tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86101943880007870212024-03-05T04:09:57.429-05:00Trusting Him With TodayTherefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 6:34 (NIV)Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-4962889445943337782018-12-31T18:57:00.002-05:002018-12-31T18:57:59.621-05:00A New Year's Eve Tradition<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was a little girl it was our family's tradition to go to service on New Year’s Eve and “bring in the New Year, in church.” As an adult the tradition is still ingrained in me. <span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">To me there is something wonderful about ending the old year as I began it and starting the New Year as I want to end it… in the house of God, in the presence of the Lord.</span></span>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-family: "arial"; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It never ceases to amaze me the sense of child-like awe, wonder and expectancy I feel when I enter God’s house. I am excited as a child about to unwrap a much awaited and longed for gift, not sure what it is but knowing that something wonderful waits within. The beautiful thing about going into the house of God is that I always leave feeling refreshed, renewed and eager to face whatever challenges life throws my way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times, serif;">I can totally relate to how David felt when he said, “</span><em style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times, serif;">I was glad when t</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">hey said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.</span></em><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Psalm 122.1" data-version="ESV" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Psalm%20122.1" style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; color: #9f5213; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Psalm 122:1</a>″ <span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>God’s house </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-family: "arial"; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">for me is a place to lose myself in the wonder of his presence and allow his sweet Holy Spirit to minister to my hurts, lift my burdens, renew my joys and give me courage to face another day, week, month, year… with Him by my side to guide and direct me.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-family: "arial"; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-family: "arial"; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Psalm 118.28-29" data-version="ESV" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Psalm%20118.28-29" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-image: initial; border-width: 0px; color: #9f5213; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Psalm 118:28-29</a></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-family: "verdana"; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-family: "arial"; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Father, thank you for your guidance throughout this year, I pray your protection over each of us during the remainder of this year. As we approach a New Year, renew our desire to serve you, increase our faith that we would hold fast to the promises that you have made us, give us courage to share whatever you lay on our hearts in this coming year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times" , serif; line-height: 21px;"> </span>Trusting Him,</div>
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~Bernadine~</div>
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I've share this post several times over the years. However the words still remain true and for me. It's New Year's Eve and in just a few hours I'll be on my way to the house of the Lord...Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-60741017149653934062018-12-02T19:46:00.000-05:002018-12-02T19:46:24.803-05:00Follow His Lead<br />When I was planning my wedding, I had a vision of a beautiful first dance. However, I am not a very good dancer. So, I was concerned about looking silly swaying from side to side during the first dance. I shared my concerns with my then fiancé. He sweetly said, “Don’t worry about it, Honey. I’ll teach you. Just follow my lead.”<br /><br />So, two days before our wedding my fiancé taught me a simple waltz. it was quite interesting at first. One of the reasons was that I’d get so distracted thinking about where my feet should go that I missed his cues. However, as time passed our movements became more in sync. As a result, on our wedding day we glided around the floor without a trace of awkwardness. I’m sure it’s because I willingly followed his lead.<br /><br />At times my life feels out of sync with God and I wish it would flow as smoothly as that first dance did. Unfortunately, I don’t always willing follow His lead like I should. Recently, I’ve been talking to Him about something that’s very important to me. All the signs are pointing in the direction He wants me to go. Yet, I hesitate. I ask Him for another sign, simply because it’s not the direction I want to go.<br /><br />I often sing the song, Where He leads Me, I will follow; but still at times, I hesitate and second guess myself when He leads. Today, as I write this devotional, I’ve made up my mind that I’m going to trust Jesus to lead me and to follow His lead. He truly knows what’s best for me and I want my life to be in sync with His with plans.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />8 I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. 9 Don’t be like a senseless horse or mule that must have a bit in its mouth to keep it in line! <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ps%2032.8-9">Psalm 32:8-9</a><a href="libronixdls:keylink|ref=[en]bible:Ps32.8-9|res=LLS:ESV"><img border="0" src="https://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png" /></a> (TLB)</blockquote>
This devotion was also posted at <a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/" target="_blank">Laced With Grace</a><br />
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-28971474013259255142018-03-29T23:36:00.001-04:002018-03-29T23:36:25.141-04:00A Girl of the Word - Quiet Time Journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUMnIjuwOH8/Wr2wW2jgTpI/AAAAAAAAB18/BnSTgLKx4hYC3woZOJKxEmzrcnV-aAmiwCLcBGAs/s1600/becoming%2Bcover%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUMnIjuwOH8/Wr2wW2jgTpI/AAAAAAAAB18/BnSTgLKx4hYC3woZOJKxEmzrcnV-aAmiwCLcBGAs/s200/becoming%2Bcover%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm happy to announce that the first Journal in my Quietly Becoming Journal/ Bible Study Guide Series is now available on Amazon. This interactive journal will make an excellent addition to your quiet time materials.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Word-Quietly-Becoming-Journal/dp/1981199055/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522380721&sr=8-1&keywords=bernadine+zimmerman" target="_blank">Purchase your copy on Amazon</a></span><br />
Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-17722336945958129642018-02-11T15:03:00.000-05:002018-02-11T15:03:14.457-05:00Mark Within Salvation Book Review<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Within-Salvation-Anoma-3/dp/069290722X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518377961&sr=8-1&keywords=mark+within+salvation&dpID=41arlFOQVuL&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1BR46czJOntp2oBpR2bYzXAnoOKefKyb2aRRfF65RbfK0bleEdFRMJ25ptZ0_hOP2H9Hp1QPZO24JJpWmbIZ6ylH4zJPEuYTn3s2QvFFJnaqXaTMZTwc30wi4z-0YUiZghsRD8LI_hoi/s320/alisa.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Reading Mark’s story, the third book in Alisa Wagner’s Anoma Series was a total emotional roller coaster. Zach the brother of Ruth emerges as a very strong character in this book. He is now known as Mark so that he can remain under the World Government’s radar after completing a daring robbery of the World Bank. He and his friend Li are on a mission to strengthen their underground network so that Pastor Tom’s and Ruth teachings can have a wider reach. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There are many twists and turns in this book as the story comes together. Mark and Li are doing an excellent job working to expand the underground network however, Mark has a secret that could put their entire operation in jeopardy. Also, danger follows Ruth and their expanding colonial family.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I love the way this underground group has grown into a strong family unit who are there for each other even in the face of danger. They continue to encourage and pray for each other while living their lives with hope in the one true God. Their small but determined group thrive as they make inroads in weakening the World Government.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Alisa Wagner has done an excellent job with this book. You will find it hard to put this book down once you get started. I’m excited that she has decided not to end this series at three books and look forward to reading other books in this series.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If this book sounds interesting to you, check out the entire series on Amazon, starting with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Eve-Awakening-Anoma-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00RS1HLLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518376824&sr=8-1&keywords=alisa+wagner&dpID=51%252BW-tHxVVL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch" target="_blank">Eve of Awakening</a>. I promise it will keep you on the edge of your seat.</span><br />
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-47970415529781541012018-01-28T18:38:00.000-05:002018-01-28T18:39:35.490-05:00Uniquely His<div class="MsoNormal">
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Do you know that you are one of a kind? You are a unique individual
designed by God himself? Before He even formed you in your mother’s womb He had
you future planned. Everything about you, from the smallest birth mark to each
hair on your head He thought about and designed unique to you. If that isn’t love
I don’t know what is. I love how this Psalms puts it:<o:p></o:p></div>
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13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body<br />
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.<br />
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!<br />
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.<br />
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,<br />
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.<br />
16 You saw me before I was born.<br />
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.<br />
Every moment was laid out<br />
before a single day had passed. Psalms 139:13-16 (NLT)</blockquote>
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Sometimes we have a negative self-image based on how others
see us and the way we think about ourselves, our achievements, appearances etc.
However, none of us is perfect. We all have different strengths and weaknesses.
Unfortunately, many times we focus so much on our areas of weakness that they
dominate our view of ourselves. Sometimes it makes us afraid to try new things
because we are so sure that we are going to fail. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One thing I'm trying to do is work harder on my
areas of personal strengths so that I may become better. Also, try a few new things
and maybe discover some hidden talents within myself. In fact, let’s all show God our appreciation for loving us
so much that He took the time to make each of us unique and special. We can do this by trying
to see ourselves the way our Creator sees us. We are the apple of His eyes, He
delights in us, He loves us, and He wants us to succeed in life.</div>
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4 The LORD gave me this message:<br />
5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.<br />
Before you were born I set you apart<br />
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah
1:4-5(NLT)</blockquote>
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Published previously on my teen girl blog</span>Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-39302425998604678232017-09-20T12:18:00.002-04:002017-10-23T20:17:13.576-04:00Encouragement Along the Way<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkrlW5n9jn0/WdJ8Wt6XS6I/AAAAAAAAB1I/Cyp6AqKDcdQkIx0tqByAwOQTu_RGx9yUQCLcBGAs/s1600/22089566_10215034464838053_5869204222122994569_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IkrlW5n9jn0/WdJ8Wt6XS6I/AAAAAAAAB1I/Cyp6AqKDcdQkIx0tqByAwOQTu_RGx9yUQCLcBGAs/s320/22089566_10215034464838053_5869204222122994569_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Lisa Shaw with my book</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have blogged for over 10 years and during that time I have
met some lovely ladies who over time I have come to call friends. One of them
is<span style="color: #073763;"> <a href="http://lisashawcares.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;">Pastor Lisa Shaw</span><span style="color: #073763;">.</span></a> </span>She is the author, speaker and a Certified Personal & Executive Coach. She has a heart for women in every age and stage in
life and encourages them to soar and not give up on their dreams. She is one of
my blogging friends who has encouraged my blogging and writing journey. She has
also given me the opportunity to write for her blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pastor Lisa is
one of the persons who encouraged me to complete,<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=bernadine+zimmerman" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">BecomingHis Dream Girl</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></i><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>Though she never saw my manuscript she believed that since it
was something that I was passionate about, it was worth seeing through to
completion. She encouraged me to set goals for each step of my book and then
checked to see if I had completed them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There was a time I told her my book was finished (in my
defense I truly thought it was). Her reply was a series of questions… Did you
write your, about the author, your acknowledgement and dedication? What about
your cover design? Did you choose a photo for your back cover? What about your,
back cover summary…? My answer since I had not done any of these things was a
bashful, “I guess I’m not as finished as I thought I was. So, it was back to
work. However, I honestly found it so much easier to work with clear deadlines
and goals.</div>
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This journey of publishing my first book has taught me so much and I'm so grateful for the encouragement and help of friends along the way.<br />
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Do you have people who encourage you and cheer you on in your life? </div>
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Trusting Him,</div>
~Bernadine~<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f1f0f0; color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I</span><br />
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Updated to add photo.Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-76867478605094484212017-08-23T16:35:00.000-04:002017-08-23T18:53:21.513-04:00Becoming His Dream Girl, now available on Amazon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xGQtZ7RjZI/WZ3lscrXoWI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/2x9y9lZfeDIFmVm4_aLaE0TMPNtXH2QSQCLcBGAs/s1600/20914643_2030933590266001_6916092174120090025_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xGQtZ7RjZI/WZ3lscrXoWI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/2x9y9lZfeDIFmVm4_aLaE0TMPNtXH2QSQCLcBGAs/s200/20914643_2030933590266001_6916092174120090025_n.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "robotodraft" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm so happy to say that my book Becoming His Dream girl is now available on Amazon! I'm so excited about this book and hope that you will purchase it for the young ladies in your life. You can purchase your copy</span><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/069292146X" style="color: #990000;" target="_blank"> here</a><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.870588235294118);">.</span></b></span><br />
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-4911446354391993682017-07-13T17:50:00.000-04:002017-07-13T21:53:06.596-04:00It's Never too Late to Follow your Dreams<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-nnB7e0pPulEbBQyUGhyphenhyphenGpPg7O9-HphFI9F_LtiZZGuBxvRuUzEnNpBHXlt9t-ircrAanVKaBdwzr5AGIr004TXS1jNKqoYOJFrErKsij1Jyhu38V6EeUHLJshTaXCMlP2drdAuWh163/s1600/cover2+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="604" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-nnB7e0pPulEbBQyUGhyphenhyphenGpPg7O9-HphFI9F_LtiZZGuBxvRuUzEnNpBHXlt9t-ircrAanVKaBdwzr5AGIr004TXS1jNKqoYOJFrErKsij1Jyhu38V6EeUHLJshTaXCMlP2drdAuWh163/s320/cover2+%25282%2529.png" width="257" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover design by: Alisa Wagner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you have dreams that you've given up on ever realizing? I can definitely relate. I’m a self-described dreamer. I have notebooks full of
dreams, plans and goals that I often talk myself out of accomplishing. It’s not
that I’m not passionate about them, I just tend to let fear, discouragement and
life’s many obstacles get in the way of me doing all that I can to make those
dreams reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more years than I
can count one of those dreams has been to publish a book. It started with the
dream of publishing a book of poems, which I talked myself out of. Then it
moved on to a series of teen inspirational fiction. I ultimately turned those
into short stories for my teen girl magazine. I simply couldn’t commit to following
this dream of writing a book because, <i>who
would read it</i>?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I didn’t write the books I dreamed of writing. Instead, I concentrated on my
teen girl magazine. I spoke to the occasional teen girl group that I was
invited to speak to and I decided that my publishing dream probably would never be
realized. Then, I was invited to speak to Rachael’s Daughters, a teen girls’
mentoring group. I spoke to them on the topic, “Becoming the Girl of His Dreams”.
The words that I spoke to them resonated with me also. So, every so often I’d
pick up the speech, brush it off, add a few words to it then put it back on
the shelf again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1_hpZ3_4B-YpJYTVca3ITIvghKxCdeQ5D5HDobTvdsQdObVEEyvEqv2V7ShTvTAjuMBCG0lk3bITNM0nANHiaQO0aqcNBwjG2uBWIvSyF7Q6USEV29qhcCGeuLaVF2cWtgOrQE85OGpG/s1600/back+cover+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="693" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1_hpZ3_4B-YpJYTVca3ITIvghKxCdeQ5D5HDobTvdsQdObVEEyvEqv2V7ShTvTAjuMBCG0lk3bITNM0nANHiaQO0aqcNBwjG2uBWIvSyF7Q6USEV29qhcCGeuLaVF2cWtgOrQE85OGpG/s320/back+cover+%25282%2529.png" width="291" /></a>This year, I decided it was either finish it or forget about
it. So, I enlisted the help of people I trusted to give me an honest opinion of
what I had written. Their critiques, suggestions and encouragement gave me the courage
to continue my years long project and made my work better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, I am so excited to say that my book <i>Becoming His Dream Girl</i>, will soon be out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing I have learned from this
process is that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Prov-13-12 psuedo-selection" id="en-NLT-16736" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 1px dotted rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span>Hope deferred makes the heart sick,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-13-12 psuedo-selection" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 1px dotted rgb(0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:1</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-77582156283617401832017-04-07T09:00:00.000-04:002017-04-07T11:57:35.821-04:00Don’t Feed Negativity<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_HnrKP8OVFM/WOc1VdVhD_I/AAAAAAAABzk/wC1cvTUFx94fwFR9XPzLr5Uinv80IQwiQCLcB/s1600/positive-725842_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_HnrKP8OVFM/WOc1VdVhD_I/AAAAAAAABzk/wC1cvTUFx94fwFR9XPzLr5Uinv80IQwiQCLcB/s320/positive-725842_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was checking my email when I came across an unfamiliar
email address. It<br />
didn’t surprise me
because I frequently received emails in response to articles I published in my
teen girl magazine. I opened the email
and then sat there in shock. It was a
short email, only eight words in length and unsigned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“You still waiting on
true love? You fool.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This happened quite a few years ago, but I remember that as
I read the email I felt hurt, anger and shock all at once. I wondered why
someone would take the time to send an insulting email to a stranger because of
something they perceived to be foolish. I had received negative emails before
however, this one felt like a personal attack.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is so easy in our social media driven world for people to
attack each other. From behind the anonymity
of a computer screen they attack people that they have never met and likely, will
never meet in real life. Why? Because
they look different? Think differently? Act differently? Why does someone
acting upon their right to think, look or behave in a certain way upset someone
so much that they take the time to send a negative message or leave a rude
comment?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a name for people who act in such a negative manner
on the internet. <i>They are called trolls</i>.
Their only objective is to cause an argument or crush someone’s
spirit. The best advice I’ve seen given
to handle internet trolls is,<i> “don’t feed
the trolls!”</i> There is a saying, “<i>whatever you feed will grow</i>.” In all honesty, I’ve answered a few of them,
inclusive of the one I talked about. There’s no satisfaction in it though. It’s
best not to no matter how tempted you are. None of us want negativity growing
in our minds. So, <i>ignore the trolls. Don’t engage because that’s exactly what they
want</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Has this ever happened to you, online or in your day to day
life? Have you ever felt attacked because of your beliefs, appearance, the way
you dress etc.? It hurts, doesn’t
it? If you let it, you can be left
feeling as if there is something wrong with you. But, there isn’t. <i>We are all uniquely made by God. You are His masterpiece, the apple of
His eye. He loves you just the way you
are.</i> Allow those to be the thoughts that you feed. The thoughts that God thinks about you.<i> Let
His positive thoughts towards you grow, bloom and replace the negative thoughts of
others.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None of us is identical in the way we think and act. <i>Don’t allow the perception of people who
don’t truly know you to become the reflection you see of yourself.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-21052528187497027162017-03-31T08:00:00.000-04:002017-03-31T08:00:19.239-04:00Transparency in Writing<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5U68W3t5Zow/WNw2W9QVYcI/AAAAAAAABzQ/vjpiJLIsA2c0UesyqQprs1wmEAS4m__tgCLcB/s1600/Depositphotos_38775619_m-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5U68W3t5Zow/WNw2W9QVYcI/AAAAAAAABzQ/vjpiJLIsA2c0UesyqQprs1wmEAS4m__tgCLcB/s200/Depositphotos_38775619_m-2015.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love to write. Writing has always been my way of focusing
my thoughts, sharing what’s in my heart and working through whatever I’m dealing
with. I often find it quite therapeutic
to write my thoughts down. I write
often, my writings take the form of journal entries, letters to God, poems, or
just scribbles on pieces of paper expressing my thoughts.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My first draft is often raw and filled with whatever
emotions I feel at that time. Then I
read it over. Depending on what I wrote,
I start feeling a bit vulnerable and I second guess myself, especially if it’s
something I plan to share on my blog.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Do I really want
to say that?"</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Maybe I need to take
a, b or c out. I’m sure this post will flow fine without it."<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can guess what happens next… I start editing and I
continue editing until the feeling of vulnerability is not so strong. Sometimes
when I'm finished the heart of what I'm writing is edited out but I feel less
timid about allowing the post to go live.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQflPXmJZoCMvoBtVeIcq6SBeS5gcT9YyVPPKqCLW0b7rqwPmEwLN88h-GXvgoHDYXzjRcnZFT-4gLtDQSkI5paMeLKUHpt6PyOKMudYPNSP4VGGF8fw4vYrwc2FW4x4stSylSWxIzUel/s1600/Depositphotos_39072457_m-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqQflPXmJZoCMvoBtVeIcq6SBeS5gcT9YyVPPKqCLW0b7rqwPmEwLN88h-GXvgoHDYXzjRcnZFT-4gLtDQSkI5paMeLKUHpt6PyOKMudYPNSP4VGGF8fw4vYrwc2FW4x4stSylSWxIzUel/s200/Depositphotos_39072457_m-2015.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do I do this?
Well, I have a confession…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sometimes care entirely too much about what others,
including people I don't even know think.
I allow it to affect what I share in this space and elsewhere. It's not that there's some deep dark secret that
I have, it's simply that my writings are usually from the heart, no filter, no
mask and sometimes life behind the mask feels much safer. However, God doesn't call us to a life of
fear. He calls us to live bold and
authentically before Him. His word tells
us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that, <i>He has not given us a spirit of fear </i><i><span style="color: #001320; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">and
timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: #001320; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know this verse and I quote it along with many others when
I'm faced with different situations. Unfortunately, I still find myself
censoring and editing my words because I hate the feeling of vulnerability that
sometimes comes with sharing my thoughts. I'm still learning and trying to
overcome my fear of appearing vulnerable and become more bold, fearless and
transparent in my writing because it's a huge part of who I am. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d like to ask you something:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>How do you deal with
transparency, in your sharing online or in other areas of your life? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>How do you allow
yourself to be transparent and not worry so much about what others think?</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d love to hear your thoughts and maybe we can help each
other to become more transparent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-26252243607979468882016-06-06T18:52:00.000-04:002016-06-06T18:53:25.392-04:00No Fear: Fear Will Grip You or Grow You Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-CQQhEEcLM/V1X92fwmKRI/AAAAAAAAByg/uU6Els_eKrcDXec5RAF-c7EkdapIZUsfwCLcB/s1600/NoFear_3D-914x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-CQQhEEcLM/V1X92fwmKRI/AAAAAAAAByg/uU6Els_eKrcDXec5RAF-c7EkdapIZUsfwCLcB/s320/NoFear_3D-914x1024.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Have you
ever been excited about making changes to your life? You finally decided to
start following your dreams when suddenly fear reared its ugly head? In your
mind you go through all the different scenarios, the what ifs, the what will
people think, the I cant’s... After a while your excitement drains away
and you find yourself stuck in limbo with your dreams remaining something that
is always in the distant future. <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #212121;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #212121;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If this describes you in anyway, or
if you’ve ever given in to fear at any time in your life then Lisa Shaw’s new
book, <i>No Fear: Fear Will Grip You or Grow
You </i>is exactly what you need.<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #212121;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #212121;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I got my copy of No Fear, the
first thing I did was scan the table of contents. Topics such as, Who Told You
That You Can't? What are You Hiding Behind? Your Internal and External Dialogue
and Permission to Reinvent Yourself, made me look forward to having a quiet
moment to delve into the book because at one time or another I've been
paralyzed by many of them.</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was not disappointed.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span style="background: white;">I found so much eye opening information between the
pages. The workbook style encourages you to really look within yourself and
find what you're afraid of and confront it. It makes you want to dust off old
forgotten dreams and have another go at them. Lisa Shaw speaks to the very
heart of the reader and encourages you to not allow fear to grip you but let it
be an opportunity for growth.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This book has truly been a blessing.
I plan to go through it again more slowly and prayerfully consider the
questions at the end of the chapters.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you’d like to purchase of copy of
No Fear, stop by <a href="http://lisashawcares.com/">lisashawcares.com</a> I
promise this book will prove to be a tool of great encouragement and
motivation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-12662769272535323942015-08-24T11:51:00.000-04:002015-10-16T21:09:45.393-04:00What I Wished I Had Said…<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNaRDSb--lI/Vds8OwzlszI/AAAAAAAAByM/sbyAUH-7GxQ/s1600/IMG-20150819-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNaRDSb--lI/Vds8OwzlszI/AAAAAAAAByM/sbyAUH-7GxQ/s320/IMG-20150819-WA0007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin Pearl & I</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It was during our weekly conversation when out of the
blue she said to me, </span><i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’ve told Jesus
whatever His will is just let it be.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I knew exactly what she meant but I didn’t want to
hear it, not at that time. So my reply
to her was, “We know where we’re going when we leave this earth. We’ll be going home to be with Jesus. There’s
no reason to be afraid but you don’t have to be in a hurry to say your
goodbyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We talked, we laughed, I prayed and told her, “I love
you and I’d call again soon.” <i>Neither of us knew that would be our final
conversation.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
wish I had taken that moment to say:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> I believe with
all my heart I’m going to see you again on this earth but, if I don’t I want
you to know my friend, you’ve had an impact on my life. You’ve left an
impression on my heart that will never be erased.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You have given generously, loved unselfishly and
defended all. You smiled through your pain while offering others comfort and
support. You lived out your faith,
trusting always in God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You believed however he answered His way was best and
you lived surrendered to his perfect will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But
I didn’t say this because wouldn’t saying it mean I had no faith?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Who
says goodbye when believing for a miracle?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I hate goodbyes.
If I can I avoid it, the awkwardness, the sadness, the finality of <i>goodbye</i>. However, whether we are in
perfect health or dealing with a life threatening illness, we don’t know how
far we are away from our final goodbyes with our loved ones. Hence we should make each moment count, say
the things that need saying so there are no regrets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I tried to explain my sometimes mixed up words to
my cousin she’d always say, “You don’t have to explain, I know your heart.” So
today I take comfort in knowing, although in that moment I didn’t say the words
I wish I had said, she knew how I felt about her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">…</span></b></em><em><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the
morning. </span></em><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 107%;">Psalms 30:5</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></b></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I also rejoice in the fact that because we shared the
same faith in our risen savior I’m going to see her again.<strong><span style="background: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">20 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">But our citizenship</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">is in heaven.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the
Lord Jesus Christ,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">21 </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">who, by the power</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">that enables him to bring everything under his control,
will transform our lowly bodies</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:20-21(NIV)</span></span></blockquote>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are
there any words that you want to say to someone you love?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">
I encourage you to say it…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Heavenly Father, I pray for those today who are
dealing with grief. Wrap your loving
arms around them. Let them feel your
presence and your peace. Give them the
strength to make it through this difficult time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I write this post in memory of my cousin and friend
Nurse Pearl Carey. Beloved child of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I also shared this post at<a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/what-i-wish-i-had-said/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Laced With Grace</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-45805770610448264562015-07-14T00:41:00.001-04:002015-07-14T00:41:31.671-04:00You Are Precious to God<br />
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<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Gentium Basic, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 26px;">I love reading the books of the Old Testament. Somehow the old prophets’ stories always have something to inspire me. A verse from Isaiah that I had written down in my journal led me to chapter 43 recently. A phrase in verse 4 jumped out at me.</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Gentium Basic', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 26px;">Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. Isaiah 43:4</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #555555; font-family: Gentium Basic, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 26px;">You are precious to me…</span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; margin-bottom: 22px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Gentium Basic', serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 26px;">(insert your name) is precious to God!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #333333;">I'm at Laced With Grace today. I'd love for you to stop by and read the rest of my post, </span><a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/you-are-precious-to-god/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">You are Precious to God</span></a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQP1F_7yXIy3pyaZ2Pnu3Vn1Ipt6QS6sV5aKnen8HNN5lqUa-8mXl6CCnly557GMXJASpQTPlMuJ5GUbpqCFZO7x8TYOqg5Pa8llxiLV3-7QuWauxPHdY2AMCpqrN4-OGs1E0Mey96GJj/s1600/LacedGrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQP1F_7yXIy3pyaZ2Pnu3Vn1Ipt6QS6sV5aKnen8HNN5lqUa-8mXl6CCnly557GMXJASpQTPlMuJ5GUbpqCFZO7x8TYOqg5Pa8llxiLV3-7QuWauxPHdY2AMCpqrN4-OGs1E0Mey96GJj/s1600/LacedGrace.jpg" /></a><br />
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-68923295919526738142015-07-03T13:13:00.002-04:002015-07-03T13:13:23.603-04:00Today is Your Day!<div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house,… <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2019.9">Luke 19:9</a></blockquote>
<br />
The above verse in the story of Zacchaeus popped into my mind recently so I pulled out my Bible and looked it up. I read and reread the verses that told the story of Zacchaeus in <a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2019.1-10">Luke 19:1-10</a>.<br />
<br />
Zacchaeus like many others had heard about Jesus and he wanted to see him. The crowd was huge and Zacchaeus was short. However he was determined that he was going to see Jesus. He climbed a tree so he could be in position to get a glimpse of the man he had heard so much about. His efforts were rewarded and as Jesus passed by he called Zacchaeus by name and invited himself to his house for dinner.<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #333333;">I'm at Laced With Grace today. I'd love for you to stop by and read the rest of my post , </span><a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/today-is-your-day/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Today is Your Day!</span></a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQP1F_7yXIy3pyaZ2Pnu3Vn1Ipt6QS6sV5aKnen8HNN5lqUa-8mXl6CCnly557GMXJASpQTPlMuJ5GUbpqCFZO7x8TYOqg5Pa8llxiLV3-7QuWauxPHdY2AMCpqrN4-OGs1E0Mey96GJj/s1600/LacedGrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQP1F_7yXIy3pyaZ2Pnu3Vn1Ipt6QS6sV5aKnen8HNN5lqUa-8mXl6CCnly557GMXJASpQTPlMuJ5GUbpqCFZO7x8TYOqg5Pa8llxiLV3-7QuWauxPHdY2AMCpqrN4-OGs1E0Mey96GJj/s1600/LacedGrace.jpg" /></a></div>
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-92169609707230714612015-05-15T16:34:00.000-04:002015-05-15T16:34:03.382-04:00She Chose Joy<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">She lived a few houses down from me. She was often outside working in her yard or sitting on her front porch reading. We’d wave when I drove by and sometimes I’d pull over and chat with her for a few minutes. One thing I noticed in the years that we shared the same neighborhood was that she was always smiling...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Bitstream Charter, Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #333333;">I'm at Laced With Grace today. I'd love for you to stop by and read the rest of my post,</span><a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/she-chose-joy/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"> She Chose Joy</span></a><span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQP1F_7yXIy3pyaZ2Pnu3Vn1Ipt6QS6sV5aKnen8HNN5lqUa-8mXl6CCnly557GMXJASpQTPlMuJ5GUbpqCFZO7x8TYOqg5Pa8llxiLV3-7QuWauxPHdY2AMCpqrN4-OGs1E0Mey96GJj/s1600/LacedGrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQP1F_7yXIy3pyaZ2Pnu3Vn1Ipt6QS6sV5aKnen8HNN5lqUa-8mXl6CCnly557GMXJASpQTPlMuJ5GUbpqCFZO7x8TYOqg5Pa8llxiLV3-7QuWauxPHdY2AMCpqrN4-OGs1E0Mey96GJj/s1600/LacedGrace.jpg" /></a></div>
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-53872706019810995312015-05-09T14:03:00.000-04:002015-05-09T18:16:33.494-04:00A Wedding Day Poem for My Mom in Heaven<div class="MsoNormal">
It was thirteen days before my wedding. I woke up that morning and I knew something
was wrong but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I went through most of the day in a bit of a
funk and I had no idea why. I was quite
happy the day before so where had this sudden sadness come from? It wasn’t
until later that day when for no reason at all tears began to flow and the
words, I miss you, Mommy came out of my mouth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was bittersweet planning my wedding without her by my
side. I knew how excited she would have
been and the thought of her not being there on my special day hurt more deeply
than I could ever explain. I admit I cried it out that day, and wrote her a
little poem in anticipation of my wedding day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear Mommy,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today is my
wedding day, the day you always wanted to see<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your presence
would have meant the world to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You would
hug me close, with tears streaming down your face<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You’d say
through your tears, “My baby’s getting married today!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You’d gather
us all together for a time of prayer,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Your powerful
words of blessings would bring us all to tears.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Throughout the
ceremony your smile would brightly shine,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
While memories
of my childhood flowed through your mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I miss you,
Mommy you were my very best friend,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m ever so
blessed that your presence once graced my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today, I’m
sure a tear or two will flow, but I promise you, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
There will
be much laughter and dancing as we celebrate this joyous day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBMR6jn7puE/VU6G4F_hMcI/AAAAAAAABx4/lC6sDoCI4wc/s1600/wedding_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBMR6jn7puE/VU6G4F_hMcI/AAAAAAAABx4/lC6sDoCI4wc/s320/wedding_2.jpg" width="320" /></a>I love you
Mommy! Thank you for all that you’ve done<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For always
being my number one fan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I hope that
our heavenly father will let you peek down from above,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
To get a
glimpse of your baby girl and the man that she loves.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Forever your
baby,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bernadine<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
P.S Some tears did flow but they weren't by me. I think I got it out of my system before the wedding:)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Happy Heavenly Mother's Day, Mommy!Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-74607867297378838712015-04-23T15:53:00.001-04:002015-04-23T15:54:15.188-04:00Let's All Be Brave Book Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">In </span><i style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Let’s All Be Brave</span></i><span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">,
Annie’s first book for adults, Annie calls you to grab hold of the brave life
you desperately desire. Using honest and often humorous illustrations from her
own life, contemporary real-life examples, and fascinating biblical stories,
she challenges you to step into those places that require courage and
gives you the help you need to take the next step forward . . . even when it’s
scary.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #5f5f5f; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Review</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To see yourself the way God sees
you is the first step in being brave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When God tells you to be brave, he will make it work. It won’t be
perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> It won’t be easy but it will be
your story and your best story. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Annie
Downs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought I know what bravery looked like which is why I’ve
never described myself as brave, not once.
I’ve always tried to be brave, wished I was brave but never felt
particularly brave. Hence when Annie
Downs announced her book, Let’s All be Brave.
I knew I wanted to read it just to see what bravery looked like in
someone else’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I found pieces of my story in Annie’s stories of
bravery. There was a particular chapter
that I felt was written almost verbatim from my own life. It brought me to tears. I took my time reading and stopped often to
reflect on Annie’s transparent words. It
made me realize that bravery isn’t series of things that you do or even a huge
or dangerous act. We can all be brave
even as we make simple everyday decisions. Bravery can look like simply making
a concerted effort to do the hard things even when it doesn’t seem to make
sense to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>My takeaway from Annie’s book is</b>… we all have our moments of
insecurities and seemingly insurmountable mountains to overcome but if we just
take it one moment at a time, one act at a time, one day at a time… we can all
be brave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Trusting Him,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> ~Bernadine~</span>Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-18491474236173091612014-10-24T17:42:00.000-04:002014-10-24T17:42:29.166-04:00A Sister's Love<div class="MsoNormal">
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"I wonder what’s wrong with her," the perceptive older sister said as her little sister approached. "She looks as if she’s upset." And she was. It was Awards Day at her school and while she had received an award, her name had been misspelled in the booklet and left off several award categories.<br />
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When little sister reached where we were standing, her sister asked, "What's wrong, Sweetie?" She started to talk then tears started to fall. I followed as the older sister led the younger one to someplace more private and then pulled her into her arms...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I'm at Laced With Grace Today. I'd love it if you'd stop by and read the rest of my post <span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/a-sisters-love/" target="_blank">A Sister's Love</a></span></span></div>
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Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-18695889663408441702014-03-20T05:00:00.000-04:002014-03-20T05:00:10.953-04:00Fear Not<div class="MsoNormal">
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The words<em> fear not</em> jumped out at me this morning as I read 2 Kings 6:8-17.<br />
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How often have I read those words as I study the pages of my Bible over the years? God does not want us to fear, not even for a moment and he proves to us over and over again that he is always with us.<br />
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In this scripture, the King of Syria had been plotting against the King of Israel. However, Elisha the Prophet would always warn the King of Israel and he would avoid the trap of the King of Syria. When the King of Syria found out that it was Elisha who had knowledge of his plans he sent his army to fetch Elisha. When the army surrounded them Elisha’s servant was afraid. However Elisha said to him;<br />
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<strong><em>Fear not</em></strong>: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. 2 Kings 6:16 KJV (emphasis mine)</blockquote>
Are you like me…sometimes fearful? It often seems as if the obstacles that the enemy throws in your path are unsurpassable. They seem bigger than life. However, they are not bigger than God.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I'm at Laced With Grace Today. I'd love it if you'd stop by and read the rest of my post <a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/?p=13864" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #073763;">Fear Not</span></a></span></div>
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Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-60838211862215393202014-02-25T20:19:00.000-05:002014-02-25T20:34:53.956-05:00Sharing Jesus Through Writing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1eDDIrg4xc/Uw0qksN3xzI/AAAAAAAABls/CPD2btHeomQ/s1600/WomenWalkWithJesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1eDDIrg4xc/Uw0qksN3xzI/AAAAAAAABls/CPD2btHeomQ/s1600/WomenWalkWithJesus.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #37404e; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm honored to be a part
of W<i>omen Walking with Jesus</i>, a new ministry, led by </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #37404e; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lisa Shaw, a woman who loves Jesus and loves to encourage women in their walk with Him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e;">Stop by</span><b> <a href="http://lisashawcares.com/introducing-women-walking-with-jesus-2/"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Lisa Shaw Cares</span></i></a></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span><span style="color: #37404e;">to meet the diverse group of women she has brought together to share their stories of Walking with Jesus, each month. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #37404e; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We pray that our stories of walking with
Jesus will touch your heart as we share from our hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-6055500447898629922014-02-20T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-20T06:00:03.790-05:00Not Worthy to Be Counted<div class="MsoNormal">
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Do you see people the way God sees them? I’ve been meditating on that lately as I read David’s journey to becoming king in 1 Samuel 16. Sometimes we are quick to look at people with judgmental eyes based on their outward appearance.<br />
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We make snap judgments based on the way they dress, look and many other things. Even the prophet Samuel wasn’t exempted from this. When God sent Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons He took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the LORD’S anointed.<br />
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<em>He wasn’t!</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I'm at Laced With Grace Today. I'd love it if you'd stop by and read the rest of my post <a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/?p=13713"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Not Worthy to be Counted</span></a></span></div>
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Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-35757475773060103042014-01-26T11:53:00.000-05:002014-01-26T11:53:53.324-05:00Minimizing my Library<br />
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I didn’t know it would be so difficult but it was. This year I find myself having to do a
complete purging and minimizing of my belongings. I started with what I know would be the most
difficult… my books. I’m an avid
bookworm and book collector. One of my
dreams in life, for as long as I can remember, was to have my own personal library<i>. I
was well on my way</i>. Then recently came the realization that I had to let
go of a very large fraction of my books, we’re talking probably more than half.</div>
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This week, I forced myself to make the first cut. Books I’ve had, some dating back to my teenage
years, found themselves on the floor about to be given away but to whom? It was with heavy heart that I sat surrounded
by my books and in the midst of it all, I whispered a simple prayer… “<i>God you
have to find good homes for my books.”</i> I
know it seems a bit silly but it gave me a measure of peace with having to part
with my treasures.</div>
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My taste in reading is very eclectic and my library reflects
that. From the inspirational romances of
my teens, to my Left Behind Series, my Frank Peretti books, to books on Youth’s
Ministry, Sunday School, Self Help, Bible studies, Scripture based books, I
have books that covers a wide genre... I
love to read and I read books according to the mood I’m in at the moment… </div>
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I asked around and found people who were happy to take some
of the books off my hands. However, I
was overjoyed when my cousin, who lives next door to me stopped by. She and her daughters love reading so she
left with many of my novels. She and her
husband also has a new ministry so she also happily carried some of my books on
teaching Sunday School and Youth Ministry.
I told her, she was an answer to prayer because I know that the books
will continue to be used and taken care of.<br />
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As I go through the process of minimizing my library I feel
my heart getting lighter even as I give away things that I have loved and held on
to for many years. <i>Many times I hold
on to things and don’t want to let go. But I have to let go of somethings in order to get to where God wants to take me.</i> This year, I know that I have to minimize so
I choose to do it with a good attitude and joyful heart knowing that God is at
work on my behalf.</div>
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In the main time I have still have many books, some of which are pictured, waiting to go to their new homes...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56pCO1zftomwa1WWRREdkViwDejhilw4BaIOwye30oBANAnMP9XBs2QY7TxJgScqLbpcTQeZR9L7gw-pHRanxVNoVuzDlo2-Gw0z0hiDLg_GmOruSev130WU8ZvqLipaRS3sLj_dg23Fk/s1600/DSC01201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56pCO1zftomwa1WWRREdkViwDejhilw4BaIOwye30oBANAnMP9XBs2QY7TxJgScqLbpcTQeZR9L7gw-pHRanxVNoVuzDlo2-Gw0z0hiDLg_GmOruSev130WU8ZvqLipaRS3sLj_dg23Fk/s1600/DSC01201.JPG" height="200" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bag of novels for some teen girls...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">books for friends...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CEgnbtHyQc/UuU2rYg703I/AAAAAAAABhU/tzFiOYynbBI/s1600/DSC01202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CEgnbtHyQc/UuU2rYg703I/AAAAAAAABhU/tzFiOYynbBI/s1600/DSC01202.JPG" height="147" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvation Army Thrift Store</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Two of my shelves after the first cut... <br />Where was I keeping all of those books?</span></td></tr>
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In the midst of dealing with my books I got the news that
one of my favorite cousins had left this world to be with Jesus. I’m sure he had his things that he loved,
family being first of all. However in
order to gain the ultimate prize he had to let it all go. It is no longer a concern to him. He’s not thinking about his favorite possession
or anything he had in this world… absent from this body present with the Lord.
R.I.P my dear cousin.</div>
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-86610145015993149512014-01-07T04:00:00.000-05:002014-01-07T04:00:06.396-05:00The Call to Leave the Shallows<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
Somehow, no matter how many of them I experience I still get excited about beginning a new year. In this New Year I hear the call, to leave the shallow places behind and launch out into the deep places in God. The shallow places have become too comfortable. They have become an excuse for failure because there are no opportunities for success or movement. The shallows give you a valid reason to give up, wash up your net as the fishermen did in Luke 5:4-5.<br />
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<b><i><sup>4 </sup></i></b><i>When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon,</i><i> </i><i>“Push out into the deep water. Let down your nets for some fish.”</i><i> </i><b><i><sup>5 </sup></i></b><i>Simon said to Him, “Teacher, we have worked all night and we have caught nothing. But because You told me to, I will let the net down.”</i></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #333333;">I'm at Laced With Grace today. I'd love it if you stop by and read the rest of my article </span><a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/?p=13456"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>The Call to Leave the Shallows</b></span></a></div>
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-20719710388091545002013-12-10T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-10T06:00:05.079-05:00Don't Lose Your Peace<blockquote style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">
<em>Peace… it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. (Unknown)</em></blockquote>
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It had just been an hour or so earlier when I’d texted a friend that I was having a good day. A short encounter with someone shortly afterwards started to get me frustrated. A little later and another conversation with another person and I got even more frustrated. Before I knew it, my sense of peace began to dissipate. I started to feel annoyed and actually called my sister to vent about a day that had for the most part gone quite well.</div>
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<span style="color: #333333;">I'm at Laced With Grace today. I'd love it if you stop by and read the rest of my article </span><a href="http://lacedwithgrace.com/?p=13206"><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Don't Lose Your Peace</span></b></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQP1F_7yXIy3pyaZ2Pnu3Vn1Ipt6QS6sV5aKnen8HNN5lqUa-8mXl6CCnly557GMXJASpQTPlMuJ5GUbpqCFZO7x8TYOqg5Pa8llxiLV3-7QuWauxPHdY2AMCpqrN4-OGs1E0Mey96GJj/s1600/LacedGrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQP1F_7yXIy3pyaZ2Pnu3Vn1Ipt6QS6sV5aKnen8HNN5lqUa-8mXl6CCnly557GMXJASpQTPlMuJ5GUbpqCFZO7x8TYOqg5Pa8llxiLV3-7QuWauxPHdY2AMCpqrN4-OGs1E0Mey96GJj/s1600/LacedGrace.jpg" /></a></div>
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Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8610194388000787021.post-60118592644450018722013-11-26T20:15:00.001-05:002013-11-26T20:15:56.350-05:00Eve of Awakening Book Review and Giveaway<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUOnkFboKWA/UpVHVSs7IJI/AAAAAAAABgY/ApwozJxNZ98/s1600/9781629026015med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUOnkFboKWA/UpVHVSs7IJI/AAAAAAAABgY/ApwozJxNZ98/s320/9781629026015med.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Eve of Awakening is a futuristic
Christian fiction book set in the United States which is separated by class and
ideologies after the Second Civil War. Eve Pallue is the main character.
This book tells Eve’s story and chronicles her journey and changes in
thinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
Eve, an Elite Efficientist is the daughter of Arthur Pallue, the man who helped
create Life Efficiency. Life Efficiency condenses everything down to the
barest necessity to get optimal production. Efficientists even sleep in
sleepers to reduce the amount of sleep they need each night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Eve’s sleeper malfunctions one night and she suffers an awakening which almost
kills her. This experience sparks the beginning of Eve’s search for
answers as she begins to experience flashbacks of a mother she had forgotten
and a life that seemed to contradict her belief in Life Efficiency.<br />
<br />
Many interesting characters appear throughout this book to assist Eve on
her journey. From Christina who led her to Christ, to Jonah who protected
her, to Esther and Deborah who took care of her and nurtured her, there was not
a time she needed someone that God didn’t have the right person in place to
assist her in her quest for answers and finding out more about her mother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I found myself fascinated by Eve and drawn into her world as she embraced her
new life in Christ although it meant leaving behind what many may have seen as
an enviable life.<br />
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Eve’s story has an ending that satisfies my desire for closure and the tying up
of loose ends yet leaves me anticipating the next chapter in her journey…<br />
<br />
Eve of Awakening is the debut novel written by my blogging friend Alisa
Wagner. <i>Alisa is giving away a signed copy of her book Eve of
Awakening to one lucky reader.</i> If you enjoy reading Christian
fiction that has depth and meaning be sure to leave a comment. Check back next
Wednesday to see if you're the lucky reader to win a copy of Alisa’s book.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
Trusting Him,<br />
~Bernadine~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Bernadinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14409084342270680513noreply@blogger.com14