tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19697234261111793952024-02-06T20:31:46.092-06:00in the thinking treeLearn what my life is like here in The Thinking Tree. Filled with blessing, treasures, and little pieces of inspiration! I thank God for this life and hope you find joy from some of the random things I post. :) Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-31941789488315687812013-11-18T04:30:00.000-06:002013-11-20T02:44:02.363-06:00God Will Act + Exciting Announcement! {Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 7}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Miss this series? Start at <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part One: "Assets"</a></span></div>
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Cauley prayed and thought hard about becoming a midwife. Even with the support of the entire family, <b>she wanted to hold the dream loosely in case the Lord closed doors </b>and led in another direction.<br />
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<b>She committed her way to the Lord. She trusted in Him. </b>She began researching midwifery educational programs and discussing them with my parents. She'd found one she really liked, <a href="http://www.texasmidwives.com/">Association of Texas Midwives</a>. The program would allow her to do the bulk of the course from home, which was important to her.<br />
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<b>But there was still a major consideration: the cost. </b>On the list of essentials were the enrollment fees, books, a new laptop and a vehicle for necessary travel. It all seemed pretty insurmountable. She submitted an essay for a scholarship, but to no avail. <b>The scholarship program wouldn't recognize ATM </b>a university or college. McCauley wasn't sure what to do.<br />
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~ Psalm 37:5 ~ </div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;">Commit your way to the LORD;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">trust in him, <b>and he will act.</b></span></i>"</div>
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When the Lord acts, He leaves us awe-struck. <b>He'd orchestrated our network of friends beforehand in such a way as to connect our family with a Christian benefactor. </b>McCauley got busy on another essay outlining her vision and emailed it. In mean time, she faithfully participated in household operations, poured into her family relationships, and continued to build her handcrafted inventory. After a while, the benefactor responded.<b> He had chosen to give McCauley a full scholarship including the cost of books!</b> You should've heard the commotion when she announced <i>that</i> news!<br />
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A few months later, Daddy set a brand-new laptop on McCauley's desk and her books began arriving at our door.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S3tIwvusYV2aIc_dS8Un5b2DbtGaKhgolIWL6r2WCiHOukeGAT8qefzT88K10hdhTr4W9jGGiEe7hfXD2G0ftELRFYl8kqB8NUn6hTtw-9zpyQHagWSdpQPnHXu08U35T1yGCVlzs581/s1600/cauleys_studies_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S3tIwvusYV2aIc_dS8Un5b2DbtGaKhgolIWL6r2WCiHOukeGAT8qefzT88K10hdhTr4W9jGGiEe7hfXD2G0ftELRFYl8kqB8NUn6hTtw-9zpyQHagWSdpQPnHXu08U35T1yGCVlzs581/s1600/cauleys_studies_edited.jpg" /></a></div>
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She <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">sought first the Kingdom</a> of God. She put <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">her confidence</a> in Him. <b>She was <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">educated by Scripture</a> and shaped her occupational desires by the greater context of God's plan for history. <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/getting-started-cauleys-journey-into.html">She applied herself wholeheartedly</a> to the wise <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">stewardship</a> of all He'd already given her. </b>She committed her work and way to the Lord. Her plans were established—and He is now bringing it all to pass.<br />
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<b>All that is left on the "Needs List" is a vehicle</b> and it isn't a necessity until next year. She's currently working to raise money for that with her Etsy shop and other local services. We're on the edge of our seats to watch how God provides for that or leads in a better direction. <b><span style="font-size: large;">We know He will act. </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://thethinkingtree.etsy.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMeWg6mblwnPTxMugbvDT5e4sKWDaVdBucxvDS0aZciZtMj_RC-niAVfqCl9nsM-bYO0UElS9eBnLTYmI3cH99yrK_rg2_U8mcY4hVnFU8-SH-_j8bNwe3ObsHmJ4N9yr17ePjxvRaYd9/s1600/ad.jpg" /></a></div>
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Want to read the rest of this series?</div>
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<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 1: Assets</a></div>
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<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 2: Direction</a></div>
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<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fears-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 3: Fears</a></div>
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<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 4: Security</a></div>
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<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 5: Education</a></div>
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<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/getting-started-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 6: Getting Started</a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Part 7: God Will Act + Exciting Announcement!</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-69739763780244601602013-11-04T04:30:00.000-06:002013-11-20T02:42:33.969-06:00Getting Started {Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 6}<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/70/b1/93/70b1932fa9e5f4e1507e2bf53f172b68.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/70/b1/93/70b1932fa9e5f4e1507e2bf53f172b68.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/262545853248254055/">source</a></span></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large; text-align: -webkit-auto;">What should I do with my life?</b></div>
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So, <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">putting our confidence in the Lord</a>, operating according the <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">greater context of His reality</a>, and having Scripture as the foundation and <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">substance of our education</a>, how do we figure out what we're supposed to be doing with our life?<br />
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~ Proverbs 16:3 ~</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Commit your work to the LORD,</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>and your plans will be established.</b></span></i>" </div>
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The first question we must ask ourselves is this: what are we doing with our life <i>now</i>? Every single one of us have responsibilities. It is our job to figure out exactly what those responsibilities are, commit our work to the Lord and then do our job whole-heartedly!<br />
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~ Colossians 2:23 ~ </div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;">Whatever you do, <b>work heartily, as for the Lord</b> and not for men,</span></i>" </div>
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I remember when Cauley was nearing graduation last year, asking what she ought to do next. As she wrestled over this question,<b> she examined the assets that the Lord had already given her.</b> <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Was she being a good steward over the "little" she had?</a><br />
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<b>My sister began striving to be even more faithful with the life God had given her <i>then</i>.</b> She became more efficient at cleaning the house, more available for running errands and more avid in her study of Scripture. She investigated our bookshelves and outlined her own private post-highschool studies. She poured into the children whom she babysat and nannied.<br />
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<b>She also responded to the instruction of her father.</b> Once upon a time Daddy asked us all to begin using the crafting supplies we had around the home to create useful things to sell. We all began crafting at that point, but our experiment didn't last long. <b>Last year, Cauley decided to take dominion over the upside-down craft room and get busy building inventory. Pretty soon, <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/">The Thinking Tree</a> was born.</b><br />
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As she faithfully stewarded her days, our family continued to discuss what direction the Lord would have us to take. <b>As we talked about God's Law, our respective spheres of influence, Daddy's vision, the community and the future, <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/p/about.html#midwife">a dream began to take shape in Cauley's heart.</a></b> She wanted to become a midwife. She timidly presented the idea to the family and was met with overwhelming support. <b>God had established her plans.</b><br />
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<i>Next Up:</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/god-will-act-exciting-announcement.html">"God Will Act + Exciting Announcement!"</a></span></b></div>
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{Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 7}<br />
<br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 1: Assets</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 2: Direction</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fears-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 3: Fears</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 4: Security</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 5: Education</a><br />
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Part 6: Getting Started</span></i><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/god-will-act-exciting-announcement.html">Part 7: God Will Act + Exciting Announcement!</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-80547983536165680802013-11-01T04:30:00.000-05:002013-11-20T02:40:37.893-06:00Education {Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 5}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Miss this series? Start at <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part One: "Assets"</a></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9e/84/4a/9e844a873c92fa06c878f9b50f1eaf94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9e/84/4a/9e844a873c92fa06c878f9b50f1eaf94.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/262545853246515368/">source</a></span></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Thoroughly Equipped</b></div>
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Higher education is extremely important. We're commanded to be fruitful, take dominion of the earth, subdue the complexities of nature (Genesis 1:28) and teach the nations God's Law (Matthew 28:19, 20)—we can't expect to excel in these colossal tasks without an adequate education.<br />
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~ Psalm 71:17 ~</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>O God, thou hast taught me from my youth:</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.</span></i>"</div>
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~ Ecclesiastes 12:11, 12 ~</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;">The words of the wise are like goads,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">they are given by one Shepherd.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">My son, beware of anything beyond these.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Of making many books there is no end, </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>and much study is a weariness of the flesh.</b></span></i>" (ESV)</div>
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Drawing near to the end of his days, Solomon had run the gamut of human experience. He knew what it was like to be rich, powerful, famous—<i>successful</i>. <b>He came to the conclusion that, in and of itself, the human experience is vanity.</b> <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">Occupational success must have a greater context</a> to truly have meaning. <b>Therefore, we must be educated in reference to the greater context in order to truly be wise. </b>Solomon concludes:<br />
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~ Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14 ~</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;">Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>For God shall bring every work into judgment,</b> with every secret thing,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">whether it be good, or whether it be evil.</span></i>" (KJV)</div>
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<b>All of life—all of our education and occupation—must be in the greater context of the fear of God, His Law and His judgement. </b>It makes sense, then, that Paul would tell Timothy:<br />
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~ 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 ~</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>All Scripture</b> is breathed out by God</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">and <b>profitable</b> for teaching, for reproof,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">for correction, and <b>for training in righteousness,</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">that the man of God may be complete,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>equipped for every good work.</b></span></i>"</div>
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Books and study tools are important elements of a good education, but an adequate education <i>begins</i> with Scripture. This passage is especially exciting to me because it is so comprehensive. Look at the breakdown of the word <i>work</i> here:<br />
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"<i><b>Business, employment,</b> that which anyone is occupied; that which one undertakes to do, <b>enterprise,</b> undertaking; any product whatever, anything accomplished by hand, <b>art, industry or mind</b></i>" — Strong's</blockquote>
This passage is thoroughly economic. It has to do with real-life, applicable education. <b>Scripture must be the foundation of our every enterprise so that we may thoroughly equipped to operate according to the greater context of God's plan for history.</b><br />
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<i>Next Up:</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/getting-started-cauleys-journey-into.html">"Getting Started"</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 6}<br />
<br />
<i><b>Want to skip around?</b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 1: Assets</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 2: Direction</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fears-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 3: Fears</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 4: Security</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 5: Education</a><br />
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Part 6: Getting Started</span></i><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/god-will-act-exciting-announcement.html">Part 7: God Will Act + Exciting Announcement!</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-68028584730881575292013-10-24T04:30:00.000-05:002013-10-24T04:30:02.120-05:00How To Make NaNoWriMo a Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAp_kX6_Z-pTfg0D-MaYUTAoN4CrwyM0ADOvwIAxVZI9e0sVBIyNqSQ6wT4CSFtOVqD-tD2qE7ZSGAyJJ92DGhmREjnX1vZIOjDlBJOY3TJ7QAyZ_FkYOo2EA-JzbK72evI6BJa3YeHPF/s1600/2013_nanowri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAp_kX6_Z-pTfg0D-MaYUTAoN4CrwyM0ADOvwIAxVZI9e0sVBIyNqSQ6wT4CSFtOVqD-tD2qE7ZSGAyJJ92DGhmREjnX1vZIOjDlBJOY3TJ7QAyZ_FkYOo2EA-JzbK72evI6BJa3YeHPF/s320/2013_nanowri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming {the series about <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery</a>, of course!} for our first post on the topic of <b>writing for the glory of God.</b> This blog exists for many purposes, one of which is to <b>inspire ladies to harness their creativity for the advancement of God's Kingdom. </b>While Cauley's creative skill-set is primarily of a handcrafting nature, my creative skill-set is primarily literary {though we're both pursuing proficiency in different mediums of visual artistry so as to complement our primary skill-sets}. Therefore, this post will be a DIY of the inky sort.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What is NaNoWriMo?</span></b><br />
<a href="http://nanowrimo.org/"><i>Na</i>tional <i>No</i>vel <i>Wri</i>ting <i>Mo</i>nth</a> {NaNoWriMo} is an annual challenge that spans the month of November. Starting November 1st, over 30,000 participants {a.k.a. WriMos} undertake the task of writing their own 50,000 word novel before the stroke of midnight on November 30th.<br />
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It's a crazy-fun adventure and has been a very useful exercise for me over the past seven years that I've participated. How so?<br />
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<li>I can {and must} focus an entire month on a single creative goal. This keeps me from getting distracted with other ideas.</li>
<li>I can also prioritize my creative writing studies/practice above many of my other skill studies for an entire month.</li>
<li>Updating a word count keeps me motivated and having a deadline keeps me moving.</li>
<li>The deadline is helpful in talking myself back into the writing stage as opposed to the editing/design/marketing stages—keeps me from gettin' my cart before my horse!</li>
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But out of the seven years I've been a participant, I've only actually made the 50k word-count <i>twice</i>. Over the past several Novembers, I have learned a lot of lessons that I'd love to share with my fellow Christian WriMos. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Why write a novel?</span></b><br />
There are many answers to this question, but there's only one good reason for doing anything. Seeking first the Kingdom of God must be <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">the sole direction of every single one of our pursuits</a>. <b>The "why" behind writing a novel should be<i> </i>because it would bring God glory and would be good for His people! </b><br />
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Obviously this must shape my entire vision for the novel. This direction gives the project eternal value, bringing it under the Lordship of Christ. I desire for the pursuit to be more than just "fun"—<b>I want writing the novel to be an act of obedience to the Great Commission. </b>This gives my novel the beautiful context of God's Law and Gospel.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #1:</b> Write down {or verbalize to a fellow-Believer} your vision for your novel. How will it bring God glory? How will it bless His people? How will it advance His Kingdom?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Obtain Wisdom</b></span><br />
I want to capture an audience that desires to obey God and then deliver to them content that will <b>teach them a more correct view of God's reality using the enjoyable medium of storytelling.</b> I must write fitting words that are beautiful, satisfying and valuable to them (Proverbs 25:11, 12). In order to do this, I must have wisdom. But there's a major problem: in an of myself, I lack this kind of wisdom.<br />
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James 1:5 says, <b>"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously </b>to all without reproach, and it will be given him." These prayers must be prayed in faith, without doubt (James 1:6).<br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #2:</b> Determine the audience for your novel. What would you have to do to give your audience a more correct understanding of God's reality? </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #3: </b>Take time in your prayer closet, telling the Lord the desires of your heart for this project, explaining your natural weaknesses and asking in faith that the Holy Spirit would give you wisdom. Note: don't do this as some sort of a checklist thing. Do you really understand your own inadequacies for the task at hand?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are you going AWOL?</b></span><br />
Taking a month to focus on writing a novel can be a beautiful success—or <b>it can cause miserable conflicts. </b>You are an author, I get it, but you have real God-given relationships that take precedence over setting your characters free on paper. {I know they keep bugging you, but we have priorities gals!}<br />
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Think about the greater context of your relationships. You're a child of God, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a church member, a friend, perhaps a future wife and mother. <b>Is writing this novel an investment in and an outworking of those covenantal relationships...or is it your method of escaping from any of them?</b><br />
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I don't know if I quite understood this in 2006, 2007, 2008 or 2009. {I know, I know. Slow learner.} Sometime in 2010, I remember saying something about not doing NaNoWriMo to my mother. She listened to my reasons, but then countered: "But, Shelby, you have to find <i>some</i> time to write down those stories! I want Gracey to grow up with them—I want them for my grandchildren!" Daddy agreed with her. So in November 2010, I participated with a sense of duty. <b>It was at that point that my writing became a labor of love</b> rather than an opportunity to shine. I finally met the word count for the first time in five years. <b>My parents were not frustrated with the amount of time I invested into the project because they initially encouraged and blessed it. </b>"Winning" became a cause for family support and celebration rather than the singular obsession of me, myself and I.<br />
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After the thrill of winning in 2010, I geared up for another November of writing in 2011. I cannot recall the details of the conflict, <b>but I remember clearly feeling very torn between my writing and my family</b>—and it was only November 1st. I brought the matter before God in prayer and the verse echoed in my heart: "...if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out..." {Matthew 5:29}. If it would be better to lose an eye than to follow its lusts and sin, then <b>how much more should I be willing to lose a writing contest rather than to follow my lusts at the expense of my familial duties? </b><br />
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Even though I was participating with a group of online friends {I'd had the same writing buddies since '06} and had announced to all of my family members that I'd be doing NaNoWriMo again, I decided then and there to drop out. <b>My attitude towards my writing as a whole began to change over the next few months.</b> There just were not very many family projects that required my literary skill-set. So I stopped trying to force it. If the Lord was calling the family into farming, shepherding {literally, as in, keeping white sheep that go <i>baa</i>} mechanics—whatever!—I wanted to be fully involved. If that meant that I didn't have time to write, so be it. That simply meant the Lord had something more important for me to do. <b>In February 2012, I surrendered my writing to the Lord. </b><br />
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Later that summer, Daddy and I were talking vision. <b>He made it clear to me that he wanted me to become serious about my writing again.</b> At first, I was resistant. I explained to him my desire to invest the majority of my time in my family for God's glory. He agreed, and then reminded me that if I was writing for the correct reasons, I would <i>still</i> be investing in my family. <b>He also reminded me that Scripture described me as one of his arrows. He was "shooting" me into this field of writing for the advancement of the Kingdom.</b> The Lord was obviously leading.<br />
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In November 2013, I signed up for NaNoWriMo again and made the word count. There was no conflict of interests with the family: my parents, siblings, grandparents, uncle, aunt and so many others were all supportive. I was learning about<b> developing my craft within the context of relationships</b>—and that lesson has borne so much fruit.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #4:</b> Examine your covenantal relationships and duties. Will writing this novel be a long term investment in your family, church, community? Or is this an individualistic obsession that causes you to be more of an island unto yourself? Do you have the support and blessing of your authorities? If you're unsure on any of these points, talk to your parents {or whomever your primary spiritual leaders are}.</span> </i> </div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Make a Plan</b><br />
I start working on my November writing project as soon as the season changes from summer to glorious fall. I begin discussions with my parents in September and start in on plotting in October.<br />
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One thing that has been a blessing to family has been for me to <b>"buy" the extra time needed for NaNoWriMo by sacrificing blogging and social-networking time in October. </b>The discussions I have with my parents in September often take the form of "negotiations"—but the good kind, 'cos we're on the same team! ;)<b> I am able pour tons of "overtime" into the household and steward all of my excess time toward praying and planning.</b> {It's also great to take a month-long break from spending so much time on the computer before being glued to it in November!}<br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #5:</b> Consider taking a month off of the computer "in exchange" for NaNoWriMo. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #6: </b>When planning your novel, scribble down the goal of your project, make a mind-map, pencil out an outline {even having rough chapter ideas is super helpful} and write some character sketches. This little collection will get your juices flowing and will be a tremendously helpful reference whilst hammering out pages like a mad-woman. </span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Keep the Sabbath</b><br />
In addition to writing for God and others rather than myself, in 2010 <b>I made the commitment not to write on the Lord's Day.</b> One might worry that the "loss" of four days would set them back way too far—I was tempted to think the same! But whenever I'd get to worrying, I'd remind myself that the Sabbath is to be kept holy. I'd worked {writing <i>is</i> work—especially when one plans to sell the material} for six days, so on the seventh, I was determined to <b>rest and trust in the Lord.</b> This practice was extremely helpful for reminding me Who I work for, and that's God {not myself}.<br />
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<b>Refraining from writing on the Sabbath never did set me back, but instead, it was as if the Lord had multiplied my time! </b>He always knows what is best for His people.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #7:</b> Keep the Sabbath day holy. Save and back-up your story at the close of Saturday {we start the Sabbath on Saturday evening} and purpose not to write another word until the beginning of Monday {which begins Sunday evening for us}. Focus on prayer, Scripture and meeting with other Christians. Truly take the time to rest. You're not producing this novel on your own strength or time-table anyway: relax. </span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Friends Don't Let Friends Write Dangerously—Alone</b><br />
There's a great feature on NaNoWriMo. It allows you to have a collection of "writing buddies" and keep up with their word counts all in one place. <b>This allows us to both compete with each other and know when a friend needs some encouragement and motivation. </b><br />
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<b>WriMos often participate in "write-ins" together.</b> It's basically like a sleepover when everyone stays up reaaaaally late to hit some outrageous word-count goal. Because everyone else is awake, one is more motivated to keep going. <b>We'll have word sprints</b> and race to write the most words in a short period of time. We'll take a break, chat, and then scold each other playfully until everyone is back to being productive.<br />
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While these write-ins are a blast with online friends, <b>they're ah-mazing in person.</b> That's when everyone can share a few pots of coffee and way too much chocolate for our own good. <b>It's wonderfully productive fun. </b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #8:</b> Do you have any siblings, cousins or friends who like to write? If it would be a blessing to them and their families, perhaps y'all can do NaNoWriMo together. If you don't think you have any friends participating in the event, put a shout-out to your friends on Facebook, Google Plus or to your email contact list: you might be surprised! </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #9: </b>You're always welcome to add me to your writing buddies list, too. <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/en/participants/lady-l-rae">Click here to view my profile.</a> {Make sure you have your parents' blessing to make these connections, though.}</span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Eliminate Distractions</b><br />
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This does <i>not</i> include little brothers {remember, priorities!} This <i>does</i> include a lot of unnecessary electronic-based social interactions. <span style="text-align: right;">We often invite many more distractions to our work than we'd like to admit.</span> <b>If you allow yourself a little breather to scroll through the Facebook feed "just real quick", you <i>will </i>waste a lot of precious time.</b> Rather than keeping Facebook open on a side tab, I keep my knitting on my desk. When I sit back to muse over something, <b>I pick up my knitting to give my hands something to do</b> while my mind works on the problem. If I let my hands go free, I'll inevitably click over and read something that breaks my train of thought.<br />
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Another sure-fire way of working through a problem without getting distracted with social media is to <b>wash a load of dishes! </b>Your family will be glad to see that you've emerged alive and well from your little writing hovel and <b>your body will be thankful for the change of scenery and posture. </b>{Soapy hot water sure has a way of clearing my head so as to come up with new ideas and work through plot-knots!} And if you're just <i>sick of writing</i>, take a sibling for a walk. Trust me, you'll need the fresh air. Plus, you need to keep investing in your relationships throughout November.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #10:</b> If you want to listen to music while you write, try music that doesn't have lyrics. Go to <a href="http://www.pandora.com/">Pandora</a> and type in your favorite composer {Hans Zimmer is great for action scenes while Jon Schmidt really sets the tone for sweeter interactions} You can take a listen at my <a href="http://www.pandora.com/station/play/128592987327373983">Writing Pandora Station</a> or <a href="http://www.pandora.com/station/play/411964359602938527">Be Still Station</a> if you want. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #11:</b> Put your phone on silent and only check the messages periodically {if necessary—if you can put your phone in another room that's a better idea}. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #12:</b> Sign out of Facebook and Google Plus for the month or only allow yourself to check them after you've made the day's word-count goal {but, really, if you've done that, your family probably misses you}. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #13:</b> If you have some fun thing you'd rather do with your free time than write, make it a reward for finishing your word-count goal for the day. Challenges like this take a lot of self-discipline. Exercise that willpower! If it starts getting stressful, though, reevaluate things with your parents.</span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Be Careful</b><br />
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<b>NaNoWriMo is not an exclusively Christian event.</b> The "pep-talks" they send out push a lot of foolish ideas and sometimes contain cursing {and even blasphemy}. Read with caution or skip them all together.<br />
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Also, NaNoWriMo has forums. I have ventured on there a few times, but have largely found it to be a waste of time. Once or twice I discussed some things with Christians, and that was profitable, but <b>I would advise extreme caution with those forums. There are a lot of non-Christians who participate and their conversation is often <i>not</i> very edifying {and sometimes down-right shameful}!</b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #14:</b> For more time and less fluff, skip the "pep-talks." They can be fun, but they can also be very, very foolish. I think we should write a better series of "pep-talks" to encourage Christian authoresses. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #15:</b> Show the forums to your parents and ask whether or not it would be profitable for you to join the discussions. It is not a requirement to do so in order to participate in this event. </span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Focus On Writing</b><br />
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The #1 tip for producing a novel is.......you ready?........<i><b>WRITE!</b></i> Don't get distracted by trying to follow some method, or trying to make your words come out perfectly the first time. Just pray and write. Write, write, write, write. <b>Write knowing that you're practicing a useful skill and disciplining yourself to get thoughts out of your head and onto paper. That's a huge thing. </b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #16:</b> Turn off spell-check. It doesn't matter if your words are spelled write in the first draft. Just focus on getting your thoughts out. You can proofread later {and practice perfect spelling when penning a letter to a friend}. Focus!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #17:</b> Did you just write a sentence that came out all funky? If you have a better way of wording the sentence, go ahead and change it. But if reworking the sentence is going to be a struggle, just leave it. If your thought came through coherently enough, you can rework it in December. If your thought didn't, just explain your thought in rough terms in parentheses just after the sentence.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #18:</b> Sometimes we write plots right off the edge of a cliff. If you do that, or get lost, or realize that everything you wrote is completely irrelevant to the story, don't scrap it! Just highlight the text, turn it a light grey and keep going {or move it to the bottom of the document}. In writing that section, believe it or not, you were being productive. You learned one way not to develop the plot. I urge you not to delete those sections because, 1) you'll be taking away from a word-count you earned, and, 2) you might surprise yourself and need to reference that "deleted scene" later!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #19:</b> Don't get too crazy about updating your word-count. If you find yourself getting distracted by the need to update it, try to set a limit for yourself. "I will only update if I write 100 more words" or 500 or 1k—whatever will work best for you.</span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Get a Head Start</b><br />
Catching up is always much harder than staying ahead. <b>If you get into word-count debt at the beginning of the month, you're most likely to be drowned in it by the end.</b> Try to work your schedule around so that you have the most time in the month to devote to writing right at first. You'll tend to be most zealous about reaching your goal right at the beginning of the venture. Reigning in a substantial word-count right at the beginning does a lot to keep on motivated to persevere and is <i>huge</i> blessing once Thanksgiving nears.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #20:</b> Ask your parents if you can invest the majority of your writing time at the beginning of the month. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #21:</b> Plan to stay up all night on October 31st–November 1st. Set a high but realistic word-count goal for your first writing marathon. Start writing at midnight and don't stop until you drop {or hit the goal, which is always awesome}. It's thrilling to update your word-count by a few thousand in the wee hours of the morning on November 1st. By doing this, I was able to write a 5,220 words—that's over 1/5th of the entire month's goal in one day!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #22:</b> Keep the momentum going the first week. I set the goal of 10k on day two and almost made it with 9,225. I may have kept writing past midnight—I can't remember. I tried to keep up the pace and broke 20k by the end of the first week {taking the Sabbath off, of course}.</span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Take Thanksgiving Week Off</b><br />
I know this sounds crazy. Not only are we taking off four Sundays, but a whole week?! Thanksgiving is a big deal in our family. My great-grandparents travel down from East Texas {or we go up} and it's a wonderful opportunity to invest in family unity. <b>In 2012, I took seven days off to prepare and celebrate a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends. </b><br />
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In order to do this, I made a word-count goal. <b>I decided to get to 40,000 words before Thanksgiving week.</b> I had to adjust my daily goals accordingly. I was able to accomplish that, <b>relax and enjoy Thanksgiving,</b> and then wrap up that last 10k over the remaining week whilst eating Thomas Jefferson sandwiches to my heart's content {I'm telling you—<i>best way</i> to eat Thanksgiving leftovers}.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #23:</b> Remember your priorities! Don't sacrifice family unity and family traditions for a personal goal. NaNoWriMo is a fun challenge...but that's all it is. If your uncle asks you to come outside and run around on crunchy leaves and catch footballs, don't give your word-count a second thought—GO!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #24:</b> Try to get 40k by Thanksgiving week. If you do that, you'll be able to totally relax when you take a whole week off to help prepare the feast and fellowship with your family. </span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Priorities, Priorities, Priorities</b><br />
Have I stressed this issue enough? Heh. This is <i>so</i> important to remember, sister. <b>Check out Psalms 127. Unless the Lord builds a house, they labor in vain that build it. How much more can that be said of your little novel?</b> If you're writing in the Spirit, rather than in the flesh, your project will have eternal value. However, if you are stubborn about doing what you want, you will slip into idolatry and the Lord will chastise you for that. Don't sacrifice your duties in covenantal relationships for a personal goal.<br />
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I promise you, I can say this from a knowledge of Scripture and from experience:<b> as soon as something ceases to be dedicated to God's plan for history and the good of His people, He will firmly and lovingly take it from you. </b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Tip #25:</b> Hold your writing project with loose hands. If the Lord leads through your authorities and they encourage you to pull out of NaNoWriMo, listen to them. The Lord put them in that position to shepherd you. If you have to neglect sibling relationships in order to get your word-count goal, question whether it is worth it. Perhaps you could just write your book over a longer length of time so you don't have to go missing from the home. You could always set your word-count goal lower. There's nothing wrong with that. If you see your mother half-asleep and yet dragging herself to the kitchen sink, forget your word-count. Go relieve her. If the Lord sees fit to take something away from His child, He always has a greater plan. Trust Him, rest in His Sovereignty <b>and keep your priorities straight!!!</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have any tips for making NaNoWriMo a success?</span></div>
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Feel free to share your ideas and NaNoWriMo profiles in the comments below.</div>
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I'll be sure to check them out!</div>
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<i>Happy writing, sisters!</i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-64471220465778520392013-10-21T04:30:00.000-05:002013-11-20T02:39:59.084-06:00Security {Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 4}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Miss this series? Start at <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part One: "Assets"</a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6a/66/af/6a66af9e7451a3196719c4d0af57355b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6a/66/af/6a66af9e7451a3196719c4d0af57355b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/237705686552430697/">source</a></span></td></tr>
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<b style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">True Security</b><br />
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<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fears-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">As young American women, we face fearful questions at every turn.</a> With the breakdown of the family, irrelevance of the church and the infringements of the state turning the future into one big question mark, it's understandable why gals our age are <a href="http://victoriouswomanhood.blogspot.com/2013/09/mental-shackles-secrets-of-our.html">starving for security</a>. We're told we can find it in the right guy, in this politician, in that career, or in ourselves—but Scripture teaches something different.<br />
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~ Psalm 37:3 ~</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Trust in the LORD, and do good;</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.</span></i>" (ESV)</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;">Trust in the LORD, and do good;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">so shalt thou dwell in the land, <b>and verily thou shalt be fed.</b></span></i>" (KJV)</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;">Trust in the LORD, and do good;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.</span></i>" (NKJV)</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #990000;">Trust in the LORD and do good; </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.</b></span></i>" (NASB)</div>
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It is so interesting to see the four alternate translations of the same promise. "Faithfulness" is the key word, though, and it means "firmness, fidelity, steadfastness, steadiness." And the word translated as <i>verily, feed </i>and <i>cultivate</i>? It literally means "to pasture." <b>The world can make all of the hollow offers it wants, but there is life in the land where faithfulness flourishes. </b>How can we be sure of this steady future? Because it is in the context of a relationship with One with Whom there is no shadow of turning (James 1:17).</div>
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He is faithful, and the command is unmistakable: <i>trust in the Lord</i>. Is there a better place to put our confidence? In fickle man (Psalm 118:8)? In the promises of civil rulers (Psalm 118:9)? In the precarious institutions of humanism (Psalm 2; Psalm 102:26, 27; Ezekiel 21:27; Hebrews 12:27)? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Trust in the Lord and do good. How? <i>Do</i> means to work, make, produce. <b>So this trusting in God plan isn't some pietistic retreat from the real world—it's a plan to dwell in it and be productive.</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So how do we go about doing good work?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Next Up:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">"Education"</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 5}<br />
<br />
<i><b>Want to skip around?</b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 1: Assets</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 2: Direction</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fears-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 3: Fears</a><br />
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Part 4: Security</span></i><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 5: Education</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/getting-started-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 6: Getting Started</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/god-will-act-exciting-announcement.html">Part 7: God Will Act + Exciting Announcement!</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-67145829914152570072013-10-14T04:30:00.000-05:002013-11-20T02:40:14.400-06:00Fears {Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 3}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Miss this series? Start at <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part One: "Assets"</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6d/2f/a4/6d2fa49ec7b84c3219d13ad3cd62b34b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6d/2f/a4/6d2fa49ec7b84c3219d13ad3cd62b34b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/237705686552609139/">source</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">But, what if?</b><br />
<div>
The future can be a difficult topic for a Christian young lady, for there are so many unanswered questions looming on the horizon. Will I get married or stay single? Will I be rich or poor? Will the economy be resilient or will some socio-economic collapse happen in my lifetime? <b>Sometimes these 'what if's attach themselves to our thought processes and drain us of our joy and peace.</b> How can a Christian girl ever equip herself for a future so riddled with unknown dangers?<br />
<br />
I remember trying to explain some decisions that I made a few years back and having concerned friends ask me things like, <b>"Well, what are you going to do if you marry a man who leaves you? How will you take care of yourself and your children financially?"</b> I have been a witness to people losing their wealth to thieves, I've looked into the troubled faces of rape victims and <b>I've come to understand that our choices literally mean life or death to many.</b> I've known people who have been neglected, abused, diseased, abandoned, hated, deceived, betrayed, persecuted, homeless, ordered to sin, harassed by tyrants, stolen from and murdered. {While at the moment I can't think of anyone I've met personally who has been subject to starvation, I've read about them.} Though I've had <i>very few</i> trials actually hit home {and in those, God's mercies have been so indescribably abundant}, I have at least had <b>second-hand knowledge of some of the more difficult things</b> in life.<br />
<br />
In making decisions that will shape our own futures, McCauley and I discuss these things at length. <i>"What if... what'll we do... how will we...?"</i> We wrestled through some of these things again as we folded towels this morning, before she went back to her books and I to my word processor.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Matthew 6:19, 20 ~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</b></i></span>"</div>
<br />
The temptation to disparage, to default, to bury our talents in the sand and escape the challenge is often great. <b>Would it really be a compromise to trade just a little bit of the liberty we have in Christ for the security that man-made institutions have to offer?</b> The wide and well-traveled path seems to demand so little in exchange for so much. When immediate demands press heavy, we often find our eyes straying to the right and to the left, wondering what opportunities for temporary comfort that we might be missing in our pursuit of eternal returns.<br />
<br />
<br />
Indeed, there are some very real dangers to consider. To put it simply, there are a lot of bad guys out there who would jump at the chance to take advantage of my sister and I {and any other young lady} in any number of ways. If we are so <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">focused on the future of God's Kingdom</a>, will we forget the warnings of the past and neglect necessarily preparations in the present? <b>There are many conventional routes we could be taking right now </b>to supposedly secure for ourselves good degrees, good careers, good credit, good standing with social services—why are we not scrambling for that security?<br />
<br />
<b>Dependence on covenantal relationships can leave one vulnerable to a lot of dangers: shouldn't we be securing our independence with contracts?</b> Couldn't we focus on ministry a few years down the road, once we're well on our way toward individual success in the current American economy?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Next Up:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">"Security"</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 4}<br />
<br />
<i><b>Want to skip around?</b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 1: Assets</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 2: Direction</a><br />
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Part 3: Fears</span></i><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 4: Security</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 5: Education</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/getting-started-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 6: Getting Started</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/god-will-act-exciting-announcement.html">Part 7: God Will Act + Exciting Announcement!</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-29483611679264712032013-10-07T04:30:00.000-05:002013-11-20T02:39:35.743-06:00Direction {Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 2}<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Miss this series? Start at <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part One: "Assets"</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/65/55/c6/6555c6bc984ce63f0ebeda796421dfee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/65/55/c6/6555c6bc984ce63f0ebeda796421dfee.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/237705686552977874/">source</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">How does a maiden advance the Kingdom of God?</b><br />
<div>
<b>This is quite the loaded question, is it not?</b> My sister and I been discussing it over the past few years, each from our own respective vantage points. I tend to rationalize according to a set of ideals while she tends to rationalize according to experience—though we sometimes switch places. We've challenged each other, wrestling over real issues and poking holes in the other's theories. <b>We've found that the discussions are most edifying and productive when we both leave off of our own fallible and untried reason and look instead to the Ultimate Standard: Scripture. </b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Matthew 6:31-34 ~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<i><span style="color: #990000;">Therefore do not be anxious, saying,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">For the Gentiles seek after all these things,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #990000;">But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #990000;">and all these things will be added to you.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.</span></i>"</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Whatever we do, we must seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. <b>This focus must be the sole direction of every single one of our educational and occupational decisions. </b>To seek anything less (e.g. comfort, security, wealth, fame, etc. in the humanist world systems) <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">would be to bury our talents in the sand</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Next Up:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fears-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">"Fears"</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 3}<br />
<br />
<i><b>Want to skip around?</b></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/09/assets-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 1: Assets</a><br />
<i><span style="color: #999999;">Part 2: Direction</span></i><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fears-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 3: Fears</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 4: Security</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 5: Education</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/getting-started-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 6: Getting Started</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/god-will-act-exciting-announcement.html">Part 7: God Will Act + Exciting Announcement!</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-79855638544146381892013-09-30T04:30:00.000-05:002013-11-20T02:38:40.009-06:00Assets {Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 1}<div>
Wow. The last few months have been such a whirlwind of questions asked, prayers answered, and lessons learned. And in this tapestry of grace that we call life,<b> we're following McCauley's thread into an exciting and challenging place. </b><br />
<br />
Before I endeavor to trace that thread for you in this latest update, I wish to provide some context.<br />
{But stick around! <b><i>At the end of this series, we have an exciting announcement to make!</i></b>}<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/70/29/07/702907f4a53e7c95e354080cd227de40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/70/29/07/702907f4a53e7c95e354080cd227de40.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/237705686552920830/">source</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">How are you changing the world?</b></div>
<div>
This is the question Cauley asked herself some time ago. She knew that her life would have a very real and lasting effect, that her choices would either promote the hopelessness of humanism or the everlasting joys of righteousness. She knew that she had the privilege and duty to lay down her life for the cause of Christ. She knew that by default she was changing the world, either for good or evil, so <b>she wanted to devote her influence upon the world to the advancement of the Kingdom of God.</b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Matthew 25:13-30 ~ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">a parable of Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"<span style="color: #990000;">Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">"For it will be like a man going on a journey,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">To one he gave five talents, to another two,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">to another one, <b>to each according to his ability.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Then he went away.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>He who had received the five talents went at once</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>and traded with them, and he made five talents more.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">But he who had received the one talent went</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">and dug in the ground and <b>hid his master's money.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Now after a long time the master of those servants</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>came and settled accounts with them.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">And he who had received the five talents came forward,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">bringing five talents more, saying,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.'</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">His master said to him,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>'Well done, good and faithful servant.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Enter into the joy of your master.'</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.'</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">His master said to him,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">'Well done, good and faithful servant.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">Enter into the joy of your master.'</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">and gathering where you scattered no seed,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Here you have what is yours.'</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">But his master answered him,</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">'<b>You wicked and slothful servant!</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers,</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;">In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'</span>"</i></div>
<br />
The more Cauley and I dive in to the Word of God, the more sobered we are by reality. Everything we've been given is an asset that belongs to our Lord Jesus.<br />
<br />
Are we being like the good and faithful servants who wisely invested everything that their lord gave them? <b>Will we begin at once to strive to faithfully invest, cultivate and increase everything He's given us by 200%?</b> Or will we be like the unprofitable servant and cowardly hide away the assets He has given us to steward and <b>instead invest our time into building and protecting our own self-centered little kingdoms?</b><br />
<br />
These are very important questions to my sister and I, compelling us to dig into the Scriptures given to us by our merciful Lord and Savior and to beg that He give us wisdom. He promises to generously provide wisdom to all who ask in faith (James 1).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Next Up:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">"Direction"</a></span></b></div>
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{Cauley's Journey Into Midwifery, part 2}<br />
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<i><b>Want to skip around?</b></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">Part 1: Assets</span></i><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/direction-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 2: Direction</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/fears-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 3: Fears</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/10/security-cauleys-journey-into-midwifery.html">Part 4: Security</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/education-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 5: Education</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/getting-started-cauleys-journey-into.html">Part 6: Getting Started</a><br />
<a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/11/god-will-act-exciting-announcement.html">Part 7: God Will Act + Exciting Announcement!</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-72743561445968323642013-08-01T10:06:00.000-05:002013-08-01T10:06:23.712-05:00What the Media Cleanse is NotAugust is here and the <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/07/make-covenant-with-your-eyes-this-august.html">Media Cleanse</a> has officially begun!<br />
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But, there has been a touch of confusion over what the Media Cleanse is exactly. Perhaps we should provide some clarification:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Media Cleanse is not</span></b> a "fast" from all media intake. Someone asked if I'd stop reading books—<i>absolutely not</i>! We are only abstaining from certain types of media, namely, anything that portrays the breaking of God's Law as acceptable or funny {unless we're intentionally, actively analyzing said media.} But, please. If you join us, don't stop reading books, blogs and newspapers! Don't stop listening to music! Don't skip out on that family movie night planned to watch a Christian movie or documentary! Just keep on guard and analyze everything according a Biblical worldview.</div>
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Now, take a moment to read another very important note about this cleanse, written by the event's co-host, <a href="http://sonsoftheremnant.blogspot.com/2013/07/announcingmedia-cleanse-for-month-of.html">Andrew Romanowitz</a>:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">"The Media Cleanse is not</span></b> a chance to try out this "personal holiness" thing and see if it's right for you. To be frank, personal holiness <i>is </i>right for you, and you do not need a free 30-day trial to be sure of that fact. The standards that we will set for ourselves during this media cleanse should govern our whole lives. But even those who fight in a war set temporary objectives to win battles. Winning a battle is not winning a war, but you must win battles to win a war. I am challenging you, my friend and brother in Christ, to give special attention to this one area of personal holiness for the month of August, in order that you might establish some spiritually healthy habits in the area of media consumption." {<a href="http://sonsoftheremnant.blogspot.com/2013/07/announcingmedia-cleanse-for-month-of.html">Continue reading this article.</a> You won't regret it.}</div>
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This event is also being hosted on the following blogs:</div>
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<a href="http://www.sonsoftheremnant.blogspot.com/2013/07/announcingmedia-cleanse-for-month-of.html">Sons of the Remnant</a></div>
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<a href="http://inkblots.verbancy.com/2013/07/26/media-cleanse/">Little Blots of Ink</a></div>
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<a href="http://biblicalwomanhoodp31.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/media-cleanse.html">Daughters of the King</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Happy August!</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-22513306481514169072013-07-29T14:28:00.000-05:002013-07-29T14:28:17.749-05:00Media Cleanse Buzz<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There's already some great discussion going on about <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/07/make-covenant-with-your-eyes-this-august.html">August's Media Cleanse</a>, which will start in just a couple of days! Here are some highlights:</span></div>
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From Koleesa Amundson of <a href="http://koleesa.com/">Dogs, Wars and Femininity</a>:</div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="line-height: 18px;">I have done things similar to this very recently and have found it <b>extremely worth while</b>." </span></i></span></blockquote>
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From Sarah Lee Bryant of <a href="https://kingsbloomingrose.com/">KBR Ministries</a>:</div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="line-height: 18px;">This is an important idea...</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> for all of our life at all times, as believers. Thank you for hosting it and encouraging our generation to <b>think Biblically and evaluate everything in light of God's precious, enlightening Word.</b> One media cleanse I have done in the past was to completely fast from internet, except email, for an entire month. The Lord used this <b>powerfully to redirect my focus</b> to the pure wholeness of His Word, eliminating all the distractions of modern media. "O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." -Ps 119 Blessings to each of you who honor Christ by cleansing your temples."</span></i></span></blockquote>
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From Andrew Romanowitz of <a href="http://sonsoftheremnant.blogspot.com/">Sons of the Remnant</a>:</div>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="line-height: 18px;">Thank you... for encouraging us all in the obedience of Christ. Let me take a moment and say to my friends who have received this invitation that I would heartily encourage you to take this opportunity to <b>re-evaluate your media consumption habits in the light of God's word.</b></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It takes a lot less effort to be very, very scrupulous and keep the gates closed to that which is unwholesome and spiritually toxic in the world of media than it does to recover lost ground where you've made concessions, because you've<b> eroded your convictions and compromised your conscience.</b></span></span> </span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Don't let those gates down; we must fight for every inch of ground against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Discernment </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">does</span><span style="line-height: 18px;"> involve being able to determine truth and error, good and evil in what we consume. <b>But being able to identify poison does not give us a free pass to consume it.</b></span></span> </span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If you have let those gates down, the fact is that you've become gradually desensitized in your mind. If you're vegging out over and over on media that teaches what is contrary to the commands of Christ,<b> </b>you need to consider whether you are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. </span></span><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">When lawless thoughts are introduced into our minds, how do we respond? With holy revulsion or at best passive disapproval?</b> </span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I've kept the gates closed all my life to lawless media. A couple of times they've begun to come down, but I've quickly closed them again. So I don't have as much de-toxing to do. The one area where I've made concessions is musical aesthetics, and because I have convictions on that matter, what I intend to do during this upcoming month is take a break from that music for which I've made concessions and re-evaluate how it has influenced me for good or for evil. I say this to point out that, in our media-saturated society, <b>all of us have </b></span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>something</b></span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b> that we can do to reform our lives in this area.</b> Maybe what you're listening to isn't necessarily wrong in and of itself, but tends to shift your personal focus from serving Christ to pursuing your own pleasures. Maybe you've just been spending so much time with media that it's crowding out important relationships. Maybe you're consuming so much media that your mind is being weakened by passively receiving so much content, and your intellectual strength is weakened. These are all things to consider; content is not the only issue.</span></span> </span></i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #999999; line-height: 18px;"><i>While you're detoxing, instead of vegging out on entertainment, let me encourage you to spend some time listening to biblical instruction on making media choices in the light of following Christ. My friend Mr. Phillip Telfer has a ministry called </i><b style="font-style: italic;">Media Talk 101</b><i> which is dedicated to helping Christians with this very thing. Over the past few months they've begun to produce some podcasts which deal with a whole range of issues surrounding the obedience of Christ in the world of media. </i><b style="font-style: italic;">You can download these podcasts for free here..." </b> {<a href="http://www.mediatalk101.org/index.php/Blog/Categories/Listings/podcast.html">Here's the link.</a>} </span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="text-align: center;">{Andrew posted a blog about the Media Cleanse. It's</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><i style="text-align: center;">incredible</i><span style="text-align: center;">. </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1285229341"><span style="text-align: center;">Please take time to</span><span style="text-align: center;"> read it</span></a><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sonsoftheremnant.blogspot.com/2013/07/announcingmedia-cleanse-for-month-of.html">.</a>}</span></blockquote>
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We have 40 participants and counting. Will you be one of them? You can join the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/215013781986099/">Facebook</a> or on <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/events/cukspm27bshpc1h3gtstcd5rb6g">Google Plus</a>. </div>
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This event is also being hosted on the following blogs:</div>
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<a href="http://www.sonsoftheremnant.blogspot.com/2013/07/announcingmedia-cleanse-for-month-of.html">Sons of the Remnant</a></div>
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<a href="http://inkblots.verbancy.com/2013/07/26/media-cleanse/">Little Blots of Ink</a></div>
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<a href="http://biblicalwomanhoodp31.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/media-cleanse.html">Daughters of the King</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(You still have an opportunity to sign up for</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">co-hosting by emailing me at ladylrae [at] gmail [dot] com.)</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Join the Conversation</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">What do <i>you</i> think the standard should be for media consumption?</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-68013869131246084372013-07-19T22:44:00.000-05:002013-07-29T19:12:25.655-05:00Make a Covenant With Your Eyes This AugustI've been reading a bit about detoxing for health reasons. Eliminating toxins from one's body is beneficial for boosting energy, focus and the immune system.<br />
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While I've been doing pretty good diet-wise, I've begun to consume a lot of "junk-food" media. To a degree, I can see the consequences in my life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">"That would've been such a cute movie if it weren't for...<br />...and then that scene we had to fast-forward where...<br />...and there was that other scene...<br />...and, well, there was that fight with her parents...<br />...and she wasn't exactly modest...<br />...and he was pretty rebellious, wasn't he?....<br />...but they were <i>sooo cute</i> together!"</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Sound familiar?</span></td></tr>
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<b>When I don't take the time to analyze and thoroughly "digest" the worldly media that I'm consuming, the toxic build-up often results in spiritual lethargy, loss of Kingdom-focus and becoming desensitized to sin.</b><br />
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The following verses convict me:<br />
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"<b>Turn away mine eyes</b> from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."</div>
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{Psalms 119:37}</div>
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"He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly;
he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes,
that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, <b>and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;</b>"</div>
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{Isaiah 33:15}</div>
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"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and <b>the lust of the eyes</b>,
and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."</div>
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{1 John 2:16}</div>
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"<b>So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.</b>"</div>
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{Psalms 90:12}</div>
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"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. <b>But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting,</b> which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. <b>Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.</b> For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. <b>And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.</b> But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. <b>See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.</b>"</div>
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{Ephesians 5:1-16}</div>
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For the month of August, we're going to make "a covenant with our eyes" to avoid any books and turn off any show/movie/song/website that portrays the breaking of God's Law as acceptable and/or funny. {The only exception will be the times when we are actively analyzing the media through a Biblical lens.}<br />
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Here's an idea of what that covenant will look like for us:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: #666666;">By God's grace, during this "cleanse" I will not be passively entertained by any media that portrays the following as acceptable or pleasantly humorous:</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #666666;">Idolatry</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #666666;">Blasphemy {the taking of God's name in vain or the light regard of God's name in phrases like: "oh my g--" and the like}</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #666666;">Dishonouring parents</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #666666;">Murder / hatred / lawless revenge</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #666666;">Theft / piracy / cheating</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #666666;">Lust / fornication / adultery / sodomy</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #666666;">Dishonesty / deceiving legitimate authorities</span></i></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i><span style="color: #666666;">Covetousness / discontentment with godly institutions and standards</span></i></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #666666;"><i> </i></span><i><span style="color: #666666;">In the event that the media I'm consuming takes a sinful turn, I will either take the time to honestly analyse and judge the message from a Biblical worldview OR I will turn my eyes away from beholding "vanity fair" and choose instead to invest my time in drawing nigh unto the Lord in study/prayer or to worship Him by engaging in Kingdom-advancing service.</span></i></blockquote>
<br />
"Kingdom-advancing service" here<i> In The Thinking Tree</i> means a lot of work in and out of the studio! Cauley said that she's looking forward to all we'll accomplish without the distraction of all those shows we've let slip in over the past few months. Prayerfully, we'll be able to redeem more time that can be invested in our home, business and ministry opportunities.<br />
<br />
Would you like to prayerfully consider joining us in this month-long challenge by making the same covenant with your eyes?<br />
<br />
<b>Tips for Success:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>1) Sign the covenant</b>, and hang it up in a place where you'll see it and be reminded of your motivation behind participating. <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bw-i-xhI7_kBOXhuSy1sYV9tWXM/edit?usp=sharing">You can print our version of the pledge here.</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2) Join the event.</b> In a challenge like this, accountability is your friend. You can sign up for the event on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/215013781986099/"><b>Facebook</b></a> or <a href="https://plus.google.com/events/cukspm27bshpc1h3gtstcd5rb6g"><b>Google Plus</b></a> and join dozens of other Christians who are participating this August. {There is already some pretty great discussion going on!}</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>3) Explain your decision</b> to join the "Media Cleanse" to a family member. Siblings are especially good at helping keep one accountable! Perhaps they'll even want to join you!</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4) Get motivated.</b> I have never been able to absorb worldly media with very much comfort after listening to the message on this video. {Some of the images may be disturbing for littles. Please don't let the slide-show distract you from the important audio message that is presented here, in part, by Paul Washer.}</blockquote>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3uLDTp89XYc?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>
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<div>
This event is also being hosted on the following blogs:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.sonsoftheremnant.blogspot.com/2013/07/announcingmedia-cleanse-for-month-of.html">Sons of the Remnant</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://inkblots.verbancy.com/2013/07/26/media-cleanse/">Little Blots of Ink</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://biblicalwomanhoodp31.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/media-cleanse.html">Daughters of the King</a><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Looking forward to August,</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2C4HHCRnG3gy47pe9gBLERaExzGGgEBum7DE8EC9NC6h8HlYox7tdNKribE9kduxQYLGp0oOOIhFD2kciNNAIqmujljr38lQSIK8gggtH8xomf5-xuAFz3wKWkUYxgRFDsqLovsJQcAM/s1600/shels_signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2C4HHCRnG3gy47pe9gBLERaExzGGgEBum7DE8EC9NC6h8HlYox7tdNKribE9kduxQYLGp0oOOIhFD2kciNNAIqmujljr38lQSIK8gggtH8xomf5-xuAFz3wKWkUYxgRFDsqLovsJQcAM/s200/shels_signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>P.S. Are you a blogger? </b>Email me at ladylrae {at} gmail {dot} com if you'd like to to co-host this event! The requirements for co-hosting are few and simple, plus your blog will be linked in this post! {I'll have to do a quick check of your blog, though, to make sure I feel comfortable with linking to it.}<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-84185625101082078372013-07-01T13:44:00.001-05:002013-07-01T13:44:28.869-05:00Google Reader is Retiring Today...<div style="text-align: center;">
I've switched to <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/">BlogLovin'</a>.</div>
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There's an app for my iPhone and a widget for my browser.</div>
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{and it looks pretty}</div>
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Oh, and you can <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/import">import your Google Reader subscriptions</a> in just a few clicks. That's handy.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-33972499225115499502013-06-29T20:34:00.000-05:002013-07-20T12:23:05.881-05:00Jack's Struggle <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
He hadn't really known better. His
father and older brothers were alcoholics. Jack was practically
raised in a bar. Once, his father approached him sternly. “If I
ever catch you drinking, I'll beat you.” Jack grimaced at the thick
smell of alcohol on his father's breath. He hadn't felt like a fight,
so he uttered an insincere “yes sir.” Despite his dad's gruff
warning, it was clear that Physical Impulse was the king of the
household.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Therefore, when Jack downed that first
shot of hard liquor at his friend's house at the age of twelve, he
hardly thought a thing of it. The other guys were laughing at the way
his eyes watered when the liquid seared his throat. A few of them
were already quite intoxicated. Someone offered him another. He
hesitated slightly, then threw caution to the wind. He was wasted by
the time the neighbors called the police.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Needless to say, alcohol became Jack's
choice vehicle for a pleasurable escape. It was a fixture at every
party he attended, his lonely companion after every hard day at work.
In fact, keeping the fridge stocked and bar tab paid were two of the
major reasons that he even bothered to hold down a job.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Everything changed that afternoon on
the bus. His head was still pounding from the remnants of a bad
hangover. The older man sitting next to him noticed Jack drumming his
fingers.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Nervous?” The stranger asked.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Late.” Jack muttered, before
wincing. “And late night.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The older man smiled sympathetically.
“Mike Hussel,” he introduced himself, offering a handshake.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack accepted and settled in for a
conversation. Before long, Jack was explaining some of the difficult
situations that plagued his life. Mike listened carefully and then
began to ask some uncomfortable questions. Jack wanted very badly to
end the discussion, but something stronger compelled him to keep
talking. That Something was the Holy Spirit. Mike got off the bus
when Jack did, and the conversation continued in a diner. Six hours
later, Jack was converted.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Naturally, Mike invited Jack to visit
his church. Jack became a regular attendant. The Spirit's work in his
heart was evident by his enthusiasm and humble brokenness. Mike met
with Jack weekly at the same diner where he'd first come to believe,
to disciple him and provide encouraging fellowship.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One Sunday morning, Jack was startled
by a Scripture that the pastor was reading. <i>“Nor thieves, nor
covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall
inherit the Kingdom of God.” </i>The
pastor continued without pause, but Jack was no longer following the
sermon. The same heavy guilt that had shadowed his heart at his
conversion only a few short weeks before had settled over him again.
His throat tightened as he considered the six-pack cooler that he
carried in his car at all times. Church, work and the meetings with
Mike had kept him from having time to attend any parties, but a
crises at work the previous week had driven him back his stool at the
bar. His newfound faith caused him to be more careful of his life and
others'—so he'd patted himself on the back for walking home once he
was drunk, and then walking back for his car in the morning. But now,
sitting in the pew with the pastor's words ringing in his ears, the
momentary conviction he'd had when ordering that second drink came
back to mind. <i>“...nor drunkards...shall inherit the
Kingdom of God.”</i> Tears stung
the back of his eyes, tears he allowed to run freely during the
musical worship which followed the sermon. Jack knelt at the altar.
<i>“God help me.</i>”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After a long talk
with Mike in the church parking lot, Jack returned home. His spirit
inflamed with righteous urgency, he raided the cabinets in his
apartment for alcoholic beverages and emptied every bottle in his
sink. His friends could call him radical if they wanted—he didn't
care. Jack refused to be a drunkard any longer: he'd been bought with
a price, and his body was no longer his own.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The next several
weeks were miserable for Jack as he struggled to overcome his
addiction. He changed his route home from work to avoid driving by
his favorite bar and often had to change the channel on the
television to avoid seeing commercials that made his mouth water. The
invisible chains of alcoholism were suffocating in their pull. One
afternoon, he lost his temper at the office. In his frustration, he
took the old route back to his apartment. He did a double-take when
he drove past the bar. The inward battle ended with a u-turn, and the
next day began with a flood of remorse. He poured out his heart in
brokenness to Mike that evening at the diner, and they prayed
together. Jack fell asleep that night at peace with God, but little
did he know that his struggle was only about to intensify.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The following
Sunday, Jack was invited to a church fellowship potluck at the
pastor's house. Although a little nervous, Jack was very pleased to
accept the invitation. Once he'd started turning down invitations to
parties where alcohol would be present, his social life had pretty
much dwindled down to just Mike. He thought the potluck would be a
great opportunity to really start getting to know the folks in his
church. Perhaps he'd even be invited to one of the Bible studies he'd
kept hearing being mentioned by different members of the
congregation. “It's almost like a <i>safe</i> party,” Jack
thought to himself as he carefully avoided the alcoholic section of
the beverage aisle and grabbed a few sodas to bring along as his
contribution.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He was greeted at the door by the
pastor's daughter who was all smiles to see him. “Please, come in
and make yourself at home!” She welcomed him, immediately taking
his grocery bag and handing him a plastic cup. Jack suddenly blushed
and refused the drink sheepishly. A flash of confusion dampened the
young lady's smile and she pointed him to the living room where the
men were seated. He nodded gratefully and scoped out a somewhat
secluded seat in the corner. He didn't see Mike anywhere.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As he chatted with a couple of the men,
Jack tried to shake the embarrassment that clung to him from that
initial meeting with the pastor's daughter. <i>“It was nothing.”</i>
He scolded himself. <i>“Just avoid it and enjoy yourself.”</i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He'd
finally relaxed a little when he heard a feminine voice address him.
He looked up to see the most beautiful woman at church standing
before him. Mike had told him that Stacy was single.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Thirsty?”
She asked, smiling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He
fought another blush as he took the glass she offered him. She didn't
try to make small talk for very long before she went back to the
kitchen, seeming a little offended by his discomfort. He couldn't
help the sigh of relief that escaped his lips, as he set the untasted
drink on the far end the little table beside his chair.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
pastor stood to bless the meal. Jack bowed his head in earnest,
begging the Lord to give him strength in the face of temptation. The
doors to the kitchen and dining area were opened wide, and the pastor
touched Jack's shoulder. “Guests first!”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
felt a little nervous as he approached the beverages. The ladies were
swarming the area, filling cups with ice and mixing tall pitchers.
Jack took his time writing his name on his cup, his eyes searching
the beverage table. He obviously must avoid the coolers, he
calculated, serving himself from an innocent-looking punchbowl. He
didn't make it to the food table before he was looking around
desperately.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Need
something?” A teenage girl asked him kindly, looking a little
concerned.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
His
eyes fell. How could he explain? “Um, I can't—uh.” He pointed
to the cup in his hand.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Oh.
Here.” She took a step back, revealing the kitchen sink behind her.
“But don't drink the tap water.” She warned before turning away.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He
emptied and rinsed his cup, mortified at the display he must be
making. He made his way back to the table, filled his cup from the
water pitcher and determinedly marched ahead to make his food
selections. Once settled at a table, he absentmindedly reached for
his water. The odor stopped him before the liquid reached his lips.
Tensing, he lowered his cup to the table. <i>“The water is
spiked, too?!”</i> He stared at
the tablecloth, bewildered.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A lady
who was seated nearby noticed Jack's expression. “Can I get you
anything?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
shook his thoughts and smiled weakly, trying to think of how to
answer. “Do you know where the sodas are?”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“There
are a few different types of coke cocktails in the kitchen.” She
suggested. “Just tell me what you like best, and I'd be delighted
to get it for you.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
felt sick. “No thanks,” he answered, returning to his meal. He
left the party early, upset with himself and feeling a little
disturbed. He was never so thankful to get back to the safety of his
apartment. He collapsed on his couch, exhausted, with his Bible on
his lap. He knew the football game would be on, but he didn't reach
for the remote. He was <i>not</i>
interested in being offered another drink.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike
called the next morning to let Jack know he'd be out-of-state for
several weeks and encouraged him to keep going to church and getting
to know his brothers and sisters in Christ. “You're welcome to call
me if the temptation feels unbearable, but don't forget God's promise
that with every temptation, He provides a means for escaping sin.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A
couple of weeks later, Jack was offered more invitations at church.
He dubiously accepted them all. Any hopes he had that the next
fellowship might be different were usually dashed the moment he made
it to the front door, and was traditionally greeted by one smiling
lady after another—each offering an alcoholic beverage.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
He
felt his resistance wearing low, and was tired of leaving every home
parched because there was not a single nonalcoholic beverage
available. He knew what would happen if he started drinking again.
Was there something wrong with him? All of these Christians drank and
drank, around the clock, and didn't even seem bothered by it. Perhaps
they all had a very high alcohol tolerance and moderation was natural
for them. He knew that some of the fellowships would get rowdy
towards the end, and a handful of the younger guys had gotten into
trouble for drunk driving. But maybe most of the congregation was
simply much more spiritual than he was? How could he tell these
stronger brethren of his struggles? Would they not look down on him
for being the drunkard that Scripture condemns?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After
the service one morning, Jack was leaning against a column, watching
the scene taking place in the field just beyond the parking lot.
Stacy was playing with a group of children, causing them to shriek
with laughter at her silly antics. The sun seemed to shimmer through
her curls which tumbled over her shoulders when she fell to her knees
to scoop up a little one with tickles.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Jack.”
The deep voice of Stacy's brother from behind startled him. Jack's
attempt to casually redirect his stare was humorously obvious. He was
relieved, though somewhat embarrassed, to find that Stacy's brother
was grinning. “Jack, how would you like to come to our Bible study
Tuesday evening?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
tried to hide his excitement. “I'll be there.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
worries that had typically begun to trouble him as he got ready to
visit a church member's home were smothered by his elation at the
idea of being near Stacy for the entire evening. He arrived at their
house early, imagining himself standing on that same porch in the
future, holding a bouquet of flowers.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Stacy
answered the door. “Hey, Jack.” Her smile was marvelous. “Want
a drink?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
couldn't believe his ears. He swallowed and forced himself to keep
his cool composure. “Sure, thanks.” He answered, taking the beer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Let's
go to the kitchen.” She offered. “The rest of the study group
won't be here for another hour.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
checked his watch and stammered an apology. Stacy laughed and ushered
him to the table. “My parents are actually out on a date tonight,
and my brother just left for a last-minute trip to the store. But we
could just hang out here and talk if you want.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
didn't know how he scored so well, but was more than happy to get to
know her a little better. However, the cold bottle in his hand was a
major distraction.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Finally,
Stacy cocked her head. “Don't you like beer?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
didn't know how to respond, but he had no idea how to rescue himself
from the situation without making a complete fool out of
himself—again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Oh,
oh yeah. This is fine.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
expectancy in Stacy's face crumbled Jack's resolve. He had to take a
sip, or she wouldn't believe him. He did not want to replay that
awkward scene from the first fellowship meal. Swallowing his
trepidation, Jack gave in.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That
first sip was sweet relief after months of resistance. Stacy mixed
herself a drink as they carried on a lively conversation. Stacy
didn't refill her own glass, but offered Jack another beer once his
bottle was empty. He was enjoying himself far too much to decline.
Stacy seemed very pleased as she fished it out of the cooler.
Conviction came with every sip, for Jack, but he kept shoving it down
and focusing on the wonderful conversation he was having with this
wonderful girl.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By the
time Stacy's brother barged in the kitchen door with an armful of
groceries, Jack knew he'd drank too much. He excused himself, saying
that he suddenly remembered an appointment he had. Stacy seemed a
little sad to see him go, but said she'd walk him to the car.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“No,
I'm okay. You know, I'm <i>great</i>.”
He answered quickly, grabbing his keys. He knew that if she came
alone with him at this point, he might do something he'd regret.
“I'll see you Sunday.” He had enough control to avoid slurring
his words, but he scolded himself for stumbling a little on the way
out to his car. Stacy's brother could <i>not</i>
find out that Jack had been getting drunk while he was <i>alone</i>
<i>with his sister.</i> Jack
now felt powerless to fight this battle that seemed to stretch out
endlessly before him. One his way home, he stopped by the liquor
store. There was no peace to be found anyway: he might as well be
satisfied.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike
called Jack the first day he made it back to town, and asked to meet
him at the diner. He noticed the conviction that was eating at Jack
as soon as they sat down.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“What's
troubling you, son?”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I'm
drinking again.” Jack confessed bluntly. “I can't control
myself.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike's
brow pinched in concern. “Are you still praying and reading your
Bible?”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I'm
trying,” Jack answered angrily, “but I feel so... so distant from
God! I can't resist the sin that He hates—”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“There
is always an escape with every temptation.” Mike gently
interrupted.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Where?!”
Jack finally exclaimed, a clenched fist landing hard on the table. He
closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. “I'm sorry, Mike. The
temptation is just <i>everywhere</i>.
I tried not <i>driving by</i>
the temptation and emptying my <i>cabinets</i>
of the temptation; I hardly watch television anymore and didn't even
RSVP for the company party because I knew there'd be a wet bar—but,
Mike, I'm drowning in temptation during church fellowship! I can't
get away from it, even at the Bible studies. Every where I turn,
someone is offering me a drink. Then when Stacy...” Jack trailed
off, his shoulders falling at the recollection. “And now they're
even serving alcohol <i>in</i>
the building, before and after services.” He stared off for a
moment, feeling awful. “I just—I just thought things might be
different at church. <i>Safe</i>
or something. I'm sorry. I must sound pathetic.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike
held up a hand. “No, Jack, <i>I</i>
apologize.” He blew his breath and sat back, rubbing his jaw.
“Jack, I understand you perfectly. Too perfectly. I'm not so
'spiritual' that having alcohol around all the time doesn't ever
present itself as a temptation. In fact, I'm drawn to my pastor's
home during my weakest moments—and even there, it's always present,
beckoning me to drop my guard for just a moment. I struggled with
alcohol too, when I was a kid. Real bad. The Lord delivered me from
my alcoholism, and I remember finding a 'safe haven' with church
folks. But, as you can see, times have changed.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“Don't
get me wrong: this is a great congregation. They love each other,
bear one another's burdens and are always delighted to talk about
things of the Lord. You need to be in church, Jack, and around fine
Christians like these. But these folks embrace what they believe to
be their 'Christian liberty.' They rightly understand that there is
nothing inherently evil about alcohol. You do understand that, right
Jack? Sin comes from within a person—it's not found in any material
substance. Alcohol is a gift from God and very useful for many things
like sanitation and medicinal purposes. There's a debate in the
church over whether or not God intends it to be enjoyed as a
pleasurable beverage. I believe Scripture teaches that wine and
strong drink <i>can</i>
lawfully be enjoyed <i>in the right place, at the right time,</i>
<i>and in moderation.</i> As
you can see, this congregation also believes that alcohol consumption
is lawful—but there's a real lack of boundaries, and thus, that one<i>
very distracting</i> element to our
fellowship. I'm often embarrassed to bring my struggling young
friends along to Bible studies for that exact reason. That's why I'd
never invited you before.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Jack
listened, feeling defeated. He'd hoped that somehow, once Mike was
home, he'd be able to give Jack an easy solution. But Mike seemed as
hopeless about the situation as Jack felt. “Can't you talk to
someone?” Jack managed, pushing a salt packet across his plate with
a fork.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I
tried, Jack. It's just... it's an uncomfortable topic of
conversation. The women, they're the ones that insist on serving
alcohol at every event. Every time a husband or father confronts
them, they answer from a list of catch-phrases. They bring up
Christian liberty. They demand to know who's struggling with it—as
if such a weakness <i>is</i>
pathetic or alarming. They claim that hosting dry parties is like a
<i>crutch</i> for weaker
brethren who just need to get over their addiction and learn to fight
their sinful urges. When the word 'temptation' is brought up, they
just say that <i>those people</i>
shouldn't drink or just shouldn't come. I'm sorry Jack. I could try
helping you find another church, but you'll run into the same problem
most anywhere else. And this really is a great congregation...”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“So
what can we do?” Jack dropped his fork in frustration, sitting back
with crossed arms.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mike
thought for a moment before blowing out a hard breath. “We keep our
heads down and just keep praying for mercy.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>~*~</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What
is your judgment on the congregation in this story? Is Jack really
“pathetic” for struggling in the face of so much temptation? Or
should the church provide a “safe haven”, bearing with the
weaknesses of her members, endeavoring to encourage them towards
faithfulness instead of carelessly dropping stumbling blocks in their
path?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: maroon;">“Let
us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather,
that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his
brother's way.”</span>
Romans 14:13</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: maroon;">“It
is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing
whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”</span>
Romans 14:21</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: maroon;">“We
then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for
his good to edification.”</span>
Romans 15:1,2</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: maroon;">“Wherefore,
if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the
world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”</span>
1 Corinthians 8:13</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: maroon;">“Then
He said unto the disciples, 'It is impossible but that offences will
come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for
him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the
sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.”</span>
Luke 17:1,2</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The
verdict is clear.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Of
course, this story might sound a bit bizarre. Indeed, <i>I</i>
know no congregation that is so forthcoming about their enjoyment of
alcohol that they serve no other beverage, even going so far as to
spike the water. (Ew?) But this story is merely an analogy. In
reality, while Jack the Repentant Alcoholic would find a blessed
oasis in every congregation that I know, Jack the Repentant Adulterer
(Matthew 5:28) would <i>not.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That's
what this story is really about. Modesty.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Picture
it now. Instead of being greeted at the door by a smiling pastor's
daughter holding a solo cup of moonshine, her shirt is unbuttoned to
reveal a lot of skin upon which the <i>sun</i>
<i>shouldn't</i> shine. The
kitchen is swarming with ladies, not who are mixing tantalizing
drinks, but instead who are sporting tantalizing curves. The girl he
intends to marry attracts him with her radiant character, but then
entices him to crack under the pressure of trying to please her, and
he allows himself to drop his guard and lust after everything she's
showing him prematurely. Even a 'cold cup of water' in the form of
encouragement often comes with the temptation to let his eyes linger,
his mind engage, his flesh react. For <i>this</i>
Jack, the battle rages at the potlucks, kids' parties, Bible
studies—he can't even find rest on the Lord's Day!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This.
Is. Tragic.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:</b>
Just like there is nothing inherently evil about alcohol, there is
nothing inherently evil about any part of the human body. God placed
Adam and Eve in the garden without a stitch of clothing, and
proclaimed His creation to be “very good.” Man is a fallen
creature, but Christ rose again <i>in
the flesh</i>,
triumphing over the material as well as the spiritual. By His grace,
a woman's body <i>can</i>
be displayed and enjoyed lawfully—<i>but
it must be done lawfully.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact: </b>Just
like alcohol has a lawful purpose (hold the debate—this article
<i>really</i>
isn't about alcohol), so a woman's unclothed beauty has a lawful
purpose. Just as alcohol can lawfully be consumed (I said hold it!)
in moderation, a man can enjoy<i>
</i>unclothed beauty only
inside a covenant relationship with his wife. Just as there is a time
and place for alcohol (Presbys, read: probably not when greeting a
new convert at the door. Baptists, I can feel that many of you are
about to explode at request to “hold it.” My sincerest
apologies.), there is a time and place for unclothed beauty.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:</b>
Just like alcoholic consumption should be avoided when weaker
brethren are known to be present, unclothed beauty should be avoided
when <i>any</i>
brethren are known to be present. Yes, I realize I'm being redundant.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:
</b>Christian
women in America, by and large, seem lost on the previous point.
That's why I'm being redundant. I understand that newly converted
ladies must be discipled. But there are many, many ladies who know
better and yet push the line (or erase it) anyway. This includes
myself.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:</b>
Just as there are many Christians who have history of alcoholism,
there are many Christian men who have a history of pornography. Every
Christian man has probably struggled with resisting double-takes at
least once in his life—and these guys rarely get to leave the
battleground.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:</b>
Unlike alcoholism, lust is a struggle for <i>all
men. </i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:
</b>Unlike
alcohol, immodesty is something that few American men can
realistically avoid (and those guys are probably living in a secluded
cabin in the woods somewhere). Sadly, this includes Christian
fellowship.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:
</b>Unlike
alcohol, low doses of unclothed beauty affect men in powerful ways. A
drop of alcohol won't make a man drunk even if he wanted it to, but
even a hint of a woman's form can solicit a lustful response from an
unguarded man. Sisters, are you wisely cautious of alcohol, knowing
that it's dragged down even the greatest of men into a pit of
groveling foolishness? Your body is potentially more fatal than even
the bottle, and <i>you</i>
are responsible for the way that you are dressed.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:</b>
Paul didn't think that becoming a vegetarian in order to avoid cause
someone to stumble was giving the weaker brother a crutch (1
Corinthians 8:13). Would he think, then, that Christian women whom
are striving to dress in a manner that wouldn't cause their brethren
to stumble are giving their<i>
</i>brothers
a crutch? Eating meat isn't even a sin: dressing immodestly <i>is</i>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:
</b>Girls
have a hard time seeing the way that men do. However, men are willing
to give their advice to their female family members when they know
that the girl won't retaliate defensively. Ask your father and
brothers about your clothing. If you approach them in sincere, godly
humility, they'll help you understand what causes a guy to stumble.
You can also get inside the minds of over 1,600 Christian guys by checking out the <a href="http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/">Rebelution Modesty Survey</a>. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Fact:</b>
Our brothers in Christ are overwhelmingly appreciative of our
attempts to dress modestly for their sakes: <a href="http://warbard.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/to-my-sisters-in-christ-from-grateful.html">To My Sisters in Christ—From a Grateful Young Man</a> & <a href="http://siremethmimetes.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/a-new-kind-of-modesty/">A New Kind of Modesty</a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #7e0021;">“<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel...”
</span></span></span><span style="color: #7e0021;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">1
Timothy 2:9</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #7e0021;">“<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whose
adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair,
and of wearing gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the
hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of
great price.”</span></span></span><span style="color: #7e0021;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">
1 Timothy 2:9,10</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Quite
obviously, we live in a sexually irresponsible culture. What doesn't
seem to be so obvious to many young ladies is the fact that <i>the
church is primarily responsible for said culture.</i>
No, we aren't walking around like Victoria's Secret models. (Well,
unless we're within 100 yards of water.) But, unhappily, most of us
seem to be spending a <i>lot</i>
more time finding ways to reveal our figure “without crossing the
line” than we are trying to love and edify the brothers we have who
might be struggling.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Why?</i>
Why do we do this? Why would we insist on using our Christian liberty
as a license to sin by dressing immodestly, to the point of making
every struggling Jack we know miserable? How can we demand that he
look us in the eyes when everything below neck level is competing for
his attention? How can we ignore the fact that he spends almost every
moment when out and about, striving hard to fight images that jump at
him from screens and advertisements, adverting his eyes from the
strange women that invade his view—only to come to church
fellowship and face the <i>same</i>
battles all over again, only this time surrounding the girls with
whom he would really like to just befriend? Our brothers in Christ,
these valiant warriors of the faith who are rising up to defend us
from the dragons of the world. Can't we be there to give them a cup
of cold water without “spiking” it?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;">Don't
we love them enough for that?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><b>~*~</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>And
the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him,
and said unto him, </i></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>There
were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich
man had exceeding many flocks and herds: But the poor man had
nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished
up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did
eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom,
and was unto him as a daughter.
And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take
of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man
that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it
for the man that was come to him. </i></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>And
David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to
Nathan, </i></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>As
the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:
And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing,
and because he had no pity.” </i></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">And
Nathan said to David,</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.98in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><i>Thou
art the man.</i>”
</span>
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">~
2 Samuel 1:1–7a ~</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">“<span style="font-size: small;">[[To
the chief Musician, a Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came
unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.]]</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Have
mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness: according to
the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Wash
me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">For
I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Against
Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that
Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou
judgest.”</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">~
Psalms 51:1–4 ~</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">“<span style="font-size: small;">For
the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek
with salvation.”</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">~
Psalms 149:4 ~</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Finthethinkingtree.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F06%2Fjacks-struggle.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-v8znNQ8hhxw%2FUc-IDgzdPDI%2FAAAAAAAAG30%2FMxvzO3l087I%2Fs1600%2Fjack2.jpg&description=As%20he%20chatted%20with%20a%20couple%20of%20the%20men%2C%20Jack%20tried%20to%20shake%20the%20embarrassment%20that%20clung%20to%20him%20from%20that%20initial%20meeting%20with%20the%20pastor's%20daughter.%20%E2%80%9CIt%20was%20nothing.%E2%80%9D%20He%20scolded%20himself.%20%E2%80%9CJust%20avoid%20it%20and%20enjoy%20yourself.%E2%80%9D%20%7B%20inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com%20%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
~ Grab This Post ~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Jack's Struggle" src="http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt125/ladylrae/jack_button_zps1a684f2a.png" title="Jack's Struggle" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<pre style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f0f0f0; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 90%; height: 50px; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: auto; overflow-x: auto; overflow-y: auto; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 40%;"><div align="center"><a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/06/jacks-struggle.html" title="Jack's Struggle"><img src="http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt125/ladylrae/jack_button_zps1a684f2a.png" alt="Jack's Struggle" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2C4HHCRnG3gy47pe9gBLERaExzGGgEBum7DE8EC9NC6h8HlYox7tdNKribE9kduxQYLGp0oOOIhFD2kciNNAIqmujljr38lQSIK8gggtH8xomf5-xuAFz3wKWkUYxgRFDsqLovsJQcAM/s564/shels_signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2C4HHCRnG3gy47pe9gBLERaExzGGgEBum7DE8EC9NC6h8HlYox7tdNKribE9kduxQYLGp0oOOIhFD2kciNNAIqmujljr38lQSIK8gggtH8xomf5-xuAFz3wKWkUYxgRFDsqLovsJQcAM/s200/shels_signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">{thanks for editing it, <a href="http://dollymadisondesigns.wordpress.com/">Madison</a>!}</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linkin' Up:</span><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.themodestmomblog.com/2013/07/modest-monday-and-a-link-up-41/" style="font-size: small;">The Modest Mom Blog</a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.growinghomeblog.com/2013/07/teach-me-tuesdays-homemaking-link-up-101.html">Teach Me Tuesdays {Growing Home}</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/2013/07/titus-2sday-link-up-party.html">Titus 2sdays {Time Warp Wife}</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/2013/07/wise-woman-linkup.html">A Wise Woman Builds Her Home</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.deeprootsathome.com/encourage-one-another-link-up-93/">Encourage One Another {Deep Roots At Home}</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/2013/homemaking-link-up-129/">Homemaking Wednesdays {Raising Homemakers}</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThinkingTree"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WJGJlyNCfJz3Bd2MMCEPlvRarlhxVaXJ9Mz8MY6v09ZyjYqGsBxdz3ITHrNPCQqPzY9Tc8PScQ4oExjQCByGhPOZuO8r5CdIB0qChMepxmsbrYhyphenhyphenFV0nh3A3NFsgIXaoMYlw-KVmfIak/s1600/long_cameo.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-70271720736597409862013-06-24T22:39:00.000-05:002013-06-25T02:50:55.852-05:00The Story Behind the Name<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP5UcKd_kI862ExOiUGOMRjBSwjXllVNmH-eGFhhsUcduoRdQfEnFyTs7P6iaGOo4LGir6viXnOCXxsmHYWvvZKsT5tojnoJOP-Cv0euZEyyhTfCA5kUKv4GcPzcREjJjJFXxsNUW0JZx/s1600/cauley_in_thinkingtree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjP5UcKd_kI862ExOiUGOMRjBSwjXllVNmH-eGFhhsUcduoRdQfEnFyTs7P6iaGOo4LGir6viXnOCXxsmHYWvvZKsT5tojnoJOP-Cv0euZEyyhTfCA5kUKv4GcPzcREjJjJFXxsNUW0JZx/s1600/cauley_in_thinkingtree.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cauley models one of her best-selling drawstring bags, perched in our Thinking Tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The gnarled limb was the perfect shape
for a seat. The climb over to it was a bit precarious—I still
remember that first adrenaline rush when I finally mustered the
courage to take my foot off of the solid branch below and trust my
arms. My heart beat wild as the bark dug into the crook of my elbow
where it was hooked tightly around the “armrest” of what I
imagined to be an exotic throne. Eventually, I mastered the maneuver
with a book tucked under the arm that had once clung cautiously.
Cauley's “throne” was on a slightly lower, more accessible limb.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I like this spot better than yours.”
she'd say decidedly after declining the half-invitation-half-dare to
cross that daunting distance, “I like it better because it has this
little baby branch growing out of it. It needs me to take care of it.
Do you see it, Shelby?”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
I saw it, but still thought my spot was
better. Cauley tenderly nursed and sang to that baby branch as the
summer rolled by, protecting it from the chubby grasp of our little
brother who was in danger of crushing it as he made his first nervous
journey up.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
The verdant berries that lead us to
mistakingly refer to our fortress as a “chinaberry tree” hardened
into black hulls, then split open to reveal a cluster of pure white
beads. Cauley and I thought that it looked as though our tree were
donning a wedding gown. Our little china tallow then exchanged it's
gay canopy of green for brilliant hues of scarlet and yellow laced
with brown. The splintery bark made runs through the new gloves which
we were delighted to wear during the first cold snap of Fall, as we
pulled ourselves up to enjoy the rare autumnal colors that graced our
yard. Before long, the tallow began to drop leaves which we mound
into piles over the roots that ran on top of soil. “Just in case
someone falls.” I explained to my siblings when they grumbled at
the idea, without a thought of what would've happened had we lost our
balance in the summertime.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDOtXOotMinp_YTPWSWWZ3EU3s_ElXdb6389ncJOuTGuLG16leOcJQIxwn5lG9QJlasYq8hyphenhyphen8SNIq3PKGp-zw2wkurfL30sNO3dIfTubfdqeEZNL9i1k-bRPxupz-0ywOZAj9cmzRnayk/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDOtXOotMinp_YTPWSWWZ3EU3s_ElXdb6389ncJOuTGuLG16leOcJQIxwn5lG9QJlasYq8hyphenhyphen8SNIq3PKGp-zw2wkurfL30sNO3dIfTubfdqeEZNL9i1k-bRPxupz-0ywOZAj9cmzRnayk/s1600/owl.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114623190/owl-plush-floral-denim-pearl-button-eyes?ref=shop_home_active">adorable plush owl</a> nests just above our imaginary "throne room" of yesteryear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br />
Cauley's baby branch was among the
first to lose it's leaves.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“I think it's dead.” She declared
with deep emotion.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Maybe you touched it too much.”
Said I, ever ready with some wise-sounding explanation.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
We were banned from playing on the tree
during the Winter, when the strengthening sap had been withdrawn from
the brittle limbs.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Just wait 'til it has some green on
it again. Then I'll test the branches and let you know when you can
play on it again.” Dad promised.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
In due time, the butterflies had
emerged again and played among long green tassels that hung from the
tallow where young leaves formed thick bunches. As soon as we were
allowed, Cauley and I excitedly pulled ourselves up to our
atmospheric palace. Imagine the delight that shone in my sister's
eyes as she discovered that her baby branch was putting on new
leaves!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
“Okay, but I still think you
shouldn't touch it as much this time because I've heard that can kill
'em.” I instructed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
It was
one of those picturesque experiences that should have a place in
every childhood: sisters spending lazy blue-sky summer days in that
<i>perfect</i> treetop spot
where we're compelled to peek through the dancing leaves and exclaim
in wonder, “<i>you can see everything from here!</i>”
Barefeet dangling carelessly as we crunched the apples that we
pretended we'd picked whilst defending our decision to change our
favorite animal or planning our next birthday party. Hauling our
library books in backpacks to “do a little studying.” It was
there that I penned in a green spiral a short story about a troop of
Girl Scouts who were sent on a dangerous mission by the King of
France. It involved crocodiles. It was my first written piece and, to
me, it was quite the thriller.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
As the Summers
passed and our imaginative games became fewer and farther between, we
began to claim the limbs of that tree as the special place we went
“just to think.” There we could have a peaceful place to ponder
and pray. And, of course, this is how our beloved Thinking Tree got
its name. The books we hauled up got thicker and our arms became
stronger. Pretty soon, there was not one branch which could support
our weight left unclimbed. (Even one branch that couldn't support
weight let me know it the hard way. Despite the fact that the season
hadn't yet afforded a cushioned landing, I escaped with little more
damaged than my pride.) Our conversations matured from planning our
birthday parties to planning what we would do once we grew up.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7pjaRUCK86q0tNY4SM-Ayy-WoE0HnOuunS9OZBZ4vhAzwK0gegvDdnIDLIvW0B8xm1G7zTBLdQ29v4Q7GbBpHrscuJmfGwG1FdTncWZnhVdSAqkZjFbBsKlKZpCzfY7LwL1uwiZf-9_5/s1600/outsideourwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7pjaRUCK86q0tNY4SM-Ayy-WoE0HnOuunS9OZBZ4vhAzwK0gegvDdnIDLIvW0B8xm1G7zTBLdQ29v4Q7GbBpHrscuJmfGwG1FdTncWZnhVdSAqkZjFbBsKlKZpCzfY7LwL1uwiZf-9_5/s1600/outsideourwindow.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from our bedroom window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And grow up we did.
The Thinking Tree's growth was slower than ours, and it wasn't long
before our spacious throne room was too crowded for the both of us. I
could no longer fit comfortably in my spot and Cauley's baby branch
had grown so thick and full that it shielded us from each other,
rendering conversation difficult anyway.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These days, much of
the conversation that used to take place among the leaves of the
Thinking Tree now happens in its shade, for this tree stands just
beyond the big window of the bedroom we share. We still enjoy
gorgeous silhouette leaves against the deep azure of evening and
marvel at the glorious display of autumn colors while sipping pumpkin
spice lattes in bed. <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/p/about.html">We still talk about the future</a>, trading childish
dreams for Kingdom-advancing pursuits, often wrestling over decisions
and contemplating what kind of consequences our choices will have for
posterity.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thethinkingtree">Our business</a> was conceived during these kinds of conversations and
designed at a blue writing desk that looked toward the Thinking Tree. We
decided to name the business to be reminiscent of the days of
childhood, a time when play was exhilarating and we looked toward the
future with wonder-filled eyes, a time when we first made the
discovery that<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">life is beautiful.</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-23521381760738879882013-06-19T12:03:00.001-05:002013-06-19T12:03:33.534-05:00And the winner is...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Jessica</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">of the <a href="http://sevenfarmgirlsisters.com/">Seven Sisters</a>!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(entry #4)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Congratulations, Jessica! Thank you so much for entering the <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/06/little-taits-preemie-fundraiser.html">give-away</a>!</div>
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We'll be sending you an email shortly. :)</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{Winner determined using Random.org}</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-11838133705518272972013-06-17T23:11:00.002-05:002013-06-17T23:59:56.467-05:00Little Tait's Preemie Fundraiser: A Beautiful Success!Isn't it wonderful to be a child of God?<br />
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To pray and then sit back with a smile, knowing that He Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills has heard your petition because of Christ and looks favourably upon His children?</div>
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A little less than a week ago, I learned that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TizzleTop">Tizzle Top</a> decided to donate all proceeds to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/littletaitsfund">Little Tait's Preemie Fund</a>. I remember wishing there were a way we could help. I wandered down the hallway to ask Marmy if we'd be able to purchase a little something from Tizzle Top. She handed me some bills as she answered, "As a matter of fact, your Daddy wanted you to send this to the Zimmermans."</div>
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Thrilled, I rushed the cash to the bank. <i>Well, Lord, this is what You've allowed us to do. I'll continue to share about the fund and then let it rest in Your Hands. I know that You're able.</i></div>
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Once I returned home, Marmy was still going on about what a great concept Tizzle Top had in donating proceeds from a home business to useful causes—what a great way to advance the Kingdom! <b>I thought it all over as I washed the dishes, pondering <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jason.thomas.5243/posts/505232172875299">my father's words</a> regarding the fund: "This is where the Church should be." I agreed.</b></div>
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If the Church put money where her mouth was; if She was willing to forego little luxuries in order to fully bear the burdens of the members of the Body—perhaps <i>then</i> we could win this war against socialist humanism. <i>This is the answer,</i> I thought as I replaced the lukewarm dishwater with a fresh, piping hot stream. <i>And He can do this thing. He <b>can</b> provide through His Church. And I believe He intends to.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"</i><span style="background-color: white;">For so is the will of God, that <b>with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white;">As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." {1 Peter 2:15–17, emphasis mine}</span></span></blockquote>
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<b>ObamaCare won't be defeating by making jokes about our president. </b>No, the first step to overcoming socialist health care is to <b>exercise our freedom to take care of our fellow Christians through private, voluntary, God-glorifying means. </b>The first step to overcoming socialist health care is to refuse pushing our monstrous bills through Medicaid {thus forcing our fellow countrymen to pay for our medical expenses at gunpoint}, <b>but to instead bravely trust the Lord to provide. </b></div>
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<a href="http://littletait.com/faq">That's what Tait and Lauren Zimmerman chose to do.</a></div>
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<b>A week ago, they still needed to raise over $20,000.</b> Doubt played at the edges of my mind. After eighty-something days of fundraising, one would think they might be scraping the bottom of the barrel as far as contacts go. This campaign had been going for a few days shy of three months and they <i>still</i> needed $20k. <i>How</i>?! I began to think through my own contacts. Who did I know that had that kind of money and would be willing to give it to this family, for the cause of Christian liberty in privatised welfare?</div>
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I blushed a little when I considered my own question. I certainly <i>do</i> know Someone. I asked Him if there was anything He'd like for me to do?</div>
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There was. Ideas for the give-away began to flood. I had to be careful not to break the plates as I dried and stacked them, eager to begin. Cauley donated the necklace of my choice. Madison {<a href="http://dollymadisondesigns.wordpress.com/">Dolly Madison Designs</a>} was online. Would she like to donate a product to the give-away? Oh! She'd be willing to offer her graphic design services as well? Splendid! She jumped in wholeheartedly with a host of ideas.<b> <i>This little effort couldn't have happened without her.</i></b> She tirelessly worked late into the night with me as we got everything together. Shiloh {<a href="http://www.lillarose.biz/ShilohAriel">Lilla Rose</a>} and Hannah {<a href="http://damselmade.etsy.com/">Damsel Made</a>} donated two beautiful prizes. <a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/06/little-taits-preemie-fund-give-away.html">Our give-away</a> was shaping up quite nicely. </div>
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The order of business on the following day was to promote, promote, promote! <b>Only life kept getting in the way.</b> As Maddy was busily getting the word out from her corner of the web, I was struggling to prioritise. Could I watch Noah for a little while? Gracey needs a snack. The phone is ringing. What were we getting the twins for their birthday? Company's coming tomorrow—would I <i>please</i> clean our room?! And could I do so-and-so a quick favour?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Noah {Little Man}</td></tr>
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<b>My natural tendency is to stress out when life collides with my plans.</b> Wasn't this fundraiser a Kingdom-advancing pursuit? Yes. But so is my home—and <b>my family is my first responsibility.</b> <i>You orchestrate all things. You control the cash flow. I can do nothing, but Your very Name is Almighty. <b>Once again, I surrender my schedule to You. I know that interruptions are Divine appointments. Order my steps, by Your grace.</b></i></div>
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Yes—I am supposed to be actively working towards the goal as I pray. But sometimes, the Lord brings me on detours that I wasn't quite expecting. <b>Running headlong into the battle that I see stretching out gloriously before me, I trip on a load of laundry. </b>Immediate, mundane duties demand my attention. Will I grumble at the pressing duties described in Proverbs 31:13,14,15,16,17,18,19,21,22,23,24,25,26&27 because only the ministry work described in verse 20 sounds very fulfilling? </div>
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<a href="http://littletait.com/uncategorized/current-giveaways">Standing up with some pretty amazing people</a> to help a family raise $100,000 as a testimony to the power of Christ through His Church sounds exciting. And it really has been. <b>But while it is important to say "no" to socialist welfare—it is just as important to say "yes!" to familial welfare, <i>if not more so</i>.</b> Just as it is important for the Church to put money where Her mouth is on a large scale by privately and voluntarily helping a family pay off a giant debt,<b> it is important for <i>this Christian</i> to put her time and energy where her mouth is by cheerfully volunteering in the day-to-day household operations of providing private education, daycare, transportation, medical care, food programs, etc., to the members of her family. </b></div>
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Daddy has been teaching me a valuable lesson: if Christians don't embrace their responsibilities with love for God and each other, God will not take their liberty-loving-lipservice very far. <b>There has to be <i>real</i> obedience and self-government to truly empower our talk of Christian liberty. {James 2:14–17}</b></div>
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In other words: the Lord helped me to chill out and get my priorities straight. Every time I'd feel a tug-o-war between my responsibilities to my family and my desire to get back to the abounding opportunities in online ministry, I would surrender to the Lord<i> </i>of my schedule. There was peace and obeying Proverbs 31:26 became possible, by His grace. And I would learn, once again, that <b>the answer to the epidemic of stress</b> is not found in a fad diet or stealing away for a few moments of "me-time" or in anxiously protecting that perfectly laminated schedule that adorns the front of my homemaking binder. <b>It's in saying "amen" to God, no matter what His plans may be.</b> It's in embracing the responsibilities He's currently given me instead of whining about all of the If Onlys... </div>
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So, I didn't have time for this, really. There were chores and errands and a fellowship lunch and a daddy date and babysitting and more errands and phone calls and freelance work and the twins' birthday party and meals to cook and dishes to wash and loads of laundry to process and grocery shopping to do and millions of little life-things in between. <b>But the Lord doesn't need me to hold everything together. That's His work. {Colossians 1:17} I was called simply to obey and have faith.</b><br />
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I was called to stand fast at my post and diligently work at my responsibilities as I watched Him lead the battle at large. And now, I am blessed to join the cry of thanksgiving that has arisen from the Lord's Army this day as our King secured another victory! From <a href="http://littletait.com/uncategorized/weve-reached-our-goal">LittleTait.com</a>—</div>
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I first saw the news this afternoon as I was pushing a grocery-filled shopping cart toward the checkout line. My heart lept and my face beamed and the doxology filled me up.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Praise Him, all creatures here below;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Praise Him above ye heav'nly host;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!</span></i></div>
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With a song on my lips and a sleeping babe on my lap,</div>
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<b><a href="http://inthethinkingtree.blogspot.com/2013/06/little-taits-preemie-fund-give-away.html">The Little Tait Give-Away</a> is now closed.</b></div>
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Lord willing,</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">the winner will be announced tomorrow</span></b></div>
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and we'll have the vouchers sent out shortly.</div>
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<b><i>A great big "thank you" to all who contributed, entered and shared!</i></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-51854089794333961002013-06-13T02:45:00.000-05:002013-06-17T23:13:54.295-05:00Little Tait's Preemie Fund Give-Away! {Closed}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you heard about this little guy? His name is Tait Zimmerman Jr. He was born premature four years ago. <a href="http://littletait.com/little-taits-story">You can read all about Little Tait's story here.</a><br />
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According to <a href="http://littletait.com/">LittleTait.com</a>—<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f5f4f2; color: #6a696c; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Preemies are expensive. (But totally worth it, of course!) Just the cost of using a single bed-space in the NICU runs around $3000 a day. Little Tait was pretty much literally a “million-dollar baby,” before any reductions were made on his bills. At this point, by God’s grace, and through the help of so many people, all of his bills are taken care of … except the big one: the hospital bill.</span></blockquote>
Over the past few months, they have been working to raise $100,000 dollars. If they can raise this amount of money by Monday, <a href="http://littletait.com/our-needs">the hospital will settle Little Tait's account</a>. So far, they have a little over $77k. But time is running out.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There are only five days left to raise a little over $20,000.</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://dollymadisondesigns.wordpress.com/">Dolly Madison Designs</a> and The Thinking Tree are teaming up to help the effort by hosting a give-away!<br />
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Do you need a new banner for your Etsy shop? A new blog header or sidebar button? What about a cover graphic for your Facebook page? Perhaps an advertisement of some sort?<br />
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Whatever your custom graphic need, I (Shelby) or <a href="http://dollymadisondesigns.wordpress.com/tag/graphic-design/">Dolly Madison Designs</a> will tackle the project* <a href="http://littletait.com/donations">if you donate any amount to Little Tait's Preemie Fund</a> and then comment on this post. You'll be able to decide which one of us you'd like to handle your project when you comment below.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Every single person who <a href="http://littletait.com/donations">donates</a> and then comments below will receive a voucher for one free custom graphic*.</b></span><br />
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Check out our portfolios:<br />
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Apparently, I enjoy teal. And red.<br />
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And now, enjoy perusing the work of my dear friend, Dolly Madison:<br />
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I love her work—especially that Vintage Treasures banner. Pretty, pretty.<br />
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If you <a href="http://littletait.com/donations">donate to Little Tait's Preemie Fund</a>, you can decide which of us you'd like to undertake <i>your</i> custom graphic project!<br />
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But that's not all!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Everyone who <a href="http://littletait.com/donations">donates</a> and comments below is <i>automatically</i> entered into a give-away to win an amazing bundle of prizes!</b></span><br />
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First, from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThinkingTree">The Thinking Tree Store on Etsy</a>—<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><b>Vintage Key Blessed Necklace with Clay Rose</b></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">This necklace, made classic with a vintage jewelry box key and handcrafted clay rose. Also, handmade ''Blessed'' charm placed on a bold dark brown leather cord. Simple and unique.</span> </i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><i>Length:16'' with a 3'' extension</i></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnoIcMYLqmgnol6yq1x2eemGFH5DS4aOiREczneXLWWJLKcZM41VUQPLV2Blvrd-A7P-fCrkEacyQMnVZ-T2df_Ow2FsKU-l4kh3do0ScRDVzzMabbKi5E7UeZgDobHafuJMFDn2QlhLi/s1600/il_fullxfull.456286654_584y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnoIcMYLqmgnol6yq1x2eemGFH5DS4aOiREczneXLWWJLKcZM41VUQPLV2Blvrd-A7P-fCrkEacyQMnVZ-T2df_Ow2FsKU-l4kh3do0ScRDVzzMabbKi5E7UeZgDobHafuJMFDn2QlhLi/s1600/il_fullxfull.456286654_584y.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thethinkingtree.etsy.com/">thethinkingtree.etsy.com</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/thethinkingtreestore">facebook.com/thethinkingtreestore</a><br />
<br />
Next, from <a href="http://dollymadison.storenvy.com/">Dolly Madison Designs</a>—<br />
<br />
<b>Sunshine Blossoms Polymer Clay Buttons (Set of Five)</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><i>So tiny! These adorable little buttons will bring a dash of cheer to all sorts of crafts and house decor! I love to use these as jar fasteners, but there are so many adorable ways to employ these buttons. Use them for decoration, appliques, quilts, purses, needle-books, and any matter of little whimsies!</i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Painstakingly handmade, these buttons are a one-of-a-kind work of art. No molds, patterns, or kits used. The average button set takes three hours in total of hands-on labor. Truly a one-of-a-kind treasure!</i></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagMMigNouIHZySnsAiBMeYd5iPbOfa-0XLZIEvSlvRMn7EPpMqT-abwLmaYsZ-XWmbLSirXkkNWcFGV7m2vhfD8TBX5LPZIze1TFyXbXIBjC3Kt2I5-qqVOeWtV0U3To3W43c1Iysq_nP/s1600/il_570xN.362145440_1hob_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagMMigNouIHZySnsAiBMeYd5iPbOfa-0XLZIEvSlvRMn7EPpMqT-abwLmaYsZ-XWmbLSirXkkNWcFGV7m2vhfD8TBX5LPZIze1TFyXbXIBjC3Kt2I5-qqVOeWtV0U3To3W43c1Iysq_nP/s1600/il_570xN.362145440_1hob_original.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://dollymadison.storenvy.com/">dollymadison.storenvy.com</a><br />
<a href="http://dollymadisondesigns.wordpress.com/">dollymadisondesigns.wordpress.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dolly-Madison-Designs/492855657396180">Dolly Madison Designs on Facebook</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/DollyMadisonD">twitter.com/DollyMadisonD</a><br />
<br />
Plus, we have from Hannah at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DamselMade">Damsel Made</a>—<br />
<br />
<b>White Knit Earwarmer/Headband/Cowl</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;"><i>This versatile accessory can be worn three different ways!</i></span></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">1) Wear it as a cute ear warmer over your hair, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">2) or a charming headband underneath your hair, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">3) or a mini cowl on your neck. </span> </i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Super cute, stylish and warm! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Made out of 100% acrylic yarn in white. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Measures approximately: 4" wide and 16" round (without stretching). </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">One size fits most. Makes a great gift! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Made in a smoke free and pet free environment.</span></i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl6rj6Jd_NmigdX-13yrh5fQcM-XFENmccpk4AOqkYtWzubiLZ3J-sAhrccT2x_y_JjOaW1fhm54DW8DMnhLFpVoh6OUCY1UzGxSKB8inWC6aIKmyexAy03YdJ9OwfBkjjs4n6S6YBWHE/s1600/il_fullxfull.428153399_p3mb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl6rj6Jd_NmigdX-13yrh5fQcM-XFENmccpk4AOqkYtWzubiLZ3J-sAhrccT2x_y_JjOaW1fhm54DW8DMnhLFpVoh6OUCY1UzGxSKB8inWC6aIKmyexAy03YdJ9OwfBkjjs4n6S6YBWHE/s1600/il_fullxfull.428153399_p3mb.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://damselmade.etsy.com/">damselmade.etsy.com</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/pages/Damsel-Made/530301790334941">Damsel Made on Facebook</a><br />
<br />
Finally, from my favourite <a href="http://www.lillarose.biz/ShilohAriel">Lilla Rose consultant, Shiloh Ariel</a>—<br />
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<b>Spring Bouquet Mini Flexi</b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Women who use the Flexi Clip say is is so comfortable, they forget they are wearing it. The beaded wire really does flex around the hair. Clients often declare how they are stopped by women asking, "Where did you get that beautiful hair clip?" Our repeat customers are singing praises about the strength and longevity of their Flexi Clips. </span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Celebrate the brilliant colors of spring with this lovely bouquet of flowers. 2" clip.</span></i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://secure.lillarose.biz/products/detail/4-1915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://secure.lillarose.biz/products/detail/4-1915.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://lillarose.biz/ShilohAriel">lillarose.biz/ShilohAriel</a><br />
<a href="http://facebook.com/LillaRoseShilohAriel">facebook.com/LillaRoseShilohAriel</a><br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108630830664684358300/posts">Lilla Rose ~ Shiloh Ariel on Google Plus</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Step-by-Step Overview</b></span><br />
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1) Donate any amount to Little Tait's Preemie Fund: <a href="http://littletait.com/donations">http://littletait.com/donations</a><br />
<br />
2) Post one comment letting us know that you donated.<br />
<br />
3) <b>We'll need your email address in order to send you a FREE CUSTOM GRAPHICS VOUCHER*.</b> You can leave your email address in the comments OR send it to ladylrae [at] gmail.com. If you don't give us your email address, we won't be able to send you your voucher.<br />
<br />
4) By posting a comment, you'll be automatically entered into the give-away to receive the prize bundle which includes:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Vintage Key Blessed Necklace {The Thinking Tree}</li>
<li>Set of Five Sunshine Blossoms Polymer Clay Buttons {Dolly Madison Designs}</li>
<li>White Knit Earwarmer/Headband/Cowl {Damsel Made}</li>
<li>Spring Bouquet Mini Flexi {Shiloh Ariel at Lilla Rose}</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0njKEPrdCu7ykArE4btBjnz0TI0T4JpTRa-B8ruzU93VXX3v8sZlS1Ga8zrejdawwyzbZbHiFxPTm9JRRNRglrxnT09WwkJ2rendH9pAXKm-kkHOH_u5K_hP3Zco8fCnUt39u2cS0N1Y/s1600/little+tait+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0njKEPrdCu7ykArE4btBjnz0TI0T4JpTRa-B8ruzU93VXX3v8sZlS1Ga8zrejdawwyzbZbHiFxPTm9JRRNRglrxnT09WwkJ2rendH9pAXKm-kkHOH_u5K_hP3Zco8fCnUt39u2cS0N1Y/s400/little+tait+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
How is that for an offer?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why all of this for Little Tait's Preemie Fund?</b></span><br />
<br />
To me, Tait and Lauren Zimmerman are two very courageous parents.<b> Sending the humongous medical bills through Medicaid was an option, <i>but they refused the socialist handout.</i></b> They have faith that Christ can work through His Church to provide the funds necessary to pay the hospital.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXdlPB0XDkBC8SiH93axHIYbzhsekDcfopa6dE32rcNDh7VDTPeb9xeIEbayUsMcozALfCZK8FCarVLlgNpgSHGCK0QQipIRVwlc3NxqkBKsPzsmEigx_KAr1FNuUPpMRpsbz8XowP2l5/s1600/Cropped_4yo1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXdlPB0XDkBC8SiH93axHIYbzhsekDcfopa6dE32rcNDh7VDTPeb9xeIEbayUsMcozALfCZK8FCarVLlgNpgSHGCK0QQipIRVwlc3NxqkBKsPzsmEigx_KAr1FNuUPpMRpsbz8XowP2l5/s320/Cropped_4yo1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Tait, age 4</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Daddy has pitched in a couple of times over the past few months, and I've watched the fund-raising progress closely. Now, with only five days left to finish raising a little over $20k, I've finally had a chance to join the last hurrah.<b> I'm very passionate about the Church putting money where her mouth by faithfully stepping up and showing the civil government that socialised welfare is not necessary.</b><br />
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That's why I'm doing this. Dear sisters in Christ, please join me. In addition to blessing the Zimmermans, you'll be able to work with the graphic designer of your choice on one free project and automatically have the chance to win a bundle of four great prizes. Whatchya waitin' for? <a href="http://littletait.com/donations">Click here to donate.</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Shelby @ The Thinking Tree and Dolly Madison Designs reserve the right to decline graphics projects due to conscience. If for some reason we cannot help you with the first project of your choice, we'll work with you to come to another agreement. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b>More efforts for Little Tait's Preemie Fund:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://littletait.com/uncategorized/current-giveaways">Click here for more great giveaways!</a><br />
Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/littletaitsfund">Little Tait's Preemie Fund on Facebook</a>!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Give-away ends June 17th.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Due to shipping costs, only U.S. residents can enter the give-away.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-52518164385884860322013-03-13T21:42:00.001-05:002013-05-01T20:43:07.977-05:00Charm Tutorial <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been making these great charms for those bland places on my jewelry. I thought I'd make a tutorial for all of you because these are so easy!<br />
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All you need:<br />
*Paper of choice (I used old hymnal pages)<br />
*Round plastic pieces (You can use metal as well)<br />
*Water base glue (I used Mod Podge)<br />
*Mod Podge Dimensional Magic<br />
*Lighter<br />
*Needle<br />
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These are some plastic tabs I took off of an old necklace.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-E7TmC1x_I/UUEnpW0wRRI/AAAAAAAAAMg/ZcVZqDBWABQ/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-E7TmC1x_I/UUEnpW0wRRI/AAAAAAAAAMg/ZcVZqDBWABQ/s320/image.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZhQqzDu2qg/UUEn2Fl4pOI/AAAAAAAAAMw/P2zIJRDa-CE/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZhQqzDu2qg/UUEn2Fl4pOI/AAAAAAAAAMw/P2zIJRDa-CE/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
I made a heart-shaped hymnal box for one of my friends on her birthday. I had a million little heart pages left over. This put the to good use. :)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZrQ2anEu8E/UUEn6vXEBSI/AAAAAAAAANA/S-9aDOpfOMo/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZrQ2anEu8E/UUEn6vXEBSI/AAAAAAAAANA/S-9aDOpfOMo/s320/image_2.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I just traced the circles over words I like or pretty music notes.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNj9VZ_1YgI/UUEn_A3uJ3I/AAAAAAAAANQ/30C1Ac1aGEY/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNj9VZ_1YgI/UUEn_A3uJ3I/AAAAAAAAANQ/30C1Ac1aGEY/s320/image_3.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I put a small amount of glue on the paper and the black tab.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcBuuRL-Y0M/UUEnjfTCZWI/AAAAAAAAAMY/GEBe0hAnLpQ/s1600/image+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KcBuuRL-Y0M/UUEnjfTCZWI/AAAAAAAAAMY/GEBe0hAnLpQ/s320/image+(2).jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LV752ilYgzc/UUEnr2NEs6I/AAAAAAAAAMo/-7u0R5yQAT8/s1600/image_1+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LV752ilYgzc/UUEnr2NEs6I/AAAAAAAAAMo/-7u0R5yQAT8/s320/image_1+(2).jpeg" width="550" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hFTw_w08bY/UUEn5nHnrRI/AAAAAAAAAM4/hAVne9DKPPE/s1600/image_2+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9hFTw_w08bY/UUEn5nHnrRI/AAAAAAAAAM4/hAVne9DKPPE/s320/image_2+(2).jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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After the glue dried I used a lighter to burn the edges.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iptQzpjB0TI/UUEn8lyeMNI/AAAAAAAAANI/A549U1JdsY8/s1600/image_3+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iptQzpjB0TI/UUEn8lyeMNI/AAAAAAAAANI/A549U1JdsY8/s320/image_3+(2).jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The if you're using metal tabs definitely use pliers or tweezers to hold the tab, I used my fingers but I wouldn't recommend it. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-42MWnfnSI/UUEoADX1lDI/AAAAAAAAANY/5f7cjDDD7Dw/s1600/image_4+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-42MWnfnSI/UUEoADX1lDI/AAAAAAAAANY/5f7cjDDD7Dw/s320/image_4+(2).jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Sometimes the plastic curls. You can use your knife to cut the thick edges. Personally they don't bother me so I just left them.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1vzIaryx_w/UUEoEL8vrgI/AAAAAAAAANo/VLaRZItub-4/s1600/image_5+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1vzIaryx_w/UUEoEL8vrgI/AAAAAAAAANo/VLaRZItub-4/s320/image_5+(2).jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Now your going to take those small pieces and cover them with a generous amount of Dimensional Magic.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tv6CKQCjcMg/UUEoFFpLnbI/AAAAAAAAANw/AxPSRHl2lFw/s1600/image_6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tv6CKQCjcMg/UUEoFFpLnbI/AAAAAAAAANw/AxPSRHl2lFw/s320/image_6.jpeg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Pop any bubbles using a needle</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtjZDtb7EiY/UUEoHdAeBkI/AAAAAAAAAOA/pTXd66KI43c/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtjZDtb7EiY/UUEoHdAeBkI/AAAAAAAAAOA/pTXd66KI43c/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Let dry over night</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWe3YZYdZ5c/UUEoIa2B5xI/AAAAAAAAAOI/OAtdX7RpqfE/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xWe3YZYdZ5c/UUEoIa2B5xI/AAAAAAAAAOI/OAtdX7RpqfE/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Once dry, poke holes and there you have it. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7orJFh-jJKw/UUE32aIa9tI/AAAAAAAAAOY/a7DoB0FO4QI/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7orJFh-jJKw/UUE32aIa9tI/AAAAAAAAAOY/a7DoB0FO4QI/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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Thanks for your time! Comment below with questions.<br />
God Bless.<br />
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~McCauleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-34598936404835538122013-03-09T09:30:00.001-06:002013-05-01T20:44:51.058-05:00DandelionThought I'd throw up a quick post showing the dandelion pendent I've just made. I used a small metal sheet and acrylic paint. I'm hopefully going to use this in one of my pieces really soon. :) <br />
Have a great weekend! God bless. <br />
~McCauley <br />
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-6716497192019233622013-02-17T00:13:00.001-06:002013-02-17T00:13:24.843-06:00God's Amazing.It seems to be all working out! My items are now being sold at Boutique Carolina in Berkeley California. Thank The Lord for His blessings and answered prayers! <br />
These are some photos she sent me from the shop display: <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-twakTsceqiQ/USB09itqHcI/AAAAAAAAALQ/n2ogTcXaipk/s640/blogger-image-1551558789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-twakTsceqiQ/USB09itqHcI/AAAAAAAAALQ/n2ogTcXaipk/s640/blogger-image-1551558789.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yidaN_7XBZM/USB07-1uEwI/AAAAAAAAALA/cfJXzwcdjDE/s640/blogger-image-306157396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yidaN_7XBZM/USB07-1uEwI/AAAAAAAAALA/cfJXzwcdjDE/s640/blogger-image-306157396.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s5IvFkp7GN8/USB1A2WPd3I/AAAAAAAAALg/iKnjDEj5RtE/s640/blogger-image--1427702667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s5IvFkp7GN8/USB1A2WPd3I/AAAAAAAAALg/iKnjDEj5RtE/s640/blogger-image--1427702667.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TctfGepeRPE/USB0_4CciyI/AAAAAAAAALY/pfeiqZUueUc/s640/blogger-image--149636084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TctfGepeRPE/USB0_4CciyI/AAAAAAAAALY/pfeiqZUueUc/s640/blogger-image--149636084.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D89V7AhYsBI/USB080Tdh4I/AAAAAAAAALI/CjtGhaqY6pI/s640/blogger-image-1561865887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D89V7AhYsBI/USB080Tdh4I/AAAAAAAAALI/CjtGhaqY6pI/s640/blogger-image-1561865887.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-3713134148303749542013-02-09T13:18:00.000-06:002013-02-09T13:18:22.877-06:00Making Small Business TagsI have just signed a contract to sell some of my creations as consignment in a small boutique in California. I'm so excited! God has really answered my prays. This could be the perfect way to draw traffic to my etsy shop. Also, I'm going to put together a press release and try to sell as consignment at a few local stores.<br />
Anyways. I didn't have enough time or money to order tags to price my items but I still wanted them to look semi professional. :] This is what I came up with:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmrbpQBFYQY/URKnYJqAc-I/AAAAAAAAAJY/As7wrG5gNlI/s1600/image_17.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmrbpQBFYQY/URKnYJqAc-I/AAAAAAAAAJY/As7wrG5gNlI/s320/image_17.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's pretty simple.</div>
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I printed my shop name on plain white paper, using the same font as the banner on my store front...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIgp-n3cblw/URKnMjCHtaI/AAAAAAAAAIg/VqqxXFcjitA/s1600/image_10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SIgp-n3cblw/URKnMjCHtaI/AAAAAAAAAIg/VqqxXFcjitA/s320/image_10.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I carefully burnt the edges using the lighter. This was a little harder than I thought. I burns fast! I think I might have burnt off my finger print on my right thumb... O.o</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9BjcWD4sbk/URKnQpAZF1I/AAAAAAAAAIw/f3eiYChcyQE/s1600/image_11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9BjcWD4sbk/URKnQpAZF1I/AAAAAAAAAIw/f3eiYChcyQE/s320/image_11.jpeg" width="240" /></a><<<Oops.</div>
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I bought some tag specifically made for jewelry from Hobby Lobby for $2.99</div>
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I really like these because they are neutral colored and they already have a sticky tab to hold the sides together. That was great. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpyj3WFSz_E/URKnlg6MWSI/AAAAAAAAAKY/2hxSQXsnq5Q/s1600/image_9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tpyj3WFSz_E/URKnlg6MWSI/AAAAAAAAAKY/2hxSQXsnq5Q/s320/image_9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next I simply smeared a thin layer of Mod Podge on both the tag and the label(-ish printed paper)</div>
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and wallah!</div>
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I did use a little bit of coffee to stain the paper but when I say little, I mean it! I dipped a cotton swab in the coffee and let it sit until almost dry. Once it was merely damp, I dabbed it on both the white paper and the tag. </div>
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***Using too much coffee will cause the ink to run and doesn't allow the Mod Podge to bond.***</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlREUjwWv6I/URKniFyqwEI/AAAAAAAAAKA/QBiGQPORwBw/s1600/image_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlREUjwWv6I/URKniFyqwEI/AAAAAAAAAKA/QBiGQPORwBw/s320/image_7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Below are the tags I use for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThinkingTree?section_id=12520210" target="_blank">Owl Pillows</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThinkingTree?section_id=12542366" target="_blank">Bags</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgtfStS6-T8/URKnTVxb_2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/tLpee2PLFYU/s1600/image_14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgtfStS6-T8/URKnTVxb_2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/tLpee2PLFYU/s320/image_14.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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My sister bought this stamp from Hobby Lobby ($3.99) that is perfect for signing your work without just having a signature floating around. Plus, it shows that your item is homemade. (Obviously) </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IO584rOmJgc/URKnSMQ4SpI/AAAAAAAAAI4/st8F4sxqJ04/s1600/image_13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IO584rOmJgc/URKnSMQ4SpI/AAAAAAAAAI4/st8F4sxqJ04/s320/image_13.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Making my own tags was a lot easier than I thought and I'm pleased with how they turned out. I will still be buying some bulk printed tags for my items if this consignment deal takes off! </div>
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Oh!! Look at the flyer Shelby made! I love it. She is amazing. </div>
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Thank you love.</div>
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Have a blessed day and always remember life is beautiful.<br />
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~McCauley<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-85303418669741435262013-02-04T22:54:00.001-06:002013-02-04T22:55:49.841-06:00God is mighty!Our Creator is so magnificent! Early this morning, a friend and I went to the beach to run and watch the sun rise. I was floored at what I saw! The view was completely breath taking. No photo will do it justice, although I do have a few to share. ;)<br />
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~McCauley <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B__IcS9vjCg/URCQVmKuV6I/AAAAAAAAAHk/0fe7oni9eiE/s640/blogger-image-674054605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B__IcS9vjCg/URCQVmKuV6I/AAAAAAAAAHk/0fe7oni9eiE/s640/blogger-image-674054605.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wg4bVY2zJno/URCQkALhLDI/AAAAAAAAAH8/jIBaZSGfCnk/s640/blogger-image-538111846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wg4bVY2zJno/URCQkALhLDI/AAAAAAAAAH8/jIBaZSGfCnk/s640/blogger-image-538111846.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-22595672972607117042013-02-02T19:26:00.001-06:002013-02-02T19:26:48.420-06:00Amazing Friday Night.Last night was so much fun. I spent the evening with one of my great friends Jami. We went to the mall for Chinese, to the park for an amazing sunset, to Walmart for a movie and some m&ms, and lastly to her house to watch the stars. I had a wonderful time with photos to prove it! :) <br />
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I hope y'all have an outstanding weekend! <br />
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Love,<br />
McCauley. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zdGUgxySp-A/UQ280z5U2GI/AAAAAAAAAHE/szbyP-g9bAQ/s640/blogger-image--1639811819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zdGUgxySp-A/UQ280z5U2GI/AAAAAAAAAHE/szbyP-g9bAQ/s640/blogger-image--1639811819.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pZvogLYSy7U/UQ281u08XSI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Jq5umhyke9M/s640/blogger-image-1150726862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pZvogLYSy7U/UQ281u08XSI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Jq5umhyke9M/s640/blogger-image-1150726862.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1oHcRHut9LY/UQ28zna79YI/AAAAAAAAAG8/-wciYahF9bE/s640/blogger-image--119647426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1oHcRHut9LY/UQ28zna79YI/AAAAAAAAAG8/-wciYahF9bE/s640/blogger-image--119647426.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-21352313694688894862013-01-31T16:53:00.000-06:002013-01-31T16:55:33.776-06:00October Baby (Life is Beautiful) <div style="text-align: center;">
So, I am in love with the movie October Baby.</div>
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It's clean and family friendly. </div>
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It is a movie that was made to raise awareness about the cruelty of abortion. In the movie, you travel alongside a 19 year old girl named Hannah, who finds out she was adopted as a baby. Not only was she adopted but she was the victim of a "failed" abortion. The movie shows her discovering the truth about her birth while finding peace and building a better relationship with her father. It's great.</div>
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But what I love even more than the movie is the soundtrack!</div>
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The songs are amazing! I have listened to them over and over. There are two songs on the CD that I don't like. One called "Make it Without You" which seems like it's a song about divorce. I am completely puzzled as to why they even have this song on the album. The other is called "When a Heart Breaks". The reason I don't care for this particular track is because of a line they put in the chorus. It states "..and you don't need Jesus, until you're here...". Now I have had a few friends interpret the song differently and they believe the song writer means this figuratively That whoever is being sung about, doesn't think he/she needs Jesus until his/her heart actually breaks and he/she has no where else to turn. I personally, don't like having the song stuck in my head because the song doesn't clarify that part enough for my liking. This is just a personal preference. </div>
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OTHER THAN THATTT...</div>
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The album is outstanding! Just the song titles themselves are great. Every song is whimsical and inspirational. Below is the complete song list for the album. I put stars by my favorite... :)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">****01. “Hesitate”—Steve Moakler </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">****02. “Oh My Stars”—Andrew Belle</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">03. “Always on My Mind”—Mandi Mapes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">****04. “All the Faint Lights”—Steve Moakler</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">05. “Hold My Heart”—Tenth Avenue North (I don't like the lyrics in this one much either....)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">****06. “Life is Beautiful”—The Afters (THIS is an amazing song)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">07. “My Oldest Friend”—Andrew Belle</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">****08. “Where You Are”—Mandi Mapes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">09. “Make It Without You”—Andrew Belle</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">10. “Broken (Beautiful)”—Chris Sligh</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">11. “Now More than Ever”—Brandon Heath</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">12. “Ocean Floor”—Gianna Jessen</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">13. “One”—Chris Sligh</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">14. “When a Heart Breaks”—Ben Rector</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px;">****15. “Willow Tree”—Chris Sligh</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><br />Continue reading <a href="http://www.songonlyrics.com/soundtracks/october-baby-soundtrack-list.html#ixzz2Jawmfa1s" style="border: 0px; color: #003399; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.songonlyrics.com/soundtracks/october-baby-soundtrack-list.html#ixzz2Jawmfa1s</a></span><br />
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Anyways. You should really watch the movie and look up the album.</div>
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Thanks SO much to my absolutely wonderful sister who bought the album for me!!</div>
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Shelby. You are amazing in so many ways!... :)</div>
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I love you.</div>
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~McCauley</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1969723426111179395.post-57716899656773510462013-01-15T17:52:00.000-06:002013-01-29T13:33:22.657-06:00"Be the Change you want to see in the world"<div style="text-align: center;">
"Be the Change you want to see in the world"</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Many have heard the quote "Be the change you want to see in the world " but how often do we forget the effect each and everyone of us have on the world? This necklace was created to inspire people to be that change. Even if it is difficult. The unique design encourages us to change the world with our differences. This necklace measures at: 18" . The pendant grouped together measures at: 5" (From blue glass bead above clay donut to the little metal heart at the end of the bronze chain). The necklace is made with a sturdy three strand beige twine rope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">The pendant includes:</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVKlNozpT0A/UPXpNOWj1lI/AAAAAAAAAGg/oiByfSGyryg/s1600/DSC06919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVKlNozpT0A/UPXpNOWj1lI/AAAAAAAAAGg/oiByfSGyryg/s320/DSC06919.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Hand shapped Polymer Clay</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Hand carved soap stone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Glass beads</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Bronze Chain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Light Blue Twine Rope</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Little Metal Heart</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rK0viupBpBc/UPXpMzAwGLI/AAAAAAAAAGY/elSObpFQ1Gg/s1600/DSC06926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rK0viupBpBc/UPXpMzAwGLI/AAAAAAAAAGY/elSObpFQ1Gg/s320/DSC06926.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120611628/change-necklace-with-polymer-clay" target="_blank">***Find it Here***</a><br />
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~McCauley</div>
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