAAAAACG8/_TA6ugoBrCk/s1600/aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TR5XoAwowBI/AAAAAAAACG8/_TA6ugoBrCk/s320/aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another fresh new year is here … </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another year to live! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To banish worry, doubt, and fear, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To love and laugh and give! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This bright new year is given me </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To live each day with zest … </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To daily grow and try to be </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My highest and my best! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have the opportunity </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once more to right some wrongs, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To pray for peace, to plant a tree, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And sing more joyful songs!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">William Arthur Ward, 1921-1994</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>American Author and PoetDiva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-83115310604532924282010-12-30T06:46:00.000-08:002010-12-30T06:46:29.884-08:00Still Shoveling Here in New Jersey“Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.” <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TRya2c2unZI/AAAAAAAACGw/t-F04NC9Kb0/s1600/blizzard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TRya2c2unZI/AAAAAAAACGw/t-F04NC9Kb0/s320/blizzard2.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TRya_TDP7gI/AAAAAAAACG0/QVyeuzP-xZI/s1600/blizzard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TRya_TDP7gI/AAAAAAAACG0/QVyeuzP-xZI/s320/blizzard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TRybHD3NdtI/AAAAAAAACG4/NvkOFT9VsG0/s1600/blizzard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TRybHD3NdtI/AAAAAAAACG4/NvkOFT9VsG0/s320/blizzard3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-47792866514434679202010-12-24T05:31:00.000-08:002010-12-24T05:33:30.986-08:00Merry Christmas & 'Heart to Heart with Holley' <strong>As we all scurry to finish last minute details for our Christmas celebrations I pray that we might all be reminded of God's perfect love for us. </strong><strong>I'd like to share a morning devotion I received in my email this morning, written by Holley Gerth a writer for Dayspring...</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TRSgjp4GSKI/AAAAAAAACGs/8J1MDRv-5Ac/s1600/carolers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TRSgjp4GSKI/AAAAAAAACGs/8J1MDRv-5Ac/s320/carolers.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> <br />
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"Why you don't have to make everything perfect this Christmas... <br />
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I curl up on the couch, coffee in one hand and a pen in the other. I feel weary all the way to my bones.<br />
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I think of all the ways I fall short...<br />
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the corners of the house uncleaned.<br />
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the corners of my heart that are the same.<br />
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I whisper prayers about feeling too small, about things seeming impossible, of never being able to grasp that word that haunts the Daughters of Eve--perfect.<br />
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On the horizon of my heart a half-remembered Scripture slowly appears. I search for it. When I find it, I look in wonder...<br />
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The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Psalm 138:8 NKJV<br />
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Twin truths slip from that sentence. First, God alone knows what perfect really means. And let me assure you, it's not the standards we set. Second, only He can make it happen in our lives--and He will.<br />
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God's "perfect" may not match what we have in our minds. It may not come when we planned. It may not work out the way we always imagined it would.<br />
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But God will perfect that which concerns me, that which concerns you.<br />
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Is there any better proof than a baby in a manger born on Christmas morning?<br />
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Jesus was unexpected, not-as-planned, didn't-see-that-coming, more-than-we-imagined. In one word: Perfect.<br />
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And through Him, we can trust that somehow, inexplicably, God will make everything else in our lives right too.<br />
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We are imperfect but His love never, ever is. <br />
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That, my friends, is worth celebrating.<br />
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I get up from the couch. I set down my pen and coffee.<br />
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I find myself humming, "Joy to the world..."<br />
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written with love for you by holley"<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4132744604634914071.post-11148934254155660892010-12-21T13:03:00.000-08:002010-12-21T13:03:00.167-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TQ_FFyD1AVI/AAAAAAAACGk/DdJ-0nmpWKI/s1600/Copy+%25282%2529+of+mary+and+jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_nAePO4sEBTo/TQ_FFyD1AVI/AAAAAAAACGk/DdJ-0nmpWKI/s320/Copy+%25282%2529+of+mary+and+jesus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. ” </div><br />
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Hamilton Wright Mabie (1846-1916);<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Diva Kreszlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278102837785791249noreply@blogger.com4