tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57774137365724399092024-03-13T08:02:17.169-07:00New BeginningsCassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-57678003012326406382013-07-04T09:45:00.000-07:002013-07-04T09:45:12.889-07:00Long Distance Grandma<br />
After ten months, I’m back from my self-imposed ‘blogcation’ and it feels a lot like coming home after a long trip. I read a friend’s post on Facebook today and was reminded that God often uses the circumstances of our lives to mold, shape, and change us whether or not we are ready to change.<br />
<br />
I’ve been thinking a lot about family lately. We raise our families and experience those bittersweet emotions when they move out (glad they’re ready, willing, and able to spread their wings, sad they’re leaving the nest and flying away). Then they begin families of their own and we are truly blessed to become grandparents.<br />
<br />
Our grandkids (GK’s) have always lived nearby. Even though their parents seem to move every year or two and we moved twice during the past nine years (since GK #1 was born), we have somehow managed to live less than 10-15 minutes from them their entire lives. We saw their tiny faces on the day they were born and have had the wonderful privilege of watching them grow up since that time.<br />
<br />
But all of that changed almost a month ago when our son-in-law moved to a different part of the state (three hours away) for a new job. It was a good move for many reasons and I am happy for them and fully supportive of the move – but that doesn’t make the transition to long distance grandma any easier. <br />
<br />
Technology is wonderful. We are grateful for Facetime and Skype but seeing your granddaughter’s little lips pressed against the screen on your iPad as she kisses the talking image of Grandma on mommy’s iPhone is just not the same as a real kiss. And watching your youngest grandsons new dance moves as he gyrates while holding the iPhone is more like a roller coaster ride than a conversation.<br />
<br />
Grandma has always been a part of their little lives (Grandpa too) and the idea of not seeing them regularly and missing so many of the daily/weekly/monthly changes that happen as they learn and grow is difficult. Some days are harder then others as I transition from playing a major role in their lives to being a less active participant (aka long distance grandma). But the one constant is my love for them. That never changes.<br />
<br />
I must admit there are still times when I ask God why He would allow this to happen when it seems we need each other so much. And there are dark days when I feel totally upset and mad at God for removing them from my life. But when I stop and think about what God is up to in all of this, there are also days that I can see the good things happening as a result of this move.<br />
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As I read His word and open my heart, I am reminded that God is always thinking about me and that no pain is wasted in His economy. He has a purpose for my life and knows the beginning from the end. I remember that He loves me (and likes me) and has only my best interest in mind. The reassurance that there is a reason for all of this pain makes my daily choice to trust Him much easier – on the good days and the bad ones.<br />
<i><br />
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, those who have been called according to his purpose.</i> ~ Romans 8:28<br />
Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-35256862283558822932012-09-22T15:03:00.000-07:002012-09-22T15:03:40.196-07:00The Piano Gathering<br />
<br />
It started out as just another routine night of walking the halls and checking doors and windows. I’m the assistant manager of an ‘over fifty-five’ senior condominium community and many nights it falls to me to check all three floors to make sure the building is secure for the evening.<br />
<br />
As I made my rounds last Saturday, I heard a group of people on the 3rd floor engaged in a sing-a-long with the karaoke machine. I stopped to listen for a minute and nodded a friendly greeting to a few familiar faces before moving on to complete my rounds.<br />
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My evening ritual of ‘closing up the building’ is part of my daily exercise routine (thanks to the many hallways and stairwells) and I usually look forward to making sure all is well in the building.<br />
<br />
But tonight was different. My husband was out of town on business for a few days and our cozy little apartment felt especially empty and quiet. I was missing him and feeling quite lonely as I made my rounds. It seemed like I was aimlessly wandering the halls – hoping to delay the inevitable return to our empty apartment and avoid a second night in solitary confinement with my lonely heart.<br />
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As I finished my rounds and returned to the third floor, I noticed the singers had migrated to the piano and were singing hymns. Over the past year, I had been invited to join them on several occasions but never had the time or desire. After all, these were people from a different generation and though I love these ‘golden-agers’ who occupy our building, I tend to avoid too much involvement and often gravitate toward ‘being friendly’ without becoming a friend.<br />
<br />
Maybe it was the empty apartment or my lonely heart, but tonight something drew me to their little group. I cautiously stepped up to the piano and listened. Before long, I found myself joining in.<br />
<br />
As we sang, I noticed an older gentleman singing with tears in his eyes. One woman sang with a beautiful smile radiating from her face and another closed her eyes and listened with an other-worldly look of pure peace and contentment on her face. Here was a group of seasoned saints from a previous generation who knew how to worship God – how to lift their voices together in joyous song and be blessed.<br />
<br />
They had no idea what a blessing they were that evening – to someone like me who was in desperate need of their joyful hymns and harmonious spirits. But God knew. It was just a little thing but the gathering at the piano was God’s way of caring for me. Who would have known that standing around a piano with a bunch of 70, 80, and 90 year-old people would be exactly what I needed? Only God.<br />
Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-48040366825477132512012-06-11T21:33:00.003-07:002012-06-27T13:48:24.793-07:00Birthday ThoughtsToday is my birthday.<br />
<br />
Sometimes on my birthday, I find myself thinking about past mistakes and things I coulda/woulda/shoulda done differently. But as I get older and hopefully wiser, I am realizing that life is not about the past but the future - and the only thing I can improve on is what I do with today, with this moment, and the next, and the next… throughout the coming year.<br />
<br />
Like most of us, I lead a full and busy life. Now that I am retired, I often wonder how I ever found time to work. I sometimes find myself with too little time at the end of the day and realize that too much of my day was filled with unimportant things – low priority items.<br />
<br />
So I am making a renewed effort to “reshuffle” my priorities and start putting first things first – reordering my life around the things that are really important to me. I want to live my daily life in a way that reflects my values. I want my relationship with Jesus, my marriage, my children and grandchildren to be the most important things in my life and I want to include work, friends, fun, and relaxation.<br />
<br />
I want to get better at accepting myself as God’s special creation and work on being OK with who I am – on the inside and on the outside. I also plan to set aside time practice good health habits so that I am able to do all the things I dream about.<br />
<br />
So this year, I intend to focus on the things that matter the most and to order my attitude, beliefs, and lifestyle in such a way that what I do truly reflects who I am. By God’s grace, I will change and grow this year and become healthier, happier, and more confident in my roles and responsibilities - as woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and child of God.<br />Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-45478188934501609352012-02-11T23:46:00.000-08:002012-02-12T08:07:39.598-08:00My Valentine StoryIt was 6:30 PM. I looked out the window for the fourth time and wondered if he looked anything like his deep, sexy, masculine phone voice. My imagination was running wild with thoughts of how he might look. His voice was all I knew – and I was about to meet the man with the sexy voice for the first time.<br />
<br />
It had started with Internet chats and emails. Then cyberspace morphed into telephone conversations with the “voice” and now I was waiting for Prince Charming to whisk me away on a romantic, creative, and highly anticipated first date. (We had become Prince Charming and Princess Cassandra in our third email exchange.)<br />
<br />
When the empty spot in my driveway disappeared, I was relieved to see that my imagination had not deceived me. The man with the sexy voice really was tall, dark, and handsome and as I answered his knock and opened the door, his warm, friendly smile made his eyes sparkle and instantly put me at ease.<br />
<br />
The dinner reservation was for 7:30 PM. As the maitre‘d led us to our table I noticed a heavy gold crown laden with colorful jewels next to the Prince Charming place card and a fragile tiara with diamonds that sparkled in the dim light next to the spot reserved for Princess Cassandra. Draped across the top of the tiara was a long-stemmed, peach colored rose (my favorite).<br />
<br />
Curt (aka Prince Charming) put on his crown, placed the delicate tiara on my head, and informed me that the crowns must be worn all evening as he kissed my hand. Other diners were staring, smiling, and failing miserably in their attempts not to appear obvious. As we finished our meal, the lady sitting at the next table tapped me on the shoulder and asked how she could get a tiara like mine. With an impish grin, I said, “Well, you have to date a Prince.”<br />
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I usually try to avoid the spotlight but that night I realized that most of the women in the restaurant were wishing they were me. Prince Charming was making sure I was the center of attention and it wasn’t so bad. In fact, I found myself enjoying it. As we stood up to leave, Curt touched my face and drew me toward him for our first kiss. I heard the collective sighs of many women throughout the room and realized I was already smitten - and the night was still young.<br />
<br />
He said we were going somewhere special for dessert. As we drove up to Portland’s world famous rose gardens, he asked about my favorite dessert (I had already told him in one of our early emails). When I said, “orange sherbert and chocolate ice cream,” he stopped at a scenic viewpoint and proceeded to dish up a bowl of my two favorite flavors from an ice chest in the trunk of the car.<br />
<br />
After dessert, he produced his guitar and led me on a short walk to a gazebo strung with hundreds of little white twinkling lights. It was breathtaking. He then proceeded to serenade me with a song he had written especially for me. I was amazed. He later told me that he realized by singing an original song on a first date that it was probably going to be a make-or-break moment. He wondered if I’d be “swooning while he was crooning” or “bailing and hailing” a taxicab.<br />
<br />
As it turned out, I did neither! Instead I fell in love on that magical night and later married the man who did indeed turn out to be my Prince Charming.<br />
<br />
And they lived happily ever after…<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7eroiJhGWZvIrwqHQBUQlGmSIHZZ1tZryiKMoOZbRvIUMYztcKTqlTSayjDS2g429u1Gmq3jgzRTcghNeF2nEwcxIgRBNq1up1Q4Wlafub-ysoY1Cjp0yyRdsFFaIvp-Qugf7nXqeo84/s1600/ILoveYou_Adoration_Lavender-vi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="190" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7eroiJhGWZvIrwqHQBUQlGmSIHZZ1tZryiKMoOZbRvIUMYztcKTqlTSayjDS2g429u1Gmq3jgzRTcghNeF2nEwcxIgRBNq1up1Q4Wlafub-ysoY1Cjp0yyRdsFFaIvp-Qugf7nXqeo84/s200/ILoveYou_Adoration_Lavender-vi.jpg" /></a></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-20882847454288905592012-01-22T18:58:00.000-08:002012-01-23T20:35:48.597-08:00New BeginningsI met my granddaughter Lily Haven for the first time on Friday. She was just a few hours old as her father placed her in my arms and I was overwhelmed with a sense of the amazing and powerful “specialness” of this new life. I felt the exact same way when I held each of her older brothers in my arms on the day they were born.<br />
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I wanted to hold her forever but realized I needed to share her so I passed her to her Grandpa. As I watched him holding her with such love on his face, I was once again reminded of how blessed I am to have a wonderful husband who loves and enjoys his grandkids as much as I do.<br />
<br />
For me, life doesn’t get much better than having grandkids that are such a big part of our daily lives. We are blessed to live close enough to see them whenever we want – which is pretty close to everyday.<br />
<br />
We stayed with our grandsons when Dad took Mom to the hospital to have Lily. On our drive to the hospital to meet their new little sister for the first time, my husband asked them about what they would say to her. After much deliberation, they both decided their first words would be “Hi” (a practical choice).<br />
<br />
As I watched each of them meet their little sister for the first time, they both forgot to say hi. The oldest just looked at her with a mildly startled look on his face. When he thought no one was looking he touched her finger. A huge smile lit up his face when she wrapped her tiny fingers around his. The younger grandson was interested in holding her. As he climbed up onto the sofa and sat down, he held out his arms to receive her. At that moment it occurred to me that this little girl would forever change her brother’s lives as they love and accept her into their family.<br />
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While Lily was being passed around among family members, I pondered the many ways all of our lives will be impacted through the birth of this little girl. I whispered a prayer of thankfulness to God for his goodness and many blessings to us.<br />
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When it was time to go our son-in-law offered to walk us all to the car. As Dad and Grandpa followed the boys down the hall, I looked back to close the door and watched my daughter holding her new daughter in her arms. She kissed her tiny hand and with a look of pure love and joy on her face, held her close. For just a moment, the past thirty years fell away and it was me holding my little girl and kissing her tiny hand with the same look of pure love and joy on my face.<br />
<br />
I gently closed her door and smiled as I once again thanked God for the miracle of new birth and all the love and blessings in my life.<br />
<br />
Life is good. God is good. Welcome, Lily. You are loved.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKSBqa6GyZ6KsfBWvF9sRzUedmjFQDRm9kbLp92dgbfoZqjB7YQTOyJbUZY7NUvVWC-5l0qkmIr1Q9clBdo50JtZGxaATfnMG2tZ4gQH8mZ5VQ7qYOyd8xIh5-mHV4KA_9BNuKEPk_QZ2/s1600/2+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKSBqa6GyZ6KsfBWvF9sRzUedmjFQDRm9kbLp92dgbfoZqjB7YQTOyJbUZY7NUvVWC-5l0qkmIr1Q9clBdo50JtZGxaATfnMG2tZ4gQH8mZ5VQ7qYOyd8xIh5-mHV4KA_9BNuKEPk_QZ2/s200/2+photo.JPG" /></a></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-85058020972438070202011-12-24T14:32:00.000-08:002011-12-24T14:32:28.398-08:00Does God Know Santa?“Does God know Santa?” my eight year-old grandson asked? The pressure was on. He still believes in Santa Claus and since God made everything and everyone and knows us all by name, I couldn’t say no.<br />
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I sent a quick prayer heavenward and asked for wisdom. Then I took a deep breath and… (wait for it), I told him, “Of course God knows Santa. He knows and loves everybody.” This seemed to satisfy his curiosity for the moment.<br />
<br />
The childlike wonder and magical “specialness” of Christmas led to other questions about God and a chance to discuss the real reason for Christmas – the baby Jesus who was sent to earth by God as his special gift to us. We spent twenty minutes talking about the Christ child and God’s love for us. It was a special time for me to see his young heart so open to the true message of Christmas.<br />
<br />
He was fascinated by the story of baby Jesus and the celebration of his birth in a stable and his bed of straw in a manger. The story of the wonderful angels who lit up the night sky proclaiming wonderful news to the shepherds in nearby fields evoked a number of questions. As I answered them, I began to see Christmas through the eyes of a child for whom the wonder of God’s son sent to earth as a grand and glorious gift to all of mankind is profound.<br />
<br />
By the end of our conversation he was a little closer to understanding the true meaning and real “magic” of Christmas – after all they don’t call it Santa-mas, do they?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XP0rMkB9XFGEupiLa8hfRZkRxuu_gHpVTzakkh5cJMRlMLP3ZawApfkT-PiNAUcl6BkFpNPdCUB11p5WB-Ldcwx-b3B3b17ZXc1_BqsdlgXSiRLgu0St8Q2KiZw9F7ZG8Uy36arCS5Hd/s1600/008_Untitled6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="158" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XP0rMkB9XFGEupiLa8hfRZkRxuu_gHpVTzakkh5cJMRlMLP3ZawApfkT-PiNAUcl6BkFpNPdCUB11p5WB-Ldcwx-b3B3b17ZXc1_BqsdlgXSiRLgu0St8Q2KiZw9F7ZG8Uy36arCS5Hd/s200/008_Untitled6.jpg" /></a></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-29146987714293055632011-12-08T13:43:00.000-08:002011-12-08T13:48:33.806-08:00Unusable DecorationsI usually love decorating for the Christmas season. But this year as I sorted my way through boxes of decorations - trying to decide which ones would fit in our tiny, new condominium and which ones would be left in the boxes, sadness and a deep longing to return to our large home in the country overwhelmed me.<br />
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I missed our huge Christmas tree and windows filled with Yuletide greenery and candles. I remembered the tiny, white lights spread out over a cascade of greenery atop our piano and the colorful outdoors lights that framed our house and deck. I yearned for that “Home for the Holidays” feeling and wanted to celebrate the way we always had in the past. But the mounting stacks of boxes filled with unusable decorations with no place to be displayed reminded me in no uncertain terms of my new reality.<br />
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Willingly tumbling into a downward spiral of negative emotions, I started imagining that everything good about the Christmas season would now be gone forever. I recalled the simple Christmas traditions of wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, sipping hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows, and exchanging gifts with family and friends. I pictured the precious smile on my grandson’s face as he plunged cookie cutters into the dough while making Christmas cookies with me in my old kitchen. I remembered the fun we had baking and decorating them and the simple pleasure of sharing a few cookies with him along the way.<br />
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My self-pity grew to resentment as my husband brought in box after box of unusable Christmas treasures and I continued to convince myself that I would never again experience another precious Christmas memory in this dreary little condo. How could Christmas be special here with little to no room for my seemingly endless treasure trove of decorations?<br />
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I needed to do something, anything to take my mind off the resentment I felt for not being able to use all of my Christmas decorations. Unbeknownst to me, in the midst of my selfish attitude, God was already at work – preparing to answer the unspoken prayer of my heart.<br />
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I walked out of our tiny, dreary condo and headed down the hall toward the elevator. As I entered the third floor lobby I noticed someone else walking toward the elevators. We struck up a conversation and I learned that she was in charge of the decorations for the building and was looking for someone to decorate the third floor. Before I knew it, I was the newly-appointed volunteer in charge of decorating the entire third floor of our building for Christmas.<br />
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While my newfound friend was overjoyed at finding such a willing volunteer, I was beginning to realize that God was once again at work in my life. After my new friend finished showing me where all of the seasonal decorations were stored I hurried back to our little condo with a heart full of joy, excitement, and a childlike anticipation of Christmas cheer. I now had a plan for those stacked boxes of unusable Christmas decorations.<br />
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I dove into the stack of boxes again and after a long session of sorting, arranging, re-sorting, and re-arranging, I was ready to decorate the third floor. An angel with golden wings now presides over the coffee table near the double doors. My special glass vase sits atop the grand piano in the lobby surrounded by a gorgeous display of holiday greenery laced with tiny, white lights. A beautiful Christmas swag accented with rich, red candles adorns the mantle over the fireplace and the windows are filled with greenery and flowers. A holiday garland bedazzled with a shimmering assortment of Christmas decorations offers a festive greeting to residents as they step off the elevator. The unusable decorations transformed the third floor lobby into a beautiful tribute to the Christmas season.<br />
<br />
As I decorated this huge common area and the lobby began to sparkle and shine with the joy of the season, a miraculous change took place in my heart. My attitude began to sparkle and shine as my bitterness and resentment were replaced by a deep sense of joy and peace. The tidings of comfort and joy we sing about filled my heart.<br />
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I asked God to forgive me for my attitude of selfishness and resentment and thanked him for providing a way to share special Christmas treasures that mean so much to me with the other residents in the building. As I continued to fine tune the Christmas décor throughout the week, a number of people commented on how pretty everything looked and what a great job had been done on this arrangement or that display.<br />
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So in addition to being able to use all of my Christmas decorations, God also allowed me to share my joy with others. The sense of joy and appreciation I see in their smiles and hear in their comments is something I never would have experienced in the big, old house where we used to live – and for this I am grateful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4_EXkdIJQYEq5rnGsFGcf6NsiX5or7flp0b5J45GAgMqPaeuctvjNVaRsiQ4T1FNITt_VaQPM0cqc9Ch7GteKDXbj7OIkB59bnASX_cp7fa-KE7iSognuK0pt7gV-F_OJmvmEfeSUQ9l/s1600/GlitCmasFrTempNativityCB%257ERT%257E8788.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="274" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4_EXkdIJQYEq5rnGsFGcf6NsiX5or7flp0b5J45GAgMqPaeuctvjNVaRsiQ4T1FNITt_VaQPM0cqc9Ch7GteKDXbj7OIkB59bnASX_cp7fa-KE7iSognuK0pt7gV-F_OJmvmEfeSUQ9l/s320/GlitCmasFrTempNativityCB%257ERT%257E8788.gif" /></a></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-91680340933649393562011-11-22T17:28:00.000-08:002011-11-22T17:28:33.109-08:00The Struggle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-mQNFfBuD4zHgUGSUc8y5nitG5N7WryrUyU-nIQeH8fydyJ7-0DmqNzraUx3JLBSgaIoapmQQoffpo-9KJYlaUTUoQBMI9YnvtHjAFABe7j53UoGnfIvWVU3QGDrXWkiYZOByDijWy8s/s1600/Blanks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-mQNFfBuD4zHgUGSUc8y5nitG5N7WryrUyU-nIQeH8fydyJ7-0DmqNzraUx3JLBSgaIoapmQQoffpo-9KJYlaUTUoQBMI9YnvtHjAFABe7j53UoGnfIvWVU3QGDrXWkiYZOByDijWy8s/s320/Blanks.gif" /></a></div><br />
Always be joyful. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18<br />
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For years I struggled to understand these verses. How could God expect us to be thankful for everything (all circumstances) in our lives? Being thankful for the good things in my life made perfect sense – but being thankful for the bad things? No way!<br />
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I could never imagine saying, “Thank you, God that I am sick today” or “Thank you that my car broke down on the freeway.” On a more profound note, I have never been thankful that my oldest son was killed in a car accident when he was eighteen.<br />
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Then I took a closer look. God didn’t say to give thanks “for” all circumstances. He asked us to be thankful “in” all circumstances. I think this passage is encouraging us to find the joy of living in the midst of life’s pain and disappointments. God wants us to keep on trusting him and praying in spite of the difficulties and disillusionment we often face. We must thank him for taking us through the darkness while we are still going through it.<br />
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Look for the silver lining. Find and believe in the blessings that are hidden in even the most difficult circumstances. God didn’t promise that life would be easy. He never said we wouldn’t experience bad things, hard times, or devastating circumstances. But he did say he would be with us and never forsake us and for that we can be thankful.<br />
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If I can believe that God loves me enough to send his only son to pay the death penalty for my sin, surely I can have faith that he has my best interest in mind no matter what circumstances I am experiencing. If nothing else, I can be thankful that one day my trials will end and I will spend eternity with the God who loves me more than I know or understand.<br />
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Always be joyful. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-53949103882018455132011-10-16T11:01:00.000-07:002011-10-16T11:01:13.276-07:00A Wedding Tale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHzO8BqxzV7KQZzHnlhYCCceFB9APxaAE14K_EjWQoXP1VBywL0X-AU0BMQLpf3Mmj5l7ObpxpvWBvnGbRCBKyspdbyPz4qw1nwm1ui5TeyQegE-JUCI37Ixt8AAOw8eH4JFEUO_OhM60/s1600/296651_2473126597485_1532028951_32668371_1590328612_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="212" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHzO8BqxzV7KQZzHnlhYCCceFB9APxaAE14K_EjWQoXP1VBywL0X-AU0BMQLpf3Mmj5l7ObpxpvWBvnGbRCBKyspdbyPz4qw1nwm1ui5TeyQegE-JUCI37Ixt8AAOw8eH4JFEUO_OhM60/s320/296651_2473126597485_1532028951_32668371_1590328612_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The entire wedding party disappeared with the photographer immediately after the ceremony and I followed the crowd to begin that (often much too long) break where wedding guests mill around the reception hall munching on mixed nuts and making small talk until the bride and groom return with their attendants to get the party started. But then something great happened - something I had never experienced before.<br />
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The lights dimmed and a larger-than-life image of my niece joscelyn and fiancé-now-husband Wade appeared on the huge video screen behind the head table. The casually dressed couple extended a pre-recorded video welcome, an explanation of what they were up to at the moment, and an explanation of how the evening would unfold. <br />
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After the opening comments, an entertaining and well produced video clip chronicled the high (and low) points of their entire relationship – from their first date on through a number of romantic milestones and comical episodes in their growing love story. The grand finale was a complete video reenactment of Wades very romantic and highly creative proposal to my niece, complete with commentary from the happy couple as to what they were thinking and feeling as events unfolded. <br />
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As the video played, I was impressed with the sincerity of my new nephew’s love for my beautiful niece. Much time, thought, and effort went into making their engagement day special and memorable for both of them. This theme of fun and creativity continued up to and throughout the day of their wedding, which was filled to the brim with much love and laughter.<br />
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The deep and growing love these two young people share for each other and for God was obvious and ever present throughout the entire wedding celebration.<br />
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o From the words spoken by the bride and groom about their abiding love for each other to their joyful and solemn vows of commitment to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives…<br />
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o From the meaningful and powerful counsel of the groom’s older brother who officiated the ceremony to the spoken blessings from both of the happy couple’s fathers…<br />
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o From the countless endearing and heartfelt comments of family and friends – especially a particularly poignant toast by the bride’s younger sister Allison.<br />
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God was honored, Christ was central, and true love was celebrated.<br />
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Endnote:<br />
The wedding was incredible. The reception was full of fun and memorable moments. Late in the evening, while my niece and new nephew changed their clothes, hundreds of guests were handed sparklers (instead of rice) and asked to form two long lines - from the reception hall to the double doors leading outside. As the happy couple paraded their way down the sparkler-illumined pathway through the dark night air that was filled with encouraging shouts and cheers from the human hallway, they ran to a waiting helicopter that had just landed nearby – a helicopter my niece knew nothing about until that moment. As they flew off into the night sky, I realized that in every way possible, the “how to do a wedding” bar was raised to new heights that day (literally).<br />
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Congratulations, Wade and Joscelyn. May the love, beauty, fun, creativity, and adventure of your wedding day be a fitting prelude to married life. May God richly bless you both as you begin your new life together. Here’s to a future of unlimited possibilities and God-sized dreams. The best is yet to come!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U5Nm389WfLV-MX-Tt_j0DTeu_alMGHBMnNCWau1kIq9QlsMwibUxj0D5tBdebpOUxfy9qnIg-CJ4quJgWrOrQedo7P8e1NuikXVaapPIPITfy0vAEcafk4SEbNyu9T1a56KyGRlsbgBp/s1600/296229_2473112597135_1532028951_32668299_1108948766_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="212" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U5Nm389WfLV-MX-Tt_j0DTeu_alMGHBMnNCWau1kIq9QlsMwibUxj0D5tBdebpOUxfy9qnIg-CJ4quJgWrOrQedo7P8e1NuikXVaapPIPITfy0vAEcafk4SEbNyu9T1a56KyGRlsbgBp/s320/296229_2473112597135_1532028951_32668299_1108948766_n.jpg" /></a></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-89893683052062736372011-08-15T10:33:00.000-07:002011-08-15T10:33:54.370-07:00On A Clear Day You Can See ForeverI attended a wedding recently. On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, I ventured out on a beautiful drive to Pacific City with my husband and mother-in-law to witness one of our favorite niece’s wedding celebration. The setting was idyllic, the weather was perfect, and the wedding was beautiful. End of story… (Well, not quite).<br />
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Wendy and her new husband Jeremiah (Miah) met about two years ago and many of us knew from the start that he was the one for her. They both have an amazing love for the outdoors and for things that go fast. Wendy’s 5-year old son Noah bonded quickly and deeply with Jeremiah while Wendy and Miah’s love and respect for each other grew in leaps and bounds from the start.<br />
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Wendy is an “outdoor” girl who has always chosen comfort over style when it comes to fashion. A sweatshirt and jeans was about as dressed up as I’d ever seen her. Imagine my surprise when an elegant and beautiful bride dressed in satin and lace with her hair done in cascading ringlets began her walk down the aisle to meet her future husband.<br />
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As I often do at weddings, I sneaked a peek at the groom while the beautiful bride was making her way down the aisle. I was not surprised to see a huge smile on Miah’s face as he wiped a tear from his eye.<br />
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The wedding was very much a family affair with sister, cousins, brothers, and friends making up the wedding party. The flower girls were adorable. The ring bearers (one of which was Wendy’s son Noah) were so handsome and cute you just wanted to reach out and squeeze them. There were a few unique and non-traditional twists in the ceremony that were creative, fun, authentic, and endearing. The entire event was a joyful celebration of love and commitment, surrounded by family and friends.<br />
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I found myself wondering if Jesus did his first miracle at a wedding as a trailer for the blockbuster release of Heaven – as an appetizer for the wedding feast to come. Those of us who know God through faith in Christ will all be in heaven someday - surrounded by family and friends, brothers and sisters in Christ who believe the good news that Jesus is the way to God and life eternal.<br />
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I know Wendy and Miah believe this and will pass this heritage of eternal life on to Noah and their new daughter, Jaycee. What a blessing to know that deep, abiding fellowship and joyful celebration not unlike Wendy and Miah’s special day in Pacific City will be never ending in Gods eternal kingdom.<br />
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Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-81646871022954141282011-07-22T14:50:00.000-07:002011-07-22T14:50:00.722-07:00Life's Little SurprisesLife catches us all by surprise at times - the ringing of the phone in the middle of the night; a chance meeting with an old friend you haven’t seen in years; an unanticipated layoff; an unplanned pregnancy when you thought you were finished. And the list goes on.<br />
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It’s a mixed bag. Some of life’s surprises are good while others are difficult and challenging, leading to hard times or seasons of great uncertainty. A life full of surprises (good and bad) is to be expected. It’s part of what makes life worth living.<br />
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But when it comes to the “bad” surprises of life – the difficult, challenging, heartbreaking ones, the key to living a life of peace in the midst of the storm lies in our power to choose how we will react to life’s surprises. Panic is not a requirement.<br />
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If you are a Christian, the one constant and unchanging thing in your life is Jesus. He never changes and is always with us through the surprises of life - good or bad. He is our source of peace, refuge, and comfort in the bad times as well as and the giver of all things good in our lives.<br />
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So if life has caught you by surprise today (good or bad) remember to turn to God for help through the bad surprises of life and to thank Him for the good ones.<br />
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-41042214564620195092011-06-25T06:46:00.000-07:002011-06-25T06:46:25.205-07:00Bumpy Roads of LifeFour mornings a week I go to our local aquatic center to work out and swim. Because I am an early riser, I usually try to get there by 5:30 AM when they open.<br />
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I am a little nervous about driving in the dark anyway - so I am extra careful when I drive the three short miles to the pool. I have driven the road enough times that I am familiar with the possible hazards I could encounter. I always choose the well-lighted route and am extra careful when driving on darker streets that have rough patches and bumps in the road.<br />
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As I was heading to the pool this morning I thought about how God often lights our way and steers us through the dark places. And how he sometimes allows rough patches and bumps in our lives to help us learn what he wants us to know or to help us to grow in our faith.<br />
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Have you come to a dark place, a rough patch, or a bump in the road in your life? Remember that our light and our hope is in Christ. Trust him today to take you through it.<br />
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Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. ~ Psalm 119:105Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-91485825201569430792011-05-19T14:13:00.001-07:002011-05-19T14:13:45.268-07:00The Reunion“She was just as I remembered – cool, confident, and possessing an easiness with people that made them feel at ease right away. I couldn’t believe it had been nine years since I last saw her. In many ways, it seemed like yesterday.<br />
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Out of everyone I reconnected with that day, she was the one who had changed the least. A strong, powerful, charismatic woman with a “take charge” personality, she never seemed afraid to speak her mind and say what needed to be said. You could always count on her to make things happen.”<br />
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Nearly a decade ago, I spent eight years of my life in production work for an industrial bakery. I was part of an assembly-line team that packed, wrapped, and shipped over a million cookies to the uttermost parts of the world every day. People that know me and follow my blog are often surprised to learn that I was a card carrying union member during these years. The occasion for this reunion was unique – an enterprising retiree organized a reunion tour and lunch event for past employees of the plant.<br />
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Many of my ex-coworkers arrived at the huge cookie factory and the grand tour began. We walked the same halls, crossed the same floor, and passed by the same machines we had operated for so many years – but everything was different because it was no longer our plant. It was no longer me packing the cookies that flowed down the line from the industrial ovens like a controlled river. It was no longer me visiting with the ladies on the line - coworkers that became friends over time as we worked side by side day after day for weeks, months, and years of our lives.<br />
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I saw the young man I had trained from his first day at the plant. None of us thought he would ever learn to pack, but when the production manager suggested we fire him. I recommended that we give him another week. Nine years later, he is still there – packing cookies like a pro. I greeted the feisty woman who is rough, tough, and gruff on the outside. Her harsh personality is a thick veneer that hides a secret treasure that very few of us know about – a heart of gold. The list of people who touched and impacted my life grew longer as the event continued.<br />
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Powerful memories of my love-hate relationship with this place and the people who worked there flooded my mind and surged through my heart, immersing me in a swirling gush of mixed emotions. I wanted to smile, laugh, and cry all at once. Strange as it may sound, I loved packing cookies.<br />
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The tour went well and it was fun to reconnect with people. Then we all went to lunch at a local pizza parlor for a chance to “catch up” and learn how life has changed for so many of us. Stories and picture of children and grandchildren filled the room. Conversations about who was missing from the gathering were popular. I learned that the funny woman with the great sense of humor who knew how to make us laugh and the sweet, kind-hearted single mom who was loved by most and liked by all had recently died.<br />
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Then the treasured old-timers who had the longest careers were featured as our event coordinator facilitated discussion and elicited stories of what they have been doing since retirement. Their stories and snapshots of life gave me a sense of who they are and reminded me that life is precious and meaningful no matter what season of life you are in.<br />
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We heard stories of fifty-year wedding anniversaries and terminated marriages. Some people were flourishing in retirement while others were struggling to adjust to life outside the plant. One woman led with her sense of humor and a few people seemed defeated – beaten down by life with little to no hope or joy in their life.<br />
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As I observed these cookie industry alumni and listened to the stories of their lives, I was filled with a sense of gratitude and recognized that I am fully known and fully loved by a God who has forgiven my sins and past mistakes and healed my shame. He loves and accepts me just as I am – warts and all. I am blessed with a husband and family who fill my life with joy and meaning.<br />
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And today, in a huge cookie factory, I was reminded of the enduring value and great blessing of friendship.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-37490849650761882792011-04-22T20:51:00.000-07:002011-04-22T20:56:15.307-07:00He AroseLow in the grave he lay, Jesus my Savior, <br />
waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord! <br />
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Up from the grave he arose; <br />
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; <br />
he arose a victor from the dark domain, <br />
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign. <br />
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!<br />
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Vainly they watch his bed, Jesus my Savior, <br />
vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord! <br />
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Up from the grave he arose; <br />
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; <br />
he arose a victor from the dark domain, <br />
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign. <br />
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!<br />
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Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior; <br />
he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! <br />
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Up from the grave he arose; <br />
with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; <br />
he arose a victor from the dark domain, <br />
and he lives forever, with his saints to reign. <br />
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!<br />
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Music and words by Robert Lowry<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgUO8i-L1lbSZ6oP1feDv21X4Vrh7X006y0Qo2OMlwlhYlNS3h4h3DH_oqENLsRahbEBFZ6uJAkJ9ZaOuUi3wF1bl9XAtTjwjy9hd5eeCL49lPMfkiAwliJiyQqjAtbp0jnhNM__0EOLf/s1600/easter-empty-tomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="234" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgUO8i-L1lbSZ6oP1feDv21X4Vrh7X006y0Qo2OMlwlhYlNS3h4h3DH_oqENLsRahbEBFZ6uJAkJ9ZaOuUi3wF1bl9XAtTjwjy9hd5eeCL49lPMfkiAwliJiyQqjAtbp0jnhNM__0EOLf/s320/easter-empty-tomb.jpg" /></a></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-45710070994240336532011-03-27T18:50:00.000-07:002011-03-27T18:50:01.306-07:00Once Upon a TimeThe bride wore an antique lace dress with a perfectly cut mid-calf hemline. Her long brown hair was pulled back with tiny jeweled pins creating a cascade of ringlets that bounced and flowed down her back. Her face was flush with the excitement of the moment and her eyes sparkled with joy as she started down the aisle to meet the love of her life waiting at the altar to make her his bride. She was beautiful.<br />
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The groom was equally impressive. Dressed in dark slacks and a white shirt and tie he stood six feet tall with long, straight dark hair that parted in the middle framing his rugged, handsome face. His blue eyes were fixed on the vision in lace walking toward him and a smile lit up his face.<br />
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It was at that moment that I sensed the pure magic of this moment.<br />
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The brother of the bride escorted his soon to be married sister down the aisle on his right arm. Cradled in his left arm was a sleeping infant. Huh? What! Hold on a minute! Did you say sleeping infant? Now that’s something different (and you thought this was going to be your typical fairy tale, happily ever after wedding).<br />
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Wrong! There is nothing even remotely typical about this couple and the story that led them up to this moment. You see, this is my nephew Joe, who, if you have been following my blog, you met in an earlier post, ( Dec. 30, 2009) and my niece by marriage, Amanda.<br />
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From a desperate life of drug addiction, hopelessness, homelessness, death, and despair, this couple by the grace of God, experienced an about face “turnaround” in their lives (and the lives of their two boys) that is nothing short of miraculous. In the process of this transformational life overhaul, they have touched the lives of many other people –many of whom filled the wedding chapel to capacity.<br />
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So clearly this was not your typical wedding. Rather, it was a milestone of celebration in a relationship that has seen lower lows and higher highs than most of us can even imagine. This special wedding day was 18 years in the making - with a lot of pain, loss, and heartache along the way.<br />
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The truth be told, these two didn’t stand a chance of making it and many times over the years, I was quite sure they wouldn’t. But God had other plans. He used their unique circumstances to radically alter the course of their lives and to significantly impact the lives of many other people from all walks of life (as was evidenced by the diverse backgrounds and lifestyles of the people who attended this wedding celebration.<br />
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It’s amazing what God can do with a life that is yielded up to Him – and congratulations to Joe, Amanda, and their boys (Chris and Zack). We’re proud of you! May God’s richest blessings bring you great joy, meaning, purpose, and fulfillment as you continue to live, love, laugh, learn, and leave a legacy for those whose lives you inspire.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiZzelg7qJGgHYPGlIDzJSuRP-EWIZmiiByNZpgJzkLNgttDz8Nm3C7-VWooXRShALX8OWcy1FawLxilfy3Hwpmu5arrip8ny-ayjkFhTUdkEpK86CPH4QlBpD_Vl5zfpWwxd9prIKGeB/s1600/Joe+and+Amanda+wedding+2011+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiZzelg7qJGgHYPGlIDzJSuRP-EWIZmiiByNZpgJzkLNgttDz8Nm3C7-VWooXRShALX8OWcy1FawLxilfy3Hwpmu5arrip8ny-ayjkFhTUdkEpK86CPH4QlBpD_Vl5zfpWwxd9prIKGeB/s320/Joe+and+Amanda+wedding+2011+048.jpg" /></a></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-29432932290550170842011-02-01T15:33:00.000-08:002011-02-01T15:33:27.952-08:00Big Faith, Big ResultsMy husband Curt is a wonderful man. (If you don’t believe me, just ask him.) He is a strong and courageous man of great faith and strong character and God is as real to him as breathing.<br />
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As a lifelong entrepreneur and business owner with a heart for ministry, Curt loves to start things from scratch and transform ideas and visions into reality. Over the years nearly four dozen new business and ministry start ups (47) have benefited from Curt’s visionary leadership. With few exceptions, God’s blessing on Curt’s many endeavors has led to financial success and the time freedom and flexibility that passive income produces.<br />
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The last few years have been an exception – not that God’s blessing has been removed but that God’s blessing has not led to financial success. In fact, the last few years have been filled with many good ideas that didn’t work (at least not yet). And financially, these have been the most difficult years we have ever known. But I wouldn’t trade them for anything.<br />
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About two and a half years ago, Curt and I both felt God leading us to have Curt surrender some licenses that provided us with $90,000 to $100,000 a year in passive income from a business he built in the mid-nineties. We pulled the plug on that income stream in September 2008 and Curt was excited to venture into new areas and master new skills. But the amount of extreme difficulty and long delay in these endeavors has been unlike anything we have ever experienced.<br />
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I can only stand back and marvel as I see God’s hand upon Curt and observe the unwavering faith that continues to sustain him through a seemingly unending stream of setbacks and challenges. After thirty long months of struggle, some of his ventures are finally coming together and the possibility of actually generating enough profit to create an income seems to be just around the corner.<br />
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I know that he is grateful that we are getting close to profitability and will be excited when our financial situation improves. But as I observe Curt’s life and faith, I realize that it’s not about the money. It’s about the people in his life and the powerful ways God uses my husband to influence them. God’s blessing on Curt’s life flows out of his willingness to be used by God in the lives of others.<br />
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We have a friend who’s business was in disarray when he asked Curt to step in and “take the reins” in an effort to turn his businesses around. After nine months, the business is stabilized and growing. But the bigger news has been the way God has used Curt to bring this man closer to God and to radically alter his life and lifestyle. Curt is now mentoring him in business (and in life) and they have become close friends. Curt even performed his wedding recently.<br />
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Last spring Curt sensed God leading him to the owner of the gym where he works out. Without knowing why (or if he would be laughed out of town), he walked up to her, shared a bit of his background in business, and asked if he could help with anything. After a few smaller projects, they found a way to work together and her business is now beginning to flourish and they recently even made an offer on a second location.<br />
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But the bigger news is that she felt stuck and had been praying for a way to either grow or leave the business she once loved. She recently told Curt that she believes he is God’s answer to her prayers of quiet desperation. How cool is that?<br />
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Because Curt’s faith in God is so big and so real, he chooses every day to let go of his fears and doubts about the future and simply trusts that God will continue to provide for us and meet our needs (something I struggle with from time to time). As a result, God uses him mightily in the lives of others.<br />
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Even a little faith produces results but big faith produces big results – and huge blessings for everyone involved.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-42868065803832359742011-01-16T08:44:00.000-08:002011-01-16T08:44:45.385-08:00No CracksA cracked foundation is no laughing matter. We’ve been dealing with one recently.<br />
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My grandson is seven years old and one of his favorite Christmas gifts was a large and extravagant Legos castle. With his dad’s help, he assembled this spectacular edifice in less than a week. He was proud of his masterpiece and we were impressed with the quality of his work.<br />
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Then came the post-Christmas “let’s get the house back in order” day when it was time to move his masterpiece from the front room to his bedroom. He prepared for this castle relocation project by carefully placing the structure in a box. During the move he dropped the box and after hours and days of hard work, his masterpiece crumbled to pieces in an instant.<br />
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Fighting back tears, he placed the box of broken pieces at my feet and asked for help. I am not a structural engineer by any stretch of the imagination and fixing things is not high on my list of life skills. He was hoping that his grandma could repair the damage and restore his creation. I was quite confident I would not be much help at all.<br />
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So I did the one thing I knew I was good at - I sat down beside him on the floor and gave him a big hug. Then something interesting happened. As I held him in my arms, I looked at the largest chunk of the broken Lego castle and noticed a crack on the far side of the floor piece and it occurred to me that this cracked foundation was the primary source of the problem.<br />
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I reconnected the broken floor piece to the rest of the foundation and suddenly realized that for the most part, the castle had simply broken in two. Once the crack was repaired and the foundation was back in place, it was easy to see how everything else fit into place. My grandson’s castle creation was restored to its original beauty in less than 10 minutes.<br />
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The obvious moral of this life lesson is that once the foundation is restored, the rest of the pieces fall into place. As I explained what had happened and how important it is to start with a good foundation, I heard God’s still small voice talking to me.<br />
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I was suddenly aware of my recent struggle with feeling that my life is falling apart – that huge parts of my life are crumbling and things I’ve been comfortable with for years lay in pieces on the floor. I realized it was time for a foundation inspection – time to discover any cracks in the foundation of my relationship with God. I remembered that unless I repair these cracks and reconnect to my rock solid foundation everyday, the broken pieces of my life will remain in a shattered state of “unfixable” chaos.<br />
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As is often the case, God used my seven year old grandson to teach me the lesson I was trying to teach him. Here’s to a rock solid foundation with no cracks in 2011.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-34880460954528313502010-12-31T20:19:00.000-08:002010-12-31T20:22:41.017-08:00Making a Difference in 2011I love the week between Christmas and New Years Day. I love the fresh start, clean slate, second chance, new season, do-over feeling that New Year expectations bring. The start of another year is definitely the time for New Beginnings.<br />
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I’ve been thinking about how to make a difference in 2011 . How about you? Are you looking for anything more or different in any area of your life in 2011? Do you want to be the same person you were in 2010 or do you want to learn and grow and change? Do you desire to have, to do, and to be something more – someone better? I know I do.<br />
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My husband is a goal setter and planner. There are three things I’ve learned from him…<br />
Going with the flow will always take you downstream.<br />
A pile of lumber in the yard never becomes a house.<br />
Nothing will change in my life until I change.<br />
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In other words, 2011 will only be a great year if we decide today to make it so. All the potential in the world won’t make it so. Wanting it more than we’ve ever wanted anything won’t make it so.<br />
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The only way to make 2011 count is…<br />
An intentional decision to possess, accomplish or become something more, something different, or something better.<br />
Specific goals by which changes can and will be measured.<br />
Clear and definitive written plans to reach the goals and<br />
A commitment to immediate and continuing action to execute that plan starting today.<br />
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Here are five prerequisites that will keep us on track as we dream, set goals, and plan for 2011.<br />
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First… Ask God what he wants from you.<br />
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<i>I urge you therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. ~ Romans 12:1</i><br />
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Present yourself to God in prayer. Ask him what he wants from you this year. God speaks most clearly to those who are ready to listen. Usually, we must commit to obey before God will speak.<br />
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Second… Pay attention to who God created you to be.<br />
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For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place – when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. ~ Psalm 139:13-16</i><br />
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God knows everything about us; more than we know about ourselves. Ask him to help you discover the specific purposes for which he has hard-wired you. We all love and serve God best by loving and serving people. But each of us are created and called to do it differently. Pay attention to the blueprint of how God has uniquely shaped you for loving and serving people.<br />
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Third… Remove the obstacles before you begin.<br />
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<i>Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ~ Hebrews 12:1</i><br />
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You know your weak spots. Take steps to eliminate them. Get creative. Think outside the box. Don’t set impossible goals and don’t ignore the things that you already know will hinder and encumber you. Keep it real. Ask for help.<br />
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Fourth… Commit fully and engage immediately.<br />
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Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. ~ Ecclesiastes 9:10</i><br />
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Say what you will do and do what you say. Make a commitment and get started. Conditions will never be perfect. A good plan aggressively executed today is better than a perfect plan executed sometime next week.<br />
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Fifth… Stand strong against the fear of failure.<br />
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<i>Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9</i><br />
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The fear of failure keeps many people from starting. Fear is a powerful foe. Don’t let it stop you. The essence of courage is feeling the fear and moving forward in spite of it. Besides, failing is not failure. Not trying is the only true failure. I like my husband’s motto, “If you’re going to go down, go down in flames.”<br />
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2011 will not be a great year just because we want it to be great. Don’t let the clock strike midnight tonight without completing your plan to make a difference in 2011.<br />
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Happy New Year and may God Bless each of you.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-64905824993245723742010-12-24T21:54:00.000-08:002010-12-24T21:54:58.422-08:00The NativityThe Christmas tree is perfect. Colorful lights hang from the eaves and sparkle merrily from the trees in our yard. There is a small choir of blow up snowmen caroling near the deck next to an animated reindeer. A row of super-sized candy canes lines the sidewalk and magically illumines the path for Santa to make his way to our house.<br />
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I love Christmas decorations – especially the kind that light up when you plug them in and this wonderfully creative homage to the traditions of Christmas makes me happy. But as I step back and survey our winter wonderland display, I notice that something is terribly wrong with this picture. Something’s missing.<br />
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Where is the nativity? How does baby Jesus fit into all of this? Is there still a place for the Christ child of Christmas who is after all, the reason for the season? Why is the hope of a hopeless world missing from his “holy day” celebration? If Immanuel means “God with us,” where is he? In the profound words of a seven year-old boy visiting Santa at the mall, “Where’s the line for Jesus?”<br />
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As I pondered these questions, I realized that none of us are immune from the powerful influence of the world in which we live. We are often unaware of our tendency to avoid “politically incorrect” references to God, Jesus, and all things religious – even at Christmas. And that’s what is wrong with this picture.<br />
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God sent his only son to earth to reconcile us to himself and provide salvation from the penalty of sin to those who had rejected him (you and me). Jesus Christ, the Son of God was born of a virgin and entered our world as a tiny babe with no place to lay his head but on a bed of straw in a manger.<br />
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He lived an exemplary life without sin and died a criminal’s death he didn’t deserve after being falsely accused and convicted. His cruel and painful crucifixion paid the death penalty for my sin (and yours) and his resurrection from the dead three days later provided us with new life – a second chance, clean slate, do-over.<br />
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The cost of this amazing gift – a simple yet heartfelt step of faith – a choice to believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the forgiveness of sin and new life he offers. <br />
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As a society, we continue to marginalize God and remove his fingerprints from all aspects of public life. At the same time, a growing sense of hopelessness, helplessness, emptiness, isolation, futility, fear, death, and despair overwhelms us and strips meaning and purpose from our lives.<br />
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The “good news of great joy for people everywhere” is a much-needed message in 21st century America. For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. Unto us is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. His name shall be Immanuel – God with us.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-39102696271210442592010-12-24T19:49:00.000-08:002010-12-24T19:49:51.249-08:00The Story of the Four CandlesThe Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak.<br />
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The first candle said, "I am Peace but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then the flame of Peace slowly diminished and went out completely.<br />
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The second candle said, "I am Faith but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then the flame of Faith slowly diminished and went out completely.<br />
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Sadly the third candle spoke, "I am love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer. People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those nearest to them." And waiting no longer, love went out completely.<br />
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Suddenly, a child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning. The child began to cry. "Why are you not burning?" You are supposed to stay lit until the end.<br />
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Then the fourth candle spoke gently to the child. "Don't be afraid, for I am Hope and while I still burn, we can relight the other candles." With shining eyes, the child took the candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.<br />
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Never let the flame of Hope go out. With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be, Peace, Faith, and Love may shine brightly once again.<br />
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~ Author unknown <br />
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While I have used this particular piece in one of my earlier blogs I thought it was worth a repeat.<br />
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Merry Christmas everyone!Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-70352480005807456772010-11-21T15:41:00.000-08:002010-11-21T15:41:54.435-08:00Are We Thankful Yet?How can I be thankful when my life is so messed up and difficult?<br />
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Somewhere in the deep, dark recesses of my heart, I cringe when people ask what I am thankful for. The bitter truth is that there are times when I don’t feel thankful at all; times when I am too busy being down on my self, my life, my kids, my husband, and those same five pounds that I lose over and over again – the ones that never seem to disappear. Even when my “poor me” pity party comes to an end, it’s not like life’s problems magically disappear and I am suddenly happy and at peace because all is right in my little corner of the world.<br />
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The process of wrestling my spirit into submission and choosing an attitude of gratitude in the midst of real life circumstances often begins with that still small voice in my head (or is it my heart) whispering a gentle reminder of something for which I am thankful. I work really hard to reject the thought and put it out of my mind so I can hang on to the fear, worry, anger, frustration, and disappointment to which I desperately cling.<br />
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I feel myself slipping when the words from James 1:2 flash onto the big screen plasma display in my mind, “Consider it all joy, my brothers (and sisters), when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” I can’t believe they made me memorize Bible verses in Sunday School – I’m trying to feel sorry for myself here!<br />
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The list of things for which I am thankful begins to grow – two cell phones, two computers, two cars, and a home with a guest house (and great renters). Then I remember those five pounds and realize I’ve never gone to bed hungry (not even close).<br />
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The list starts to multiply exponentially to include things for which I am truly grateful – a loving husband and family and a circle of close friends who love and accept me as I am. The pace picks up and the list expands - nature, beauty, adventure, health, provision, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, discipline, purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. Suddenly, in spite of my best efforts to the contrary, I am humbled and overcome with a deep sense of gratitude.<br />
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How can I not be thankful even when life is so messed up and difficult?<br />
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After years of repeating this ridiculous cycle of resisting God’s Spirit as he drags me kicking and screaming into a state of thankfulness, I have learned an important lesson. Here it is. I don’t have to wait until I feel thankful to be thankful. An attitude of gratitude is not something that happens to me. It’s a moment by moment choice.<br />
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Choosing a grateful heart sensitizes me to the needs of others and strengthens my faith. I can choose to be thankful, not just for the good stuff, but for everything God allows into my life – including the relational struggles and difficult circumstances he uses to shape and grow me. I can choose to be grateful for a loving heavenly father who walks with me through the dark and difficult seasons of life and promises to never leave or forsake me.<br />
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That being said, it’s hard to thank God when life seems to be spinning out of control – when I’m doubting God’s sovereignty (how could he allow this to happen), questioning his wisdom (doesn’t he know this is important), or wondering if he is paying attention (has he forgotten me completely). This point is the crux of the issue – the fulcrum upon which the entire existence of faith in God balances.<br />
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In spite of how I feel, I can choose to have faith in the fact that God is sovereign and wise and good. By faith, I can choose to trust his promises and believe that he loves me – then (and only then) I can choose to be thankful.<br />
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By God’s grace I am no longer waiting for an unexpected measure of gratitude. I am choosing day by day, moment by moment to proactively adopt an attitude of gratitude. I invite you to join me.<br />
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Here’s to a Happy (and gratitude-filled) Thanksgiving.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-20371676602781012642010-10-24T18:40:00.000-07:002010-10-24T18:42:12.389-07:00Someone to watch over meMy daughter and her family went to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner last week. <br />
The mid week crowd was sparse and there were only two or three other families in the restaurant. The feeling of “having the place to themselves” caused my daughter and her husband (mom and dad) to loosen the leash and allow our two grandsons ages 6½ and 1½, a bit more freedom than usual. Keeping one eye on them instead of two, the boys were running and playing with great abandon. In short, they were having a blast.<br />
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As our daughter tells it, she glanced at the boys playing together and when she looked again, the younger one had disappeared from her line of sight. She quickly scanned the room and then ran over to where she last saw him. There was no sign of him.<br />
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As the sense of fear and panic mounted, a plan to divide and conquer materialized with dad going one way and big brother another, while mom headed toward the front door. They were all moving quickly and calling his name when mom caught a glimpse of her oldest son from across the room. He was headed toward the bowling lanes with a big smile on his face.<br />
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As she quickly made her way across the restaurant to the bowling lanes, there was our youngest grandson racing up, down, and across the bowling lanes as fast as his short, little legs would carry him. He was tumbling, sliding, and giggling for all he was worth to the great amusement of the other patrons who, prior to the last few minutes had been bowling without distraction.<br />
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I don’t know if any other 19 month-old boy on the planet had as much fun as our grandson that evening. He had no clue that mom, dad, and big brother were frantically looking for him or that he could have been hit by a bowling ball or eaten by the pin sweeper. He was just enjoying life.<br />
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After hearing the blow by blow report firsthand from my daughter, I was thankful that our grandson hadn’t wandered too far away and that he was found so quickly. God is so good to protect our children (and grandchildren) and keep them safe.<br />
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As I thought about this minor misadventure with a happy (and funny) ending, I was reminded of the way God pays close attention to our whereabouts and comes looking for us when we wander off. Suddenly, the words to an old hymn came to mind, “His eye is on the sparrow and he watches over me.” What a comforting realization.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-48171442008602127002010-09-30T20:19:00.000-07:002010-09-30T20:19:22.263-07:00The Misadventures of MaverickA young family of four (five including Maverick) live on our property. They rent our guesthouse and share the property with us. For the most part, they are a typical family – Dad, Mom, ten year-old daughter, and six year-old son. And then there’s Maverick, the 170-pound Great Dane who lives with them. Today’s post is dedicated exclusively to the entertaining antics of this colt-size canine with paw prints the size of pancakes. Welcome to the Misadventures of Maverick.<br />
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In spite of his gargantuan stature, he is an indoor dog that sleeps on the couch (the entire couch), begs for scraps at the dinner table (or helps himself from the saucepan on top of the stove if no one is looking), and stands by the door when he needs to “go” outside. In addition to a number of disappearing burgers and pizzas (right off the serving platter in the center of the table), he consumes nearly 100 pounds of dog food every month and when he “hugs” you (with his front paws on your shoulders), he is over seven feet tall.<br />
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The best thing about Maverick is that he truly believes he is part of the family, just one of the kids – and he certainly acts like one. He has an insatiable sweet tooth and finds creative ways to satisfy his desire. He taught himself how to open the kitchen cupboards and has been known to help himself to candy, cookies, cake mixes, and other treats. He can open a Costco-sized box of granola bars, unwrap each one without destroying the foil wrapper, and eat the entire box in less than an hour.<br />
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Like most kids, cleaning up after himself is not a high priority. In addition to the unbelievable mess he creates on one of his cupboard opening rampages, a trip to the store to replace next month’s dessert reserves is often preceded by a trip to the vet as eating chocolate and other human treats is not a good idea for a Great Dane.<br />
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After an extended discussion about whether to get Maverick-proof (i.e. child-proof) locks for the cupboards or a gate for the kitchen, Mom and Dad opted for the gate. Maverick is still part of the family – but he is no longer allowed free access to the kitchen.<br />
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In spite of these cute and charming “just one of the kids” stories, when I first met Maverick I was terrified of this massive dog. The way I saw it, any four-legged creature with big teeth and huge paws had to be ferocious, right? <br />
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Over time, we got to know each other. When Maverick came bounding toward me at full speed every time I stepped outside, my initial certainty that I was under attack and about to be devoured by a ravenous beast began to subside. I eventually realized that Maverick was genuinely happy to see me. What I initially interpreted as being knocked down and pushed out of the way was merely his idea of a 170-pound, affectionate nudge.<br />
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The ice broke recently when Maverick insisted on helping me “paint” my deck furniture. After spray painting a wicker patio table, I left it in the yard to dry. When I looked out the window and saw Maverick “christening” my new table, it reminded me of the time I let my firstborn son run through the yard as a toddler without a diaper (except for the 170-pounds and the leg in the air).<br />
Maverick made me laugh and we’ve been friends ever since. Just like a child, it’s hard to stay mad at anyone who will climb up and sit in your lap (or should I say stand over your lap) and look up at you with those sad “puppy dog” eyes that are begging for attention and long to be close to you.<br />
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As much as I hate to admit it, I have grown attached to this huge, loveable, funny looking dog named Maverick. Recently, he became very ill with an obscure infection that was difficult to diagnose. His illness was quite serious and I was sad when it occurred to me that this extremely talented nuisance maker and havoc-maker might not be around much longer.<br />
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My sadness paled in comparison to that of his adopted family. In short, many prayers were uttered on Maverick’s behalf that week. God must have decided we needed that loveable, pain-in-the-butt around a while longer. I am happy to report that Maverick is now fully recovered and once again up to his playful antics, namely chasing after the “human” kids and watering my outdoor plants and bushes.<br />
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I believe God put Maverick in my life to help me remember not to take life too seriously and perhaps to remind me that fun and laughter are part of this wonderful gift God gave us – the gift of life.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-4714689835067079772010-09-11T19:45:00.000-07:002010-09-11T19:48:35.932-07:00TransformationMy husband and I were recently introduced to a nutritional program for achieving and maintaining optimal health. Some difficult life transitions over the past few years had helped us “grow” in more ways than one. We had become prime candidates for losing weight and getting healthy so we decided to get with the program - literally.<br />
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Phase 1 of this lifetime health optimization program involves reaching a healthy weight –through safe, and nutritionally-balanced meals designed for weight loss. The idea of reaching a healthy weight in preparation for a lifetime of healthy living made sense to us and my husband’s strong aversion to “fad diets” was not an issue (since healthy weight loss is simply a byproduct of this nutritionally-based optimal health program).<br />
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So on my husband’s birthday (July 21), we decided to give each other a highly romantic gift – 100 pounds of fat (e.g. weight loss). We set two goals – 1) to look like we looked and weigh what we weighed when we first met and 2) to be able to play the same games and do the same things with our grandchildren that we did with our children. Our time frame was five to eight months (by New Year’s or Easter at the latest). We hope to make a New Year’s resolution to stop losing weight.<br />
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The results of our first seven weeks have been phenomenal and far beyond anything we expected. I am down 25 pounds and my husband is down 40 pounds – in just 49 days. That translates to an average of nearly four pounds a week for me and almost six pounds a week for my husband.<br />
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I am having the time of my life pulling old clothes from the back of the closet and fitting into clothes I haven’t worn for years. I don’t track things as closely as my husband but he has lost a grand total of 24.25 inches from his neck (1.50), chest (3.75), stomach (5.25), waist (3.00), butt (2.25), thighs (1.50x2), calves (1.00x2), arms (1.25x2), and forearms (0.50x2). I am now married to the disappearing man!<br />
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This weight loss journey to date has been nothing short of miraculous. And we can’t really take any credit. It’s not like we’ve done much. All we do is eat six times a day and drink a half gallon of water (8 glasses) – something anyone can do. We weren’t even exercising! My husband says he’s never hungry because we have to eat so often. I get hungry sometimes but there are lots of snack choices. In addition to the unbelievable speed of weight loss, this program is really easy.<br />
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I also must give credit to our new friends and health coaches Lawrence and Jeannie who already know the ins and outs of the program. Without their personal time and attention, all of this would have been quite overwhelming and we are grateful for their support. Access to experienced health coaches (at no cost) has been an indescribable blessing and was one of the more attractive aspects of the program for us.<br />
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The change in our appearance to date has been stunning and the increase in energy significant. We notice changes in the mirror each day and in one another. Others are noticing (and commenting) as well. We are walking advertisements for this new lifestyle and living examples of lives changed through a conscious decision to 1) make a change and 2) stay true to that decision. We can’t stop talking about the changes and others are being drawn to the program regularly due to the obvious changes they see in us.<br />
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This experience has made me think about my spiritual life. I wonder if the eternal change in my heart is as noticeable as the recent change in my appearance. When I look at myself and my life, do I see changes in my heart and attitude to which I have stayed true? Do my husband and those who know me see obvious results from the conscious decision I made to live for God and not for myself? Have I allowed daily nutrition from God’s word to bring lasting change to my life? Are others irresistibly drawn to God because of my life? I hope so.<br />
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<i></i>May the before and after pictures of our lives provide a contrast that is significant and easily noticed by others.<i></i>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777413736572439909.post-14782286057750354152010-08-11T12:33:00.000-07:002010-08-11T12:33:11.883-07:00Milestone BirthdayTime marches on, doesn’t it? I know this because I celebrated a milestone birthday a few weeks ago. The phrase “milestone birthday” is a nice way of saying, “Wow, you are getting old!). To commemorate this auspicious occasion, my husband planned a huge “I Can’t Believe She’s Sixty” birthday celebration event for me. I must admit that I was surprised – perhaps even a bit overwhelmed at the number of people who cared enough about me to be a part of this celebration.<br />
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As is common when my husband turns his attention to a project, my birthday bash was spectacular - a gala event of epic proportion (or as he likes to say the pre-eminent pinnacle of party pizzazz). There were festive decorations in my favorite colors (pinks and purples), a never-ending supply of barbequed burgers and hotdogs, a large, beautiful, and delicious birthday cake, cases of soft drinks on ice, and more summer specialty salads, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts than I’ve ever seen assembled in one place at one time. There were inviting groupings of chairs and tables with umbrellas scattered across the lawn.<br />
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The main attractions for youth and adults were the swimming pool and the live music provided by the band my husband plays in (he’s a rock star bass player and I’m his favorite groupie). Highlights for the kids included a kiddie pool (complete with water slide), two slip-n-slides, various play structures, organized games, a fish pond (for prizes), water balloon fights, and a piñata. It was a kid’s version of heaven on earth for twenty-plus kids that day.<br />
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My husband asked me to organize the kid’s area and activities because he knows I love children and wanted to do this. Planning and coordinating the other aspects of the day were my husband’s gift to me – and what a fun day it was. I am a lucky woman.<br />
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As great as this was, the best part of the day was a gift from God. As dozens of family, friends, and neighbors parked their cars in the field across the street, our deck, patio, yard, and swimming area came to life with conversation and laughter, I realized that most of the purpose, meaning, fulfillment, joy, memories, and lasting value in my life was embodied in these precious relationships. From family members I see every day to those I haven’t seen for years; from my best friend since 5th grade to our newest friends who rent our guest house; from neighbors we have laughed with, cried with, and prayed for over the years to the new family that just moved in down the street; from people we ministered to and worshipped with in our last church plant that closed six months ago to those in our new church family that we are just getting to know, it’s the people in my life that count. People matter to us because they matter to God.<br />
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I was humbled when I realized how God had used us in the lives of so many families and blessed to recall how he had used so many of these people to enrich our lives. From the oldest to the youngest, I was grateful God allowed all of these precious people to become a part of each other’s lives – in large and small ways.<br />
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I felt so blessed and humbled as the awesomeness of God manifest itself through those relationships. Tears filled my eyes as the band led everyone in a rockin’ version of Happy Birthday. As everyone sang, my nephew who had been estranged from me for years, put his arm around me and whispered, “Happy birthday, Aunt Cassie. I love you.”<br />
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The pure joy and deep gratitude of that moment was overwhelming – a life-changing birthday moment experienced in the rich context of meaningful relationships with people was my favorite gift this year. Life is precious. God is good. He is so good to me.Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02186688909532844009noreply@blogger.com0